Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt guide to Uganda.
Uganda’s remarkable avian diversity (more than 1,000 species within an area similar in size to Great Britain) can be attributed to its location between the East African savannah, West African rainforests and semi-desert of the north. The country has only two endemics that only occur in the country, but if you only take East Africa into consideration, there are 150 species to be found only in Uganda. Migrant birds are present from November to April.
Notable Birds in Uganda
Common
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Endemic & Near-endemic Birds
(E) endemic = only lives in Uganda(NE) near-endemic = also lives in neighboring countries
Other Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders
Facts & Figures
Best Time for Bird Watching
From a birder's perspective, Uganda is good year-round, especially since the main birding interest lies in the resident birds. The climate is the main factor to take into consideration. Uganda is a very wet country. During the Wet seasons, roads and forest trails might be in poor condition and rains could interfere with birding time.
In general, the best time for bird watching is from late May through September, when there is less rain and food is abundant. The main nesting season in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks (key sites for the Albertine Rift endemics, which are birds restricted to the Albertine Rift) is May and June, but from mid-April to mid-May the rains might still be too heavy. February and early March is the only time Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve is relatively dry, but it is uncomfortably hot in the north, including in Murchison Falls National Park. December and January are also good months since the north is not yet too hot and there is less rain in the south. The best time for primate tracking and wildlife viewing in the savannah reserves is also in the Dry season, from June to August and December to February.
Best Parks for Birding –Includes Birding Rating
Murchison Falls is excellent for seeing a wide array of common birds and specials, including the sought-after shoebill. Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla NPs are the most accessible sites for Albertine Rift endemics, and Semuliki National Park is the only place in East Africa to see many Guinea-Congo regional species.
- Murchison Falls NP 4.5/5 87 Birding Ratings
- Queen Elizabeth NP 4.4/5 102 Birding Ratings
- Lake Mburo NP 4.5/5 48 Birding Ratings
- Toro-Semliki WR 4.2/5 10 Birding Ratings
- Budongo Forest 4.5/5 11 Birding Ratings
- Bwindi NP 4.2/5 75 Birding Ratings
- Mgahinga Gorilla NP 4.1/5 17 Birding Ratings
Recommended Birding Books
Want To Visit Uganda?
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Facts & Figures
