​Birds – Awash NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt guide to Ethiopia.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Ethiopia.

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Ethiopia.

With more than 450 species recorded, Awash National Park is one of Ethiopia’s best bird-watching destinations. Aside from two endemics, there are several highly range-restricted birds to look for. This includes the sought-after sombre rock chat, which stays around the lava fields below Mt Fentale. Many birds of prey breed in Awash gorge and on the volcano’s slopes. Colorful dry-country specials, such as golden-breasted starling and red-and-yellow barbet, brighten up the scene. Palearctic migrants are present from November to March.

Notable Birds in Awash NP
Abyssinian roller
Common
Brown snake-eagle
Common
Lappet-faced vulture
Common
Northern carmine bee-eater
Common
Somali ostrich
Occasional

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Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders

(E) endemic = only lives in Ethiopia
(NE) near-endemic = also lives in neighboring countries

Facts & Figures

Birds in Awash NP
Bird Species
450+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Mar

Best Time for Bird Watching

The best time for bird watching in Awash NP is November to March. This is when Palearctic migrants are present and rainfall is minimal. As many specials are resident, birding is good throughout the year. July and August are quite wet, but this shouldn’t interfere too much with your birding time.

Want To Visit Awash NP?

15 Awash Tours

Birding Rating

  • User Rating
    0.0/5 0 Birding Reviews

Facts & Figures

Birds in Awash NP
Bird Species
450+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Mar