Forest Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Forest Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: This is a top location in Africa for bird watching, attracting bird lovers and experts globally. The park is home to a diverse bird species—about 350 birds, where 23 are endemic to the Albertine Rift and 14 of these bird species are endemic to Bwindi, such as the Grauer’s Broadbill (African Green Broadbill), Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Dwarf Honey Guide, Neumann’s Warbler and Rwenzori Nightjar, which birders highly desire. It offers a range of regional birds, including the Handsome Francolin, Doherty’s Bush Shrike, and the Blue-headed Sunbird. The park’s rich vegetation, varied heights, and plentiful food sources provide a safe habitat for these species, especially amid habitat loss in other areas

Additionally, Bwindi welcomes many migratory birds from Europe and Asia between November and April, including the black kite, common cuckoo, and barn swallow. This arrival enhances the birdwatching experience and highlights the park’s significance as a crucial stop along the African-Eurasian flyway. Located in southwest Uganda, Bwindi is the country’s oldest national park and is known for its spectacular landscapes and wild mountain gorillas. With 400 plant species, 350 bird species, and 120 mammal species, it is the richest forest in East Africa. While gorilla trekking is the main attraction, forest birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park attracts many visitors.

Birds of Bwindi

A total of 350 bird species have been identified, including globally threatened species, the Chapin’s Flycatcher, the Grauer’s Broadbill (African Green Broadbill), the Grauer’s Rush Warbler, and the Shelley’s Crimson-wing. There are also 25 species with a restricted range. Three rare bird species that are the last of their genus can be found there, making it a popular destination for bird lovers. At Nakra Safaris, we plan personalised itineraries for those seeking the best mountain gorilla and birdwatching safari experiences. Furthermore, Bwindi is home to at least 220 species of butterflies, including three locally unique species. Most bird-watching tours take place in the Ruhija sector, which is well-known for its woodland and swamp birding trails, or along the forest borders and village walks in the Buhoma area. Ruhija’s Mubwindi Marsh is notable for its unusual bird observations.

Key Birding Trails in Bwindi

Mubwindi Swamp

Birdwatchers interested in birdwatching visit Mubwindi Swamp, which is located in the Ruhija region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The marsh is a fascinating place for birdwatchers, as it is home to more than 100 different species of birds. In addition to other high-altitude species like the Black Bee-eater, Rwenzori Batis, and Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, it is renowned for consistently identifying the endangered Grauer’s Broadbill. Choosing to go birdwatching at Mubwindi Swamp gives an exciting experience and an opportunity to discover more about the local fauna.

Buhoma Trail

Birdwatchers are strongly advised to visit the Buhoma Trail, which lies at a lower elevation in the park. During forest birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, visitors are likely to see rare birds, including the Great Blue Turaco, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, White-tailed Ant Thrush, and Red-throated Alethe. Moreover, the Buhoma community encourages birdwatching trips that improve and help the regional culture.

Rushaga

Birdwatching in the Rushaga region is best done early morning or afternoon with an experienced and knowledgeable guide. Among the many bird species visible are the Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, the African Harrier Hawk, the Handsome Francolin, the Giant Kingfisher, and the Dwarf Honeyguide.

The quiet paths offer an opportunity to observe uncommon species like the Archer’s Robin-chat and the Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher without interruption.

Nkuringo Sector

Although less dependable than Buhoma and Ruhija, the Nkuringo sector is famous for gorilla trekking and is home to a variety of bird species. Birds, including the African Paradise Flycatcher, Cape Wagtail, Pink-footed Puff, Snowy Crowned Robin-chat, and Yellow-rumped Tinker Bird, may be spotted by visitors. During birdwatching excursions, a knowledgeable bird guide will help identify these birds.

Ruhija

Following forest birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the leading birding destinations for birdwatchers visiting Uganda is Ruhija, which is renowned for its superb birding in picturesque surroundings where a variety of birds may be easily seen in mixed flocks throughout the day. The likelihood of seeing species such as the magnificent Grauer’s Broadbill, the Mountain Greenbul, the stunning Francolin, the Black-faced Apalis, the Chestnut-throated Apalis, the Rwenzori Batis, the Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, the Stripe-breasted Tit, the Strange Sunbird, and many more increases with an early start.

Buhoma

Birding in Buhoma is mainly carried out at the Buhoma Visitor Centre and on birding trails along the Munyanga River. Other prominent birding sites include Mubwindi Swamp, Neck, Ivy River, Rushura Hill, Habinyanja trails, Ruhija, and along the farmlands. Bird species to see include Ansorge’s Greenbul, Jameson’s Antpecker, Grey Crowned Crane, African Paradise Flycatcher, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Waller’s Starling, Cassin’s Flycatcher, Pink-footed, Crested Guinea fowl, White-throated Greenbul, and many others.

Others include the Angolan Swallow, Double-toothed Barbet, Helmeted guinea fowl, Vieillot’s Black Weaver, African Citril, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Doherty’s Bush-shrike, Mountain Wagtail, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Yellow-fronted Canary, Snowy-crowned Robin-chat, Petit’s Cuckoo-shrike, Ruwenzori Batis, African Hill-babbler, African Goshawk, Lühder’s Bush-shrike, Elliot’s Woodpecker, Klaas’s Cuckoo, Cape Wagtail, White-eyed Slaty-flycatcher,  Great Blue Turaco, Archer’s Robin-chat, Dusky Twinspot, Black Bee-eater, Brown-capped Weaver, African Flycatcher-chat, Mackinnon’s Shrike, Blue Spotted Wood Dove, Tambourine Dove, Handsome Francolin, African Broadbill, African Dusky Flycatcher, Grey-cheeked Hornbill, Ross’s Turaco, Grey-cheeked Hornbill, African Wood-owl, African Pygmy-kingfisher, Yellow-whiskered and White-headed Saw-wing, among others.

Conclusion

In addition to gorilla trekking, forest birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the main draws for birdwatchers worldwide. Especially before or after witnessing mountain gorillas in their natural environment, visitors can combine gorilla trekking and birdwatching. Because it preserves critical bird habitats, the park is significant to birdwatchers. By supporting migratory species and preserving local bird populations, the park’s conservation activities promote international efforts to safeguard bird migration pathways.