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Busia Grasslands birding comprises a stretch of grassland ranges in western Kenya, including Mungatsi, Madende Creek, Katotoi Hills, Alupe grasslands Busia grassland patches are surrounded by intensive agriculture, mainly maize and sugarcane, and are grazed by livestock owned by the locals. Blue Swallow, a globally threatened intra-African migrant, is a non-breeding visitor to Busia Grasslands from April to September. The Blue Swallow feeds over grassland and over 100 have been recorded roosting at the flooded grassland patch near Mungatsi. The most important of them is Mungatsi, located 2 kilometers from Mungatsi market along the Mungatsi–Munami road. This privately owned site lies on either side of a small stream (a tributary of the River Sio), that is fringed by riverine forest and scrub. The riverine forest and scrub at Mungatsi also hold several Sudan–Sudan-Guinea savanna biome species that are not found in other birding areas. This is also the only Kenyan Important Bird Area in which Fiery-necked Nightjar and Green Crombec, two Guinea–Congo Forests biome species, are recorded. Regionally threatened species include the Western-banded Snake Eagle, Shining Blue Kingfisher (recorded at Mungatsi), and Hartlaub’s Marsh Widowbird which nests in flooded grassland. In the Streams, the Rock Pratincole may also be seen. Busia grasslands have the best chance of seeing the Piapiac, small flocks associated with herds of cattle, where they run to feed on the disturbed insects.
The moist Busia grasslands are probably to have close links with Ugandan grasslands and contain bird species that are found anywhere else in Kenya.
Senegal Coucal, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Red-headed Lovebird, Bamboo Warbler, Compact Weaver, Speckle-breasted Woodpecker, Yellow-mantled Widowbird, Red-necked Falcon, Green Crombec, Rock Pratincole, Blue Swallow, Purple Starling, Black-bellied Firefinch, Black-rumped Waxbill, Great Snipe, Yellow-backed Weaver, Brown Twinspot, Red-chested Sunbird, Marsh Tchagra, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Shining Blue Kingfisher
Ruma National Park is a hidden gem for, nature lovers, birdwatchers, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, offering a rich diversity of species and some of Kenya’s most picturesque scenery. This delightful birding hotspot boasts a sensational mix of habitats, making it one of the country’s finest birding destinations. It is the best place to spot the rare Montane Blue Swallow and the iconic Roan Antelope, alongside a wide variety of other species. Thanks to its mild climate and natural landscapes, birdwatching in Ruma is productive throughout the year. For an even more rewarding experience, a visit to Ruma can be seamlessly combined with nearby birding treasures such as Lake Victoria, Busia Grasslands, Mount Elgon, Kongelai Escarpment, and Kakamega Forest, forming part of Kenya’s western birding circuit.
