Shoebill, Mabamba Swamps

Birdwatching Uganda including Elgon and Kidepo Dec-Jan 2018/19 By Theis Bacher Nielsen and Anders Bacher Nielsen

This report summarizes a trip made over Christmas and New Year 2018/2019. After evaluating several options, we decided to plan the trip ourselves but with local assistance. We had a guide and an 4WD the entire trip and we decided to include locations not regularly visited by birders, namely Elgon National Park and Kidepo National Park. Kidepo NP added 90 bird species only seen there while Elgon NP added another 26 species only seen there. Many of these birds can of course be seen elsewhere in Uganda (and we did not look actively for them after first sighting) but especially Kidepo NP is highly recommended. The “detour” from Lira is manageable and the birding, the scenery and the lodges there are fantastic. Also, try to get the local ranger/guide Zakari, he is fantastic. As a bonus we encountered a Giant Pangolin during an evening drive. We saw a total number of 620 species.

The itinerary Date Route – Activity Hotel National Park/activity payments per person 23rd Dec Birding Entebbe Botanical Garden Precious Guesthouse 10,000UGX

24th Dec Mabamba Swamps → Mabira Griffin Falls Camp Minor entrance fee and a boat/guide fee Forest 25th Dec Mabira Forest The Rainforest Lodge 20,000UGX entrance, 80,000UGX activity

26th Dec Mabira → Elgon Sipi River Lodge None

27th Dec Elgon → Lira Gracious Palace Hotel 35US$ entrance, 30US$ activity

28th Dec Lira → Kidepo Kidepo Savanna Lodge None 29th Dec Kidepo Kidepo Savanna Lodge 40US$ entrance, 20US$ ranger, 30,000UGX car 30th Dec Kidepo - Narus Valley Kidepo Savanna Lodge 40US$ entrance, 20US$ ranger, 30,000UGX car

31st Dec Kidepo → Murchinson Falls Heritage Safari Lodge None

1st Jan Murchinson Falls → Masindi Masindi Kolping B&B 40US$ entrance, car 30,000UGX (24 hours) 2nd Jan Budongo - Royal Mile → Masindi Masindi Kolping B&B 30US$ entrance, local guide 30US$ (both paid in UGX)

3rd Jan Masindi → Kibale Isunga Lodge 40US$ entrance, 30US$ activity 4th Jan Bigodi Wetland Isunga Lodge 50,000UGX entrance 5th Jan Kibale Forest → Semuliki Bumaga Camp Bandas None 6th Jan Semuliki Bumaga Camp Bandas 35US$ entrance, 30US$ activity 7th Jan Semuliki Bumaga Camp Bandas 35US$ entrance, 30US$ activity

8th Jan Semuliki → Queen Elizabeth (QE) Pumba Safari Lodge 40US$ entrance, car 30,000UGX (24 hours) 9th Jan Southern QE → Buhoma Bwindi Buhoma Community None

Camp 10th Jan Buhoma - Gorilla tracking Buhoma Community 600US$, pre-booked and prepaid Camp 11th Jan Buhoma birding Buhoma Community 40US$ entrance, 30US$ activity Camp

12th Jan Buhoma → The NECK → Ruhija Bakiga Lodge None 13th Jan Ruhija sector birding Bakida Lodge 40US$ entrance, 30US$ activity

14th Jan Ruhija - Echuya Forest - Kisoro Travellers Rest House None

15th Jan Mgahinga → Lake Bunyonyi Amasiko Homestay 40US$ entrance, 30US$ activity

16th Jan Lake Bunyonyi → Mburo Arcadia Lodge 40US$ entrance, car 30,000UGX (24 hours) 17th Jan Mburo all day Eagles Nest None 18th Jan Mburo → Entebbe Entebbe Palm Hotel None

Giant Pangolin, Kidepo National Park

Timing of the trip We got the idea of visiting Uganda well enough to have done it in August 2018, however for various reasons we ended up deciding to go in December/January. Mostly due the possibility to avoid parts of the Danish winter, but the availability of accommodation and guides are of also larger during the northern winter. The palearctic migrants are of course a bonus but then again other intra-African species will then be elsewhere (e.g. Blue Swallow). With more than 600 species seen there are certainly a lot of birds to be seen in the period, but we sometimes had to struggle to find them as they were much quieter. One significant disadvantage – which we did not fully realize until we were in Uganda – is that the Green-breasted Pitta and Grauer’s Broadbill are extremely difficult to see in this period. It is only by chance it is flushed, and our guide did not see those two species at several attempts in the months before we came. We were a bit “mislead” by reports from 2016 where these birds were easily seen outside the normal months. That year was completely abnormal having both species being active all year. When we entered Kibale forest we had accepted the fact that we would most likely miss this sought-after pitta. And we did – despite hours of walking in many smaller groups – off the track – trying to flush a bird. Same with the broadbill which is even harder to find when completely quiet. So, going this period, you must be fully prepared to dip on these two species. Also, if you are extremely lucky to flush a bird, it could be felt as a poor sighting compared to the ones you can expect in August.

Weather was great, only a few showers in a month, and we saw less than five bird watchers on the trip. Which can of course also be a disadvantage as you cannot share sightings but walking 2 days in Semliki without seeing another person is something special.

Beside Lake Mburo, where accommodation seems to fill up quickly (we had to stay two different places for the two nights), we had great flexibility and the costs of staying was very reasonable.

Christmas and New Year did not seem to impact any practicalities.

Practicalities before going We aimed at seeing as many parts of Uganda as possible and we included Elgon National Park and Kidepo National park due to the birds found here, but also because these to parks are considered extremely beautiful. Elgon NP needs more time to cover fully – the roads into the different parts of the park starts very different places and we did not have time to cover the high altitudes of the park.

Had we known that the pitta and the broadbill would be almost impossible to see in this period we would have considered spending a day less in Kibale and maybe one more day in Elgon, Murchison’s or Budongo forest.

We obtained the visa online prior to arrival and entering and leaving Uganda was very easy. We flew with Egypt Air in a very straight route from Copenhagen to Cairo and further on directly from Cairo to Entebbe. Total travel time was by far the shortest at that time and it was also the cheapest (around 680€ per person).

We were in contact with several local guides before we agreed to arrange the trip though Deogratius Muhumuza (just Deo in short). He was very helpful and able to cater for more independent travelers while some of the more “famous” guides had a package that came to a certain (high) price. Being a group of two only, these fixed package price trips ended up being too expensive. With Deo we agreed to have a 4x4 car (Toyota Landcruiser) and a guide who was also the driver for 120$ per day (without gasoline). We assume that such price is not possible in prime season and we never fully figured out the cost split between Deo, the car and guide. Deo arranged almost all accommodations and the route was planned with him. He gave advises on where to spend extra days and where to spend less days, but we were fully in charge of the trip. We wanted to cover almost the entire Uganda, including both Elgon NP and Kidepo NP, and with 4 weeks this was possible without too much hassle.

We transferred an initial amount to Deo well before the trip and then we transferred the rest a few months before the trip. We wanted as many costs settled before the trip to carry as little cash as possible. We brought 1200US$ each in cash, mainly to cover park fees, park activities and gasoline.

It would have been beneficial if we have had more direct contact with our actual guide before the trip. See Guide section below.

We brought two different guide books; the newer Birds of Africa South of the Sahara (2nd ed, Ian Sinclair and Peter Ryan) and the older but more local Birds of East Africa.

Practicalities when there Birding in Uganda without a full-service package is very easy. Our guide met us at our hotel the day before the round trip started and the following morning we were picked up at the hotel. 27 days later we were back in Entebbe again.

Most places we stayed was either full or half board and we could have breakfast fitted into our schedule - often very early, sometimes after an early pre-breakfast birding trip or sometimes as packed breakfast. We also had packed lunch, especially when changing hotels, but we preferred to return to the lodge for lunch and a midday break if we stayed more than one day.

We brought US 10- and 20-dollar bills and this was not the best idea as exchange rate for small bills (up to 20-dollar bills) are much worse. Instead we should have brought 50- or 100-dollar bills. National parks entrance and activities was paid in US dollars, except where indicated in the travel plan overview. Gasoline, car entrance to parks, local guides, tipping of local guides, restaurants, supermarkets etc. is much better paid with Ugandan shillings. Some, but certainly not all, gas stations accept credit card.

National Park fees Another small surprise we got in the planning phase was how expensive is it to get to see the birds in Uganda. Some claimed that Kenya and Tanzania are even worse, but it doesn’t really make it any better. We just hope that all the US dollars we put into the system goes somewhere good ensuring the protection of the wildlife and the national parks.

Basically, one pays an entrance fee and an activity fee. This usually ended up in 75 US$ per person per 24 hours. Your guide doesn’t pay. Bringing a car is a one-time entrance fee, often 30.000 Ugandan shillings. We carried cash for this, please be aware that entrance and activity is usually paid in US dollars while car entrance and ranger (if necessary) is paid in Ugandan shillings. The more popular National Parks (Murchison’s, Queen Elisabeth and Lake Mburo) accepted credit card and it is advisable to carry as little cash as possible, but we couldn’t get that information from the internet pages for the parks. Below is a link to a useful overview of the different parks and their fees. https://ugandatourismcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Park-entry-fees-2018-2019.pdf

We have added the costs of the park entries in our overview table and with some planning, the 24 hours validity of a park entrance can be used to decrease the costs and we had several days where we did not have to pay the fees. It could be that we entered a park in the afternoon, paid for 24 hours stay and then birded the full afternoon/evening, stayed in or just outside the park and then got in very early next day and birded until the 24 hours has passed. If we stayed two nights, it was just when the 48 hours had passed.

The tour guide and local guides As stated elsewhere, we did not have any pre-trip communication with the guide. This could be to align expectations and to discuss the route with the person you travel with. Our guide Tumwekwase Gerald (called Gerald) was an excellent guide and we can highly recommend him. On top of having a very keen eye sight he is also an enjoyable person and we had a good time with him. For this report to be helpful to other, we do need to add the few areas where we could have done a bit better. Firstly, the feeling of having a guide who kept full track of which birds to see where was not always there. The end-to-end guiding ensuring that you at least make a very serious attempt to see a bird where it is known to “easiest” to see and to have full transparency of which birds are best to see at that given location. We sometimes missed the stamina to go that extra mile to at least try very hard to see a specialty for a location. This part could maybe have been partly mitigated if we have arranged the trip together.

“Nightjaring” and Owling was another activity where we missed this stamina. This activity does require the energy to be thinking of birds 24/7 and the insight to places to go or some known stake-outs for owls. We felt that we could

have done better with regards to nightjars and owls and what we saw seemed to be mostly what we ran into as a coincidence.

Another thing we experienced was that our guide often stopped birding when we had a local bird guide. It is of course fine to take an occasional break but among the 4 of us (us, the local guide and Gerald) he often had the sharpest eyes, so he was missed a few times as a fourth pair of eyes.

As for many jobs, the salary can be motivating and had we paid the guide directly (he was paid by Deo) and had we arranged the trip directly with him this might have been a bit different. For a trip like ours we would recommend planning the trip directly with the guide and having him arranging the accommodation. Normally this adds to the feeling of responsibility and the overall end-to-end thinking. When all this is said, we can only repeat that Gerald is highly recommended.

We did not have local guides in Murchison’s, Kibale, Queen Elisabeth and Lake Mburo where we just drove ourselves the three of us. The local guides to mention were the following and they were all good except where indicated.

Mabira Forest: Harman (a truly enjoyable person and a good guide too) Elgon: No local guide and the ranger who followed us was completely useless Kidepo National Park: Zakari (highly recommended for his stamina and personality) Royal Mile: Raymond Semliki: Justus Buhoma: Mathew Mgahinga: Laulian Ruhija: Amos (swamp) and Gordon (around Ruhija in the afternoon, NOT recommended, see below).

In the early morning for the full day of Ruhija birding, we were just about to set out when a British couple arrived claiming that they had a verbal agreement with Gordon. We had made the agreement well in advance. The woman in the couple freaked out completely yelling at everyone including us. Gordon ended up going with them (guess they paid him extra as they have not paid for entering the park) and it of course leaves Gordon as highly unreliable and we cannot recommend him. We can’t recommend coming across the woman in that couple either.

The Kidepo team upon our goodbye, from left: Gerald, Anders, Zakari and Theis

Entebbe Birding Diary Botanical Garden Located just across the road from Prestige Hotel made an easy entrance to the botanical garden. Since we arrived in the middle of the night, we just 23rd December waited for the first light to get started without reserving a room. At dawn, Ross Turaco, Double-toothed Barbet and Black-and-White-casqued Accommodation: Hornbill came together in the same tree as we had Grey Parrot, Oriental Prestige Hotel Hobby, Eastern Plantain-eater and White-browed Robin-Chat already seen well before entering the park. It opens earlier than scheduled. Just go there Nice location and friendly staff and someone should be at the gate. It is quite intense the amount of species for an urban park, that are used for rather multiple purposes. It Recommended was not unusual to have a dancing group with loud music next to the birds you wanted to get your bin’s on. We saw more than 80 species from dawn to midday before heading back for a nap. Besides from Orange Weaver,

you probably won’t see anything that you will not see other places but nice to see the Palm-nut Vulture, Hamerkop, Marabou Stork, Great Blue Turaco and Lizard Buzzard being common here. A highlight as well, was an African

Wood Owl in the southern end of the park. A local guide we ran into knew it’s favorite spot high in dense canopy. He also pointed out a Black- throated Wattle-eye. These guys tend to find you if you are birdwatching and it’s fine to go along and pay them a small tip in the end. They have good eyes, know certain good spots but sometimes mix some of the birds up. The park is a perfect entry to the birds of Uganda and a nice way to get good photos.

Entrance fee for the garden (full day): 10.000 Shillings. Due to our odd arrival time, we didn’t have any cash and borrowed for the entrance at our hotel until we had visited an ATM. Entrance located on the Berkely Road just opposite Prestige Hotel.

Village Weaver, Entebbe Botanical Garden

Mabamba Swamps Birding Diary

24th December Sure, the main target here is the Shoebill, which roams the swamp in small numbers (10-20 individuals). The jetty is placed 1½ hour from Entebbe following the highway until a dirt road take you along rural houses and potentially good bird stops. 5-10 minutes after leaving the small jetty a more open area appears and we soon saw a Shoebill in the distance. They are too massive to hide. When getting closer another bird came in sight and then another one and blessed with the presence of three shoebills we were left speechless. Next bird in focus was the Papyrus Gonolek which was called in, what a spectacular bird. Among lots of Pied and Malachite Kingfishers we circled around the shallow channels and a Saddlebill, also too tall to hide, stood in the marshes. Next, we went to an area where we had multiple but short sights of Lesser Jacana and finally a Rufous-bellied Heron was disturbed and flew up giving nice pictures. We didn’t really expect this one so that was a pleasant surprise. Additionally, we saw two more Shoebills, adding up to a total of five, which was the highest numbers our guide had seen on a single day. Leaving the jetty our next stop was Mabira Forest, so no other way than to go through Kampala which took more than 5 hours. Incredible.

Afterthoughts

We were content with the Shoebill sightings and totally forgot to ask for Weyns’s Weaver, which most likely was around, but now stand unmarked in our checklist at the end of the tour. Seems like our guide forgot about this weaver as well. The local guides are very service minded, and they want to help you find the birds you ask for.

Rufous-bellied Heron, Mabamba Swamps

Mabira Forest Birding Diary

25th – 26th December We arrived just before dusk to our first night in Griffin Falls camp. Since there are only two options, we chose this as other birders stay there and Accommodation its way cheaper, however it was rather far from where we would go the 1st night Griffin Falls Camp next day on small bumble roads. It was rather basic and the long road leading to the place was almost bird less. So, we immediately tried to nd 2 night Rainforest Lodge rearrange the next night for the lodge. And as it turned out they gave us a great discount (180 dollars half board for both). Well, we were just in time to see the trips first Red-tailed Monkeys and an African Wood Owl flying fourth and back in our spotlight.

Next day we went to the National Park entrance. The birding started just behind the center. Our lovely site guide, Hamann, immediately heard a Forest Robin, which gave good views in the thick leafy ground. It’s one of these places where you are in doubt if you’re at the right spot for birds since loud music came from a nearby community. But still, Chestnut Wattle-eye, Red-tailed Greenbul, a flock of Crested Guineafowls and a Black-crowned Waxbill, Mabira Forest calling Nahan’s Francolin (very close but out of sights) ticked in among the troops of biting ants and stinging wasps (Gerald was stung) that also inhabited the forest. On a dusty side road to the left further down the Jinja road we had Forest Wood-hoopoe, Blue-breasted Kingfisher along Narina Trogon and calling Lowland Boubou and a troop of Ugandan Mangabeys. Motorbikes frequent this road so beware since not all of them care about birders. Even further down the Jinja road another trail is good for White- spotted Flufftail. Hamann hid the speaker and told us to wait for the flufftail to cross the road. Instead of crossing it went just next to the speaker (and Hamann) and we never got to see that bird at that occasion. Instead, Streaky-throated and Yellow-spotted Barbet, Brown-eared Woodpecker and Pied Hornbill was well seen. A last spot to try for Nahan’s Francolin finally paid off on a small trail on the right side (south) of the Jinja road. After almost accepting not seeing this bird, it suddenly appeared in the bushes very close but still extremely hard to see. Now being really satisfied with our choice of lodging we jumped in the forest pool and had a nice 3-course meal. It’s a very nice lodge. The day after around the rain forest lodge didn’t produce a lot other than a very active Brown Illadopsis. Afterthoughts As it turned out it was perfect to stay one night each place to see different sectors of the forest. Still, it seems like such a big forest and you feel you cover so little. It could be fun to go deeper in and spent more time if possible. The site guide Hamann is a very sympathetic guy. We met him later in Queen Elizabeth NP.

Elgon National Birding Diary Park During our planning we didn’t find any recommended way to do Elgon NP since very few bird reports include this beautiful and spectacular park. th th 26 -27 December Gerald had never been there, and he didn’t know any site guides here, so all Accommodation: planning had to be done upon arrival. We stayed at Sipi Falls Lodge, a splendid place owned by an Italian woman (good food and coffee). While Sipi Falls Lodge sipping their great coffee a juvenile African Hawk-eagle soared overhead. We realized Elgon is kind of two sectors and they can’t be combined from Very nice, extraordinary food. one starting point. One lower part where we went and one at much higher altitude, where Jackson’s and Moorland Francolin are possible. The tourists here all go for the Sipi Falls and naturally it attracts a lot of guides trying to sell you a tour. We were looking for a bird guide, but none seems to cover our demands, however many questionable names were mentioned. Instead we drove to the entrance around 10 km away. We somehow had heard of a guide called Moses that was the one to go for. We had some bird stops on our way and had the localized Black-collared Apalis among others. The whole area seemed promising until we met a very arrogant ranger at the HQ. Due to our few stops on the way to the HQ he wanted full payment as an activity already had begun. Luckily, we got out of it being very patient with him and made arrangement for next day. A big loop (with smaller detours) encircles a beautiful valley make you cover the most. Unfortunately, the guide (who claimed to be Moses) didn’t know anything Cinnamon-chested Bee-Eater, Elgon about birds, he showed up without binoculars and was completely useless, not even knowing the common birds just around the buildings. Apparently, there might be another guy named Moses that are better but as the rangers shift a lot there is no guarantee who is available. Just birding the garden of the HQ gave the nice views of Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Klaas’s Cuckoo and Eurasian Blackcap.

We birded the beautiful loop Mountain Bamboo trail. Just after setting of, an active spot near HQ made us stay for more than one hour. Here, our only Oriole Finches on the trip, along with Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Grey- Capped warbler and White-browed Crombec was seen. Along the rich forest we had hoped for Spotted Creeper, but without a guide it’s almost Hartlaub’s Turaco, Elgon impossible. Mountain Illadopsis, Black-necked Weaver were seen in the forest before the landscape opened. Hartlaub’s Turaco was first heard and later seen rather well. Later at a 360 view of the mountainous area White- headed Saw-wing was flying over. At that point, we decided to do the whole loop and the trail continues through beautiful forested area. Here also Hunter’s Cisticola and White-tailed Elminia came in. The last part was dominated by acacia vegetation and seemed very good for sunbirds. Three of the good ones, Tacazze’ s and especially Golden-winged and Bronzy Sunbird were very active. Afterthoughts

We should have stayed two days to cover the high altitude as well. We did what we could to find an expert site guide but at the time no one was in the neighborhood. Bring your own guide if you go.

Kidepo National Birding Diary Park From an isolated perspective, this is the place where we saw most birds. It was dry, hot and birds were plentiful. After arrival and settle-down at the th st 27 -31 December lodge, we met our local guide, Zakari. Gerald had contacted him Accommodation: beforehand and he was one of our best site guides. The first morning we stayed in the sector closest to the lodge. Herds of buffaloes and elephants Kidepo Savanna Lodge welcomed us. Isabelline and Pied Wheatear were migrant visitors while Clapperton’s and especially Crested Francolin were very common. Jackson Safari tents overlooking the valley and Yellow-billed Hornbill and all possible species of vultures came in. A and placed just outside the toll group of bizarre-looking Abdim’s storks rested by a waterhole, which also border. Highly recommended. held Red-breasted Pipit. We also had notable species like Ostrich, Black- billed Wood-Dove, Rose-winged Parakeet, White-bellied Go-away-bird, Secretarybird, White-headed Barbet, Yellow-billed Magpie, Rufous

Chatterer, Moustached Grassbird, Silverbird, Northern White-crowned and Yellow-billed Shrike. After dark and close to our lodge two active Standard-winged Nightjars gave a nocturnal show. Despite being hungry and tired, we later drove with Gerald to bring the guide back home (you never know what you see). We were highly surprised to see a Giant Pangolin slowly crossing the road in front of us. Never had our two guides had such an encounter. Sometimes you forget that these creatures roam our earth. Possibly the rarest sighting of our trip.

N. White-crowned Shrike, Kidepo The second full day trip was spent further away in Narus Valley. Here, D’Arnaud’s and Red-and-yellow Barbet and a nice couple of Abyssian

Ground Hornbills were among the first birds along with Heuglin’s Wheatear. Pearl-spotted Owlet, Greater Honeyguide and Red-fronted Barbet were next. This is bustard habitat and both Black-bellied and a group of White-bellied Bustard were observed though they tried to hide in the tall grass. Best birds were still Yellow-necked Francolin, Karamoja Apalis and Black-breasted Barbet, all localized species. There is lots of Standard-winged Nightjar, Kidepo tsetse flies in this section. Closer to our lodge a Mottled Swift briefly flew by as we had Senegal Coucal, African Snipe and a superb view of a Red- necked Falcon eating a smaller bird.

In a somehow localized area outside the park, Fan-tailed Raven and a hard to get Hemprich’s Hornbill came in after two attempts. It’s owned by a small community so your site guide should know how to get in there. Afterthoughts

Due to the location in the far north-east corner, Kidepo is often excluded from bird trips. We can highly recommend it. Best is to spent minimum 3 nights to cover the area and justify the bad roads leading to the park. It is placed 6 hours from Lira (mostly dirt roads). Make sure you fill up the gas tank no later than Kitgum. We did it in Lira and had issues in the end. We bought some 20 liters of gasoline from a woman in Karenga south of the park. Kidepo is very big and all time is spent in the car. We did two full days Yellow-necked Francolin, Kidepo of entrance and game drive. They have this ridiculous thing that birdwatching is 30 USD and game drives are free. See if you can make the ranger just make it count as a game drive and pay his ranger fee (20 USD per day per person).

Murchison Falls Birding Diary Approaching the northern gate of Murchison Falls we were welcomed by 1st January a group of Northern Carmine Bee-eaters and the only Grasshopper Buzzard Accommodation: on the trip sitting nicely in a tree. We checked in at the lodge which is based just in the vicinity of a great marsh. We picked up March Tchagra and Heritage Safari Lodge Vinaceous Dove among other birds. It was time to celebrate New Year’s Eve, which was a bottle of champagne and being in bed by 10pm (only to be woken up at midnight, of course). Next day, just after entering, the only Heuglin’s Francolin of the trip crossed the road. From the entrance to the river crossing it was quite productive with Osprey, Steppe Eagle, Green Woodhoopoe, Black-billed Barbet, Spotted Palm Thrush, Spotted Greenbul, Red-faced Cisticola, Buff-bellied Warbler, Isabella Shrike, White- crested Helmetshrike, Beautiful Sunbird, Chestnut Sparrow, Chestnut- crowned Sparrow Weaver, Black Bishop, Fawn-breasted Waxbill, Grey- capped Warbler and Swallow-tailed Bee-eater. Before crossing we had a lunch at the high-end Paraa Safari Lodge, mostly inhabited by lazy safari tourists. After crossing we went up to the top of Murchison Falls and saw a group of the target species here, the handsome Rock Pratincole. The fall is impressive. Since we wanted to give the area Budongo Forest a little Spot-flanked Barbet, Murchison attention we now didn’t stop too often in the very hot afternoon. We were lucky to get a glimpse of an overflying White-crested Turaco, not an easy bird. In Budongo we had Violet-backed Starling and Honeyguide Greenbul

and heard the only Puvel’s Illadopsis of the trip. Highlight was a Chimpanzee mother and her cub crossing the road a few hundred meters in front of us. Afterthoughts We stayed one night here at Heritage Safari Lodge placed outside the park at the northern entrance border. It is nicely located near a big papyrus swamp. We should probably have stayed one more night inside the park, Heuglin’s Francolin, Murchison since other bird groups see a good selection of nightjars and it would allow time for a boat trip. We had the feeling of rushing through the park and

missed some species there. If you only stay one night and make the most out of 24 hours, another option could be entering around 3 or 4 pm for afternoon and dusk activities and then stay inside the park. Then you can

combine “nightjaring” with nearly having a full day in the park the day after. Just make sure which side on the river you want to stay in since the ferry doesn’t run very late.

Spotted Palm-Thrush, Murchison

Royal Mile Birding Diary

2nd January The Royal Mile is a stretch of forest with very tall trees. The trail is broad and light but be ready to some neck-aching birding since the birds often Accommodation: hang out in the canopy. The road that leads to the start of the trail is open Masindi Kolping Guesthouse: agriculture mixed with swamps and it was very active this morning. Here, Brown Twinspot, Brown-backed Scrub-robin, Marsh Tchagra, Purple- The cabins were rather nice coming banded Sunbird, Cabani’s Bunting, Zebra Waxbill, Magpie Mannikin White- at a very low cost. Marabou Storks thighed Hornbill were among the best birds seen. Inside the forest, Dusky and other big birds roam the Long-tailed Cuckoo, Scaly-breasted Illadopsis and Grey Longbill together gardens. The restaurant is rather with Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Lemon-bellied crombec (nesting), slow. Fraser’s Forest-flycatcher, Sooty Flycatcher, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher and a heard only Ituri Batis were the main outcome of the first few hours. It’s seems to be this part where you should try for Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, and we heard it very often but only got a short sight of an individual leaving with high speed. We spent long time on this individual

bird and maybe we should have searched in other places nearby, however that’s birding. In the very end of the trail we were rewarded with the trip’s only African Dwarf Kingfisher sitting nicely over the water and a group of Sabine’s Spinetail. Afterthoughts

Apparently, bird groups do some successful nocturnal birding in the dark roads of Masindi and see a selection of nightjars and owls. They may be difficult to locate but if your guide knows some sites it seems rewarding.

We didn’t even try.

African Dwarf Kingfisher, Royal Mile

Kibale National Birding Diary Park This is where Gerald is from, so we were eager to bird in his backyard. Inside the park there are two main tourist attraction, Chimpanzees and 3rd-5th January Green-breasted Pitta, the former being way more popular. We have signed up with a guide that didn’t show up in the morning which is of course very Accommodation: stressful with a tight schedule. This was where UWA again demonstrated Isunga Lodge very little service mindedness. Instead of apologizing the mistake, which was on their side, a ranger laughed at us very inappropriately. We decided A very nice place with a fantastic to go the next day but could now only make it a half day since we were view from the restaurant. Highly going to Semliki. Our full day in Kibale was used in Bigoda Wetland and recommended and fully worth the along the main road. In the wetlands we had sights of White-spotted cost. Flufftail, Lesser Honeyguide, Green Hylia, Thick-billed Weaver, Snowy- browed Robin-chat, Brimstone Canary and a group of Ugandan Red Colobus Monkeys. On the road close to a small stream we had these magical minutes we birders luckily experience occasionally. In a short period, we saw a Red-chested Owlet crossing the road several times, Shining-blue Kingfisher perched, Cassin’s Flycatcher and Mountain Wagtail while a Cassin’s Hawk-eagle flew overhead. Next morning was dedicated to the Pitta, but since it didn’t return any of our calls and we found it rather pointless. We came close to a noisy family of chimpanzees which was the Cassin’s Flycatcher, Kibale most dramatic moment on the trails. Now a chimpanzee tracking group appeared, and the rangers don’t like that we have seen the animals without paying (they instructed us to look away and walk away from them if we haven’t paid). We didn’t feel that we owed them anything, so we had a minute with the monkeys. Other sights were Afep Pigeon, Cameroun Sombre Greenbul, Western Nicator, White-tailed Rufous Thrush and Brown-chested Athlete. At night we had Black-shouldered Nightjar around the lodge. Afterthoughts

Mountain Wagtail, Kibale As stated earlier, you should really consider whether it is worth going into Kibale forest outside the optimal pitta season. When it isn’t displaying it is rather based on extreme luck when flushing it.

Shining-Blue Kingfisher, Kibale

Semliki National Birding Diary Park Birding in Semliki is split between walking the Kirumia trail and birding along the road between Kirumia Village and the bandas. The Bandas are 5th-8th January located 6-7 km north of the trail. As always you must decide when to enter the trail to minimize the steep entrance fees. We had two full days inside Accommodation: park. The road and adjacent trees are very good and produced Ayres Hawk- Mubaga Camp Bandas. eagle, Piping, Black-casqued, Long-crested, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Western Bronzed-naped Pigeon, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Swamp Palm Rather basic, but okay for a few Bulbul, Chestnut-breasted Negrita, Black-bellied Firefinch, Black-and- days. The electricity was out the white Mannikin, Black-bellied Seedcracker and Orange-cheeked Waxbill entire stay. We later realized that during our time there. The forest is quieter, but highlights were Yellow- our local bird guide also was the throated Cuckoo (more vocal than visible), White-bellied Kingfisher, Blue- electrician and when he was busy throated Roller, Banded Prinia, Jameson’s Wattle-eye, Lowland Sooty with us, he didn’t have time to fix Boubou, Crested and Blue-billed Malimbe and Yellow-throated Nicator, both things. So apparently the Zenker’s Honeyguide, Icterine and Xavier’s and Simple Greenbul. A few km whole community was suffering in the other direction from the bandas is a hot spring (called Female) where from that too. Very satisfying we, on the trail leading to the spring, had the only Fire-crested Alethe on pancakes in the morning. the trip. The Hot Spring is supposed to be good at dusk when birds either come in to roost or to start their nocturnal habits. So, each dusk we waited patiently in hopes of either Spot-breasted Ibis, Nkulengu Rail or Long-tailed Hawk to show but without luck. Suddenly, we heard a distant Bate’s Nightjar, which seem to be around. Mammalian highlights included De Brazza’s monkeys. Afterthoughts

Semliki is the place for unexpected sightings and species only seen here. Due to its borders to Congo it’s the wildest of the Ugandan places. Black-headed Heron with snake Therefore, it could be interesting to have even more time to explore it. On the other hand, we didn’t see that many birds inside forest and had some very quiet hours. One highlight was the De Brazza's Monkey below.

Queen Elisabeth Birding Diary National Park We entered from Kasese and had a boat trip awaiting us. The boat leaves a jetty close to Mweya Lodge. Your guide is not allowed for free 8th-9th January to join but the local boat guide knows the birds. Mammals sightings are great on these trips and it’s probably the most beautiful settings Accommodation: for watching big herds of elephants come to bath in the Lake Edouard. Pumba Safari Lodge Lots of hippos, zebras and bucks are gathering but the most bizarre sight was a family of Giants Forest Hogs resting in the shadow of a Nice place and reasonably bush. There were hundreds of African Skimmers and a good selection priced of waders. At the boats turning point a shallow water attracted a circus of birds, including Saddlebills, Pink-backed and White Pelicans and Marabou Storks. From the jetty to our lodge we circled slowly in search of savanna birds and saw Temminck’s Courser (due to Gerald’s fantastic eyes), Black-chinned Quailfinches, Southern Red Bishop, Stout and Thrilling Cisticola, Black-lored Babbler, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Rufous-naped and Red-capped Lark. From the porch of our lodge we tried without luck for possible nightjars. Next day we crossed the Ishasha Sector, known for its tree-climbing lions, but we didn’t see any. At the park border we had a Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird. The road Crested Francolins, QE out is a little miserable.

Afterthoughts

From a birdwatcher’s perspective, one night here is enough and it’s fine to stay outside the park. Together with Murchison’s Fall it’s the most widely visited park, but bird wise not very interesting.

Rufous-naped Lark, QE

Red-necked Francolin, QE

Giants Forest Hogs, Queen Elizabeth

Buhoma Birding Diary

10th-12th January Now we entered the Albertine Rift Valley and its mythical forests. Buhoma is a small village and at the end of it the Bwindi Impenetrable Including “The Neck” Forest starts. The first day was primarily set for Gorilla tracking. Of course, it attracts tourists, however people here seem to be more Accommodation: nature seeking than the average safari type. Still, to follow a troop of Buhoma Community Camp mountain gorillas, you need some physical skills. We were in a small group with a couple, an English-speaking guide and the Gorilla A nice place with a wonderful trackers who had left earlier. The guide knows some birds but not at view of the forest from the expert level. Gerald was not allowed to follow. Uphill, we encountered restaurant. The camp area Black Bee-Eater, Pied Hornbill, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher (our first holds a nice range of birds, Albertine endemic) and Chubb’s Cisticola. After just 45 minutes’ walk good for photographing. we were told that the Gorilla group was close by. The Gorillas certainly don’t stick to the trail, so we had to climb a little to reach a small clearing where a huge silverback sat calmly, taking notice of our approximation. It was a small family since this guy, the biggest in Bwindi, had overtaken the troop from another male and simply killed all the offspring, thus only 3 females were left. It is a magical moment being this close to these amazing animals and we can only recommend it even being a costly experience. In the afternoon we went out with Gerald and a site guide Matthew to see Pink-footed Mountain Gorilla, Buhoma Puffback, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo and Bar-tailed Trogon near the hotel. Next day was spent all day in Buhoma and here we added Wilcock’s and Dwarf Honeyguide, Tullberg’s Woodpecker, Petit Cuckooshrike, Ansorge’s greenbul, Red- throated Alethe, Equatorial Akalat, Grey-winged and White-bellied Robin-chat, Mountain Masked Apalis, Willard’s Sooty Boubou, a nesting Little Sparrowhawk, a trio of starlings; Waller’s, Stuhlmann’s and Narrow-tailed. Scarce Swift were overhead, but we failed to see Neumann’s Warbler and Many-colored Bushshrike.

African Paradise-Flycatcher, Buhoma Later, just around the hotel, we saw Bocage’s Bushshrike, Green- throated Sunbird, White-chinned Prinia, and African Paradise Flycatcher. Next day we left for Ruhija through “The Neck” where we had some nice stops but the only new bird for the trip was a Cape Wagtail. Be aware of kids selling chameleons they have placed on sticks. You could do as we do - pretend that you are interested (and a very stupid) tourist and ask if you can see it and even hold the stick to take photos. Take it to the car and simply just drive. We handed it into a ranger station from where the animals will be released somewhere in the Black Bee-eater, The Neck forest. With the boys they will die within a week. Afterthoughts We don’t think we could have done anything much different here. Albertine endemics comes in nicely but birds like Neumann’s Warbler, being very sought-after is very difficult to get to see.

Ruhija Birding Diary

12th-13th January Ruhija is at higher altitude than Buhoma and thus attract a different pallet of birds. We had 2 nights there so one full day could be spent at Accommodation: the Mubwindi Swamp trail and the remaining afternoon/morning Bakiga Lodge outside the park. That didn’t happen as previously noted. We met our site guide Gordon to go birding on the School trail, a few kilometers Very nice lodge with a view of outside the village of Ruhija. That turned out to be very productive the Ruhija highland. Good with Rwenzori, Chestnut-throated and Mountain Masked Apalis, food. Grauer’s Warbler, Stripe-breasted Tit, Strange Weaver, Black-billed Turaco and Handsome Francolin. At night we went out to search for Rwenzori Nightjar, but only distant calls were recorded. The next day, Gordon chose to leave our appointment for a British couple, so instead we cruised outside the park in an open hilly area uphill from the park entrance. That was indeed very good, with Ruwenzori Hill- babbler, Doherty’s Bushshrike, Dusky Crimsonwing, Western Tinkerbird, Levaillant’s Cuckoo, Ruwenzori Batis, Regal Sunbird, Kandt’s Waxbill, Yellow-crowned Canary, Western Citril, and Eurasian Chubb’s Cisticola, Ruhija Hobby. Due to the rearrangement we only had ½ day in Mubwindi Swamp because we had a long drive to Kisoro after. The trail is beautiful, up and down and gave us Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Archer’s Robin-chat, White-starred Robin, Evergreen Forest Warbler, Lagden’s Bushshrike, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Mountain Sooty Boubou and Blue-headed sunbird. No Grauer’s Broadbill but we didn’t pay it too much attention as the nest was abandoned.

Uphill from the lodge where we stayed, Streaky and Thick-billed Seedeater were common. Afterthoughts

Sure, we had hoped to do Mubwindi Swamp on a full day scale, but something like that can happen when travelling independently. We didn’t even blame Gerald, but he could have stepped up and argued that our appointment was made before theirs. But again, who wants to go with a guide that unreliable.

Blue-headed Sunbird, Ruhija

Mgahinga Birding Diary National Park We had an accident the next day. A minor accident for African standards, however in Denmark it would almost have made it to the 15th January local news. One of our rear wheels fell off during our drive to Kisoro and passed us rolling while we stopped. It meant a delay and we were Accommodation: just happy that we could drive carefully to Kisoro. We didn’t look for Traveller’s Rest House any birds on the way. We settled in for the night while Gerald went to the mechanics to fix the car. Next day, we went to the Gorge trail with Nice place and good food. our site guide alone, but Laulian is a talented young guy. Upon entering we quickly picked up White-starred Robin (common at the entrance), Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Cinnamon-braken Warbler and a flying African Goshawk. A couple of Dusky Turtle-dove rapidly flushed out of a tree. We heard some Golden Monkeys but even we got some muddy shoes by leaving the trail we didn’t see any. We then began our search for the Rwenzori Turaco, but some distant calls didn’t reveal any sights. In this season they tend to go higher up in the mountains to feed. The beautiful landscape was a reward Crowned Eagle, Mgahinga walking up along the gorge. At a certain point near a small bridge we had our lunch. At this time, we heard one turaco calling again, this time closer, but its location was around another cliff. Now we were fully determined to get the bird. In fast pace we went up the narrow stairs, jumped on rocks, climbed where necessary for about 15 minutes until we got to an open area and the bird were somewhere close to us but still without showing. Suddenly it left its hide and crossed the gorge with its beautiful red wings soaring above our heads. We high fived and agreed this is one of these rewarding Olive-breasted Mountain Greenbul, moments you’ll never forget. Happily, we turned around walking the Mgahinga same way down when a Golden Monkey showed up on the opposite side of the gorge. When we got down again, just before a heavy downpour, Gerald had returned with a, as he said, 90% fit car. Just before leaving we had Mountain Thrush in the garden. Back in Kisoro, while having a “Rolex” (food) in the street, a garbage dump attracted 3 White-necked Ravens (only on trip) among the similar Pied Crows. Afterthoughts Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Mgahinga We feel that we missed the surroundings of Kisoro since it has some lakes and small attractive places, but Gerald didn’t seem to care too much about it. He says that the guides share information of small hidden gems, especially outside the parks, but we feel other bird

groups picked up more birds while driving.

Lake Bunyonyi Birding Dairy

15th-16th January This was a convenient stop since it was on the way and supposedly very beautiful. Furthermore, on the way there was a swamp where Accommodation: another birder had picked up some papyrus species. Approaching the Amasiko Homestay lake and close to the exit road to our homestay we found some papyrus and quickly we had Papyrus Yellow warbler and Papyrus Funny place and charismatic Canary. owner. Great value and a nice social dinner. On the lake itself a Red-knobbed Coot was the best together with the nice voice (and sightings) of Tropical Boubous. In a mixed papyrus/reed bed on the way to Mburo we had a very active White- winged Swamp-warbler together with African Reed Warbler and Greater Swamp-warbler.

White-winged Swamp Warbler

Birding Diary Mburo was our last location and a nice way to end our adventurous Mburo National roundtrip. The entrance road is very long and can be rewarding. We had Bare-faced Go-away-bird and Lilac-breasted Roller, both common Park here. Two days here added Gabar Goshawk, Ovambo Sparrow-hawk, Emerald Spotted Wood-dove, Common Scimitarbill, Crested Barbet, 17th-18th January Green-backed and Bearded Woodpecker, Eastern Black-headed Accommodation: Oriole, White-winged Black-tit, Long-tailed and Wing-snapping Cisticola, Orange-breasted Bushshrike and a perched Verraux Eagle- st 1 night Arcadia Lodge owl. The mandatory boat trip gave us three different African Finfoots 2nd night Eaglenest (2 females and a male) and a Giant Kingfisher, but the White-backed Night-Heron where not around their nest and therefore missed. One of the few disappointments of the trip. At the jetty we had a Thick- billed Cuckoo and just upon leaving the park we had two Red-headed Lovebirds flying fast in beside the car, just minutes after we had almost started to count them as a missed species. Unfortunately, we were not able to find Red-faced Barbet.

Species list and locations (*= heard only)

BD: Budongo Forest LB: Lake Buryoni QE: Queen Elisabeth NP BH: Buhoma LM: Lake Mburo RM: Royal Mile EL: Elgon NP MS: Mabamba Swamp RU: Ruhija EN: Entebbe Botanical Garden MF: Mabira Forest SE: Semliki NP KI: Kidepo MG: Mgahinga NP KF: Kibale Forest MU: Murchison’s Falls

Cormorants Location 1. White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus EN, QE 2. Reed (Long-tailed) Cormorant Microcarbo africanus EN, MS, EL, MU, QE Hamerkop 3. Hamerkop Scopus umbretta EN, MS, KI, MU, KF Herons 4. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea MS, SE 5. Grey Heron Ardea cinereal EN, KI, BD, QE 6. Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala Seen almost at all sites 7. Yellow-billed (intermediate) Egret Ardea intermedia MS 8. Great White Egret Ardea alba EN, EL 9. Little Egret Egretta garzetta EN, EL 10. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis EN 11. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides MS, EL, SE, QE 12. Rufous-bellied Heron Ardeola rufiventris MS, LM 13. Green-backed Heron Butorides striata EN, KI, MU, SE, LM 14. Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax MU Spoonbills and Ibises 15. African Spoonbill Platalea alba QE 16. African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus Seen almost at all sites 17. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus 1 seen along the highway from Kampala to Entebbe 18. Hadeda Ibis Bostrychia hagedash Seen almost at all sites Pelicans 19. Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus QE 20. Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens EN, QE Shoebill 21. Shoebill Balaeniceps rex 5 individuals at MS, 3 of them seen simultaneously at the same stop Storks 22. Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumenifer Common outside NPs 23. Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis MS, QE 24. African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus Few numbers throughout Uganda 25. Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus EN, MU 26. Abdim’s Stork Ciconia abdimii KI 27. White Stork Ciconia ciconia KI 28. Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis EL, QE Ducks and Geese 29. White-faced Duck Dendrocygna viduata KI 30. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca EN, EL, MU 31. Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis MS 32. Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos KI, MU

33. Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata EN, MS, LM Hawks, Eagles and relatives 34. Osprey Pandion haliaetus MU 35. Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus MF, KI, SE, QE 36. Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius Common throughout 37. African Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer EN, MU, QE, LM 38. Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis EN, MS, SE 39. Hooded Vulture Necrophron monachus EN, KI 40. Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotos KI 41. White-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis MF, KI 42. White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus KI, QE, LB 43. Rüppell’s Vulture Gyps rueppellii KI 44. Black-chested Snake-Eagle Circaetus pectoralis MS, KI, SE 45. Brown Snake-Eagle Circaetus cinereus KI, QE, LM 46. Western Banded Snake-Eagle Circaetus cinerascens MU, QEM 47. Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus KI, LM 48. Western Marsh-Harrier Circus aeruginosus MS, LB 49. African Marsh-Harrier Circus ranivorus MS 50. Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus KI 51. Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus KI 52. African Harrier Hawk Polyboroides typus EN, MS, BD, SE, RU 53. Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus Small numbers throughout 54. Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar LM 55. Dark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates KI 56. Black Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus MF, EL 57. African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro MG 58. Ovambo Sparrowhawk Accipiter ovampensis LM 59. Shikra Accipiter badius KI 60. Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus QE, BH 61. Common Buzzard Buteo Buteo EN, EL, KI 62. Mountain Buzzard Buteo oreophilus EL 63. Augur Buzzard Buteo augur KI, RU, LB 64. Grasshopper Buzzard Butastur rufipennis MU 65. Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis MU 66. Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax KI 67. Wahlberg’s Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi MF, QE 68. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus KI 69. African Hawk-Eagle Aquila spilogaster EL 70. Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle Hieraaetus ayresii SE 71. Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle Aquila Africana KF, BH 72. Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis KI, SE, QE 73. African Crowned Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus EL, RU Falcons 74. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus MS, SE, QE 75. Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera KI 76. Grey Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus EN, MS, KI, MU, QE, LM 77. Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo RU 78. African Hobby Falco cuvierii EN, MS

79. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus KI, RU Guineafowls 80. Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris KI, MU, QE, LM 81. Crested Guineafowl Guttera pucherani MF, BD, SE Spurfowls and Francolins 82. Crested Francolin Dendroperdix sephaena KI, QE, LM 83. Nahan’s Francolin Ptilopachus nahani MF 84. Heuglin’s Francolin Pternistis icterorhynchus MU 85. Clapperton’s Francolin Pternistis clappertoni KI 86. Yellow-necked Francolin Pternistis leucoscaepus KI 87. Red-necked Francolin Pternistis afer QE, LM 88. Handsome Francolin Pternistis nobilis RU Flufftails 89. White-spotted Flufftail Sarothrura pulchra MF*, KF Finfoots 90. African Finfoot Podica senegalensis LM Rails, Crakes and Coots 91. Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra EN, MS, MU, QE, LM 92. African Purple Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis MS 93. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus MS 94. Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata LB Cranes 95. Grey-crowned Crane Balearica regulorum EL, MU, QE, LB, LM Bustards 96. Black-bellied Bustard Lissotis melanogaster KI 97. White-bellied Bustard Eupodotis senegalensis KI Jacanas 98. African Jacana Actophilornis africanus MS 99. Lesser Jacana Microparra capensis MS Thick-Knees 100. Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus MU, QE, LM Pratincoles and Courser 101. Rock Pratincole Glareola nuchalis MU 102. Temmick’s Courser Cursorius temminckii QE Plovers, Lapwings and Snipes 103. Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus KI, QE 104. Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius QE 105. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula QE 106. Long-toed Lapwing Vanellus crassirostris MS 107. Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus EN, MU 108. African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus KI, LM 109. Senegal Lapwing Vanellus lugubris QE 110. Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus QE, LM 111. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago MU, KF 112. African Snipe Gallinago nigripennis KI Sandpipers and allies 113. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus EN, KI 114. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis QE

115. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia QE 116. Ruff Philomachus pugnax KI 117. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus KI, LM 118. Wood Sandpiper Tringa Glareola MS 119. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos EN, KF, SE, LM 120. Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii QE Gulls, Terns and Skimmers 121. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus QE 122. Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus QE 123. African Skimmer Rynchops flavirostris QE 124. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica QE 125. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida MU 126. White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus EN, EL Pigeons and Doves 127. Rock Pigeon Columbia livia EN 128. Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea KI 129. Afep Pigeon Columba unicincta KF 130. Rameron Pigeon Columba arquatrix SE, BH, RU 131. Western Bronze-naped Pigeon Columba iriditorques SE 132. Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata MS 133. African Mourning Dove Streptopelia decipiens EL, LM 134. Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola Common throughout 135. Vinaceous Dove Streptopelia vinacea MU 136. Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis KI, MU 137. Dusky Turtle-Dove Dusky Turtle-Dove MG 138. African Green-Pigeon Treron calvus MS, MU 139. Bruce’s Green-Pigeon Treron waalia KI, MU 140. Black-billed Wood-Dove Turtur abyssinicus KI, MU 141. Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove Turtur chalcospilos LM 142. Blue-spotted Wood-Dove Turtur afer BD 143. Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria MF, EL, BH Parrots and Lovebirds 144. Grey Parrot Psittacus erithacus EN, MF, MG 145. Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri KI 146. Meyer’s Parrot Poicephalus meyeri EN, KI, LM 147. Red-headed Lovebird Agapornis pullarius LM Turacos 148. Great Blue Turaco Corythaeola cristata EN, MS, MF, RU 149. Rwenzori Turaco Ruwenzorornis johnstoni MG 150. Ross’s Turaco Musophaga rossae EN, EL, BD, RU 151. Hartlaub’s Turaco Tauraco hartlaubi EL 152. White-crested Turaco Tauraco leucolophus 1 between MU and BD 153. Black-billed Turaco Tauraco schuettii KF, BH, RU 154. Bare-faced Go-away-bird Corythaixoides personatus LM 155. White-bellied Go-away-bird Corythaixoides leucogaster KI 156. Eastern Plantain-eater Crinifer zonurus EN, MS Cuckoos and Coucals 157. Dideric Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius SE

158. Klaas’s Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas EL 159. African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus SE 160. Yellow-throated Cuckoo Chrysococcyx flavigularis SE 161. Levaillant’s Cuckoo Clamator levallantii RU 162. Thick-billed Cuckoo Pachycoccyx audeberti LM 163. Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo Cercococcyx montanus RU 164. Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo Cercococcyx olivinus BH 165. Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo Cercococcyx mechowi RM, BH 166. Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius MF, RM, RU 167. Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus MF* 168. African Cuckoo Cuculus gularis EL, LM 169. Blue Malkoha Ceuthmochares aereus SE, BH (the Neck) 170. Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis KI 171. White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus KI, MU, BD, QE, LM 172. Blue-headed Coucal Centropus monachus MS, BD, LB Owls 173. African Wood-Owl Strix woodfordii EN, MF 174. Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl Bubo lacteus SE, LM 175. Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum KI 176. Red-chested Owlet Glaucidium tephronotum KF Nightjars 177. Black-shouldered Nightjar Caprimulgus nigroscapularis KF 178. Rwenzori Nightjar Caprimulgus ruwenzorii RU* 179. Bates’s Nightjar Caprimulgus batesi SE* 180. Standard-winged Nightjar Macrodipteryx longipennis KI Swifts 181. Scarce Swift Schoutedenapus myoptilus BH 182. African Palm-Swift Cypsiurus parvus EN, MS 183. Little Swift Apus affinis QE 184. Sabine’s Spinetail Rhaphidura sabini RM 185. Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba En route to SE 186. Mottled Swift Tachymarptis aequatorialis KI 187. Common Swift Apus apus EL Mousebirds 188. Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus EN, MS, EL, QE, LM 189. Blue-naped Mousebird Urocolius macrourus KI, QE Trogons 190. Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina MF 191. Bar-tailed Trogon Apaloderma vittatum BH Hoopoes and Wood-hoopoes 192. Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops KI 193. Green Wood-Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus MU 194. Forest Wood-Hoopoe Phoeniculus castaneiceps MF, EL 195. White-headed Wood-Hoopoe Phoeniculus bollei EL, BH, RU 196. Abyssinian Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus minor KI 197. Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas LM Kingfishers 198. Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima LM

199. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Common throughout 200. Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata EN, MS, LM 201. White-bellied Kingfisher Alcedo leucogaster SE 202. African Pygmy-Kingfisher Ispidina picta EN, MF, BD, QE 203. African Dwarf-Kingfisher Ispidina lecontei RM 204. Shining-blue Kingfisher Alcedo quadribrachys KF 205. Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala MU, QE 206. Blue-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon malimbica MF 207. Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis EN, MS, KF, LM 208. Chocolate-backed Kingfisher Halcyon badia RM 209. Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti KI, QE, LM Rollers 210. Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus EN, MS, BD, QE, LM 211. Blue-throated Roller Eurystomus gularis SE 212. Purple (Rufous-crowned) Roller Coracias naevius KI 213. European Roller Coracias garrulus KI 214. Abyssinian Roller Coracias abyssinicus EL, KI 215. Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus LM Bee-eaters 216. Black Bee-eater Merops gularis KF, BH 217. Northern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicus MU 218. Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus KI, MU 219. Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus KI, LM 220. Blue-breasted Bee-eater Merops variegatus MS 221. Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater Merops oreobates EL, KF, RU, MG 222. Red-throated Bee-eater Merops bulocki MU, QE 223. White-throated Bee-eater Merops albicollis EN, MS, MF 224. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus EN, EL, LM 225. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster EN Ostrich 226. Common Ostrich Struthio camelus KI Secretarybird 227. Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius KI Ground-Hornbills and Hornbills 228. Northern (Abyssinian) Ground-Hornbill Bucorvus abyssinicus KI 229. Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill Tockus camurus SE 230. White-crested Hornbill Tropicranus albocristatus SE 231. Northern Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus KI 232. Jackson’s Hornbill Tockus jacksoni KI 233. Crowned Hornbill Tockus alboterminatus EN, MS, RU, LM 234. Hemprich’s Hornbill Tockus hemprichii KI 235. African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus KI, QE, LM 236. African Pied Hornbill Tockus fasciatus MF, EL 237. Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill Ceratogymna atrata SE 238. Piping (White-tailed) Hornbill Bycanistes fistulator SE 239. Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill Bycanistes subcylindricus Common throughout 240. White-thighed Hornbill Bycanistes albotibialis RM Barbets

241. Grey-throated Barbet Gymnobucco bonaparti MF, EL, BH, RU 242. Speckled Tinkerbird Pogoniulus scolopaceus MF, SE, BH, RU 243. Western Tinkerbird Pogoniulus coryphaeus RU, MG 244. Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus QE 245. Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus MF, EL, BD, KF, BH 246. Yellow-throated Tinkerbird Pogoniulus subsulphureus MF, BD 247. Red-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus atroflavus SE 248. White-headed Barbet Lybius leucocephalus KI 249. Red-fronted Barbet Tricholaema diademata KI 250. Streaky-throated Barbet Tricholaema flavipunctata MF, KF, 251. Yellow-spotted Barbet Buccanodon duchaillui MF, BH 252. Spot-flanked Barbet Tricholaema lacrymosa KI, MU, LM 253. Black-billed Barbet Lybius guifsobalito MU 254. Black-breasted Barbet Lybius rolleti KI 255. Double-toothed Barbet Lybius bidenatus EN, LM 256. Eastern Yellow-billed Barbet Trachyphonus purpuratus EL, RU 257. Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii LM 258. D’Arnaud’s Barbet Trachyphonus darnaudii KI 259. Red-and-yellow Barbet Trachyphonus erythrocephalus KI Honeyguides 260. Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator KI 261. Zenker’s Honeyguide Melignomon zenkeri SE 262. Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor KF 263. Least Honeyguide Indicator exilis MF 264. Willcocks’s Honeyguide Indicator willcocksi BH 265. Dwarf Honeyguide Indicator pumilio BH and the Neck 266. Cassin’s Honeybird Prodotiscus insignis BH, RU Woodpeckers 267. African Grey Woodpecker Dendropicos goertae EN, KI 268. Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus RU, MG 269. Nubian Woodpecker Campethera nubica KI 270. Green-backed Woodpecker Campethera cailliautii LM 271. Buff-spotted Woodpecker Campethera nivosa MF, RU 272. Brown-eared Woodpecker Campethera caroli MF 273. Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens EL, KI, QE, BH, RU 274. Speckle-breasted Woodpecker Dendropicos poecilolaemus EL, RU 275. Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namquus LM 276. Yellow-crested Woodpecker Dendropicos xantholophus MF, KF 277. Tullberg’s Woodpecker Campethera tullbergi BH, RU Larks 278. Red-winged Lark Mirafra hypermetra KI 279. Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra Africana QE 280. Flappet Lark Mirafra rufocinnamomea KI 281. Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinereal QE Swallows 282. Bank Swallow Riparia riparia EN, MS 283. Common House Martin Delichon urbicum Location not noted 284. Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula EL

285. White-headed Saw-wing Psalidoprocne albiceps MS, EL, LB 286. Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne pristoptera SE, BH, RU, MG, LB 287. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica EN, MS 288. Angola Swallow Hirundo angolensis MS 289. Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii MU 290. Lesser Striped Swallow Cercropis abyssinica MS, MF, RU, LM 291. Red-rumped Swallow Cercropis daurica RU 292. Mosque Swallow Cercropis senegalensis MS, KI Wagtails, Longclaws and Pipits 293. African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp EN, MS, EL, KF, LM 294. White Wagtail Motacilla alba MF, MU 295. Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis The Neck 296. Mountain Wagtail Motacilla clara KF, BH 297. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinereal MF, EL 298. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava EN 299. Yellow-throated Longclaw Macronyx croceus QE 300. African (Grassveld) Pipit Anthus cinnamoneus MS, QE 301. Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys KI, MU, QE, LM 302. Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus KI Cuckooshrikes 303. Black Cuckooshrike Campephaga flava EL 304. Petit’s Cuckooshrike Campephaga petiti BH 305. Grey Cuckooshrike Coracina caesia EL, RU Drongos 306. Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis KI, MU, LM 307. Velvet-mantled Drongo Dicrurus modestus MF Orioles 308. (Eastern) Black-headed Oriole Oriolos lavatus LM 309. Western (Black-headed) Oriole Oriolus brachyrynchus MF, BD, SE 310. Mountain Oriole Oriolus percivali EL, BH, RU Crows 311. Piapiac Ptilostomus afer EN, KI, more 312. Pied Crow Corvus albus Common throughout 313. White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis Kisoro 314. Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus KI Penduline-Tits and Tits 315. Grey (African) Penduline-Tit Anthoscopus caroli EN 316. Stripe-breasted Tit Melaniparus fasciiventer RU 317. Dusky Tit Melaniparus funereus BD, KF 318. White-shouldered Black Tit Melaniparus guineensis KI 319. White-winged Black Tit Melaniparus leucomelas LM Babblers and Iladopsises 320. Black-lored Babbler Turdoides sharpei QE 321. Brown Babbler Turdoides plebejus KI, MU 322. Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii QE, LM 323. Rufous Chatterer Argya rubiginosa KI 324. Brown Illadopsis Illadopsis fulvescens MF, KF 325. Scaly-breasted Illadopsis Illadopsis albipectus RM

326. Mountain Illadopsis Illadopsis pyrrhoptera EL 327. Puvel’s Illadopsis Illadopsis puveli MU* 328. African Hill Babbler Pseudoalcippe abyssinica EL 329. Rwenzori Hill Babbler Pseudoalcippe atriceps RU Bulbuls 330. Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus Common throughout 331. Yellow-Steaked Greenbul Phyllastrephus flavostriatus RU 332. White-throated Greenbul Phyllastrephus albigularis MF 333. Icterine Greenbul Phyllastrephus icterinus SE 334. Xavier’s Greenbul Phyllastrephus xavieri SE 335. Cabanis’s Greenbul Phyllastrephus cabanisi BH 336. Placid Greenbul Phyllastrephus placidus EL 337. Red-tailed Leaf-love Phyllastrephus scandens EN 338. Toro Olive Greenbul Phyllastrephus hypochloris MF 339. Yellow-whiskered Greenbul Eurillas latirostris EL 340. Little Greenbul Eurillas virens EN, MF, KF, BH 341. Plain (Cameroon Sombre) Greenbul Eurillas curvirostris KF 342. Little Grey Greenbul Eurillas gracilis MF, BD 343. Ansorge’s Greenbul Eurillas ansorgei BH 344. Slender-billed Greenbul Stelgidillas gracilirostris MF 345. Kakamega Greenbul Arizelocichla kakamegae EL 346. Olive-breasted Mountain Greenbul Arizelocichla kikuyuensis BH, RU, MG 347. Simple Greenbul Chlorocichla simplex SE 348. Red-tailed Greenbul Criniger calurus MF, BD, BH 349. Red-tailed Bristle-bill Bleda syndactylus MF 350. Honeyguide Greenbul Baeopogon indicator MU, KF 351. Swamp Palm Bulbul Thescelocichla leucopleura SE 352. Spotted Greenbul Ixonotus guttatus MU Nicators 353. Yellow-throated Nicator Nicator vireo SE 354. Western Nicator Nicator chloris KF Thrushes 355. Red-tailed Rufous Thrush Neocossyphus rufus KF, BH, RU 356. White-tailed Rufous Thrush Neocossyphus poensis KF 357. Fraser’s Rufous Thrush Stizorhina fraseri MF, BD 358. African Thrush Turdus pelios EN, EL, BH 359. Mountain Thrush Turdus abyssinicus MG Alethes, Robin-chats, Scrub-robins, Chats and allies 360. Fire-crested Alethe Alethe castanea SE 361. Red-throated Alethe Chamaetylas poliophrys BH 362. Brown-chested Alethe Chamaetylas poliocephala KF 363. Equatorial Akalat Sheppardia aequatorialis BH 364. Grey-winged Robin-Chat Cossypha polioptera BH 365. Eastern Forest Robin Stiphrornis erythrothorax xanthogaster MF, SE 366. Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat Cossypha niveicapilla KF, LM 367. Red-capped Robin-Chat Cossypha natalensis MF 368. White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini EN, KI, LM 369. Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat Cossypha cyanocampter EL, BH

370. Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra MG 371. White-bellied Robin-Chat Cossyphicula roberti BH 372. Archers Robin-Chat Cossypha archeri RU 373. White-starred Robin Pogonocichla stellata RU, MG 374. Spotted Palm-Thrush Cichladusa guttata MU 375. Brown-backed Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas hartlaubi RM 376. White-browed Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys KI 377. Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus KI 378. Whinchat Saxicola rubetra KI 379. African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus LB 380. Sooty Chat Myrmecocichla nigra MS 381. Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe KI 382. Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina KI 383. Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka KI 384. Heuglin’s Wheatear Oenanthe heuglini KI Warblers 385. Moustached Grass Warbler Melocichla mentalis KI 386. Evergreen Forest Warbler Bradypterus lopez RU 387. Cinnamon Bracken Warbler Bradypterus cinnamomeus MG 388. White-winged Swamp Warbler Bradypterus carpalis En route between LB and LM 389. Grauer’s Swamp Warbler Bradypterus graueri RU 390. African Reed Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus LB 391. Lesser Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris MS 392. Greater Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus rufescens LB 393. Papyrus Yellow Warbler Calamonastides gracilirostris LB 394. Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Iduna pallida KI 395. Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina MU 396. Mountain Yellow Warbler Iduna similis EL 397. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus EN, MF, BD, KF 398. Red-faced Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus laetus BH, RU 399. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla EL 400. Garden Warbler Sylvia borin SE 401. Grauer’s Warbler Graueria vittata RU 402. Black-faced Rufous Warbler Bathmocercus rufus EL, BH 403. Grey Longbill Macrosphenus concolor RM Cisticolas 404. Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops MU 405. Trilling Cisticola Cisticola woosnami QE 406. Chubb’s Cisticola Cisticola chubbi BH, RU, MG 407. Hunter’s Cisticola Cisticola hunteri EL 408. Long-tailed Cisticola Cisticola angusticauda LM 409. Foxy Cisticola Cisticola troglodytes KI 410. Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana KI, MU 411. Boran Cisticola Cisticola bodessa KI 412. Red-pate Cisticola Cisticola ruficeps KI 413. Carruthers’s Cisticola Cisticola carruthersi MU, BD 414. Winding Cisticola Cisticola marginatus EN, MS 415. Croaking Cisticola Cisticola natalensis KI

416. Stout Cisticola Cisticola robustus QE 417. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis KI but seen throughout 418. Wing-snapping Cisticola Cisticola ayresii LM Apalises, Prinias and allies 419. Rwenzori Apalis Oreolais ruwenzorii RU 420. Black-collared Apalis Oreolais pulcher EL 421. Black-throated Apalis Apalis jacksoni EL, BH 422. Mountain Masked Apalis Apalis personata BH, RU 423. Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida LM 424. Buff-throated Apalis Apalis rufogularis MF, BD, KF, BH 425. Chestnut-throated Apalis Apalis porphyrolaema RU 426. Grey Apalis Apalis cinerea EL, BH 427. Karamoja Apalis Apalis karamojae KI 428. Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava MS, KF 429. Banded Prinia Prinia bairdii SE, RU 430. White-chinned Prinia Schistolais leucopogon EL, BH 431. Buff-bellied Warbler Phyllolais pulchella MU 432. Grey-capped Warbler Eminia lepida EL, MU Eremomolas, Crombecs, Camaropteras and allies 433. Rufous-crowned Eremomela Eremomela badiceps RM 434. Yellow-vented Eremomela Eremomela flavicrissalis KI 435. Northern Crombec Sylvietta brachyura KI 436. Lemon-bellied Crombec Sylvietta denti RM 437. Green Crombec Sylvietta virens MF, KF 438. White-browed Crombec Sylvietta leucophrys EL, RU 439. Green Hylia Hylia prasina KF, BH 440. Green-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura EN plus a few other locations 441. Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata KI 442. Olive-Green Camaroptera Camaroptera chloronota SE 443. Yellow-browed Camaroptera Camaroptera superciliaris SE Other Flycatchers 444. Pale Flycatcher Melaenornis pallidus KI 445. African Grey Flycatcher Melaenornis microrhynchus KI 446. White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher Melaenornis fischeri EL, BH, RU 447. Northern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis edolioides EN, MS, BH 448. Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher Melaenornis ardesiacus BH 449. Silverbird Empidornis semipartitu KI 450. Fraser’s Flycatcher Fraseria ocreata RM 451. African Shrike-Flycatcher Megabyas flammulatus BD, KF, BH 452. Black-and-white Flycatcher Bias musicus MF 453. Dusky-blue Flycatcher Muscicapa comitata BH, RU 454. Cassin’s Flycatcher Muscicapa cassini KF 455. Ashy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens MF 456. Swamp Flycatcher Muscicapa aquatic EN, MS, LB 457. Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata SE 458. African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta EL, BH 459. Sooty Flycatcher Muscicapa infuscata RM 460. Grey Tit-Flycatcher Myioparus plumbeus EL

461. Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher Myioparus griseigularis BD, KF, BH 462. African Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis EL, BH, RU 463. Red-bellied Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone rufivente EN, BH, RU 464. Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus nitens SE 465. Dusky Elminia (Crested Flycatcher) Elminia nigromitrata EL 466. White-tailed Elminia (Crested Flycatcher) Elminia albonotata EL 467. African Blue Flycatcher Elminia longicauda EL, KF 468. White-tailed Blue Flycatcher Elminia albicauda BH, RU, MG 469. Chestnut-capped Flycatcher Erythrocercus mccallii RM Batises and Wattle-eyes 470. Ituri Batis Batis ituriensis RM* 471. Rwenzori Batis Batis diops RU, MG 472. Chinspot Batis Batis molito EL, SE, QE 473. Western Black-headed Batis Batis erlangeri KI 474. Brown-throated Wattle-eye Platysteira cyanea EL, KF, BH, LM 475. Black-throated Wattle-eye Platysteira peltata EN, EL 476. Chestnut Wattle-eye Platysteira castanea MF, RM 477. Jameson’s Wattle-eye Platysteira jamesoni SE Shrikes and Bush-Shrikes 478. Red-tailed (Isabelline) Shrike Lanius isabellinus MU 479. Grey-backed Fiscal Lanius excubitoroides Seen throughout 480. Mackinnon’s Fiscal Lanius mackinnoni EL, RU, MG 481. Common (Northern) Fiscal Lanius humeralis EL, KF 482. Yellow-billed Shrike Corvinella corvina KI 483. Northern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus ruppelli KI 484. Northern Puffback Dryoscopus gambensis EL, RU 485. Pink-footed Puffback Dryoscopus angolensis BH 486. Brubru Nilaus afer KI 487. Lühders Bush-Shrike Laniarius luehderi EL, BH 488. Tropical Boubou Laniarius major LB, LM 489. Slate-coloured Boubou Laniarius funebris KI 490. Mountain Sooty Boubou Laniarius poensis RU 491. Lowland Sooty Boubou Laniarius leucorhynchus SE 492. Willard’s Sooty Boubou Laniarius holomelas BH 493. Black-headed Gonolek Laniarius erythrogaster KI, MU, QE, LM 494. Papyrus Gonolek Laniarius mufumbiri MS 495. Orange-breasted Bush-Shrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus LM 496. Doherty’s Bush-Shrike Telophorus doherty RU 497. Bocage’s Bush-Shrike Chlorophoneus bocage BH 498. Lagden’s Bush-Shrike Malaconotus lagdeni RU 499. Marsh Tchagra Bocagia minuta MU, RM 500. Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis KI 501. Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus KI, QE Helmet Shrikes 502. White-crested Helmet Shrike Prionops plumatus MU Starlings 503. Purple-headed Starling Hylopsar purpureiceps MS 504. Splendid Glossy Starling Lamprotornis splendidus MS

505. Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus KI 506. Lesser Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chloropterus KI 507. Rüppell’s Starling Lamprotornis purpuroptera Throughout Uganda 508. Superb Starling Lamprotornis superbus KI 509. Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster MU 510. Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio EL 511. Chestnut-winged Starling Onychognathus fulgidus MF 512. Slender-billed Starling Onychognathus tenuirostris EL 513. Waller’s Starling Onychognathus walleri BH 514. Narrow-tailed Starling Poeoptera lugubris BH 515. Stuhlmann’s Starling Poeoptera stuhlmanni BH Oxpeckers 516. Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus KI 517. Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus KI, MU, LM Sunbirds 518. Golden-winged Sunbird Drepanorhynchus reichenow EL 519. Bronzy Sunbird Nectarinia kilimensis EL, BH, RU, LM 520. Tacazze Sunbird Nectarinia tacazze EL 521. Copper Sunbird Cinnyris cupreus MS, BD, KF 522. Green-throated Sunbird Chalcomitra rubescens BH 523. Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis EN, KI, RU 524. Green-headed Sunbird Cyanomitra verticalis EL 525. Blue-headed Sunbird Cyanomitra alinae RU 526. Blue-throated Brown Sunbird Cyanomitra cyanolaema MU, BD 527. Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea EN, MS, MF 528. Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird Anthreptes orientalis KI 529. Little Green Sunbird Anthreptes seimundi MF, BD 530. Grey-headed Sunbird Deleornis axillaris MF, SE, BH 531. Grey-chinned (Green) Sunbird Anthreptes rectirostris BD, BH 532. Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris MF, KF 533. Pygmy Sunbird Hedydipna platura KI 534. Variable Sunbird Cinnyris venustus EL, BD, RU 535. Beautiful Sunbird Cinnyris pulchella MU 536. Red-chested Sunbird Cinnyris erythrocercus EN, KF 537. Marico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis BD, LM 538. Purple-banded Sunbird Cinnyris bifasciatus RM 539. Superb Sunbird Cinnyris superbus EN, MU, BD, KF 540. Regal Sunbird Cinnyris regius RU, MG 541. Olive-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris chloropygius MS, EL, KF 542. Northern Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris reichenowi EL, RU 543. Rwenzori Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris stuhlmanni MG White-eyes 544. African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis Seen throughout Uganda Sparrows and Petronias 545. House Sparrow Passer domesticus EL, KF 546. Northern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus Seen throughout Uganda 547. Chestnut Sparrow Passer eminibey MU 548. Yellow-spotted Petronia Gymnoris pyrgita KI

Weavers and allies 549. White-billed Buffalo-Weaver Bubalornis albirostris KI 550. White-headed Buffalo-Weaver Dinemellia dinemelli KI 551. Speckle-fronted Weaver Sporopipes frontalis KI 552. White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali KI 553. Chestnut-Crowned Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser superciliosus MU 554. African Golden Weaver Ploceus xanthops EN 555. Orange Weaver Ploceus aurantius EN 556. Northern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus castanops MS, LB 557. Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis EL 558. Village (Black-headed) Weaver Ploceus cucullatus MS, MF 559. Vitteline Masked Weaver Ploceus vitellinus MU 560. Lesser Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedius EN, MS 561. Little Weaver Ploceus luteolus MU 562. Slender-billed Weaver Ploceus pelzelni KF 563. Baglafecht Weaver Ploceus baglafecht EN, BD, KF, BH, RU 564. Strange Weaver Ploceus alienus RU 565. Brown-capped Weaver Ploceus insignis KF, BH 566. Black-necked Weaver Ploceus nigricollis MF 567. Black-billed Weaver Ploceus melanogaster EL, BH 568. Thick-billed (Grosbeak) Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons KF 569. Golden-backed Weaver Ploceus jacksoni EN 570. Black-headed (Yellow-backed) Weaver Ploceus melanocephalus MS 571. Yellow-mantled Weaver Ploceus tricolor MF 572. Vieillot’s Black Weaver Ploceus nigerrimus EN 573. Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes rubriceps EL, LM 574. Red-headed Malimbe Malimbus rubricollis KF, The Neck 575. Blue-billed Malimbe Malimbus nitens SE 576. Crested Malimbe Malimbus malimbicus SE 577. Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea MU, BD, QE 578. Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix QE 579. Black Bishop Euplectes gierowi MU 580. Yellow-mantled Widowbird Euplectes macroura BD, QE, LB 581. Fan-tailed Widowbird Euplectes axillaris MS, QE Waxbills and allies 582. Cut-throat Finch Amadina fasciata KI 583. White-breasted Nigrita Nigrita fusconotu MF and The Neck 584. Chestnut-breasted Nigrita Nigrita bicolor SE 585. Grey-headed Nigrita Nigrita canicapillus MS, MF, BH, The Neck 586. Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba KI, LM 587. Brown Twinspot Clytospiza monteiri RM 588. Dusky Crimsonwing Cryptospiza jacksoni RU 589. Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala EN, BD 590. African (Blue-billed) Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata BD, LM 591. Black-bellied Firefinch Lagonosticta rara SE 592. Black-bellied Seedcracker Pyrenestes ostrinus SE 593. Red-headed Bluebill Spermophaga ruficapilla BD, BH 594. Black-chinned Quailfinch Ortygospiza gabonensis QE

595. Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata MS, EL 596. Black-and-White Mannikin Lonchura bicolor SE 597. Magpie Mannikin Lonchura fringilloides RM 598. Red-cheeked Cordonbleu Uraeginthus bengalus KI, LM 599. Orange-breasted (Zebra) Waxbill Amandava subflava RM 600. Yellow-bellied Waxbill Coccopygia quartinia EL, RU 601. Fawn-breasted Waxbill Coccopygia quartinia MU 602. Orange-cheeked Waxbill Estrilda melpoda SE 603. Black-crowned Waxbill Estrilda nonnula MF 604. Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild MF, EL 605. Kandt’s Waxbill Estrilda kandti RU, MG Indigobirds, Whydahs 606. Village Indigobird Vidua chalybeata BH (in the village) 607. Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macrour KI, BD, QE Canaries, Seed-eaters and allies 608. Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica MS, EL, BD, QE 609. Brimstone Canary Crithagra sulphuratus KF 610. Reichenow’s Seed-eater Crithagra reichenowi KI 611. Yellow-crowned Canary Serinus flavivertex RU 612. African Citril Crithagra citrinelloides EL 613. Western Citril Crithagra frontalis RU 614. Papyrus Canary Crithagra koliensis LB 615. Streaky Seed-eater Crithagra striolatus RU, MG 616. Thick-billed Seed-eater Crithagra burton RU 617. Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi KI 618. Cabanis’s Bunting Emberiza cabanisi RM 619. Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris RU, LB, LM 620. Oriole Finch Linurgus olivaceus EL