Ethiopian Endemics II Trip report
1st to 19th February 2014
Northern Carmine Bee-eaters by David Erterius
Tour Leaders: Wayne Jones & David Erterius Trip report compiled by Wayne Jones RBT Ethiopian Endemics II Trip Report February 2014 2
Tour Summary
Ethiopia regularly hits the top of the list of favourite African birding destinations. Despite the fast- expanding population, the entire country is packed with avian species and one cannot fail to enjoy the myriad of bright birds, special mammals, spectacular scenery, and superb coffee and wonderfully friendly people! Due to the dry conditions in many parts of the country the birding is also often relatively easy and there are so many endemics and specials on offer.
On Day 1, the arrivals day, some guests birded the lush gardens of our hotel in Addis Ababa, finding such specials as Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, Rüppell’s Robin-Chat and Tacazze Sunbird. But the birding really began in earnest the following morning when we arrived at Lake Chelekcheka just after dawn. Hundreds of Common Cranes roost at the lake and they were slowly filtering out to feed in neighbouring fields, creating a glorious cacophony as they went.
The lake was full of ducks and waders, including Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Garganey, Eurasian Teal, Black- winged Stilt, Spotted Redshank and Wood Sandpiper. Along the lake margins we found African Citril, Northern Red Bishop, Ethiopian Cisticola, Rüppell’s Weaver, Erlanger’s Lark and the fantastic little Quailfinch. With our tummies starting to ask questions we moved on to nearby Lake Bishoftu to have breakfast. Black-winged Lovebird by David Erterius
Our restaurant was perched on the steep slopes of the deep lake allowing to look down on the scrubby woodland below. Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Mocking and White-winged Cliff Chats, a male Western Marsh Harrier, Black-winged Lovebird, Speckled Mousebird, Ethiopian Boubou, Singing Cisticola and the dazzling Scarlet-chested Sunbird put in an appearance. There were also a number of Pink-backed Pelican and Little Grebe out on the dark blue-grey water.
We then hit the road again, slowly decreasing in altitude as we drove through the central Rift Valley. Our next stop was Koka Dam, but we got a little waylaid en route by an Abdim’s Stork and wonderful Abyssinian Ground Hornbills. The dam itself was highly productive, with views of White-faced Duck, Intermediate Egret, Yellow-billed Stork, African Fish Eagle, Black-headed Gull and Whiskered Tern. We also found four Black Crowned Cranes in the form of incredibly distant, heat haze-blurred shapes nestled in the water hyacinth. Thankfully this would not be our only sighting of these sought-after birds, but more on that later!
Next was Lake Ziway, where had a delicious fresh fish lunch before once again lifting our binoculars in the direction of an array of exciting birds. We had super sightings of the gorgeous African Pygmy Goose, the scarce Lesser Jacana, a Knob-billed Duck, Malachite Kingfisher, Black-tailed Godwit, Marsh Sandpiper, Greenshank, Little Ringed Plover Guereza Colobus by Wayne Jones and Hottentot Teal. Meanwhile the fish-gutting area alongside
RBT Ethiopian Endemics II Trip Report February 2014 3 was closely attended by tolerant Marabou Storks and Great white Pelicans. After visiting another quiet corner of the lake, which held Black Crake, Black Heron, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Grey Kestrel and Common Snipe, we re-joined the main road for the final stretch to Awassa.
The following day we had a highly productive stroll around the hotel grounds and to the lakeshore. Highlights included Red-throated Wryneck, African Spotted Creeper, Nubian Woodpecker, Red-faced Cisticola, White-backed Duck, Common Waxbill, African Reed Warbler, White-rumped Babbler, Little Weaver and White-browed Robin-Chat. On the mammalian side, the exquisite, shaggy Guereza Colobuses kept us entertained until we were ready to board the bus.
Today would be a long day’s driving! As we passed through nearby Shashemene we enjoyed great views of the impressive, brutish-looking Thick-billed Raven. Driving towards Dodola, our lunch-stop, we steadily increased in altitude and Acacia woodlands gave way to large expanses of grassland (and cropland – Ethiopia is a highly populous country). A welcome birding stop along the way yielded an assortment of highland birds such as Abyssinian Longclaw, Moorland Chat, White- collared Pigeon, Groundscraper Thrush, Red-throated Pipit African Spotted Creeper by David Erterius and Red-breasted Wheatear.
We chugged up the Bale Mountains, where we saw a magnificent Bearded Vulture, Yellow Bishop, endemic Blue-winged Goose, Yellow-billed Duck and, with the invaluable assistance of local spotters, a Cape Eagle-Owl tucked away in a thicket. Once in the National Park we saw our first big game – Mountain Nyala, Bohor Reedbuck and Common Warthog. We eventually made it to Goba, our home for the next three nights.
The next morning we boarded the bus in the cold pre-dawn darkness and began the long journey to Sof Omar, where the main target would be the localized Salvadori’s Seedeater. Our effort was rewarded with a sighting of two of the sought-after seedeaters, along with Brown-tailed Rock Chat, Shining Sunbird, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Red-headed Weaver, African Hawk-Eagle, Mountain Wagtail, Northern Crombec, Acacia Tit, Black-headed Oriole, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Black-billed Wood Hoopoe, Grey-headed Batis, Slate- coloured Boubou, Egyptian Vulture, Grey- headed and Orange-breasted Bushshrikes, Blue-winged Goose by David Erterius Mottled Swift, Shikra and remarkable views of two Scaly-throated Honeyguides.
On our way back to Goba we stopped at a small wetland where we found just under 200 of one of Ethiopia’s most striking endemics, the Spot-breasted Lapwing. Then we quickly headed to Dinsho, which we’d passed through the previous day, to the Bale Mountain National Park headquarters. Here a local guide was waiting to show us Abyssinian Owl and African Wood Owl. We had mind-
RBT Ethiopian Endemics II Trip Report February 2014 4 blowing views of the former perched on a rock, carefully examining us, while the latter showed relatively well in a dense tree.
On Day 5 we headed further up the Bale Mountains on one of the most anticipated excursions of the tour – the Sanetti Plateau. We birded a juniper forest on the slopes and picked up Abyssinian Ground Thrush, White-backed Black Tit, Brown Woodland Warbler, Abyssinian Catbird and Montane White-eye. Climbing higher, the forest vegetation – and farmland, within the national park – changed abruptly into hardy monotone heathers and everlastings, and we saw our first Giant Lobelias just below the summit. All the while we had to share road space with inquisitive Rouget’s Rails and Chestnut-naped Francolins.
It was a brilliantly clear day and the view from the plateau was incredible. We got out and walked the bare landscape in search of Moorland Francolin, of which three provided the briefest of flushed flight views. Thankfully we had a phenomenal sighting of nine birds right alongside the road the following morning to make up for the poor showing. Thekla Larks were in abundance, and we also saw African Ethiopian Wolf by Wayne Jones Snipe, Ruddy Shelduck, Steppe Eagle, Red- billed Chough and Starck’s Hare. But the main focus of almost any trip to the plateau is to see the rarest canid in the world, the Ethiopian Wolf, and possibly also its main prey item, the slug-like Giant Root Rat. We were delighted to find, throughout the day, four of each!
We traversed the highest all-weather road in Africa and dropped down the other side of the plateau into the huge Harenna Forest. Unfortunately the forest was rather quiet and after lunch we headed back over the plateau for our last night in Goba.
The following day we once again crossed the mighty plateau and found three Brown Parisomas of the Bale Mountain race before driving through the vast Harenna Forest. Beyond the forest dry Acacia woodland dominated and at our lunch stop we picked up White-headed Buffalo Weaver, White-browed Scrub Robin, Marico Sunbird, Northern White-crowned Shrike, White-crested Helmetshrike, Brubru and Abyssinian Scimitarbill. As we wound our way to Negele we saw Hemprich’s Hornbill, Red-and-yellow Barbet, Lilac-breasted Roller, African Wattled Lapwing, Pygmy Falcon, Black-crowned Ruspoli’s Turaco by David Erterius Tchagra, Northern Brownbul, Shelley’s Starling and the major target for the day, Ruspoli’s Turaco!
On Day 7 we arrived at Liben Plain around sunrise and walked the area in a line hoping to flush the critically endangered Sidamo Lark among the many Somali Short-toed Lark, Plain-backed Pipit and Pectoral Cisticola. Eventually, after we’d almost given up, a bird was spotted and we all had excellent views before settling down to a delicious field breakfast. Our appetites satiated, we
RBT Ethiopian Endemics II Trip Report February 2014 5 continued past the plain, finding White-crowned Starling and Shelley’s Sparrow towards the very dry and hot Acacia woodland of the Bogol Manyo road. The drive and various stops yielded Somali Crombec, Striped Kingfisher, Boran Cisticola, Three-streaked Tchagra, Rosy-patched Bushshrike, Eastern Yellow- billed, Northern Red-billed and Von der Decken’s Hornbills, Pygmy Batis, Pringle’s Puffback, Gillett’s Lark, Scaly Chatterer, Gabar Goshawk and Hunter’s Sunbird.
The next morning we set out very early as we had a long distance to cover over suboptimal roads. On the plus side, we saw a Spotted Hyena, White-tailed Mongoose Vulturine Guineafowl by David Erterius and African Wild Cat while driving in the dark. By the time the sun “pinkened” the sky we were in truly wild and magnificent Ethiopia – still untouched and barely populated. We ground to a stop when some Chestnut Weavers were spotted, but ended up staying in the area for over half an hour. We seemed to find a new bird every other minute! Small flocks of the scarce Magpie Starling totalling 60 birds kept flying over. And around us African Thrush, Greater Honeyguide, Yellow-spotted Petronia, Klaas’s Cuckoo, D’Arnaud’s Barbet, Cardinal Woodpecker and Red-bellied Parrot popped up.
Leaving this melee behind we advanced to the Dawa River where we enjoyed sightings of White- winged Collared Dove, Red-naped Bushshrike, Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, a female Juba Weaver, Somali Crombec, Somali Bunting, five Pringle’s Puffbacks and African Pied Wagtail.
The rest of the drive to Yabello took most of the day, but we did find some fabulous species along the way including Vulturine Guineafowl, Steel- blue Whydah, Grey-headed Silverbill, Bare-eyed Thrush, Purple Grenadier, Vitelline Masked Weaver, Alpine and White-rumped Swifts, Somali Ostrich, Bristle-crowned Starling, White-bellied, Buff-crested and Kori Bustards, Somali Fiscal, Eastern Chanting Goshawk by David Erterius Eastern Chanting Goshawk, Grey-capped and Dark-capped Social Weavers, Yellow-necked Spurfowl, Secretarybird, Short-tailed Lark and Brown Snake Eagle. We also got our first views of the Yabello area’s most famous birds – the highly range restricted White-tailed Swallow and Stresemann’s Bush Crow.
We enjoyed a relatively leisurely yet rewarding day of birding around Yabello the next day. Highlights included White-bellied Canary, a melanistic Ovambo Sparrowhawk, Three-banded Courser, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Red-fronted Barbet, Mouse-coloured Penduline Tit, Foxy Lark, Rufous Chatterer, Banded Parisoma and Red-winged Starling. That night we had a field supper and
RBT Ethiopian Endemics II Trip Report February 2014 6 spotlighted on our drive back to the motel. We had super sightings of Senegal Galago, Black- backed Jackal, Greater Kudu, Donaldson-Smith’s Nightjar and a very abiding African Scops Owl that allowed us quite close as he prrrupped his heart out.
We faced another long travel day the next morning as we made our way back up to the central part of the country from the deep south. We quickly left the productive Acacia woodlands and drove through patches of forest and, mostly, heavily populated agricultural land. There were two avian highlights, however, in the form of Bare-faced Go-away-bird and the first of multiple Eurasian Wrynecks. We arrived late that evening at Bishangari, an eco-lodge on the shores of Lake Langano.
The next day we went on assorted walks around the Bishangari property, exploring the fig forest, woodland, open plain and muddy shoreline. Not only did we record four species of honeyguide in one morning (Green-backed Honeybird and Lesser, Greater and Scaly-throated Honeyguides), but we actually saw the latter three in the same tree at the same time! We also picked up Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Clapperton’s and Scaly Francolins, Western Black-headed Batis, Northern Puffback, Grey and Red- shouldered Cuckooshrikes, Ethiopian Oriole, Masked Shrike, Black Saw-wing, Lesser Whitethroat, Violet-backed Starling, a sensational Green Malkoha, Common Nightingale, Olive Sunbird, Bush Petronia, Thick-billed Weaver, Double-toothed Double-toothed Barbet by David Erterius and Banded Barbets, Tambourine and Lemon Dove, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Yellow-fronted Parrot, African Olive Pigeon, Black Scimitarbill, African Goshawk and SIX Narina Trogons! Along the water’s edge we encountered Spur-winged Goose, Yellow-billed Stork, African Spoonbill, Squacco Heron, Senegal Thick-knee, Pacific Golden Plover, Curlew Sandpiper and Grey-headed Gull.
After a laidback lunch we drove to Shashemene, where we spent the night before heading to Nazret the following day. On the way we visited each of the three diverse Rift Valley lakes in the area – Shalla, Abijatta and Langano. At the viewpoint overlooking the shallow Lake Abijatta and deep Shalla we saw Little Rock Thrush and Abyssinian Wheatear. Venturing down to the water’s edge we found the hot spring that flows into Lake Shalla and tossed rocks of feather-light volcanic pumice into the water to watch them float. We also, of course, checked out the birdlife in the area, finding Black-necked Grebe and a handful of shorebirds and Lesser Flamingos. Moving to Lake Abijatta we entered wader and waterbird heaven! Thousands of Northern Shoveler and both Lesser and Greater Flamingos shared the water with a few hundred Pied Avocet. Meanwhile the large expanses of muddy shore held hundreds of waders including Common Ringed, Little Ringed, Kittlitz’s, Three-banded, Kentish and Caspian Plovers, Collared Pratincole, Wood, Common and Marsh Sandpipers and Ruff. After this smorgasbord we quickly popped across Greyish Eagle-Owl by David Erterius the road to Lake Langano where we found Lesser Black-
RBT Ethiopian Endemics II Trip Report February 2014 7 backed Gull and Dimorphic Egret, and locals showed us roosting Greyish Eagle-Owl and Slender- tailed Nightjar.
As we headed further north toward Nazret we passed Koka Dam again and took the opportunity to scan for Black Crowned Crane. We had almost immediate success, finding three pairs in relatively close proximity to each other. A couple of the birds even did the odd dance move, wings raised and all, though never when this author was looking! After a short while watching the blissful scene we hopped back on the bus, arriving at our Nazret hotel that evening where comfortable but curiously proportioned rooms awaited us!
Unfortunately not everyone was feeling in top shape by this stage – we suspected a bug – so we boarded the bus rather sombrely on Day 13 and ventured into ever sparser terrain. Not long later we came to the large Fantale Crater, the floor of which is continuous lava field. We had terrific luck here, finding two of the tricky endemic Sombre Rock Chats and we also had a fly-by Eurasian Sparrowhawk. Investigating more lava
Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse by David Erterius fields near the continually expanding Lake Beseka, we had good sightings of Blackstart. On to Bilen, then, a huge reeded oasis in the middle of a vast semi-desert. We spotted the long-necked Gerenuk and Salt’s Dik-dik on the way in to our lodge, and birdlife included Abyssinian Roller, African Collared and European Turtle Doves, Black Scrub Robin, Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse, Woodchat Shrike, Yellow-breasted Barbet, Somali Bulbul, over 500 Abdim’s Storks, Saddle-billed Stork, Long-tailed Paradise Whydah, Siberian Stonechat, Pallid and Montagu’s Harriers and the exquisite Nile Valley Sunbird.
After Bilen we transferred to Awash National Park for two days, but first we made a stop at the Alleghedi Plain. Here we two Arabian Bustards, one of which had a Northern Carmine Bee-eater on its back, Tawny Pipit, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Somali Ostrich, White Stork, Steppe Grey Shrike, Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark and hundreds of Lesser Kestrels and Montagu’s and Pallid Harriers.
In the national park we saw a number of Beisa Oryx – the reason for the park’s formation – in addition to Soemmerring’s Gazelle, Lesser Kudu, Black-backed Jackal and Bat-eared Fox. On the bird side we saw Bateleur, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Little Sparrowhawk, five bustard species including Hartlaub’s Bustard, two roosting Northern White-faced Owls over two days, Hartlaub’s Bustard by David Erterius Black-billed Barbet, Singing Bush and Gillett’s Larks, Blue-naped Mousebird, Ashy Cisticola, Green-winged Pytilia, Common Whitethroat, Black-eared Wheatear, African Silverbill and the crazy-sounding Eastern Plantain-
RBT Ethiopian Endemics II Trip Report February 2014 8 eater. The night-drives we did were low in quantity, but high in quality thanks to a Star-spotted Nightjar!
We stopped at the Lake Beseka lava field again after leaving Awash NP and eventually secured great views of a rather uncooperative male Striolated Bunting. After that it was a lengthy drive to Weliso (aka Woliso, Ghion and Giyon!) via the outskirts of the capital. Passing through miles of cropland, a couple of roadside stops revealed Erlanger’s Lark, Eastern Imperial Eagle and a most magnificent showing by a kaleidoscope of European Bee-eaters. We arrived at our lodge in the mid-afternoon, enough time to find White-cheeked Turaco, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Lemon and Dusky Turtle Doves, Abyssinian Thrush, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill by David Erterius Rüppell’s Robin-Chat, African Paradise Flycatcher, Guereza Colobus and Yellow-spotted Bush Hyrax.
On our visit to Ghibe Gorge the next day we made a few stops on the descent, finding Four-banded Sandgrouse, nesting Shikra, Familiar Chat, Black-winged Bishop and one of the major targets, Yellow-rumped Seedeater. Down in the valley, things were pumping. We saw dozens of Yellow- throated Sandgrouse over some seed fields, our fifth sandgrouse species! In addition to the Nile Crocodiles and Hippos in the river, there was a pair of Black Crowned Cranes, Isabelline Shrike, Grey-backed Fiscal, Lesser Blue-eared Starling, Pin-tailed Whydah, Eastern Plantain-eater, Yellow- fronted Canary, Vinaceous Dove, Foxy Cisticola, Striated Heron and a slew of raptors that included Western Osprey, African Harrier-Hawk, Brown Snake Eagle, Long-crested, Booted and Walhberg’s Eagles, Black Sparrowhawk and Common Buzzard. On our way out of the gorge a guest found two gorgeous Green-backed Eremomelas which were definitely among the day’s highlights.
That afternoon, after grinding our way through chaotic traffic in Addis Ababa, we transferred from the bus to three 4x4s and arrived at Debre Birhan in the early evening. After this late arrival we began the next day fairly easy with a jaunt to Gemasa Geden, an hour away, to search for the Ankober Serin and Gelada. Unfortunately it was very misty and visibility was almost nil so without wasting further time we headed back for breakfast and then began our slow descent down the Melka Ghebdu track. At the bottom the sun was blazing while the tops of the massive wall of Ankober Escarpment were still coated in grey cloud. Recent rain had caused a small termite alate irruption, much to the delight of some Hemprich’s Hornbills, which did their best flycatcher impersonations as they cart-wheeled after the flying insects. The BIG target here Gelada by Markus Lilje was the extremely localised endemic Yellow-throated Seedeater. Most of us went trundling around
RBT Ethiopian Endemics II Trip Report February 2014 9 the small subsistence fields in the area, but the two guests who stuck to the road ended up finding the sought-after birds. They luckily managed to grab our attention and we all enjoyed saturation views of three seedeaters. With this special in the bag and lunch devoured, we back-tracked up to the escarpment. Once quite high we found a small group of Geladas and took time out to appreciate these peaceful baboons.
Back at Gemasa Geden the mist situation had barely improved. We searched and searched but couldn’t find our quarry. Beautiful Blue Rock Thrush and Ethiopian Siskin lifted our mood somewhat, but when the mist started thickening again we had to call it a day.
Our last day of tour began with a 4:30am departure as we had to be at the top of Jemma Valley at sunrise, which was the best time of day to locate our two gamebird targets. Scanning the mini-plateau below us we found not only the easier and more vocal Erckel’s Francolin, but also the shy Harwood’s Francolin within three minutes. What tremendous luck! We had excellent scope views of both species and then diverted our attention to all the other birds – Rüppell’s Black Chat, White-winged and Mocking Cliff Chats, White-billed Starling, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, Singing Cisticola, Red-collared Widowbird, Long-billed Pipit and Eurasian Crag Martin – before enjoying a memorable field breakfast. Bruce’s Green Pigeon by David Erterius We then progressed further down the valley, past sheer cliffs and interesting rock layers to the large Jemma River and the smaller stream beyond. We had stunning views of three Fox Kestrels, sometimes perched on stalks in a field, appreciably rustier in colour overall than the Common Kestrels we’d seen earlier in the day. In addition to the Bruce’s Green Pigeons in a small fruiting tree that were too occupied to worry about our proximity, we found Speckle-fronted Weaver, Foxy Cisticola, Red-billed Pytilia, two Western Osprey, Verreaux’s Eagle, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Whinchat and more than 60 Geladas. After lunch, and with time marching on, we made our way out of this imposing valley and to the capital for our departures home. What a great way to wrap up a very successful tour!
Lalibela Extension: A few days before this tour some of us flew up to the historical village of Lalibela for a brief cultural extension trip. In our short time here we ambled about the network of thirteen rock-hewn churches. They were carved out of solid rock in the 12th and 13th centuries and some, such as Bet Giyorgis (St George’s Church) are free-standing structures with only their “foundations” connected to the surrounding rock! Bet Giyorgis, the most famous church in Lalibela – and probably Ethiopia – was also the focus of the St George’s Day activity. From our hotel balconies we could see the hundreds of white- robed pilgrims dotting the area around the monolithic church. After breakfast we drove up White-collared Pigeon by Wayne Jones
RBT Ethiopian Endemics II Trip Report February 2014 10 and watched the subdued procession of pilgrims entering and exiting the church while a Christian call to prayer reverberated around us.
Later on we visited the mountain-top monastery of Asheton Maryam and were rewarded with amazing views out over the stark countryside. We also picked up a few birds – our binoculars were never far from reach, of course – including Abyssinian Catbird, many Bearded Vultures, White-fronted Black Chat, White-winged Cliff Chat, Hemprich’s Hornbill, White-backed Black Tit, White- collared Pigeon, White-billed Starling, Yellow-rumped Seedeater, Eurasian Sparrowhawk and the highlight, a gorgeous African Hobby that sat tight for us in a Eucalyptus! A couple of visits to some of the many souvenir shops later and then it was time to head back to Addis, for some the end of their Ethiopian adventure, while others were just about to kick off theirs on Ethiopian Pilgrims at Bet Giyorgis on St George’s Day Endemics II. by Wayne Jones
Annotated List of Birds recorded
Total species recorded: 520 (including 2 heard only)
Nomenclature and taxonomy follows the IOC 3.5 list of: Gill, F. and Wright, M. Birds of the World: Recommended English Names. Princeton NJ: Princeton University Press.
E = Endemic to Ethiopia, NE = Near-endemic to Ethiopia, NP = National Park
Ostrich Struthionidae Somali Ostrich Struthio molybdophanes We had sightings of these massive birds near Yabello and on the Alleghedi Plain. NOTE: Clements does not recognize this spilt and places all Ostriches under Struthio camelus.
Guineafowl Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris We saw numerous birds at Sof Omar, Lake Abijatta, Bilen and Awash NP. NOTE: The nominate N. m. meleagris (Helmeted Guineafowl) which we recorded in Ethiopia, is sometimes regarded as distinct from the western N. m. galeata (West African Guineafowl) and the southern N. m. mitrata (Tufted Guineafowl). Neither IOC nor Clements recognize this split. Vulturine Guineafowl Acryllium vulturinum We encountered a few flocks totalling about 150 of these incredible birds en route from Negele to Yabello.
Pheasants, Fowl & Allies Phasianidae Moorland Francolin (NE) Scleroptila psilolaema We saw this often tricky gamebird very well just below the Sanetti Plateau. NOTE: Clements places this and all the below species in a different genus, namely Francolinus.
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Crested Francolin Dendroperdix sephaena We had multiple sightings at Sof Omar, Awash NP, Yabello and the Bogol Manyo road. Scaly Francolin Pternistis squamatus Three birds showed nicely around Bishangari Lodge. Clapperton's Francolin Pternistis clappertoni We sensational views of nine of these striking francolins at Bishangari. Harwood's Francolin (E) Pternistis harwoodi We spotted two of these sought-after francolins at Jemma Valley. Chestnut-naped Francolin (NE) Pternistis castaneicollis We saw many of these large and attractive francolins on the slopes of the Bale Mountains. Erckel's Francolin (NE) Pternistis erckelii Another sought-after gamebird that we had great views of at Jemma Valley. Yellow-necked Spurfowl Pternistis leucoscepus We found this colourful spurfowl around Negele, Yabello and Awash NP. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Francolinus and uses the common name:Yellow-necked Francolin. Common Quail Coturnix coturnix A single bird was flushed in Jemma Valley.
Ducks, Geese & Swans Anatidae White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata We saw a number of these slender ducks at Lake Ziway and Bishangari. White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus We found 8 of these characterful ducks at Lake Awassa. Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis These large geese were seen at Lake Ziway, Lake Awassa and at Bishangari. Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos We found a single bird at Lake Ziway. NOTE: Clements names these as Comb Duck, but still share the same scientific name. Blue-winged Goose (E) Cyanochen cyanoptera This endemic goose was found at various highland waterbodies near Dodola and Dinsho, and on the Sanetti Plateau. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca This common species was recorded throughout the tour. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea We saw as many as 30 of these localised birds on the Sanetti Plateau. African Pygmy Goose Nettapus auritus These beauties were seen at Lakes Ziway and Awassa. Cape Teal Anas capensis Two of these pale ducks were seen at Lake Abijatta. African Black Duck Anas sparsa We found this species along quiet streams in the Dinsho and Goba areas. Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata Seen at Lake Ziway, at wetlands around Goba and Dinsho and at Bishangari. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata This species was seen at Lake Chelekcheka and was abundant at Lake Abijatta. Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha Seen at Lake Chelekcheka. NOTE: Clements names these as Red-billed Duck, but still share the same scientific name. Northern Pintail Anas acuta These stunning, streamlined ducks were seen at Lakes Chelekcheka and Abijatta. Garganey Anas querquedula We found this smart-looking duck at Lake Chelekcheka and a wetland near Goba.
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Eurasian Teal Anas crecca A single male was seen at Lake Chelekcheka NOTE: Clements names these as Green-winged Teal, but still share the same scientific name. Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota This small, blue-billed duck was seen at Lake Ziway and Bishangari. Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma We saw two birds at Lake Bishoftu.
Grebes Podicipedidae Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Found in big numbers at Lakes Bishoftu, Shalla and Abijatta. Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis We had good views at Lake Shalla. NOTE: Clements names these as Eared Grebe, but still share the same scientific name.
Flamingo Phoenicopteridae Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus These larger and paler flamingos were seen at Lakes Chelekcheka and Abijatta. Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor Huge numbers of these smaller flamingos were seen at Lakes Chelekcheka and Abijatta, with smaller numbers at Lake Beseka. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Phoenicopterus, but still uses the same common name.
Storks Ciconiidae Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis This attractive stork was seen at Koka Dam, Bishangari, Lake Abijatta and Ghibe Gorge. Black Stork Ciconia nigra We saw a single bird along the Melka Ghebdu track. Abdim's Stork Ciconia abdimii We saw many of these storks in fields near Koka Dam, Dodola and Sof Omar, and we estimated 550 birds around the wetland at Bilen! White Stork Ciconia ciconia Seen near Goba and en route to Sof Omar, also good numbers at Bilen and the Alleghedi Plain. Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus This species was common throughout, especially near urban areas and waste/fish-gutting areas where it could pick up scraps.
Ibises, Spoonbills Threskiornithidae African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus We saw this common and widespread species throughout the tour, mostly in the vicinity of wetlands. NOTE: Clements uses the common name – Sacred Ibis Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash We saw this species at Bishangari, Lake Ziway and Awash NP, among others. Wattled Ibis (E) Bostrychia carunculata This noisy ibis was common in high-lying areas. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus We found this global species at Lakes Ziway, Awassa and Abijatta. African Spoonbill Platalea alba This species was seen at Lake Chelekcheka and Bishangari.
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Herons, Bitterns Ardeidae Black-crowned Night Heron Butorides striata We found this species at Bilen and along the Melka Ghebdu track. Striated Heron Butorides striata This small heron was seen at Lakes Abijatta and Beseka. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides We had good numbers of this species on the Rift Valley Lakes. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis We regularly recorded this small egret throughout the tour. NOTE: This group may be split into 2 species, the nominate Western Cattle Egret (which is what we recorded in Ethiopia) and the Asian/Australasian Eastern Cattle Egret E. coromanda. This split is as yet not recognized by Clements but is accepted by the IOC. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Encountered regularly in small numbers at wetlands across the tour. Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala We found these strikingly-marked herons in grassland and fields across the tour. Goliath Heron Ardea goliath We recorded and incredible 18 of these massive birds at Koka Dam on one day! Purple Heron Ardea purpurea We saw this colourful heron at Lake Awassa and at Bilen. Great Egret Ardea alba We saw a few of these large white herons on the Rift Valley lakes. NOTE: The nominate Old World Great Egret may be split from the New World A. a. egretta which would become American Egret. This split is as yet not recognized by Clements but is accepted by the IOC. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia Seen at Koka Dam, Lake Beseka and in Ghibe Gorge. Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca We saw two of these wonderful birds at Lake Ziway. Little Egret Egretta garzetta We saw a few of these medium-sized egrets along the Rift Valley Lakes. NOTE: Clements lumps Little and Madagascar’s Dimorphic Egret E. dimorpha into a single species. This treatment is not widely accepted. Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis We saw a dark morph bird at Lake Langano.
Hamerkop Scopidae Hamerkop Scopus umbretta This monotypic species was seen on many days of the tour, usually close to water and at lower elevations.
Pelicans Pelecanidae Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus We had extraordinarily close views of this huge bird at Lake Ziway, with more seen at Bishangari and Lake Abijatta. Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens Around twenty birds at Lake Bishoftu were followed by singletons at Bishangari and Lake Abijatta.
Cormorants Phalacrocoracidae Reed Cormorant Microcarbo africanus This small cormorant was found along the Rift Valley lakes. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Phalacrocoraxand uses the common name:Long-tailed Cormorant. White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus
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Even more plentiful than the previous species, we saw this cormorant at most of the Rift Valley lakes as well as Lake Beseka. Note: Clements treats this sub-Saharan bird as a race of the Great Cormorant P. Carbo and does not accept the spilt.
Anhingas, Darters Anhingidae African Darter Anhinga rufa We found these spear-billed birds at Lake Beseka and Koka Dam.
Secretarybird Sagittariidae Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius We saw one of these fantastic birds near the Mega area.
Ospreys Pandionidae Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus A bird was seen in Ghibe Gorge, with two more showing in Jemma Valley. NOTE: That Clements does not accept the spilt between Western and Eastern Osprey and just calls the bird Osprey.
Kites, Hawks & Eagles Accipitridae Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus This small raptor was seen at various cropland and open country sites across the tour. NOTE: That Clements uses the common Black-shouldered Kite. African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus We saw this floppy-winged raptor at Lake Bishoftu, en route to Yabello, at Bishangari and Ghibe Gorge. Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus This magnificent creature was seen on the Sanetti Plateau and along the Ankober Escarpment. Numerous and excellent views were had in Lalibela on the extension. NOTE: That Clements uses the common Lammergeier. Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus We saw this attractive vulture at Sof Omar, Awash NP, Bilen and Ghibe Gorge. Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus These small-billed vultures were recorded almost daily, especially around human settlements. White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus This species was seen almost as often as the previous, but usually in less urban environments. Rüppell's Vulture Gyps rueppellii We saw these sizeable vultures in Awash NP and near Nazret, with very close views of birds attending a cow carcass in Harenna Forest. NOTE: That Clements uses the common Rueppell's Griffon. White-headed Vulture Trogonoceps occipitalis A single bird was also in attendance at the cow carcass at Harenna Forest. Lappet-faced Vulture Aegypius tracheliotus Thank goodness this vulture is as large as it is otherwise we’d never have been able identify so far off in the distance at Awash NP! Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus We saw this large snake eagle en route to Sof Omar and near Liben Plain. NOTE: That Clements uses the common Short-toed Eagle. Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis We saw this handsome bird near Harenna Forest, Liben Plain and in Awash NP. NOTE: That Clements uses the common Black-breasted Snake-Eagle. Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus We encountered this species en route from Negele to Yabello and again in Ghibe Gorge and Jemma Valley.
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Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus Recorded daily in the Negele, Yabello and Awash areas. Crowned Eagle Stephanoaetus Coronatus We had distant views of birds at Harenna Forest. NOTE: That Clements uses the common Crowned Hawk-Eagle. Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus We saw a single bird in Awash NP. Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis This majestic species was seen near Lake Ziway, en route to Bilen and Negele, and in Ghibe Gorge. Wahlberg’s Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi A single bird showed briefly in Ghibe Gorge. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus We also saw one of these in Ghibe Gorge. Ayre’s Hawk-Eagle Hieraaetus ayresii Singletons were seen near Dinsho, Harenna Forest and Bishangari. Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax This brown eagle was commonly seen throughout the tour, in a variety of different habitats. NOTE: The nominate African Tawny Eagle A. r. rapax may be split from the Asian Tawny Eagle A. r. vindhiana. This split is as yet not recognized by IOC or Clements. Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis We saw this large brown eagle over two days on the Sanetti Plateau. NOTE: The Western Steppe Eagle A. n. orientalis, which we recorded, may be split from the Eastern Steppe Eagle A. n. nipalensis. This split is as yet not recognized by IOC or Clements. Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca Singletons were observed near Robe, Lake Beseka and Jemma Valley. Verreaux's Eagle Aquila verreauxii We saw an extremely distant immature bird at Harenna Forest, with great views of adults in Jemma Valley. African Hawk-Eagle Aquila spilogaster We saw two of these distinctly marked eagles at Sof Omar. Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar We found this small raptor on the road to Bogol Manyo, in the Yabello area and Ghibe Gorge. Dark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates This upright raptor was encountered daily in the Awash and Bilen areas. Eastern Chanting Goshawk Melierax poliopterus This paler version of the previous species was seen daily in the Negele and Yabello areas. African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro We saw this twice at Bishangari. Shikra Accipiter badius A pair was seen in Sof Omar, while another pair was found nest-building in Ghibe Gorge. Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus An immature bird was seen at Awash NP. Ovambo Sparrowhawk Accipter ovampensis We were incredibly lucky to find a rare melanistic form of this scarce accipiter near Yabello. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus A single bird was seen in flight at the Fantale Crater en route to Awash NP. Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus A bird was seen along the Ankober Escarpment. NOTE: That Clements uses the common Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk. Black Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucos Singletones were seen at Bishangari and Ghibe Gorge. NOTE: That Clements uses the common Black Goshawk. Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
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We saw this species around a few wetlands across the tour, mostly female birds. NOTE: That Clements uses the common Eurasian Marsh-Harrier. Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus A widespread and elegant harrier that was found over grasslands and croplands throughout the tour. Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus Less numerous than the previous species, but equally widespread, and in similar habitats. Black Kite Milvus migrans One bird was spotted en route to Nazret. NOTE: We recorded both the non-breeding Palaearctic migrant Black Kite M. migrans and the Afrotropical migrant Yellow-billed Kite M. m. parasitus during the course of the tour, sometimes split as M. aegyptius, although this split is not recognized by Clements. Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius An abundant raptor that was seen daily. African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer This striking raptor was common along the Rift Valley Lakes. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Recorded around Dodola and Goba and in Ghibe Gorge. NOTE: The subspecies which we encountered is the northern breeding B. b. vulpinus, sometimes regarded as a separate species, Steppe Buzzard, from the nominate Common Buzzard and three other incipient groups in eastern Asia. Clements does not as yet recognize any of these splits. Mountain Buzzard Buteo oreophilus We saw a total of four birds over Harenna Forest. NOTE: Most authorities recognize the northern African Mountain Buzzard B. oreophilus as distinct from the southern African endemic Forest Buzzard B. trizonatus. Clements does not recognize this split. These two resident African forms used to be lumped with the Common Buzzard B. buteo. Augur Buzzard Buteo augur We encountered both dark and pale morphs regularly in highland areas throughout the tour.
Falcons Falconidae Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus We saw this tiny raptor in the Negele, Yabello and Awash areas. Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni Our first views were of birds at Liben Plain, with many more seen in Awash NP and at Alleghedi Plain. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Seen regularly in small numbers throughout the tour. NOTE: Some authorities split this species into Common Kestrel, F. tinnunculus which we observed (occurring in East and West Africa and the Palaearctic region) and Rock Kestrel, F. rupicolis which occurs in Southern Africa. Clements does not as yet recognize this split, while IOC does. Fox Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus We saw three of these stunning birds in Jemma Valley. Grey Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus An equally stunning species that we saw at Lake Ziway and in the Yabello area. African Hobby Falco cuvierii We had fantastic views of this diminutive falcon on the Lalibela Extension, as well as a bird hunting along the Melka Ghebdu track. Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus We enjoyed numerous sightings of this beautiful large falcon, with best views on the Sanetti Plateau and around Bilen.
Bustards Otididae Arabian Bustard Ardeotis arabs
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We saw two birds on the Alleghedi Plain, one of which had a Northern Carmine Bee-eater riding on its back. Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori We saw these huge birds near Liben Plain and Mega, en route to Sof Omar, and in Awash NP. White-bellied Bustard Eupodotis senegalensis This attractive bustard was seen near Liben Plain and in Awash NP. NOTE: Clements lumps the northern form of White-bellied Bustard E. senegalensis with the Southern African endemic Barrow’s or Southern White-bellied Bustard E. barrowi. This treatment is not followed by the IOC and most authorities and they are generally considered two distinct species. Buff-crested Bustard Lophotis gindiana We found this small bustard in Awash NP and along the road to Bogol Manyo. NOTE: This species used to be lumped with the southern Red-crested Bustard E. ruficrista and the western Savile’s Bustard E. Savilei, Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Eupodotis. Hartlaub's Bustard Lissotis hartlaubi We saw a total of seven individuals over two days in Awash NP.
Rails, Crakes & Coots Rallidae Rouget's Rail (E) Rougetius rougetii We enjoyed many great sightings of this confiding near-endemic on the slopes of the Bale Mountains. Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra This species showed well at Lakes Ziway and Awassa. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Seen at Lake Ziway and a wetland near Dinsho. NOTE: That Clements uses the common name Eurasian Moorhen. Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata This rallid was plentiful on the Rift Valley lakes.
Cranes Gruidae Black Crowned Crane Balearica pavonina We improved on our very distant views of four birds at Koka Dam with half a dozen displaying birds at the same location some days later, and two birds in flight at Ghibe Gorge. Common Crane Grus grus At least 2,500 birds were seen and heard at Lake Chelekcheka on our first morning.
Stone-curlews & Thick-knees Burhinidae Senegal Thick-knee Burhinus senegalensis This species showed well at Bishangari, Bilen Lodge and Ghibe Gorge.
Stilts, Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus We found these dainty waders at Lakes Chelekcheka, Langano and Abijatta. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta We saw a few at Lake Chelekcheka, with many more seen later at Lake Abijatta.
Plovers Charadriidae Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus Encountered at various wetlands on tour. NOTE: That Clements uses the common name Spur-winged Plover. Black-winged Lapwing Vanellus melanopterus First seen near Dinsho and later near Liben Plain. Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus
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A common denizen of sparse, dry grassland throughout the tour. African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus We saw pairs in the Genale River area, just outside Negele and at Ghibe Gorge. NOTE: That Clements uses the common name Wattled Lapwing. Spot-breasted Lapwing Vanellus melanocephalus We saw a group of about 180 of these splendid endemics near Robe. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva Two were seen at Bishangari and the following day at Abijatta. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Seen at Lakes Ziway, Langano and Abijatta. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius We had great comparison views of this and the previous species at Lakes Ziway and Abijatta. Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius Seen at Koka Dam and Lakes Langano and Abijatta. Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris A few birds were seen around Lakes Chelekcheka and Abijatta. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus We found two birds amongst the shorebird melee at Lake Abijatta. Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus We also found two of these slightly larger charadrid plovers at Lake Abijatta.
Jacanas Jacanidae Lesser Jacana Microparra capensis Two birds were found at Lake Ziway. African Jacana Actophilornis africanus These long-toed waders were common at Lakes Ziway and Awassa.
Sandpipers, Snipes Scolopacidae African Snipe Gallinago nigripennis We found this species on the Sanetti Plateau. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago This washed-out version of the previous species was seen at Lakes Chelekcheka, Abijatt and Langano. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa We saw this shorebird at Lakes Chelekcheka and Langano. Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus A few birds were seen around Lakes Chelekcheka and Abijatta Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis We encountered this wader on the various Rift Valley lakes. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Also seen at the various lakes as well as smaller streams and rivers on and near the Sanetti Plateau. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus We found this migratory wader on small streams and ponds in highland areas like the Sanetti Plateau. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola This shorebird was common along the Rift Valley lakes. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Found regularly in small numbers along the Rift Valley lakes, near Negele and along the Dawa River. Little Stint Calidris minuta This small wader was common along the Rift Valley lakes.
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Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii Four birds were observed at Lake Chelekcheka. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea A total of three birds were seen at Lakes Langano and Abijatta. Ruff Philomachus pugnax Common to plentiful on the Rift Valley lakes.
Coursers, Pratincoles Glareolidae Three-banded Courser Rhinoptilus cinctus Two birds showed very well at Yabello. Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola We saw a few dozen birds at Lakes Chelekcheka and Abijatta.
Gulls, Terns and Skimmers Laridae Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus This species was seen mostly in non-breeding plumage at the Rift Valley lakes, with two unusual sightings near Negele and Yabello. Grey-hooded Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus We found this species on the Rift Valley lakes. NOTE: That Clements uses the common Gray-hooded Gull. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus We found up to 30 birds in various stages of plumage at Lake Langano. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica We saw this pale tern at Lakes Chelekcheka, Langano and Awassa. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida A few birds were observed over Koka Dam. White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus This was the commonest tern around the Rift Valley lakes.
Sandgrouse Pteroclididae Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus We saw ten birds around the Alleghedi Plain. Yellow-throated Sandgrouse Pterocles gutturalis We saw around fifty birds, mostly in flight, in Ghibe Gorge. Black-faced Sandgrouse Pterocles decoratus Seven birds were seen in the distance at Dawa River. Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse Pterocles lichtensteinii We had extraordinary views of four of these intricately patterned birds at Bilen, with two more seen at Awash NP. Four-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles quadricinctus We saw three of these birds in Ghibe Gorge, our FIFTH sandgrouse species for the tour! NOTE: The nominate African form which we recorded may be regarded as distinct from the Asian P. l. arabicus which would be renamed Close-barred Sandgrouse. Neither IOC or Clements recognizes this spilt.
Pigeons, Doves Columbidae Rock Dove Columba livia We saw these birds in a couple of urban areas in the Awash area. NOTE: That Clements uses the common Rock Pigeon. Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea We recorded this pigeon every day of tour. White-collared Pigeon (E) Columba albitorques
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This endemic pigeon was common in highland areas, e.g. near Goba. African Olive Pigeon Columba arquatrix Two birds showed nicely on our morning walk at Bishangari. NOTE: That Clements uses the common Rameron Pigeon. Lemon Dove Columba larvata This normally shy species was seen well at Bishangari and Weliso. European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur We found this dove at Bilen. Dusky Turtle Dove Streptopelia lugens We saw this species fairly frequently at higher elevations. African Collared Dove Streptopelia roseogrisea We saw one of these subtly distinct doves at Bilen. White-winged Collared Dove (NE) Streptopelia reichenowi We saw one of these stunning near-endemics near the Dawa River. Mourning Collared Dove Streptopelia decipiens We recorded this dove in the Rift Valley lakes area. Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata A common woodland dove that was recorded in all but the driest areas. Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola This vocal species was common in savannah around Yabello, Bilen and Bishangari. Vinaceous Dove Streptopelia vinacea This pinkish dove was seen in Ghibe Gorge. Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis This small dove was seen almost daily across a variety of habitats. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Streptopelia Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos We found this pretty little dove at Sof Omar and en route to and in Yabello. Blue-spotted Wood Dove Turtur afer This beauty was seen at Bishangari. Namaqua Dove Oena capensis This long-tailed species was common in the Rift Valley, in Awash NP, Bilen and Ghibe Gorge. Bruce's Green Pigeon Treron waalia Our best views of this stunner were of birds in a small fruiting tree in Jemma Valley.
Parrots Psittacidae Black-winged Lovebird (E) Agapornis taranta This cute endemic was seen around Awassa, Bishangari and the central Rift Valley area. Red-bellied Parrot Poicephalus rufiventris We saw this dryland parrot around Yabello. Yellow-fronted Parrot (E) Poicephalus flavifrons We had phenomenal views of these saturated green birds at Bishangari.
Turacos Musophagidae White-cheeked Turaco (NE) Tauraco leucotis We saw this beauty in forest below the Sanetti Plateau, Bishangari and Weliso. Ruspoli's Turaco (E) Tauraco ruspolii We managed to see five of these sought-after birds in the Genale River area. NOTE: That Clements uses the common Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco. Bare-faced Go-away-bird Corythaixoides personatus We had super views at Bishangari. White-bellied Go-away-bird Corythaixoides leucogaster We encountered this dapper species in dry woodland throughout the tour.
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Eastern Plantain-eater Crinifer zonurus After seeing two birds at Awash NP we had an excellent sighting in Ghibe Gorge and then saw another five along the Melka Ghebdu track.
Cuckoos Cuculidae Blue-headed Coucal Centropus monachus Seen along the Melka Ghebdu track and in Ghibe Gorge. White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus This species was recorded en rotue to Sof Omar, around Yabello, Bishangari and Awash NP. NOTE: Some authorities split the southern dark-browed Burchell’s Coucal C. burchelli from the northerly White- browed Coucal C. superciliosus which we recorded in Ethiopia. Green Malkoha Ceuthmochares australis We had absolutely sensational views of a bird sitting for an extended period in a fig tree in the open at Bishangari. NOTE: That Clements uses the common name Yellowbill. Klaas’s Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas We encountered singletons in the Yabello and Bilen areas African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus Not for lack of trying, we were only able to hear this species in Harenna Forest. Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius Another cuckoo that was only heard and not seen in Harenna Forest.
Owls Strigidae African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis We had super views of one of these little owls calling its heart out on our night drive near Yabello. Northern White-faced Owl Ptilopsis leucotis We had an incredible three sightings of this tricky species, three birds at Lake Abijatta, and two more – on two occasions – at Awash NP. Cape Eagle-Owl Bubo capensis We had close-up views of a day-roosting bird en route to Dinsho. Greyish Eagle-Owl Bubo cinerascens Two birds showed beautifully at Lake Langano. African Wood Owl Glaucidium perlatum A single bird was seen (just!) through a cluster of branches up in a tree in Bale Mountain NP at Dinsho. Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum We saw one of these diminutive diurnal owls at Yabello. Abyssinian Owl Asio abyssinicus We had a magnificent sighting of one of these localised birds in Bale Mountain NP at Dinsho. NOTE: That Clements uses the common African Long-eared Owl.
Nightjars Caprimulgidae Donaldson Smith's Nightjar Caprimulgus donaldsoni We saw this small nightjar at and en route to Yabello. Star-spotted Nightjar Caprimulgus stellatus We were very fortunate to find one of these scarce nightjars on our night drive in Awash NP. Slender-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus clarus We had good views of day-roosting birds at Lake Langano, and saw more around Bilen and Awash NP.
Swifts Apodidae
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African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus A couple of birds were seen around Bilen and Awash NP. Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba We observed good numbers of these massive swifts around Lake Bishoftu, Sof Omar, Gemassa Geden and, especially, around Yabello. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Apus. Mottled Swift Tachymarptis aequatorialis We saw this large swift at Sof Omar and along the Ankober Escarpment. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Apus. Common Swift Apus apus A flock 50 birds was recorded at Yabello. Nyanza Swift Apus niansae We had this swift at Sof Omar. Little Swift Apus affinis A flock was seen near Awash Sabat. White-rumped Swift Apus caffer Two birds were seen at Yabello.
Mousebirds Coliidae Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus This species was encountered often on tour. Blue-naped Mousebird Urocolius macrourus We had occasional big flocks in Yabello and the Awash areas.
Trogons Trogonidae Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina One bird was glimpsed at Sof Omar, but we rewarded with six more at Bishangari.
Rollers Coraciidae Purple Roller Coracias naevius This large roller was seen on the road to Bogol Manyo, en route to Yabello, Ghibe Gorge and Bilen. Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus We saw this colourful species often along the road or in savannah areas during the first half of the tour.. NOTE: The subspecies which we recorded in Ethiopia, C. c. lorti might be split as Blue-breasted Roller which would become an Ethiopian near-endemic, based upon coloration of the breast and crown and an isolated population. Abyssinian Roller Coracias abyssinicus This stunner was seen daily in the Bilen and Awash areas, as well as in Ghibe Gorge. Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus A single bird was seen at Bishangari.
Kingfishers Alcedinidae Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala We saw this kingfisher near Awassa, Sof Omar and in Ghibe Gorge. Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti This savannah kingfisher was seen in the central Rift Valley, the Genale River area, Ghibe Gorge and near Awash NP. Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis This species was seen along the central Rift Valley, Awassa, Bishangari and Awash NP. African Pygmy Kingfisher Ispidina picta This tiny kingfisher was seen at Sof Omar, Bishangari, Ghibe Gorge, Melka Ghebdu track and Jemma Valley.
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Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata We had superb views of birds around Lakes Ziway and Awassa. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Another common kingfisher on the Rift Valley lakes, also seen in Awash NP and at Bilen.
Bee-eaters Meropidae Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus This species was common in small numbers at low-lying elevations throughout the tour. Blue-breasted Bee-eater Merops variegates We enjoyed many great sightings of this beautiful species, especially around Bishangari, including some individuals of a strange green and blue morph first seen on our tours in 2013. NOTE: The Ethiopian form M. v. lafresnayii, is considered by several authorities to form a distinct species, called Abyssinian Bee-eater, based on size, coloration, habitat differences, and this combined with the fact that this sub- species is restricted to the highlands of Ethiopia and the Boma Hills in Sudan. It would therefore be an Ethiopian near- endemic if full species status is awarded. This enigmatic race has in the past been lumped with Cinnamon-chested Bee- eater M. oreobates. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus Three birds were spotted way in the distance by a very sharp-eyed guest! European Bee-eater Merops apiaster Around 30 birds performed spectacularly for us over crop fields en route o Weliso. Northern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicus We saw large numbers of these lovely birds en route to Awassa, around Bishangari and at Bilen.
Hoopoes Upupidae Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops This striking species was recorded almost daily. NOTE: IOC recognizes three species (African U. africana, Eurasian U. epops and Madagascar U. marginata).Clements only recognizes the Eurasian and Malagasy forms. A forth is sometimes recognized (but not by IOC), West/Central \African U. senegalensis. We only recorded the nominate Palaearctic migrant form U. e. epops.
Wood Hoopoes Phoeniculidae Black-billed Wood Hoopoe (NE) Phoeniculus somaliensis We first encountered this species at Sof omar, with more sightings en route to Negele and in the Yabello and Bishangari areas. Black Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus aterrimus This species showed well at Bishangari. Abyssinian Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus minor We had great views in the Yabello area and along the road to Bogol Manyo.
Hornbills Bucerotidae Hemprich's Hornbill Tockus hemprichii We saw these well at Bishangari, but our best views were of multiple birds hawking insects in the Melka Ghebdu area. African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus We saw this hornbill daily in the Awash and Bilen areas. Northern Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus Seen in Yabello, the Negele area, Sof omar and the Rift Valley. NOTE: Some authorities (including the IOC) have split the Red-billed Hornbill complex into five species. Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus flavirostris We first saw this hornbill at Sof Omar, with great sightings at the Dawa River. Von der Decken's Hornbill Tockus deckeni This sexually dimorphic hornbill was common in Yabello and Negele.
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Silvery-cheeked Hornbill Bycanistes brevis These impressive hornbills were common in forest and woodland around the Rift Valley lakes and Harenna Forest.
Ground Hornbills Bucorvidae Abyssinian Ground Hornbill Bucorvus abyssinicus It was always a pleasure to see this fantastic bird, which we did on multiple occasions, usually in fields along the roadside in the Rift Valley, near Yabello and in Awash NP.
African Barbets Lybiidae Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus pusillus We had great views of this tiny barbet at in the Genale River and Yabello areas. Red-fronted Barbet Tricholaema diademata We saw half a dozen birds near Yabello. Black-throated Barbet Tricholaema melanocephala Seen in the Dawa River area. NOTE: The Serengeti and northern Tanzanian form of this barbet, T. m. flavibuccalis is sometimes considered a different species (Yellow-cheeked Barbet) from the nominate form which we recorded in Ethiopia, although this is not followed by the IOC nor Clements. Banded Barbet (NE) Lybius undatus We saw three of these near-endemics at Bishangari Black-billed Barbet Lybius guifsobalito Our best and most prolific sightings of this species were in Awash NP. Double-toothed Barbet Lybius bidentatus This striking barbet was seen well at Bishangari. Red-and-yellow Barbet Trachyphonus erythrocephalus We saw six of these dazzling barbets on our way from Goba to Negele. Yellow-breasted Barbet Trachyphonus margaritatus We had fantastically close views of this species at Bilen and later along the Melka Ghebdu track. D'Arnaud's Barbet Trachyphonus darnaudii This comical and scruffy-looking barbet was common around Yabello.
Honeyguides Indicatoridae Green-backed Honeybird Prodotiscus zambesiae Three birds were seen at Bishangari. Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor We saw this honeyguide in the same tree as the next two species at Bishangari! Scaly-throated Honeyguide Indicator variegatus We had excellent views at Sof Omar and caught up with this species again at Bishangari. Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator This large honeyguide was seen near Awassa, the Dawa River area and at Bishangari.
Woodpeckers Picidae Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla After struggling for our first sighting, which came north of Yabello, we had three more sightings, at Bishangari, Awash NP and Jemma Valley. Red-throated Wryneck Jynx ruficollis Two birds showed impeccably at Awassa. NOTE: That Clements uses the common name Rufous-necked Wryneck. Nubian Woodpecker Campethera nubica This large woodpecker was seen near Negele, Yabello and in Awassa.
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Abyssinian Woodpecker (E) Dendropicos abyssinicus We had fortuitous sighting on our way down into Harenna Forest. Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens We encountered this small woodpecker near Yabello and in Awash NP. Eastern Grey Woodpecker Dendropicos spodocephalus Seen in Awassa, Harenna Forest, Bishangari and Awash NP. NOTE: Clements uses the common name: Gray-headed Woodpecker. The form we saw is split by some authorities (such as Clements and IOC) from African Grey Woodpecker, D.goertae
Wattle-eyes, Batises Platysteiridae Grey-headed Batis Batis orientalis We had many sightings in dry woodland at Sof Omar, Yabello and Awash NP. Western Black-headed Batis Batis minor This species was seen near Lake Awassa and at Bishangari. NOTE: Clements does not accept the spilt between Eastern and Western Black-headed Batis. Pygmy Batis Batis perkeo This diminutive batis was seen at the Dawa River and around Yabello. Brown-throated Wattle-eye Platysteira cyanea Four birds showed nicely at Bishangari.
Helmetshrikes Prionopidae White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus These wonderful birds were seen at Sof Omar and the Yabello area. NOTE: That Clements uses the common White Helmetshrike.
Bushshrikes Malaconotidae Grey-headed Bushshrike Malaconotus blanchoti This hefty bushshrike was seen at Sof Omar and Awash NP. Orange-breasted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus We saw this stunning bird at Sof Omar, Yabello, Bishangari and Ghibe Gorge. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Telophorus and uses the common name Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike. Rosy-patched Bushshrike Rhodophoneus cruentus This beautiful bird and elegant songster was seen at Yabello and Awash NP. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Rhodophoneus. Three-streaked Tchagra Tchagra jamesi We enjoyed fantastic views of this tricky species along the Bogol Manyo road and near the Dawa River. Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus This species was seen in the Genale River area, Awash NP and Ghibe Gorge. Northern Puffback Dryoscopus gambensis We recorded this species at Awassa, Sof Omar and Bishangari. Pringle's Puffback Dryoscopus pringlii After one bird on the Bogol Manyo road we saw five at the Dawa River! Slate-coloured Boubou Laniarius funebris This black bushshrike was common at Yabello and Sof Omar. Red-naped Bushshrike Laniarus ruficeps We had great views of a single bird at the Dawa River. Ethiopian Boubou Laniarius aethiopicus We saw this bird well at Bishangari and Awassa, but heard it often at Harenna Forest. NOTE: Clements does not accept this spilt and places it under Tropical Boubou (Laniarius aethiopicus) Brubru Nilaus afer
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We saw this little bushshrike often in dry woodland throughout the tour. NOTE: This previously monotypic genus might be split 4 ways: Northern Brubru N. afer, Black-browed Brubru N. nigritemporalis, Angola Brubru N. affinis and Southern Brubru N. brubru. Only the Northern Brubru occurs in Ethiopia. IOC does not recognize these splits.
Cuckooshrikes Campephagidae Grey Cuckooshrike Coracina caesia We saw one bird at Bishangari. Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike Campephaga phoenicea We saw this lovely glossy bird at Bishangari.
Shrikes Laniidae Northern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus rueppelli This species was common in savannah woodland areas. NOTE: That Clements uses the common White-rumped Shrike. Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus Two birds were seen in Jemma Valley. NOTE: This complex which used to be lumped with Red-backed Shrike L. collurio is being considered for a further 3- way split. The western L. i. phoenicuroides (Red-tailed Shrike) group and the nominate Isabelline Shrike group have both been recorded in Ethiopia. The L. i. speculigerus (Daurian Shrike) group are extra-limital. Clements does not as yet recognize the three-way split of the L. isabellinus group but does recognize the split from the Red-backed Shrike L. collurio group. Red-tailed Shrike Lanius phoenicuroides We saw this shrike at Lake Chelekcheka, near Negele and in the Awash area. Steppe Grey Shrike Lanius pallidirostris We found two birds on the Alleghedi Plain. Grey-backed Fiscal Lanius excubitoroides This species was seen in the central Rift Valley and at Yabello. Somali Fiscal Lanius somalicus We found this shrike near Mega and later in Awash NP. Northern Fiscal Lanius humeralis Seen along the roadside around Goba, Dilla and Debre Birhan. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator This shrike was seen in the Bilen and Awash areas. Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus This lovely migrant shrike was seen around Lakes Langano, Shalla and Abijatta.
Orioles Oriolidae Ethiopian Oriole (E) Oriolus monacha We saw this bold beauty in Harenna and Bishangari Forests. NOTE: That Clements uses the common Dark-headed Oriole. Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus First seen at Sof omar with more sightings in the Yabello area. NOTE: That Clements uses the common African Black-headed Oriole.
Drongos Dicruridae Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis We recorded this species nearly every day of tour.
Monarchs Monarchidae African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis Another bird that was seen on many days of the tour, in a variety of woodland habitats.
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NOTE: The northern races of this widespread African species which include the nominate form may be separated from the southern races which would become Grey-headed Paradise-Flycatcher T. plumbeiceps. The subspecies which we recorded in Ethiopia is T. v. ferreti would fall within the northern African Paradise-Flycatcher complex T. viridis if the group were to be split. Beside plumage and distributional differences, only the northern forms display polymorphism in males and we observed an example of this phenomenon in Ethiopia. Neither IOC nor Clements recognize this split.
Crows, Jays Corvidae Stresemann's Bushcrow (E) Zavattariornis stresemanni One of the most sought-after species of the tour due to its very limited range, we had good views in Yabello. Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax We had two sightings of two birds each on the Sanetti Plateau. Cape Crow Corvus capensis This corvid was common in higher-lying areas. Pied Crow Corvus albus This attractive crow was recorded throughout the tour, often in association with human settlement. Somali Crow (NE) Corvus edithae We saw this species near Goba and Negele. We also recorded a single Pied x Somali Crow Hybrid near Awassa. NOTE: IOC and Clements recognize the split of Somali Crow C. edithae from Brown-necked Raven C. ruficollis. This species is considered distinct based on habitat, distribution (it is an Ethiopian near-endemic), plumage, physiology, call and behavior. It is known to hybridize with Pied Crow C. albus. Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus The commonest corvid of the tour, this species was seen almost every day. Thick-billed Raven (E) Corvus crassirostris This mighty bird was seen around Shashemene, Awassa, Goba and Yabello.
Tits, Chickadees Paridae White-winged Black Tit Melaniparus leucomelas We saw this tit at Koka Dam and Bishangari. White-backed Black Tit (E) Melaniparus leuconotus Two birds showed in the Juniper Forest near Goba. Acacia Tit Melaniparus thruppi This species was seen at Sof Omar and near Yabello. NOTE: That Clements uses the common name Somali Tit.
Penduline Tits Remizidae Mouse-coloured Penduline Tit Anthoscopus musculus We saw these tiny birds near Yabello and Lake Beseka.
Larks Alaudidae Singing Bush Lark Mirafra cantillans This lark was common in Awash NP. Gillett's Lark (NE) Mirafra gilletti We had good views of birds along the Bogol Manyo road and in Awash NP. Sidamo Lark (E) Heteromirafra sidamoensis Thanks to Dave we managed to locate this highly sought-after and extremely localised species at Liben Plain. Foxy Lark Calandrella alopex We found two of these birds outside Yabello. Erlanger's Lark (E) Calandrella erlangeri We saw four of these endemic larks at Lake Chelekcheka and later on our way to Weliso.
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NOTE: Clements has given C. erlangeri of central Ethiopia full species status. The Blanford’s/Erlanger’s Lark complex was originally lumped within the Red-capped Lark complex C. cinerea, which itself was lumped within the Greater Short-toed Lark complex C. brachydactyla! Somali Short-toed Lark (NE) Calandrella somalica We saw many of these while searching for the rarer Sidamo Lark at Liben Plain. Short-tailed Lark Pseaudalaemon freemantlii We encountered about 60 of these larks near Mega. Thekla Lark Galerida theklae This crested lark was very common up on the Sanetti Plateau. Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix leucotis We saw these at Lake Chelekcheka and again in Awash NP. Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix signatus We found a dozen of these larks at Bilen.
Bulbuls Pycnonotidae Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus This bulbul was seen at Goba, in the central Rift Valley, Debre Birhan and at Awash NP. Somali Bulbul (NE) Pycnonotus somaliensis We saw this species in the Awash and Bilen areas. NOTE: Clements does not accept the spilt of this species and the two below and lumps them all under Common Bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus). Dodson's Bulbul (NE) Pycnonotus dodsoni We found this bulbul at Sof Omar and Yabello. Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor This species was found around Goba and Harenna Forest. Northern Brownbul Phyllastrephus strepitans This drab bulbul was seen at Sof Omar, the Genale River area and at Dawa River.
Swallows, Martins Hirundinidae Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne pristoptera We saw this forest swallow at Bishangari. NOTE: The Black Sawwing P. pristoptera complex was split into 8 full species which caused extreme confusion with regard to their distributions and field identification. However, all authorities including IOC and Clements have now accepted one species. Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola We found big numbers of these swallows over the Rift Valley lakes. NOTE: That Clements uses the common name Plain Martin. Sand Martin Riparia riparia We saw quite a few birds on the Rift Valley lakes and at Awash NP. NOTE: That Clements uses the common name Bank Swallow. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Seen mostly around the Rift Valley lakes, Bilen and in Awash NP. NOTE: This cosmopolitan species complex may be split based on the Old World nominate form and its congeners which would become Eurasian Swallow H. rustica and the New World Barn Swallow H. erythrogaster. Further splitting within the group may also be done e.g. the distinctive H. r. savignii which breeds in the Nile Valley and would be named Egyptian Swallow. We only recorded representatives of the Palaearctic migrant Barn/Eurasian Swallow. Neither IOC nor Clements recognize any of these splits. Red-chested Swallow Hirundo lucida Five birds were seen at Lake Chelekcheka by a participant. Ethiopian Swallow Hirundo aethiopica We found these swallows in the Negele and Yabello areas. Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii We saw this small swallow near the Dawa River, in Jemma Valley and Ghibe Gorge.
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NOTE: This species complex could be split based on the African nominate form that would become African Wire-tailed Swallow and the Asian Wire-tailed Swallow that would be H. filifera. Neither IOC nor Clements recognize this split. White-tailed Swallow (E) Hirundo megaensis We had good views of this endemic near Mega and Yabello. Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris We saw 10 birds at Jemma Valley. Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula This drab swallow was seen on many days of the tour, always close to rocky or mountainous habitats. Common House Martin Delichon urbicum These birds were seen on our way to Sof Omar and Goba. Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica These attractive swallows were seen at Sof Omar and Yabello. Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica We saw this species at Awash NP, Jemma Valley and Gemassa Geden. NOTE: The resident H. d. melanocrissus which we recorded may be considered a distinct species; Black-vented Swallow, which would become an Ethiopian endemic. IOC does not as yet recognize this split. Further extra-limital splits are likely within this wide-ranging species complex.
Crombecs, African warblers Macrosphenidae Northern Crombec Sylvietta brachyura We saw little warbler a few times, including at Sof Omar and the Dawa River area. Red-faced Crombec Sylvietta whytii This species was seen at Awassa, the Genale River area, Yabello and Bishangari. Somali Crombec (NE) Sylvietta isabellina We saw this species along the road to Bogol Manyo and at the Dawa River.
Leaf Warblers & Allies Phylloscopidae Brown Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus umbrovirens We found this species in the juniper forest near Goba. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus A singleton was seen at Lake Ziway. Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita We recorded this species almost daily in a variety of wooded habitats. NOTE: Most authorities including (IOC and Clements) have split the Chiffchaff complex into 4 full species.
Reed Warblers & Allies Acrocephalidae Lesser Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris We saw this accomplished songster at Lake Awassa. Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus One bird was spied at Lake Ziway. African Reed Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus We saw two birds at Lake Awassa. Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Iduna pallida We saw this species at Awassa, Yabello and near Awash Sabat. NOTE: IOC and Clements have split Olivaceous Warbler into two species namely, Eastern Olivaceous I. pallida and Western Olivaceous I. opaca. Upcher’s Warbler Hippolais languida A single bird was seen near the Dawa River.
Grassbirds & Allies Locustellidae Little Rush Warbler Bradypterus baboecala
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This warbler was heard only at a small wetland near Dilla. Cinnamon Bracken Warbler Bradypterus cinnamomeus We eventually all had good views of this shy but vocal bird in the upper reaches of the Harenna Forest.
Cisticolas & Allies Cisticolidae Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops We saw this cisticola at Lake Awassa and Bishangari. Singing Cisticola Cisticola cantans We found this species at Lake Bishoftu, Ghibe Gorge and Jemma Valley. Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana We recorded this species in savannah woodland around Yabello, Sof Omar and Awash NP. Boran Cisticola (NE) Cisticola bodessa We had extremely close views of three cooperative birds east of Liben Plain. Ashy Cisticola Cisticola cinereolus This drab cisticola showed well in Awash NP. Ethiopian Cisticola (E) Cisticola lugubris This cisticola was common in wetlands, mostly at higher altitudes, such as around Goba. NOTE: IOC have split the Winding Cisticola complex into five species (Winding C. marginatus, Coastal C. haematocephalus, Luapula C. luapula, Rufous-winged C. galactotes and Ethiopian C. lugubris). Clements lumps them all under Winding Cisticola (Cisticola galactotes). Foxy Cisticola Cisticola troglodytes We found this attractive cisticola in Ghibe Gorge and Jemma Valley. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis Two birds were seen en route to Bilen. Pectoral-patch Cisticola Cisticola brunnescens We had about ten of these birds in great plumage on Liben Plain. Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava We saw this species at Lake Bishoftu, the Genale River area and Bishangari. Pale Prinia Prinia somalica This prinia was seen along the Bogol Manyo road and at the Dawa River. Buff-bellied Warbler Phyllolais pulchella This delicate warbler could be found in Acacia trees at Lake Ziway, Bishangari and Lake Langano. Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida This colourful bird was seen in the negele and Yabello areas. NOTE: This widespread polytypic African species may be split into two species. The form we saw is sometimes split as Brown-tailed Apalis A. viridiceps. IOC does not accept this split. Red-fronted Warbler Urorhipis rufifrons We saw two birds at the Dawa River. Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata We saw this species on many occasions at scattered woodland sites throughout the tour. NOTE: IOC splits this species into Grey-backed Camaroptera (the birds we saw) and Green-backed Camaroptera C. brachyura. Clements does not as yet follow this split. Grey Wren-Warbler Calamonastes simplex We saw this at Sof Omar, the Bogol Manyo road and near the Dawa River. Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis We recorded it quite frequently at dry county sites throughout the tour, with most views around Yabello. Green-backed Eremomela Eremomela canescens Two of these gorgeous birds were spotted by a sharp-eyed guest as we were leaving Ghibe Gorge.
Laughingthrushes Leiothrichidae
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Scaly Chatterer Turdoides aylmeri We had excellent views of this scarce bird along the Bogol Manyo road. Rufous Chatterer Turdoides rubiginosa This gregarious species was seen at Bishangari, Lake Abijatta, Awash NP and Bilen. White-rumped Babbler (NE) Turdoides leucopygia We saw these boldly marked babblers at Lake Awassa, Bishangari and Ghibe Gorge.
Sylviid Babblers, Parrotbills Sylviidae Abyssinian Catbird (E) Parophasma galinieri We found this species in the juniper forest near Goba. African Hill Babbler Pseudoalcippe abyssinica We heard this species in Harenna Forest and later saw it at Bishangari. Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla This Palearctic migrant was especially plentiful at Bishangari. NOTE: That Clements uses the common Blackcap. Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria One bird was seen by some in Sof Omar. Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Biggest numbers of this migrant were also recorded at Bishangari. Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis One bird was recorded at Awash NP. NOTE: That Clements uses the common name Greater Whitethroat. Brown Parisoma Sylvia lugens We saw three birds on the slopes of the Sanetti Plateau. NOTE: Some authorities split this complex into 2 full species, Brown Warbler, S.lugens and Bale Warbler, S.griseaventris. The latter species is endemic to the Bale Mountains and represents the individuals that we saw. Banded Parisoma Sylvia boehmi We sawe this sprightly little bird in and near Yabello. NOTE: That Clements uses the common name Banded Warbler.
White-eyes Zosteropidae Abyssinian White-eye Zosterops abyssinicus This washed out white-eye was seen in woodland around the lakes in the Rift Valley. NOTE: Some authorities split this complex into 2 full species, namely Abyssinian White-eye Z. abyssinicus and the Kenyan and Tanzanian form Z. flavilateralis. Clements uses the common White-breasted White-eye. Montane White-eye (NE) Zosterops poliogastrus We saw this more richly coloured white-eye in forest at Weliso and near Goba. NOTE: That Clements uses the common Broad-ringed White-eye and ome authorities split this complex into 6 full species.
Treecreepers Certhiidae African Spotted Creeper Salpornis spilonotus We had exceptional views of two of these beautifully marked birds. NOTE: That Clements does not accept this spilt and lumps it with the Spotted Creeper (Salpornis spilonotus).
Starlings Sturnidae Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea This nomadic starling was seen around the Rift valley lakes, Yabello and Bishangari. Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus This beautiful species was common at lower elevations throughout the tour. NOTE: That Clements uses the common name Greater Blue-eared Glossy-Starling. Lesser Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis purpuroptera We managed to find one of these scarce starlings in Ghibe Gorge.
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NOTE: That Clements uses the common name Lesser Blue-eared Glossy-Starling. Rüppell's Starling Lamprotornis purpuroptera This long-tailed starling was seen at Awassa, Bilen, Yabello and Awash NP. NOTE: That Clements uses the common name Rueppell's Glossy-Starling. Golden-breasted Starling Lamprotornis regius We saw many of these exquisite birds en route to and near Yabello. Superb Starling Lamprotornis superbus This beautiful bird was a common feature of the tour, especially in savannah habitats. Shelley's Starling Lamprotornis shelleyi We saw these in the Yabello, Negele and Genale River areas. White-crowned Starling (NE) Lamprotornis albicapillus These large starlings were seen particularly well at Liben Plain, with more sightings around Yabello. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Spreo. Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster These gorgeous birds were seen at Awassa and Bishangari. Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio We saw these at Yabello, Ghibe Gorge and the Ankober Escarpment. Slender-billed Starling Onychognathus tenuirostris We saw these starlings near Dodola and Harenna Forest. Bristle-crowned Starling Onychognathus salvadorii We saw these impressive starlings at Sof Omar, the Mega area and Awash NP. White-billed Starling (E) Onychognathus albirostris We saw around 40 of these endemics in Jemma Valley. Magpie Starling Speculipastor bicolor We exceptional luck when small flocks totalling about 60 birds flew over us as we neared the Dawa River.
Oxpeckers Buphagidae Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus This species was seen in the central Rift Valley, near Goba, Sof Omar, Bishangari and Lake Abijatta.
Thrushes Turdidae Abyssinian Ground Thrush Zoothera piaggiae We had stunning views of this beautiful bird in the juniper forest near Goba. Groundscraper Thrush Psophocichla litsitsirupa This spotted bird was seen in highland areas like the Ankober Escarpment and on the slopes of the Sanetti Plateau. NOTE: This subspecies of Groundscraper Thrush P. l. simensis is considered a distinct species by some authorities and would therefore become a further Ethiopian endemic. This split is based on distribution (P. l. simensis forms an isolated population far to the north of the nominate form), habitat (high altitude grasslands versus wooded Southern savannas of the nominate), plumage and vocal differences. IOC and Clements does not as yet recognize this split. African Thrush Turdus pelios We saw this species at Awassa, Ghibe Gorge and near Bishangari. Bare-eyed Thrush Turdus tephronotus We enjoyed excellent views of this bird at and en route to Yabello. NOTE: Clements uses the common name African Bare-eyed Thrush. Abyssinian Thrush Turdus abyssinicus This highland thrush was seen in Harenna Forest, Goba’s juniper forest and Weliso. NOTE: The Olive Thrush complex has been split by the IOC into five species. Clements does not as yet recognize any of these splits, some of which are already well accepted e.g. Taita Thrush T. helleri.
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Chats, Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos This tricky species was seen at Bishangari and Awash NP. Rüppell's Robin-Chat (NE) Cossypha semirufa This lovely species was seen at Goba, Harenna Forest and Weliso. NOTE: Clements uses the common name Rueppell's Robin-Chat. White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini We had good views of this species at Awassa. Red-capped Robin-Chat Cossypha natalensis Seen at Sof Omar and Bishangari. Spotted Palm Thrush Cichladusa guttata We saw two birds near Yabello. NOTE: Clements uses the common name Spotted Morning-Thrush. White-browed Scrub Robin Erythropygia leucophrys This species was common in dry woodland around Negele, Yabello and Awash NP. NOTE: This widespread African complex is being reviewed for a 3-way split, the Southern African C. l. leucophrys group would become White-browed Scrub-Robin, the Central African C. l. zambesiana would be Red-backed Scrub- Robin and the Northern African C. l. leucoptera would become White-winged Scrub-Robin. The latter is the form we recorded in Ethiopia. Clements does not as yet recognize these splits. Black Scrub Robin Cercotrichas podobe Two birds showed nicely at Bilen. Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus This beautiful little chat was seen near Lake Ziway, Bishangari and Lake Abijatta. Whinchat Saxicola rubetra A single bird was seen by some in Jemma Valley. Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maurus We saw this species near Koka Dam and at Bilen. African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus We recorded this dapper little bird near Awassa, Goba and Dilla. NOTE: Although IOC and Clements recognize the split of African S. torquatus and European S. rubicola Stonechats, the form we recorded in the highlands of Ethiopia S. t. albofasciata is considered for further separation as Ethiopian Stonechat and would then become an Ethiopian near-endemic. Neither IOC nor Clements recognize this split. Red-breasted Wheatear Oenanthe bottae This attractive wheatear was seen in good numbers near Dodola. NOTE: This African and Arabian complex is treated as two species by IOC, Heuglin’s Wheatear O. heuglini of the Sahelian zone of Africa and Red-breasted Wheatear O. bottae, which is resident in Ethiopia and Arabia and is the form which we recorded. This split is not as yet recognized by Clements. Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina This species was common and widespread throughout the tour. Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe We recorded this species near Koka Dam and en route to Dilla. NOTE: The North-West African race may be split off as Black-throated Wheatear O. seebohmi (although this is not yet ratified by the IOC). The Palaearctic migrant forms which we recorded would remain within the nominate group. Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka This species was as common and widespread as its Isabelline cousin. Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica We saw a beautiful male at Awash NP. Abyssinian Wheatear Oenanthe lugubris We saw this at Lake Bishoftu, Lake Abijatta and the Ankober Escarpment. NOTE: Clements does not support this spilt and lumps it with Mourning Wheatear (Oenanthe lugens) Blackstart Oenanthe melanura We saw a few of these near Lake Beseka. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Cercomela. Familiar Chat Oenanthe familiaris
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Seen near the Fantale Crater and Ghibe Gorge. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Cercomela. Brown-tailed Rock Chat Oenanthe scotocerca We saw one bird at Sof Omar. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Cercomela. Sombre Rock Chat Oenanthe dubia We had super views of two birds at Fantale Crater. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Cercomela. Moorland Chat (NE) Pinarochroa sordida This plucky guy was common on the Ankober Escarpment and the Sanetti Plateau. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Cercomela. Rüppell's Black Chat (E) Myrmecocichla melaena This species showed well at Jemma Valley. NOTE: Clements uses the common name Rueppell's Chat. White-fronted Black Chat Pentholaea albifrons We saw these chats on the Lalibela Extension. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Myrmecocichla. Mocking Cliff Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris This colourful chat was seen at Lake Bishoftu, Ghibe Gorge and Jemma Valley. NOTE: White-crowned Cliff-Chat, T. coronata of West Africa is considered by IOC as a full species. Clements does not recognize this species as yet. White-winged Cliff Chat (E) Thamnolaea semirufa We saw this alongside the previous species at Lake Bishoftu and Jemma Valley. Common Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis We saw a few scattered individuals, including birds along the Melka Ghebdu track, the Bogol Manyo road and Sof Omar. Little Rock Thrush Monticola rufocinereus We saw this small species at Lake Bishoftu, Lake Langano and along the Melka Ghebdu track. Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius We had great views of this lovely species at Gemassa Geden. Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher (E) Dioptrornis chocolatinus This endemic was seen well at Goba, Harenna Forest and the juniper forest. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Melaenornis. Northern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis edolioides This species was common around Yabello. Pale Flycatcher Bradornis pallidus Seen only on the Lalibela extension. African Grey Flycatcher Bradornis mycrorhynchus We saw this flycatcher around Yabello and in Awash NP. NOTE: The sub-species we saw is sometimes considered a split from African Grey Flycatcher B. microrhynchus, known as Ethiopian Grey Flycatcher B. pumilis. African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta This diminutive flycatcher was seen at Bishangari and Goba. NOTE: Clements uses the common name Dusky-brown Flycatcher.
Sunbirds Nectariniidae Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird Anthreptes orientalis Seenaround and en route to Yabello. NOTE: Clements uses the common name Keyna Violet-backed Sunbird. Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris This short-billed sunbird was recorded at Harenna Forest and Bishangari. Nile Valley Sunbird Hedydipna metallica We saw this stunning bird at Bilen, near Lake Beseka and Awash NP.
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Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea One bird was seen at Bishangari. Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis This stunner was seen at Lake Bishoftu, Awassa and around Yabello. Hunter's Sunbird Chalcomitra hunteri The dry country equivalent of the previous species which we saw along the Bogol Manyo road and near the Dawa River. Tacazze Sunbird Nectarinia tacazze We enjoyed good views of this large, long-tailed Sunbird around Goba. Beautiful Sunbird Cinnyris pulchellus This exquisite little species was seen around the Rift Valley lakes, Bishangari and Awash NP. Marico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis This stunning woodland species was seen around Yabello and Negele. NOTE: Some authorities split this complex into 2 full species. The subspecies C. m. osiris which we recorded in Ethiopia would become Swahili Sunbird as opposed to the nominate form which would remain as Marico Sunbird. Shining Sunbird Cinnyris habessinicus This dazzling species showed well at Sof Omar and later around Awash NP. Variable Sunbird Cinnyris venustus We saw this sunbird around Lake Ziway, Bishangari and en route to the Dawa River. Both albiventris (white) and fazoqlensis (yellow) races were recorded. NOTE: We recorded the white-bellied race which may be split. Neither IOC nor Clements recognize this split.
Old World Sparrows Passeridae White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali A common species that was recorded almost every day. Grey-capped Social Weaver Pseudonigrita arnaudi We saw this species around and en route to Yabello. NOTE: Clements uses the common name Gray-headed Social-Weaver. Black-capped Social Weaver Pseudonigrita cabanisi We saw this species in the company of the previous while en route to Yabello. Shelley’s Sparrow Passer shelleyi We had great views of these birds at Liben Plain and near Mega and Yabello. NOTE: Clements uses the common name Shelley’s Rufous Sparrow. Swainson’s Sparrow (NE) Passer swainsonii This sparrow was recorded almost every day. Bush Petronia Gymnoris dentate Seen at Bishangari and Ghibe Gorge. NOTE: Clements places this species and the next in a different genus, namely Petronia. Yellow-spotted Petronia Gymnoris pyrgita We saw this at Ghibe Gorge, Yabello and Awash NP, among other sites.
Weavers & Widowbirds Ploceidae Red-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis niger We saw these around Yabello and Awash NP. NOTE: This species complex might be split into two, the nominate group would become Southern Red-billed Buffalo- Weaver and the form which we recorded in Ethiopia would become Northern Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver B. intermedius. Neither IOC nor Clements recognize this split. White-headed Buffalo Weaver Dinemellia dinemelli This striking species was common in savannah around Yabello, Bilen and Awash NP. Speckle-fronted Weaver Sporopipes frontalis We saw half a dozen birds in Jemma Valley. Thick-billed Weaver Sporopipes frontalis We saw three birds at Bishangari.
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NOTE: Clements uses the common name Grosbeak Weaver. Baglafecht Weaver Ploceus baglafecht This weaver was seen near Goba and Dilla. NOTE: This polytypic species complex has been considered for multi-species splitting. We recorded two distinct subspecies which stand a good possibility of full species recognition: the nominate Baglafecht Weaver P. b. baglafecht was recorded around Addis Ababa and other higher altitude sites, and “Emin’s” Weaver P. b. emini was recorded through-out the Rift Valley e.g. Awassa. IOC and Clements do not recognize these splits. Little Weaver Ploceus luteolus We had super sightings of these birds at Awassa and near Bishangari. Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis Also seen at Awassa and Bishangari. Rüppell's Weaver Ploceus galbula Our first sighting was at Lake Chelekcheka, with more at Awash NP and along Melka Ghebdu track. NOTE: Clements uses the common name Rueppell's Weaver. Lesser Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedius We found these near and en route to Yabello. Vitelline Masked Weaver Ploceus vitellinus We also saw these near and en route to Yabello. Speke's Weaver Ploceus spekei We found this species at Liben Plain and Yabello. Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus We had scattered sightings from Ghibe Gorge, Awash NP and Awassa. Juba Weaver (NE) Ploceus dicrocephalus A female bird was seen at the Dawa River, unfortunately not by all. NOTE: Clements uses the common name Salvadori's Weaver. Chestnut Weaver Ploceaus rubiginosus We saw good numbers en route from Negele to Yabello. Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes melanotis We saw this gorgeous species at Sof Omar and Bishangari. NOTE: This species complex might be split into two, the southern nominate group would remain Red-headed Weaver and the northern black-faced form which we recorded in Ethiopia would become Red-winged Weaver A. leuconotos. Neither IOC nor Clements recognize this split. Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea This species was especially abundant at Awash NP, where we estimated 150,000 birds the one day! Black-winged Red Bishop Euplectes hordeaceus We saw a few birds in non-breeding dress in Ghibe Gorge. NOTE: Clements uses the common name Black-winged Bishop. Northern Red Bishop Euplectes franciscanus This species was common at many wetland sites across the tour. NOTE: Clements uses the common name Orange Bishop. Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis We recorded this species near Dodola and Debre Birhan. Red-collared Widowbird Euplectes ardens We saw a good number in non-breeding plumage at the top of Jemma Valley.
Waxbills, Munias & Allies Estrildidae Red-billed Pytillia (E) Pytilia lineata Two birds were seen in Jemma Valley. Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba This colourful bird was seen in Awash NP. Cut-throat Finch Amadina fasciata These characterful finches were seen around Bilen, Negele, Yabello and Awash NP.
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Green Twinspot Madingoa nitidula Four birds showed very poorly against the light at Bishangari. NOTE: Clements uses the common name Green-backed Twinspot. Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala This common little bird was seen in a variety of places including Awash NP and Yabello. Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu Uraeginthus bengalus This delightful species was common in lower-lying areas throughout the tour. Purple Grenadier Uraeginthus ianthinogaster Most of our sightings of this gorgeous species were from Yabello. NOTE: Clements places this species and the next in a different genus, namely Granatina. Crimson-rumped Waxbill Estrilda rhodopyga We saw this species especially well at Awash NP, and later at Jemma Valley and along the Melka Ghebdu track. Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild A dozen were seen at Awassa. Black-cheeked Waxbill Estrilda charmosyna We had a brief view of three of these beautiful waxbills at Lake Abijatta. Quailfinch Ortygospiza atricollis We managed to secure excellent views of this shy species at Lake Chelekcheka. African Silverbill Euodice cantans We saw these especially well in Awash NP. Grey-headed Silverbill Odonotspiza caniceps We saw nine of these scarce little birds along with the Steel-blue Whydahs en route to Yabello. Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata This tiny species was seen at Bishangari and Ghibe Gorge. NOTE: Clements places this species and the next in a different genus, namely Spermestes.
Indigobirds, Whydahs Viduidae Village Indigobird Vidua chalybeata We had our best sightings in Awash NP. Note: This extremely confusing species complex is in consideration for a multi-species split. The form which we recorded in Ethiopia V. c. ultramarina would become Purple Indigobird as opposed to the nominate V. c. chalybeata Green Indigobird of West Africa and the southern V. c. amauropteryx or South African Indigobird. IOC and Clements do not recognize these splits. Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura We saw five birds in Ghibe Gorge. Steel-blue Whydah Vidua hypocherina We had the most incredible sighting of around 15 birds, including several males, between Yabello and Negele. Long-tailed Paradise Whydah Vidua paradisaea We saw two of these extraordinary birds at Bilen. NOTE: Clements uses the common name Eastern Paradise-Whydah.
Wagtails, Pipits Motacillidae Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava We saw large numbers of birds of various races almost every day of the tour. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea We saw one bird near Dinsho. Mountain Wagtail Motacilla clara This elegant wagtail was seen near Goba and Dinsho. White Wagtail Motacilla alba We found this species in small numbers at various wetlands and Rift Valley lakes along the tour.
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African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp This wagtail was seen at the Dawa River and Awash NP. Abyssinian Longclaw (E) Macronyx flavicollis We enjoyed marvellous v iews of this bird near Dodola and then twice on the Sanetti Plateau. African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus This species was common in agricultural fields around Lake Chelekcheka, Dodola, Goba and Bishangari. Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris This pale pipit was seen at Awash NP. Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis We saw this species near Dodola, Lake Abijatta and the Melka Ghebdu track. Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys We encountered many of these birds on Liben Plain. NOTE: A. l. goodsoni of central and SW Kenya may be split off from the nominate group A. leucophrys. The Ethiopian races we recorded would probably remain within the nominate complex. Neither IOC nor Clements recognize this split. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis We saw this woodland pipit at Awassa, the Genale River area, Melka Ghebdu track and Ghibe Gorge. Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus We had numerous sightings of this bird around wetlands and on top of the Sanetti Plateau.
Finches Fringillidae African Citril (NE) Crithagra citrinelloides This pretty little bird was seen well at Awassa, Lake Bishoftu and Bishangari. NOTE: This complex is now treated as three full species by IOC: Southern Citril, S. hypostictus, the central Western Citril S. frontalis and African Citril S. citrinelloides. Southern Citril Crithagra hyposticta A male bird was seen drinking water at our breakfast spot overlooking Lake Bishoftu. NOTE: This complex is now treated as three full species by IOC: Southern Citril, S. hypostictus, the central Western Citril S. frontalis and African Citril S. citrinelloides. Yellow-rumped Seedeater (NE) Crithagra xanthopygia We saw a dozen birds in Ghibe Gorge. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Serinus, and uses the common name Yellow-rumped Serin. Reichenow’s Seedeater Crithagra reichenowi These drab canaries were seen at Lake Chelekcheka, along the Bogol Manyo road and around Yabello. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Serinus. Yellow-throated Seedeater Crithagra flavigula We had brilliant views of three birds, helpfully spotted from above, along the Melka Ghebdu track. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Serinus, and uses the common name Yellow-throated Serin. Salvadori’s Seedeater Crithagra xantholaema We lucked on two of these sought-after birds at Sof Omar. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Serinus. Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica We saw a good number of these bright canaries in Ghibe Gorge. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Serinus. White-bellied Canary Crithagra dorsostriata We saw one bird in the Yabello area. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Serinus. Brown-rumped Seedeater (NE) Crithagra tristriata These plain-looking canaries were common at higher elevations, often alongside the next species. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Serinus. Streaky Seedeater Crithagra striolata
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We had numerous sightings of these birds in forest edge, scrub and fallow fields at higher elevations. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Serinus. Yellow-crowned Canary Serinus flavivertex We saw four of these very yellow canaries near Robe. Ethiopian Siskin (E) Serinus nigriceps We saw large numbers of this beautiful canary on the Sanetti Plateau and at Gemasa Geden. NOTE: Clements uses the common name Abyssinian Siskin.
Buntings & Allies Emberizidae Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana We had superb views of two birds near Negele. Striolated Bunting Emberzia striolata A male bird gave us quite a round-around, but eventually everyone had good views. Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi We had great close-up views of several birds in Jemma Valley. Somali Bunting Emberiza poliopleura This lovely bird was seen along the Bogol Manyo road, near the Dawa River and later in Awash NP.
Annotated List of Mammals recorded (42)
Note: Names and taxonomical order of the land mammals follow that of “The Kingdom Field Guide to African Mammals”; additional names are given in parenthesis and are likely to appear in other popular field guides.
Baboons & Monkeys Cercopithecidae Guereza Colobus Colobus guereza We had excellent sightings of this stunning monkey, especially at Awassa and Bishangari. Sacred (Hamadryas) Baboon Papio hamadryas We found this pink-faced baboon near Sof Omar and along the road between Bilen and Awash NP. Olive (Anubis) Baboon Papio anubis This species was common throughout the tour and was seen in a variety of habitats. Gelada Theropithecus gelada We enjoyed wonderful sightings of this special primate at Gemasa Geden and along the Ankober Escarpment. Grivet Monkey Cercopithecus aethiops This monkey was seen at Awassa, Bishangari, Awash NP, Ghibe Gorge and Jemma Valley. Vervet Monkey Cercopithecus pygerythrus This species was seen at Sof Omar.
Galagos Galagonidae Senegal Galago Galago senegalensis We had super views of two of these cute critters on our night drive outside Yabello.
Hares & Rabbits Leporidae Cape Hare Lepus capensis Singletons were seen near Bilen and Awash NP. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Serinus. Scrub Hare Lepus saxatilis We encountered this species often in savannah areas like Awash NP and Yabello.
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NOTE: The subspecies which was encountered in Ethiopia is L. fagani which is often regarded as a different species; Abyssinian Hare. Starck's Hare Lepus starcki We had superb views of this range-restricted hare up on the Sanetti Plateau.
Squirrels Sciuridae Unstriped Ground Squirrel Xerus rutilus We found this in the Yabello and Bilen areas. Gambian Sun Squirrel Heliosciurus gambianus These squirrels showed well at Awassa and Bishangari.
Rats & Mice Cricetidae & Muridae Giant Root Rat Tachyoryctes macrocephalus We saw four of these marvellously weird rodents on the Sanetti Plateau. Ethiopian Meadow Rat Stenocephalemys griseicauda This species was bountiful on top of the Sanetti Plateau.
Dogs & Allies Canidae Common Jackal Canis aureus We saw this jackal near Goba, Yabello, Bilen and en route to Jemma Valley. NOTE: Some authorities call this species: Golden Jackal Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas This jackal was seen in Awash NP and near Bishangari. Ethiopian Wolf (E) Canis simensis We saw four of the world’s rarest canid on the Sanetti Plateau, and heard it the following day as well. NOTE: Latest genetic evidence indicates they are most closely related to the Eurasian Wolf (C. lupus). Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotis We saw four of these cute canids in Awash NP.
Mongooses Herpestridae Slender Mongoose Herpestes sanguinea We saw two of these in the Awash area. White-tailed Mongoose Ichneumia albicauda We saw one on our pre-dawn departure from Negele to Yabello, and another on our night drive near Yabello the following day.
Hyaenas Hyaenidae Spotted Hyena Crocuta crocuta We also saw one of these during our pre-dawn departure from Negele.
Genets & Civets Viverridae >>>Blotched Genet Genetta tigrina >>>Sadly we only saw this beautiful creature as a roadkill in the Genale River area. It appeared totally unmarked and was very fresh so we could still appreciate its beauty; this does not count to the trip total. NOTE: Some authorities call this species: Large-spotted Genet.
Cats Felidae African Wildcat Felis sylvestris One was seen on our early morning drive from Negele to Yabello.
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Caracal Felis caracal One animal was seen very briefly by a tour participant at Sof Omar.
Hyraxes Procavidae Ethiopian Rock Hyrax (NE) Procavia habessinica We saw very dark hyrax in mountains near Dodola, near Lake Beseka and at Gemasa Geden. Black-necked Rock Hyrax Procavia johnstoni This attractive hyrax was seen at Sof Omar. Yellow-spotted Hyrax Heterohyrax brucei We saw this species at Sof Omar and in Weliso.
Horses Equidae Plain’s Zebra Equus quagga Four animals were seen near Yabello.
Hippopotamus Hippopotamidae Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibious We saw around 20 animals in Ghibe Gorge.
Pigs Suidae Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus We saw many of these amusing pigs at Dinsho, Bilen and Awash NP.
Antelope & Allies Bovidae Menelik's Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus meneliki We saw a few of these lovely antelope at Dinsho. Mountain Nyala (E) Tragelaphus buxtoni We saw good numbers of these impressive antelope at Dinsho. Lesser Kudu Tragelaphus imberbis We saw this elegant animal in Awash NP. Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros We saw a few animals in Awash NP and near Yabello. Bush Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia We saw a few scattered individuals near Harenna Forest, Yabello and Ghibe Gorge. NOTE: Some authorities call this species: Common or Grey Duiker. Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus We had super views of this rock-loving antelope along the edge of the Sanetti Plateau. Salt's Dik-dik Madoqua saltiana We saw many of these dainty antelope at Bilen and Awash NP. Günther's Dik-dik Madoqua guentheri This antelope was common around Yabello. Bohor Reedbuck Redunca redunca We saw this species near Dinsho. Grant's Gazelle Gazella granti We saw several animals near Yabello and at Lake Abijatta. Soemmerring's Gazelle (NE) Gazella soemmerringi We saw this pale gazelle in Awash NP. Gerenuk Litocranius walleri We had good views of these stretched-looking antelope near Bilen. Beisa Oryx Oryx beisa These magnificent antelope were seen at Alleghedi Plain and in Awash NP.
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Annotated List of Reptiles recorded (6 species)
Leopard Tortoise Geochelone pardalis The species is represented by a huge race in Ethiopia, and we saw nine of these behemoths at Bilen. Tropical House Gecko Hemidactylus mabouia One was seen at Negele. Striped Skink Mabuya striata Two were seen near Yabello. Lanza’s Spiny Agama Agama spinosa We found a couple of these in the lava field alongside Lake Beseka. Nile Monitor Varanus niloticus One was seen at Awassa. Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus We saw a small one at Sof Omar and some larger specimens in the Jemma Valley.
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