​Birds – Lesotho

Ariadne van Zandbergen
Expert
By Ariadne van Zandbergen

Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband write and update content for many travel organizations, including the Lesotho Tourist Board.

Despite its small size, landlocked Lesotho has more than 350 birds recorded. The whole country has an altitude of more than 1,000m/3,280ft, so the main birding interest lies in the mountain specials. Drakensberg siskin and Drakensberg rockjumper are endemic to the Drakensberg Mountains. Other specials include Drakensberg prinia, yellow-breasted pipit and buff-streaked chat. Cape vultures and jackal buzzards nest on the cliffs, and the country is one of the best places in southern Africa to see the sought-after bearded vulture.

Notable Birds in Lesotho
Cape vulture
Occasional
Common stonechat
Common
Jackal buzzard
Common
Southern bald ibis
Occasional
White-necked raven
Common

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Endemic & Near-endemic Birds

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

Other Birding SpecialsTreats for Avid Birders

Facts & Figures

Birds in Lesotho
Bird Species
350+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Many of Lesotho’s special birds are resident and can be seen throughout the year, but the best time for birding is from November to April, when the migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa are present. At this time, many birds are nesting and are in breeding plumage too.

Recommended Birding Books

  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa
    Ian Sinclair
  • Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa
    Kenneth Newman and Vanessa Newman
  • Pocket Guide: Birds of Southern Africa
    Ian Sinclair

Want To Visit Lesotho?

Birding Rating

  • User Rating
    0.0/5 0 Birding Reviews

Facts & Figures

Birds in Lesotho
Bird Species
350+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr