Top 20 Ugandan Birds
Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is a treasure trove of biodiversity. With over 1,080 recorded bird species, this East African country offers one of the richest birdwatching experiences on the continent. From the swamps of Mabamba to the forests of Bwindi, Uganda hosts some of the most sought-after birds in the world. Here’s a look at 20 of the most remarkable and iconic birds you can find in Uganda.
Many of these birds live only in these tropical forests, with rare sightings being described as “mythical,” while it is believed that some of the birds living in the remote forests of Uganda may not even be classified as of yet
Top 20 Ugandan birds include the following:
Grey-crowned cranes
Being the national bird, the majestic grey-crowned cranes have always found a special place in the hearts of many Ugandans and enthusiastic twitchers alike. These stunning crane subspecies stand at approximately 1 meter tall in addition to featuring a 6-foot wingspan and weighing about 3 kilograms.
They always prefer occupying the dry and open areas of places like Murchison Falls National Park, although they mostly nest around wet areas, such as cultivated fields, damp fields, wetland marshes, River margins, and Lakes.
These endangered birds (as listed on the IUCN Red List) are also the most popular in Uganda.
Shoebill storks
The wetlands of Mabamba Bay are so idyllic that these elegantly clumsy giants took up residence. These storks are surprisingly endemic to the African continent, and twitchers from across the world flock to Uganda to see them.
Besides Mabamba Bay Wetland (their best and indisputable hot spot), also look out for the shoebill storks within Lake Mburo, Semliki, Murchison Falls, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, to mention but a few.
Green-breasted Pitta
The green-breasted pitta is arguably one of the most difficult birds to spot, although common in most Central African forests. Their extraordinary bottle-green breasts, black and buff heads, scarlet bellies, white throats, and shiny blue-spotted wings, as well as rumps, give away their identity to all twitchers who meet them. They are mainly found in Kibale Forest National Park and are undeniably one of the most sought-after species on every birder’s checklist.
African green broadbill
The vivid colors of this eye-catching bird can only be seen in two places in the world—the Itombwe Mountains in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda’s Bwindi Forest. The species is declining due to the loss of its habitat from forest clearing and degradation.
Great blue turaco
The magnificent blue turaco and white-crested turaco are some of the largest, most exquisite birds found in Uganda. These birds are actively hunted, as their meat and feathers are highly sought-after commodities.
Shelley’s crimsonwing
One of the world’s rarest birds, Shelley’s crimsonwing can be found on most bird-bucket lists. They live in a thin strip of mountains and volcanoes known as the Albertine Rift that borders Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Photos of these beauties in the wild are almost nonexistent; the only known images are of birds netted (and released) during biodiversity surveys.
Standard-winged Nightjar
This incredibly beautiful bird is marked by its central flight feathers that normally become prominent on males during the mating season. During their breeding season, females show their ornamental wings vertically while flying, and when this season comes to an end, their decorative wings drop off. Isn’t it impressive? These birds occupy the broadleaf woodlands, open fields, and forest clearings in North-western Uganda, especially Murchison Falls National Park.
Long-crested eagles
Known as one of the African birds of prey, the long-crested eagles are known for their long and feathery crests, thus their name. Marked by brown to black plumage, white-feathered legs, and barred tails, these eagles are always sedentary and sit for long periods while waiting for their prey to come before grabbing it. Their diet mainly comprises fish, small rodents, small birds, frogs, and lizards. They are common in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
African Grey Parrot
The list of the top 20 Ugandan birds can’t be complete without the African grey parrot, known for its high level of reasoning and ability to communicate. Given their intelligence, they have often been threatened as they are preferred pets and thus endangered. They live in wooded savannah, forest edges, cultivated areas and gardens, gallery forests, and forest clearings in Queen Elizabeth and Kibale Forest National Parks.
Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis)
This strikingly large stork, with its vibrant red and black bill, is a common sight in Uganda’s wetlands, including the Nile Delta in Murchison Falls.
Ross’s Turaco (Musophaga rossae)
This spectacular bird sports bright crimson wings and a distinctive blue body. It’s commonly seen in forested areas and is very vocal.
African Skimmer (Rynchops flavirostris)
These graceful birds are best seen along the Kazinga Channel, where they skim the water surface for fish. Their unique flight behavior makes them a marvel to watch.
White-winged Warbler (Bradypterus carpalis)
Another papyrus specialist, this elusive warbler is typically found in dense wetlands, such as those around Lake Victoria. Its soft song is often the first clue to its presence.
Doherty’s Bushshrike
As you walk through the tropical rainforests or shrublands, you might get lucky enough to see or hear the sweet melodies of Doherty’s Bush-shrike. You will identify them by their vivid black, yellow, and red colors, like the country’s flag. These solitary birds mainly eat beetles and grasshoppers and are common in Mount Elgon and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bar-tailed Trogon
Seeing the Bar-tailed Trogon is another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, yet it is one of the top 20 Ugandan birds. This bird is only 28 centimeters long and prefers staying in the high-altitude forests (between 900 and 2600 meters above sea level) of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
It is distinguished by its yellow feet and bills as well as wide and long tails for both sexes, while the male has a shimmery blue-green or violet breast as well as an iridescent blue-black head patched with yellow.
The females have less prominent colors with brown heads and reddish-brown breasts as well as throats.
The yellow-billed oxpecker
Have you ever wondered about the name of birds that ride along with the backs of large mammals such as buffaloes, elephants, cattle, Hippos, and zebras? They are actually the yellow-billed oxpeckers, owing to the fact that they peck ticks and other Parasites hiding in large mammals’ fur. They are common in Lake Mburo National Park, where you will see them eating ticks off Zebras’ backs.
Chocolate-backed Kingfisher
While you walk along the Royal Mile of Budongo Forest, you are most likely to spot a chocolate-backed kingfisher perched in the high tree, scanning around for prey that normally includes small lizards, ants, beetles, and grasshoppers. It can be distinguished by the brownish-black mantle, iridescent blue rump, white underbelly, and reddish-brown bill.
Black bee-eater
Another one of the top 20 Ugandan birds is the Black bee-eater, characterized by its unique scarlet throat, brilliant turquoise streaks across the breast, pale blue eyebrows and blue underbelly. It is common in the high forest canopies within Bwindi Impenetrable and Kibale Forest National Parks.
African Jacana
This wading bird is a beautiful bird with long toes and claws, making it easy to walk on floating vegetation in shallow lakes—its natural habitat. It is about 30 centimeters long, although males are known to be smaller than females. Its underparts are chestnut with black wingtips, eye stripe, and rear neck. It feeds on insects and other invertebrates that live in floating vegetation or on the surface of the water. The African jacana is found in Murchison Falls National Park.
Short-tailed warbler
The short-tailed warbler can be found primarily in Uganda’s forest undergrowth, while the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are also home to this camouflaged species.
Why Uganda Is a Top Birding Destination
Uganda’s incredible bird diversity can be attributed to its varied ecosystems—ranging from Albertine Rift montane forests and expansive wetlands to savannas and lowland rainforests. Not only does Uganda house Central and East African species, but it also harbors migratory birds from Europe and Asia during certain seasons.
The country has over 30 Important Bird Areas (IBAs), including
Mabamba Bay Wetland—Best for Shoebill sightings.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest—a hotspot for Albertine Rift endemics.
Murchison Falls National Park—Rich in savanna and riverine birds.
Semuliki National Park—hosts Guinea-Congo biome species rarely seen elsewhere in East Africa.
Birding infrastructure in Uganda has improved over the years, with trained local guides, birding lodges, and detailed birding itineraries available for all skill levels.
Conclusion
For seasoned birders or beginners alike, Uganda safaris are nothing short of magical. The combination of rare endemics, dazzling colors, and rich landscapes makes it one of the top birdwatching destinations on the planet. Whether you’re gazing at a shoebill in the misty Mabamba Swamp or listening to a green-breasted pitta call from the depths of Kibale, Uganda’s avian wonders are bound to leave a lasting impression.
