Birding in Murchison falls National Park is the largest park in Uganda. It is home to up to 450 species of both migrant birds and birds that stay all year through. Woodland, savannah and riverine forests dominate the park, offering the perfect habitat for the birds here. Sighting of the birds is assured during boat rides on Victoria Nile towards the delta region. Among the species on the falls include. Albert Nile rift endemic birds, water birds and savannah birds- some of which are common, rare or occasional birds.

Occasional and rare birds in the park are. The shoebill stork, black headed lapwing, heron, marabou stork, secretary bird, osprey, marital eagle, giant kingfisher, grey crowned crane among others,

Usually he Migrant birds come from Democratic Republic of Congo and Europe to Uganda. This is during the cold seasons in the countries they migrate from and it is often in the months of November to April. These migrant birds are therefore most likely to be spotted along River Nile. For a tourist interested in bird watching, those are the best months to visit the park as it will be dawned with variety. It is no wonder that Murchison falls is among the top ten best birding sites in Africa.

BEST BIRD WATCHING PLACES IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK.

Budongo Forest

It is basically the biggest bird habitant in the park. Having up to 360 bird species with two endemic species namely the yellow footed fly catcher and puvel’s illadopsis. Other species in Budongo forest are the guinea fowl, grey-headed sunbird, brown twin spot, olive breasted green bul, yellow crested wood pecker among others. All these birds and more are best seen on a nature walk in the forest.

Lake Albert Delta

This is a stretch of water where Victoria Nile enters Lake Albert. Here, you will see birds hiding in shrubs and the vegetation on the waters like. The grey heron, ducks, geese, woodpecker, and eagles among others.

Kaniyo Pabidi forest

Located in the southern part of thee falls, it serves as a habitant to many bird species. These can best be viewed during the nature walks at dawn or dusk (as they get back to their nests). At Kaniyo Pabidi, you will get to see other primates as well as chimpanzees. The birds at Kaniyo Pabidi forest include the yellow footed fly catcher, white thigh hornbill among others.

BEST TIME TO DO BIRDING IN MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK.

Murchison falls national park, the best birding site in Uganda, has over 450 bird species, both migrant and those that stay around all year. Given that the migrant birds are in the park between December and February and June to August, it is therefore best to visit Murchison falls national park within those months so as to get to see the birds in plenty. It should also be noted that the months March to May and September to November are often wet months and depending on the species you want, this can also be a good time to do birding.

To prepare for bird watching, carry a birders guide book, hiking shoes, camera, a backpack, field clothing and any other things you will find necessary.