Long legs and specialized beaks characterize these wetland specialists. East Africa’s Rift Valley lakes and Indian Ocean coastline provide diverse habitats for numerous shorebird species.

Rift Valley lakes like Nakuru, Bogoria, and Natron attract thousands of shorebirds. Coastal areas including Diani and Malindi host different species. Various sandpipers, plovers, avocets, and stilts populate these environments.

Migration patterns make East Africa important for Eurasian breeding populations. Many species use these locations as stopover points or wintering grounds. Bill shapes vary dramatically, reflecting different feeding strategies and creating diverse photographic subjects.