Birding the Rare Crimsonwings of Uganda
Birding the Rare Crimsonwings of Uganda: These are a genus of small passerine birds whose habitats are found in Sub-Saharan Africa and belong to the estrildid finch family, known as Cryptospiza. They are found in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly the Albertine Rift, and Uganda is one of the countries where all four species can be observed, these include; the Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, Red-faced Crimsonwing and the Dusky Crimsonwing. Uganda is a popular habitat of Crimsonwings. Here’s detailed information about the crimson wings found in Uganda:
Red-faced Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza reichenovii):
Appearance: They have a reddish back and rump with olive or grey underparts. Juveniles are duller than adults.
Habitat: These birds usually inhabit mountain forests with dense undergrowth and are known to forage on or near the ground, feeding mainly on seeds.
Behaviour: They are known to be quite secretive and are usually found in pairs or small groups. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, which they forage from the ground or low vegetation. The call of the Red-faced Crimsonwing is a series of high-pitched notes, often described as “tsee-tsee-tsee”
Abyssinian Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza salvadorii):
The Abyssinian Crimsonwing is beautiful sight when birding rare Crimsonwings of Uganda.
Appearance: Similar in size to other crimsonwings, with a distinctive reddish back.
Habitat: Found in Ethiopia and Uganda, inhabiting mountainous regions.
Behaviour: These birds are shy and elusive, often retreating into cover rapidly at the first indication of a threat. They are usually observed singly or in pairs, but small family parties have been reported. The Abyssinian Crimsonwing feeds low down, often within cover, mainly on grass seeds, but other small seeds are also consumed. Their call is a soft “tsip-tsip” which is given when the bird is flushed, and they have a soft melodic sub-song which is rarely heard
Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni):
This is one of the most rewarding sights when birding the rare Crimsonwings of Uganda.
Appearance: They have a dark bill and a reddish back, similar to other crimsonwings.
Habitat: This species is endemic to the Albertine Rift and is found in mountain forests.
Behaviour: The Dusky Crimsonwing is a resident species that does not make seasonal movements. It is found in the Albertine Rift montane forests and is known to be a terrestrial bird. This species is not a migrant and stays in its native home ranges all year round.
Shelley’s Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza shelleyi):
This is a rewarding sight when birding the rare Crimsonwings of Uganda. It is one of the most elusive bird species in Uganda.
Appearance: The male has a bright red crown, face, and back, with contrasting black wings and tail, and olive-yellow underparts with warmer tones on the flanks and belly. The female is drabber with an olive head and some red on the mantle and rump. Both sexes have bright red bills.
Habitat: Shelley’s Crimsonwing inhabits closed-canopy moist forest, often in lush valley bottoms near water, as well as low secondary growth at forest edges, forest clearings, and glades dominated by large herbs, bamboo thickets, and the upper forest/moorland ecotone.
Behaviour: The voice of Shelley’s Crimsonwing is sharp and high-pitched with a “tit tit tit” call and a rising and falling series of high-pitched “tu tutu ti ti ti”.
Conservation Status: Shelley’s Crimsonwing is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat loss and is likely to have a small, severely fragmented, and declining population
In Uganda, you can spot these elusive bird species in several locations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Known for its diverse birdlife, including Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Mountains National Park: Another hotspot for various crimsonwing species, including Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Nyungwe Forest Reserve: While in Rwanda, it’s close to the Ugandan border and is a habitat for these birds.
Birdwatchers in Uganda have the opportunity to observe these rare and beautiful birds in their natural habitats, contributing to the rich avian diversity of the country especially when birding the rare crimsonwings of Uganda. Remember to respect the environment and the wildlife during your observations to help preserve these species for future generations.