About one-third of the roughly 450 species recorded in Bwabwata National Park are migratory. This includes a good number of waders that are drawn to the large body of water in Bwabwata pan, which fills during the Wet season (November to April). The pan is an important breeding ground for lesser and greater flamingos. The park is excellent for seeing birds of prey, with nearly 40 species, including many hawks, vultures, eagles and falcons. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
- African barred owlet
- African pygmy goose
- African skimmer
- African wood owl
- Allen’s gallinule
- Bennett’s woodpecker
- Black-faced babbler
- Black-winged pratincole
- Collared palm-thrush
- Coppery-tailed coucal
- Dickinson’s kestrel
- Greater flamingo
- Lesser flamingo
- Meves’s starling
- Rufous-bellied heron
- Slaty egret
- Southern ground hornbill
- Swamp boubou
- Wattled crane
- White-backed night heron
Best Time for Bird Watching
Summer migrants from Eurasia are present from November to April, making this the best time for bird watching. However, Bwabwata offers great birding throughout the year. In contrast to the ideal months for birding, the cooler, dry months from May to September are best for general wildlife viewing.