Skip to content 
Birding in Uganda
Birds in Uganda
Birds in UgANDA - bIRDING Tours
The bird population of Uganda is highly diverse, with over 1,090 species recorded in the country. The list also includes endangered bird species, like the rare Shoebill.
During your birding safari in Uganda, you will encounter Orange-breasted Waxbill , Shelly’s Crimson wing, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Grant’s Bluebill, Grey-winged Robin-Chat, and Papyrus Yellow Warbler. Other avian fauna includes Egyptian Geese, Hadada Ibises, Black Kites, African harrier hawks, Eurasian Hobby, Red-throated Flycatchers, White-tailed Lark, Cinnamon-breasted Rock-warbler, and Papyrus Yellow Warbler
Some species are common in the region and some African countries, like the palearctic migrants such as White Storks, Black Kites, and Spotted Flycatchers, and resident species such as Ground Hornbill, Great White Pelican, Martial Eagle, Crowned Hornbill, Palm-nut Vulture, and Black-headed Gonolek.
Shoe Bill Stork
The Shoebill Stork (Balaeniceps rex) is an endangered African bird. Swamps and wetlands are its primary habitats in tropical east and southeast Africa. However, because of their concentration in wetlands, shoebill storks are mostly seen in Uganda, especially around Lake Victoria. This bird can be found during a trip to the Mabamba swamp on the edges of Lake Victoria. During the Mabamba Swamp tour, visitors can get close and personal with various bird species, including the rare shoebill stork.
Orange-breasted waxbill
The orange-breasted waxbill belongs to the Estrildidae family, including finches, sleeves, and munias. This species is classified as common, with a wide distribution. Ugandan savanna grasslands, woodlands, and forests are frequently home to this species.
In addition to its bright orange rump and head, it can also have yellow or green features. The Orange-breasted Waxbill feeds on insects, worms, and seeds as a source of its protein.
Chapin’s Flycatcher
The Chapin’s Flycatcher is considered to be of the least concern in terms of conservation status because of its wide range and relatively stable population. This bird lives in a wide range of habitats, from forests and savannahs to swamps. Despite its name, it can sometimes be found in much higher elevations than expected. In Uganda, you can see this bird om Pian Upe Nature reserve, Murchison falls National Park etc.
Green-breasted Pitta
The Green-breasted Pitta is a fairly common sight in the wooded areas of Uganda, especially in Kibale National Park, Maramagambo forest, and some parts of Bwindi forest National park. It can also be found in nearby areas along the Albertine Rift. The bird lives in dense vegetation, is shy, and lives a secret life; you will probably hear its call and might not see it since it is so secretive. Its call is a loud and ringing whistle and often has two or more notes. The best time to find this species is in the rainy season, from April to October, when it is more active and vocal.
African Green Broadbill
The African Green Broadbill is found in various habitats across Western and Central Africa and in parts of East Africa. It is typically found in rain forests and woodlands along river the Nile and other water sources. The African Green Broadbill normally feeds on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Many factors contribute to the extinction of African Green Broadbills. These include habitat loss caused by deforestation and fragmentation, hunting for food, and the pet trade. The African Green Broadbill is also listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species since 2009.
Saddle-Billed Stork
The Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis), also known as the Senegalese Stork, is a large species of tropical stork found in the East and Southern parts of Africa. The Saddle-billed Stork is mostly found in Uganda’s wetlands and shallow lakes where it feeds on fish, frogs, and insects wherever there are wetlands.
The saddle-billed stork isn’t endangered. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says it’s not endangered.
This majestic bird is not to be underestimated. During its lifetime, it can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The average male weighs 7 kg, whereas the average female weighs 5 kg.
With almost 40 cm long legs, it is a very long-legged bird. Beaks can grow up to 35 cm! On average, its wings measure 2.5 meters – sometimes even more.
The saddle-billed stork has long legs and they are not just for beauty. They’re more likely to succeed in their endeavors with it.
To begin with, they are capable of wading through fairly deep water in search of food. I love watching long-legged water birds like saddle-billed storks gracefully move through shallow waters. By using their long bills, they can reach deep into the water to find prey.
Goliath Heron
A Goliath heron is a large gray heron found in much of Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in the southern and western parts. The species is common in Uganda, where it is found in wetlands, lake margins, and open woodlands, among other places. Generally, its diet consists of fish, frogs, and other aquatic prey, though it may also eat insects and rodents. It is known to roost in tall trees near water sources.
Are Goliath Herons endangered? No, Goliath herons are not endangered. Goliath herons are classified as the least concern by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).
African Fish Eagle
African Fish Eagles (Haliaeetus vocifer) are large eagles throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Its distinctive call, a high-pitched “quet-quet-quet,” is a familiar sound in many of Uganda’s wetlands and open areas near water bodies where this species occurs. African Fish Eagles, also known as African Fish Eagles, are among the most recognizable raptors on the African continent.
They are particularly common in the western and northwestern parts of Uganda, where there are plains and wetlands, and Lake Victoria. Their scientific name is Haliaeetus vocifer, which means “sea eagle with a loud voice.”
The African Fish Eagle is a big bird with a nearly two-meter wingspan. Their heads are characteristically large, their beaks are large, and they have white heads and necks with darker brown backs and tails. The adults have yellow legs, black talons, and white underwings. In contrast, the juveniles have light brown eyes, grey talons, and lighter brown feathers.
Although it sometimes catches water snakes, turtles, and other aquatic creatures, the African Fish Eagle feeds almost exclusively on fish. As it glides above the water, it plunges with its wings folded to capture prey. With its powerful talons, the bird catches its prey and returns to a perch, where it eats it or brings it to its nest to feed the juveniles. Nests are generally found in tall trees near lakes and rivers.
Great Blue Turaco
Great blue turacos are beautiful, large, subtropical, and tropical African birds, especially in Uganda and East Africa. It belongs to the Musophagidae family and is one of the most common turacos.
Males are larger than females and have bright blue feathers and white stripes down their backs. During the day, the great blue turaco is fairly active and feeds on various fruits, nuts, flowers, and small animals.
A great blue turaco is one of the more famous species of the Musophagidae family of birds because of its loud and raucous calls that are heard from many miles away. High branches are perfect for breeding as they breed in colonies. This is one of Uganda’s most popular and iconic bird species and is a reminder of the diversity and uniqueness of Uganda’s natural beauty. The Great blue turaco is an important part of African folklore, as it is seen as a symbol of love, peace and luck.
Long crested Eagle
The Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis) is a large species of raptor found in sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda. It is distinguished by its long crest, rufous back and head, and boldly patterned underparts. Its wingspan can reach 1.8 meters, and it weighs up to 1.3 kilograms. The long-crested eagle is very common in Uganda and you will often see it besides the roads especially the Entebbe Express highway around Nambigirwa swamp.
There are many birds, mammals, and reptiles that it preys on, including the helmeted guinea fowl. It nests in tall trees and breeds in the dry season, laying two to three eggs. As a result of habitat destruction and hunting, the Long-crested Eagle is listed as Near threatened, as its small populations throughout East Africa are at risk, especially in Dr. Congo, due to habitat destruction and bush meat. It is now a protected species in Uganda, and hunting it can lead to imprisonment.
The Secretary Bird
The Secretary Bird is a large, mostly terrestrial bird native to the African savannahs. It is believed that the bird gets its name from the large crest of feathers resembling a quill pen – reminiscent of a secretary seated at a writing desk. In Uganda, Secretary Birds are mainly found along the River Nile, Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison falls National Park and Pian Upe reserve. In some African cultures, the secretary bird is traditionally considered a symbol of strength and courage. With their powerful feet, they can easily stalk and kill snakes, rats, lizards, and other small prey due to their strong hunting abilities. A female secretary bird will lay three eggs per nesting season, and they’re monogamous, unlike some other bird species.
With their long legs, Secretary birds can reach 44 miles per hour, making them surprisingly fast.
Black Bee Eaters
Black Bee Eaters belong to a group of dark-forest dependent bee-eaters inhabiting Uganda’s open and bushy woodlands, savannahs, and grasslands, where they thrive. In Uganda, it’s a pretty common species, and it feeds on insects like bees, wasps, and termites. The Black Bee-eater normally nests in holes in high banks on open terraces near water or on sandy riverbanks in Murchison falls, National Park.
It can be found in places like Bwindi and the woodland along the Kyambura and Ishasha rivers in the western parts of Uganda.
The Black Bee Eater is among the 12 most sought-after bee-eaters in Uganda. The Black Bee Eater is one of those beautiful birds to look out for in Uganda. You won’t go wrong adding it to your checklist.
You might be interested in our birding in Rwanda , Top 10 birding spots in Uganda
| Name | Species | Description | Best Time to View | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African Grey Hornbill | Tockus nasutus | Medium-sized bird with a grey body, black and white wings, and a large red bill. It has a distinct call and is often seen perched on treetops. | Anytime | Murchison Falls National Park |
| Shoebill | Balaeniceps rex | Large bird with a unique appearance, featuring a massive shoe-shaped bill and a bluish-grey plumage. It is best known for its distinctive feeding behavior. | Dry season | Mabamba Swamp, Lake Albert |
| African Fish Eagle | Haliaeetus vocifer | Majestic bird of prey with a white head, brown body, and a hooked yellow beak. It is commonly seen near lakes and rivers, swooping down to catch fish. | Anytime | Lake Mburo National Park, Murchison Falls |
| Grey Crowned Crane | Balearica regulorum | Elegant bird with a tall crown of golden feathers, grey body, and long legs. It is the national bird of Uganda and is often seen in open grasslands and wetlands. | Anytime | Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park |
| African Jacana | Actophilornis africanus | Wading bird with long legs and toes, a chestnut body, and a white wing patch. It is known for its ability to walk on floating vegetation with ease. | Wet season | Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mabamba Swamp |
| Great Blue Turaco | Corythaeola cristata | Large bird with vibrant blue plumage, a distinctive yellow bill, and a crest on its head. It is known for its loud calls and can be spotted in forested areas. | Anytime | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park |
| Marabou Stork | Leptoptilos crumeniferus | Large wading bird with a bald head, long bill, and a wingspan of over three meters. It has a unique appearance and is often seen near water bodies and in urban areas. | Anytime | Murchison Falls National Park, Kazinga Channel |
| African Pygmy Kingfisher | Ispidina picta | Tiny bird with a colorful plumage, including shades of blue, orange, and white. It is often found near water sources and feeds on insects and small fish. | Anytime | Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park |
| Yellow-billed Duck | Anas undulata | Medium-sized duck with a yellow bill, brown plumage, and distinctive patterned wings. It is commonly seen swimming in lakes, rivers, and wetland areas. | Wet season | Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| African Paradise Flycatcher | Terpsiphone viridis | Small bird with a long, graceful tail and a white and chestnut plumage. The male has elongated central tail feathers. It is known for its aerial acrobatics while hunting. | Wet season | Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park |
| Black-headed Gonolek | Laniarius erythrogaster | Vibrantly colored bird with a black head, orange belly, and black and white wings. It is known for its loud and melodious song. | Dry season | Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park |
| African Pied Hornbill | Tockus fasciatus | Medium-sized bird with a black and white plumage, a large bill, and a distinct call. It is often found in woodlands and savannahs, frequently perched on tree branches. | Anytime | Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| Red-throated Bee-eater | Merops bulocki | Colorful bird with a green body, red throat, and a long, curved beak. It feeds primarily on bees and other flying insects and is often seen near rivers and lakes. | Dry season | Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| African Skimmer | Rynchops flavirostris | Unusual-looking bird with a black and white plumage, a long, slender bill, and distinctive red eyes. It is known for its unique feeding behavior along rivers and lakes. | Dry season | Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| White-headed Barbet | Lybius leucocephalus | Small bird with a black body, white head, and a colorful bill. It is often seen perched on tree branches, where it excavates nest holes using its strong beak. | Anytime | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park |
| Abyssinian Ground Hornbill | Bucorvus abyssinicus | Large bird with a black body, red facial skin, and a large casque on top of its bill. It is known for its booming calls and is often seen in savannah and grassland areas. | Anytime | Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| African Green Pigeon | Treron calvus | Medium-sized pigeon with a green plumage, a yellow bill, and red undertail feathers. It is often found in forests and woodlands, feeding on fruits and seeds. | Anytime | Kibale National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park |
| Black Bee-eater | Merops gularis | Colorful bird with a black body, yellow throat, and a long, curved beak. It is known for its distinctive “brrr-p” call and is often seen perched on exposed branches. | Dry season | Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park |
| Ross’s Turaco | Musophaga rossae | Medium-sized bird with a black body, purple wings, and a red crest. It is known for its distinctive call and is often seen in forests and wooded areas. | Anytime | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park |
Ibis
Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus)
–Olive Ibis (Bostrychia olivacea)
–Spot-breasted Ibis (Bostrychia rara)
–Hadada Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash)
–Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
–Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
–African Spoonbill (Platalea alba)
–
Storks
–Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis)
-African Openbill (Anastomus lamelligerus)
-Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
-Abdim’s Stork (Ciconia abdimii)
-Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus)
-White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
-Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis0
-Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus).
–Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
–Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala0)
–Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath)
–Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
–Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca)
–Intermediate Egret (Egretta intermedia)
–Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
–Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides)
–Madagascar Pond-Heron (Ardeola idae)
–Rufous-bellied Heron (Ardeola rufiventris)
–Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
–Striated Heron (Butorides striata)
–Black-crowned Night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
–White-backed Night-heron (Gorsachius leuconotus)
–Dwarf Bittern (Ixobrychus sturmii)
–Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris)
–Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
–Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor)
–Comb Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos)
-Hartlaub’s Duck (Pteronetta hartlaubii)
-African Pygmy-goose (Nettapus auritus)
-African Black Duck (Anas sparsa)
-Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope)
-Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca)
-Cape Teal (Anas capensis)
-Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata)
-Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
-Red-billed Duck (Anas erythrorhyncha)
-Hottentot Teal (Anas hottentota)
-Garganey Anas (querquedula)
-Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
-Southern Pochard (Netta erythrophthalma)
-Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)
-Ferruginous Pochard (Aythya nyroca)
-Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
-Maccoa Duck (Oxyura maccoa)
Hawks, kites and eagles
-African Cuckoo-hawk (Aviceda cuculoides
-European Honey-buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
– Bat Hawk (Macheiramphus alcinus)
– Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus)
– Scissor-tailed Kite (Chelictinia riocourii)
– Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
– Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
– African Fish-Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)
– Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis)
– Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus)
– Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus)
– Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)
– White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus)
– Rueppell’s Griffon (Gyps rueppellii)
– Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotus)
– White-headed Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis)
– Beaudouin’s Snake-eagle (Circaetus beaudouini)
– Black-chested Snake-eagle (Circaetus pectoralis)
– Brown Snake-eagle (Circaetus cinereus)
– Banded Snake-eagle (Circaetus cinerascens)
– Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus)
– Congo Serpent-eagle (Dryotriorchis spectabilis)
– Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
– African Marsh Harrier (Circus ranivorus)
– Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus)
– Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus)
– African Harrier-Hawk (Polyboroides typus0
– Lizard Buzzard (Kaupifalco monogrammicus)
– Dark Chanting Goshawk (Melierax metabates)
– Eastern Chanting Goshawk (Melierax poliopterus)
– Gabar Goshawk (Micronisus gabar)
– Red-chested Goshawk (Accipiter toussenelii)
– Chestnut-flanked Sparrowhawk (Accipiter castanilius)
– Shikra (Accipiter badius)
– Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes)
– Red-thighed Sparrowhawk (Accipiter erythropus)
– Little Sparrowhawk (Accipiter minullus)
– Ovampo Sparrowhawk (Accipiter ovampensis)
– Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk (Accipiter rufiventris)
– Black Goshawk (Accipiter melanoleucus)
– Long-tailed Hawk (Urotriorchis macrourus)
– Grasshopper Buzzard (Butastur rufipennis)
– Eurasian Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
– Mountain Buzzard (Buteo oreophilus)
– Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus)
– Red-necked Buzzard (Buteo auguralis)
– Augur Buzzard (Buteo augur)
– Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina)
– Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga)
– Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)
– Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis)
– Wahlberg’s Eagle (Aquila wahlbergi)
– Verreaux’s Eagle (Aquila verreauxii)
– African Hawk-eagle (Aquila spilogaster)
– Booted Eagle (Aquila pennatus)0
– Ayres’s Hawk-eagle (Aquila ayresii)
– Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus)
– Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis)
– Cassin’s Hawk-eagle (Spizaetus africanus)
– Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus)
