​Birds – Damaraland

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the 'Botswana & Namibia' guide.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.

Anthony is the author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.

Birding in Damaraland is more about the quality of the species you’ll see, rather than the overall number. More than 200 bird species have been recorded here, including several arid-country specials. The area is rich in near-endemics, which are sought-after because of their restricted range. These include violet wood-hoopoe, Hartlaub’s francolin, Rüppell’s parrot, Monteiro’s hornbill, Carp’s tit, bare-cheeked babbler, rockrunner and white-tailed shrike. Raptors are also well represented and the majestic Verreaux’s eagle can sometimes be seen soaring above the rocky cliffs. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Notable Birds in Damaraland
› ‹
Lappet-faced vulture
Common
Martial eagle
Common
Monteiro’s hornbill
Locally common & near-endemic
Pale chanting goshawk
Common
South African shelduck
Rare

Birding Rating

Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders

(NE) near-endemic = also lives in neighboring countries

Facts & Figures

Birds in Damaraland
Bird Species
200+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Bird watching is at its best in the hot summer months, coinciding with the Wet season (November to April), when migrants from Europe and Asia are present. However, Damaraland is a great birding destination year-round, with many of the specials resident and present throughout the year.

Want To Visit Damaraland?

103 Damaraland Safaris

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Damaraland
Bird Species
200+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr