Discover the Top 10 birds in Bwindi Forest

Discover the Top 10 Birds in Bwindi Forest: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a lush forest that is situated on the edge of the Albertine Rift along Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is situated in the Kanungu district of southwest Uganda. It is one of the oldest ecosystems in Africa, full of varied wildlife and frequently covered in mist. The indigenous Runyakitara language gives the forest its name, “Bwindi,” which means “impenetrable,” thus characterising the thickets of bamboo, tall trees, and dense undergrowth that combine to create a difficult yet intriguing habitat to explore. The Virunga mountains are just roughly 25 kilometres north of the park. Besides birding in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mountain gorillas are the most well-known and frequent visitors to Bwindi. But Bwindi is home to more than simply gorillas. First, the Batwa, an indigenous people, lived in the jungle.

The impenetrable forest, which is home to over 160 different tree species and fern species, is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. In addition, it is home to over 220 butterfly species, 27 species of frogs, 120 mammals, including Antelopes, Forest Elephants, and other primates like Baboons, as well as an amazing 350 documented bird species. Several of these bird species, like the Shelly’s Crimsonwing and Grauer’s Broadbill, are globally endangered. Bwindi is a popular destination for birdwatchers due to its outstanding birdwatching chances. There are twenty-three Albertine Rift endemic species in the forest that are unique to Uganda. Among the best birds to see at Bwindi are: Grauer’s Broadbill, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Black-billed Turaco, The Regal Sunbird, Handsome Francolin, Kivu Ground-Thrush, Black Bee-eater, Dwarf Honeyguide, Rwenzori Nightjar, and Western Green Tinkerbird, among others.

Grauer’s Broadbill

As you discover the Top 10 Birds in Bwindi, the Grauer’s Broadbill, scientifically known as Pseudocalyptomena graueri, is a rare and shy bird species that finds sanctuary within the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda. This small, dumpy bird is distinguished by its bright green plumage, buffy crown, black eye-stripe, and distinctive powder-blue throat and vent, making it a visual treat against the dense green backdrop of its montane forest home. It thrives in the lower canopy and middle levels of the forest, between 1,760 and 2,500 metres of elevation. It is often found in pairs or flying solo, feeding on a diet of seeds, fruit, flowers, and invertebrates. Despite its elusive nature, the Grauer’s Broadbill plays a crucial role in the ecosystem as both a seed disperser and a controller of insect populations. However, its existence is threatened by habitat destruction and deforestation. highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts to protect this unique species and its habitat.

Dusky Crimsonwing as you discover the Top 10 Birds in Bwindi

The intriguing Dusky Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza jacksoni) bird species is found in Africa’s montane forests of the Albertine Rift, especially in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. In addition to Uganda, the Dusky Crimsonwing is found in the montane forests of the Albertine Rift. These little finches have eye-catching plumage. Their dusky or dark colouring gives them their name. The female’s head area is less reddish than the males, but otherwise they are rather similar.  The breast and throat of males are crimson-red, while the females are more muted in appearance. The mantle and rump of immature birds are primarily dark grey, with varying degrees of dull red. It is likely that they are not uncommon in their natural habitat, which includes montane forests at elevations between 1550 and 3200 metres, as well as subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests. Conservation Status: Although the number of the species’ global population is currently unclear, there is no indication that the species is in danger of a substantial decrease.

Black-billed Turaco

The Black-billed Turaco is generally tidy. As its name implies, the Green Turaco has a black bill and a peaked crest edged in white. With the exception of the black bill, it resembles the South African Knysna Kuraco quite a bit. It is large, measuring between 40 and 42 centimetres in length, and has long tails with a faint white line above, along and behind the red-ringed eyes. Two eggs are laid by the bird on a stick platform that is three to five metres above the ground. The male and female share incubation responsibilities. While it is currently uncommon in the eastern portion of its range, it can be found in the far west as you carry out birding in Bwindi forest in places like Ruhija, and the Buhoma area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It can be recognised by its severe series of rrrerr notes, the first few slow and rising along, then along faster set of 15, slightly descending.

The Regal Sunbird (Discover the Top 10 birds in Bwindi Forest)

The Regal Sunbird, or Cinnyris regius, is a small yet brilliantly coloured bird that adorns the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. With a size of about 11.5 cm, the male Regal Sunbird boasts golden green upper parts and a striking red and yellow breast, while the female presents with duller upper parts and a yellowish underbody. These birds, which breed from November to January, are often found nesting in the middle levels of shrubs and tree branches in the Ruhija sector of the forest. Their habitat spans across the Albertine Rift montane forests, from Uganda to Tanzania, at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,100 metres above sea level. The Regal Sunbird’s role in the ecosystem is pivotal; as a pollinator, it contributes to the propagation of various plant species, which in turn supports the forest’s diverse wildlife. Birdwatchers are particularly drawn to the Ruhija sector, hoping to spot this jewel-like bird, which is a testament to the rich biodiversity of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Handsome Spurfowl (Francolin), birding in Bwindi

Handsome Francolin (Francolinus nobilis) is a distinctive bird species found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It’s a ground-dwelling bird, with their chestnut plumage and distinctive calls. It is part of the partridge family and is known for its restricted range along the Albertine Rift Mountains, including the Bwindi Region. You can spot them as you discover the top 10 birds of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest while exploring the forest trails. Appearance: The Handsome Francolin has a striking appearance with a black head, neck, and breast, contrasted by a chestnut belly and flanks. Males have a white postocular stripe and white spots on the flanks. Habitat: They inhabit montane forests and high-altitude bamboo zones, preferring areas with dense undergrowth where they can forage and hide.  Behaviour: These birds are often heard more than seen, as they have a loud and distinctive call. They tend to be shy and elusive, making sightings a rewarding experience for birdwatchers.

Kivu Ground-Thrush (Discover the Top 10 birds in Bwindi Forest)

The Kivu Ground Thrush, known scientifically as Geokichla piaggiae tanganicae, is a subspecies of the Abyssinian Ground Thrush, found in the montane forests of the Albertine Rift, including the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. This bird is characterised by its orange-brown forecrown to the nape and is similar in appearance to the Abyssinian Ground Thrush. It inhabits altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 2,800 metres above sea level, where it can be observed along the waterfall trail of Buhoma Gate in both dry and wet seasons. The Kivu Ground Thrush is particularly vocal in the mornings and evenings, which is the best time for birdwatchers to hear its call and possibly spot it feeding along the trail. As a species listed in the IUCN Red Data Book, it faces threats from habitat loss, making its conservation in Bwindi’s biodiverse ecosystem all the more critical.

Black Bee-eater, birding in Bwindi

The Black Bee-eater, or Merops gularis, appears wholly black from afar. However, it is largely a black bird with a blue belly and a bright red throat. The bird grows up to 20cm in height and are usually shy. Their shyness reflects their being harder to find in the forest compared to other bird species. They are recognised by a ‘’ji-lip’’ sound that is usually not heard. The Black Bee-eater, stands out with its striking black and yellow plumage and its remarkable hunting skills. These birds are often spotted flitting through the forest canopy, skillfully catching bees and other insects’ mid-flight. Their presence in Bwindi is significant as they contribute to the ecological balance by controlling insect populations and adding to the forest’s dynamic soundscape. Bird enthusiasts trek through Bwindi’s challenging terrain, hoping to catch a glimpse of these elusive creatures. The black bee eater is usually found in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Therefore, dare not miss this magical experience as you discover the top 10 birds of Bwindi.

The Dwarf Honeyguide  (Discover the Top 10 birds in Bwindi Forest)

The Dwarf Honeyguide, Indicator pumilio, is a small, inconspicuous bird that graces the montane forests of the Albertine Rift, including the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. This bird, with its understated dark plumage, may not catch the eye at first glance, but it plays a significant role in the forest’s ecology, feeding on beeswax and insects. Birdwatchers keen to spot this elusive species might explore the forest’s edge along community trails in Ruhija or delve deeper into the heart of the forest, where the Dwarf Honeyguide prefers elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,400 metres. Despite its preference for higher altitudes, it occasionally descends to lower levels, following its quest for sustenance along trails like Muzabigiro, River Ivy, and Waterfall Trail within the primary forest. The Dwarf Honeyguide’s habitat is predominantly montane forest, where its calls resonate through the lush green canopy, and while it may be responsive to calls, its unobtrusive nature makes it a challenging yet rewarding find for those patients enough to seek it out.

Rwenzori Nightjar, birding in Bwindi

The Rwenzori Nightjar (Caprimulgus rwenzorii), also known as the Montane Nightjar, is a fascinating bird species found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This bird is part of the nightjar family, known for their nocturnal habits and cryptic plumage, which helps them blend into the forest floor during the day. Active at dusk and dawn, the Rwenzori nightjar is a cryptic bird with intricate plumage. Keep an eye out for it during your birdwatching excursions. The bird is rather dark, growing to a length of up to 23cm and having a blackish colour. The male has white spots on its 4 main parts and a white tail, whereas the female has a less white tail. As the name nightjar suggests, they are nocturnal birds that feed on large insects, mainly moths. It prefers the montane forest environment of Bwindi, thriving in the dense, misty forests that provide ample cover and feeding opportunities.  They are found at altitudes between 1000 and 3350 metres above sea level. It can be found in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi, thus enabling you to discover the top 10 birds when birding in Bwindi Forest.

Western Green Tinkerbird

A small, distinctive Tinkerbird is black above with a golden-yellow crown, nape, back, and rump, forming a yellow stripe from the head to the rump, and grey-olive below with a pale moustachial stripe. Immatures are always duller than adults, with a pale base to the bill. They always inhabit the highland forests of south-western Uganda in the bamboo zone, particularly Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Their call is a series of rapid 5-note dry chips repeated for long periods, as well as a musical down slurred trill similar to Eastern Green Tinkerbird. These small, green birds are often found in the bamboo zone. Listen for their distinctive calls as you explore the forest.

Best time to go birding in Bwindi on your way to discover the top 10 birds in Bwindi impenetrable National Park.

As you discover the Top 10 Birds in Bwindi, other bird species in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest include the African Green Pigeon, Stripe-breasted Tit, Red-throated Alethe, Archer’s Ground Robin, Mountain Yellow Warbler, African Wood Owl, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and Montane Oriole, among others. Birding in Bwindi is done all year around, with the best months being between November and April, when migratory birds are in the forest. The best months to go birdwatching are March and September. The atmosphere is perfect for bird watching because the weather is not too rainy or too dry. As you discover the top 10 birds in Bwindi, you will probably come across a wide variety of bird species during this period.

May and June are prime months for birding since they are when the birds build their nests. In addition to the large number of birds drawn by the abundance of food, migratory species can also be seen from October to April.