Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s premier destinations for bird watching, drawing ornithologists and birding enthusiasts worldwide. The forest houses an impressive number of Albertine Rift endemics, species found only in this part of Africa. Notable examples include the African green broadbill, Grauer’s swamp warbler, and Shelley’s crimsonwing—species that are highly sought after by birders. Regional endemics add to the park’s specialised appeal, such as the handsome francolin, Doherty’s bushshrike, and the blue-headed sunbird. These endemics are supported by Bwindi’s dense vegetation, diverse altitudes, and abundant food sources, which create a critical refuge for species under pressure elsewhere due to habitat loss.
In addition to its resident species, Bwindi provides a temporary home to various migratory birds that visit the park during specific times of the year. Several migratory species from Europe and Asia can be observed between November and April. These include the black kite, common cuckoo, and barn swallow. The influx of migratory birds enriches the birding experience and underscores the park’s role as a vital stopover in the African-Eurasian flyway.
Birds of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
There are 348 bird species have been recorded at Bwindi. They include 25 restricted-range species, of which 23 are confined to the Albertine Rift and four are globally threatened: African Green Broadbill -Pseudocalyptomena graueri-Vulnerable, Grauer’s Rush Warbler -Bradypterus graueri; Endangered, Chapin’s Flycatcher -Muscicapa lendu; Vulnerable and Shelley’s Crimson-wing -Cryptospiza Shelley- Vulnerable.
Tourists can not only visit Bwindi for mountain gorillas but the place is also a bird watchers haven. Bwindi has three bird species that are the only surviving representatives of their respective genera: African Green Broadbill, Grauer’s Warbler (Graueria vittata) and Short-tailed Warbler (Hemitesia Neumann). Indeed, both the broadbill and Short-tailed Warbler are thought to be more closely related to Asian- than to African species!
Bwindi hosts at least 220 butterfly species including 8 Albertine rift endemics. Three butterflies occur only in Bwindi including the Cream- banded swallowtail (Papilio leucotaenia), Graphium gudenusi and Charaxes fournierae. The threatened African giant swallowtail (Papilio antimachus) is also found in Bwindi.
Many of the bird watching tours at Bwindi forest are at the Buhoma area along the forest margins and on village paths or in the Ruhija sector where forest birding and swamp birding take place with knowledgeable local guides. The gem for forest birding at Ruhija is at the Mubwindi swamp where some rare Albertine endemics and lifers can be observed in their national habitats.
Where to Go Birding in Bwindi
Bwindi’s varied terrain and forest zones mean different park areas offer unique birding opportunities. Key trails and locations for bird watching include:
- Buhoma Trail
This lower-altitude section of the park is known for its accessibility and the chance to see species like the great blue turaco, yellow-streaked greenbul, and red-throated alethe. The Buhoma community also supports birdwatching tours, adding cultural insights to the experience. - Mubwindi Swamp
Located in the Ruhija sector, this trail is particularly rewarding for serious birders. It is the most reliable site in Bwindi for spotting the elusive African green broadbill and other high-altitude species, such as the Grauer’s warbler and Rwenzori batis. - Rushaga and Nkuringo Sectors
Known for their remote, pristine settings, these areas attract rarities such as Archer’s robin-chat and the yellow-eyed black flycatcher. The quieter trails here allow for uninterrupted observation.
Buhoma
Most birding is done at Buhoma visitor centre on many trails near the River Munyaga, the birding sites at the Neck and the Ruhija sector of the park that includes; the visits to the Mubwindi swamp and a walk near the park offices and nearby farmlands. The bird list of Bwindi include;
- Jameson’s Antpecker
- Pink-footed Puff back
- Waller’s Starling
- Crested Guinea fowl
- Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo
- Grey Crowned Crane
- White-headed Saw-wing
- Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird
- African Olive-pigeon
- Buff-spotted Woodpecker
- Petit’s Cuckoo-shrike
- Cassin’s Flycatcher
- Ruwenzori Batis
- Ansorge’s Greenbul
- Klaas’s Cuckoo
- White-throated Greenbul
- Snowy-crowned Robin-chat
- African Paradise flycatcher
- Cape Wagtail
- Mountain Wagtail
- Yellow-fronted Canary
- Archer’s Robin-chat
- Dusky Twin spot
- Brown-capped Weaver
- Vieillot’s Black Weaver
- Lühder’s Bush-shrike
- Mackinnon’s Shrike
- Blue Spotted wood dove
- Tambourine dove
- Handsome francolin
- Helmeted guinea fowl
- African Goshawk
- Sooty Falcon
- Great Blue Turaco
- African Wood-owl
- African Pygmy-kingfisher
- Double-toothed Barbet
- Elliot’s Woodpecker
- Yellow-whiskered
- African Flycatcher-chat
- African Dusky Flycatcher
- Ross’s Turaco
- Black Bee-eater
- Grey-cheeked Hornbill
- Angolan Swallow, African
- Broadbill
- White-eyed Slaty-flycatcher
- African Hill-babbler
- Doherty’s Bush-shrike
- African Citril.
Ruhija
Ruhija is likely to be among the highlights of every trip done in Uganda with the outstanding birding in the spectacular environments. Here birds are very many and easy to spot; many species connecting in assorted feeding flocks that are all through the day. Starting early offers the finest opportunity of finding the remarkable batis, Mountain plus yellow-streaked Greenbuls, handsome Francolin, white-tailed crested Flycatcher, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Rwenzori batis, western Green Tinkerbird, red-faced woodland Warbler, as well as the Mountain marked plus chestnut-throated Apalises among many others.
Importance of Bwindi for Conservation
Bwindi’s role as a birdwatcher’s paradise is tied closely to its conservation value. The park protects habitats critical for species survival, including old-growth forests that serve as nesting and foraging grounds. Conservation initiatives within Bwindi safeguard resident bird populations and ensure the park continues to support migratory species as part of broader international efforts to protect avian flyways.