Birding in Uganda

It is no accident that the Crested Crane is Uganda’s national symbol. Its splash of bright colours, restrained elegance and a touch of elusiveness capture so much of the country’s wildness.

This is a bird that demands your undivided attention. When the male and female are in courtship, every step is choreographed with absolute precision. So much so, it makes the tango seem clumsy and unnecessarily energetic.

Then there are those priceless moments in proud disdain, when a Crested Crane will stand stock still as the crown of stiff golden feathers bristle against the wind. It is a stance that defies anyone to question its grace, beauty and ultimately its existence.

These days it also carries some poignancy. In 2012, the International Union for Conservation of Nature placed the Grey Crowned Crane on the endangered list.

Even now, efforts are being stepped up to protect the wetlands that are home to these birds lest we lose this essential part of Uganda’s heritage forever.

In spite of these overriding concerns, the love affair between birds and country has a timeliness best seen by the sheer numbers involved. Interludes of mayhem in the distant past, brought on by war may have disrupted things, but today it is all bliss.

At dawn, the country erupts with various symphony orchestras. At sunset the skies will fill with the cartwheels, twists and turns of creatures reveling in their natural element. In between, countless antics are on display to delight any dedicated birdwatcher.

When it comes to birding, Uganda is full of surprises that will leave you with 1000 lasting memories. That is the number of species found across the plains, valleys, lakes and in the tropical forests of the western mountains. These include some very rare species, such as Shelley’s Crimson-wing or the Black-breasted Barbet and imposing birds like the Shoebill.

According to Africa Geographic, it is believed some of the birds living in the remote forests of Uganda may not even be classified yet. Experts will tell you there are slightly over 1000 species, but who is going to quibble when the adventure of spotting them is so compelling and fun.

In November 2016, Uganda will host the first ever African Bird Expo. The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and Uganda Tourist Association are putting their heads together to showcase a simple premise: ‘Birds love Uganda. Anyone who loves birds must therefore visit Uganda’.

“For a long time birding has been neglected. The time is now to change that. A desk has been put in place to facilitate birding as a way of life in Uganda. Uganda Tourism Board is committed to supporting birding as a premium product in tourism,” Stephen Asiimwe, the UTB Chief Executive Officer says.

Herbert Byaruhanga, the UTA Chairman and one of Uganda’s leading experts on birding says, “Birding increasingly contributes to ecotourism in Uganda, especially in communities neighbouring tourism areas. The number of bird guides has grown exponentially and communities that once destroyed habitats now cherish them.”

The Uganda Wildlife Authority is also readily available to offer advice for visitors, depending on individual preferences.

Before we venture further, let’s have a teaser. Something has to be said about a prominent resident of Kampala’s tree-lined streets you just cannot miss.

It is one of the few living things that can walk cross-legged in a straight line and walk backwards without looking where it is going.

Resplendent in its shaggy formal black and white dinner attire, the Maribou Stork is something of a wise guy around town. It has a big mouth in the guise of a long tough beak and frequently takes on more than it get down its sinewy throat.

Much maligned due to its slovenly ways, nonetheless the Maribou Stork is useful but probably city sanitation officials will probably not admit it.

Though hardly exotic, the Maribou Stork does offer great stand-up comedy. Never too far away from garbage, but wary of humans, this scavenger is also renowned for its droppings. So here is a word of caution—avoid walking or standing under shady trees during the early mornings before you set off.

Once on the road, birders can plan their own itinerary; however those on tight schedules can visit Mabira Forest, less than an hour’s ride from Kampala. Here you will find almost 300 species and the experience of staying in a lodge that blends into the trees.

All of Uganda’s leading national parks have vibrant bird life, but Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is rather special. The guides never tire of reminding all comers a chance to spot 10 of the 26 globally threatened species within Uganda and five of which are in danger.

Bwindi also has 24 of the 25 Albertine Rift endemic bird species in Uganda, including Shelley’s Crimson-wing, the African Green Broadbill and Chapin’s Flycatcher.

Uganda will be represented at the World Travel Market in London early this month. Further inquiries about birding can be made at the stand where inevitably some very eager men and women will fill you in with more detailed information.

The only real hazard some birders will face in Uganda, is the frequent shouts of ‘mzungu, mzungu usually shouted out by curious young children. Do not be offended. It is said in pride and appreciation.