Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt guide to Malawi.
Malawi offers more than 650 bird species, which is an impressive number for a small country. Lake Malawi is great for general waterbirds such as kingfishers, cormorants and egrets, and fish eagles, impressive creatures with a 2m/6.5ft wingspan, are never far away. Liwonde National Park offers country specials like Böhm’s bee-eater, brown-breasted barbet and Lilian’s lovebird. Also of great interest to birders are the high-mountain plateaus of Nyika and Viphya, and the miombo woodland of Dzalanyama Forest. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Notable Birds in Malawi
Common
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Endemic & Near-endemic Birds
(E) endemic = only lives in Malawi(NE) near-endemic = lives in Malawi and neighboring countries
Other Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders
Facts & Figures
Best Time for Bird Watching
Bird watching in Malawi is excellent throughout the year. The best time, however, is during the Wet season (November to April) when migratory birds are present. Wildlife viewing is better in the Dry season (May to October).
Best Parks for Birding –Includes Birding Rating
Liwonde National Park has some of the Malawi specials and is very good for general water and woodland birds. The grassland and forest habitats of Nyika National Park harbor a very different range of specials. Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve’s miombo woodland is very rewarding birding territory, and there are many raptors at this less-developed reserve.
- Liwonde NP 3.6/5 10 Birding Ratings
- Nkhotakota WR 1.8/5 4 Birding Ratings
- Nyika NP 3.7/5 7 Birding Ratings
Recommended Birding Books
Want To Visit Malawi?
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