​Birds – Nyika NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt guide to Malawi.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt guide to Malawi.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Malawi.

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Malawi.

Nyika National Park is a key birding destination that supports more than 400 species, including several with a restricted range. Grassland birds are commonly seen and include Denham’s bustard, montane marsh widowbird, Crawshay’s francolin (an endemic subspecies of red-winged francolin that some authorities regard to be a full species) and the very vocal black-lored cisticola. The Endangered wattled crane used to be common too, but it hasn’t been seen in several years. Nyika supports a range of alluring species associated with highland forest and miombo woodland, and it is worth arranging a dedicated birding excursion to look for some of these specials.

Notable Birds in Nyika NP
› ‹
Augur buzzard
Common
Baglafecht weaver
Common
Denham’s bustard
Common
White-necked raven
Common
Yellow-billed duck
Common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders

(NE) near-endemic = lives in Malawi and neighboring countries

Facts & Figures

Birds in Nyika NP
Bird Species
400+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Nyika NP has good birdlife all year round. However, as with most protected areas in Malawi, the Wet season (November to April) is the best time for bird watching. This is due to the park’s population of migratory birds at that time.

Want To Visit Nyika NP?

Nyika Safaris

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Nyika NP
Bird Species
400+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr