Photos with this report (click to enlarge) | |||
 Shoebill |
 Weyns's Weaver |
 Grauer's Green Broadbill |
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Guided by Phil Gregory, Livingstone Kalema and Alfred Twinomujini
This was a private tour for Christian, his wife and friends from Germany, designed to see most of the major sites of Uganda, a great selection of the birds and some fine game parks, with the Mountain Gorilla trekking a major highlight. We began in Entebbe and then drove across to Semliki on the Congo border, taking the chance to do this whilst things are quiet and settled over there. Bundibugyo is being added to the national electric grid and the roads apart from the last 20 km were in very good shape, much better than on my previous trip in 2006. Having the Birding A team of Livingstone and Alfred along was great and we did really well everywhere we went, suffice to say Phil alone got 6 lifers (plus one heard!) and some 26 additions to his Uganda list.
The final trip list was some 574 species with 9 of these as heard only, the best I have done so far on some 6 visits here. Highlights included White-backed Night Heron, Dwarf Bittern, two sightings of the legendary Shoebill, African Finfoot, Red-chested Owlet, African Piculet, both Black and Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, the displaying Green-breasted Pitta at Kibale, multiple records of Grauer’s Green Broadbill at Mubwindi, Lagden’s Bush-shrike, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Red-fronted Antpecker and some 19 Albertine Rift Endemics including Purple-breasted Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Grauer’s Warbler, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Dusky Twinspot and Strange Weaver. Mammals weren’t too shabby either, with the usual African megafauna of elephants, hippos and buffaloes plus gorillas, chimpanzees, giraffes and some great monkeys.
My thanks to Christian, Marion, Hans-Georg and Eva for the chance to do the trip, we had fun and seemed to manage to communicate pretty well. It was very special honeymoon for Christian and Marion, one they will never forget I’m sure and our congratulations and best wishes go to them.
Special thanks are due to Livingstone and Lorna of Livingstone African Safaris who ran the logistics so well, we highly recommend them (and Livingstone is a terrific bird guide as well as driver and all round fixer).
Thanks also to Alfred Twinomujini of Twitching in Buhoma who is a great field man and found us so many great birds, we hope his troubles with the Park Authorities at Bwindi can be resolved.
Robert was a very good driver for the final northern sector, our thanks to him for his hard work.
The excellent local guides are a great feature of the tour too, thanks to Thaddeo at Semliki, Alex at Bigodi, Moses the boatman at Lake Mburo, Ibrahim at Mabira, Vincent at Budongo, Cypriani at Kaniyo Pabidi, and of course the expert gorilla and chimp trackers who do a really remarkable job.
Thanks also to Sue Gregory who co-ordinated the logistics and did her customary fine job as well as running so many other tours and Cassowary House simultaneously.
Come to Uganda, truly the Pearl of Africa and one of the great African tours. Do it while you can!
Itinerary
June 11th 2009 Arrive at Entebbe from Germany (and Australia via Thailand and Kenya); pm visit to Entebbe Botanic Gardens. Overnight Sophie’s Motel.
June 12th Rendezvous with Livingstone. Entebbe/Kampala-/Fort Portal by 1600, to Bundibugyo. Met up with Alfred. Overnight Hotel Vanilla.
June 13th Kirumia Trail, Semliki 0645-1730. Overnight Vanilla Hotel.
June 14th Kirumia Trail 0600-1800, to beyond oxbow. Overnight Vanilla Hotel.
June 15th Sempaya Hot Springs 0600/ Karimbi and Ikoya en route to Fort Portal/ Kanyanchu Primate Camp at Kibale NP.
June 16th Kanyanchu Primate Camp 0615 Pitta-tracking, then for Chimpanzees. Roadside birding 1100-1230 and 1500-1830. Overnight Kanyanchu.
June 17th Bigodi Swamp 0800-1100/ Left Kanyanchu 1400/ Crater lakes/ Kasese/ QENP. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.
June 18th QENP- Kasenyi loop 0800-1230; Kazinga Channel with ranger Janet - “I’ave seen it with my own eyes”; late pm tracks near Mweya. O/n Mweya.
June 19th Mweya left 0800-Ishasha sector of QENP till 1530/ Buhoma. Overnight Gorilla Camp.
June 20th Buhoma to Ruhija (bad road takes 90 min); Gorilla tracking at Ruhija/ cultivation near Ruhija/ The Neck, Park HQ at Bwindi late pm. Overnight Gorilla Camp.
June 21st Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Track 0700-1330 and 1530-1900. Overnight Gorilla Camp.
June 22nd Bwindi to The Neck 0900-130; cultivation nr. Ruhija/ Twinspot valley/ Ruhija Forest Conservation area 1600 on. Overnight Ruhija.
June 23rd Mubwindi Swamp Trek 0730-1630; Primary School track 1715-1830. Overnight Ruhija.
June 24th Ruhija bamboo zone 0730-0830/ Bijodolo Swamp 1000-1130/ Kabale/Mbarara/Lake Mburo late pm. Overnight Lake Mburo tented camp.
June 25th Lake Mburo NP; boat trip0830-1000/ pm Zebra Drive loop till dark.
Overnight Lake Mburo tented Camp.
June 26th Lake Mburo 0700-1000/ floodwater by road at exit/ Masaka/Kampala. Jinja. Overnight Gateley on Nile.
June 27th Source of the Nile at Jinja/ Mabira FR 0800-1200/Kampala, farewell to Livingstone and pick-up Robert. To Masindi via Luwero Triangle on good road 230km 3 hours. Overnight Masindi Hotel
June 28th Kabango to pick-up Vincent 0730. Cultivation near Budongo 0715-0900; Royal Mile 0815-1600, fields 1615-1700. Overnight Masindi Hotel.
June 29th Masindi Depart 0615 to Murchison Falls NP/ Kaniyo Pabidi/Sembiya River Lodge. Murchison Falls and spotlighting pm return 2030.
June 30th Depart 0600 for Paraa and 0700 on “Shoebill” down Nile return 1300. Pm game drive to Nile Delta on north shore (35km from Paraa) Ferry 1800- Sembiya River Lodge 1930.
July 1st Sembiya Lodge area, b/f 0630 D 0715 45 min around lodge area then drive to Butiaba on very bad road. Lunch Butiaba escarpment 1330-1500, Busingiro sector of Budongo 1600-1730. Masindi 1830, overnight Masindi Hotel.
July 2nd Masindi-Luwero Swamp (Kafu and Ziwa Ranch)-Kampala/ Entebbe Botanic Garden late pm. Overnight The Boma.
July 3rd Depart 0630 for Mabamba, 90 minutes, then boat trip for Shoebill 0830-1030. Entebbe The Boma for lunch, departed for airport 1600
Species List
* denotes heard only NL- non-leader, seen by others
Taxonomy and vernacular names follow the International Ornithological Congress IOC Checklist v. 2.2 Aug2009.
NUMIDIDAE
Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris
Quite common, many groups with juveniles.
Crested Guineafowl Guttera pucherani
Feathers found at Semliki, then great views at Kibale and then Kaniyo Pabidi at Murchison.
PHASIANIDAE
Crested Francolin Francolinus sephaena
Good views at Lake Mburo and Murchison.
Heuglin’s Francolin Francolinus icterorhynchus
Heard at Budongo, where Christian saw one, and then seen nicely on the north shore at Murchison.
Red-necked Francolin Francolinus afer
Common at QENP and Lake Mburo.
Handsome Francolin Francolinus nobilis
A francolin of this species dashed off the road in the bamboo zone at Ruhija, and began calling in response to the tape, sadly not reappearing.
Blue Quail Coturnix adansonii
Two flushed for brief flight views in the cultivation near the Royal Mile, I think only a couple of us got onto them. This is an elusive species and was a Uganda tick for me.
ANATIDAE
White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata
Nice looks at Kazinga Channel, and the Nile at Murchison, plus some family groups at Mabamba.
Fulvous Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna bicolor
Two at the Kazinga Channel and 25 on the Nile at Murchison.
Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus
Scattered sightings in the game parks and swamps.
Spur-winged Goose (NL) Plectropus gambensis
Hans-Georg saw a small flock flying away at Murchison, scarce in Uganda.
Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos
Now split from the South American taxon, we saw 2 at the Kazinga Channel, and had a couple of sightings at Murchison of 2 and 4 birds.
Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota
Ten on floodwater near Lake Mburo were a good trip bird, a scarce species in Uganda.
Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata
Four on Lake Victoria near Entebbe, ten near Lake Mburo and 8 at Mabamba.
African Black Duck Anas sparsa
One on the stream at the The Neck was unexpected and a Uganda tick for Phil- the habitat here is very nice though.
PODICIPEDIDAE
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
Eight on Lake Victoria and one at floodwater near Lake Mburo.
CICONIIDAE
Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis
15 at Kazinga included a small juvenile, and there were a couple at Murchison.
African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus
Up to 30 around Entebbe, 15 at Mabamba.
Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus
6 at Bwindi were unexpected and a good find, and there was one at the swamp near Kabale.
Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis
One at Kazinga and 3 at Murchison.
Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus
Up to 40 and 100 near Entebbe, they have really colonized the cities and their rubbish areas, with small numbers elsewhere.
THRESKIORNITHIDAE
Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus
Six day records, max. 40 near Jinja.
Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash
Widespread, with ten day records, max. 20 at Murchison.
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
Three at Mabamba were one of the last trip additions.
African Spoonbill Platalea alba
Five at QENP and a single at L. Mburo.
ARDEIDAE
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
10 at the Kazinga Channel and 3 at Jinja.
Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala
Seen in small numbers on most days.
Goliath Heron Ardea goliath
Four at Kazinga and up to 8 on the Nile at Murchison, allowing great close views.
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Four day records max. 10 at Mabamba.
Great White Egret Ardea alba
Three day records, with 10 at QENP and 4 at Murchison.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
30 on L. Victoria and 10 at the source of the Nile, three other day records..
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
Four day records, nice looks at the Kazinga Channel and at Mabamba.
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Widespread, max. 100 in Murchison.
Striated Heron Butorides striata
3 at Lake Victoria and 1 at Jinja.
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
6 at Lake Mburo.
White-backed Night Heron Gorsachius leuconotus
Fantastic looks at two adults in dense papyrus at L. Mburo after we’d failed to see them in the thicket roost there. A rare and seldom seen species.
Dwarf Bittern Ixobrychus sturmii
Fantastic views of one along the track to Mweya Lodge. Some nice photographs and a really good pick up of a difficult m nomadic species.
Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus payesii
Two of the African race were seen along the Nile at Murchison.
SCOPIDAE
Hamerkop Scopus umbretta
One or two most days with a max. of 10 around the Botanic gardens in Entebbe, including a huge nest.
BALAENICIPITIDAE
Shoebill Balaeniceps rex
A far distant bird perched out in the swamp from the northern bank circuit at the Delta, a great tick but surely a BVD. The happily one at Mabamba, seen nicely after a short time paddling by our poor boatman, stood in a Papyrus-fringed bay and then in flight. It is a very good bet here, a useful back-up if you dip at Murchison.
PELECANIDAE
Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
7 splendid pink-flushed breeding dress adults at the Kazinga Channel
Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens
Seven day records, seen at Entebbe, 70 at the Kazinga Channel and 2 at the salt lake in QENP, 4 at L. Mburo, and 15 at Luwero Swamp where there is still a small a nesting colony near the road.
PHALACROCORACIDAE
White-breasted (Great) Cormorant Phalacrocorax (carbo) lucidus
110 at the Kazinga Channel and 60 at Jinja.
Long-tailed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus
30 on L. Victoria at Entebbe, 20 at Jinja and odd ones seen elsewhere.
ANHINGIDAE
African Darter Anhinga rufa
Three day records, with 2 at Jinja and 30 on the Nile at Murchison.
PANDIONIDAE
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Just a single Murchison.
ACCIPITRIDAE
Bat Hawk Macheiramphus alcinus
One at dusk at Lake Mburo as we were looking for nightjars, tearing in head-on low over the grassland and looking really odd, a pity it did not hang about! This was a Uganda tick for me.
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus
Very scarce, just one near Budongo and a couple of other sightings.
African Cuckoo-Hawk (African Baza) Aviceda cuculoides
A nice view of one perched near the road along the Ishasha sector, this was my first in Uganda.
Yellow-billed (Black) Kite Milvus (migrans) parasitus
Widespread in small numbers, max. 10 at Entebbe
African Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer
Widespread in small numbers, max. 12 in QENP.
Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis
Widespread in small numbers with 8 day records; seen at Entebbe, at Semliki in the palms by the hot springs, and 5 on our long trek in the palm groves near the ox-bow.
Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus
Up to 5 around Kampala, and 7 at Lake Mburo- maybe the decline is beginning?
White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus
Five day records, with 40 in QENP and 15 at Lake Mburo the only sizeable counts.
Rueppell’s Vulture Gyps rueppellii
Singles in QENP on two, the same bird sat close near Mweya Lodge, and one at Lake Mburo, always sparse in Uganda.
Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus
Three day records, with 3 at Lake Mburo, 2 there next day and 2 up on the outskirts of Murchison near Masindi.
Black-breasted Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis
One at QENP was it for the trip.
Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus
Four day records, max. 2 birds, seen at QENP, L. Mburo and Murchison.
Banded Snake Eagle Circaetus cinerascens
3 day records of singles, 2 from Luwero and 1 from Murchison
Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus
Seven day records, the max. being 8 in QENP, 6 there next day and 8 at Lake Mburo.
African Marsh-Harrier Circus ranivorus
Four day records, most from the Lake Mburo vicinity with a single at Mabamba.
African Harrier-Hawk (Gymnogene) Polyboroides typus
Widespread with 7 day records of singles or two birds, including a nest and a bird carrying a snake.
Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus
They seem scarce in Uganda, we had three day records, with 2 near Bigodi and singles near Butiaba and Masindi.
Dark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates
Two sightings, one near Mabira and one in Murchison.
Eastern Chanting Goshawk Melierax poliopterus
Two sightings, one in Murchison and one at Butiaba.
Gabar Goshawk Melierax gabar
Uncommon in Uganda, my first for the country were 2 in QENP, with another later at Luwero.
African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro
Three day records of singles, near Kibale and at Bwindi/Ruhija in the more open country.
Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus
One near Ishasha and one at Lake Mburo.
Black Goshawk Accipiter melanoleucos
One near Kibale and one near Lake Mburo.
Mountain Buzzard Buteo oreophilus
An immature was soaring over near Fort Portal, an unexpected site for it, then we had 2 plus a nest with a juv. in the forest at Mubwindi Swamp.
Augur Buzzard Buteo auguralis
Three day records, with one near The Neck and then up to 6 in day around Ruhija.
Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax
Just one seen in the Luwero/Masindi region.
Wahlberg’s Eagle Aquila wahlbergi
Three singles, the first at Entebbe, then near Luwero and in Murchison.
African Hawk-Eagle Hieraaetus spilogaster
One seen at our lunchtime hill stop near Kabale was a good find.
Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle Hieraaetus africanus
A good trip for these, with three sightings of singles at Kibale, Bwindi and Budongo.
Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus
One at L. Mburo and two in Murchison.
Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis
Widespread with 11 day records and counts of up to 7 in a day around Entebbe/Kampala and 5 in a day around Kibale and Ishasha.
Crowned Hawk-Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus
Seen well soaring at Kibale, maybe two individuals.
FALCONIDAE
Rock Kestrel Falco (t.) rupicolus
One at Kampala, then singles at Ruhija and Lake Mburo. This is the resident kestrel here, quite distinct to Eurasian Kestrel.
Grey Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus
Eight day records, being seen near Kampala and at Jinja as well as Lake Mburo and Murchison.
Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera
Three day records, the best in Murchison as usual.
African Hobby Falco cuvierii
My first confirmed in Uganda was at Entebbe Botanical Gardens, then another at Jinja and again at the Botanic Gardens at the trip’s end.
Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus
Just a single near Ruhija was it for the trip this time.
HELIORNIHIDAE
African Finfoot Podica senegalensis
We had a wonderful view of a male on Lake Mburo, seen at close range. This bird later swam across several hundred metres of open water to get to the fringing vegetation on the opposite side.
RALLIDAE
White-spotted Flufftail Sarothrura pulchra
Glimpsed and heard at the Sembiya Hot Springs, and then seen wonderfully well at Bigodi, coming right in.
Red-chested Flufftail Sarothrura rufa
One was calling down in Mubwindi Swamp, and amazingly we got it to cross a small gap in the reeds, then stick its head out for a second brief look.
African Crake Crecopsis egregia
Just one in QENP where conditions looked very nice for them, and one for some at Murchison.
Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra
Great looks at the Kazinga Channel and Mabamba, where we saw at least 10 birds each time, plus a few along the Nile at MF.
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Just two sightings, one for some at Kazinga Channel and then 3 on floodwater near L. Mburo.
GRUIDAE
Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum
Still quite common in Uganda, we had eight day records and a max. of 30 near Bwindi and 15 near Kabale.
BURHINIDAE
Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus
30 at Kazinga including a juv. 1 was near L. Mburo and a few along the Nile at MF.
Senegal Thick-knee Burhinus senegalensis
There were several along the Nile at MF.
RECURVIROSTRIDAE
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Just 5 at the Kazinga Channel.
CHARADRIIDAE
Black-headed Lapwing Vanellus tectus
4 adults and 2 juvs. Along the delta track at Murchison, a Uganda tick for Phil.
Long-toed Lapwing Vanellus crassirostris
2 at L. Mburo, 10 along the Nile at MF and 4 at Mabamba, great close views in the swamp.
Spur-winged Plover Vanellus spinosus
Five day records, first near Entebbe, and 10 up along the Nile at MF.
Senegal Lapwing Vanellus lugubris
This scarce species showed really well at QENP and then with up to 12 birds at L. Mburo, sadly just a tad too early for Brown-chested Wattled Plover.
Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus
Just two day records of 3 birds in QENP.
Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus
Eight day records, seen in all the major lowland parks max. 6 birds.
Grey Plover (NL) Pluvialis squatarola
Sadly I missed the bird seen flying by Christian and Hans-Georg at Kazinga, it is a rarity in Uganda and would have been a Uganda tick for me-darn!
Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris
Just 3 birds in QENP was it.
Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius
12 along the Kazinga Channel were the only sighting.
JACANIDAE
African Jacana Actophilornis africanus
10 at Mabamba.
SCOLOPACIDAE
Greenshank Tringa nebularia
2 at the Kazinga Channel.
GLAREOLIDAE
Common Pratincole Glareola pratincola
Good views of about 40 in QENP.
Rock Pratincole Glareola nuchalis
Around 30 on rocks by Murchison Falls gave good views.
LARIDAE
Grey-headed Gull Larus cirrhocephalus
There were 4 at the Nile Delta and 2 at Mabamba.
Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica
Seven were at Kazinga, 3 on the Nile at Murchison and 2 on L. Victoria.
White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
15 in winter plumage were at Kazinga and 50 at Mabamba.
African Skimmer Rhynchops flavirostris
There were some 80 at Kazinga Channel lovely to see them skimming the water.
COLUMBIDAE
Feral Pigeon Columba livia
A few around in Luwero and Kampala were presumably feral and not pets?
Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea
Seen in Kampala and Kabale, not common in Uganda.
Afep Pigeon Columba unicincta
This uncommon bird showed well in Semliki, where we saw 3 very nicely.
Rameron (African Olive) Pigeon Columba arquatrix
Seen at Ruhija and Mubwindi.
Western Bronze-naped Pigeon Columba iriditorques
This can be a tough bird to see, so 3 along the Kirumia Trail at Semliki were good, and one was seen and others heard at Bwindi.
African Mourning Dove Streptopelia decipiens
A few along the Nile at MF, it seems to quite like the papyrus beds here.
Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata
Widespread, the common dove in much of Uganda.
Cape Turtle Dove Streptopelia capicola
Not as common as Red-eyed Dove, we saw them mainly at QENP and in the west.
Vinaceous Dove Streptopelia vinacea
Just a couple confirmed on the south bank of Murchison Falls.
Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis
Curiously scarce all trip, we had just a few at Kibale and QENP.
Dusky Turtle Dove Streptopelia lugens
Glimpsed flying up in a thicket as we came out of Mubwindi Swamp, a BVD at best.
Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos
The only ones were at Lake Mburo.
Blue-spotted Wood-Dove Turtur afer
Quite common on the first part of the trip at Semliki and near Kibale and a few near Masindi.
Black-billed Wood Dove Turtur abyssinicus
As usual only seen in MF, where we had up to 10 in a day.
Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria
One's and two's at Semliki, Royal Mile and MF.
Namaqua Dove Oena capensis
Amazingly, a female in the dry country as we came out of MF towards Butiaba was my first ever in Uganda, where it seems to be curiously local.
Bruce’s Green Pigeon Treron waalia
Sadly only glimpsed up in Luwero this trip.
African Green-Pigeon Treron calva
Six day records, the most being at Lake Mburo and up in Luwero.
PSITTACIDAE
Red-headed Lovebird Agapornis pullarius
A fine view of two at L. Mburo and another two up near the Royal Mile.
Grey Parrot Psittacus erithacus
Five day records, usually just 2 birds each time, seen at Entebbe, Semliki, Kibale and near the Royal Mile.
Meyer’s Parrot Poicephalus meyeri
Eight day records, from Entebbe to Lake Mburo and Butiaba.
MUSOPHAGIDAE
Great Blue Turaco Corythaeola cristata
Eleven day records but heard more than seen, best views at Bigodi Swamp.
Black-billed Turaco Tauraco schuettii
Eight day records, mostly heard but seen well at Semliki, Kibale and The Neck.
White-crested Turaco Tauraco leucocephalus
Great looks at 3 of this gorgeous bird as we came back through the Luwero Triangle.
Ross's Turaco Musophaga rossae
For day records, seen at Entebbe, Semliki and near Bwindi.
Bare-faced Go-Away Bird Corythaixoides personatus
One along the Ishasha sector was early on in the trip, otherwise a few around the Lake Mburo area as usual.
Eastern Plantain-eater Crinifer zonurus
Up to 8 around Entebbe, small numbers around Masindi and Luwero.
CUCULIDAE
Levaillant's Cuckoo Oxylophus levaillantii
Four day records, three of them around QENP with one at Ishasha the best.
Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius
One at Kibale and one at Ruhija, not very vocal this trip.
Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus
One of the form gabonensis at The Neck, and another at Mabira.
Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo Cercococcyx mechowi
A good view of one near the ox-bow at Kirumia at Semliki, and heard at Budongo.
Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas
A fine male at Entebbe. and also seen at Semliki and Kibale.
African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus
A pair at Entebbe Botanic Gardens; a female along the Kirumia Trail, interesting it is sympatric with Yellow-throated Cuckoo here and that we heard none of the latter this trip, and a male at Kibale, plus quite a few heard.
Didric Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius
Just a couple in QENP, not vocalizing much this trip though we did hear them at Entebbe.
Blue Malkoha (Yellowbill or Green Coucal) Ceuthmochares aereus aereus
Seen at Kibale and Budongo, and heard at several sites. Now split from Green Malkoha of the east and south of Africa.
Black Coucal Centropus grillii
Three as we came in to QENP, which is the only place we see this uncommon bird.
Blue-headed Coucal Centropus monachus
Seen nicely at Sempaya Springs and again in papyrus along the Nile at MF.
Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis
Seen at Semliki in the same area as White-browed Coucal, and at Budongo.
White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus
The common Coucal of the trip with nine day records, starting at Semliki and with 10 birds seen in QENP.
STRIGIDAE
Greyish Eagle Owl Bubo cinerascens
This dark-eyed split from Spotted Eagle Owl of the southern African region was seen near the track as we came back from Murchison Falls.
African Wood Owl * Ciccaba woodfordi
Unusually we only heard it this trip at Kibale, we usually get one in this area.
Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum
One at Lake Mburo, see well in daylight.
Red-chested Owlet Glaucidium tephronotum
A great view of one in daylight as we went down into Mubwindi Swamp, only my second sighting. We also heard it at Kibale and Ruhija.
African Scops Owl * Otus senegalensis
We were about to get a look at a responsive bird at Lake Mburo when Pennant-winged Nightjar interrupted, and we lost the chance!
CAPRIMULGIDAE
Ruwenzori Nightjar * Caprimulgus ruwenzorii
This split from Mountain Nightjar was singing pre-dawn at Ruhija, with three birds calling, but did not come to the tape.
Square-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus fossii
A fine responsive male near Mweya Lodge, and another at L. Mburo where it was calling too.
Swamp Nightjar * Caprimulgus natalensis
This species was heard at Lake Mburo, but was too distant to track down.
Standard-wing Nightjar Macrodipteryx longipennis
Two females sat in the track at Murchison as we came back from the falls, one sitting very tight and allowing some nice photos. This was a Uganda tick for me too.
Pennant-winged Nightjar Macrodipteryx vexillarius
Three amazing males at dusk at Lake Mburo, seems to be a major wintering ground here, and then again up at MF where we had great dawn views of a female in the road, and then sadly a male killed by a speeding game viewing vehicle.
APODIDAE
Sabine’s Spinetail Raphidura sabinii
Christian saw this uncommon bird at Kibale, and we got 2 quite well at Budongo, along with an odd puzzling Spinetail that may be Mottled, but our views were too poor to clinch it.
Cassin’s Spinetail Neafrapus cassini
We had views of 2 of this scarce species at Budongo.
African Palm-Swift Cypsiurus parvus
A few around Entebbe, and common at Semliki and in the north.
Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba
Five on one day and 7 the next over Kibale. They breed in the Ruwenzori’s and wander widely.
African Black Swift Apus barbatus
2 day records from Bwindi and Ruhija.
Little Swift Apus affinis
Seen at Kampala, and Kibale/QENP, with a few from L. Mburo.
Horus Swift (NL) Apus horus
Some folks saw this species at Semliki at Sempaya I believe.
White-rumped Swift Apus caffer
Seen near Kibale, in QENP, L. Mburo and over the Nile at MF.
COLIIDAE
Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus
Seen on most days of the trip.
Blue-naped Mousebird Urocolius macrourus
This dry country bird was seen at L. Mburo and a few at MF.
TROGONIDAE
Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina
Heard at Kibale, and late in the tour, two seen well at Kaniyo Pabidi after I was worried we were going to dip on this species.
Bar-tailed Trogon Apaloderma vittatum
Good looks at a male at Bwindi and then next day a female at The Neck.
CORACIIDAE
Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudata
Nice looks as we came back to Lake Mburo, max. 6, and a single near Luwero.
Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus
Quite widespread this trip, with 6 at Entebbe and lots up in the north.
Blue-throated Roller Eurystomus gularis
One at Semliki was nice, and was the only one we saw, this seems to be quite a scarce species.
ALCEDINIDAE
Shining-blue Kingfisher Alcedo quadribrachys
Amazing views of one at Bigodi Swamp again this trip, simply incredible as it sat in sunlight over the creek there. This is quite a tricky bird to get.
Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata
Up to 10 at Kazinga, 6 at L. Mburo and a few at MF and Mabamba.
African Pygmy Kingfisher Ispidina picta
Six day records of this tiny sprite, first at QENP then 5 at Budongo and one at MF.
Dwarf Kingfisher Ispidina lecontei
This much more elusive species showed well with 2 seen at the Royal Mile.
Chocolate-backed Kingfisher Halcyon badia
The call of this elusive bird is one of my personal favourites, and even better Vincent is very good at spotting them, so we got onto 2 at the Royal Mile, and I found a lovely one by the Busingiro visitor centre as we came in from Butiaba to Budongo.
Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala
Two at L. Mburo and quite common at MF.
Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis
Seven day records, starting at Entebbe, then scattered about.
Blue-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon malimbica
Eight day records but most usually heard only, another very evocative forest sound. We actually saw one at Sempaya and then at Budongo.
Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti
Nine day records, with a max. of 8 at L. Mburo.
Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maximus
Some folks saw one at crater lake as we crossed from Kibale to QENP, and then we had 2 at MF. Spectacular.
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
Common by fresh water, we saw over 100 in day at Kazinga. Also seen in Congo in the Ishasha sector at the border campsite that is about to be closed.
MEROPIDAE
Black Bee-eater Merops gularis
Always a trip favourite, we did well for them with 5 at Kibale, including a bird that had lost its tail, and a couple of sightings at Bwindi.
Red-throated Bee-eater Merops bulocki
Small numbers along the Nile at MF.
Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus
Few this trip, just 4 day records, most at L. Mburo.
Blue-breasted Bee-eater Merops variegatus
2 of this local species gave nice looks at Mabamba, one of the last ticks of the trip.
Cinnamon-chested Be-eater Merops oreobates
Seen at Kibale and then at Bwindi, they are fairly common at the higher, humid altitudes.
Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus
Three day records in MF, max. 3 birds.
White-throated Bee-eater Merops albicollis
Two on the outskirts of Kampala were a nice trip addition.
Madagascar (Olive) Bee-eater Merops superciliosus
Four one day and 10 the next in QENP.
Northern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicus
This trip was late enough for them to be coming back into MF, where we had two day records of 3 and then 10 birds. A great species to get.
PHOENICULIDAE
Green Wood-Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus
4 near Kibale and then a couple of sightings at MF.
Forest Wood-Hoopoe Phoeniculus castaneiceps
We had nice looks at 4 of this quite rare forest bird at Mabira.
White-headed Wood-Hoopoe Phoeniculus bollei
Great looks at Bwindi, with a noisy flock of 10 on one day and a single the next.
Common Scimitarbil Rhinopomastus cyanomelas
Great looks at 2 in QENP, very responsive.
BUCEROTIDAE
Crowned Hornbill Tockus alboterminatus
Eight day records, starting in Entebbe, seen near Bwindi/Ruhija and near Mabira, and on the way to Semliki.
African Pied Hornbill Tockus fasciatus
Two and then 4 next day in Semliki.
African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus
Seen most days from L. Mburo onwards,, with up to 30 at MF.
Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill Tockus camurus
I was again well impressed with this bird, such an odd greenish-brown colour and a very strange voice. We got nice looks at 4 birds in Semliki and heard a few more.
Black Dwarf Hornbill Tockus hartlaubi
A male called and perched for scope views for almost all of us at Semliki, flying just as I got onto it in the scope. A very good E. African tick, and a Uganda tick for me.
White-crested Hornbill Tockus albocristatus
Tough to get a good look at this species in Semliki, we got bits of them each time, the huge great long tail and white crown obvious. We tried taping in a vocal group on the long trek day but they were very wary and we never got a good look.
Piping Hornbill Ceratogymna fistulator
These showed well at Semliki with 3 day records, counts of 8, 12 and then 7 birds.
Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill Ceratogymna subcylindricus
Widespread, 3 at Entebbe, 4 at Kibale, 1 at Bwindi, up to 10 at Budongo, 8 near Masindi and 2 near Mabamba.
White-thighed Hornbill Ceratogymna albotibialis
Only see at Budongo, where we had 5 by the Royal Mile and 2 near the visitor centre.
Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill Ceratogymna atrata
Magnificent, a huge pair flew over at Kirumia and we got looks at them calling and perching up, with great raucous vocals, a wonderful bird. We had 3 day records with 3, 2 and then 2 here.
BUCORVIDAE
Abyssinian Ground Hornbill Bucorvus abyssinicus
This fantastic bird, now elevated to a new family, was seen at Kaniyo Pabidi (with a pair in forest once again), then 4 on the north bank of the Nile and a pair with a juv. as we came out of the park. Just great.
LYBIIDAE
Grey-throated Barbet Gymnobucco bonapartei
Quite common at Kibale and Bwindi/Ruhija
Speckled Tinkerbird Pogoniulus scolopaceus
Seen at Semliki, Kibale, Bwindi and Budongo.
Western Green Tinkerbird Pogoniulus coryphaeus
A good view of one at Mubwindi Swamp, an uncommon species.
Yellow-throated Tinkerbird Pogoniulus subsulphureus
One at Semliki, and seen again at Kibale, Bwindi and Budongo.
Red-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus atroflavus
Nice views of a couple along the Kirumia Trail, taped in for great looks, with another next day.
Yellow-rumped (Golden-rumped) Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus
Six day records, from Entebbe, Semliki, Bwindi and Budongo.
Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus
One near Fort Portal, also seen at Luwero and MF.
Yellow-spotted Barbet Buccanodon duchaillui
Seen at Kibale and Budongo.
Hairy-breasted Barbet Tricholaema hirsuta
Just a single bird at Kibale this trip.
Spot-flanked Barbet Tricholaema lachrymosa
This dry country bird was seen in QENP, L. Mburo and Murchison.
White-headed Barbet Lybius leucocephalus
Two day records of 6 and then 10 birds, at fruiting figs in the Luwero Triangle.
Red-faced Barbet Lybius rubrifacies
This is almost a Rwandan endemic but just gets into Uganda at L. Mburo, where we left it late but eventually had good views of one, again from below Oribi chalet!
Black-billed Barbet Lybius guifsobalito
Another snazzy barbet, this one showed well in dry bush near Fort Portal and again in Murchison Falls.
Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus
This was a totally unexpected find at Lake Mburo near the tented camp, a lifer for Livingstone and a Uganda tick for me. Maybe they are colonizing here?
Double-toothed Barbet Lybius bidentatus
Four day records, of singles and a pair, the first near Fort Portal and again near Kibale.
Yellow-billed Barbet Trachyphonus purpuratus
This exotic looking creature showed nicely in Semliki and was heard at Budongo.
INDICATORIDAE
Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator
A fine immature was near Fort Portal at Karimbi, and we later saw more 3 more immatures in Murchison.
Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor
One seen at Lake Mburo, and another at Luwero.
Thick-billed Honeyguide Indicator conirostris
One was heard at Semliki, and then seen at Bwindi, a Uganda tick for me.
Willcocks’s Honeyguide Indicator willcocksi
We did well for them this trip, with 5 day records from Kibale, Bwindi and Budongo, where I even got a photo.
Least Honeyguide Indicator meliphilus
A calling bird was sat high in a forest tree not far beyond the oxbow, and we got a good look at this small, short-tailed and stubby-billed species.
Dwarf Honeyguide Indicator pumilio
One was glimpsed at Mubwindi, an Alfred special, but not seen at all well this time, a shame is it’s more or less an Albertine Rift Endemic.
Cassin’s Honeybird Prodotiscus insignis
One at Kibale was a good find of this slender-billed species.
PICIDAE
African Piculet Sasia africana
This mega was seen by Christian, Hans-Georg and I about 2 km along the Kirumiya Trail, but did not linger in sight, although we could hear it trilling quietly.
Red-throated Wryneck Jynx ruficollis
Alfred had a good spot in the cultivation before The Neck, and we got great views of one here.
Nubian Woodpecker Campethera nubica
A male and female at Lake Mburo gave good looks.
Tullberg’s Woodpecker Campethera tullbergi
A good look at a male at Bwindi.
Buff-spotted Woodpecker Campethera nivosa
Heard and seen by some in Semliki, then a fine male at Bigodi Swamp.
Brown-eared Woodpecker Campethera caroli
Singles along the Kirumia Trail.
Speckle-breasted Woodpecker Dendropicos poecilolaemus
A nice look at one as we were coming into Bigodi Swamp, a good bird to find.
Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens
One in forest along the Ishasha road, a pair with a nest at Lake Mburo and a single next day.
Elliot’s Woodpecker Dendropicos elliotii
A nice look at 3 of them at Bwindi, this can be an elusive bird.
Grey Woodpecker Dendropicos goertae
3 at Entebbe Botanic Gardens, and also seen in Murchison.
Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos olivaceus
A pair seen well at Ruhija, a Uganda tick for me.
Yellow-crested Woodpecker Dendropicos xantholophus
Heard at Semliki then seen well at Budongo, with 5 along the Royal Mile and again near the visitor centre.
Brown-backed Woodpecker Dendropicos obsoletus
A couple of singles seen in Murchison.
EURYLAIMIDAE
African Broadbill Smithornis capensis
One at Bwindi was displaying flighting nicely, after we heard one as we came near Kibale earlier on in the trip.
Rufous-sided Broadbill Smithornis rufolateralis
None was calling in Semliki, but we managed to get one that showed really well at Kaniyo Pabidi.
Grauer’s Green Broadbill Pseudocalyptomena graueri
Amazingly we saw at least 4 in Mubwindi swamp on June 23rd, with one bird feeding down in the old nesting area, then 3+ at some trees as we took the new lower level route out! One of the great African megaticks.
PITTIDAE
Green-breasted Pitta Pitta reichenowi
At last! This was my sixth attempt but the first at the right time of year, when the bird is displaying. We left Kanyanchu Primate Camp at 0615 on June 16th and walked for about 20 minutes before we heard the distant “prrt” of a displaying pitta. We homed in on this and found one calling high in a tree, where most of the group got a quick view but a couple of us failed to get into position in time and dipped. Luckily it and another began calling again and we went towards it, with the bird then going quiet before another started up. Third time lucky, this one sat making the “prrt” noise some 25m up on a limb, and we got right by it for great looks as it jumped into the air and flitted its wings. This species does not give the loud “hwic” call of its close relative the African Pitta, we just heard the “prrt” as it jumped up and flipped the half open wings.
Another of the African megaticks, with a very narrow window to have a serious shot at it, in June-August when it’s displaying, luckily it seemed to be a tad early this year, as I wasn’t at all sure we’d hit the right time slot. We saw at least one bird and heard two others.
PLATYSTEIRIDAE
African Shrike-Flycatcher Megabyas flammulatus
Four day records, seen at Entebbe, Kibale (3 birds), and males at Bwindi and Budongo.
Vanga (Black & White) Shrike-Flycatcher Bias musicus
Two day records of 2 males, seen at Bigodi and again at Buhoma by the tented camp, a net and very odd bird.
Brown-throated Wattle-eye Platysteira cyanea
Four day records, from Entebbe, Buhoma, Ruhija and Mabira. This species and the next are actually
named after the female plumage.
Chestnut Wattle-eye Platysteira castanea
Four day records, from Semliki, Mabira and Budongo.
Jameson’s Wattle-eye Platysteira jamesoni
This one seems to be harder to see than the others, we heard it in Semliki and again at Mabira, and finally got one at Budongo.
Ruwenzori Batis Batis diops
This Albertine Rift Endemic gave good looks at Ruhija, where it overlaps with Chinspot Batis amazingly enough.
Chinspot Batis Batis molitor
Seen at Lake Mburo, and some saw it at Ruhija.
Black-headed Batis Batis minor
We saw this one near Fort Portal and Masindi in the drier country there.
Ituri Batis Batis ituriensis
This rare forest batis was seen in Budongo, where Vincent heard it calling and got us onto one high in the canopy, a great bird to get.
PRIONOPIDAE
White Helmet Shrike Prionops plumatus
6 on the track to Murchison Falls, this seems to be a good area for them and these were quite responsive.
MALACONOTIDAE
Brubru Nilaus afer
One near Lake Mburo and a few folks saw it near Masindi.
Northern Puffback Dryoscopus gambensis
Just two records, with one in cultivation near The Neck, and a few seeing one in Luwero.
Marsh Tchagra Tchagra minuta
One by the road as we got to Sempaya Hot Spring at Semliki, a good find of an elusive species.
Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegala
Six day records, seen at Sempaya and in QENP, and then up at MF.
Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis
Also six day records, seen near Fort Portal, Ruhija and Budongo.
Luehder’s Bush Shrike Laniarius luehderi
We saw this forest bird at Bwindi. with two sightings.
Tropical Boubou Laniarius aethiopicus
Widespread in the drier areas with 9 day records.
Black-headed Gonolek Laniarius erythrogaster
Also widespread in the drier areas, we had some great looks at this showy species at Mweya and then up at Murchison.
Papyrus Gonolek Laniarius mufumbiri
Livingstone had a good spot en route to Fort Portal, and we got them again at Bigodi (where they are usually non-responsive and taped out!)
Sooty Boubou Laniarius leucorhynchus
Calling well near the oxbow in Semliki, and most folks got a view of then here; heard again at Mabira.
Mountain Sooty Boubou * Laniarius poensis
This was heard at Mubwindi but stayed out of sight.
Grey-green Bush Shrike Telephorus bocagei
Just one at Bigodi Swamp this trip, thanks to local guide Alex!
Sulphur-breasted Bush Shrike Telephorus sulfureopectus
Just two sightings, at Lake Mburo and Butiaba.
Doherty’s Bush-shrike Telephorus dohertyi
A couple of folks got a brief look at Ruhija, so we put in our request with Alfred, and he magicked one out near the primary school at Ruhija, a fantastic bird and one of the best of the family.
Lagden’s Bush Shrike Malaconotus lagdeni
Yee-ha1 Some speculative tape playing down at Mubwindi on June 23rd lured one out and we had fabulous views of this rare and seldom seen species, which was a lifer for Phil.
CAMPEPHAGIDAE
Grey Cuckooshrike Coracina caesia
One at Ruhija.
Petit’s Cuckooshrike Campephaga petiti
Seen well at Bwindi and Ruhija.
African Black Cuckooshrike Campephaga flava
One at Mweya, and then a pair up at Murchison.
Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike Campephaga phoenicea
A fine male near Fort Portal in the drier country.
Purple-throated Cuckooshrike Campephaga quiscalina
Two females at Kibale.
LANIIDAE
Grey-backed Fiscal Lanius excubitoroides
Widespread, with eleven day records, the first near Fort Portal.
Mackinnon’s Fiscal Lanius mackinnoni
Three records from the Bwindi and Ruhija area.
Common Fiscal Lanius collaris
Ten day records, this was widespread.
ORIOLIDAE
Western Black-headed Oriole Oriolus brachyrhynchus
Seen in Semliki and at Budongo, where we saw a nest.
African Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus
Three records, seen at Lake Mburo and the Luwero Triangle.
Montane Oriole Oriolus percivali
This montane endemic was seen a couple of times at Ruhija and Mubwindi.
African Golden Oriole Oriolus auratus
A fine immature was in the trees along the road at the start of the Ishasha sector track.
DICRURIDAE
Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis
Nine day records, the first at Bigodi.
Velvet-mantled Drongo Dicrurus modestus
Two sightings in Semliki.
MONARCHIDAE
Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher * Trochocercus cyanomelas
One was heard along the Kirumia Trail at Semliki, but stayed out of view.
African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis
Eight day records and some good views of this spectacular species, the first near Fort Portal.
Black-headed Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone rufiventer
A few sightings in Semliki, and again at Busingiro (Budongo) of this wet forest species.
CORVIDAE
Piapiac Ptilostomus afer
The first were at Jinja, and then quite common up at Murchison with up to 40 in a day.
Pied Crow Corvus albus
Widespread, the first being in Entebbe.
White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis
Two confiding birds were at our Ruhija camp.
STENOSTIRIDAE
African Blue Flycatcher Elminia longicauda
Six day records, we saw them first at Bigodi, then at Bwindi and Murchison where two juveniles were being fed by the park entrance.
White-tailed Blue Flycatcher Elminia albicauda
Four day records of this attractive species, all up at Bwindi and Ruhija.
White-bellied Crested Flycatcher Elminia albiventris
For once we got quite a good view of one at Bwindi, where they can be remarkably hard to see well.
PARIDAE
White-winged Black Tit Melaniparus leucomelas
One at Lake Mburo was good pick-up of what is a scarce species in Uganda.
White-shouldered Black Tit Melaniparus guineensis
Three in the dry country at Ikoya near Fort Portal, and another at Butiaba escarpment.
Dusky Tit Melaniparus funereus
Seen at Ruhija and then again at Budongo.
Stripe-breasted Tit Melaniparus fasciventer
This Albertine Rift Endemic was seen nicely by the primary school at Ruhija.
REMIZIDAE
Grey Penduline Tit Anthoscopus caroli
Two at Lake Mburo were a good find, this is easily missed.
NICATORIDAE
Western Nicator Nicator chloris
Two sightings of 3 birds along the Kirumia Trail at Semliki.
Yellow-throated Nicator * Nicator vireo
Heard on 3 days along the Kirumia Trail or at Semliki, but they are very hard to actually see.
ALAUDIDAE
Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana
Two day records from QENP.
Flappet Lark Mirafra rufocinnamomea
A good trip for them, we had 10 one day and 15 the next at QENP, then a few from Murchison as well as 4 at Lake Mburo.
PYCNONOTIDAE
Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus
Yep, we recorded it on every day of the trip.
Kakamega (Shelley’s) Greenbul Andropadus (masukuensis) kakamegae
Heard at Bwindi and seen at The Neck, a good bird to pick up as now split from Shelley’s Greenbul.
Little Greenbul Andropadus virens
Widespread, we saw them at Semliki, Kibale, Bwindi and Budongo, with one from Congo at the border camp in Ishasha sector.
Little Grey Greenbul Andropadus gracilirostris
Four day records, from Semliki, Bwindi, Mabira and Budongo.
Ansorge’s Greenbul Andropadus ansorgei
Four from Bwindi, where Alfred discovered them some years back.
Mountain Greenbul Andropadus nigriceps
Good views from Mubwindi and Ruhija.
Cameroon Sombre Greenbul Andropadus curvirostris
Just two records, from Budongo and Busingiro.
Slender-billed Greenbul Andropadus gracilirostris
Seven day records, seen at Kibale, Bwindi and Budongo.
Yellow-whiskered Greenbul Andropadus latirostris
Seen nicely at Kibale, Bwindi Mabira and Budongo.
Toro Olive Greenbul Phyllastrephus hypochloris
We got to see one in Semliki and it was seen by some at Bwindi.
Yellow-streaked Greenbul Phyllastrephus flavostriatus
Two day records, with 2 birds at Bwindi and 4 at Mubwindi, foraging up the branches.
Xavier’s Greenbul Phyllastrephus xavieri
We had two sightings of 2 birds at Kirumia, one of the Semliki specials.
Icterine Greenbul Phyllastrephus icterinus
This was a Uganda tick for me from at Kirumia, and I actually felt pretty confident of it, though nice to have confirmation from Alfred. It’s a rare and seldom recognized species here, like a small version of Xavier’s Greenbul with a more reddish tail.
Yellow-throated Greenbul Chlorocichla flavicollis
Five day records, the first from Bwindi, then at Mabira and Budongo.
Joyful Greenbul Chlorocichla laetissima
One seen well at Bigodi Swamp, our usual site for it in Uganda.
Red-tailed Bristlebill Bleda syndactyla
Widely heard, and eventually seen at Mabira.
Yellow-lored (Green-tailed) Bristlebill Bleda (notatus) ugandae
We got to see a couple along the Kirumia Trail, now split from the West African Green-tailed Bristlebill.
Red-tailed Greenbul Criniger calurus
Three at Kirumia on two days, also seen at N Bwindi and Mabira.
Swamp Palm Bulbul Thescelocichla leucopleura
Four along the swamp palm trail to the hot springs at Semliki, a great and rather odd bird.
Spotted Greenbul Ixonotus guttatus
Nice looks at this attractive arboreal greenbul at Budongo with 2 birds and then 4 at Busingiro.
Honeyguide Greenbul Baeopogon indicator
Four records, from Kirumia, Kibale, Bwindi and Budongo.
HIRUNDINIDAE
Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola
Fairly common at the Kazinga Channel in QENP.
Banded Martin Riparia cincta
Four seen at QENP, one the next day.
Grey-rumped Swallow Pseudohirundo griseopyga
Three en route to Mabamba, a very uncommon bird in Uganda and this site is where we usually see it.
Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula
A few over the rocky hills at Bwindi and Ruhija.
Angola Swallow Hirundo angolensis
Quite common, lots at QENP, Bwindi, Mabamba and a few at Semliki.
Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii
Six over the Nile at Murchison, the usual place we see it in Uganda.
Rufous-chested Swallow Cecropis semirufa
Two singles, one at Mweya and one at L. Mburo.
Mosque Swallow Cecropis senegalensis
Seen on four days, with one at Kibale and the last 2 at Butiaba.
Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica
Two records from Ruhija.
Lesser Striped-Swallow Cecropis abyssinica
Widespread, seen more or less throughout.
White-headed Saw-wing Psalidoprocne albiceps
A few at Semliki, also at QENP and Murchison.
Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne holomelas
A few up at Bwindi and Ruhija where it was widespread nesting in road cuttings.
CETTIDAE
Short-tailed Warbler * Hemitesia neumanni
For the first time on my Ugandan trips, we only heard this Albertine Rift Endemic skulker at Bwindi this time, with 2 birds, neither particularly close. Might be a time of year thing I suspect, as they were not very vocal at all.
Grauer’s Warbler Graueria vittata
This Albertine Rift Endemic is a favourite of mine, being so secretive and having such a cool insect-like trilled call. We got good looks by the school at Ruhija once again.
Chestnut-capped Flycatcher Erythrocercus mccallii
Two at Kirumia were a surprise, then we saw them at Budongo and Busingiro.
Green Hylia Hylia prasina
Heard much more than seen, we saw it at Kirumia and Kibale.
Tit-Hylia Pholia rushiae
Very rare in East Africa with Mabira the key site, and here we saw two birds at a nest, a very unexpected find.
PHYLLOSCOPIDAE
Red-faced Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus laetus
This very scarce Albertine Rift Endemic showed very well at Bwindi with 2 on one day, with another at Mubwindi later.
ACROCEPHALIDAE
Greater Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus rufescens
One at the papyrus swamp near Kabale, and another at Mabamba, always a tricky one to get.
Lesser Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris
Two at the Kazinga Channel.
African Yellow Warbler Chloropeta natalensis
One in rushes along the Ishasha road, and one seen by some at Budongo.
Mountain Yellow Warbler Chloropeta similis
Two seen up at Ruhija.
Papyrus Yellow Warbler Chloropeta gracilirostris
I managed to badger poor Livingstone into leaving Ruhija earlier, and making a try for this rare bird at Bijodolo papyrus swamp near Kabale, something we’ve never had the time to try for on previous trips. Happily this paid off well, despite mounting anxiety, as we were there an hour with no sign (Alfred having told us it was dead easy here!)
He redeemed himself however by finding us one in a papyrus clump and even managed to herd it along so we got really good looks at it before it vanished into the depths of the reeds. A long overdue tick for me, the swamp is becoming quite degraded but this little side-trip got us several really good species, and the road is being upgraded so we were only about 40 min. off the main route to Kabale.
MEGALURIDAE
Little Rush Warbler Bradypterus baboecala moreaui
Two at the papyrus swamp site near Kabale, always nice to see, and with quite different songs to the eastern birds, which will be split in due course.
White-winged Warbler Bradypterus carpalis
This papyrus special showed well at a swamp en route to Fort Portal, , and was heard at the roadside papyrus swamp at QENP as well as at the swamp near Kabale.
Grauer’s Rush Warbler Bradypterus graueri
This Albertine Rift Endemic showed quite well eventually down in Mubwindi swamp, albeit hard to get onto them.
Evergreen Forest Warbler * Bradypterus lopezi barakae
This was heard down in the understorey in the forest at Mubwindi swamp, it’s a very rufous taxon and probably a split in due course.
Cinnamon Bracken Warbler Bradypterus cinnamomeus
Calling from the dense scrub high in the bamboo zone at Ruhija, and seen by several of the group.
CISTICOLIDAE
Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops
Widespread and vocal, we saw a few at Kibale and Bigodi in particular.
Singing Cisticola Cisticola cantans
Two at Ikoya near Fort Portal early on, then one near Budongo.
Whistling Cisticola Cisticola lateralis
Seen well on the escarpment above Sempaya Springs, and again at Budongo.
Trilling Cisticola Cisticola woosnami
Seen well in QENP, and heard at a few sites.
Chubb’s Cisticola Cisticola chubbi
Seen nicely at Bwindi/Buhoma/Ruhija.
Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana
Finally nailed a couple over at Butiaba in the dry thornscrub.
Winding (Black-backed) Cisticola) Cisticola (galactotes) marginatus
Heard much more than seen, we saw it at Mabamba and singles at MF and Semliki. Following the recent splitting of this species this would seem to be the central African taxon the Winding Cisticola C. marginatus.
Carruthers's Cisticola Cisticola carruthersi
Nicely seen at the papyrus swamp near Kabale, and again at Mabamba.
Stout Cisticola Cisticola robustus
One was seen briefly along the Ishasha road.
Croaking Cisticola Cisticola natalensis
We saw this large Cisticola at QENP and at Murchison.
Tabora Cisticola Cisticola angusticaudus
We found this uncommon and localized bird at Lake Mburo on two dates.
Siffling (Shortwing) Cisticola Cisticola brachypterus
Seen in cultivation near The Neck, and at Murchison.
Foxy Cisticola Cisticola troglodytes
Seen on the north bank of MF on the Delta track, and again by some at Butiaba, the usual stakeout for this quite striking and elusive cisticola.
Zitting Cisticola * Cisticola juncidis
Heard at QENP and Murchison, but we never put in the effort to go and actually see it!
Wing-snapping Cisticola Cisticola ayresii
Alfred and Livingstone knew of a hill near Ruhija where we could find this species, and after a scramble up through cultivation, sure enough, we found 2 individuals, a good trip tick.
Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava
Widespread, most were seen at Bigodi and Murchison.
Banded (Black-faced) Prinia Prinia bairdii melanops
One at Bwindi and some saw it at Ruhija..
White-chinned Prinia Schistolais leucopogon
Widespread, the first near Fort Portal, then at Kibale, Buhoma and Ruhija.
Red-winged Prinia Heliolais erythroptera
One at Ikoya on the way to Fort Portal was a good find at a new site for us for this scarce species.
Ruwenzori (Collared) Apalis Oreolais ruwenzori
This Albertine Rift Endemic was seen well up at Ruhija.
Red-winged Grey Warbler Drymocichla incana
Two were up by the campsite at Murchison Falls, great looks at a super bird, another scarce species and one of my favourites
Buff-bellied Warbler Phyllolais pulchella
Seen twice, a single along the Ishasha sector track, and 2 at Lake Mburo.
Black-throated Apalis Apalis jacksoni
This rather beautiful Apalis gave nice looks at Bwindi, Ruhija and Mubwindi.
Mountain Masked (Black-faced) Apalis Apalis personata
Another Albertine Rift Endemic that showed nicely at Bwindi and Ruhija.
Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida
Seen well on two days at Lake Mburo.
Buff-throated Apalis Apalis rufogularis
Widespread, seen at Semliki, Kibale, Bwindi, Mabira and Budongo.
Chestnut-throated Apalis Apalis porphyrolaema
Seen at Ruhija and Mubwindi.
Grey Apalis Apalis cinerea
A couple were seen at Bwindi.
Grey-capped Warbler Eminia lepida
This showy and vocal bird gave good looks at Bigodi.
Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera (brachyura) brevicaudata
Widespread and vocal, heard much more than seen, we saw it at Ikoya, Ruhija and near Masindi. These are the grey-backed birds, split by some from the Green-backed Camaroptera of the east.
Olive-green Camaroptera Camaroptera chloronota
A few at Semliki and Bwindi.
Black-faced Rufous Warbler Bathmocercus rufus
Seen well at Bwindi, a great albeit skulky bird.
Green-backed Eremomela Eremomela canescens
Three in the dry thornscrub at Ikoyi as we neared Fort Portal were an unexpected find, and a very nice looking bird.
Brown (Rufous)-crowned Eremomela Eremomela badiceps
One sighting at Budongo was a good trip bird.
INCERTAE SEDIS
Moustached Grass Warbler Melocichla mentalis
One seen in QENP, as we were coming into the park.
Yellow Longbill Macrosphenus flavicans
One at Semliki on the Kirumia Trail, and heard at Mabira and Kaniyo Pabidi.
Grey Longbill Macrosphenus concolor
Seen at Mabira and Busingiro only.
Northern Crombec Sylvietta brachyura
First at Ikoya near Fort Portal, then in Murchison Falls NP.
Red-faced Crombec Sylvietta whytii
A couple seen at Lake Mburo, the usual site for this species in Uganda.
Green Crombec Sylvietta virens
One at Semliki.
White-browed Crombec Sylvietta leucophrys
Seen nicely at Bwindi.
Lemon-bellied Crombec * Sylvietta denti
Heard at Kirumia, Semliki, a rare bird in Uganda.
TIMALIIDAE
Scaly-breasted Illadopsis Illadopsis albipectus
One at Kirumia gave good views, heard there next day, then at Bwindi and Budongo
Puvel’s Illadopsis Illadopsis puveli
This was singing well at the only Ugandan site at Kaniyo Pabidi, and we spent ages trying to see it via narrow windows in dense understorey. Eventually I think all except Phil got reasonable looks, our thanks to Cypriani for his help here with the fifth Illadopsis of the trip!
Pale-breasted Illadopsis Illadopsis rufipennis
We got good looks at 3 at The Neck,
Brown Illadopsis Illadopsis fulvescens
Heard, and then seen next day along the Kirumia Trail at Semliki.
Mountain Illadopsis Illadopsis pyrrhoptera
Two see along the Mubwindi Swamp track.
Ruwenzori Hill Babbler Pseudoalcippe atriceps
A split from African Hill Babbler, we saw this Albertine Rift Endemic very nicely along the trail to the primary school at Ruhija.
Black-lored Babbler Turdoides sharpei
Four day records, seen at QENP and Lake Mburo.
Brown Babbler Turdoides plebejus
One near Masindi.
Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardinei
Seen in QENP on two days.
Capuchin Babbler * Phyllanthus atripennis
Heard again along the Kirumia Trail, but as on my last trip they kept back and out of view, another heard would-be lifer.
ZOSTEROPIDAE
African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis
Quite widespread, first at Entebbe.
HYLIOTIDAE
Yellow-bellied Hyliota Hyliota flavigaster
One in dry bush at Ikoya near Fort Portal was a good pick up of a scarce species in Uganda, now in its own family too.
STURNIDAE
Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea
One adult near Mweya, then 3 in Murchison.
Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus
Three day records from Lake Mburo.
Lesser Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chloropterus
Two sightings in the Masindi/Luwero Swamp area, one a flock of 20 birds.
Splendid Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis splendidus
There were a lot of sightings of this large spectacular starling around Entebbe and Kampala this trip, also seen near Masindi. There was a nest at Mabira also.
Rueppell’s Glossy Starling Lamprotornis purpuropterus
Widespread, the first at Entebbe then seen most days in the lowlands.
Purple-headed Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis purpureiceps
Seen at Kibale, then at Mabira, Budongo and Busingiro, small numbers only.
Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
Six day records, the first 2 f at Ikoya, there were quite a few from Masindi northwards with 150 one day.
Slender-billed Starling Onychognathus tenuirostris
Seen twice, with 30 near The Neck and a couple at Ruhija.
Waller’s Starling Onychognathus walleri
Two seen at Mubwindi.
Narrow-tailed Starling Poeoptera lugubris
Eight near Kibale and 12 next day there, then 5 at Bwindi.
Stuhlmann’s Starling Poeoptera stuhlmanni
Four at Bwindi were the only record.
Sharpe’s Starling Poeoptera sharpii
This scarce nomad was found up at Ruhija thanks to Alfred, we saw 3 one day and 2 the next, with some folks seeing one another day too.
BUPHAGIDAE
Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus
Three day records from QENP with a max. of 21 birds, 3 at Lake Mburo and two day records at Murchison with 2 then 20 birds.
TURDIDAE
Rufous Flycatcher-Thrush Neocossyphus fraseri
Two were along the Kirumia Trail, and 2 at Budongo, with 1 at Busingiro.
White-tailed Ant-Thrush Neocossyphus poensis
Just a single seen at Bwindi this trip.
Red-tailed Ant-Thrush Neocossyphus rufus
A couple seen in Semliki, one in Bwindi and one at Budongo.
Northern Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus
Uncommon and found at high altitude in Uganda, we had good looks at couple near the primary school at Ruhija.
African Thrush Turdus pelios
Widespread with ten day records, the first at Entebbe.
Red-throated Alethe Alethe poliophrys
This Albertine Rift Endemic was seen on two days at Ruhija, with excellent views along the primary school track.
Fire-crested Alethe Alethe (diademata) castanea
Nice views of one near the start of the Kirumia Trail, and some saw one at Budongo.
Brown-chested Alethe * Alethe poliocephala
Heard at Kirumia near the start of the Trail.
MUSCICAPIDAE
White-starred Robin Pogonocichla stellata
One was seen well on the Mubwindi Swamp trek.
Forest Robin Stiphrornis erythrothorax
One seen nicely along the Kirumia Trail.
Equatorial Akalat Sheppardia aequatorialis
Three were seen along the trail at Bwindi on one day.
White-bellied Robin-chat Cossypha roberti
This is one of the harder Albertine Rift Endemics, and we got a good one along the trail at Bwindi.
Archer’s Robin-chat Cossypha archeri
This is one of the higher altitude Albertine Rift Endemics, and we got a nice one singing down along the Mubwindi Swamp trail.
Blue-shouldered Robin-chat Cossypha cyanocampter
Heard at Kirumia, and finally seen at Mabira where a nicely responsive bird showed by the picnic site.
Grey-winged Robin-chat Cossypha polioptera
Alfred got us a very nice one at Bwindi, despite the grandiose new Park HQ trashing a lot of habitat there.
Heuglin’s Robin-chat Cossypha heuglini
Amazing up at Mweya, where we had a flock of 8 interacting in the lodge grounds, and few around at L. Mburo.
Red-capped Robin-chat Cossypha natalensis
One at Bwindi and seen another at Kaniyo Pabidi.
Snowy-crowned Robin-chat Cossypha niveicapilla
Seen well at Kibale and Bigodi.
Spotted Morning-Thrush Cichladusa guttata
Great views up near the Park HQ at Murchison, feeding in the road.
Brown-backed Scrub-Robin Erythropygia hartlaubi
One at Sempaya Springs at Semliki, one singing at Budongo and one near Busingiro.
White-browed Scrub-robin Erythropygia leucophrys
Seen on two days around Kanyanchu at Kibale.
African Stonechat Saxicola torquata
Five day records, with one en route to Fort Portal, and a few in the cultivation at Ruhija. Now split from the European and Siberian Stonechats.
Sooty Chat Myrmecocichla nigra
Widespread, nine day records, being common at QENP, Lake Mburo and Murchison.
White-fronted Black-Chat Myrmecocichla albifrons
Two of this very scarce bird were found at the usual spot near Sembiya River Lodge, where it is sympatric with Sooty Chat and we nearly overlooked it.
Mocking Cliff-Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris
Fantastic looks at a pair on the Butiaba Escarpment near the elephant hunter’s grave, they really showed off this year.
Fraser’s Forest Flycatcher Fraseria ocreata
Two seen at Budongo, the usual site for this scarce species.
White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher Dioptrornis fischeri toruensis
This distinctive and probably splittable toruensis taxon without a big eye-ring was seen on three dates at Bwindi.
Northern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis edoliodes
Seven day records, the first at Ikoya , then in QENP and Murchison.
Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina
One at Lake Mburo, one of the few Ugandan sites for this species.
Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher Melaenornis ardosiaceus
We had a nice look at one of this hard-to-find Albertine Rift Endemic down at Mubwindi Swamp.
Mouse-coloured (Pale) Flycatcher Bradornis pallidus
Four day records, seen at Kibale (unexpected here), QENP and Murchison.
Silverbird Empidornis semipartitus
This attractive bird of the dry thorn scrub was seen well at Murchison on two days.
Sooty Flycatcher Muscicapa infuscata
We saw just a single at Kibale this trip.
Swamp Flycatcher Muscicapa aquatica
Eight day records, we saw it in all the swamp sites and it is tame at Mweya Lodge.
Ashy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens
One at Bigodi was unexpected here.
African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta
Quite common at Bwindi and also seen at Murchison.
Yellow-footed Flycatcher Muscicapa sethsmithi
This rarity was seen along the Kirumia Trail beyond the oxbow, with great views of a single there.
Dusky-blue Flycatcher Muscicapa comitata
Two seen well at Bigodi, then again at Bwindi.
Cassin’s Grey Flycatcher Muscicapa cassini
Two at the usual Kibale stream site, and also seen on the stream at The Neck.
Grey Tit-Flycatcher (Lead-coloured) Myioparus plumbeus
One at Bigodi Swamp.
Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher Myioparus griseigularis
Seen briefly at Bwindi and a better look at the Royal Mile at Budongo.
NECTARINIIDAE
Grey-headed Sunbird Deleornis axillaris
Four at Kirumia with 5 next day, then one at The Neck.
Little Green Sunbird Anthreptes seimundi
Four day records, we did well for this easily overlooked species, seeing it at The Neck, Mabira and Budongo, visiting a nest at The Neck.
Green Sunbird Anthreptes rectirostris
Seen at Bwindi and The Neck, then again at Mabira and Budongo, with a nest at the latter site.
Collared Sunbird Hedidypna collaris
Five day records, seen at Kirumia, Bwindi, Ruhija and Masindi.
Green-headed Sunbird Cyanomitra verticalis
Five day records, from Bwindi, Mabira and Busingiro.
Blue-throated Brown Sunbird Cyanomitra cyanolaema
Five day records, from Kirumia, Kibale, Bwindi and Mabira.
Blue-headed Sunbird Cyanomitra alinae
This beautiful and uncommon Albertine Rift Endemic was seen on the Mubwindi Swamp trek.
Western Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra obscura
Eight day records of this doubtful split, from Semliki, Bwindi and Mabira.
Green-throated Sunbird Chalcomitra rubescens
A single male was seen at Kibale.
Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis
Widespread, with eight day records, the first at Entebbe.
Bronze Sunbird Nectarinia kilimensis
Also widespread, with eight day records, the first as we neared Fort Portal and a few up at Bwindi and Ruhija.
Purple-breasted Sunbird Nectarinia purpureiventris
This was a great find of a rather rare and elusive Albertine Rift Endemic. Alfred showed us a flowering Symphonia tree at the Neck, which is a main host plant, and then we found at least 8 of them at a Symphonia along the trail at Bwindi. They were flycatching up with the tail streamers waving, as well as taking nectar, and were tremendously active feeders. I’d only previously seen this species at Nyungwe in Rwanda in 1988, so this was a particularly pleasing find.
Olive-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris chloropygius
Six day records, the first at Entebbe, then at Kibale and Bwindi.
Northern Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris reichenowi
Males were seen well at Bwindi and Ruhija.
Regal Sunbird Cinnyris regius
This exquisite Albertine Rift Endemic showed really well at Ruhija and we even got some acceptable photos.
Beautiful Sunbird Cinnyris pulchellus
Unexpectedly sparse this trip, we had just a couple of sightings at Murchison.
Marico (Mariqua) Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis
Two records, from Bigodi and Lake Mburo only. A Marico-type sunbird at Entebbe on the first day was probably an Orange-tufted Sunbird, but I had not yet gotten clued in!
Red-chested Sunbird Cinnyris erythrocerca
Common at Entebbe and Mweya
Purple-banded Sunbird Cinnyris bifasciatus
One at Lake Mburo was the only definite for the trip.
Superb Sunbird Cinnyris superbus
A pair of this large and spectacular sunbird were nesting at Bigodi Swamp, kind of an unexpected site for what is usually a forest species.
Variable Sunbird Cinnyris venustus
Four day records, seen at Ikoya, cultivation at The Neck and in the fields at Budongo. This race has an orangey wash on the belly.
Copper Sunbird Cinnyris cupreus
A male at Semliki on May 28.
PASSERIDAE
Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus
Widespread in small numbers.
PLOCEIDAE
Speckle-fronted Weaver Sporopipes frontalis
A couple on the north bank in Murchison, a good trip bird.
Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser superciliosus
Two sightings in Murchison, the first en route to the Falls, the second on the north bank.
Grosbeak (Thick-billed) Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons
Five day records, seen at Semliki and Kibale with 30 at the latter site.
Baglafecht Weaver Ploceus baglafecht
Seen well at Kibale and Bwindi.
Slender-billed Weaver Ploceus pelzelni
Common and tame in QENP, also seen at Lake Mburo..
Little Weaver Ploceus luteolus
A few in dry country near Masindi.
Lesser Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedius
Nesting again at Mweya Lodge, and also seen at Lake Mburo, the only areas where we saw this pale-eyed masked weaver.
Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis
Very sparse this trip, we just saw a male at Bigodi.
Black-necked Weaver Ploceus nigricollis
This striking species showed well at Semliki, Kibale, Bwindi and Busingiro.
Black-billed Weaver Ploceus melanogaster
Lovely views of this striking weaver species at Bwindi, on three days.
Strange Weaver Ploceus alienus
Seen very well on one afternoon along the primary school track mat Ruhija, and again at Mubwindi where confusion with Oriole Finch may have arisen! It is an Albertine Rift endemic which is quite scarce.
Holub�s Golden Weaver Ploceus xanthops
Three day records of singles near Kibale, Ruhija and Luwero.
Orange Weaver Ploceus aurantius
A single male at the Entebbe Botanic Gardens on our first afternoon was the only record this trip. A very local bird mainly found around Lake Victoria.
Northern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus castanops
Seen at Entebbe and at Murchison on the Nile.
Vitelline Masked Weaver Ploceus vitellinus
Two males were a good ?nd in the thorn scrub en route to the Butiaba escarpment.
Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus
Just seven day records, with a few around Entebbe, Kibale and Sembiya River Lodge.
Vieillot�s Weaver Ploceus nigerrimus
Widespread, with eleven day records, the first at Kirumia..
Weyns�s Weaver Ploceus weynsi
This species can be tough to find, and we had only seen a female at Mabira right up to the last day, when we had 6 males at Mabamba, feeding in bushes and going into the papyrus. This was an unexpected site, and they were good to photograph.
Yellow-backed Weaver Ploceus melanocephalus
This was common and widespread, seen in Murchison, QENP and Bwindi as well as at Entebbe.
Golden-backed Weaver Ploceus jacksoni
Scarce again this trip, we ?nally saw a few on the Nile at Murchison..
Brown-capped Weaver NL Ploceus insignis
We had just one sighting in Bwindi of this odd and attractive weaver, which I managed to miss. They forage like creepers along mossy limbs.
Yellow-mantled Weaver Ploceus tricolor
We saw a single male of this quite rare species at Kibale.
Compact Weaver Pachyphantes superciliosus
Three day records of singles, with a female at QENP and males at Bwindi and Budongo.
Red-headed Malimbe Malimbus rubricollis
This striking species was seen very well at Bigodi, then again at Bwindi, the Royal Mile and Mabira.
Blue-billed (Gray�s) Malimbe Malimbicus nitens
This rather rare bird was seen twice at Kirumia, with 2 birds each time.
Crested Malimbe Malimbus malimbicus
Two lovely birds were along the Kirumia Trail at Semliki, a very nice trip addition.
Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes rubriceps
Christian saw one at Karimbi near Fort Portal, then we had males at Lake Mburo.
Cardinal Quelea Quelea cardinalis
Ten females were in the fields near Budongo, I was struck by how small they were. This was my first sighting of females, and a Uganda tick for me.
Red-headed Quelea Quelea erythrops
Two nicely plumaged males in Murchison.
Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea
Three day records, from QENP and in Murchison where we had a flock of 70 birds.
Black Bishop Euplectes gierowii
This scarce bird was in good breeding dress this trip, we had four day records with terrific males at Bigodi, Budongo and near Masindi.
Black-winged Bishop Euplectes hordeaceus
Five breeding dress males showed well in QENP.
Northern Red Bishop Euplectes franciscanus
We had some ?ne views of spectacular ?ery-plumaged males in Murchison, but generally scarce.
Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix
Great looks at two breeding dress males in QENP.
Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis
We saw single males on two days in ?elds near The Neck, very local in Uganda.
Fan-tailed Widowbird Euplectes axillaris
Four day records; seen in QENP, then a max. of 10 at Luwero Swamp.
Yellow-shouldered Widowbird Euplectes macrourus macrourus
Three males of this yellow-shouldered taxon en route to Luwero, the exact taxonomic status is still uncertain and it seems to be sympatric with the next form in some places.
Yellow-mantled Widowbird Euplectes macrourus macrocercus
Widespread, the ?rst near Luwero and then quite common near Masindi; this taxon has a yellow mantle and may be a split.
Marsh Widowbird Euplectes hartlaubi
A male of this uncommon bird was at Luwero Swamp.
White-winged Widowbird Euplectes albonotatus
Some good sightings in the QENP area, and one at Luwero.
Red-collared Widowbird Euplectes ardens
Amazingly few, I only have 2 noted for day two! Birds here seem to be almost entirely black and lack the red collar.
ESTRILDIDAE
Red-fronted Antpecker Parmoptila rubrifrons
A fantastic pair along the Kirumia Trail, feeding close by at eye-level too, really strange little birds with slender slightly decurved bills. The male had a bright crimson forehead.
White-breasted Negrofinch (Nigrita) Nigrita fusconota
Six day records, seen nicely at Kirumia, Kibale, Bigodi and Budongo, a very small delicate billed species.
Grey-headed Negrofinch (Nigrita) Nigrita canicapilla
Ten day records, the ?rst at Semliki then near Masindi and at Kibale, and a couple at Mabira. Nests were seen at Budongo and Kaniyo Pabidi.
Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch (Nigrita) Nigrita bicolor
Four on one day and a single the next along the Kirumia Trail at Semliki.
Grey-headed Oliveback Nesocharis capistrata
I found one in the fields at Budongo, completely unexpected here, and we got everyone onto it, a lifer all round-yay!
Red-winged Pytilia Pytilia phoenicoptera
We saw this uncommon species twice in Murchison, with 2 birds on the way to the Falls, and a male near Sembiya River Lodge on our last day in the park.
Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba
A female in an anthill thicket in Lake Mburo NP was a Uganda tick for me.
Dusky Crimsonwing Cryptospiza jacksoni
Four at Ruhija gave a brief glimpse, but we saw two properly there next day.
Red-headed Bluebill Spermophaga ruficapilla
A single of this striking bird was at Bigodi, and Marion saw one at Mabira.
Black-bellied Seedcracker * Pyrenestes ostrinus
Heard along the Kirumia Trail at Semliki, another of Alfred�s pick-ups. I have seen it here on a previous trip.
Brown Twinspot Clytospiza monteiri
Great views of a bird in the ?elds outside the Royal Mile, and another next day not far out of Masindi. A very nice pick-up.
Green Twinspot * Mandingoa nitidula
Heard along the Kirumia Trail at Semliki, identified by Alfred whom I find is usually reliable.
Dusky Twinspot Euschistospiza cinereovinacea
Three of this rare Albertine Rift Endemic eventually gave good views at Alfred�s valley site as we neared Ruhija, a great ?nd.
Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala
Just four day records, from QENP, Lake Mburo and near Masindi.
African Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata
Just two near Fort Portal and one in the fields at Budongo.
Bar-breasted Firefinch Lagonosticta rufopicta
A pair near the Paraa ferry gave good views.
Red-cheeked Cordonbleu Uraeginthus bengalus
Widespread and fairly common, it gave some nice looks especially near Masindi.
Yellow-bellied Waxbill Estrilda quartinia
Just two sightings, 2 near Fort Portal and 4 near Ruhija.
Fawn-breasted Waxbill Estrilda paludicola
Ten at Sempaya Hot Springs, 5 at QENP and 1 near Budongo, an uncommon species.
Orange-cheeked Waxbill Estrilda melpoda
Eight at Sempaya Hot Springs at Semliki NP were a long overdue lifer for me and a pretty rare bird in Uganda, with few records and only quite recently found here.
Crimson-rumped Waxbill Estrilda rhodopyga
A small flock of waxbills that flew past whilst were in the boat at Mabamba were this species, but most of us barely saw them.
Black-rumped Waxbill Estrilda troglodytes
Six as we were leaving Murchison was the only sighting.
Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild
Distinctly uncommon, we only saw 3 at Sempaya Hot Springs, and some saw them at Bwindi.
Black-crowned Waxbill Estrilda nonnula
Several nice sightings around Kibale and Bigodi.
Kandt�s Waxbill Estrilda (atricapilla) kandti
This recent split from Black-headed Waxbill was seen well up around Ruhija.
Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucullatus
Common and widespread.
Black-and-White Mannikin Spermestes bicolor
Widespread in small numbers, with six day records, the first near Semliki.
VIDUIDAE
Village Indigobird Vidua chalybeata
Just a single male this trip, at Sempaya Hot Springs, with distant scope views.
Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura
Quite common, seen on nine days, including some nice pin-tailed males.
MOTACILLIDAE
Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis
A couple of birds were around at Bwindi.
Mountain Wagtail Motacilla clara
Great views of one at the stream at Kibale where the Cassin's Grey Flycatcher lives, and a couple of sightings along the stream at The Neck of this very attractive species.
African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp
Seen on most days of the trip in small numbers.
Yellow-throated Longclaw Macronyx croceus
Six day records from damp grasslands, first at Sempaya Hot Springs then a few from QENP and Lake Mburo.
Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys
Seven day records, from Sempaya Hot Springs, QENP and Lake Mburo.
African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus
Three sightings from Bigodi, QENP and fields near Ruhija.
FRINGILLIDAE
Yellow-crowned Canary Serinus flavivertex
Three day records from up at Ruhija, with two singles and a group of 4, a Uganda tick for me and one which we made a special effort to locate this trip. Now split from Cape Canary (S. canicollis) too, so this was a bird I had not seen for decades.
Western Citril Crithagra frontalis
One at Bigodi and seen again at Ruhija.
Papyrus Canary Crithagra koliensis
This was a great pick-up of an uncommon papyrus endemic, at Bijodolo Swamp near Kabale.
Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambicus
Common and widespread, the ?rst at Entebbe.
Brimstone (Bully) Canary Crithagra sulphuratus
Three day records of one's and two's, the ?rst at Sempaya Hot Springs then at Bigodi.
Streaky Seedeater Crithagra striolatus
Some good looks at 2 or 3 in the ?elds up at Ruhija.
Thick-billed Seedeater Crithagra burtoni
Four day records of single birds on each occasion, the ?rst at Kibale Park HQ, then at Bwindi where they have a whitish ear covert patch.
Oriole Finch * Linurgus olivaceus
Frustrating, Alfred heard the sibilant quiet calls of what he thought was Oriole Finch as we were coming out from Mubwindi Swamp, and we had brief obscured views of a bird with a black head and yellow underparts, and a quite stout weaver-like dark bill. Grauer�s Green Broadbill then appeared and we lost the other bird, apparently this species and Oriole Finch have similar calls.
Further up the track, we heard an Oriole Finch singing, but it stayed back and only flew over just as I was taking a drink! Livingstone saw that it was a male, and it sang again in a thicket but could not be lured back out despite playback of the same song.
Upon checking, I can find no plumage of Oriole Finch that has a dark bill, and I fear we got side-tracked by a Strange Weaver there. The second sighting is kosher and means I dipped on this as a lifer here for the second year running- last time Alfred showed me a putative Oriole Finch that I thought was actually a Western Citril! This species is assuming grudge proportions, and is a heard only lifer for me and most of the group at this stage.
EMBERIZIDAE
Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi
Two on the Butiaba Escarpment in the baking sun gave good views, but we sure left it late.
Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris
We did well for them, with five day records, nice sightings in QENP and at Lake Mburo.
Brown-rumped Bunting Emberiza forbesi
This was a life bird for me, and doubly gratifying as I missed the first in the dry thornscrub on the north bank of the Nile at Murchison, despite going out to look for it! Next day we heard one near Sembiya River Lodge and managed to tape it in for very nice looks, a great catch-up.
Cabanis's Bunting Emberiza cabanisi
We saw this northern race in the cultivation near Masindi and at the Royal Mile on two days.
MAMMALS
PTEROPODIDAE
STRAW-COLOURED FRUIT BAT (Eidolon helvum)
About 30 at Jinja with 50 there next day.
YELLOW-WINGED BAT (Lavia frons)
Great looks at 3 at Lake Mburo in the Euphorbias there, and also one at Murchison.
RHINOLOPHIDAE
BIG-EARED BAT sp.
One was in the bar at Lake Mburo.
MOLOSSIDAE
FREE-TAILED BAT sp.
100+ at dusk at Murchison Falls.
CERCOPITHECIDAE
BLUE MONKEY (Cercopithecus mitis)
Some nice looks around Masindi and the Royal Mile, and again at Bwindi.
RED-TAILED MONKEY (Cercopithecus ascanius)
Six day records of this attractive monkey, quite common at Kirumia, a few at Bwindi and Budongo.
L'HOEST'S MONKEY (Cercopithecus l'hoesti)
Seen very nicely at Bwindi and Ruhija, where they frequented the camps.
BLACK-FACED VERVET MONKEY (Cercopithecus aethiops)
Seen near Masindi and common around Mabira/Jinja.
GRAY-CHEEKED MANGABEY (Cercocebus albigena)
Nice views of 3 of this scarce monkey at Kibale NP.
OLIVE BABOON (Papio anubis)
Common and widespread, they gave some great views especially as we came into Murchison and at QENP.
GUEREZA (BLACK & WHITE) COLOBUS (Colobus guereza)
Fantastic views (and sounds) of this striking species from Entebbe and Semliki, to Kibale and onwards.
UGANDA RED COLOBUS (Piliocolobus tephrosceles)
Great views of 4 of this rather rare species from the Kibale escarpment then one at Bigodi swamp with the Black & White Colobus.
PATAS MONKEY (Erythrocebus patas)
A great look at one on the north bank of the Nile at Murchison.
HOMINIDAE
CHIMPANZEE (Pan troglodytes)
This was the follow-up to our pitta sighting, when we had about 6 animals at Kibale, remarkably unobtrusive until we heard fruit dropping. Great views of one with a youngster, and a young male. They were also heard on the Mubwindi Swamp trek, and we saw a used sleep nest at Kirumia at Semliki.
MOUNTAIN GORILLA (Gorilla gorilla graueri)
A great close up encounter with some 10 animals including one silverback in the Ruhijja group, which was interacting with a new and wandering group when we were there. This Ruhija group is a newly habituated one, and involves quite a steep slog down and then back up. The group we had allocated at Bwindi had moved off into Congo, so they gave us this new one instead. Debate is on-going about costs and logistics, the current US$500.00 per visit may be going to rise so only the really wealthy get to see them. Sure glad we did it now.
LEPORIDAE
BUNYORO RABBIT (Poelagus marjorita)
We saw 3 on one day and 1 the next in Murchison Falls.
SCIURIDAE
RED-LEGGED SUN SQUIRREL (Heliosciurus rufobrachium)
Singles at Kirumia and Bwindi were identified as this species, though I wonder if Ruwenzori Sun Squirrel (H. ruwenzorii) is the one from the montane forest at Bwindi?
ALEXANDER�S BUSH SQUIRREL (Paraxerus alexandri)
A couple of sightings from Kirumia in Semliki, maybe a new mammal for me I suspect.
BOEHM'S BUSH SQUIRREL (Paraxerus boehmi)
Three sightings in all up at Ruhija.
HERPESTIDAE
SLENDER MONGOOSE (Herpestes sanguineus)
Six were seen at Murchison.
BANDED MONGOOSE (Mungos mungo)
Great troops of 20+ at Mweya Safari Lodge, very con?ding, and being followed by a film crew in full regalia.
DWARF MONGOOSE (Helogale parvula)
A small family party were emerging from an anthill as we left Lake Mburo.
CANIDAE
Black-backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas)
Two seen well up at Murchison NP.
SUIDAE
WARTHOG (Phacochoerus aethiopicus)
So ugly you gotta love 'em, they were absurdly tame at QENP and I love the way they kneel to eat. We saw over 100 in a day at Lake Mburo.
HIPPOPOTAMIDAE
HIPPOPOTAMUS (Hippopotamus amphibius)
Some great sightings of about 40 at the Kazinga Channel, with about 20 in various wallows in QENP next day, and 7 at Lake Mburo. This is another iconic African animal, in catastrophic decline in most places but thankfully still quite common at Murchison (20) and recovering from heavy poaching in earlier years.
GIRAFFIDAE
Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis
Wonderful looks at these extraordinary creatures on the north bank of the Nile in Murchison, we saw about 40 on our game drive.
BOVIDAE
[SITATUNGA] (Tragelaphus spekei)
Thaddeo the ranger saw one at Sempaya Hot Springs and tried to get us onto it, but it took us too long to work out what he was telling us!
BUSHBUCK (Tragelaphus scriptus)
Some good looks at Lake Mburo and in Murchison.
ELAND (Taurotragus oryx)
Three at Lake Mburo were a nice addition to the trip mammals.
AFRICAN BUFFALO (Syncerus caffer)
These huge (and dangerous!) animals were common at Murchison, QENP and Lake Mburo. We saw over 200 in QENP in one herd, and 300 the day before.
BUSH (COMMON) DUIKER (Sylvicapra grimmia)
We saw a couple at Lake Mburo and 1 at Kafu Ranch, Luwero.
DEFASSA WATERBUCK (Kobus defassa)
Common in the game parks, a very large antelope for sure.
UGANDA KOB (Kobus kob)
Common at Murchison. Known as lechwe elsewhere in Africa.
BOHOR REEDBUCK (Redunca redunca)
One was seen at Lake Mburo NP and another in south Murchison.
TOPI (TSSESSEBBE) (Damaliscus lunatus)
These strange lugubrious antelope were seen at Ishasha (70) and then at Lake Mburo (30).
KONGONI (HARTEBEEST) (Alcelaphus buselaphus)
Great looks in great light on the north bank of Murchison Falls NP, with about 100 seen, This is a very striking almost orange coloured antelope with a bizarre pro?le.
ORIBI (Ourebia ourebi)
Quite common in Murchison.
IMPALA (Aepyceros malampus)
The males at Lake Mburo seem to run very large herds of females and we had some fantastic close looks. We saw 300 one day and 250 the next.
EQUIDAE
BURCHELL'S ZEBRA (Equus burchelli)
These beautiful animals showed very nicely at Lake Mburo.
ELEPHANTIDAE
AFRICAN ELEPHANT (Loxodonta africana)
This marvellous beast gave fabulous looks at QENP and Murchison, where females with youngsters gave super shows.
REPTILES
Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus
Ten large specimens were on the Nile at Murchison.
Nile Monitor Varanus niloticus
Four were along the Nile at Murchison.
Phil & Sue Gregory
tour organizers/ bird guide/ ornithological writer
Sicklebill Safaris / Cassowary House
Http://www.sicklebillsafaris.com
Http://www.cassowary-house.com.au
Ph: +61740937318