Uganda is undeniably a birding paradise every adventurous birder should include it on their bucket list. Currently, Uganda’s checklist stands at 1065 bird species, which is about half of Africa’s bird list, and close to 11% of the global birds.
The enormous diverse habitats compare to no other. Uganda actually shares all of Africa’s ecological zones, the climate is superb hence making it a destination for migrant birds.
Ugandan is also known as Africa’s premier birding destination with the list of birds found in the country topping 1000. Many of these birds live only in these tropical forests with rare sightings being described as “mythical” while it is believed that some of the birds living in the remote forests of Uganda may not even be classified as of yet!
There are only two species that are endemic to Uganda (Fox’s weaver and Stuhlmann’s double-collared sunbird) but overall, there are over 150 bird species in Uganda that cannot be found in any of the other four East African countries. Some of the unique and spectacular bird species include the Shoebill the Green-breasted Pitta
The top 10 birds to see on your Birding tour with Lakato Safaris among others include:
Shoebill
The shoebill is endemic to Africa and birders from around the globe flock to Uganda to catch a rare glimpse of this clumsy giant. The shoebill is mainly distributed in freshwater swamps, it’s non-migratory with limited seasonal movements due to habitat changes, food availability and disturbance by humans
Popular spots where shoebill storks can be sighted include Murchison Falls National Park especially in the delta area. (An early morning and late evening boat ride offers high chances of spotting the bird). Mabamba swamp is another hot spot and quite close to Kampala and this is usually a 7-hour Mabamba birding excursion into the swamp with the possibility of spotting this legendary bird species. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in the Rugogo swamp and Semuliki National Park close to Lake Albert.
Green-breasted Pitta
The Green-breasted Pitta is a difficult bird to find despite it’s relatively common status in the Central African countries. It lives, well camouflaged in the low land tropical forests.
Popular spots where the Green-breasted Pitta can be sighted include Kibale National park and the Semiliki National park
Great Blue Turaco
The Great Blue Turaco as well as the White-crested Turaco are some of the largest, most exquisite birds found in Uganda. these birds are actively hunted as their meat and feathers are highly sought after commodities.
Popular spots where The Great Blue Turacco can be sighted include Botanical gardens Entebbe, Kibale National park, Semiliki National park, Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi National park, Mgahinga National park and Mabira Forest. (Commonly spotted in Forested areas)
African Green Broadbill
The vivid colors of this eye catching bird can only be seen in two places in the world. It is a small, plump bird, with bright grass-green plumage, and a pale blue tinge to the throat, breast, base of the short tail and the feathers covering the ears. The forehead is buff, finely streaked with black, and a narrow black stripe runs through the eyes.
Popular spots where The African Green Broadbill can be sighted are only The Hombwe Mountains in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda’s Bwindi Forest.
Shelley’s Crimsoning
Undoubtedly, one of the world’s rarest birds is the Shelley’s Crimsoning. It can be found on most bird-bucket lists. They live in a thin strip of Mountains and Volcanoes known as the Albertine Rift. This borders Uganda, Rwanda and the D.R.C.
Popular spots where the Shelley’s Crimsoning can be sighted include Mgahinga National park and Bwindi Impenetrable National park
Standard-Winged Nightjar
This picturesque bird is characterized by the central flight feathers that appear during breeding season on the males. Raised vertically during display, it is a dream come true to see these birds during this short time span when their feathers can stretch up to 38 cm in length.
Popular spots where the Standard Winged Nightjar can be sighted include Murchison falls National Park, Kidepo National park, Mt Elgon National park and Pian Upe Game reserve
Short tailed Warbler.
This is a small bird of 10–11 cm and 11.3 g. It has a large head with a distinctive striped pattern and a very short tail. The broad supercilium is grey-brown and present in front of the eye a dull greenish and white pattern. The short-tailed warbler can be found primarily in Uganda’s forest undergrowth while the forests of the DRC and Rwanda are also home to this camouflaged species.
Popular spots where the Short tailed Warbler can be sighted include Mgahinga National park and Bwindi Impenetrable National park
Doherty’s Bush-shrike
It is found in the subtropical montane forests and moist shrub-lands of Central Africa. These brightly coloured birds are one of the more common birds seen in Uganda and thank fully their population levels seem to be stable.
Popular spots where the Doherty’s Bush-shrike can be sighted include Mgahinga National park and Bwindi Impenetrable National park.
Bar-tailed Trogon
This beautiful medium sized bird lives in high altitude forests and has a large range throughout central and Southern Africa.
Popular spots where the Bar tailed Trogon can be sighted include Mgahinga National park and Bwindi Impenetrable National park
Black-breasted Barbet
The giant Black-breasted Barbet has been seen by very few individuals and is highly sought after by bird watchers. Unfortunately, it tends to live in areas of conflict and so it is rarely seen by tourists to this region with Uganda being one of the safest in the regions, enables on to catch a glimpse of this magnificent bird.
Popular spots where the Short tailed Warbler can be sighted include Murchison falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National park and Mt Elgon National park.
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