Birds of Uganda: A Birder’s Paradise

Uganda is widely considered one of the top birdwatching destinations in the world. Despite its small size, the country is home to over 1,080 species of birds, which accounts for more than half of all bird species found in Africa. This incredible biodiversity is a result of Uganda’s unique position at the meeting point of several major biomes, including the East African savannah, the West African rainforest, and the semi-arid Sahara. For any bird enthusiast, a safari in Uganda is an adventure into a world of color, sound, and natural wonder.

Iconic and Endemic Birds

While Uganda hosts a massive number of birds, some species are particularly famous and draw birders from all over the globe.

• The Shoebill Stork: This is the ultimate prize for many birders. This large, prehistoric-looking bird with its enormous, shoe-shaped beak is highly sought after. The best place to see it is in the swampy wetlands of Mabamba Bay.
• Albertine Rift Endemics: Uganda is home to a significant portion of the Albertine Rift Valley, a global biodiversity hotspot. This region, particularly the forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga, is home to a number of species found nowhere else on earth. The list of endemics includes the African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, and the stunningly vibrant Handsome Francolin.
• Great Blue Turaco: A large, resplendent bird with striking blue, green, and yellow plumage, the Great Blue Turaco is a common and beautiful sight in the forested regions of Uganda.
• Uganda’s National Bird: The magnificent Grey Crowned Crane, with its golden-crested head, is Uganda’s national bird and a common sight in wetlands and open grasslands throughout the country.

Top Birding Destinations

Uganda’s diverse habitats mean that different regions offer unique birding opportunities.

• Queen Elizabeth National Park: While famous for its tree-climbing lions, Queen Elizabeth is a birding hotspot with over 600 species. The Kazinga Channel is a major highlight, where a boat cruise reveals a huge concentration of waterbirds, including kingfishers, herons, and pelicans. The park’s savannahs are home to various raptors and savannah specialists.
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Beyond its world-famous mountain gorillas, Bwindi is a premier destination for forest birding. Its dense, ancient forest is a sanctuary for 23 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemics. Birders here can spend days in the forest, tracking down rare species like the African Green Broadbill and the Short-tailed Warbler.
• Murchison Falls National Park: Uganda’s largest national park is an excellent place to see a combination of savannah and riverine birds. A boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls is a must for spotting a wide array of waterbirds, including the elusive Shoebill Stork in the delta. The park’s northern bank is also home to many raptors and ground-dwelling species.
• Kibale Forest National Park: Known as the “primate capital of the world,” Kibale is also a fantastic birding destination, with over 375 species. Its dense rainforest is home to forest birds like the Green-breasted Pitta, a highly sought-after species that can be difficult to spot.
• Mabamba Bay Wetland: A Ramsar site, this is the best and most reliable place to see the Shoebill Stork. A canoe trip through the swamp is a serene experience, and you can often spot the Shoebill and other waterbirds like the Papyrus Gonolek.

For birdwatchers, Uganda offers a complete package: a huge species count, a high number of sought-after and endemic birds, and a well-established network of national parks and experienced local guides. It is a true haven for anyone passionate about birds and the natural world.