Despite its small size, landlocked Lesotho has more than 350 bird species 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.
Endemic & Near-endemic Birds
Lesotho has no endemic birds.(NE) near-endemic = lives in Lesotho and neighboring countries
- African pied starling (NE)
- Buff-streaked chat (NE)
- Bush blackcap (NE)
- Drakensberg prinia (NE)
- Drakensberg rockjumper (NE)
- Drakensberg siskin (NE)
- Gurney’s sugarbird (NE)
- Southern bald ibis (NE)
- Yellow-breasted pipit (NE)
Other Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
- African rock pipit
- Banded martin
- Bearded vulture
- Black stork
- Cape vulture
- Cape weaver
- Chorister robin-chat
- Common stonechat
- Egyptian vulture
- Forest canary
- Great crested grebe
- Greater double-collared sunbird
- Grey-winged francolin
- Ground woodpecker
- Half-collared kingfisher
- Jackal buzzard
- Lanner falcon
- Large-billed lark
- Malachite sunbird
- Mountain buzzard
- Mountain pipit
- Mountain wheatear
- Secretary bird
- Sentinel rock thrush
- Southern double-collared sunbird
- Wattled crane
- White-necked raven
- Yellow bishop
Best Time for Bird Watching
Many of Lesotho’s special birds are resident and can be seen throughout the year. However, 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
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Roberts Bird Guide (2nd edition; book and app)
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Sasol Birds of Southern Africa (book and app)
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Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa (book and app)
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Pocket Guide: Birds of Southern Africa