Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Ethiopia.
Ethiopia is one of Africa’s top bird-watching countries, with more than 920 species recorded. Impressive as this tally is, what really makes Ethiopia stand out is its large number of endemics and near-endemics. Incredibly, most of these rarities can be seen on a standard birding trip. Specials aside, the sheer number and variety of colorful birds are a highlight for most visitors. And if you’re not a twitcher already, Ethiopia might just be the country that converts you.
Notable Birds in Ethiopia
Common & endemic
Birding Rating
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Endemic & Near-endemic Birds
(E) endemic = only lives in Ethiopia(NE) near-endemic = also lives in neighboring countries
Other Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders
Facts & Figures
Best Time for Bird Watching
Bird watching in Ethiopia is best from November to March when migrants are present. This coincides with the Dry season, which is a great time to travel. April to September is good for birding too. At this time many resident birds come into breeding plumage and are more vocal and easier to find. July and August see heavy rainfall which might interfere with bird watching and other activities.
Best Parks for Birding –Includes Birding Rating
It’s easy to see birds in Ethiopia. They are literally everywhere, and often in big numbers. The countryside and historical sites offer great opportunities for general birding, while some of the parks are better for marking off some of the sought-after localized species. Awash NP should be on every birder’s itinerary as it is great for general birding, as well as dry-country specials. Bale Mountains, with its high-altitude grassland and dense swathes of forest, is a good place to see a lot of endemics. The Rift Valley lakes are great for water birds: Lake Ziway never disappoints for sheer numbers, and Abijatta-Shalla is a magical place to watch the sun set over flocks of flamingos.
- Awash NP 4.0/5 3 Birding Ratings
- Bale Mountains NP 3.8/5 5 Birding Ratings
Recommended Birding Books
Want To Visit Ethiopia?
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Facts & Figures
