Uganda Birding In Bwindi, Birdwatching Tours In Uganda

Uganda Birding In Bwindi, Birdwatching Tours In Uganda

Ugandan Birding

Uganda is well-known as a birding paradise since it is home to more than half of the bird species found in Africa, making it the finest birding destination in Africa and the world. In only one day, one may find around 300 kinds of birds in and around Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. They mostly migrate from the beaches of Lake Victoria, the Nile’s source, to the Albertine Rift. The Pearl of Africa has just one unique bird species, the Fox’s Weaver, and numerous other Albertine endemic species scattered across the country.

Among the many countries best known for watching birds by birders all over the world, and particularly in Africa, Uganda may take the lead not because of the serenity that strikes you when you catch a glimpse of the nature it holds, but because it has an unusual number of bird species that are documented within its borders, as well as because it provides easy access to numerous bird-rich territories that are difficult to reach in other places.

There are around 1,061 bird species documented in Uganda, with just two being an indigenous and common sight, while the four others are uncommon and/or accidental species. In Uganda, you may observe these and many more birds in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Lake Mburo National Park, Lutembe Bay, Murchison Falls, Semuliki National Park, and Mabamba Island, which is home to the Shoebill, among other sites.

Ruwenzori Nightjar,Red-throated Alethe,African Green Broadbill,Red-faced Woodland Warbler,Handsome Francolin,Short-tailed Warbler,Collared Apalis,Mountain Masked Apalis,Robin-Chat,Dawrf Archer’s Honey guide,Warbler,Dusky Grauer’s Crimsonwing,RwenzoriBatis,Purple

Apart from the numerous birdwatching species found in Uganda, the nation also provides a variety of other exciting activities such as mountain gorilla trekking, chimp trekking, mountain climbing, cultural discovery, cycling, white water rafting, bungee jumping, and many others. Uganda is also home to the endangered shoebill stork, which may be seen in Murchison Falls National Park. Uganda is endowed with a plethora of birding areas where bird enthusiasts may spend time looking for these magnificent species. The following are the most popular birdwatching locations in Uganda:

 

Bwindi Forest National Park Birding Safari

Though Bwindi Forest is famed for being home to half of the surviving mountain gorillas, it is also a superb birding location. The park has a total size of 321 km2 and is located in Uganda’s southwest near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This birding location is home to around 320 bird species, 23 of which are indigenous to the region. Some of the bird species include; Western Green Tinkerbird, African Wood Owl, Robin-Chat, Red-throated Archer’s Alethe, Fine-banded Woodpecker, Rush Grauer’s Warbler, Handsome Francolin, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Regal Sunbird, Collared Apalis, Montane Oriole, and Short-tailed Warbler, Kivu Ground-Thrush, Flycatcher Chapin’s and African Green Broadbill. Etc.

Gorilla trekking is another popular activity in this park, and many visitors who come for the birds also enjoy gorilla trekking. There are also many other primate species present here, including chimps, monkeys, and elephants.

 

Echuya Forest Reserve

This forest reserve is located in the country’s west, near the border with Rwanda. This location is home to approximately 150 bird species, 18 of which are indigenous to the reserve. This forest is also renowned as an important habitat because of its unusual flora and fauna, as well as the sustainable tourism efforts that have been implemented across the reserve. The reserve’s guides will assist any interested birder in organizing a birding tour. Archer’s Robin-Chat, Grauer’s Warbler, Mountain Masked Apalis, Doherty’s Bush-Shrike, Dwarf Honeyguide, Collared Apalis, Strip-breasted Tit, Regal Sunbird, Montane Oriole, RwenzoriBatis, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, and White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher are among the reserve’s prominent bird species.

 

Birding at Uganda’s Bigodi Wetland and Kibale National Park

These two places, both in the western half of the country, are excellent birding areas. Kibale National Park was established in 1933 and is home to approximately 350 bird species, many of which are peculiar to the two locations. These species may be seen on guided nature walks led by an expert birding guide in Bigodi and Kibale national parks. This national park has the highest primate species density, and birders may also enjoy chimp trekking and golden monkey tracking.

The bigodi wetland sanctuary, which is a community development initiative located in Magombe marsh, is also wonderful for birding. It includes around 138 bird species that birders may enjoy on the wide stroll pathways. The main bird species found in these birding spots include; Crowned eagle, Yellow-spotted nicator, Black-capped Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Black bee-eater, Black-eared ground thrush, Abyssinian ground thrush, African pitta, Yellow-rumped tinker bird, Collared Apalis, Green-breasted pitta, Brown-chested lathe, and the Purple-breasted sunbird, etc.

 

Mgahinga National Park

This birding location lies in the country’s far southwest, near the borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This park also contains a gorilla trekking group and a variety of other animal species. The safari park is Uganda’s smallest national park, although it is home to over 115 bird species. Birders who visit the park can participate in a variety of guided excursions and hikes to experience various birding sessions. The Gorge route inside the park is home to a variety of bird species, including the following:

Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Robin-Chat, Dusky Archer’s Turtle Dove, Mountain Masked Apalis, Equatorial Akalat, RwenzoriBatis, Kivu Ground Thrush, Strip-breasted Tit, Grauer’s Warbler, White-starred Robin, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Handsome Francolin, Red-throated Alethe, Montane Oriole, Doherty’s Bush-shrike, Blue-headed Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Dusky Crimsonwing, and Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher. Etc.

 

Birding Tours in Murchison Falls National Park

This is Uganda’s largest national park, covering 4,000 km2 of territory and home to over 76 animal species and 451 bird species. The park is located in northwestern Uganda and is home to many bird species such as the Shoebill, Dark Chanting-Goshawk, Martial Eagle, White-faced Whistling Duck, Hugli’s Francolin, Rock Pratincole, Pennant-winged Nightjar, Black-billed Wood-Dove, Osprey, Secretary Bird, Yellow-billed Stork, Malachite Kingfisher, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, White-brow.

 

Jinja Nile River Birding

This location is also a wonderful birding destination, as it is located along the Nile, the world’s longest river. Birding along the Nile is done aboard a boat excursion that cruises about while you observe various bird species. Almost 60 bird species may be seen in the Jinja region along the Nile River. Visitors to Jinja may also participate in a variety of other activities such as bungee jumping, horseback riding, white water rafting, kayaking, quad biking, and others. The most common bird species found here include the Giant Kingfisher, Green-backed Herons, African Open-billed Storks, Rock Pratencols, and Big Blue Turacos, among others.

 

National Park of Queen Elizabeth

Birding is done in many different portions of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and each park has a distinct bird species. The portions are as follows: Kasenyi area with over 60 bird species, Mweya peninsula with over 70 bird species, Katunguru bridge area, Lake Kikorongo, Ishasha sector, Katwe area, and Maramagambo Forest. The park features about 600 bird species in total, some of which are as follows:

Hooded Vulture, Grey Kestrel, African Wattled Plover, Black-bellied Bustard, Black-lored Babbler, White-tailed Lark, Black-crowned Tchagra, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Blue-napedMousebird, Pygmy Kingfisher, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Black-headed Gonolek, Slender-billed Weaver, Martins, Apart from birdwatching, the park provides a variety of other tourist activities like as game drives, boat cruises, chimp trekking, salt mining, and much more.

 

Semuliki National Park

This newly formed national park in Uganda has an area of 220 km2 and is home to over 400 species of birds, including nine species of Hornbill, making it one of the greatest birding locations in Uganda. Semuliki National Park is located near the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s border. Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Xavier’s Greenbul, Black Dwarf Hornbill, Black-Casqued wattled Hornbill, White-crested Hornbill, Fire-crested Alethe, Northern Bearded Scrub Robin, Leaf-love, Crested Malimbe, Maxwell’s Black Weaver, Green-tailed Bristlebill, Blue-headed Bristlebill Crested-flycatcher, Red-bellied Malimbe, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Yellow-throated Nicator, Spot-breasted Ibis, and a slew of other species

 

The Royal mile

The royal mile spans 793 kilometers and is located in Budongo Forest, close to the magnificent Murchison Falls National Park. This is an excellent birding site, with over 250 bird species from both Central and West Africa. The main bird species include the Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Spotted Greenbul, Blue-throated Roller, Fire-crested Alethe, Rufous-crowned Elemomela, White-thighed Hornbill, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, Piping Hornbill, Sabine’s Spinetail, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Black-capped Apalis, Lemon-bellied Cro Etc.

 

Rhino Sanctuary Zziwa

This sanctuary was founded in 1997 to safeguard Uganda’s rhinos. It also supports a wide range of bird species, including the shoebill stork. The other bird species include; African Black Crake, African Fish Eagle, African Grey Hornbill, African Golden Oriole, African Darter, African Broad Bill, African Golden-breasted Bunting, African Jacana, Abdim’s Stork, African Marsh Harrier, Barn Swallow, Bat Hawk, African Morning Dove, African pied wagtail, African pygmy kingfisher, black and white Manikini, Black-crowned Waxbill, Black-headed Gonolek, and many more that can be spotted.

Birding in Uganda is an exciting pastime that may be done at any of the birding locations listed above. It is usually recommended that birders arrange with a tour operator in Uganda to assist organize their once-in-a-lifetime birding adventure. You should also bring the following items with you on your birding safari: binoculars, a map of the area, long-sleeved pants and shirts, enough drinking water, and so on.

 

Birdwatching at Bwindi National Park, Uganda

The diverse habitats in Uganda’s most ancient forest imply that it is the ideal habitat for a diversity of bird species, with approximately 350 different species recorded, including 23 endemics (which account for 90% of the Albertine Rift endemics) such as the Blue-headed Sunbird and the Short-tailed Warbler, as well as 7 IUCN red data listed bird species. The Red-headed Bluebill, African Emerald Cuckoo, African Blue and White-tailed Blue Flycatchers, and the Common Bulbul are easy to detect.

Birding takes place along the main path, the Buhoma Waterfall Trail, as well as the bamboo zone and the Mubwindi Swamp trail near Ruhija.

Bwindi is a bird paradise, a watcher’s home to 347 bird species, including ten of Uganda’s twenty-six internationally threatened species, five of which are endangered. Bwindi has 24 of Uganda’s total 25 Albertine Rift endemic bird species, while several, including Shelley’s Crimson-wing, African Green Broadbill, and Chapin’s Flycatcher, have partial ranges elsewhere in their range.

Bwindi is home to 76 of Uganda’s 144 Guinea-Congo-forest biome bird species, the majority of which are found in the northern region. The area is also home to 68 of the 86 bird species found in the Afro-tropical-highland biome, as well as four of the 12 species found in the Lake Victoria biome.

The park is home to 90% of the Albertine Rift endemics, which are difficult or impossible to find in other parts of East Africa, as well as 7 IUCN red-data-listed bird species. In fact, an experienced birder-watcher may identify more than 100 species in a single day

Ruhiija is likely to be one of the highlights of any trip to Uganda, with superb birding in stunning surroundings. Birds are plentiful and simple to see, with multiple species congregating in various feeding groups that are active throughout the day.

Starting early provides the best chance of seeing the magnificent handsome Francolin, white-tailed crested Flycatcher, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Rwenzori batis, Western Green Tinkerbird, red-faced woodland Warbler, Mountain and yellow-streaked Greenbuls, Mountain marked and chestnut-throated Apalises, among many others.

 

THE TOP TEN BIRD SPECIES.

Uganda is renowned as Africa’s premier birding destination, with over 1000 species documented. A lot of these species can only be seen in tropical jungles, with many sightings considered “mythological.” It is also suspected that numerous birds that reside in remote parts of Uganda have yet to be categorized. This is a list of the top ten bird species that many birders seek out when on a Birding tour in Uganda.

 

The Shoebill stork

This bird is one of the few unclassifiable and unusual bird species found in Uganda. Compared to the other species, the Shoe-billed stork is one of the slowest. It is a huge bird with a whitehead mainly found in marshy locations with a lot of fresh water. Being one of the most sought-after and sought-after birds in Africa, you may identify them by their grey fluffy hue for adults, and the small youngsters are a touch browner.

The African Green Broadbill.

This African Green Broadbill, also known as the Grauer’s Broadbill, is one of the Big five bird species in Africa that are in high demand by birders, but they are difficult to locate. It may be found and is fairly abundant in the Albertine Region’s Rift Valley, where it dwells largely in (sub)tropical woods. It is distinguished by its pale green coloration, blue throat, and short bill. It is also a globally endangered species.

 

The Green-breasted Pitta.

This Green-breasted Pitta, like most other birds, lives and may be found in the damp lowlands of (sub)tropical woods. It is also one of those that, although difficult to discover, birders anxiously seek. It may be identified by its throat, which is surrounded by a black line, and its green breast. Finding one is one of the most rewarding experiences a birder may have when on a birding trip in Uganda.

 

The Great Blue Turaco.

These birds are among the larger and more attractive species found in Uganda. One of the reasons they are frequently hunted is for their flesh and feathers. They are also bad at flying, thus they soar for shorter distances. These birds may be found in a variety of habitats, including savannahs and humid regions, as well as montane forests and canopies.

 

The Shelley’s Crimsonwing.

These birds can only be found in a small area of the Albertine Rift Valley. This sort of bird is also an uncommon sight, thus not many birders or people get to view it. You can tell them apart by their brilliant red bills, and the females can be distinguished by their olive heads and crimson mantle, while the males can be distinguished by their bright red backs, faces, and crowns.

 

The Standard-winged Nightjar.

This one conceals itself with its dark speckled plumage throughout the day and when at repose. They frequently soar around dusk and late in the evenings. Its feathers can sometimes expand to 38cm in length, although this is not guaranteed because it only happens for a brief period of time. The Standard-winged Nightjar is commonly confused with flying foxes (fruit bats).

 

The Short-tailed Warbler.

The Short-tailed Warbler is sometimes known as Neumann’s Warbler. It is a little bird with a huge head and a distinct striped contour. It also has a very short tail. It is mainly found in forest vegetation because it is native to (sub)tropical regions. It has a large arch of greyish-brown hair over each eye, and the front of its eye is a drab green and white pattern.

 

The Doherty’s Bushshrike.

This type of bird is occasionally heard but never seen. It glides stealthily through the dense underbrush. It is distinguished by its striking hues, particularly for adults, who are likewise green with a lively red throat and forehead. They also have a pale yellow and lemon-colored center, a black tail, and a large black-breasted band. Younger birds are light green with striped green and yellow underparts.

 

Bar-tailed Trogon.

They are woodland dwellers identified by their golden feet and beak. These trogons also have long tails, like other trogons. Girls are distinguished by their brown heads and light cinnamon throat and breast, whilst males are distinguished by their blue-black heads, two orange and possibly yellow patches below the eyes that are exposed skin, and bright hues of green-blue and violet on their upper breast.

 

The Black-breasted Barbet.

They are mostly solitary birds that shell in tree holes. They eat various foods, including fruit and insects such as beetles, centipedes, and dragonflies. They may feed on frogs, geckos, and lizards. The female lays 2 to 4 eggs, which are subsequently incubated by both birds for 13-15 days. They are distinguished by their large heads and heavy bill adorned with hackles.

 

WHERE CAN I GO BIRDING?

When visiting Uganda, one will never run out of or exhaust all of the areas accessible for birders to go on a birding expedition. Certain birds, however, can only be found in specific places. Here’s a list of the birds you can see and where you may view them.

 

Queen Elizabeth National Park.

This park is home to approximately 600 bird species, a quantity that is thought to be excessive for such a tiny region. There are a variety of birds in the park, ranging from forest and woodland residents to the 54 raptor species, water birds, and some that have moved from other locations. If you want to enjoy birding in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, you should visit the Maramagambo Forest, the Kazinga Channel, the Mweya Peninsula, the Kasenyi region, the Katunguru Bridge area, Lake Kikorongo, and the Ishasha Sector.

While here, look for the African Broadbill, Pink-backed Pelican, African Skimmer, Shoebill, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Papyrus Canary, White-tailed Lark, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Marital Eagle, White-winged Warbler, and lesser and larger Flamingo, among many more.

 

Semuliki National Park

This park offers some of the greatest woodland birding opportunities in Uganda and around Africa. It features excellent viewing sites in Ntandi and Sempaya, as well as another near the River Kirumia. Forest treks are advised for birders who want to get a good look at the water birds. The Yellow-throated Nicator, White-crested Hornbill, Big blue and Ross’s Turacos, Piping Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, and Shoebill Stork, which is claimed to be sighted at neighboring billets on Lake Albert, are among the birds that may be viewed at Semuliki National Park.

 

Lake Mburo National Park.

There are a few birding locations in this park that might provide birders with excellent views of the birds. They include the marshy areas of Miriti and Warukiri, as well as the paths between the landing stage and Camp Rwonyo. There are additional lovely observation platforms in the Miriti Valley near the salt lick and in the Rubanga woodland.

The Grey-crowned Crane, the Bare-faced Go-away bird, the Rufous-bellied Heron, the White-headed Barbet, the Common Scimitar bill, the Bateleur, the Coqui Francolin, the Brown Parrot, the Green Wood-hoopoe, the Black-bellied Bustard, the Nubian Woodpecker, the Brown-chested Lapwing, the Red-faced Barbet, the Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, the It is also worth noting that the rare Red-faced Barbet is only found in Lake Mburo National Park, and visitors can choose to explore sites like the Rubanga Forest on foot or by car.

 

Murchison Falls National.

Birders who are interested in viewing birds in this region will discover that the Shoebill is the main bird attraction that many visitors come to observe. Anyone interested in visiting it, however, should do so during the dry seasons of January through March. Another advantage of birding in this location is that whether one chooses to go bird watching on a launch excursion or even a game drive, everyone will have the opportunity to witness a variety of bird species, including Albertine Rift Endemics, Water Birds, and Savannah Forest Birds. There are additional trees and vegetation along the river and in this region.

At the cliffs of Nyamusika, you may witness common bird species such as Woodpeckers, Warblers, Red-throated and Swallow-tailed Bee-eaters, Malachite Kingfishers, Cuckoos, Crombecs, Grey Heron, Shrikes, Hamerkop, Hornbills, Francolins, and the regular Ducks, Stilts, Geese, and Plovers. Finally, additional common species found in the grasslands are Black-bellied Bustards, Marabou Storks, Widow Birds, and the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, among many more.

 

Lutembe Bay.

This one is located on the shores of Lake Victoria and is well-known as the most popular birding destination in Uganda. It is also well-known for being one of the key rest stops for birds on their journey. It is an exceptional bird-watching location in the Lake Victoria Basin. The Bay is home to millions of different types of Palearctic migratory and indigenous birds. It is home to over 200 bird species, 26 of which are migratory.

Among those listed as endangered are the African Pygmy Kingfisher and the Holub’s Golden weaver, as well as the African Green Pigeon, Lead-colored Flycatcher, Sooty Chat, Tropical Boubou, Brown-backed Scrub robins, Whiskered Tern, Road-billed Roller, to name a few. Furthermore, the White-winged Black Tern bird population in this region exceeds 52%, contributing to the Bay’s status as a Birding Paradise.

 

Mabamba island

This marshy region is approximately about an hour’s drive from downtown. It is also found on the shores of Lake Victoria, and birders who want to observe the birds in this region can use wooden boats or canoes to find them. This island is well-known for the Shoebill Stork, which is supposed to hide among the waterweeds and wait for the fish before diving back into deeper waters. Shoebills dwell in Papyrus and will occasionally live on land, but the land must supervise the waterways. There are several more bird species found in this area, including Pied Kingfishers, Blue-breasted Bee Eaters, African, and Lesser Jacanas, and African Pygmy Goose are also examples. It’s also worth noting that the wooden boats can only accommodate three people on the birding trip.

 

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Bwindi is one of the few parks in Uganda and Africa that offers the greatest birding safaris. It has documented over 350 species of birds, 14 of which are not found anywhere else in the country. The Bamboo Zone, the Mubwindi Swamp route, and the Waterfall trail in Buhoma are the prime viewing locations in this area where birders may see these wonderful species. There are additional essential species that should not be overlooked; some are migratory, and 23 are indigenous to the Albertine Rift Valley Area.

To name a few, they are the Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Nightjar, Black Bee-eater, African Wood Owl, Bar-tailed Trogon, Dwarf Honey guide, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Fine-banded Woodpecker, Western Green Tinkerbird, African Green Broadbill, White-bellied Robin-chat, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Archer’s Robin-chat, Shelly’s Greenbul, and Red-throated Alethe.

 

Kibale forest National Park.

A short distance away from Kibale National Park lies the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This sanctuary is home to over 139 bird species, which birders may watch while taking guided excursions from end to end of the observing platforms and boardwalks. Birding trips in Kanyanchu begin at precisely 7 a.m.

There will be many bird species to see, including the Yellow-billed Barbet, the Brown-backed Scrub robin, the Black and White Shrike Flycatcher, the White-spotted Flufftail, the Brown-throated Wattle-eye, the Hairy-breasted Barbet, the Superb Sunbird, the Black-crowned Waxbill, the Yellow-spotted Barbet, the Western Nicator, the Grey-winged Robin-chat, the Brown-crowned Tchagra, the White Make a point of seeing the rarest of these species, which include the Papyrus Canary, White-winged Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, and White-collared Olive back.

 

Mgahinga Gorillas National Park.

Apart from the fact that the Mgahinga National Park is famed for gorilla tracking, it is also home to over 180 kinds of birds, including Albertine Rift zone Endemics, which provide birders with excellent viewing possibilities. This park’s best viewing spots are along the Community and/or Farm path, the Gorge trail, and the Bamboo trail.

The Brown woodland Warbler, Kivu Ground thrush, Stripe-breasted Tit, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Banded Prinia, White-starred Robin, Greater double collared and Scarlet-tufted sunbirds, Rwenzori Batis, Black-headed Waxbill, Archer’s Robin-chat, Western Green Tinkerbird, Olive Pigeon, Streaky Seed-eater, Blue-headed Sunbird.

 

Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

Around 217 bird species have been identified in the Rwenzori Mountains. Nineteen of these are native to the Albertine Rift Valley Area, and a birder can obtain not only a glance but a flawless sight of these flying animals while on a trip through the forest. The Golden-winged and Blue-headed Sunbirds, the Rwenzori Turaco, the White-starred Robin, the Long-eared Owl, the Slender-billed Starling, the Archer’s Robin-chat, the Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, the Laden’s Bush-shrike, the Swifts, the Bearded Vultures, and the Black Eagles, to name a few.