BIRD WATCHING IN UGANDA

Hello Traveler,

When you come to Uganda, Bird watching, like Gorilla tracking shouldn't miss on your things To Do list for your trip in the Pearl of Africa.

Uganda is arguably the most attractive country in Africa to Bird Watchers, not only because of the unusually high number of bird species- about 1008 species recorded in the area within its borders, but also because it offers easy access to several bird-rich habitats that are difficult to reach elsewhere.

Uganda has roughly 10% of the regional checklist of bird species: seven of the 20 Hornbill species, five of the 14 Honeyguides, seven out of the 21 Woodpeckers, 11 out of the 36 Bulbuls and greenbuls, 11 Warblers, ten Fly catchers, eight Sunbirds, eight Weavers, eight Finches, four Tinkerbirds, four Pigeons or doves, three Kingfishers, three Sparrowhawks, three Cuckoos and three Nightjars.

The rainforests of Western Uganda must be seen as the country's most important bird habitat, one of the greatest interest to birdwatchers, particularly if you are already familiar with East African birds. Semilki is the most alluring forest in terms of localised species, closely rivalled by Budungo, Kibale and Bwindi Impenetrable forests. Though ever the relatively tame Entebbe botanical garden has several interesting bird species.

If you want to see a wide range of Ugandan birds, try to visit Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth NP, Murchison Falls NP and Kidepo Np.

Here is a beginner's list:  

1. Common Ostrich, world's largest bird at Kidepo National Park in the far Northeast of Uganda

Common Ostrich.

      2. Pelicans, charismatic water-birds on open lakes and mainly at Kazinga Channel, Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Pelicans at Kazinga Channel.

       3. Goliath Heron, a 1.5 meter tall immense heron commonly seen from launch trips in Murchison Falls.

Goliath Heron.

       4. Flamingos, pink-white algae eaters in large concentrations in Katwe and Flamingo crater lakes in Queen Elizabeth and Chambura Wildlife Reserve.

Flamingos at Lake Katwe.

     5. Silverbird, striking silver-backed flycatcher, seen perching openly in Murcchison Falls.

Silverbird.

      6. Piping Hornbill, common only in Semilki NP and also in Budongo NP.

Piping Hornbill.