Birds in Uganda: A Complete Guide to Birdwatching in the Pearl of Africa

Uganda is one of the top birdwatching destinations in the world, with over 1,090 recorded bird species. This impressive diversity makes the country a dream location for birders, researchers, photographers, and nature lovers. From wetlands and swamps to savannahs and tropical rainforests, Uganda’s varied ecosystems support both resident birds and migratory species from Europe and Asia.

Among the most famous birds found in Uganda is the rare Shoebill Stork, a globally threatened species that is a major attraction for birding tours.

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Why Uganda Is a Birding Paradise

Uganda’s strategic location in East Africa, combined with a mixture of forest, wetland, and savannah habitats, creates ideal conditions for bird diversity. On a typical Uganda birding tour, you can spot species such as:

• Orange-breasted Waxbill
• Chapin’s Flycatcher
• Grant’s Bluebill
• Grey-winged Robin-Chat
• Papyrus Yellow Warbler
• African Harrier-Hawk
• Eurasian Hobby
• Red-throated Flycatcher
• White-tailed Lark
• Cinnamon-breasted Rock Warbler

Some birds are resident species, such as the Ground Hornbill, Martial Eagle, and Palm-nut Vulture, while others are Palearctic migrants, including White Storks, Black Kites, and Spotted Flycatchers.

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The Majestic Shoebill Stork (Balaeniceps rex)

The Shoebill Stork is one of Africa’s most unusual and endangered birds. It mainly inhabits swamps and marshes of East and Central Africa, with Uganda being one of the best places to see it.

Best location to see Shoebills in Uganda:

• Mabamba Swamp (near Lake Victoria)
• Lake Albert wetlands

Shoebill tours at Mabamba involve traveling by canoe through papyrus channels, giving you an incredible chance to observe this prehistoric-looking bird at close range.

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Orange-Breasted Waxbill (Estrilda melpoda)

The Orange-Breasted Waxbill is a small, colorful bird found in Uganda’s grasslands and savannah woodlands.

Key features:

• Bright orange breast
• Yellow-green underparts
• Diet: seeds, insects, worms

It is commonly seen in open natural habitats across the country.

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Chapin’s Flycatcher

The Chapin’s Flycatcher is a stable species found in forests, woodlands, and savannahs.

Best places to see it in Uganda:

• Murchison Falls National Park
• Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

This bird prefers a wide altitudinal range and adapts to different environments with ease.

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Green-Breasted Pitta

A shy and secretive forest bird, the Green-Breasted Pitta thrives in thick rainforest vegetation.

Best locations:

• Kibale National Park
• Maramagambo Forest
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Best time to see it: April to October (rainy season) when it is most active and vocal.

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African Green Broadbill (Vulnerable Species)

The African Green Broadbill inhabits tropical forests near rivers and wetlands in East, West, and Central Africa.

Threats to survival:

• Deforestation
• Habitat fragmentation
• Hunting and pet trade

It has been classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to continuous population decline.

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Saddle-Billed Stork

The Saddle-billed Stork is one of the tallest storks in the world, standing up to 1.5 meters tall.

Key facts:

• Found in marshes and shallow lakes
• Diet: fish, frogs, insects
• Wingspan: up to 2.5 meters
• Status: Least Concern (IUCN)

These long legs help the bird wade easily through deep wetlands in search of food.

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The Giant of Herons – The Goliath Heron

The Goliath Heron is the largest heron species in the world.

Habitat in Uganda:

• Lake shores
• Marshlands
• Open forest streams

It mainly feeds on fish but may also eat frogs, insects, and small mammals.

Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN)

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African Fish Eagle – The Voice of Africa

One of the most iconic birds in Africa, the African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) is easily recognized by its loud call and striking white head.

Where to see it in Uganda:

• Lake Victoria
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park

It dives into the water to catch fish using powerful talons and often nests in tall trees near rivers.

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The Great Blue Turaco – Uganda’s Forest Gem

The Great Blue Turaco is one of the most beautiful forest birds in Africa.

Key highlights:

• Bright blue feathers
• Loud, echoing calls
• Diet: fruits, flowers, and insects

It symbolizes beauty, peace, and good fortune in many African cultures, making it one of Uganda’s most cherished birds.

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Long-Crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis)

The Long-Crested Eagle is easily recognized by its prominent crest and patterned underparts.

Common sightings:

• Along the Entebbe Express Highway
• Marshy areas near swamps
• Grasslands and forest edges

In Uganda, it is a protected bird, and killing it is a punishable offense.

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The Secretary Bird – Master of the Savanna

The Secretary Bird is known for hunting snakes with powerful kicks.

Main locations in Uganda:

• Kidepo Valley National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

It can run up to 44 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest land birds.

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Black Bee-Eater (Merops gularis)

This striking bird feeds on bees, wasps, and flying insects.

Where to see it:

• Murchison Falls National Park
• Bwindi Forest edges
• Kyambura Gorge and Ishasha region

It nests in sandy riverbanks and cliff holes.

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Popular Bird Species in Uganda – Quick Guide

Bird Name	Scientific Name	Best Locations	Best Time
Shoebill	Balaeniceps rex	Mabamba Swamp, Lake Albert	Dry season
African Fish Eagle	Haliaeetus vocifer	Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo	All year
Grey Crowned Crane	Balearica regulorum	Queen Elizabeth NP	All year
African Jacana	Actophilornis africanus	Mabamba, Kazinga	Wet season
Great Blue Turaco	Corythaeola cristata	Bwindi, Kibale	Any time
Black-headed Gonolek	Laniarius erythrogaster	Murchison Falls	Dry season
African Skimmer	Rynchops flavirostris	Nile River	Dry season
Ross’s Turaco	Musophaga rossae	Bwindi, Kibale	All year

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Other Notable Bird Families in Uganda

Uganda is also home to large populations of:

• Ibises & Spoonbills
• Storks
• Herons & Egrets
• Flamingos
• Ducks & Geese
• Hawks, Kites & Eagles
• Vultures
• Buzzards & Snake Eagles

This makes Uganda one of the top birding destinations globally, alongside Kenya and Tanzania.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you are a professional ornithologist or a beginner birdwatcher, Uganda offers a world-class birding experience filled with rare, colorful, and endangered species. From Mabamba Swamp to Bwindi Forest, the country is packed with unforgettable sightings.

Uganda truly deserves its title as “The Pearl of Africa” – not just for gorillas and safari animals, but also for its incredible birds.