​Birds – Simien Mountains NP

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 Ethiopia.

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

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Ethiopia.

The specialized high-altitude environment of Simien Mountains National Park makes for some interesting bird watching. There are only 180 species recorded but five of those are endemic to the country and a further 14 are unique to Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea. A highlight for birders and non-birders alike is the iconic bearded vulture, which can often be seen soaring over the escarpment. You’ll also like the thick-billed ravens begging for food scraps at the picnic sites.

Notable Birds in Simien Mountains NP
› ‹
Augur buzzard
Common
Bearded vulture
Common
Pallid harrier
Common
Rüppell’s vulture
Occasional
Thick-billed raven
Common

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Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders

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

Facts & Figures

Birds in Simien Mountains NP
Bird Species
180+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Mar

Best Time for Bird Watching

Bird watching in Simien Mountains NP is best between November and March. This is when migrants are present, and it conveniently coincides with the Dry season, which is the easiest time to travel. April to September also offers good bird watching, since many resident birds come into breeding plumage and are more vocal and easier to find. July and August see very heavy rainfall, which might interfere with bird watching and other activities.

Want To Visit Simien Mountains NP?

40 Simien Mountains Tours

Birding Rating

  • User Rating
    0.0/5 0 Birding Reviews

Facts & Figures

Birds in Simien Mountains NP
Bird Species
180+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Mar