The specialized high-altitude environment of Simien Mountains National Park makes for some interesting bird watching. There are only 180 species recorded here, but five of those are endemic to the country and a further 14 are unique to Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea. A highlight for birders and non-birders alike is the iconic bearded vulture, which can often be seen soaring over the escarpment. You’ll also like the thick-billed ravens begging for food scraps at the picnic sites.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
(E) endemic = only lives in Ethiopia(NE) near-endemic = lives in Ethiopia and neighboring countries
- Abyssinian black-headed oriole (NE)
- Abyssinian catbird (E)
- Abyssinian longclaw (E)
- Abyssinian owl
- Abyssinian slaty flycatcher (NE)
- Abyssinian woodpecker (NE)
- African long-eared owl
- Ankober serin (E)
- Augur buzzard
- Banded barbet (NE)
- Bearded vulture
- Black-winged lovebird (NE)
- Chestnut-naped spurfowl (NE)
- Erckel’s francolin (NE)
- Ethiopian siskin (E)
- Moorland chat
- Red-billed chough
- Rouget’s rail (NE)
- Rüppell’s robin-chat (NE)
- Rüppell’s vulture
- Somali starling (NE)
- Spot-breasted lapwing (E)
- Thick-billed raven (NE)
- Verreaux’s eagle
- Wattled ibis (NE)
- White-backed black tit (NE)
- White-billed starling (NE)
- White-cheeked turaco (NE)
- White-collared pigeon (NE)
- White-winged cliff chat (NE)
Best Time for Bird Watching
Bird watching in Simien Mountains NP is best between November and March. This is when migrants are present, and it conveniently coincides with the Dry season, which is the easiest time to travel. April to September also offers good bird watching, since many resident birds come into breeding plumage and are more vocal and easier to find. July and August see very heavy rainfall, which might interfere with bird watching and other activities.