Uganda is celebrated as a premier birding destination in Africa, boasting over 1060 bird species that enchant birders on Uganda birding safaris. Each of Uganda’s national parks is a haven for a diverse range of birds coexisting harmoniously with other wildlife. Birdwatching is an essential part of any Uganda safari, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park stands out as one of the continent’s most renowned birding locations.
Bwindi’s Avian Diversity: Voted Africa’s number one birding site in 2011, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. The park is home to over 350 recorded bird species, with 14 not found elsewhere in Uganda. Remarkably, 90% of these are Albertine Rift endemics. Nestled at the confluence of plain and mountain forests, Bwindi’s magical landscape features mist-covered jungles, hanging mosses, and lush vegetation. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for protecting endangered mountain gorillas, also shelters an impressive variety of birdlife.
Key Bird Species in Bwindi: Bwindi Forest hosts over 350 bird species, including 90% of the Albertine Rift endemics. Among these, 10 of the 26 globally threatened species find refuge. Notable endemic species include Grauer’s Broadbill and Shelley’s Crimsonwing. Other remarkable birds in the park encompass Wood Warbler, Cabanis’s Greenbul, Handsome Francolin, African Pitta, Crowned Hornbill, Rwenzori Batis, and Grey Apalis, to name a few.
Top Birding Spots in Bwindi:
- Umubwindi Swamp Trail – Ruhija:
- Features short and long birding trails to Umubwindi swamp.
- Highlights include Montane Oriole, Waller’s starling, Black-billed turacos, and Red-chested Flufftail.
- Ruhija sector is rich in bird species like Red-tailed and Shelley’s Greenbul, Grey-throated Barbet, and African Shrike-flycatcher.
- Echuya Forest Trail:
- Located near the Rwandese border, Echuya Forest Reserve has around 150 bird species.
- Eighteen species are endemic to the reserve, including Grauer’s Swamp warbler.
- The reserve is a priority on Bird Life International’s list of Ugandan Important Bird Areas.
- Pocket Nombe Forest Trail:
- A tranquil “Pocket” forest near Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge.
- Bird species include Handsome Francolin, Mountain Masked Apalis, Rwenzori Turaco, and Kivu Ground Thrush.
- Buhoma Sector:
- Combines well with gorilla trekking safaris.
- Abundant bird species like Bar-tailed Trogon, Yellow-fronted Canary, and Great Blue Turaco.
- Popular trails include Waterfall, Ivy River, Munyaga river, Rushura river, Habinyanja, and Muzabajiro loop.
Best Time for Birding in Bwindi: While birding is possible year-round, the best time is from November to April when migratory birds are present. December to February sees less precipitation, providing optimal birding conditions. May to June is abundant in food supply, and March to May marks the main nesting season, though heavy rains may occur.
Apart from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda offers a myriad of other birding destinations, including Mabamba Bay Swamp for the rare Shoebill stork, Kibale National Park with the endemic Green-breasted Pitta, Queen Elizabeth National Park with over 612 bird species, and Murchison Falls National Park with around 450 bird species, including the iconic shoebill stork. Other birding hotspots include Budongo Forest, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Semuliki National Park, and the Source of the River Nile. Uganda truly stands as one of Africa’s premier bird-watching destinations, showcasing the rich diversity of its avian inhabitants.