Murchison Falls National Park has an impressive bird checklist of more than 450 species. It is one of the best places to look for the shoebill, a massive and prehistoric-looking relative of the pelicans. Shoebills are most often seen on early morning boat trips to the Lake Albert Delta. This and the more popular boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls are both great for checking off other waterbirds. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
- Abyssinian ground hornbill
- African darter
- African fish eagle
- African jacana
- African quailfinch
- Black coucal
- Black-billed barbet
- Black-headed gonolek
- Black-headed lapwing
- Blue-headed coucal
- Denham’s bustard
- Eastern grey plantain-eater
- Giant kingfisher
- Goliath heron
- Malachite kingfisher
- Osprey
- Palm-nut vulture
- Piapiac
- Red-headed lovebird
- Red-throated bee-eater
- Red-winged grey warbler
- Shoebill
- Silverbird
- Speckle-fronted weaver
- Squacco heron
- Swamp flycatcher
- White-browed sparrow-weaver
- White-crested turaco
Best Time for Bird Watching
The birdlife in Murchison Falls NP is good year-round, but at its best from January to March. The months from December to February have the least rain, while April to May and August to October have the most rain. The heavy rains might result in delays due to impassable roads and slippery hiking trails and can limit your bird-watching time. Migratory birds are present from November to April.