Uganda as a nation is well known for her richness in birdlife so the Rwenzori Mountain ranges are no different, therefore bird watching on Rwenzori Mountains is so amazing. The fact that this park is within the Albertine rift, it has a very conducive environment for the survival of different bird species, that’s why it is among the most significant birdlife corridor in the world.
There are over 220 different bird species living in this area, but different birds are found in different vegetation zones. For example, at an altitude of 1,800 meters, you will find birds like the Rwenzori turacos, red-throated Alethe, white-tailed crested flycatcher, Mountain Chat, Ruwenzori Olive Thrush, Rufous sparrow hawk and Olive-breasted Mountain Greenbul among others.
Some of the Bird Species on Rwenzori Mountains
There are the barred long-tailed cuckoo, the long eared Owl, archers’ robin-chats, Francolin, the chested bee-eater, the Rwenzori batis and the white starred Robin, among so many others. All birds stay in the zone where they are comfortable and can easily survive so they can reproduce and multiply in number.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a dwelling place for more than 217 species of birds. 17 of these can only be found on Rwenzori Mountains, which justifies UNESCO labeling it as a key birding area. At about 1,800 meters, the variety will leave you captivated including, the handsome francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Long-eared Owl, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo and Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater among others.
Strange Weaver, Archers’ Robin-chat, Rwenzori Batis, White-starred Robin, Montane Sooty Boubou, Slender-billed Starling, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Blue-headed Sunbird, Barbets, Golden-winged Sunbird, Greenbuls, IIladopsis, Apalises, Crimson wings and Flycatchers, are also existing.
With fantastic trekking and hiking experiences, nature walks and cultural encounters with the Bakonzo people. Primates like chimpanzees, a variety of butterfly species, exotic plants and trees as well as great birding opportunities, Rwenzori mountains should be on your birding safari destination with in Uganda.
There is also a great opportunity of bird watching on Rwenzori Mountains, mostly found in montane forest. Some of the few species are found in the unreceptive world of the high Rwenzori. These bird species include; bee-eaters, sun birds, Robins and Barbets, which are found in Rwenzori Mountain National Park. The other bird species to view here include; the long eared Owl and Rwenzori Turaco. Higher on the slopes, you can view species like; bearded Vultures and swifts as well as the black Eagles that may be searching for the prey.