The birds of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park make Uganda a top birding safari destination in the world, especially for tourists who are interested in bird watching. Bwindi is located in the southwestern in Uganda and is one of the highest points you can be at during your bird watching safari in Africa. The park has an estimate of more than 369 bird species with about 90% of all Albertine rift valley species that are rarely sighted in the East African region.
Visiting Bwindi impenetrable forest offers you a chance to view different birds of Bwindi forest in the four different regions.
More About birds of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi impenetrable forest is a magical site with several habitats that support varied avian species. So, out of over 369 notable species of birds, 23 of them are Albertine rift valley endemics and these represent about 90% of the overall. These Albertine Rift valley endemic include the short-tailed warbler and blue-headed sunbird.
The forest gives a chance to bird lovers to have an opportunity to spot out different bird species. As a result, this has made Uganda one of the leading destinations for bird lovers in Africa. The forest has ideal trails for bird lovers which are well kept to allow bird lovers to achieve their dreams in the Park.
The Buhoma waterfall trail, Mubwindi swamp in Ruhija, and Bamboo zone are the key trails during your bird watching tour in Bwindi. Here, you will just relax and breathe in fresh air as you appreciate the sights and sound that nature offers.
Some of the notable birds of Bwindi include the Handsome Francolin, Mountain Illadopsis, White starred robin, Augur Buzzard, Grey cuckoo shrike, Ayres’s and Cassin’s hawk eagle. There is also the Mountain masked, Red throated alethe, Collard, Black and white casqued hornbills, Grey throated barbet, Chestnut throated and black throated apalis, Dusky tit, Dusky and Shelley’s crimson wing.
Don’t miss the Great blue and Black billed Turacos, Cinnamon chested bee eater, White headed wood hoopoe, Montane nightjar, Bar tailed trogon, Long crested eagle, Yellow rumped tinkerbird, and Grauer’s warbler among others.
The Bwindi forest has numerous key areas where you can spot such birds including Mubwindi Swamp, Buhoma sector, and Ruhija sector among others.
Best time for birdwatching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bird watching in Bwindi forest is an all year round experience, but usually the best time to spot many bird species is during early morning hours. Some of the bird species you might view include the western green tinker, Rwenzori batis, flycatcher, and cinnamon-chested bee-eater among others.
The rainy seasons of March to May, and October to mid-December are sometimes the best time to see birds of Bwindi. During this season, the Park receives migratory bird species from different areas thus making it the best time to visit Bwindi for bird watching.