The eye of a birder sees beyond feathers while in Kibale National Park, a wild home in western Uganda known for its large number of primates.
Besides monkeys and chimpanzees, there are also many bird species living in the jungle, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, and open lands.
Birding is the second most done activity by tourists who visit the Kibale National Park. At the park, you are given a knowledgeable bird guide who takes you to areas where birds are most concentrated.
You are advised to visit during the months of April, May, March, September, or November, as these are rainy months when fruits and food are plenty.
The birding experience starts at 7:00 am at Kanyanchu Visitor Center and is done throughout the year.
You are advised to carry a field bag, field clothing, a bird guidebook, sunglasses, a water bottle, insect repellent cream, among other items.
Since inception in 1993, Kibale was established not only for primates but also for birds, with the aim of attracting bird lovers to come and see the beautiful bird species. There are over 350 bird species, six of which are only found in this region.
It is reported that the areas around Kibale National Park also have 138 bird species, increasing the number of birds that travelers can see.
The green-breasted pitta stands out as the most sought-after bird species here, followed by African pitta, Abyssinian ground thrush, crowned eagle, dusky crimsonwing, collared apalis, black-capped apalis, black bee-eater, little greenbul, yellow-spotted nicator, and blue-breasted kingfisher.
Besides the common birds, there are also black-headed oriole, Chubb’s cisticola, black-capped waxbill, black-crowned tchagra, African shrike flycatcher, African wood owl, alpine swift, ash flycatcher, barn swallow, black-and-white shrike flycatcher, black-billed weaver, African dusky flycatcher, blue-shouldered robin-chat, blue-throated roller, zebra waxbill, brown-eared woodpecker, African pied wagtail, Cameroon sombre greenbul, papyrus canary, papyrus gonolek, and many others that contribute to the rich biodiversity of Kibale.
Interestingly, there are four bird species that are reported to be found in no other park in Uganda except Kibale. These include Nahan’s francolin, the masked apalis, the blue-headed bee-eater, and Cassin’s spinetail.
Kibale should be on your bucket list this year because the art of birding is in observing, and not reading from guide books.
Visit Kibale National Park in Uganda with these recommended Uganda chimpanzee companies or inquire with us below to book your tour directly through this website.
