Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of the top activities done in the park. There are about 350 recorded bird species that be found in this ancient tropical rainforest. Among these 23 species are the Albertine Rift endemics. Additionally, Bwindi Forest hosts 76 of the 144 Guinea–Congo forest biome bird species which can be seen in the Northern part of the park.
This trail is shorter compared to others in the park but offers excellent birding opportunities. It is located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. However, this part is well known for gorilla trekking. Travelers might encounter species like the White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, White-bellied Robin-chat, African cuckoo, Cassins flycatcher, and the Black-billed Turaco among others.
Ruhija is another area within Bwindi with great birding potential. The Ruhija trail provides opportunities to spot species such as Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Dusky Crimsonwing, and the African Green Broadbill among others. This trail is located in the eastern part of the park and offers travelers a variety of birds to see. The bird species to look out for include Albertine rift endemics, migratory, and lastly forest birds.
This trail is known for its diverse birdlife, including several Albertine Rift endemics. Birdwatchers often spot species like the African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, and the Handsome Francolin along this trail. This birding trail is located in Ruhija sector and enables travelers to see unique birds that flourish in the bamboo and afro-montane swamp.
This trail follows the Ivy River and is an excellent spot for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for the African Black Duck, Red-throated Alethe, and the White-tailed Crested Flycatcher.
Echuya forest is a great birding area located in the southwestern part of Uganda near Rwandan border within the Albertine Rift section. This area has about 150 bird species of which 18 are endemic to the reserve.
Birding in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park can be done all year long. However, the best time for birding is from November to April when migratory birds are present. May to June is abundant in food supply while March to May is the nesting period and there are usually heavy rains.
African Green Broadbill, Shelley’s crimsonwing, Dusky crimsonwing, Ruwenzori Turaco, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Bar-tailed trogon, African Emerald Cuckoo, African Green pigeon,Handsome Francolin, Red-throated Alethe, Grauer’s rush warbler, Black-billed turaco, White-tailed crested flycatcher and many more.
