African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Photo: Stein Nilsen

There can be few destinations with a species list of over 600; Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park is one. 350 species have been recorded in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. These two parks alone are among the richest protected areas to be found anywhere on Earth. Accolades for Uganda's birding delights are rarely understated. Nigel Wheatley, in Where to Watch Birds in Africa says: "In terms of its size, Uganda is the richest country for birds in Africa."

In an area about the size of Great Britain, Byaruhanga et al. (2001) confirm over 1,000 species in total. Bee-eaters, hornbills, warblers, flycatchers and sunbirds are just a few of the well represented families and opportunities exist to see the 2 endemic species Stuhlmann's Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris stuhlmanni and Fox's Weaver Ploceus spekeoides, the 24 Albertine Rift restricted range species and the magnificent Shoebill Balaniceps rex.

Although ravaged by internal conflicts for a long period of the 1970s and 1980s when much of its natural heritage was destroyed, Uganda is now recognised as a prime tourist destination with a support infrastructure and guides capable of satisfying the needs of the enthusiastic birder.

The purpose of this document is to provide a summary of Uganda and its birds for birders interested in the country and potentially planning a visit. The information has been put together from a number of sources and it is intended to add new information as it becomes available. As such, readers are welcome to submit contributions by e-mail to info@africanbirdclub.org. You should note that the names of birds used in this document are those of the African Bird Club checklist.