​Birds – Kibale NP

Ariadne van Zandbergen
Expert
By Ariadne van Zandbergen

Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who write and update many Bradt guides, including the guide to Uganda.

Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who write and update many Bradt guides, including the guide to Uganda.

Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who author the Bradt guide to Uganda.

Ariadne and her husband form a team who author the Bradt guide to Uganda.

Kibale is a bird-watcher's paradise. More than 370 species have been recorded and many are forest specials, including the sought-after African pitta. Four bird species have not been recorded in any other national park of Uganda: Cassin’s spinetail, blue-headed bee-eater, Nahan’s francolin and Masked apalis. The best bird-watching spot is the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary – a community project where experienced guides take you on a four-hour trail. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Notable Birds in Kibale NP
African pied wagtail
Common
Great blue turaco
Common
Pin-tailed whydah
Common
Slender-billed weaver
Common
Tropical boubou
Common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders

(E) endemic = only lives in Uganda
(NE) near-endemic = also lives in neighboring countries

Facts & Figures

Birds in Kibale NP
Bird Species
370+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

The birdlife in Kibale is good year-round, but at its best from March to May and from September to November. June to September is the main fruiting season, so food is abundant, and many birds are in breeding plumage. Migratory birds, though not a major factor in the forests, can be found here from November to April.

December to February and June to July have the least rain while March to May and September to November have the most rain. Rainstorms might limit your bird-watching time.

Want To Visit Kibale NP?

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Kibale NP
Bird Species
370+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr