​Birds – Mozambique

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt guide to Mozambique.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Mozambique.

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Mozambique.

The birdlife of Mozambique isn’t well known and there is no definitive checklist. Approximately 750 bird species have been recorded, with only one endemic to Mozambique. You don’t have to go far off the beaten track to find the country’s specials. Some of the best birds can be seen in the coastal resort areas. The unique crab-plover is a common summer visitor to the Bazaruto Archipelago. And Eleonora’s falcon, one of the world’s rarest raptors, has been spotted in several locations.

Notable Birds in Mozambique
› ‹
Crab-plover
Locally common
Grey crowned crane
Common
Lemon-breasted canary
Locally common
Livingstone’s turaco
Common
Palm-nut vulture
Locally common

Birding Rating

Endemic & Near-endemic Birds

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

Other Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders

Facts & Figures

Birds in Mozambique
Bird Species
750+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Bird watching in Mozambique is great throughout the year. The best months, however, are during the Wet season, from November to April, when migratory birds are present. Wildlife viewing is better during the middle and end of the Dry season, from July to October.

Best Parks for Birding –Includes Birding Rating

Gorongosa and Maputo National Parks are top birding destinations. Both are classified as Important Bird Areas (IBAs), which are areas vital for bird conservation. Although very undeveloped for tourism, Niassa Special Reserve has great potential as a birding destination, with some good miombo woodland specials, as well as many raptors. Banhine National Park has some amazing wetland areas that host many migrant birds during the wet summer months, particularly high concentrations of wattled cranes. The Bazaruto and Quirimbas Archipelagos are great for interesting waders and migratory birds.

Recommended Birding Books

  • Field Guide to Birds of Greater Southern Africa
    Only southern African guide that’s complete for Mozambique.
    John Fanshawe, Terry Stevenson and Keith Barnes
  • Birds of Africa: South of the Sahara
    Complete Mozambique coverage within a dauntingly vast area.
    Ian Sinclair and Peter Ryan
  • Roberts Bird Guide (2nd edition; book)
    Complete for Mozambique south of the Zambezi River but not north.
    Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies and Ingrid Weiersbye
  • Roberts Bird Guide (2nd edition; app)
    Based on the book but with birdcalls and additional info.
    Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies and Ingrid Weiersbye

Want To Visit Mozambique?

23 Mozambique Tours

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Mozambique
Bird Species
750+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr