Bird watching in Uganda
Uganda is blessed with a good climate that gives a spectacular environment for the birds; the pearl of Africa is endowed with various species of birds with different habitats for these beautiful creatures.
Uganda is the leading country in Africa, with birding destinations with a marvelous number of over 1,090 bird species you can see birds from the airport once you arrive in Uganda and also view some across your hotel room window.
However, to get the most out of your birding Safari you need to visit the habitats for the most outstanding birds that range from tropical to afro-montane rain forests, mashes to papyrus swamps, wooded and grasslands savannahs, as well as arid to semi-arid areas.
Among the birds in Uganda, some are migratory species that include the lesser spotted eagle, and peregrine falcon as well as intra-African migrants both horizontal and vertical that came to seek refuge in the forests and swamps of the country. Other birds are Albertine rift endemics.
While, Bird watching in Uganda, you will come across birds, like the famous shoebill stock, shell’s Crimsonwing, Grey crested crane, Green Breasted pitta, Grauer’s broadbill, African fish eagle, Double-toothed Barbets, Great blue Turaco, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Red-throated Bee-eaters, Tinkerbirds, secretary birds and many more. All these birds are unique in their ways and you will surely enjoy your trip in Uganda.
Different places to do birding safaris in Uganda
Albertine rift endemics
Several bird species are endemic to specific places, meaning that that’s the only area where you can find those kinds of birds and not in any other place because of the environment and other conditions that favor those particular birds. The Albertine Rift has swamps, mountains, high-altitude lakes, and tropical rain forests which makes it a suitable environment for some bird species to dwell there.
It is called the Albertine Rift since it stretches from the south of Lake Albert, through the southwestern corner covering, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Semuliki National Park, Bwindi impenetrable forest, Lake Mburo, a part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and then Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. it continues to connect to the Nyungwe forest of Rwanda.
Bird species to find in the Albertine Region.
Neumann’s Warbler, known to be a shy bird, Leafy African Greenbill, the leaf red-faced woodland warbler, the Grauer’s swamp warbler, the creepy strange weaver, Shelley’s Crimsonwing and the dark grey and reddish plumaged dusky crimsonwing which are usually spotted in the Mgahinga gorge, the Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher.
More birds include the dark Rwenzori Blue-headed Sunbird, the amazing Painted Rwenzori Turaco which is seen on the Rwenzori Mountains as well as Mgahinga, the lovely Francolin pairs, the Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird and the Purple breasted sunbird, the Francolin pairs which are usually at Ruhija gate of Bwindi, among others.
Birds in the papyrus swamps and mashes
As mentioned earlier, the birds in Uganda have different habitats, and papyrus swamps and mashes are one of them.
Here you will find specific bird species that dwell here, including the giant shoebill stock, It is the most sought-after bird in Uganda, You can see this one in the Mabamba swamps and Namugabo wetland in Entebbe. The shoebill stock can be found on Lake Bisina, Lake Albert, and the Victoria Nile.
Other birds to find in the Papyrus swamps and mashes include the charcoal grey Rufous Bellied Heron, local Lesser Jacan, Ducks, Crakes, Papyrus Canary and yellow warbler, Sandpipers, Stilts, the grey-eyed orange weaver which is usually sighted on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, Plovers among others.
Ideal period to do birding safaris in Uganda
Birding safaris in Uganda can be done throughout the year, whether dry or rainy season, depending on your preference.
The dry season is always the best time to go bird watching, from December, January, and February. This is because the trees are shading off leaves giving you clear views of birds that live in the trees like the woodland warbler and the Ituri Batis.
It is also important to note that in July – September, there are some intra-African migrant bird species that you wouldn’t want to miss out on, They include Long-tailed cuckoo, mostly from Mozambique and Malawi. Other birds include the Blue Swallow from Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
Therefore, you are guaranteed an enjoyable time in Uganda when you decide to come for a birding safari at any time of the year.
Things to carry for bird watching in Uganda
On a birding safari, you can come along with light clothing, some long-sleeved shirts, and probably a hat due to the hot sun in the fields.
You will also require gumboots since some bird species live in wetlands like in Mubwindi swamp and Semuliki. Cameras and binoculars are also handy on this particular safari for capturing great memories.
