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.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
(E) endemic = only lives in Ethiopia(NE) near-endemic = lives in Ethiopia and neighboring countries
- African swallow-tailed kite
- Arabian bustard
- Ashy cisticola
- Blackstart
- Boran cisticola (NE)
- Bristle-crowned starling
- Chestnut-headed sparrow lark
- Ethiopian cliff swallow (E)
- Gillett’s lark (NE)
- Nile valley sunbird
- Red-winged lark
- Shining sunbird
- Somali fiscal
- Sombre rock chat (NE)
- Yellow-breasted barbet
- Yellow-throated seedeater (E)
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.