Birds – Mgahinga Gorilla NP

Ariadne van Zandbergen
Expert
By Ariadne van Zandbergen

Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert and frequently visits Uganda. She and her husband are a travel photography/writing team with many Africa guidebooks under their belt, including the Bradt 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

Not much research has been done so far regarding the birds of Mgahinga, but the park is still of great interest to birdwatchers. Over 180 bird species have been recorded, and several are localized forest birds – 12 of which are considered endemic to the Albertine Rift. There are several guided mountain hikes on offer where birders get an opportunity to tick of some Afro-alpine endemics such as the scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Notable Birds in Mgahinga Gorilla
› ‹
African paradise flycatcher
Common
Black kite
Common
Cape robin-chat
Common
Pin-tailed whydah
Common
Speckled mousebird
Common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders

(E) = endemic to Uganda & (NE) = near-endemic to Uganda

  • African olive pigeon
  • Alpine swift
  • Archer's robin-chat (NE)
  • Blue-headed coucal
  • Dusky crimsonwing (NE)
  • Kivu ground thrush
  • Moorland chat
  • Olive woodpecker
  • Ruwenzori batis (NE)
  • Ruwenzori nightjar (NE)
  • Ruwenzori turaco (NE)
  • Scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird

Best Time for Bird Watching

The birdlife in Mgahinga is good year-round, but at its best from April to mid-May and from October to November. June and July have the least rain, and March to mid-May have the most rain. The heavy rains might result in delays due to impassable roads and slippery hiking trails, which can limit your bird-watching time. The main nesting season is in May and June. From late May through September, food is abundant. Migratory birds are in the park from November to April.

Best Parks for Birding –Including Birding Rating

Murchison Falls is excellent for seeing a wide array of common birds and specials, including the sought-after shoebill. Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Park are the most accessible sites for Albertine Rift endemics, and Semuliki is the only place in East Africa to see many Guinea-Congo regional species.

Want to Visit Mgahinga Gorilla NP?

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Mgahinga Gorilla NP
Bird Species
180+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr