With nearly 700 species recorded, many of them seasonal, Namibia doesn’t have as many resident birds as some other African destinations. However, the arid habitat is home to a high number of dry-country specials that can be hard to see elsewhere. Although the dune lark is Namibia’s only endemic species, there are many near-endemics, which are easier to see here than in neighboring countries. The Palearctic migrants are present from November to April.
Endemic & Near-endemic Birds
(E) endemic = only lives in Namibia(NE) near-endemic = lives in Namibia and neighboring countries
- African black oystercatcher (NE)
- Bare-cheeked babbler (NE)
- Barlow’s lark (NE)
- Carp’s tit (NE)
- Cinderella waxbill (NE)
- Damara red-billed hornbill (E)
- Damara tern (NE)
- Dune lark (E)
- Gray’s lark (NE)
- Hartlaub’s francolin (NE)
- Herero chat (NE)
- Ludwig’s bustard (NE)
- Monteiro’s hornbill (NE)
- Rockrunner (NE)
- Rüppell’s bustard (NE)
- Rüppell’s parrot (NE)
- Violet wood-hoopoe (NE)
- White-tailed shrike (NE)
Other Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
Best Time for Bird Watching
The birdlife in Namibia is at its best during the Wet season winter months of November to April, when migratory birds from Europe and Asia are present. At this time, many resident species are nesting and displaying their breeding plumage. After good rains, the pans in Etosha National Park and elsewhere in the Kalahari Desert become a hot spot for waterbirds, including flocks of flamingo. Rains are mostly short showers in the afternoon and rarely have a negative impact on your trip. For general wildlife viewing, the Dry season (May to October) is better.
Best Parks for Birding Includes Birding Rating
Etosha National Park is home to 340 bird species and is one of Namibia’s birding hot spots. The parks in the Zambezi Region (formerly Caprivi Strip) offer bird-rich habitats, with an impressive selection of Okavango Delta specials.
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Etosha NP
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Waterberg Plateau
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Skeleton Coast NP
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Nkasa Rupara NP
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Namib-Naukluft NP
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Zambezi Region
Recommended Birding Books
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Roberts Bird Guide (2nd edition; book)
This best-selling field guide is comprehensive for Namibia.
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Roberts Bird Guide (2nd edition; app)
Upgrade on the book, with extra info and birdcall recordings.
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Sasol Birds of Southern Africa (book and app)
Great field guide with full Namibia coverage.
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Pocket Guide: Birds of Namibia
Illustrates and describes 340 common or striking birds.