17 Day Uganda Birding and Nature Tour January 17 to February 2, 2018

Tour Leader Crammy Wanyama and Mark Garland Trip Report and Photos by Crammy Wanyama

Egyptian Plover - A very rare sighting by the region’s standards seen at MFNP

While the locals of the areas our birding and nature tours cover, enjoy there surrounding and find it very usual, it is always a huge privilege to my groups and me. It was not different on this trip too, we where to each of these places to enjoy the natural settings, and yes we enjoyed the warmest welcoming natural Ugandan smiles, fed our eyes to some of the most fascinating gifts of nature. We had fun and shared a lot amongst ourselves. Birding being primary, we enjoyed spectacular views of the continent’s classic families like Turaco’s, Greenbuls, Cisticolas, Weavers and Sunbirds. Oh my God, Greenbuls, Cisticolas, Sunbirds and Weavers! The mammals and other wildlife experiences were great. We had good looks at very colorful birds, breath-taking sceneries and favored by weather for the biggest percentage of our trip’s time. We managed to have a trip record of up to 484 birds, 43 mammals,

Day 1 - January 17, 2018: Birding Entebbe Botanical Gardens

The group having arrived a day earlier, we had enough time to get a few issues sorted. So we went to Entebbe town for currency exchange because we like making direct contributions to the remote local communities economy. By the end of the exchange, we had earned ourselves Hadada Ibises, Ross’s Turaco, Black Kite, Common Bulbul, a very nice Broad-billed Roller and some members had become millionaires, and we then proceeded for craft shopping. All this we did in the morning session of the day. We returned to our fine hotel for lunch before heading to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for our first official birding.

Heading to the gardens in the afternoon session, we added White-browed Robin- Chat, stunning looks a very nice Black-headed Gonolek and African Thrush being chassed by a good looking male Red-headed Rock Agama just as we were leaving the parking lot of our hotel. And at by the vehicle during boarding, a few weavers were nesting in the gardens’ bamboo, we enjoyed good looks at Northern Brown- throated, Slender-billed and Black-headed. These were only a few of the other birds we saw around the hotel. A less than seven minutes drive got us to the gardens, were we started off with a troop of Vervet Monkeys which were feeding in close proximity too a single Striped Ground Squirrel, and quickly got our attention to a calling Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird which came in for very okay observations. Continuing with a few walks and stops in the gardens and by the lake shores, we added several birds to our days list among which included, Marabou an Yellow-billed Storks, Northern Black and Swamp Flycatcher, Orange, Vieillot’s, Golden-backed Weaver, Pink-backed Pelican, a very nice Eurasian Hobby, Pied, Malachite and Woodland Kingfishers, Ruppell’s Starling, just to mention but a few. We returned to our hotel for our first day checklist before enjoying a well-made Mongolian diner and a very happy group. This was a real good start.

Day 2 - January 18, 2018: Birding Mabamba and Entebbe Botanical Gardens

This morning we did a very nice breakfast then headed to Mabamba wetland to search for the Shoebill- the region’s most sought-after bird. The wetlands here have an a fifteen years ago record of nine pairs of this highly sought after bird and also offer up to 80% chance for its sightings.

Skittish Lesser Jacana were seen quite well at Mabamba

We got to the jetty in good time and took three boats, splitting up our group, each boat with a well skilled boatman to keep us together. We did start off with good views of Hamerkop, Malachite Kingfisher, Squacco Heron, and Mosque Swallows flying over the Marshes, and the Shoebill itself in less than 40 minutes from the start. Very popular for being irresistible bird, we spent tens of minutes admiring in awe and photographing the unbelievable bird. After the team was happy we continued for more good ones, working hard for the Papyrus Gonolek that eluded us, got good views of Lesser Jacana, Little Stint, and Common Ringed Plover among several others?

On getting back to the mainland, we did a fifteen minutes walk around bay before doing our lunch and embarking on our drive back to Entebbe. Brimstone and Yellow-fronted Canary were seen, White-throated Bee-eater, Green-backed Camaroptera, Yellow-breasted Apalis plus many more where seen during the walk, and Lizard Buzzard well photographed as we returned to Entebbe. We spent the second afternoon in the Botanical Gardens where we had extremely good views of African Harrier Hawk as he tore his prey apart and consumed it, Ross’s Turaco, A pair of African Grey Parrots, Green-headed Sunbird, two nice Black-headed Paradise Flycatchers, Eurasian Hobby and many more.

Day 3 - January 19, 2018: Birding to Lake Mburo National Park via Mpanga Forest.

Looking forward to the first forest birding to start interacting with some typical foresters, we headed to Mpanga Forest. A few stop along the way included papyrus habitat coverage where we scored highly on Papyrus Gonolek views and also hearing a non interested White-winged Swamp Warbler. Getting to close to Mpanga a small isolated forest, we picked up excellent scope views of African Emerald Cuckoo, African Pied Hornbill, and a very nice Golden- breasted Bunting. In the forest, we were welcomed by a small feeding flock that included Red-headed Malimbe, Velvet-mantled Drongo, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Western Black-headed Oriole, Slender-billed Greenbul, a pair of very well sun-lit Blue-throated Rollers, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Seimund’s Sunbird- these are just a few of all those amazing birds we enjoyed while in the forest and sealed it off with a soaring Crowned Eagle on exiting.

Several sunbirds, which included this Olive-bellied

We proceeded to the Equator where we enjoyed the Equator experience; photography opportunities and a very nice local lunch at Flamingo Joint a small restaurant operated by Ann, a very kind local resident. Along the way to Uganda’s smallest National Game Park, we added Lilac-breasted Roller, Long-crested Eagle, Singing Cisticola, Little Swift, a very nice Verreaux’s Eagle-owl, the elegant looking Wattled Lapwing and several others.

Day 4 - January 20, 2018: Birding Lake Mburo National Park

This morning we had to explore the beauty of Uganda’s smallest game Park, Lake Mburo National Park. We started with a boat ride on Lake Mburo in the morning, targeting the African Finfoot, which we managed to have good views of a male and female. Trying out different directions of this very calm lake that is filled with plenty of fish which keeps the African Fish Eagles stay guard at all its corners and Hamerkop scouting the surroundings all day long, we enjoyed good views of Spectacled and Black-necked Weavers, Black-crowned Night-herons, Little Bittern among other. The schools of Hippopotami were amazing, good views of them while they threatened to charge us where part of what made the experience feel complete.

Good views of the secretive African Finfoot at Lake Mburo National Park

On leaving the water, a few Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters were around, so we spent some minutes having the pleasure of watching them alongside Common Warthogs which were feeding on there knee. We birded and viewed game all the way back to our lovely tented Camp for lunch and later went out for some afternoon birding which was sugar iced with close up views of endangered and critically endangered Lappet-faced and White-headed Vultures, huge heard of Common Elands which did not show us their typical shy behavior. This was another very nice day.

Day 5 - January 21, 2018: Transferring to Ruhija of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This day we were set to leave the woodland and thickets habitats and head to the famous impenetrable montane forest of Bwindi. We did several stops while finding our way out of the park, during these, we managed to see some range restricted and regional endemics like Crested Barbet, Red-faced Barbet an East African Endemic, Common Scimitarbill, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Grey-tit Flycatcher, a pair of skittish Buff-bellied Warblers, among others. Continuing with our Journey to the further South West, we enjoyed fantastic panoramic views of the countryside- I tell you, Uganda is a very beautiful country! The fascinating terraces Kigezi region and several birds before entering the forest. Seeing the forest edge and finally getting into it, got the team very excited and looking forward to an amazing Mountains Gorilla tracking experience the next day.

Day 6 - January 22, 2018: Mountain Gorilla Tracking

This morning the group was heading for what can simply be defined as a “Once in a life time experience”. Mountain Gorilla Tracking brings memories that will linger forever! From the entrance into the forest that protects one of man’s second closest relative, the briefing time, the tracking experience and the time spent interacting with these amazing gentle giants, it is not a surprise for one to feel like they are dreaming. The group had the general briefing and headed into the forest from the actual briefing-point. Walking into the previous days steps of Bitukura Gorilla Family, they finally got them and had all the best looks one would imagine with some very curious members approaching the tourist a lot more closer than expected. Superb photos of seven individuals in a family of eight were taken before leaving them to have their personal time as the designated moment elapsed. We returned to the lodge and enjoyed our lunch there, had looks at some garden birds and later went out to start the big search for some albertine rift endemics. All paid off well with Rwenzori Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Regal Sunbird, Stripe- breasted Tit, Strange Weaver being among the many added to our list. This was a very nice afternoon after a very OKAY morning.

Day 7 - January 23, 2018: Birding Ruhija

This day we went out birding along the main road that goes through the forest to work on a few more albertine rift endemics and many more. This whole stretch is excellent for the regional restricted range species which one picks out a midst the pleasure of breath-taking panoramic views. We did several stops that depended on bird activity flow. The first spot gave us Rameron Pigeon, Grauer’s Warbler, Black-faced Apalis, Chubb’s Cisticola in a concert, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Luhder’s Bush-shrike and Dusky Brown Flycatcher. The several others presented more Endemics

Day 8 - January 24, 2018: Birding to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After three nights of birding montane forest, a morning came and we had to descend to the great East African rift valley. We made our first stop in the “Neck” to add a few mid-elevation forest specialties, although bird activity was not at its best, we managed to add Cassin’s Flycatcher, Black Bee-eater, Mountain Wagtail, Dwarf Honeyguide, and Ansorge’s Greenbul which were our targets along with several others.

Leopard doing a siesta was seen on our drive through Ishasha

We continued to Queen Elizabeth National Park entering through Ishasha the Southern sections and had our nice packed lunch at the park’s entrance. We proceeded to the Mweya peninsular with our eyes checking every tree for tree Climbing lions, and several other birds. Our efforts paid off well, as we were treated to good views of Bush Elephant, superb observations of African Leopard doing a siesta up in one Acacia tree, some good birds like Three-banded Plover, White- winged Widowbird, enjoyable scenic views of open country Savannas, Woodlands and much more.

Day 9 - January 25, 2018: Birding Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Being in a National Game Park, we went out for a game viewing and birding drive in the morning and covered the research track. We picked out a few big mammals at very close quarters, fantastic Bush Elephant views and African Lion being among them. We did an amazing job with the Larks- Red-capped, White-tailed, Rufous- napped, and Flappet, all three migratory harriers; Western Marsh, Pallid and Montague’s before returning to our lodge for lunch. After lunch, we took an exclusive luxurious boat ride on the famous Kazinga Channel. This forty kilometers natural channel, which connects lake Edward to George, is very important to the ecology of this region, our boat ride only covered a stretch of less than four kilometers. In this short area, we had brilliant views of game, well grown individuals of Nile Crocodiles, a descent collection of Gulls, members of the Sandpiper family in a mere two hours time.

Day 10 - January 26, 2018: Transferring to Kibale National Park

Today was practically travelling to another location. We had breakfast a bit later than usual and started our way out of Queen Elizabeth National Park for a four- hour’s drive to the next accommodation facility. The Mustached Grass-warbler, which sang from the top of the savannah grass, Black-headed Batis, Red-faced Cisticola and a very shy African Crake only seen by three members in the whole group, were our last ones as we exited this UESCO Bio-sphere Reserve badge holding park. We drove along the beautiful Green and Blue Mountains, which make up Rwenzori, through Kasese and Fort Portal towns picking several flying and parched birds until we got to our destination. We enjoyed our packed lunch at our accommodation and in this same time we got better views of birds like Alpine Swifts, Olive-bellied and Bronze Sunbirds. We later headed for an afternoon nature walk at Bigodi wetland sanctuary. This is a very nice walk through papyrus swamps, and by edges of cultivation and riverine forest habitats that we favour several primates. We proved this beyond doubt after adding Central African Red Colobus and Uganda Mangabey growing mammal list, several other primates were seen.

We saw several primates species, Mantled Guereza was among them

Day 11 - January 27, 2018: Chimpanzee Tracking

This day we tracked man’s closest relative in Kibale National park, this relatively small park of up to park is home to about 1500 Common Chimpanzees, this the highest number of individual Chimpanzee living in a single protected area in the whole world. We went into the office for a general briefing after which we got assigned groups and headed into the rain forest. The hike was a lot easier if you are to compare to the Mountain Gorilla tracking experience although it also did not qualify to be referred to as a tough. The first individual we met was a very shy juvenile who quickly disappeared to join the rest whom we did not get a glimpse of at all! We headed to the base locations of the tourist activities habituated community. We had fair and okay looks at several individuals who were all up in trees, several were grooming, resting while others fed constantly.

Black Bee-eater seen at Kibale forest while birding along the main road

After this impressive experience we went back to our lodge for a nice warm lunch and later took a walk along the forest’s main road. Forest road side birding in the tropics can be really nice sometimes, so we did a few stops among which the first one got us excellent views of Western Olive sunbird, Hairy-breaded Barbet, the tiny Yellow-throated Tinkerbird. Others showed us a couple of Starlings; Splendid, Narrow-tailed and Purple-headed, exceptional looks at the magnificent Black Beet-Eaters for another time and several others amazing birds.

Day 12 - January 28, 2018: Transferring to Kampala.

This day we drove to Kampala doing some birding on the way. The stop at Fort Portal managed to nail the secretive Little Rush Warbler, excellent looks at the unpredictable White-collared Oliveback and a not very cooperative Holub’s Golden Weaver. We enjoyed our packed lunch at a restaurant in Mubende town and later proceeded to Kampala for a 17:00hrs arrival

White-collared Oliveback – Excellent observation at Fort Portal

Day 13 - January 29, 2018: Birding to Murchison Falls National Park

The initial planning of this tour was to have it end from Kibale to Entebbe for departure, however an extension to Murchison Falls National park and Royal Mile at Budongo forest was chipped in. Good thing, every member had signed up for the extension. So, we started off in the morning and started driving north towards Murchison Falls National park! Wildlife habitats and vegetation appearance started changing, we noticed a reasonable difference in the weather, the further north we went, the drier it became, this did not affect our day’s birding since our plan was to pick birds that showed up, visited the top of Murchison Falls and also crossed the Nile to our accommodation. We enjoyed stunning land formation views as we got down into the Great East African Rift Valley for the second time the first having been at Queen Elizabeth National Park, this also meant going back to the home of big game. The top of Murchison Falls also being here, it was not too long until we were there, the visit was such a breath taking moment for the group. Seeing the mighty River Nile squeeze through a very narrow gap and dropping at an incredibly powerful strength can be a memory that will linger. Later, we checked into our nice facility to enjoy one of the many proper Buffet dinners we had during the whole time, just after adding a mega sighting to our list. The Egyptian Plover, which is a monotypic genus, is a rare sighting by the region’s standards.

Day 14 - January 30, 2018: Birding Murchison Falls National Park

A nice morning to start with rises hopes for a brilliant day, this was the kind of experience we had to day and to be honest, every bit of this day was a real highlight to the trip. The morning session was spent doing game drive in the Savannah, Acacia and Borassus Palm filled grounds. We drove around the tracks in the North Western part of the park where we managed to get a variety of Cisticolas, Bee-eaters, a couple of raptors, a big flock of White-winged Terns just over the Savannah, an impressive feeding migration of Abdim’s stock which we managed to observe for sometime at a few spots.

Shoebill – One of the several excellent views we had, this was at MFNP

Our fantastic afternoon boat ride did not start until we had finished enjoying a very nice lunch at the lodge. We headed upstream to the location of the falls, enjoying the breeze of the Victoria Nile, which is on the White Nile, lots of birds including the highly localized Rock Pratincole plus a very nice accidental White-headed Lapwing and big game. Very brilliant views of the famous Murchison Falls National Park Red- throated Bee-eater nest holes along the eroded cliffs. This was a very pleasant activity do in the afternoon of a warm day.

Day 15 - January 31, 2018: Birding to the Delta and Transfer to Masindi.

This day we took another private boat ride, down stream this time. Very relaxed sailing along the luxurious riverine forest in search for the Giant Kingfisher whose pair we managed to see, White-backed Night-herons eluded us at a day roost, Carruthers Cisticola one of the many East African endemics we got during the trip and several other reed and river bank habitat birds. We made it to the Delta, Lake Albert and could see the Albert Nile while having a good time with our second Shoebill during this boat ride. The first one offered the best photography opportunities, she stood with in a few meters from our boat, and moments can hardly be as exciting as this one!

We had good views of Red-throated Bee-eaters at Murchison Falls National Park

Heading back to the lodge for a warm lunch, we added very nice raptors to our list, sky darkening flocks of Abdim’s Storks and a flock of up to sixty individuals of Uganda’s National bird the elegant-looking Grey-crowned Crane.

We proceeded to Masindi after our lunch in a more warmer afternoon doing a few stops for only quite cooperative birds like White Helmet Shrikes that flew by and across on three occasions, a pair of very nice Abyssinian Ground Hornbill at Kanio Pabidi which is a section of the big and usually very productive Budongo Forest.

Day 16 - February 1, 2018: Birding the Royal Mile.

The Royal Mile named after Omukama (King) Kabalega of the Nyoro Kingdom is undoubtedly one of Uganda’s top birding sites and a popular Important Bird Area according to Birdlife International. This near mid elevation to lowland tropical forest has such a high microhabitat diversity, which attracts an impressive avi- fauna. On our way there we managed to get proper record looks at some birds which included Heuglin’s and seldom seen Scaly Francolins, Brown-backed Scrub Robin, Lesser Blue-eared Starling, a very nice Cabanis’s Bunting, the secretive Brown Twinspot, and the majestic White-thighed Hornbill. The forest although a bit dry following the dry season, was very productive we got all sorts of views of several of its range restricted species; very fine looks at Chestnut-capped Flycatcher which is actually a warbler now, Cassin’s Spinetail Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Lemon-bellied Crombec and the tree top dwelling Ituri Batis. We did not get to see the elusive Chocolate-backed kingfisher, but that does not mean we never worked hard for it.

A walk down to the stream after our nice packed lunch under very pleasant tree shades, took us through magical spots filled with Butterflies, we managed to identify 70% of the species seen. The same spot got us the best views we could ever have of Sabine’s Spinetail and White-headed Sawing as they came to have a sip of water from the stream. Driving back to Masindi we picked up some very nice Bar- breasted Firefinch and preceded to get there in the best time for a cold beer.

Day 17 - February 2, 2018: Returning to Entebbe for PM Departure

Days run fast especially when you are having good time; here we were on the last day of a fantastic trip! We headed south for a lunch stop in Kampala, doing a few stops at the wet and drier lands along Masindi-Kampala highway. Here we managed to get photographable sightings of Banded Snake-Eagle, Eurasian Hoopoe, White- browed Sparrow-weavers, Bronze-tailed Starlings, Red-headed Weaver and kept checking for a lucky Shoebill show up in vain. We were treated to an excellent traditional Buffet at Kampala Serena, which was organized for us by Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and Mr. Herbert Byaruhanga the Director of Bird Uganda Safaris. This was, because the group on this tour was the first one following the African Birding Expo, which was organized in Nov 2016 under the management of UTB. Mr. Mark Garland of MG Nature and the group tour leader on this trip, was one of the international guests who were invited and participated in the event. Mark’s return was good results to pride.

Red-headed Weaver seen for the second time as we drove back to Entebbe

We proceeded to Entebbe driving through busy Kampala on a Friday afternoon, got to Entebbe, washed up and headed for a very nice diner before departure, the flight was scheduled for late evening. What a fantastic trip, we just completed!

A successful trip is a result of team work, many thanks to Mark Garland and MG Nature, the whole group which was filled up by cooperative and brilliantly sighted members, Herbert Byaruhanga, Shallon Binsiima, Mark Bankunda the trainee, Paul Nsubuga, James, Raymond, Nicholas, Ismail, and all rangers of Uganda Wildlife Authority that I worked with.

Checklist Order, common and scientific names are those by J.F. Clements, Birds of the World Version 2016 with all current updates. Extracted from Avibase – The world bird database.

Abbreviation: H in the third column is for Heard only

Bird Checklist ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis African Pygmy-Goose Nettapus auritus Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata

GALLIFORMES: Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris

GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae Handsome Francolin Pternistis nobilis Heuglin's Francolin Pternistis icterorhynchus Scaly Francolin Pternistis squamatus Red-necked Francolin Pternistis afer Crested Francolin Francolinus sephaena

CICONIIFORMES: Ciconiidae African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus Abdim's Stork Ciconia abdimii Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumenifer Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis

SULIFORMES: Phalacrocoracidae Long-tailed Cormorant Microcarbo africanus Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

SULIFORMES: Anhingidae African Darter Anhinga rufa

PELECANIFORMES: Pelecanidae Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens

PELECANIFORMES: Balaenicipitidae Shoebill Balaeniceps rex

PELECANIFORMES: Scopidae Hamerkop Scopus umbretta

PELECANIFORMES: Ardeidae Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus Gray Heron Ardea cinerea Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala Goliath Heron Ardea goliath Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Great Egret Ardea alba Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx intermedia Little Egret Egretta garzetta Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides Striated Heron Butorides striata Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

PELECANIFORMES: Threskiornithidae Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash

ACCIPITRIFORMES: Pandionidae Osprey Pandion haliaetus

ACCIPITRIFORMES: Accipitridae Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus White-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotos Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus Rüppell's Griffon Gyps rueppelli Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus Short-toed Snake-Eagle Circaetus gallicus Black-breasted Snake-Eagle Circaetus pectoralis Brown Snake-Eagle Circaetus cinereus Banded Snake-Eagle Circaetus cinerascens Crowned Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis Wahlberg's Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus Dark Chanting-Goshawk Melierax metabates Grasshopper Buzzard Butastur rufipennis Eurasian Marsh-Harrier Circus aeruginosus African Marsh-Harrier Circus ranivorus Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro Shikra Accipiter badius Black Goshawk Accipiter melanoleucus Black Kite Milvus migrans African Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Mountain Buzzard Buteo oreophilus Augur Buzzard Buteo augur

OTIDIFORMES: Otididae Black-bellied Bustard Lissotis melanogaster

GRUIFORMES: Rallidae Black Crake Zapornia flavirostra African Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis

GRUIFORMES: Sarothruridae White-spotted Flufftail Sarothrura pulchra H

GRUIFORMES: Heliornithidae African Finfoot Podica senegalensis

GRUIFORMES: Gruidae Gray Crowned-Crane Balearica regulorum

CHARADRIIFORMES: Burhinidae Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus Senegal Thick-knee Burhinus senegalensis

CHARADRIIFORMES: Pluvianidae Egyptian Plover Pluvianus aegyptius

CHARADRIIFORMES: Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae Long-toed Lapwing Vanellus crassirostris Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus White-headed Lapwing Vanellus albiceps Senegal Lapwing Vanellus lugubris Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris

CHARADRIIFORMES: Jacanidae Lesser Jacana Microparra capensis African Jacana Actophilornis africanus

CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Ruff Calidris pugnax Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Sanderling Calidris alba Little Stint Calidris minuta Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

CHARADRIIFORMES: Turnicidae Small Buttonquail Turnix sylvaticus

CHARADRIIFORMES: Glareolidae Temminck's Courser Cursorius temminckii Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola Rock Pratincole Glareola nuchalis

CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae Gray-hooded Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus Herring Gull Larus argentatus Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida African Skimmer Rynchops flavirostris

COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae Rock Pigeon Columba livia Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea Rameron Pigeon Columba arquatrix Bronze-naped Pigeon Columba iriditorques H Mourning Collared-Dove Streptopelia decipiens Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola Vinaceous Dove Streptopelia vinacea H Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove Turtur chalcospilos Black-billed Wood-Dove Turtur abyssinicus Blue-spotted Wood-Dove Turtur afer Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria African Green-Pigeon Treron calvus

CUCULIFORMES: Musophagidae Great Blue Turaco Corythaeola cristata Black-billed Turaco Tauraco schuettii H Ross's Turaco Musophaga rossae Bare-faced Go-away-bird Corythaixoides personatus Eastern Plantain-eater Crinifer zonurus

CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae Blue-headed Coucal Centropus monachus White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus Blue Malkoha Ceuthmochares aereus Dideric Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo Cercococcyx mechowi H Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo Cercococcyx montanus H Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius African Cuckoo Cuculus gularis Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae African Scops-Owl Otus senegalensis H Verreaux's Eagle-Owl Bubo lacteus

CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae Freckled Nightjar Caprimulgus tristigma H Square-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus fossii H

CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Apodidae Sabine's Spinetail Rhaphidura sabini Cassin's Spinetail Neafrapus cassini Alpine Swift Apus melba Little Swift Apus affinis Horus Swift Apus horus White-rumped Swift Apus caffer African Palm-Swift Cypsiurus parvus

COLIIFORMES: Coliidae Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus Blue-naped Mousebird Urocolius macrourus

TROGONIFORMES: Trogonidae Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina Bar-tailed Trogon Apaloderma vittatum

BUCEROTIFORMES: Upupidae Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops

BUCEROTIFORMES: Phoeniculidae Green Woodhoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas

BUCEROTIFORMES: Bucorvidae Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill Bucorvus abyssinicus

BUCEROTIFORMES: Bucerotidae Crowned Hornbill Lophoceros alboterminatus African Pied Hornbill Lophoceros fasciatus African Gray Hornbill Lophoceros nasutus Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill Bycanistes subcylindricus White-thighed Hornbill Bycanistes albotibialis

CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae Shining-blue Kingfisher Alcedo quadribrachys Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristatus African Pygmy-Kingfisher Ispidina picta Gray-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis Blue-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon malimbica Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis

CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae Black Bee-eater Merops gularis Red-throated Bee-eater Merops bulocki Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus Blue-breasted Bee-eater Merops variegatus Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater Merops oreobates Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus White-throated Bee-eater Merops albicollis Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus European Bee-eater Merops apiaster Northern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicus

CORACIIFORMES: Coraciidae Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus Blue-throated Roller Eurystomus gularis

PICIFORMES: Lybiidae Yellow-billed Barbet Trachyphonus purpuratus Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii Gray-throated Barbet Gymnobucco bonapartei Speckled Tinkerbird Pogoniulus scolopaceus Western Tinkerbird Pogoniulus coryphaea Yellow-throated Tinkerbird Pogoniulus subsulphureus Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus Yellow-spotted Barbet Buccanodon duchaillui Hairy-breasted Barbet Tricholaema hirsuta Spot-flanked Barbet Tricholaema lacrymosa White-headed Barbet Lybius leucocephalus Red-faced Barbet Lybius rubrifacies Black-billed Barbet Lybius guifsobalito Double-toothed Barbet Lybius bidentatus

PICIFORMES: Indicatoridae Cassin's Honeyguide Prodotiscus insignis Dwarf Honeyguide Indicator pumilio Least Honeyguide Indicator exilis Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator

PICIFORMES: Picidae Nubian Woodpecker Campethera nubica Brown-eared Woodpecker Campethera caroli Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens Golden-crowned Woodpecker Dendropicos xantholophus African Gray Woodpecker Dendropicos goertae

FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Gray Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo African Hobby Falco cuvierii

PSITTACIFORMES: Psittaculidae Red-headed Lovebird Agapornis pullarius

PSITTACIFORMES: Psittacidae Gray Parrot Psittacus erithacus Meyer's Parrot Poicephalus meyeri

PASSERIFORMES: Platysteiridae Brown-throated Wattle-eye Platysteira cyanea Chestnut Wattle-eye Platysteira castanea H Ruwenzori Batis Batis diops Chinspot Batis Batis molitor Black-headed Batis Batis minor Ituri Batis Batis ituriensis

PASSERIFORMES: Vangidae White Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus African Shrike-flycatcher Megabyas flammulatus Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher Bias musicus

PASSERIFORMES: Malaconotidae Brubru Nilaus afer Northern Puffback Dryoscopus gambensis Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus H Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis Luhder's Bushshrike Laniarius luehderi Tropical Boubou Laniarius major Black-headed Gonolek Laniarius erythrogaster Papyrus Gonolek Laniarius mufumbiri Mountain Sooty Boubou Laniarius poensis Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike Telophorus sulfureopectus Doherty's Bushshrike Telophorus dohertyi H Gray-headed Bushshrike Malaconotus blanchoti H

PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae Gray Cuckooshrike Coracina caesia Petit's Cuckooshrike Campephaga petiti

PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae Gray-backed Fiscal Lanius excubitoroides Mackinnon's Shrike Lanius mackinnoni Northern Fiscal Lanius humeralis Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator

PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae Western Black-headed Oriole Oriolus brachyrynchus African Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus Black-tailed Oriole Oriolus percivali

PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis Velvet-mantled Drongo Dicrurus modestus

PASSERIFORMES: Monarchidae Black-headed Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone rufiventer African Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis

PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae Piapiac Ptilostomus afer Pied Crow Corvus albus White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis

PASSERIFORMES: Nicatoridae Western Nicator Nicator chloris H

PASSERIFORMES: Alaudidae Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana Flappet Lark Mirafra rufocinnamomea White-tailed Lark Mirafra albicauda Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea

PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae Bank Swallow Riparia riparia Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Angola Swallow Hirundo angolensis Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica Lesser Striped-Swallow Cecropis abyssinica Rufous-chested Swallow Cecropis semirufa Mosque Swallow Cecropis senegalensis White-headed Sawwing Psalidoprocne albiceps Black Sawwing Psalidoprocne pristoptera

PASSERIFORMES: Stenostiridae African Blue-Flycatcher Elminia longicauda White-tailed Blue-Flycatcher Elminia albicauda

PASSERIFORMES: Paridae White-shouldered Black-Tit Melaniparus guineensis Dusky Tit Melaniparus funereus Stripe-breasted Tit Melaniparus fasciiventer

PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae Slender-billed Greenbul Stelgidillas gracilirostris Red-tailed Bristlebill Bleda syndactylus Eastern Mountain-Greenbul Arizelocichla nigriceps Honeyguide Greenbul Baeopogon indicator H Yellow-throated Greenbul Atimastillas flavicollis Spotted Greenbul Ixonotus guttatus Gray Greenbul Eurillas gracilis Ansorge's Greenbul Eurillas ansorgei Plain Greenbul Eurillas curvirostris Yellow-whiskered Greenbul Eurillas latirostris Little Greenbul Eurillas virens Toro Olive-Greenbul Phyllastrephus hypochloris White-throated Greenbul Phyllastrephus albigularis Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus

PASSERIFORMES: Macrosphenidae Green Crombec Sylvietta virens Lemon-bellied Crombec Sylvietta denti Northern Crombec Sylvietta brachyura Red-faced Crombec Sylvietta whytii Moustached Grass-Warbler Melocichla mentalis Grauer's Warbler Graueria vittata Green Hylia Hylia prasina H

PASSERIFORMES: Cettiidae Chestnut-capped Flycatcher Erythrocercus mccallii

PASSERIFORMES: Phylloscopidae Red-faced Woodland-Warbler Phylloscopus laetus Uganda Woodland-Warbler Phylloscopus budongoensis H Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

PASSERIFORMES: Acrocephalidae Mountain Yellow-Warbler Iduna similis Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Eurasian Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus African Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus Greater Swamp-Warbler Acrocephalus rufescens

PASSERIFORMES: Locustellidae Cinnamon Bracken-Warbler Bradypterus cinnamomeus Little Rush-Warbler Bradypterus baboecala White-winged Swamp-Warbler Bradypterus carpalis H

PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae Ruwenzori Apalis Apalis ruwenzorii Black-faced Apalis Apalis personata Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida Buff-throated Apalis Apalis rufogularis Chestnut-throated Apalis Apalis porphyrolaema Gray Apalis Apalis cinerea H Green-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura Olive-green Camaroptera Camaroptera chloronota White-chinned Prinia Schistolais leucopogon Red-winged Gray Warbler Drymocichla incana Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops Singing Cisticola Cisticola cantans Whistling Cisticola Cisticola lateralis Trilling Cisticola Cisticola woosnami Chubb's Cisticola Cisticola chubbi Winding Cisticola Cisticola galactotes Carruthers's Cisticola Cisticola carruthersi Stout Cisticola Cisticola robustus Croaking Cisticola Cisticola natalensis Foxy Cisticola Cisticola troglodytes Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis Black-backed Cisticola Cisticola eximius Gray-capped Warbler Eminia lepida Black-faced Rufous-Warbler Bathmocercus rufus H Buff-bellied Warbler Phyllolais pulchella Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava Banded Prinia Prinia bairdii Rufous-crowned Eremomela Eremomela badiceps

PASSERIFORMES: Sylviidae African Hill Babbler Sylvia abyssinica Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

PASSERIFORMES: Zosteropidae African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis

PASSERIFORMES: Pellorneidae Brown Illadopsis Illadopsis fulvescens H Mountain Illadopsis Illadopsis pyrrhoptera Scaly-breasted Illadopsis Illadopsis albipectus H

PASSERIFORMES: Leiothrichidae Black-lored Babbler Turdoides sharpei Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii

PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae Dusky-brown Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta Swamp Flycatcher Muscicapa aquatica Cassin's Flycatcher Muscicapa cassini Sooty Flycatcher Bradornis fuliginosus Dusky-blue Flycatcher Bradornis comitatus Pale Flycatcher Agricola pallidus Gray-throated Tit-Flycatcher Fraseria griseigularis Gray Tit-Flycatcher Fraseria plumbea Silverbird Melaenornis semipartitus Northern Black-Flycatcher Melaenornis edolioides Southern Black-Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher Melaenornis fischeri Fire-crested Alethe Alethe diademata H Brown-backed Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas hartlaubi Red-backed Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys Archer's Robin-Chat Cossypha archeri H White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat Cossypha niveicapilla Spotted Morning-Thrush Cichladusa guttata White-starred Robin Pogonocichla stellata Red-throated Alethe Pseudalethe poliophrys H Forest Robin Stiphrornis erythrothorax Equatorial Akalat Sheppardia aequatorialis Whinchat Saxicola rubetra African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus Sooty Chat Myrmecocichla nigra Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina

PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae Rufous Flycatcher-Thrush Neocossyphus fraseri White-tailed Ant-Thrush Neocossyphus poensis Abyssinian Thrush Turdus abyssinicus African Thrush Turdus pelios

PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster Chestnut-winged Starling Onychognathus fulgidus Waller's Starling Onychognathus walleri Narrow-tailed Starling Poeoptera lugubris Stuhlmann's Starling Poeoptera stuhlmanni Purple-headed Starling Hylopsar purpureiceps Rüppell's Starling Lamprotornis purpuroptera Splendid Starling Lamprotornis splendidus Lesser Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chloropterus Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus Bronze-tailed Starling Lamprotornis chalcurus

PASSERIFORMES: Buphagidae Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus

PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae Seimund's Sunbird Anthreptes seimundi Green Sunbird Anthreptes rectirostris Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris Green-headed Sunbird Cyanomitra verticalis Blue-throated Brown Sunbird Cyanomitra cyanolaema Blue-headed Sunbird Cyanomitra alinae Western Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra obscura Green-throated Sunbird Chalcomitra rubescens Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis Bronze Sunbird Nectarinia kilimensis Olive-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris chloropygius Tiny Sunbird Cinnyris minullus Northern Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris reichenowi Regal Sunbird Cinnyris regius Red-chested Sunbird Cinnyris erythrocercus Variable Sunbird Cinnyris venustus Copper Sunbird Cinnyris cupreus

PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis Mountain Wagtail Motacilla clara African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus Jackson's Pipit Anthus latistriatus Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys Yellow-throated Longclaw Macronyx croceus

PASSERIFORMES: Emberizidae Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris Cabanis's Bunting Emberiza cabanisi

PASSERIFORMES: Fringillidae Yellow-crowned Canary Serinus flavivertex Yellow-fronted Canary Serinus mozambicus Brimstone Canary Serinus sulphuratus Streaky Seedeater Serinus striolatus Thick-billed Seedeater Serinus burtoni

PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae House Sparrow Passer domesticus Northern Gray-headed Sparrow Passer griseus

PASSERIFORMES: Ploceidae White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali Crested Malimbe Malimbus malimbicus Red-headed Malimbe Malimbus rubricollis Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes rubriceps Baglafecht Weaver Ploceus baglafecht Slender-billed Weaver Ploceus pelzelni Black-necked Weaver Ploceus nigricollis Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis Black-billed Weaver Ploceus melanogaster Strange Weaver Ploceus alienus Holub's Golden-Weaver Ploceus xanthops Orange Weaver Ploceus aurantius Northern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus castanops Northern Masked-Weaver Ploceus taeniopterus Lesser Masked-Weaver Ploceus intermedius Vitelline Masked-Weaver Ploceus vitellinus Vieillot's Weaver Ploceus nigerrimus Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus Weyns's Weaver Ploceus weynsi Black-headed Weaver Ploceus melanocephalus Golden-backed Weaver Ploceus jacksoni Brown-capped Weaver Ploceus insignis Compact Weaver Pachyphantes superciliosus Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea Northern Red Bishop Euplectes franciscanus Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix White-winged Widowbird Euplectes albonotatus Yellow-mantled Widowbird Euplectes macroura H Fan-tailed Widowbird Euplectes axillaris Grosbeak Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons

PASSERIFORMES: Estrildidae Gray-headed Nigrita Nigrita canicapillus White-breasted Nigrita Nigrita fusconotus White-collared Oliveback Nesocharis ansorgei Green-backed Twinspot Mandingoa nitidula H Black-rumped Waxbill Estrilda troglodytes Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild Black-crowned Waxbill Estrilda nonnula Red-cheeked Cordonbleu Uraeginthus bengalus Brown Twinspot Clytospiza monteiri Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala Bar-breasted Firefinch Lagonosticta rufopicta Black-chinned Quailfinch Ortygospiza gabonensis Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucullata Black-and-white Mannikin Spermestes bicolor Magpie Mannikin Spermestes fringilloides

PASSERIFORMES: Viduidae Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura Village Indigobird Vidua chalybeata

Mammal Checklist Elephants Bush Elephant (Laxodanta Africana) Loxodonta africana

Primates Patas Monkey Erythrocebus patas Vervet Monkey Chlorocebus pygerythrus Tantalus Monkey Chlorocebus tantalus Red-tailed Monkey Cercopithecus ascanius L’Hoest’s Monkey Cercopithecus lhoesti Blue Monkey Cercopithecus mitis Uganda Mangabey Lophocebus ugandae Olive Baboon Papio anubis Mantled Guereza Colobus guereza Uganda Red Colobus Procolobus tephrosceles Mountain Gorilla Gorilla beringei beringei Common Chimpanzee Pan troglodytes

Rodentia (rodents) Striped Ground Squirrel Xerus erythropus Carruther’s Mountain Squirrel Funisciurus carruthersi Gambian Sun Squirrel Heliosciurus gambianus Ruwenzori Sun Squirrel Heliosciurus ruwenzorii Boehm’s Bush Squirrel Paraxerus boehmi

Bats Straw-coloured Fruit Bat Eidolon helvum Yellow-winged Bat Lavia frons Tomb Bats Taphozous mauritianus Evening bats Scotoecus

Carnivora African lion Panthera leo Leopard Panthera pardus Banded mongoose Mungos mungo African Tropical Savannah Mongoos Dologale dybowskii Dwarf mongoose Helogale parvula Spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta Side-striped jackal Canis adustus

Perissodactyla (odd-toed ungulates) Plains Zebra Equus quagga

Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates) Common warthog Phacochoerus africanus Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius Giraffe (ssp. Rothschild's) Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi Lelwel hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus lelwel Topi Damaliscus lunatus Oribi Ourebia ourebi African buffalo Syncerus caffer Common eland Tragelaphus oryx Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus Black-fronted duiker Cephalophus nigrifrons Impala Aepyceros melampus Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus Kob Kobus kob

Reptiles Checklist GECKOS Tropical House gecko Hemidactylus mabouia

SKINKS Striped skink Mabuya striata Variable skink Mabuya varia

LIZARD Great Plated Lizard Gerrhosaurus major

AGAMA Blue Headed Tree agama Acanthocercus atricollis Black-necked Tree agama Acanthocercus cyanogaster Red-Headed Rock agama Agama agama Finch's Agama Agama finchi

CHAMELEONS Rwenzori Three-Horned chameleon Chameleo jonstoni

MONITOR LIZARDS Nile Monitor Varanus niloticus

CROCODILES Nile crocodiles Crocodylus niloticus