Uganda, often hailed as the “Pearl of Africa,” is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting an incredible diversity of bird species. With over 1,100 recorded species, Uganda offers unparalleled opportunities for Ornithologists to spot some of the most sought-after and iconic birds in the world. Here are some of the top bird species that attract birders from around the globe to this beautiful country.
Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex)
The shoebill, with its prehistoric appearance and enormous bill, is one of Uganda’s most iconic and sought-after birds. Found in swamps and wetlands, this elusive bird is a must-see for any serious birder. It can be spotted in Mabamba Swamp near Entebbe, Murchison Falls National Park, and Semuliki Wildlife Reserve.
African Green Broadbill (Pseudocalyptomena graueri)
This rare and colorful bird is endemic to the Albertine Rift, making it a prized find for birdwatchers. Its striking green plumage, shyness and elusive nature make it a top target for birders. Visitors can often find this bird in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata)
Known for its vibrant blue and green plumage, the Great Blue Turaco is a striking and charismatic bird. Its distinctive calls and flamboyant appearance make it a favorite among birders. It is typically found in the forests of western Uganda, particularly in the areas around Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park.
Green-breasted Pitta (Pitta reichenowi)
The Green-breasted Pitta is one of Africa’s most elusive and sought-after birds. Its beautiful green, blue, and red plumage and secretive nature make it a challenging but rewarding find. It can mainly be spotted in Kibale National Park.
African Fin foot (Podica senegalensis)
The African Fin foot is a shy and elusive water bird, often found along rivers and lakeshores. Its unique appearance and secretive behavior make it a prized sighting for birdwatchers. Particularly sighted while on a boat cruise in picturesque locations like Mabamba Swamp, Lake Mburo National Park, and along the Nile River in Murchison Falls National Park.
Standard-winged Nightjar (Caprimulgus longipennis)
This nocturnal bird is known for its spectacular wing display during the breeding season. The male’s long, ribbon-like wing feathers make it a fascinating and unique sight. Normally spotted in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park.
Shelley’s Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza shelleyi)
This rare and beautiful finch is endemic to the high-altitude forests of the Albertine Rift. Its bright crimson plumage makes it a stunning sight for birdwatchers. Often found in high altitude forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bar-tailed Trogon (Apaloderma vittatum)
This beautiful bird, with its vibrant green and red plumage, is a delight to spot in the forested regions of Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale National Park.
Doherty’s Bush shrike (Telophorus dohertyi)
With its striking green and yellow colors, Doherty’s bush shrike is a stunning bird that is highly sought after by birdwatchers. It can be spotted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis)
Known for its impressive size and striking black-and-white plumage with a red and black bill, the Saddle-billed Stork is a majestic sight in Uganda’s wetlands and riverine regions especially in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The Black-breasted Barbet (Lybius rolleti)
Another unique and sought-after bird in Uganda is the Black-breasted Barbet. This brightly colored bird with its striking red, white and black plumage is native to the Albertine Rift. It is most commonly found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. With its loud, melodious call, the Black-breasted Barbet is an excellent example of the incredible biodiversity found in Uganda’s forests.
Chapin’s Flycatcher (Muscicapa lendu)
This rare bird is endemic to the Albertine Rift region and is a prized find for birdwatchers due to its elusive nature. Mostly seen in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
Grauer’s Broadbill (Pseudocalyptomena graueri)
Endemic to the Albertine Rift, this rare bird is a highlight for birders seeking unique and beautiful species. Mostly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum)
Uganda’s national bird, the Grey Crowned Crane, is known for its elegant appearance and striking golden crown. Spotted especially in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and various wetlands throughout Uganda.
Handsome Francolin (Pternistis nobilis)
This beautifully marked francolin is a favorite among birders for its striking appearance. It thrives in the montane grasslands and shrub lands of Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Kivu Ground Thrush (Geokichla piaggiae)
This rare bird, with its subtle yet striking plumage, is a sought-after species for those exploring the Albertine Rift region. Spotted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri)
This strikingly colored bird is often found in papyrus swamps and is highly sought after by birders for its beauty and rarity. It can be seen in Mabamba Swamp and other papyrus-dominated wetlands.
Regal Sunbird (Cinnyris regius)
With its vibrant red, blue, and yellow plumage, the Regal Sunbird is a stunning sight and a favorite among birdwatchers. Often spotted in the grasslands and open woodlands southwestern Uganda especially near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Black Bee-eater (Merops gularis)
Known for its striking black and turquoise plumage, the Black Bee-eater is a beautiful and sought-after species. It can be sighted in Kibale National Park and Semuliki National Park.
Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer)
This large and somewhat ungainly bird is a common sight in Uganda, particularly around urban areas and national parks like Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kampala, and various wetlands.
African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus)
Known for its long toes and ability to walk on floating vegetation, the African Jacana is a distinctive and interesting bird to observe.it can be spotted in Mabamba Swamp, Lake Mburo National Park, and various other wetland areas.
Flamingoes (Phoenicopteridae)
These elegant pink birds are a stunning sight, particularly when gathered in large flocks at Lake Munyanyange near Queen Elizabeth National Park and other alkaline lakes in western Uganda.
Red-throated Bee-eater (Merops bulocki)
With its vibrant red throat and colorful plumage, the Red-throated Bee-eater is a delightful find for birdwatchers easily seen in Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park.
Rwenzori Batis (Batis diops)
This small, strikingly marked bird is endemic to the Albertine Rift and is a highlight for birdwatchers visiting the region such as Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Conclusion
Uganda’s bird watching scene is rich and diverse, offering opportunities to see both common and rare species in their natural habitats. For avid birdwatchers, the allure of spotting rare and elusive species such as the Shoebill Stork, the African Green Broadbill, and the Great Blue Turaco is a thrilling experience. Uganda’s wide range of ecosystems, from wetlands to rainforests and savannahs, ensures that the country remains one of the top birding destinations in Africa.
Whether you’re visiting Uganda to see a specific species or just to enjoy the beauty of its avian diversity, you’re guaranteed to encounter a wealth of birds that will make your journey unforgettable.