Birding in Lake Mburo National Park

Birding in Lake Mburo National Park is a delightful experience for bird enthusiasts. This park, located in western Uganda, offers a diverse avian population that includes both migratory and resident species.  Lake Mburo National Park boasts over 310 bird species. Whether you’re a waterbird enthusiast, a forest bird lover, or keen on Savannah birds, this park has something to offer.  Lake Mburo is the best place in Uganda to spot acacia-dwelling birds. These feathered residents thrive in the park’s acacia woodlands. Besides acacia species, you’ll find forest birds in the Rubanga Forest area. Keep an eye out for these elusive avian treasures, such as the Tabora Cisticola. The park’s swamps are a bonus for birders. Six papyrus specials call these swamps home, including the striking Papyrus Gonolek and the Blue-headed Coucal. In Lake Mburo National Park, several sought-after avian species steal the spotlight, especially the prehistoric Shoebill Stork and the African Finfoot, a spectacular elongated duck-like bird.

Bird species found in Lake Mburo National Park.

Some of the fascinating bird species found in Lake Mburo National Park along with their unique behavioural characteristics include:

• Pied Kingfisher:

Appearance: Black and white plumage, with males having a double breast band and females a single band.

Behaviour: These kingfishers hover over clear waters before diving to catch fish. They feed on small aquatic animals like frogs, crustaceans, and insects, occasionally consuming plant matter.

Habitat: Nests near water bodies, often in burrows dug into riverbanks or on floating vegetation close to shorelines.

• Bare-Faced Go-Away-Bird:

Appearance: Eye-catching bird with a unique bare black face.

Behaviour: Restlessly moves around its habitat, making noise. Feeds mainly on fruits such as figs and berries.

Habitat: Native to eastern Afro tropics.

• Malachite Kingfisher:

Appearance: Bright blue wings and tail, greenish-black upperparts, white chin, and orange lower belly.

Behaviour: Often perches on branches near water, diving to catch fish. It’s a beautiful sight.

Habitat: Found in Africa south of the Sahara.

• African Finfoot:

Appearance: Elongated, duck-like bird with neon orange bill and legs.

Behaviour: Moves around its habitat restlessly, feeding on fruits like figs and berries.

Habitat: Spotted in Lake Mburo’s wetlands.

• Grey Crowned Crane:

Appearance: Uganda’s national bird. Colourful plumage with a black-and-white face, red inflatable throat pouch, and golden-yellow plumes.

Behaviour: Often seen in pairs or flocks, feeding in wetlands.

Habitat: Prefers water-logged plains and wetlands.

• African Fish Eagle:

Appearance: Striking brown plumage, white head, and powerful black wings.

Behaviour: Hunts aquatic prey, especially fish, using its yellow hook-shaped beak and strong talons.

Habitat: Found around Lake Mburo

• African Scops Owl:

Appearance: Small owl with mottled brown plumage and distinctive ear tufts.

Behaviour: Nocturnal hunter that feeds on insects, small mammals, and birds.

Habitat: Often found in wooded areas and savannah.

• Carruthers’s Cisticola:

Appearance: Tiny bird with streaked brown plumage and a short tail.

Behaviour: Active and constantly moving, foraging for insects and seeds.

Habitat: Grasslands and wetlands.

• Blue-Breasted Kingfisher:

Appearance: Vibrant blue upperparts, orange underparts, and a long bill.

Behaviour: Perches near water, diving to catch fish and aquatic insects.

Habitat: Lakeshores and rivers.

• Tabora Cisticola:

Appearance: Small, plain-coloured bird with a distinctive white eye ring.

Behaviour: Skulks in grassy areas, feeding on insects and seeds.

Habitat: Grasslands and wetlands.

• Papyrus Yellow Warbler:

Appearance: Bright yellow plumage with a black cap.

Behaviour: Nests in papyrus reeds, feed on insects and small invertebrates.

Habitat: Papyrus swamps.

• Blue-Headed Coucal:

Appearance: Striking black and blue plumage with a long tail.

Behaviour: Skulks in dense vegetation, preying on insects and small vertebrates.

Habitat: Wetlands and thickets.

• Rufous-Bellied Heron:

Appearance: Medium-sized heron with rufous underparts and a long neck.

Behaviour: Solitary bird that stalks prey in shallow water.

Habitat: Wetlands and marshes.

• Greater Painted-Snipe:

Appearance: Cryptic plumage with intricate patterns.

Behaviour: Nocturnal bird that feeds on aquatic invertebrates.

Habitat: Marshes and wet grasslands.

• Yellow-breasted Apalis:

Appearance: Small bird with yellow underparts and olive upperparts.

Behaviour: Active insectivore that flits among foliage.

Habitat: Woodlands and thickets.

Best sites to spot bird species in Lake Mburo National Park.

When it comes to birding in Lake Mburo National Park, there are several prime spots where you can observe a diverse range of avian species. Let’s explore these birding hotspots:

Warukiri and Miriti Swamps:

These wetland areas are excellent for bird-watching. You’ll find waterbirds, waders, and papyrus specialists here. Keep an eye out for the Northern-brown Throated Weaver, Black-crowned and White-backed Night Heron, Pied Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied, Purple, Common Squacco and Grey Heron, Papyrus Gonolek, the Malachite Kingfisher which is often seen perching around water and other swamp-loving species.

Rubanga Forest:

Explore the Rubanga Forest area for encounters with forest birds. This habitat is home to various species that thrive in the dense foliage. Look for elusive forest dwellers like the African Scops Owl, Crested Barbet, Narina Trogon, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Bearded and Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Thick-billed and Levaillant’s Cuckoo among others.

Areas Around Lake Mburo:

The lakeshore and surrounding woodlands offer a mix of waterbirds, savannah species, and acacia-dwelling birds. Keep your binoculars handy for sightings of the African Wattled Lapwing, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Lesser-striped Swallow, Red-headed Lovebird, Spot-flanked Barbet, Red-headed Weaver, Lesser-masked, Slender-billed, Black-headed and Village Weaver, Lilac-breasted and Broad-billed Roller, Striped-Kingfisher, Meyer’s Parrot, Little Swift, Diederik Cuckoo and Bare-faced Go-away Bird among the many bird species here.

Salt Lick Viewing Platform:

Visit the salt lick area near the viewing platform. Not only can you spot various animals, but it’s also a great spot for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for the Shoebill Stork, a sought-after bird species in Uganda.

What is the best time to go birding in Lake Mburo National Park?

The best time for birdwatching in Lake Mburo National Park depends on various factors, including weather conditions and bird migration patterns. Here are the optimal periods for birding:

Dry Seasons (June to August and December to February):

Excellent Time: During these months, wildlife viewing is at its best. Animals gather around the lake and other water sources, making it ideal for birdwatching.

Sunny Days: You’ll experience more sunny days during the dry seasons.

Note: The air may be clouded by haze, affecting long-distance views.

Wet Seasons (March to May and September to November):

Wildlife viewing is still good during the wet seasons. There are fewer visitors, which means more peaceful birdwatching experiences. Migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are present during these months.

Scenic Landscapes: The park is lush and scenic due to the greenery.

Challenges: Wet roads may become difficult to navigate, and occasional rainstorms can interfere with game drives.

In summary, if you prefer clear skies and optimal wildlife viewing, visit during the dry seasons. However, if you enjoy lush landscapes and want to observe migratory birds, consider the wet seasons.