​Birds – Zimbabwe

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip has traveled through Zimbabwe several times and is the author of more than 20 guidebooks to various African destinations.

Philip is the Zimbabwe expert for SafariBookings and author of more than 20 guidebooks to Africa.

Philip is our Zimbabwe expert and author of more than 20 guidebooks to Africa.

Zimbabwe has over 650 bird species and is an excellent birding destination. The country has no endemic birds, but several near-endemics can be found in the globally important Eastern Zimbabwe Mountains Endemic Bird Area (EBA). The high standard of guiding in Zimbabwe’s National Parks, and the many opportunities for walking safaris, make Zimbabwe particularly rewarding for birders. Migratory birds are present from November to April, and the general number of birds is phenomenal.

Notable Birds in Zimbabwe
Eastern black-headed oriole
Common
Greater painted-snipe
Rare
Livingstone's turaco
Common
Southern carmine bee-eater
Locally common and migratory
Southern yellow-billed hornbill
Common

Birding Rating

Endemic & Near-endemic Birds

(E) endemic = only lives in Zimbabwe
(NE) near-endemic = also lives in neighboring countries

Other Birding SpecialsTreats for Avid Birders

Facts & Figures

Birds in Zimbabwe
Bird Species
650+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Zimbabwe offers the best bird watching in the Wet season from November to April. At this time, migratory birds are present, and all species are in full breeding plumage. The scenery is lush and at it most beautiful, but this isn't the best time for general wildlife viewing.

Best Parks for Birding Includes Birding Rating

The Eastern Highlands, including Nyanga NP, is a well-known birding hotspot. Hwange has over 420 species recorded, and the parks in the Zambezi valley have rich birdlife as well.

Recommended Birding Books

  • Roberts Bird Guide
    Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies, Ingrid Weiersbye
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa
    Ian Sinclair
  • Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa
    Kenneth Newman and Vanessa Newman
  • Pocket Guide: Birds of Southern Africa
    Ian Sinclair

Want To Visit Zimbabwe?

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Zimbabwe
Bird Species
650+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr