Birdwatching in Bwindi Forest

Birdwatching in Bwindi Forest, Bwindi is considered a bird watcher’s paradise due to its natural habitats that support various bird species. The park is particularly famous for its Albertine Rift endemics, such as the rare Grauer’s Broadbill (African green broadbill), Rwenzori Apalis, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing, which are highly sought after by birders. Unique regional species, including the Handsome Francolin, Purple-breasted and Blue-headed sunbird, are also found here. Additionally, Bwindi serves as a temporary home for migratory birds from Europe and Asia, especially between November and April. This influx of migratory birds enhances the birding experience and highlights the park’s significance as a stopover in the African-Eurasian flyway.

The Park is located in southwestern Uganda and is known for its misty rainforests and rich biodiversity. It is the oldest national park in Uganda and is home to the mountain gorillas found in the wild. Bwindi is situated in Kigezi, a region known for its beautiful hills and scenery. The Bwindi contains 400 plant species, 350 bird species, and 120 mammals, making it the richest forest in East Africa. While gorilla trekking is the main attraction, bird watching is also popular, attracting bird lovers from around the world.

Birds of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi has recorded 350 bird species, including 25 restricted-range species and 4 globally threatened birds: the Grauers Broadbill (African Green Broadbill), Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Chapin’s Flycatcher, and Shelley’s Crimson-wing. It is a popular spot for bird watchers, with three unique bird species that are the last of their genus. As Caracal Explorers, we organise customized tours for tourists looking for ultimate mountain gorillas and birdwatching safari adventure experiences. Additionally, Bwindi also features at least 220 butterfly species, including three endemic butterflies specific to the area. Bird watching tours primarily occur in the Buhoma area along forest edges and on village paths or in the Ruhija sector, known for its forest and swamp birding trails. The Mubwindi swamp in Ruhija is highlighted for observing rare bird species in their natural habitats.

Key Birding Trails in Bwindi

Mubwindi Swamp

Mubwindi swamp, found in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, attracts many travelers interested in birdwatching. The swamp is home to over 100 bird species, making it an exciting spot for birders. It is known for reliably spotting the rare Grauer’s Broadbill and other high-altitude birds like the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Rwenzori Batis and Black bee-eater. Choosing Mubwindi swamp for birdwatching offers a great adventure and a chance to learn more about the wildlife in the area.

Buhoma Trail- Birdwatching in Bwindi Forest

This trail is highly recommended for bird lovers and is situated at the lower altitude of the park. Visitors have a good chance of spotting rare birds like the Red-throated Alethe, White-tailed Ant Thrush, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, and Great Blue Turaco. The Buhoma community also support birdwatching tours that enrich the experience with local culture.

Rushaga

Bird watching in Rushaga sector is best done early in the morning or the afternoon with a skilled guide. You can spot various bird species like the Dwarf Honeyguide, Handsome Francolin, Giant Kingfisher, the African Harrier Hawk, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher. The peaceful trails provide a chance for uninterrupted observation of rare birds, such as Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher and the Archer’s Robin-chat.

Nkuringo Sector- Birdwatching in Bwindi Forest

The Nkuringo sector is known for gorilla trekking and has various bird species, although it is less reliable than Buhoma and Ruhija. Visitors may see birds like the Yellow-rumped Tinker Bird, Pink-footed Puff, Snowy Crowned Robin-chat, Cape Wagtail, and African Paradise Flycatcher. An experienced bird guide will assist in spotting these birds during birdwatching sessions.

Ruhija

Ruhija is a key highlight for trips in Uganda, known for excellent birdwatching in beautiful settings where many Bwindi birds can be readily observed in mixed flocks all day. Early start raises the likelihood of finding bird species like the amazing Grauer’s Broadbill, Mountain Greenbul, beautiful Francolin, Black-faced Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Rwenzori Batis, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Stripe-breasted Tit, Strange Sunbird, and many more.

Buhoma

Most birding takes place at the Buhoma visitor center and along various trails near the River Munyaga. Key locations include the Neck, the Ruhija sector, Mubwindi swamp, and nearby farmlands. Visitors will be guided by an experienced bird guide on trails like the Ivy River, Waterfall, Rushura Hill, Munyanga River, and Habinyanja trails, where they can see various bird species, such as the yellow-rumped tinkerbird, Pink-footed Puff back, Crested Guinea fowl, Grey Crowned Crane, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, African Olive-pigeon, Cassin’s Flycatcher, Ansorge’s Greenbul,  White-throated Greenbul, African Paradise flycatcher, Jameson’s Antpecker, Waller’s Starling, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo.

Others include the White-headed Saw-wing, Helmeted guinea fowl, Vieillot’s Black Weaver, African Citril, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Doherty’s Bush-shrike, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Yellow-fronted Canary, Snowy-crowned Robin-chat, Petit’s Cuckoo-shrike, Ruwenzori Batis, African Hill-babbler, African Goshawk, Lühder’s Bush-shrike, Mountain Wagtail, Klaas’s Cuckoo, Cape Wagtail, Great Blue Turaco, Archer’s Robin-chat, White-eyed Slaty-flycatcher, Dusky Twin spot, Black Bee-eater, Angolan Swallow, Brown-capped Weaver, Mackinnon’s Shrike, Blue Spotted Wood Dove, Tambourine Dove, Handsome francolin, African Broadbill, Sooty Falcon, African Dusky Flycatcher, Grey-cheeked Hornbill, Ross’s Turaco,  Grey-cheeked Hornbill, African Wood-owl, African Pygmy-kingfisher, Elliot’s Woodpecker, Double-toothed Barbet, Yellow-whiskered, African Flycatcher-chat, among others.

Besides gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Birdwatching is one of the top activities that attract birdwatchers globally, where visitors can also combine gorilla trekking and birding especially before or after seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The park is important for birdwatchers because it protects vital habitats for birds. The park’s conservation efforts help preserve local bird populations and support migratory species, contributing to global initiatives to protect bird migration routes.