​Birds – Budongo Forest

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

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

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

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

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Uganda.

Budongo Forest is of great interest to birders. It has a checklist of more than 360 birds, of which 60 are considered West or Central African birds. The forest is the second most important in Uganda (after Semuliki National Park) for species of the Guinea-Congo forest region. Two species of birds found in Budongo Forest are found nowhere else in East Africa: yellow-footed flycatcher and Puvel's illadopsis. The best location for bird watching is on 'The Royal Mile' at Busingiro, but Kaniyo Pabidi also offers excellent forest birding and is easier to explore. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Notable Birds in Budongo Forest
African pied wagtail
Common
Black kite
Common
Crested guineafowl
Common
Fork-tailed drongo
Common
Olive-breasted greenbul
Common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders

Facts & Figures

Birds in Budongo Forest
Bird Species
360+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

The birdlife in Budongo Forest is good year-round, but at its best from February to April and in September. June to September is the main fruiting season, so food is abundant, and many birds are in breeding plumage. Migratory birds are in the forest from November to April.

December to February has the least rain while April to May and September to October have the most rain. The heavy rains might result in delays due to impassable roads. Slippery hiking trails can limit your bird-watching time.

Want To Visit Budongo Forest?

23 Budongo Forest Chimp Tours

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Budongo Forest
Bird Species
360+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr