Bird Species in Mgahinga National Park

Bird species in Mgahinga National Park: Mgahinga National Park is part of the Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Area, which is situated near the Rwandan, Congolese, and Ugandan borders in southwestern Uganda. Despite its modest size, the park is well-known for a number of tourist attractions, such as the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. In addition to mountain gorilla trekking, the park is home to more than 180 different bird species that inhabit mainly the afro-montane rainforests and bamboo vegetation zones.

Considering the bird species in Mgahinga National Park, there are more than 180 bird species; 14 of them are endemic to the Albertine Rift, including the Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Black-faced Apalis, Handsome Spurfowl (francolin), Archer’s Robin-chat, Rwenzori Apalis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Red-throated Alethe, Blue-headed Weaver, Rwenzori Batis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Turaco, Regal Sunbird, Kivu Ground Thrush, and many more.

Under the guidance of a skilled and informed ranger guide, walking safaris in Mgahinga Gorilla Park provide the best spots for birding. When visiting Mgahinga Gorilla Park, tourists can also hire knowledgeable birding guides. Seeing these species at Mgahinga Gorilla Park also requires a birding permit, which may be purchased from the Uganda Wildlife Authority or at the park offices.

Bird species in Mgahinga National Park

Travellers on their birding trips to Mgahinga National Park will encounter birds like Rwenzori and Black-faced Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Archer’s Robin-chat, Blue-headed Malachite and Rega Sunbird, Black-headed Waxbill, Afep Pigeon, Brown Wood Warbler, Mountain Yellow Warbler, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Evergreen Forest Warbler, Dusky Turtle Dove, Stripe-breasted Tit, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Handsome Spurfowl (Francolin), Shelly’s Crimsonwing, Olive Thrush, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Double Collared Sunbird, Ladden’s Bushshrike, White-starred Akalat, and Kivu Ground Thrush, among others.

Best time to spot birds in Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla Park offers year-round birdwatching opportunities; however, certain months appear to be better than others. The ideal time to see birds in Mgahinga National Park is from November to April. This is because it is the best time of year for migratory birds, which leads to an increase in the number of bird populations. However, birdwatchers should be aware that the park experiences little to no rainfall during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. The trekking trails are typically dry and simpler to follow during the dry season, making it the ideal time of year to observe birds. Furthermore, there are scenic views of wildlife species due to the sparse and short foliage cover.

Additionally, those who are serious birdwatchers in Mgahinga National Park should be warned that significant rainfall occurs at any time of the day in the months of October through November and March through May. Because there is a large number of birds in the park due to an abundance of food and nesting materials, this rainy season is in some ways favourable for bird viewing. The trekking trails are muddy and slick during this season, though, with dense vegetation and obscured views.

Things to pack on a birding safari

Essentials to pack while on a birding safari to Mgahinga National Park include waterproof hiking shoes, bags, and waterproof jackets; a camera; binoculars; a telescope; long-sleeved shirts and pairs of shorts; a water bottle; a guidebook; a brimmed hat; and long cotton socks, among others.

What is the cost of birding trips in Mgahinga Gorilla Park?

A birdwatching permit is necessary to conduct successful birding in Mgahinga National Park. The Uganda Wildlife Authority issues these permits at their offices or at the park office in Ntebeko. The cost of the birdwatching permit is Ug30,000 for East African citizens, $30 for foreign residents, and $40 for foreign non-residents.