Birding in Bwindi impenetrable national park is one of the amazing activities that every birder should never miss. Bwindi impenetrable national park is a home to over 360 bird species of which 23 bird species are Albertine rift endemics. Some of the endemic bird species include; green broad bill, Grauer’s swamp warble, Shelly’s crimsonwing, handsome francolin, short-tailed warbler, blue-headed sunbird, red-headed blue-bill, white-tailed blue flycatcher, African cuckoo, African blue bul-bul to mention but a few.
During your gorilla trekking experience in Uganda in Bwindi impenetrable national park, you will have the chance to encounter these impressive bird species. The birds make the entire gorilla trekking in Uganda very impressive as they keep chirping in the air expressing different melodies.
Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in the southwestern Uganda near the border of Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Bwindi impenetrable national park also accommodates migratory birds from Europe and Asia between November and April. Some of the migratory bird species include; black kites, common cuckoos and barn swallow. This puts the park at a high rank for the best birding avenue in African-Eurasian flyway.
If you visit Bwindi impenetrable national park you do not only engage in gorilla trekking but also you can do birding. Bwindi is one of the recommended birding areas in Uganda because of its rich bird life. Bwindi hosts 3 specific bid species which are the representation of their genera and these are; Grauer’s warbler, African green broadbill and short-tailed warbler and these are close to Asian bird species than Africa bird species.
Bwindi impenetrable national park hosts over 220 butterfly species of which 8 species are Albertine rift endemics. 3 of them are only endemic to Bwindi and these are; cream-banded swallowtail (Papilio leucotaenia), Charaxes fouierae and Graphium gudenusi. Most of the birding experiences in Bwindi impenetrable national park take place in Buhoma gorilla sector, Ruhija gorilla sector where you will dive into Mubwindi swamp to encounter the rare Albertine endemics.
Birding Trails in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Buhoma Birding Trail
Buhoma birding trail is found in Buhoma gorilla sector and it is on the low altitude. It is a home to some bird species such as great blue turacos, yellow-streaked greenbul, red-throated Alethe among others. The trail is in the reach of the local community which supports birding and cultural tours in Bwindi impenetrable national park.
Mubwindi Swamp
This is found in Ruhija gorilla sector. This is the most rewarding tail in Bwindi impenetrable national park where you can spot African broad bill, Grauer’s warblers, and Rwenzori batis among other bird species.
Rushaga and Nkuringo Gorilla Sector
These two sectors are best known for their virgin forests that harbor rarities for example Archer’s robin-chats, yellow-eyed black flycatchers. These trails are so remote, silent and best for attracting birds.
Ruhija Gorilla Sector
This is another birding paradise in Bwindi impenetrable national park. Ruhija is so easy to access and birds are seen easily. Some of the bird species in Ruhija gorilla sector include; mountain plus yellow-streaked greenbul, handsome francolins, white-tailed crested flycatchers, western green Tinkerbird, red-faced woodland warbler, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Rwenzori batis, mountain marked plus chestnut-throated Apalises and so many others.
The Role of Bwindi in the Conservation
Bwindi being a UNESCO heritage site, there are efforts that have been put across to conserve the environment. These efforts are aimed at protecting the habitats including the old tree species and other out grown vegetation that continue to serve as habitat for the bird life and other wildlife. This has ensured the continuity of the bird life in the park including the migratory species thus contributing positively to the international avian life.
