In the sweeping expanse of the Laikipia plateau, where the grasslands meet the olive-covered hills of the Mugie Conservancy, a quiet magic unfolds. While the ‘Big Five‘ and the “Mugie Five” often command the spotlight, there is a vibrant, intricate world thriving within the grounds of our very own property.
At Governors’ Mugie House, conservation encompasses the delicate web of life that connects the smallest squirrel to the most colourful weaver. In this blog, we’re taking a closer look at some of the resident wildlife that make a stay here truly memorable.
Marico Sunbird (Cinnyris mariquensis)
The Marico Sunbird is a tiny powerhouse. The males boast metallic green and purple plumage that glistens beautifully as they dart between flowers, collecting sugar-rich nectar.
Specialised nectar-feeders, they play a crucial role as pollinators for Mugie’s flowering plants.
Baglafecht Weaver (Ploceus baglafecht)
One of the larger weavers found commonly in the gardens at Governors’ Mugie House, they are hard to miss with distinctive yellow eyes and a black mask.
Unlike some weavers, they are generally found in pairs rather than large colonies, weaving tidy nests from grass and fibres.
Striped Ground Squirrel (Euxerus erythropus)
Watch the pathways closely, and you’ll likely see a flash of white. The Striped Ground Squirrel is a very busy resident, easily identified by the bold white stripe running down its sandy-brown flanks.
These diurnal rodents are expert excavators, living in simple burrows that provide a cool escape from the equatorial sun. They are often seen scurrying with a jumping gait, pausing frequently to stand on their hind legs and survey the horizon for predators like jackals or birds of prey.
At Mugie, they play an important role in soil aeration and seed dispersal.
Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus larvatus)
This is a bird that is more often heard than seen. Its song is a series of rich, melodious whistles that epitomise the sounds of the African bush. If you follow the call, you will catch sight of its stunning yellow belly, jet-black head and bright red beak.
They spend most of their time high in the trees, foraging for fruit and caterpillars.
Red-headed Weaver (Anaplectes rubriceps)
With his brilliant orange head and chest, it is hard to miss the male Red-headed Weaver. Unlike many other weavers who build massive communal nests, these birds take a more artisanal approach.
Look for their raindrop-shaped nests of dry sticks suspended from the tips of branches. They are primarily insectivorous, often hanging upside down to probe the bark for a snack.
Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater (Merops oreobates)
Arguably one of the most beautiful birds on the property, they sport a vibrant green back and a warm, cinnamon-coloured breast.
They are masters of the air, swooping and diving to catch bees and wasps, then deftly removing the sting against a branch before feeding.
Gunther’s Dik-dik (Madoqua guentheri)
One of Africa’s smallest and most endearing antelopes, the Gunther’s Dik-dik is a master of camouflage. With its oversized dark eyes and a peculiar, flexible snout (which acts as a clever cooling system), it is a true icon of the arid north.
They are monogamous and live in pairs, fiercely defending their small territories. You’ll often hear their “zik-zik” alarm call as they dart into the thickets. Protecting the low-thicket vegetation they call home is essential for their continued survival.
White-bellied Go-away-bird (Corythaixoides leucogaster)
A ‘cousin’ of the turacos, this bird is famous for its loud, nasal “go-waaay” call, which often alerts other wildlife to the presence of predators (or curious guests!).
With their tall grey crests and stark white bellies, they are easy to spot. They are social birds, often moving in small, noisy groups, and they have become very accustomed to perching on the pool-house veranda at meal times.
Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis)
Seeing a male White Morph Paradise Flycatcher in flight is like watching a ribbon of silk float through the air. Their incredibly long, snowy-white tail feathers trail behind them as they flit between the trees.
They prefer shady groves, which can make photographing them quite tricky, and are acrobatic hunters, snatching small flying insects mid-air with a sharp snap of the beak.
Greater Blue-eared Starling (Lamprotornis chalybaeus)
Forget everything you know about ‘plain’ northern hemisphere starlings. These birds are draped in iridescent blue feathers that shimmer stunningly in the sun.
Highly social, they are daily visitors to our infinity pool, enjoying a cool dip and a quick drink before returning to a nearby acacia tree.
Ochre Bush Squirrel (Paraxerus ochraceus)
Unlike their ground-dwelling cousins, the Ochre Bush Squirrel is a master of the vertical world. These nimble, olive-yellow squirrels are a delight to watch as they race up tree trunks and along bannisters.
They favour the dry savannah and woody scrubland. Highly vocal and territorial, they use a series of bird-like chirps to warn others of danger. Their diet is varied, ranging from seeds and berries to the occasional insect.
Their presence here is a testament to the productivity of the Mugie bushland.
White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher (Melaenornis fischeri)
An understated species, the White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher is a uniform charcoal grey, but its most defining feature is a crisp, snowy-white ring around each eye that makes its dark gaze pop.
Among the quieter residents of the Mugie gardens, these birds are classic “perch hunters” remaining motionless on low branches as they scan the grass below, before dropping in a swift, graceful dive to catch beetles or grasshoppers.
They are remarkably bold and well-adapted to human presence, often providing a delightful bit of company for guests relaxing on the verandah.
White-browed Robin-Chat (Cossypha heuglini)
Certainly, the undisputed champion of the “Dawn Chorus”, the White-browed Robin-Chat has an incredible repertoire, often mimicking other birds – a talent that can throw off even the most skilled birder!
They tend to call from within the thick cover of our garden shrubs and the forest edges.
We believe that every creature, no matter how small, plays a vital role in the landscape. While it is heartening that all the birds and mammals highlighted in this blog are currently categorised as being of ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN, we cannot take their abundance for granted.
The continued survival of these familiar faces relies entirely on the conservation of their natural habitats. Protected areas like the Mugie Conservancy serve as crucial strongholds, offering safe havens where these species can forage, breed, and thrive free from the escalating pressures of habitat loss.
By protecting the home of all species, we are ensuring the survival of a complex, thriving ecosystem, safeguarding not just the endangered megafauna but also the everyday wonders that form the very foundation of the African bush.
When you next join us at Governors’ Mugie House, take a moment to look into the olive trees, within the Euclea shrubs, and along the trails; there is a world of wonder waiting to be discovered.
Words by Alisa Karstad, Impact Manager for Governors’ Camp Collection—imagery by Felix Rome.
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