Rwanda is the ultimate birding destination for any bird lover and nature enthusiast. The land of a thousand hills, Rwanda, is usually known as a popular gorilla destination. However, the country’s adventures are not limited to gorilla trekking. Rwanda has different birding destinations and sights where birders can visit to take part in this activity.
Rwanda’s birding capacity has risen as it hosts over 750 bird species, with over 29 Albertine Rift endemics. The country’s hill terrain, with its mixed vegetation, makes it the ultimate birding destination. The scattered ecosystems of Rwanda harbor a variety of bird species that can be spotted year-round. The major types of bird species in the country are migratory and endemic bird species.
Migratory bird species are types of birds that usually fly into the country in specific seasons. The migratory birds are sometimes known as seasonal, as they cannot be spotted the entire year, but rather in a specific season. These bird species usually come into the country during the wet seasons. This is because the wet season, in particular, is the breeding season for most of the bird species. The wet season is also associated with plenty of food in almost all the different birding destinations across the country.
The endemic bird species, also referred to as resident bird species, are those that can be spotted all year-round. This means they are permanent resident of the different birding destinations in the country. The endemic bird species are ever-present and can be spotted in any particular season. These bird species are very common as they have been accustomed to their resident territories. It gives the birders an excellent chance to locate and spot them. Their movements are limited to their territories and only migrate to a different destination if there is a scarcity of food.
Where to do birding in Rwanda?
The country’s birding potential is showcased in the different birding sites and destinations scattered across the country. Some of these birding destinations where birding is carried out include the following.
Kigali city
Birdwatching in Rwanda can commence right from the time visitors and birders enter the country through its major gateway. Kigali city is not just the cleanest city in Africa, but it is also one of the greenest and most eco-friendly cities. Such characteristics set the perfect score for birding in this city. The scattered trees across the city harbor various bird species. Just on an evening walk, visitors can spot various birds.
Areas around Lake Nyarutarama near the golf course are the perfect spot for birders due to the many birds it harbors around its shores. Wetlands like the popular Nyabarongo are also a good birding site. Black-headed heron, little egrets, spur-winged geese, grey-capped warbler, yellow-billed stork, white-faced whistling duck, red-chested cuckoo, squacoo turaco, and southern black flycatcher, among others, are some of the birds to spot in Kigali city.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is, without a doubt, among the best birding destinations in the country. This park is very popular for harboring almost a quarter of the world’s mountain gorilla population. However, adding to its popularity is birdwatching, an activity that is commonly done here. Around 200 bird species nest across this ultimate birding paradise, with over 17 Albertine endemic bird species that are only present in this park and not anywhere else in the country.
Some of the bird species to look out for in Volcanoes National Park include dusky turtle dove, red-faced woodland warbler, African long-eared owl, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, strange weaver, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori turaco, dusky crimson-wing, Lagden’s bush-shrike, and Rwenzori apalis, among others.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
The southern region of Rwanda is vested with a montane vegetation type in the Nyungwe Forest National Park. Such vegetation is marked with a vast cover of large, tall trees and a thick undergrowth. These conditions favor the existence of a variety of bird species in this area, making it a prime birding destination in the country.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to over 300 bird species, including blue-headed sunbird, Shelley’s crimsonwing, handsome francolins, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Rwenzori nightjar, Rwenzori turaco, and Kivu ground thrush, among others.
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is the country’s biggest protected area and the only savannah national park. Such a size comes with a vast territory and plenty of food, which translates to less competition and thriving of the birdlife. This park hosts the largest recorded population of bird species in the country. Approximately 500 bird species are known to nest in this park for a period of time. This large population of birds encompasses all the types. from the water-loving birds to the savannah birds of prey.
Some of these bird species include be not limited to, black-headed gonolek, bare-faced go-away bird, sooty chat, African fish eagle, white-winged swamp warbler, Caruther’s cisticola, fork-tailed drongo, Shelley’s francolin, verreaux eagle owl, and papyrus gonolek.
In conclusion, birding in Rwanda is a must-do activity for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, given the country’s capacity of being a dominant birding destination. The different birding sites in the country have various birding trails that ease the birding experience. Birding is a complex activity that requires constant study, and our experienced birding guides have a vast knowledge of almost all the birds in the country. Book with us now for an ultimate birding expedition in Rwanda as you have never seen before.