Liuwa Plain National Park has an interesting mix of resident waterbirds, grassland birds and raptors. In the Wet season, from November to April, huge numbers of migrants add to the mix. Most notable are the 100,000 plus black-winged pratincoles. While a single bird doesn’t look like much, you’ll be mesmerized by the huge migrating flocks swarming over the plains like bees. Threatened waterbirds include slaty egret and whiskered tern, for which Liuwa Plain provides the only breeding ground in Zambia.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
- African pygmy goose
- Black coucal
- Black-winged pratincole
- Blue-billed teal
- Blue-breasted bee-eater
- Coppery-tailed coucal
- Denham’s bustard
- Eastern clapper lark
- Fülleborn’s longclaw
- Palm-nut vulture
- Pink-billed lark
- Rosy-throated longclaw
- Secretary bird
- Sharp-tailed starling
- Slaty egret
- Sooty chat
- Swamp boubou
- Whiskered tern
- White-bellied bustard
Best Time for Bird Watching
Liuwa Plain is great for birding all year, but the wet summer months (from November to April) are the best. This is when migrants are present, and many birds are in breeding plumage. The park becomes almost impassable after December, so November to December would be the ideal time to visit (also the best time for wildlife viewing).