Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is one of the most enjoyable birding spots in Uganda. Highlights for novices include the colorful likes of great blue turaco, double-toothed barbet and snowy-crowned robin-chat. For dedicated birders, this is possibly the best place in Uganda to tick off yellow-billed barbet, red-headed bluebill, papyrus gonolek and the recently described blue malkoha. In total, more than 200 species have been recorded in an area of roughly 2km²/0.77mi², including most swamp and forest-fringe birds associated with neighboring Kibale National Park.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
- African grey parrot
- Black-crowned waxbill
- Blue malkoha
- Blue-breasted kingfisher
- Blue-headed coucal
- Blue-throated roller
- Brown-eared woodpecker
- Double-toothed barbet
- Great blue turaco
- Grey-headed nigrita
- Grey-throated barbet
- Grosbeak weaver
- Papyrus gonolek
- Red-capped robin-chat
- Red-headed bluebill
- Ross’s turaco
- Snowy-crowned robin-chat
- Speckled tinkerbird
- Swamp flycatcher
- White-spotted flufftail
- Yellow-billed barbet
- Yellow-rumped tinkerbird
- Yellow-spotted barbet
- Yellow-throated tinkerbird
Best Time for Bird Watching
As is the case with neighboring Kibale, almost all the key birds at Bigodi are resident and can be seen year-round. However, March to May and September to November are the best months for birding. Migratory birds are around from November to April.