​Birds – Nyungwe NP

Ariadne van Zandbergen
Expert
By Ariadne van Zandbergen

Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who write and update many Bradt guides, including the guide to Rwanda.

Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who write and update many Bradt guides, including the guide to Rwanda.

Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who author the Bradt guide to Rwanda.

Ariadne and her husband form a team who author the Bradt guide to Rwanda.

Nyungwe National Park is a stunning birding destination. Casual birders will be amazed at the variety of colorful species fluttering around, while dedicated bird-watchers have an opportunity to mark off many lifers. It pays to ask for a specialist birding guide at the park’s headquarters as they can identify many species by call. Of specific interest are the many Albertine Rift endemics and birds unique to the highland forest habitat. Three birds unrecorded elsewhere on the eastern side of the Albertine Rift are Albertine owlet, red-collared babbler and Rockefeller’s sunbird.

Notable Birds in Nyungwe NP
› ‹
Black saw-wing
Common
Great blue turaco
Common
Regal sunbird
Common
Red-throated alethe
Rare
Ruwenzori turaco
Common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders

(ARE) Albertine Rift endemic = only lives in the Albertine Rift

Facts & Figures

Birds in Nyungwe NP
Bird Species
300+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Birding in Nyungwe is excellent throughout the year. Since so much of forest birding depends on calls, the best time is from March to May, when birds are most vocal. From June to September, many birds are feeding their fledglings and keep quiet, only becoming vocally active again in January or February. April is the wettest month and the logistics of birding might become a challenge, as trails get very slippery.

Want To Visit Nyungwe NP?

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Nyungwe NP
Bird Species
300+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr