Uganda is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 1,000 species of birds to be found within its borders. With its rich diversity of habitats, including lush rainforests, savannah grasslands, and wetlands, this country is a haven for birds of all shapes, sizes, and colors.
THE BIRDWATCHING DESTINATIONS IN UGANDA
Queen Elizabeth National Park: This park boasts over 600 bird species, including the African fish eagle, martial eagle, shoebill stork, and African skimmer.
Murchison Falls National Park: With over 450 bird species, this park offers a chance to see birds such as the Abyssinian ground hornbill, Goliath heron, and yellow-billed stork.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Famous for its gorilla trekking, Bwindi is also a top birdwatching destination with over 350 bird species including the African green broadbill, Shelley’s crimsonwing, and black bee-eater.
Kibale National Park: Known for its chimpanzee tracking, Kibale is also home to over 375 bird species including the African pitta, yellow-spotted nicator, and green-breasted pitta.
Semuliki National Park: This park is a birder’s paradise, with over 400 bird species, including the shoebill stork, yellow-throated cuckoo, and great blue turaco.
Lake Mburo National Park: With over 350 bird species, including the African finfoot, papyrus yellow warbler, and saddle-billed stork, this park is a great destination for birdwatching.
These destinations offer visitors the opportunity to spot a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitats, making Uganda a must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts.
DIFFERENT BIRD SPECIES IN UGANDA
*WILD GEESE
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Wild geese are majestic birds known for their distinctive honkey call, whistling sound and V-shaped formations as they fly overhead, creating a beautiful memorable sight in the skies. Found in many regions of the world including North America, Europe, Asia but they are commonly found in East Africa, Uganda along wetland habitants such as lakes, rivers and marshes, these habitants provide essential resources of the geese including food which is plants and small aquatic animals all supported by their strong beaks and webbed feet to allow them forage in water,,,,,,,these habitants can also be their place to nest and rest
AFRICAN FISH EAGLE 🦅.
The African fish eagle, also known as the grey headed fish eagle, is majestic bird of prey that is native to sub-Saharan Africa which with its striking appearance and distinctive call which is a high pitched, piercing “kee-kee-kee.” It stays around large water bodies such as lakes and rivers, they feed on fish, reptiles, mammals, dead animals.
With its large size, powerful build and striking grey head and white tail considered as an important symbol of strength and beauty in many African cultures. This prey is an impressive sight to behold, it’s a true natural wonder popular subject for wildlife photographers and bird watchers
THE RED NECKED SPURFOW
It has a short rounded tail and strong legs for walking and running, it’s plumage is mainly brown and grey with intricate patterns of bars and spots on the back, wings and breast ..the male and female are almost similar in appearance but the male tend to be slightly larger and have a brighter red patch on its neck ,,,they are also known for dust bathe ,a behavior where they roll around in dry soil to keep their feathers clean and free from parasites .
Overall, the red necked spurfowl is a fascinating and a striking bird species that adds to a diverse birdlife of Africa’s wildlife.
PIED KINGFISHER.
The pied kingfisher is a species of bird in the kingfisher family.it is widely distributed in the parts of Africa and asia.in Africa it’s found in sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal in the west to Somalia in in the east and as far as South as south Africa. In Asia it’s found in the Indian subcontinent, from Pakistan in the west to Indonesia in the east and north to China and Japan.
This striking bird with a distinctive black and white where the head, neck and breast are white, while the back, wings and the tail are black. There is a black band across the breast that is thicker in males then in females. The eyes are black, and the bill is long and pointed, with a black upper mandible and a reddish lower mandible. With all those features the pied kingfisher are likely to found near water bodies like lakes, rivers and coasts, where they are seen perching on branches, poles and other structures above water scanning for prey. They are also known for their loud shrill calls which they use to communicate with other members of the same species
They are medium sized birds with a length of around 17-20cm (7-8 inches) and wing span of approximately 30-35cm (12-14 inches). it’s known for its distinctive hoovers in midair before plugging into water to catch fish with its sharp bill.
These birds are cavity nesters, often excavating their own nest in sand-bank laying eggs of 3 to 6, and incubated by both parents about three weeks. The chicks are cared for by both parents until they fledge after about 30days.
Overall, the pied kingfisher is a fascinating and beautiful facing threats from their habitants hunted for their features for use in traditional medicine
SHOE BILL.
The shoe bill is large, stork-like bird found in central and eastern Africa, particularly in wetlands and swamps. It is a solitary bird that stands motionless in shallow water to feed primarily on fish, but also eats other aquatic prey like eels, frogs and water snakes. It hunts by standing in shallow waters. It has a gray-blue plumage with black wings and dark, featherless face and its most distinctive feature is its large broad bill which is hooked at the tip and resembles a shoe. The shoe bill is a fascinating and unique species that is considered vulnerable due to habitant loss, hunting and human disturbance. Efforts Ares being made to conserve its habitant and protected. This Charismatic bird Overall the shoe bill stock is a skilled and patient hunter, and its diet is perfectly adopted to its wetland habitat.
GREAT BLUE TURACO
The Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata) is a colorful bird that is native to equatorial Africa, including Uganda. It is known for its striking blue and green plumage, with a distinctive crest of feathers on its head. The Great Blue Turaco is a relatively large bird, measuring up to 70 cm (27 in) in length and weighing up to 1 kg (2.2 lbs).
In Uganda, the Great Blue Turaco is found in a variety of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, savannas, and woodland areas. It feeds primarily on fruits, but will also eat insects, small animals, and occasionally flowers and leaves.
The Great Blue Turaco is considered a symbol of good luck in some African cultures, and is sometimes kept as a pet. However, it is also threatened by habitat loss and hunting in some areas, and is considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Birdwatchers visiting Uganda can often spot this magnificent bird in national parks and other wildlife areas.
CRESTED CRANE
The Crested Crane (Balearica regulorum gibbericeps) is the national bird of Uganda and is a prominent feature in the country’s coat of arms. It is a large bird, standing up to 1.5 meters tall with a wingspan of up to 2 meters. The Crested Crane is characterized by a crest of golden feathers on its head, which it can raise or lower depending on its mood or level of excitement. The rest of its plumage is primarily gray with white, black, and red accents. The Crested Crane is often seen in pairs or small groups in savannah grasslands, wetlands, and cultivated areas, where it feeds on insects, seeds, and small vertebrates.
The Crested Crane is an important cultural symbol in Uganda, representing nobility, grace, and beauty. It features prominently in traditional dances and ceremonies, and its image is widely used in art, textiles, and other cultural expressions. The Crested Crane is also a popular subject for birdwatchers, who come from all over the world to observe and photograph its striking appearance and behavior.
MARABOU STORK
The Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) is a large bird species found in Uganda and other parts of Africa. It is known for its distinctive appearance, with its bald head and neck, large beak, and long legs. The Marabou Stork is the largest stork in the world and can grow up to 152 cm (5 feet) tall, with a wingspan of 3.7 meters (12 feet).
In Uganda, the Marabou Stork is a common bird species and can be found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and urban areas. It is a scavenger and feeds on a range of food items, including carrion, insects, small mammals, and even garbage.
While the Marabou Stork is not considered a beautiful bird, it plays an important role in the ecosystem by helping to clean up and dispose of dead animals. In addition, it has cultural significance in Uganda, where it is sometimes called the “undertaker bird” due to its role in cleaning up dead animals.
AFRICAN GREY PARROT
The African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is a highly intelligent and social bird found in the forests of West and Central Africa, including Uganda. It is a medium-sized parrot, measuring up to 33 cm in length and weighing around 400 grams. The plumage is mostly grey, with a white face and a red or maroon tail.
African Grey Parrots are known for their remarkable ability to mimic human speech and other sounds. They are highly valued as pets, and unfortunately, this has led to their capture for the pet trade, making them vulnerable to habitat loss and overexploitation. In Uganda, African Grey Parrots can be found in several protected areas, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale National Park, where they are part of the diverse avian community.
WEAVERS
Weavers are a family of small to medium-sized passerine birds found in Africa, Asia, and some Pacific islands. They are known for their unique nest-building abilities, in which the male constructs an intricate, woven nest made of grass, leaves, and other materials.
In Uganda, there are several species of weavers that are commonly spotted, including the Village Weaver, the Northern Masked Weaver, the Black-headed Weaver, and the Speckle-fronted Weaver. The male Village Weaver is known for its bright yellow plumage, while the Northern Masked Weaver has a distinctive black mask around its eyes. The Black-headed Weaver has a black head and chestnut-colored back, while the Speckle-fronted Weaver has a mottled brown and white plumage.
These colorful and lively birds are a common sight in Uganda’s parks and reserves, and birdwatchers can often spot them in trees, bushes, and grassy areas. Watching these talented nest builders construct their intricate nests is a fascinating experience that should not be missed by any bird enthusiast visiting Uganda.
AFRICAN JACANA
The African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus), also known as the ‘Lily Trotter’, is a unique and fascinating bird species found in Uganda. These birds are known for their long toes and the ability to walk on floating vegetation, hence the nickname ‘Lily Trotter’.
African Jacanas are usually seen in wetland habitats such as swamps, marshes, and shallow lakes, where they forage for food such as insects, snails, and small fish. They are a polyandrous species, meaning that females mate with multiple males who are responsible for building nests and caring for the young.
One interesting fact about African Jacanas is that they have a special adaptation that allows them to float on top of water, known as surface tension. They can use their long toes to distribute their weight evenly and not break through the surface of the water, allowing them to reach food sources that other birds can’t.
African Jacanas are a beautiful bird to see in the wild, with their striking colors and unique behavior. They are found in many wetland areas across Uganda, including Mabamba Swamp and Lake Mburo National Park.
SUNBIRDS
Sunbirds are small, colorful birds found throughout Uganda. They are known for their bright plumage, long, curved beaks, and ability to hover in mid-air while feeding on nectar. Uganda is home to several species of sunbirds, including the variable sunbird, green-headed sunbird, and the bronze sunbird. The male sunbirds have more vibrant colors than the female sunbirds. Sunbirds are popular among bird watchers because of their beautiful colors, unique feeding habits, and lively behavior.
AFRICAN GREEN BROADBILL
The African Green Broadbill is a small, brightly colored bird that is found in the forested areas of Uganda. It has a distinctive green plumage, with a bright yellow throat and a red patch above its beak. This bird is a popular sight among birdwatchers due to its striking colors and the fact that it is endemic to the Albertine Rift region of East Africa, meaning that it is only found in a few areas, including Uganda. Birdwatchers can spot this bird in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and other forested areas in western Uganda.
BLACK-AND-WHITE CASQUED HORNBILL
The Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill (Bycanistes subcylindricus) is a large bird found in Uganda’s tropical forests. It is approximately 100-120 cm long and has a distinct black and white coloration. The hornbill’s most striking feature is its large casque, which is an enlarged hollow structure on the top of its bill. The casque is made of keratin and is not used for feeding or breeding purposes but is thought to play a role in social signaling and courtship displays.
The Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of fruits, insects, and small animals. It nests in tree cavities and lays 1-2 eggs per clutch. The hornbill is considered vulnerable to habitat loss and hunting and is listed on the IUCN Red List. However, it can be easily spotted in several protected areas in Uganda, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, and Budongo Forest Reserve. Its unique appearance and behavior make it a popular bird for tourists to spot while birdwatching in Uganda.
STANDARD-WINGED NIGHTJAR
The Standard-winged Nightjar (Caprimulgus longipennis) is a nocturnal bird that can be found in Uganda’s forests, including the Budongo Forest and Kibale Forest National Park. The bird has a distinctive appearance, with its long wings extending beyond its tail feathers, and is known for its unique wing-clapping display during courtship. It feeds primarily on insects and can be heard calling at night, making it a popular attraction for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts who are interested in Uganda’s diverse avian fauna.
AFRICAN PITTA
The African Pitta (Pitta angolensis) is a brightly colored bird found in the forests and woodlands of Uganda. It is a small bird, measuring about 16 cm in length, and has a distinctive combination of bright green, blue, and orange-red feathers. The African Pitta is known for its elusive behavior and is difficult to spot, making it a popular bird among birdwatchers who are up for a challenge.
The African Pitta is usually found in dense forests and woodlands, where it feeds on insects and other small invertebrates. During the breeding season, males are known for their elaborate courtship displays, which involve a series of high-pitched whistles and fluttering wings. The African Pitta is considered a near-threatened species due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
PAPYRUS GONOLEK
The Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri) is a bird species found in the wetland habitats of Uganda. It is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive black and red plumage, a long tail, and a thick curved bill. The Papyrus Gonolek is known for its loud and melodious call, which can be heard from a distance.
The bird is found in papyrus swamps and reed beds near lakes and rivers, and is common in several national parks and wetlands in Uganda, including the Mabamba Swamp, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park. Birdwatchers are drawn to the Papyrus Gonolek due to its unique and attractive appearance, as well as its pleasant call.
GREEN-BREASTED PITTA
The Green-breasted Pitta is a brightly colored bird that is found in the forests of Central and East Africa, including Uganda. It has a green breast and belly, a blue head, and a red patch on its nape. The Green-breasted Pitta feeds on insects and other invertebrates that it finds on the forest floor, and it is known for its distinctive whistling call.
Birdwatchers in Uganda can observe the Green-breasted Pitta in Kibale Forest National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and other forested areas in the country. Its colorful plumage and unique call make it a popular target for birdwatchers visiting Uganda.
AFRICAN FINFOOT
The African Finfoot (Podica senegalensis) is a unique waterbird found in Uganda’s swamps, rivers, and lakeshores. The species is a member of the family Heliornithidae, which are also called “finfoots” due to their lobed feet. African Finfoots have a distinctive, long neck, a small head, and a short tail. They are usually found near the edges of rivers and lakes, where they feed on insects, snails, and small fish. These birds are known for their secretive behavior, often hiding in dense vegetation, making them challenging to spot. The African Finfoot is a rare bird species, and spotting one in the wild is a significant achievement for birdwatchers.
BLACK-HEADED GONOLEK
The Black-headed Gonolek (Laniarius erythrogaster) is a small, brightly colored bird species found in Uganda and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The male has a glossy black head and throat, bright red belly and vent, and yellow underparts, while the female is similar but with a brownish-black head and less bright colors overall.
Black-headed Gonoleks are primarily found in woodland habitats, where they feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They are also known for their loud and distinctive vocalizations, which include a series of whistles and harsh notes.
Birdwatchers are drawn to the Black-headed Gonolek for their striking appearance and vocalizations, and they are a popular species to spot in Uganda’s national parks and reserves. In particular, they are commonly found in the Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
PIED CROW
The pied crow, also known as the African pied crow, is a common bird species found in Uganda and other parts of Africa. It belongs to the crow family and has a black and white plumage with a distinctively thick bill. Pied crows are known for their adaptability and intelligence, often scavenging on human waste and stealing food from other birds. They are also considered to be highly social and are often seen in pairs or small groups. In some cultures, the pied crow is associated with spiritual beliefs and superstitions.
RING NECKED DOVES
Ring-necked Doves are a common bird species found in Uganda and other parts of Africa. They have a small head, slender bill, and a plump body. Their plumage is grayish-brown with a distinctive black collar on the neck, which gives them their name. Ring-necked Doves are often seen perched on tree branches or foraging on the ground for seeds and insects. They are also known for their soft, cooing call that can often be heard in the early morning and evening hours.
LONG-TOED LAPWING
Long-toed Lapwing (Vanellus crassirostris) is a wading bird that belongs to the family Charadriidae. It is a medium-sized bird with a long and slim beak, long legs, and a distinctive crest of feathers on its head. The Long-toed Lapwing has a black crown, a white forehead, and a black mask that runs across its eyes. Its back and wings are grey, and its underparts are white. It also has a long, pointed tail.
The Long-toed Lapwing is typically found in marshy areas, swamps, and wetlands with tall grasses and sedges. It feeds on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates that it finds in the mud and water. The bird is known for its distinctive “did-he-do-it” call, which is often heard in the early morning and evening.
The Long-toed Lapwing is a migratory bird that breeds in northern Eurasia and migrates southward to Africa, India, and Southeast Asia during the winter. In Uganda, it can be spotted in wetland areas like Lake Victoria and other nearby swamps. Birdwatchers visiting Uganda should keep an eye out for this unique and fascinating species.
HADADA IBIS
The Hadada Ibis is a species of bird found in Uganda and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a large, blackish-brown bird with a distinctive curved bill and a long neck. The Hadada Ibis is known for its distinctive call, which sounds like “haa-haa-haa-de-dah,” and is often heard in the early morning and late afternoon. The Hadada Ibis feeds mainly on insects and small invertebrates, which it finds by probing the ground with its long bill. It is a common sight in wetlands and grasslands in Uganda, and is often seen in pairs or small groups.
BARE-FACED GO-AWAY BIRD
The Bare-Faced Go-Away Bird, also known as the grey plantain-eater, is a bird species found in Uganda and other parts of Africa. It is known for its distinctive call, which sounds like “kwee-hoo.” The bird has a distinctive bare, red patch of skin around its eye, which gives it its name. It feeds on fruit, flowers, and insects and is often seen perched in trees. The Bare-Faced Go-Away Bird is a popular sighting among birdwatchers in Uganda due to its unique appearance and vocalizations.
THE BROWN-CHESTED LAPWING
The Brown-chested Lapwing is a species of wading bird that belongs to the family Charadriidae. It is also known as the Plover Lapwing or the Black-winged Plover. The bird is mainly found in sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda, and prefers wetlands and grasslands. It is characterized by its striking black and white plumage, with a brown chest and a distinctive crest on its head. The Brown-chested Lapwing feeds mainly on insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. The bird is monogamous and builds its nest on the ground, often in a small depression in the soil. It is a fascinating bird to watch and a popular sight for birdwatchers visiting Uganda.
Conclusion
Uganda’s birdwatching scene is not only impressive but also easily accessible. Whether you choose to explore the national parks, reserves, or simply the local areas, the country’s birds will captivate you with their beauty, diversity, and fascinating behaviors.