Uganda Rwanda Birding Excursion – Trip Report

A report on birds observed on a trip to Uganda/Rwanda
23 July – 21 August 2016

Henk Hendriks

INTRODUCTION

In 1995 I made a 5-week birding trip with my wife to Uganda but when my brother Frans told me that he would love to bird Uganda in august 2016 to observe one of his most wanted birds, the Shoebill, I decided to join him. The fact that I missed a number of good species during my 95 trip made it also a lot easier to go along with this trip.

Wiel Poelmans and Jos Aarts completed our 4-men team and now we had to decide how we would organise our trip.

I contacted Alfred who I met in 95 in Bwindi N.P. and who is one of the leading birding guides in Uganda. But to make our trip affordable with him we had to get a team together of at least 6 birders, which we did not have.

Frans found on the internet the name of Paul Tamwenya. After some negotiating through many e-mails we agreed on a 24-day extensive itinerary. We had no idea about Paul’s birding skills but it turned out that he was an excellent guide, sharp eyes, good knowledge of calls/songs and up to date info about birding sites.

We recorded 582 species and some very good species indeed.

This was a rather complete, extensive trip to Uganda but if you would plan the ultimate birding trip to Uganda, you should extend it with a visit to Kidepo N.P. in the north and the area around Lake Bisini.

Wiel Poelmans and I extended our trip with a 5-day visit to Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda to try for some Albertine Rift specialties like Kungwe Apalis, Willard’s Sooty Boubou and Red-collared Mountain-Babbler.

 

VISA

You do need a visa for Uganda. A visa is easily obtained when arriving at Entebbe airport and cost 50 US$. Wiel and I obtained an East African Visa on arrival as we would travel to Rwanda after our Uganda trip. This visa gives you access to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda and cost 100 US$.

 

GETTING THERE – FLIGHT

We flew with KLM from Amsterdam to Entebbe, Uganda with a stop at Kigali, Rwanda.

Frans and Jos flew back directly to Amsterdam from Entebbe while Henk and Wiel returned home from Kigali with a stopover at Entebbe.

For a return flight Frans and Jos paid 10400 Euro while Wiel and I paid 1145 Euro.

 

GETTING AROUND

During our trip through Uganda we used a sturdy 4×4 Toyota minivan and for our trip to Rwanda we used a Toyota Landcruiser.

As this was the dry season even the dirt roads were easy to travel on.

 

ACCOMMODATION

The accommodation was mostly very good and also nicely situated. Only the bandas at Sempaya, Semliki were a bit basic but conveniently close to the Kirumia Trail.

 

FOOD & DRINKS

The food was good to very good and beer was widely available. We had copious lunches and dinners and though I normally lose some weight during a birding trip that did not happen this time!

We always had a large supply of mineral water available.

 

LANGUAGE

English is widely spoken in Uganda and in Rwanda both English and French can be used to get around.

 

HEALTH & SAFETY

Malaria profilaxis is recommended in both countries and you do need prove of a yellow fever injection to enter the country.

During our stay we were never sick.

The Tse tse flies in Murchison Falls N.P. were very much a nuisance and they can drive you crazy.

We all felt safe during the trip and we did not encounter any difficulties travelling around.

 

WEATHER

The weather was fine, mostly sunny and it only rained for a short period of time during 2 afternoons. In the mountains the temperature was very agreeable and in the lower parts of the country, like QENP, Murchison Falls N.P. and Semliki it was hot during the day.

At Mhahinga and Bwindi it can get a bit chilly in the early morning and in the evening.

 

BIRDING

The trip was a great success as we recorded 582 species in total and besides the incredible Shoebill we saw plenty of rare/uncommon species. See the annotated list for details.

We birded Mhahinga N.P. where we recorded Ruwenzori Turaco, Archer’s Ground Robin and best of all, the rare Shelley’s Crimsonwing. We saw the range-restricted Red-faced Barbet and Tabora Cisticola at Lake Mburo, where we also observed Brown-chested Lapwings at some recently burnt areas. Near Lake Bunyonyi we saw both Papyrus Canary and Papyrus Yellow Warbler. Highlights in Bwindi N.P. where many but the observation of 2 Grauer’s Broadbills along the Mubwindi Swamp trail stands out, as was the unexpected encounter of a family group of gorilla’s along the main trail at Buhoma.

At Semliki N.P. we observed Long-tailed Hawk, Grant’s Bluebill and Lowland Sooty Boubou.

Highlight at Kibale Forest was the displaying Green-breasted Pitta and at Murchison Falls we saw Heuglin’s Francolin, Dusky Babbler and Puvel’s Illadopsis. At Budongo Nahan’s Francolin, Ituri Batis and Uganda Woodland Warbler were our best observations. In Uganda we ended our trip at Mabira Forest where we had views of Forest Wood-Hoopoes and Weyn’s Weaver.

Memorable is also the observation of a pair of Ruaha Chat near Morole in South Uganda, which is apparently a new bird for the country.

During our extension to Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda, Wiel Poelmans and I were lucky to find a small flock of Red-collared Mountain-Babblers , Kungwe Apalis, the recently described Willard’s Sooty Boubou and also Lagden’s Bushshrike.

Our itinerary was fine but in retrospect I would plan to camp along the Kirumia Trail in Semliki N.P. for one night to increase your chances of observing some of the more difficult species of this area. If one has more time I would extend the trip with a visit to the area around Lake Bisini and a visit to the far north, Kidepo N.P. This would really be the ultimate trip to Uganda.

We observed 27 out of 31 possible endemics and the 4 not seen are rare to very rare.

 

ALBERTINE RIFT ENDEMICS possible in Uganda & Rwanda

1.Handsome Francolin Francolinus nobilis

2.Ruwenzori Turaco Ruwenzorornis johnstoni

3.Albertine Owlet Rwanda – very rare

4.Ruwenzori Nightjar Caprimulgus ruwenzori

5.Dwarf Honeyguide Indicator meliphilus

6.African Green (Grauer’s) Broadbill Pseudocalptomena graueri

7.Archer’s Robin Chat Cossypha archeri

8.Red-troated Alethe Alethe poliophrys

9.Kivu Ground Thrush Zoothera tanganjicae

10.Oberlander’s ground Thrush Zoothera oberlaenderi

11.Chapin’s Flycatcher Muscicapa lendu

12.Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher Melaeornis ardesiascus

13.Red-faced Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus laetus

14.Grauer’s Swamp Warbler Bradypterus graueri

15Mountain Masked Apalis Apalis binotata

16.Ruwenzori Apalis Apalis ruwenzori

17.Kungwe Apalis Apalis Rwanda

18.Red-collared Mountain-Babbler Rwanda

19.Grauer’s Warbler Graueria vittata

20.Willard’s Sooty Boubou Laniarius

21.Short-tailed (Neumann’s) Warbler Hemitesia neumanni

22.Stripe-breasted Tit Malaniparus fasciiventer

23.Ruwenzori Batis Batis diops

24.Blue-headed Sunbird Cyanomitra alinae

25.Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris stuhlmanni

26.Regal Sunbird Cinnyris regius

27.Purple-breasted Sunbird Nectarinia purpureiventris

28.Rockefellers’s Sunbird Rwanda – very rare

29.Strange Weaver Ploceus alienus

30.Dusky Crimsonwing Cryptospiza jacksoni

31.Shelley’s Crimsonwing Cryptospiza shelleyi

  

EQUIPMENT

We brought a scope with us wich we used sporadically for scoping canopy species.

Though Paul had a good selection of bird calls/songs himself we also brought a selection with us.

I used a Canon 40D with 300mm lens + extender to photograph bird species.

Frans and I took rubber boots with us, which were especially useful on the muddy trails at Semliki N.P.

REFERENCES

Books

-Birds of Africa south of the Sahara – Ian Sinclair & Peter Ryan

-Field Guide to the birds of East Africa – Terry Stevenson & John Fanshaw

-Where to watch birds in Uganda – Jonathan Rossauw & Marco Sacchi

Maybe a bit outdated but still gives you a nice overview of the best sites in Uganda.

Articles

-Birding Rwanda in search of Albertine Rift Endemics – African Bird Club bulletin Vol.17 no 2,

Page 229 – 237 – Callan Cohen, Peter Ryan, Marcel Claasen & Claver Ntoyinka

 

Reports

-We consulted several trip reports on Cloudbirders and also read some recent reports of trips to Uganda by Birding Africa, Rockjumper and Birdquest.

-Nyungwe N.P. South Western Rwanda 1 -4 september 2014 – Pritam Baruah

Useful report for our visit to this site.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

 

USEFUL CONTACTS & ADRESSES

Paul Tamwenya. info@birdinginuganda.com

Looking back on this trip I can only say that it was a good decision to contact Paul Tamwenya to organise this trip for us. It was very well organised. Accommodation, food, transport was well taken care of.

And besides that, Paul is a very good birder himself. Another advantage is that he trains local bird guides and he has an excellent chain of contacts with the many local bird guides.

The standard of the local bird guides is exceptionally high and they really take pride in showing you their knowledge of the local avifauna. For instance when together with local guide Amos we succeeded in observing the Grauer’s Broadbill along the Mubwindi Swamp Trail at Ruhiza, Bwindi N.P. he was almost jumping of joy. That was really a nice experience.

Paul Tamwenya also arranged that his friend Paul Kaggwa drove us in his Toyota Landcruiser to Rwanda. Paul Kaggwa turned out to be a good and safe driver and also a good birder himself.

For our visit to Nyungwe N.P. in Rwanda, Paul had contacted the best local guide, Claver Ntoyinka to go out in the field with us. Unfortunately he was only available for 1 day but that was the day we succeeded in observing Red-collared Mountain-Babbler and Kungwe Apalis.

 

SHORT OVERVIEW OF VISITED BIRDING SITES with possible target species.

I am not giving a complete overview of target species!, because not every visiting birder has the same target species on his mind but these are the ones on my mind.

 

Mgahinga N.P.

Situated in the extreme south-western corner of Uganda it is mostly visited by tourists looking for gorillas. Beautiful montane forest clad the volcano slopes and higher up afro-alpine moorland is found.

For the target species you have to climb from 2300 to around 2700 metres along the Gorge Trail.

Target species are Ruwenzori Turaco, Kivu Ground Thrush (very rare), Ruwenzori Batis, Lagden’s Bushshrike, Malachite Sunbird, Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird and the rare Shelley’s Crimsonwing.

 

Lake Mburo N.P.

This park comprises of well-developed acacia woodland and some large lakes with surrounding wetlands.

Target species are the range-restricted Red-faced Barbet, Tabora or Long-tailed Cisticola, Brown-chested Lapwing and along the edge of the lakes African Finfoot and White-backed Night-Heron.

 

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

No less than 23 Albertine Rift Endemics can be found in this large and beautiful forested National Park. To increase your chances to see most of them you have to bird at least 2 areas:

1. Ruhiza area. Situated at an altitude of around 2300 metres you have breath-taking views of endless steep, forested valleys. Target species are Grauer’s Broadbill, Grauer’s Warbler, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Handsome Francolin, Ruwenzori Nightjar, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Lagden’s Bushshrike, Red-throated Alethe, Grey-chested Babbler, Blue-headed Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird and Dusky Twinspot.
2. Buhoma area. Situated at a lower altitude (1600 Metres) the target species here are Archer’s Robin-Chat, Short-tailed Warbler, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Many-coloured Bushshrike,

Brown-capped Weaver, Red-fronted Antpecker. Both Oberlander’s + Kivu Ground Thrush have been recorded.

 

Echuya Forest

The main road to Kisoro passes a nice patch of forest which is good road side birding.

Target species are Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Strange Weaver.

 

Papyrus patch along Lake Bunionyi

Target species are Papyrus Canary, Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Yellow Warbler and White-winged Warbler and Carruther’s Cisticola.

 

Queen Elizabeth National Park

This is undoubtedly Uganda’s most popular game reserve.

We drove and birded from the Isasha sector (famous for their tree-climbing lions) through the central area to the main sector around Mweya. A boat trip on the Kazinga Channel is also worthwhile for waterbirds and if you are lucky African Skimmer.

Target species for us were African Crake, Brown-chested Lapwing, White-headed Barbet, White-tailed Lark and in the papyrus swamps White-winged Scrub-Warbler and Papyrus Gonolek.

 

Semliki National Park

This park protects an eastern extension of the vast Ituri Forest. A vast number of Central African or even Western African species reach here the eastern limits of their distribution. A number of bird species on the Ugandan list are only recorded in this national park.

The habitat is mainly lowland forest (700 metres alt.), semi-deciduous, mostly ironwood-dominant forest, intersperred with patches of swamp forest and forest streams.

We mainly birded around the Sempaya hot springs and along the Kirumia Trail. In retrospect we should have camped at least for 1 night at a very nice campsite along this trail.

Target species here are Crowned Eagle, Spot-breasted Ibis, Nkulenga Rail, Hartlaub’s Duck, Long-tailed Hawk, Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, White-naped Pigeon, Black-collared Lovebird, Yellow-throated Cuckoo, Bates’s Nightjar, White-bellied Kingfisher, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Black-casqued Hornbill, White-crested Hornbill, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, Zenker’s Honeyguide, Rufous-sided Broadbill, Yellow-eyed Bristlebill, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, Yellow-throated Nicator, Capuchin Babbler, Lemon-bellied Crombec, Lowland Sooty Boubou and Grant’s Bluebill. Green-breasted Pitta was heard by us along the trail.

Murchison Falls N.P.

National park in the north-east of Uganda. The river Nile flows through the park and north of the Nile the habitat is dominated by a beautiful Borassus palm savanna.

South of the Nile Ironwood forest, woodlands with grassy understorey, papyrus wetlands and riverine forest along the Nile.

During a boat trip to the falls there are usually Rock Pratincoles present on the rocks, just below the falls.

Target species are Heuglin’s Francolin, the rare Ring-necked Francolin, Denham’s Bustard. Shoebill, Pennant-winged and Standard-winged Nightjars, White-fronted Black Chat, Dusky Babbler, Foxy Cisticola, Black-necked Cisticola, Red-winged Grey Warbler, Green-backed Eremomela and Emin’s Shrike.

When driving out of the park towards Masindi you transfer a nice tract of forest at Kaniyo Pabidi.

This is reliable for Puvel’s Illadopsis.

 

Budongo Forest Reserve (Royal Mile)

The habitat is moist semi-deciduous forest and acacia savanna.

The forest along the so-called Royal Mile (a wide track through a forest patch) most likely yield many of the target species.

The target species at this site are Nahan’s Francolin, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Fire-crested Alethe, Ituri Batis, Uganda Woodland Warbler and Chestnut-capped Flycatcher.

 

Kibale National Park

Moist evergreen forest and moist semi-deciduous forest at an altitude of 1100 – 1500 m.

Also swamps (for instance Begodi Swamp) can be found in this park.

Target species are Green-breasted Pitta, White-naped Pigeon, Red-chested Flufftail, White-spotted Flufftail, Shining Blue Kingfisher, Joyful Greenbul, Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher, Lowland Masked Apalis and Grey-headed Oliveback

 

Mabira Forest

This small forest patch is located close to the town of Jinja along the main Jinja – Kampala Road.

Habitat is mostly evergreen and swamp forest.

Target species are Nahan’s Francolin, Red-tailed Bristlebill, Yellow-eyed Bristlebill, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, Brown-chested Alethe, Forest Woodhoopoe, Jameson’s Wattle-eye and Weyn’s Weaver.

 

Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda

Nyungwe forest encompasses almost 1000 km of montane forest and heaths at an altitude of 1600 – 2900 m elevation.

It surely is one of the most unspoilt, beautiful forests I ever saw. An advantage is also that an excellent tarmac road traverses the park, giving easy access to the excellent trail system of the park. 26 Albertine Rift endemics have been recorded at Nyungwe including all the endemics of Bwindi with the exception of the Grauer’s Broadbill.

Target species are Ruwenzori Turaco, Red-chested Owlet, Ruwenzori Nightjar, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Willard’s Sooty Boubou, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Neumann’s Warbler, Red-collared Mountain-Babbler, Kungwe Apalis, Lagden’s Bushshrike and Purple-breasted Sunbird.

Very rare species possible are Albertine Owlet and Rockefeller’s Sunbird. Both these species have been seen by Claver at Nyungwe!

 

Sites not visited by us in Uganda are:

 

Lake Bisini area.

This is the site to look for the endemic Fox’s Weaver.

 

Kidepo National Park

This park in the far north gives you the opportunity to look for target species like Black-breasted Barbet, Karamoja Apalis and Red-pate Cisticola.

 

SHORT ITINERARY

 

23-07: Taxibus to Schiphol Airport. Flight Amsterdam – Kigali – Entebbe.

 

24-07: Entebbe – Mabamba Swamp – Mburo N.P.

 

25-07: Mburo N.P. drive in the morning and boat trip in afternoon.

 

26-07: Mburo N.P. in morning. Drive to Kisoro with stop at Echyua Forest.

 

27-07: Birding along the gorge trail at Mgahinga N.P.

 

28-07: Kisoro – Echyua Forest – Lake Bunionyia – Ruhiza at Bwindi N.P.

 

29-07: Mbubwindi Swamp Trail at Ruhiza, Bwindi N.P.

 

30-07: Ruhiza area all day. Frans Gorilla tracking in the morning.

 

31-07: Ruhiza – The Neck – Buhoma at Bwindi N.P.

 

01-08: Buhoma area aal day at Bwindi N.P.

 

02-08: Buhoma – Isasha sector of QENP – Mweya area of QENP.

 

03-08: Mweya area of QENP in morning. Boat trip on Kazinga Channel in afternoon.

 

04-08: QENP – Fort Portal – Semliki N.P. Road side birding in afternoon.

 

05-08: Kirumia trail at Semliki N.P. all day.

 

06-08: Sempaya Hot Springs area in morning and late afternoon. In between Kirumia Trail,

Semliki.

 

07-08: Semliki N.P. – Fort Portal – Kibale N.P. – Bigodi Swamp.

 

08-08: Kibale N.P. all day.

 

09-08: Kibale N.P. – Fort Portal – Hoima – Masindi.

 

10-08: Budongo (Royal Mile) in morning and scrub area around Masindi in late Afternoon.

 

11-08: Budongo (Busingiro Forest) in morning – escarpment in afternoon – Paraa, Murchison Falls N.P.

 

12-08: Murchison Falls (north bank of Nile) in morning and boat trip to falls in afternoon.

 

13-08: Murchison Falls N.P. – Kanyo Pabidi – Kampala – Jinja.

 

14-08: Mabira Forest all day. Visit to nearby Rain Forest Lodge for lunch.

 

15-08: Mabira Forest in morning – drive to Entebbe. Frans en Jos flight to Amsterdam.

 

16-08: Drive Entebbe – Kisoro.

 

17-08: Drive to Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda.

 

18-08: Nyungwe Forest all day.

 

19-08: Nyungwe Forest all day.

 

20-08: Nyungwe Forest in morning – drive to Kigali – Flight Kigali – Entebbe – Amsterdam.

 

21-08: Arrival Amsterdam

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Saturday 23 July

At 07.00 am Jos, Frans and I left Geldrop by taxibus to Schiphol Airport. At Vught we picked up the fourth member of our team, Wiel.

At 10.45 am we left Amsterdam on a KLM flight to Entebbe with a short stopover at Kigali, Rwanda.

We arrived at Entebbe in the evening. (22.20 with one hour time difference) In the arrival hall Wiel and I obtained our East Africa visa (Kenya, Rwanda & Uganda) and Frans and Jos their Uganda visa.

After collecting our luggage we were picked up by a taxibus and driven to the nearby Traveller’s Inn. After a beer we went to bed.

 

Day 2: Sunday 24 July.

After an early breakfast we met Paul Tamwenya and William Kirye at 07.10 am we left our hotel and drove straight to Mabamba Swamp where we arrived at 08.30 am. Here we boarded 2 boats and started our search in the papyrus swamp for the enigmatic Shoebill, a most wanted species.

Slowly we entered the swamp and we checked some spots were the species is regularly observed. But our boatsman received a call (great to those mobile phones) that another boat has found one.

And sure enough it did not take long before we had absolutely astonishing views of this prehistoric looking monster. After indulging ourselves in making many photographs of this bird we left the site and on our way back we had good views of several Lesser Jacanas.

Back on shore we birded at a nearby grassland where our main target was the rare Blue Swallow, which winters here in small numbers. But we dipped.

Some common species encountered were African Marsh Harrier, African Jacana, Long-toed Lapwing, a flushed Slender-tailed Nightjar, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Rufous-naped Lark, Grey-rumped Swallow, Winding Cisticola, Mariqua Sunbird, Red-chested Sunbird, Fan-tailed Widowbird and Northern Brown-throated Weaver.

We then continued to Lake Mburo N.P. where we arrived around 17.00 pm. at the beautifully situated Rwakobo Rock lodge. When driving into the park we found several Brown-chested Lapwings. After dropping our gear we birded until dusk in the nearby acacia woodland and at dusk we heard Freckled Nightjar but no views.

 

Day 3: Monday 25 July

After an early breakfast we birded again the nearby woodlands and made an extensive game drive in the park. The absolute highlight was the brief but fine views of a pair of the rare and range-restricted Red-faced Barbet, which was our main target in Lake Mburo N.P. Some other barbet species encountered were a few Crested Barbets, Double-toothed Barbet and Spot-flanked Barbet. We encountered heavy rain from 11.30 – 12.30. After the rain we continued birding and besides more Brown-chested Lapwings we found a few Long-tailed or Tabora Cisticolas. Lake Mburo was the only site in our itinerary to find this cisticola. At 16.00 pm we arrived at the lake itself. From 16.00 to 17.30 we made a nice boat trip on the lake. First we saw a pair of White-backed Night-Herons, barely visible in the dense tangles of the riverine scrub and further along the shore we saw no less than 3 African Finfoots of which one gave exceptionally close views. Papyrus Gonolek and White-winged Swamp-Warbler were heard but no views. At dusk we went out for nightjars and we observed Square-tailed Nightjar and had also nice views in flight of the impressive Pennant-winged Nightjar.

Night at Rwakobo Rock Lodge.

 

Day 4: Tuesday 26 July

Before dawn we tried for Freckled Nightjar again near the lodge but we only heard one briefly.

In a tree just in front of the lodge we observed 2 Lesser Honeyguides.

After some casual birding in the woodland on our way out of the park we had nice views of Orange-breasted Bush-Shrike, Meyer’s Parrot and a few Red-headed Lovebirds. From Lake Mburo we drove further south in the direction of Kisoro.

We had lunch at a picnic site at Lake Bunyonyi where a small stroll around the site gave us Greater Swamp Warbler, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Swamp Flycatcher and White-browed Robin-Chat.

Our next destination was Echyua Forest. During our afternoon of roadside birding along the main road which transects this forest we saw our first Albertine Rift endemics.

We had good views of Regal Sunbird, the gorgeous Doherty’s Bush Shrike, White-starred Robin, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo (just heard), Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Chubb’s Cisticola, Ruwenzori Apalis, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Black-headed Paradise Flycatcher and Kandt’s Waxbill.

Late afternoon we continued to Kisoro and made a short stop at a swamp just next to the road which gave us some waterbirds and Fan-tailed Widowbird.

Frans briefly observed a small flock of Scarce Swifts from the car.

At dusk we arrived at the conveniently located Kisoro’s Traveller’s Rest Camp.

 

Day 5: Wednesday 27 July.

In the early morning we drove the short distance to the entrance of Mgahinga N.P.

We would spend the whole day of the so-called Gorge Trail, which goes from 2300 to 2700 m.altitude to the bottom of the main Sabinyo Gorge. All the specialties can be found on this stretch.

At 07.30 we met our local guide and started our ascent on a well-maintained trail which gradually ascends the mountain. We quickly found and observed our first Archer’s Robin Chat. During the morning we encountered Ruwenzori Batis, Yellow Mountain Warbler, Olive-breasted Greenbul, Mountain Masked Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, White-browed Crombec, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, a single Cape Robin-Chat, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Stripe-breasted Tit, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Doherty’s Bush Shrike, Kandt’s Waxbill, Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird and more Regal Sunbirds.

A Mountain Buzzard soared over and again Frans saw a single Scarce Swift.

Higher on the trail we entered the favoured area of Ruwenzori Turaco and it was William Kirye who found a juvenile bird sitting quitly in the foliage. But it turned out that an adult bird was perched nearby and because of the presence of the juvenile bird the adult stayed on this perch for several minutes and gave exceptional good views. Around 2700 meters we arrived at the area for Dusky and Shelley’s Crimsonwing and Lagden’s Bushshrike. We saw several Dusky Crimsonwings and we heard the Bush Shrike but no Shelley’s Crimsonwing. Unfortunately Wiel sprained his knee and was in serious trouble. He decided to stumble back of the mountain with one of the rangers.

We birded the highest area for another hour and the highlight was undoubtedly the observation of an immature Shelley’s Crimsonwing, a rarely seen bird. Malachite Sunbird was also briefly seen in the same area.

Satisfied with our observations we descended the mountain. During this descent we heard elephants, crashing through the vegetation, close to the trail, so we quickly passed that section.

We flushed a Handsome Francolin but unsatisfying views. No sign of Kivu Ground-Thrush.

Back at the HQ we met Wiel again, who still suffered from his knee sprain and he decided to consult a doctor in the evening.

After dinner he visited a doctor with Paul and he gave him a bunch of pain killers. He could continue the trip but got the advice only to bird on more or less flat trails and not to access steep trails. Night at Kisoro’s Traveller’s Rest Camp.

 

Day 6: Thursday 28 July.

In the early morning we drove the short distance to Echuya Forest where we birded for a couple of hours. Highlight was the splendid observation of a very cooperative Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo.

A few endemic Strange Weavers, Rwenzori Hill Babler also gave good views.

We then continued to Lake Bunyonyi to bird some remnant patches of papyrus along the shore to try for some papyrus specialties. At one of these patches we observed a single Papyrus Canary.

At another patch we heard White-winged Swamp Warbler and Frans and Wiel were the lucky ones to observe one in flight, showing its obvious white wing flashes. Best species however was a single Papyrus Yellow Warbler which finally showed itself briefly to all of us. We also had our only observation of a Grey-capped Warbler at this site.

We saw Baglafecht Weaver, Slender-billed Weaver, Spectacled Weaver and a male of the mysterious Victoria Masked Weaver.

After this success we drove to the Ruhiza area of Bwindi N.P.

At the village of Molore we made an unexpected emergency stop when Paul saw a suspicious chat along the road. It turned out that a pair of Ruaha Chats were present in this village and gave great views while perched on some roof tops of houses. If accepted this would be a new species for Uganda. It turned out later that other birders had also observed these birds a few weeks earlier.

Closer to Ruhiza we made a stop at a site where Paul had recorded Bamboo Warbler in the past but not this time. The endemic Blue-headed Sunbird showed nicely though.

Late afternoon we arrived at Trekkers Tavern Cottages at Ruhiza. We had some well-deserved beers on the veranda, overlooking the impenetrable forest.

 

 

 

Day 7: Friday 29 July

Today we would undertake the trekking down to Mubwindi Swamp along the Mubwindi Swamp Trail. Wiel stayed behind with William and birded around Ruhiza during the day. Together with local guide Amos we started our descent. We knew that close to the swamp until 2 weeks ago a pair of African Green Broadbills had its nest but they had left the nest site. So our chances to observe this enigmatic bird were rather slim. The birding along the trail was excellent and during the morning we observed Black-billed Turaco, Bar-tailed Trogon, Eastern Yellow-billed Barbet, Olive Woodpecker, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul, Olive-breasted Greenbul, Yellow-streaked Bulbul, Red-throated Alethe, Black-faced Prinia, Ruwenzori Apalis, Black-throated Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Mountain Sooty Boubou and Red-faced Woodland Warbler. It took a while but finally we observed brief but good looks of a skulking Grey-chested Babbler. Then suddenly Amos heard the call of an African Green Broadbill and we frantically started to scan the canopy searching for the bird. I was the only one who saw the bird briefly high in the canopy. We decided to climb the ridge, closer to the calls and after some tantalising minutes we saw 2 birds but at a rather great distance and we lost the birds. I decided to play the call and within a few minutes 2 birds came down the slope and gave very good views to all of us. So unexpectedly we had scored this most wanted species.

We then continued to the swamp where we had little problems in observing Carruther’s Cisticola and Grauer’s Swamp Warbler.

We had lunch at the swamp and later we walked back along the same trail. We heard Lagden’s Bush Shrike but it did not respond to the tape. Along the trail we flushed a Handsome Francolin, observed a few Black-faced Rufous Warblers, Ruwenzori Hill Babbler, Mountain Illadopsis, 2 Dusky Tits, Stripe-breasted Tits, Black-tailed Oriole, Ludher’s Bushshrike, a flock of Slender-billed Starlings, a single Sharpe’s Starling, Brown-capped Weaver Dusky Crimsonwing and at 17.30 pm we arrived back at Ruhiza, after a very successful day.

Night at Trekkers Tavern Cottages.

 

Day 8: Saturday 30 July.

This was the day that Frans would go on a Gorilla tracking while the others would bird around Ruhiza. Frans had an unforgettable experience during his tracking as at one moment the Silverback stood up and passed him at a distance of 10 cm. He could have touched him.

During our morning session along the “School Trail” we observed some species observed yesterday but notable observations include Black Sparrowhawk, White-headed Woodhoopoe, Grey-throated barbet, Western Green Tinkerbird, Yellow-throated Tinkerbird, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, again great views of a Red-throated Alethe, Blue-headed Sunbird, Bronze Sunbird, Black-billed Weaver, but best were the observations of Grauer’s Warbler and Dwarf Honeyguide.

In the afternoon we birded together along the main trail close to Ruhiza. We had brief views of Purple-breasted Sunbird, high in the canopy and very good views of a pair of Handsome Francolins.

Paul knew a site which is reliable for Dusky Twinspot and red-throated Wryneck. We had brief but excellent views of a single male Dusky Twinspot and as a bonus we observed a Black-chinned Quailfinch.

At dusk we tried for Ruwenzori Nightjar which we thought would be easy to observe but on the contrary we failed to get a response let alone have views of one.

That was ofcourse disappointing. Night at Trekkers Tavern Cottages.

 

Day 9: Sunday 31 July

After some more birding in the Ruhiza area, we travelled from Ruhiza to Buhoma, which is situated at a lower altitude.

Close to Buhoma the main track was obstructed by a large bus and no vehicles could pass. A large gathering of people surrounded the bus when a military tank! Was attached to the bus to pull it out. We did not stay to watch the result of that attempt and took a short diversion through the adjoining fields to the main track further ahead.

We arrived at Buhoma around noon and got a nice bungalow at Bwindi View Bandas.

Some fruiting trees in front of our accommodation attracked Western Citril, Grey-throated barbet, Speckled Tinkerbird, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, and Yellow-spotted Barbet.

Flowering scrub yielded an array of sunbirds like Green Sunbird, Collared Sunbird, Green-headed Sunbird, Blue-throated Brown Sunbird and best of all (for me at least) 2 males Green-throated Sunbirds.

At 16.00 pm we started to bird along the first stretch of the main trail with local sharp-eyed guide Sam.

This turned out to be a very fruitful walk. We started with excellent views of a Many-coloured Bush-Shrike and a pair of Dusky Blue Flycatchers were also very cooperative.

Then nice views of African Broadbill, Grey-winged Robin-Chat and a very tame Red-capped Robin-Chat. We tried for Blue-shouldered Robin Chat at a favoured site but no luck.

We met fellow Dutch birder Peter Los, who was doing a Uganda trip with Birdquest. During a short talk we heard that they had seen Green-breasted Pitta at Kibale after a lot of effort at the last moment and that they had heard Oberlander’s Groundthrush near one of the picnic sites along the main Buhoma track.

We continued and further along the track we observed a few Black Bee-eaters on some dead snags and also Fine-banded Woodpecker, a single Petit’s Cuckoo-shrike, Little Greenbul, Cameroon Sombre Greenbul, Slender-billed Greenbul, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul, Cabanis’s Greenbul, Red-tailed Greenbul and several Toro Olive Greenbuls. Green Hylia showed nicely as was a pair of Black & White Shrike Flycatchers. A single Grey-headed Sunbird and 2 Olive-bellied Sunbirds were seen along the trail, Pink-footed Puffback, more Ludher’s Bushshrikes and again a beautiful Doherty’s Bushshrike.

Before it started to rain in the late afternoon we added Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch, White breasted Negrofinch, Brown-capped Weaver and Red-headed Malimbe to our list.

We saw some very nice birds during our walk until it started to rain heavily at 17.30 pm.

We sheltered for the rain in one of the lodges where we had a few beers to kill the time.

Night at Bwindi View Bandas

 

Day 10: Monday 01 August

At dawn we started to bird along the main trail of Buhoma. We took packed lunches with us as we would stay out in the forest all day. We met Birdquest again. With the exception of Nik Borrow and 1 participant they were about to start their gorilla tracking. When we met Nik Borrow later on the day he told us that they had seen an Antpecker along the trail.

We slowly walked the trail and added some good birds to our list. Scarce Swifts were patrolling the skies above the trail and we had close views of an immature Crowned Eagle with a raised crest but unfortunately it flew off into the forest before everyone got onto the bird.

Some other notable species encountered that day were Bar-tailed Trogon, African Broadbill, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, White-headed Woodhoopoe, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Elliot’sWoodpecker, Mountain Wagtail, a few Kakamega Greenbuls, Ansorge’s Greenbul, Honeyguide Greenbul, Cabanis’s Greenbul, Toro Olive Greenbul, Western Nicator, Rufous Flycatcher-Thrush, White-tailed Ant-Thrush, Red-htroated Alethe, Buff-throated Apalis, Grey Apalis, Olive Green camaroptera, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Green Crombec, Sooty Flycatcher, Dusky Blue Flycatcher, Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher, Equatorial Akalat, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Chestnut Wattle-eye, Dusky Tit, more Grey-headed Sunbirds, Velvet-mantled Drongo, Narrow-tailed Starling and Stuhlmann’s Starling.

We had lunch at a nice site along the river when we suddenly heard a Neumann’s Warbler. It took a while but eventually we all had good views of this notorious skulker. We visited the spot where Birdquest had heard an Oberlaender’s Thrush the previous day but nothing heard or seen.

The greatest surprise was that when we were about to turn around to head back to Buhoma we heard something crashing through the vegetation. We waited and suddenly an adult female gorilla climbed out of the vegetation into a tree, soon followed by a youngster, giving excellent views in our binoculars. Ofcourse we were not allowed by our accompanying rangers to approach any closer. Then we discovered down in the gully the silverback. We could see his chest and head, while eating bamboo but after a few minutes we had to leave for our walk back.

On our way back we finally had distant views of a Chapin’s Flycatcher in the canopy.

Night at Bwindi View Bandas

 

Day 11: Tuesday 02 August

We did some early morning birding at the start of the main trail. I had brief views of a Blue-shouldered Robin Chat and we added African Shrike Flycatcher and Bocage’s Bush Shrike.

We left Buhoma and drove to the Isasha sector of QENP. We slowly drove and birded all day through QENP to the Mweya area of QENP. We tried a site where Paul had seen Turner’s Eremomela in the past but we dipped also because we visited that site in the middle of the day.

We did have great views of White-headed Barbet, a single Double-toothed Barbet, Croaking Cisticola, Stout Cisticola and Wing-snapping Cisticola, our first Black-lored Babblers and good views of African Penduline Tit, Holub’s Golden Weaver, a flock of Compact Weavers and many Fawn-breasted Waxbills. We saw many common savanna and woodland species but nothing special. 3 day-roosting Verreaux’s Eagle-Owls was also nice.

Late afternoon we arrived at our accommodation nicely situated close to the Kazinga Channel.

(Bush Lodge). We had a nice dinner in the open air and at dusk we had a Pennant-winged Nightjar flyby. Because of the presence of hippos we were escorted by local guards to our accommodation after dinner. Night at Bush Lodge.

 

Day 12: Wednesday 03 August.

Just after dawn we visited a nearby patch of papyrus and here we had excellent views of at least 2 Papyrus Gonoleks but again White-winged Swamp Warbler was only heard. The remainder of the morning we made a game drive in QENP. White-tailed Lark was a nice find, Yellow-throated Longclaw was common and we also saw Wahlberg’s Eagle, Black-breasted Snake-Eagle, Brown Snake-Eagle, Bateleur, Black-bellied Bustard, Temminck’s Courser, 5 species of Lapwing, including Brown-chested Lapwing, a single Black Coucal, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Green Woodhoopoe, Rufous-naped Lark, Flappet lark, Long-billed Pipit, Plain-backed Pipit, Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat, Sooty Chat, Arrow-marked Babbler and Wattled Starling.

We visited the crater lake which hold large numbers of Lesser Flamingos.

But when we drove out of the park we unexpectedly located a male leopard just next to the track.

Our car came to an abrupt stop and that was too much for the leopard and it slowly walked away into the savanna.

After an extensive lunch break at our lodge we made a boat trip on the Kazinga channel. During our lunch break we observed the following species around our banda: Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Yellow-throated Greenbul, Northern Black Flycatcher. Along the Kazinga Channel we observed a lot of waterbirds but not the hoped for African Skimmers.

Late afternoon we searched an area which is apparently good for African Crake but no luck with this one. We checked the papyrus patch again and we heard a White-winged Swamp Warbler and I saw one briefly perched but it was already too dark to have really good views and to see the plumage details. Black-shouldered Nightjar and Square-tailed Nightjar were heard at dusk near the Bush Lodge. Night at Bush Lodge.

 

Day 13: Thursday 04 August

In the early morning we visited the papyrus for the last time. Again Papyrus Gonolek seen, 2 Carruther’s Cisticolas seen and Swamp Warbler heard. We then continued towards Fort Portal. From time to time we made birding stops. Fantailed Warbler was seen briefly. Grey Kestrel was seen and also the only Eurasian Kestrel of the trip.

We had lunch at Fort Portal and after lunch we drove to Semliki N.P. Ross’s Turaco and Eastern Plantain-eater seen from the car. In 1995 it was a horrible road to Semliki, which took most of the day to get to but nowadays Semliki can be reached by a new and good tarmac road. Early afternoon we arrived at the HQ area of Semliki and we were given a couple of bandas. We were the only visitors.

From 16.00 – 18.00 we did some roadside birding. We had brief views of an Eastern Forest Robin and several Western Bronze-naped Pigeons in the scope.

We saw 3 species of hornbill: African/Congo Pied Hornbill, Piping Hornbill and Black & White Casqued Hornbill. Also Red-faced Cisticola in the scrub with glimpses of the Forest Robin. Night at HQ Bandas.

 

Day 14: Friday 05 August

Today we would spend the whole day on the Kirumia Trail. The first part of the trail was flooded and we had to take a diversion to avoid this stretch and to get to the main trail further ahead. The trail was very muddy at the start and I was happy that I brought my rubber boots along on this trip. We slowly birded the trail up to the first obvious campsite at a small oxbow lake.

We had very good views of 2 Lowland Sooty Boubous and other notable species observed during the morning were Red-Breasted Goshawk, Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, Black-casqued Hornbill, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Woodpecker, Xavier’s Greenbul, Red-tailed Bristlebill, Western Nicator, Red-tailed Greenbul, Yellow-eyed Bristlebill giving good views, Rufous Flycatcher-Thrush, Fire-crested Alethe, Olive Green Camaroptera, Yellow-bellied Crombec, Green Crombec, Grey-throated Tit-Flycatcher, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Dusky Crested Flycatcher, Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher, Scaly-breasted Illadopsis, Brown Illadopsis, Black-winged Oriole and Crested Malimbe.

Best bird briefly seen was an immature Grant’s Bluebill. A very unobtrusive species.

Around noon we arrived at the campsite where we met a fellow Dutch birder, Mark van Roon with his girlfriend.

He had just seen and heard a Spot-breasted Ibis! In flight, which we just missed.

We had lunch at this site and we discussed among ourselves that we should have planned an overnight stay here to explore the trail at the other site of the oxbow lake. We would have had better chances for Yellow-throated Cuckoo and Capuchin Babbler to name a few of the best.

During our stay at this site we observed a flyby Hartlaub’s Duck.

We then birded our way back to the main road. Another adult Grant’s Bluebill was briefly seen and closer to the start of the trail we flushed an adult Crowned Eagle. Blue-shouldered Robin Chat was heard and it did take a while but finally the bird surrendered and we had astonishing views.

Arriving back at the HQ area we decided to spend the late afternoon at the Sempaya Hot Springs to try for White-naped Pigeon. But no sign of this species. Night at HQ bandas.

 

Day 15: Saturday 06 August

In the middle of the night woke up by a calling African Wood Owl just outside our cabin. I went out and had great views of a pair. I woke Frans and got my camera to take some pictures.

When we returned we suddenly heard a Fraser’s Eagle Owl briefly call at the edge of the clearing but the bird fell silent. When going after the wood owl suddenly another owl flew in and gave brief but good views in the torch, before it disappeared again into the forest: Fraser’s Eagle Owl.

After breakfast we went to the Sempaya Hot Springs area again to see what would turn up in that area in the early morning.

Then we walked the first stretch of the Kirumia Trail again. We soon located a displaying Rufous-sided Broadbill. After some effort we all had some views of a Yellow-throated Nicator, frantically calling high in the canopy. We observed many species seen on the previous day but added White-tighed Hornbill, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Icterine Greenbul, Buff-throated Apalis, Yellow-Longbill and a fine male Red-headed Bluebill.

On our way back to the main road we suddenly heard a Green-breasted Pitta call but we did not stand a chance of actually seeing it. But the adrenaline was rushing

Again late afternoon/early evening was spent at Sempaya Hot Springs. An unexpected Long-tailed Hawk showed nicely, some Common Leafloves and we witnessed the evening flights of Palm-nut Vultures, going to their roosts. A lot of Olive Pigeons but no White-naped Pigeon.

We also tried for Nkulengu Rail but got no respons. Night at HQ bandas.

 

Day 16: Sunday 07 August

After a last visit to the Hot Springs we left Semliki N.P. At the HQ area we heard from the ranger that the Nkulengu Rail was calling nearby during the night!!

We had lunch at Fort Portal and drove further to Kibale where we arrived at our nice bungalow at Chimpanzee Guesthouse at 14.30 pm. These were situated at the edge of Kibale and overlooking the surrounding tea estates. In the afternoon we drove to Bigodi Swamp and birded the area with local guide Ben until dusk. We had wonderful close views of a very cooperative White-spotted Flufftail.

But again White-winged Swamp Warbler was only heard. We also saw Ross’s Turaco, Yellowbill, Purple-headed Glossy-Starling, Vieillot’s Weaver, Black-winged Bishop, Grosbeak Weaver, African Pygmy Kingfisher but Shining Blue Kingfisher was only heard.

Around our lodge we saw a pair of Verreaux’s Eagle Owl. Night at Chimpanzee Guesthouse.

 

Day 17: Monday 08 August

Well before dawn we were on our way to Kibale Forest where we would meet our local guide to search for Green-breasted Pitta. This was for me the most wanted bird of the trip and we were rather nervous because the previous 10 days neither the local rangers, who monitored the species, nor visiting birders had heard/seen the species.

We walked to the area, where it was last observed. Our local guide told us to wait on the trail while he would go looking for the pitta in the forest. During this nervous wait we had good views of 2 very vocal Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoos.

Then we got news that 2 pittas were seen foraging deep in the forest. Wiel and decided to leave our photographic gear on the trail so we could move around easier and faster inside the forest.

After a chase in the forest we finally had good views of 2 pittas foraging on the forest floor and even posing briefly on a log.

We left the birds and when walking back to the trail we bumped into another displaying pitta on a bare branch, a few meters above the ground. It was quite an experience to watch this bird bumping up and down on this branch. But by now Wiel and I really regretted that we had left our photographic gear behind. And so my brother Frans took some shots with his 150mm lens!!

After this success we left the bird in peace and birded different stretches of Kibale Forest.

After lunch we did roadside birding along the main road but because of heavy road works traffic we were disturbed regularly by passing trucks.

 

Some notable species seen today were Great Blue Turaco, Afep Pigeon, Grey Parrot, Sabine’s Spinetail, a flock of Alpine Swifts, Black Bee-eater, Crowned Hornbill, Mountain Wagtail, Toro Olive Greenbul, Western Nicator, White-tailed Ant-Thrush, Green Crombec, Sooty Flycatcher, Cassin’s Flycatcher, Dusky Tit, Little Green Sunbird, Green-headed Sunbird, Bronze Sunbird, Olive-bellied Sunbird, a nice male Tiny Sunbird, Superb Sunbird and Narrow-tailed Starling. Night at Chimpanzee Guesthouse.

 

Day 18: Tuesday 09 August

Today was mainly a travelling day. We first drove to a different area of Kibale Forest where our main target was the Lowland Masked Apalis. But we only heard one.

During our search for the apalis we saw Afep Pigeon, Red-chested Cuckoo, Yellowbill, a male Narina Trogon, White-throated Bee-eater, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Wahlberg’s Honeybird, Mosque Swalloq, a pair of Petit’s Cuckoo-Shrike, Honeyguide Greenbul, Toro Olive Greenbul, Red-faced Cisticola, White-chinned Prinia, Buff-throated Apalis, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Moustached Grass-Warbler, Sooty Flycatcher, Brown-backed Scrub-Robin, Chestnut Wattle-eye and Ludher’s Bushshrike,

Then we travelled to Hoima and on to Masindi where we arrived at 17.00 pm. (Masindi Hotel)

 

Day 19: Wednesday 10 August

We drove for 45 minutes from our hotel in Masindi to the Royal Mile. We picked up our local guide and birded the greater part of the morning along this wide, open track. We slowly walked up the track and then we heard one of our targets, Ituri Batis somewhere high in the canopy. At the same time Nahan’s Francolin called nearby. We decided to go for the batis and it did not take long before we saw the bird but it was a neck-breaking experience. And our ordeal was not over yet as soon after the batis we heard Uganda Wood Warbler call, another species holding up high in the canopy. We initially failed to see it and it was on our way out, later in the day that we finally succeeded in observing the species. Chocolate-backed Kingfisher was also found and could be studied in the scope. Other species encountered that morning included finally good views of Shining Blue Kingfisher.

In the afternoon we drove back towards Masindi and we birded some scrubby habitat close to Masindi. This was actually rather productive as we added both Cardinal Quelea as well as Red-headed Quelea to our list. Grey-headed Oliveback, Black-bellied Firefinch, Brown Twinspot and Black-winged Bishop were also seen in this habitat. Night at hotel Masindi again.

 

Day 20: Thursday 11 August

Today was my birthday and as usual I am not at home. In the morning we birded at a different area of Budongo, called Busingiro Forest. Here we were really lucky as we observed at least 4 Nahan’s Francolins crossing the main track. During our time in this forest patch we also observed another Chocolate-backed Kingfisher.

We then continued towards Murchison falls N.P. but first we made some birding stops at the Butiaba escarpment. Despite the heath we did find our targets Foxy Cisticola and Mocking Cliff Chat. We also observed Black-necked Cisticola, White-rumped Seedeater, Golden-breasted Bunting a single Brown-rumped Bunting and Cinnamon-breasted Bunting.

Late afternoon we arrived at Red Chili campsite/cottages near Paraa in Murchison Falls N.P.

We did some casual birding around the campsite and Silverbird and Buff-bellied Warbler were quickly observed. In the evening the staff had made me and presented me a huge birthday cake.

When we walked to our cottage a huge hippo blocked our way on the path and we made a wide birth around the beast. Night at Red Chili Cottages.

 

Day 21: Friday 12 August

We were one of the first cars on the ferry crossing the Nile over to the north bank where we made an extensive game drive in Murchison Falls N.P.

Our main target was Heuglin’s Francolin, a species easily seen by me in 1995, but we dipped.

During the course of the morning we observed a small flock of Banded Martins, Rattling Cisticola, Siffling Cisticola, Buff-bellied Warbler, Pale Flycatcher, Silverbird, Spotted Morning-Thrush, a female White-fronted Black Chat, Black-headed Batis, Piapiac, Violet-backed Starling, Speckle-fronted Weaver, White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver, Vitelline Masked Weaver, Yellow-backed Weaver, Northern Red Bishop, Fawn-breasted Waxbill and Black-rumped Waxbill,

At noon we crossed back to the south side of the Nile and after lunch we made the traditional boat trip to the falls itself. In hindsight it would have been better to skip that trip as the boat was full of noisy tourists and screaming children and besides the Rock Pratincoles at the start of the falls not really that interesting from a birding point of view. A boat trip to the delta would have been nicer and would have giving us another opportunity to observe a Shoebill. Or even better would have been a drive to the top of the falls through some productive patches of woodland.

After our boat trip we decided to search again for Heuglin’s Francolin and Dusky Babbler. During our drive we observed twice a Heuglin’s Francolin. Also a single Yellow-billed Shrike, which was our only observation of this species.

 

Day 22: Saturday 13 August

On our way out of Murchison Falls we checked the woodland close to Sambiya River lodge, as this is supposed to hold both Dusky Babbler and Green-backed Eremomela.

We were lucky to observe briefly a small flock of 3/4 Dusky Babblers but no eremomela.

After that we drove to Kaniyo Pabidi which is reliable for Puvel’s Illadopsis. We were about to leave when we got a response and then we had great views of one. Also excellent views of a pair of Eastern Forest Robins.

Then a long drive to Kampala and on to Jinja. We made a stop at the swamp near Luwero where we had no problems locating Marsh Widowbird. Because of a terrible traffic jam at Kampala we arrived rather late at our hotel in Jinja. (Hotel Sunset)

 

Day 23: Sunday 14 August

We birded a full morning along a trail at Mabira Forest, which is conveniently located close to Jinja.

A foraging Brown-chested Alethe, along a forest pool was a surprise. Twice a Shining Blue Kingfisher was seen and later we found 2 Forest Wood-hoopoes in the canopy.

At noon we had lunch at the nearby Rain Forest Lodge. While sitting on the veranda I suddenly located a few Weyn’s Weavers. We soon had fabulous views of several of this rare weaver.

Because of heavy rain we just chilled out a bit and birded from a sheltered veranda of the lodge.

When the rain ceased we left and on our way out we were surprised by a few Crested Guineafowl on the track. Night at Hotel Sunset.

 

Day 24: Monday 15 August

We birded along a different trail in Mabira Forest until 11.00 am. A male Jameson’s Wattle-eye was observed and several Red-tailed Greenbuls.

William Kirye stayed with the car as we had all our luggage with us in the car. When we returned he had seen a single Cassin’s Spinetail, a species which has eluded us on this trip.

From Jinja we drove to and through Kampala and further to Entebbe. (Traveller’s Hotel)

After dinner Frans and Jos went to the airport and flew from Entebbe to Amsterdam where they arrived in the early morning of 16 August. Wiel and I stayed behind for our extension to Rwanda.

 

Day 25: Tuesday 16 August

At 07.00 am we met our driver/guide Paul Kaggwa with his Toyota Landcruiser.

Long drive from Entebbe to Kisoro with a few stops at papyrus swamps to try for White-winged Swamp Warbler but no luck. A Marsch Tchagra was notable. Night at Kisoro’s Traveller’s Rest Camp again.

 

Day 26: Wednesday 17 August

In the early morning we drove to the nearby border with Rwanda. It took more than an hour to cross over and after getting some money we drove straight to Nyungwe Forest where we arrived in the afternoon. Paul had made reservations at the Gisakura Guesthouse at the edge of the forest but apparently there has been some misunderstanding as they did not receive the reservation. We could only stay for 1 night.

 

Day 27: Thursday 18 August

In the early morning we met local guide Claver and with him we birded all day the different trails in beautiful Nyungwe Forest.

We started along the main road, going through the national park and the birding was great. Hardly any traffic along this road. Great views of Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Grey Apalis and Many-coloured Bush-Shrike. We thought we taped in a Kungwe Apalis but it turned out a Grey Apalis, responding to the song of the Kungwe Apalis!

After paying our entrance fee at the HQ at the Uwinka Lookout, we birded the Umuyove Trail. In a mixed flock we found Grey Apalis, and best of all a definite Kungwe Apalis.

Also a male Bar-tailed Trogon performed nicely. At a viewpoint we observed a few Scarce Swifts.

After lunch we decided to bird the Iribra Trail, close to the Uwinka Lookout and here we hit the jackpot, a small flock of Red-collared Mountain-Babblers. We observed 5/6 birds going through the mid stratum, giving nice views and I even succeeded in getting some record shots.

It was quiet a relief we saw this species along this short and easy trail as we had anticipated to bird the steep Bigugu Trail the next day as this trail is supposed to be the best trail for the Mountain-Babbler. But that would also be very difficult for Wiel with his damaged knee. We then tried the Kamiranzovu Trail. As Wiel had missed Grauer’s Swamp Warbler at Bwindi this was a main target for the afternoon. In the beginning of the trail we briefly observed a few Ruwenzori Turacos.

Further along the trail nice views of Archer’s Robin Chat and Red-throated Alethe. When we arrived at the swamp, it was hot and we did not find the swamp warbler. On our way back in a gully we found a small mixed flock in which we briefly observed a Willard’s Sooty Boubou. Claver heard a Lagden’s Bush Shrike and after a wait we saw the bird.

At dusk we drove to the start of the Karamba Trail to try for Ruwenzori Nightjar, a species missed at Bwindi. But this time we had excellent views of several birds.

We knew that Claver was unavailable for the next day but he arranged that we could bird with another birding ranger. In the evening we met this guide and he told us that we would bird with 3 other tourists the next morning. So we had a discussion with him that we did not want to do that.

Night at guesthouse in Gisakura village.

 

Day 28: Friday 19 August

In the early morning we met our guide and 3 other tourists to go birding. When I saw that these persons did not even have binoculars with them I bluntly refused to go along with him. I told him that this would not be nice for us and neither for them. We would rather go birding without guide.

After a hefty debate our guide left with the tourists and we got another ranger appointed which was a nice guy and knew his species. With him we birded all day.

We started at the Kamiranzovu Trail. At the start we briefly heard a Neumann’s Warbler. Again Many-coloured Bush-shrike and this time we finally succeeded in briefly observing a Grauer’s Swamp Warbler at the swamp. When returning to the main road we had astonishing views of a pair of Willard’s Sooty Boubou and the distintctive bluish/greyish eyes were seen very well.

After lunch at the Uwinka Overlook we drove a few kilometres down and birded along a wide track going to the border of Burundi.

We tried for Red-chested Owlet but not a sniff. We did not add any new species to our list but still saw nice species like Great Blue Turaco, Olive-breasted Greenbul, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, White-starred Robin, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Ruwenzori Batis, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Black-throated Apalis. Chestnut-throated Apalis, Grey Apalis, Ruwenzori Apalis and Mountain Masked Apalis. 5 species of apalis but no Kungwe Apalis today.

Grauer’s Warbler was very vocal and responsive and gave the best views sofar today. Further Stripe-breasted Tit, Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Montane Oriole, Mountain Sooty Boubou, Stuhlmann’s Starling, Strange Weaver, Kandt’s Waxbill and Thick-billed Seedeater. Night at guesthouse in Gisakura village.

 

Day 29: Saturday 20 August

We did some roadside birding until 10.30 am and then we started our drive from Nyungwe to Kigali. I was really surprised to see how clean Rwanda is. I already knew that it is not allowed to bring any plastic into the country but it was nothing short of staggering to see no garbage at all along the road. Rwanda must be by far the cleanest country in Africa.

During our drive we saw in the rice fields ibises and herons.

In Kigali, roads well signposted, traffic lights working and people stopping for red lights. What a contrast with the traffic chaos in Kampala and earlier in the year in Douala. Kigali is a nice, clean and spacious city.

It took us between 3 to 4 hours to drive to Kigali airport. Here we said goodby to Paul. We had dinner at the airport and at 20.20 pm we left Kigali. We made a stop at Entebbe before we continued to Amsterdam where we arrived in the early morning.

 

Day 30: Sunday 21 August

We arrived at 06.30 am at Schiphol. Took the train from Schiphol to Eindhoven and at 10.30 am I was back home.

 

Henk Hendriks

hhendriks@onsmail.nl

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF OBSERVATIONS

Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus

03-08: A few identified during the boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.

Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens

Recorded on 5 dates. Lake Mburo, Kazinga Channel and daily at Murchison Falls N.P.

Reed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus

Recorded in suitable habitat on 7 dates

White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus

03-08: Common during the boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.

African Darter Anhinga melanogaster

12-08: 30+ during the boat trip to Murchison Falls.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

26-07: 4 Lake Mburo.

28-07: 1 Lake Bunyonyi

A total of 4 on 2 dates at QENP.

12-08: 4 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea

24-07: 2 at Mabamba Swamp.

06-08: A single bird at Sempaya Hot Springs, Semliki N.P.

08/09-08: Single birds near Fort Portal and Bigodi Swamp.

12-08: A single bird along the Nile, Murchison Falls N.P.

14/15-08: Single birds near Jinja.

Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala

Recorded on 14 dates throughout the trip.

Goliath Heron Ardea goliath

12-08: 3 along the Nile, Murchison falls N.P.

Great Egret Ardea alba

26-07: 1 at lake Mburo.

03-08: 4 along the Kazinga Channel.

12-08: 4 along the Nile, Murchison Falls N.P.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Rather scarce. A total of 14 on 6 dates.

Squacco Heron Egretta ralloides

24-07: 4 at Mabamba Swamp.

25-07: 2 at Lake Mburo.

03-08: 2 along the Kazinga Channel.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Recorded on 3 dates in the Kampala – Jinja area.

24-07: 3 at Mabamba swamp.

03-08: 10 along the Kazinga Channel.

Daily at Murchison Falls N.P.

Striated Heron Butorides striatus

25-07: 5 at Lake Mburo.

04-08: A single bird at Sempaya Hot Springs, Semliki N.P.

Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus

12-08: 1 in flight along the Nile, Murchison Falls N.P.

Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

08-08: A single bird at Kibale Forest.

White-backed Night-Heron Gorsachius leuconotus

25-07: 2 adult birds hidden in dense riverine scrub at Lake Mburo.

Hamerkop Scopus umbretta

Observed on 10 dates.

Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis

03-08: 10+ along Kazinga Channel

12/13-08: 4+2 at Murchison Falls N.P.

African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus

24-07: 4 Mabamba Swamp.

04+07+09-08: 2 at Fort Portal.

12-08: 2 at Murchison Falls.

22/23-08: 2 near Jinja

Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus

24-07: 1 at Mabamba Swamp.

13-08: 10+ at wetland near Luwero between Masindi – Kampala

Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis

24-07: 2 at Mabamba Swamp.

02-08: 1 at QENP.

12/13-08: 2 at Murchison falls N.P.

Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus

Observed

Shoebill Balaeniceps rex

24-07: Great and close views of a single bird at Mabamba Swamp.

Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus

26-07: 10 near Kisoro.

28-07: 2 on transit.

03-08: 10+ along the Kazinga Channel.

Daily a few at Murchison Falls N.P.

22/23-08: 2 near Jinja.

Hadada Ibis Bostychia hagedash

Observed

African Spoonbill Platalea alba

03-08: 10+ along the Kazinga Channel

Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor

03-08: Large numbers at crater lake QENP.

White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata

24-07: 1 at Mabamba Swamp.

26-07: 10+ at Lake Bunyonyi

12-08: 10+ at Murchison Falls N.P.

Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor

24-07: 20+ at Mabamba Swamp.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus

03-08: Common along the Kazinga Channel.

12-08: Observed at Murchison Falls N.P.

Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis

24-07: 10+ at wetland near Kisoro.

Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotus

24-07: 4 at wetland near Kisoro.

Hartlaub’s Duck Pteronetta hartlaubii

05-08: 1 at campsite along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata

24-07: Observed at Mabamba swamp and at wetland near Kisoro.

26-07: 8 on transit

28-07: 10 at wetland near Kisoro.

Hottentot teal Anas hottentota

28-07: 5 at wetland near Kisoro.

Osprey Pandion Haliaetus

12-08: 1 along the Nile, Murchison falls N.P.

Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus

24-07: 4 at Lake Mburo.

Single birds daily at Murchison Falls N.P.

Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegypticus

Observed on 14 dates.

A few daily in Rwanda.

African Fish Eagle Haliaethus vocifer

25-07: common around Lake Mburo.

03-08: Observed at QENP

12-08: 6 along the Nile, Murchison falls N.P.

Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis

Observed on 10 dates.

06-08: Early evening we observed 40+ going to roost at Sempaya Hot Springs, Semliki.

Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus

Only observed near and in Kampala.

White-backed Vulture Gyps aficanus

25-07: 6 at Lake Mburo.

03-08: 3 at QENP

13-08: 6 between Masindi – Kampala.

 

Rüppell’s Vulture Gyps rueppellii

25-07: 3 at Lake Mburo.

02-08: 2 at QENP.

13-08: 2 between Masindi – Kampala.

Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus

03-08: 2 at QENP.

Black-breasted Snake-Eagle Circaetus pectoralis

03+04-08: 2+1 at QENP.

Brown Snake-Eagle Circaetus cinereus

24+25-07: single birds at Lake Mburo.

03-08: 2 at QENP.

11-08: 1 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Banded Snake-Eagle Circaetus cinerascens

13-08: 2 single birds along the road between Masindi – Kampala.

Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus

A total of 24 on 6 dates. Lake Mburo, QENP and Murchison Falls N.P.

African Marsh-Harrier Circus ranivorus

24-07: 2 at Mabamba Swamp.

02-08: 1 at Isasha sector, QENP.

African Harrier-Hawk Plyboroides typus

A total of 10 on 6 dates recorded.

Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus

24-07: 10 between Kampala and Kisoro.

31-07: 1 in the neck, Bwindi N.P.

02-08: 1 at QENP.

10-08: 1 near Masindi.

11-08: 1 at Murchison Falls N.P.

13-08: 1 near Kampala.

14-08: 1 near Jinja.

Dark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates

11-08: 3 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Gabar Goshawk Accipiter gabar

25-07: 1 at lake Mburo.

Red-chested Goshawk Accipiter toussenelli

05-08: good views of a perched bird along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro

Single birds on 4 dates.

Shikra Accipiter badius

A total of 6 on 5 dates.

Ovampo Sparrowhawk Accipiter ovampenis

24-07: 2 at Lake Mburo.

Black Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus

31-07+01-08: 1 at Buhoma, Bwindi.

06/-7-08: 1 at Sempaya Hot Springs, Semliki.

Long-tailed Hawk Urotriorchis macrourus

06-08: nice views of 1 at Sempaya Hot Springs, Semliki when looking for White-naped Pigeon.

Eurasian Buzzard Buteo buteo

03-08: 1 at QENP.

Mountain Buzzard Buteo orephilus

27-07: 1 along the gorge trail, Mgahinga N.P.

29-07: 1 along the Mbuwindi Swamp Trail, Bwindi.

Augur Buzzard Buteo augur

26-07: 4 along the road when driving to Kisoro.

29-07: 1 near Ruhiza, Bwindi.

17-08: 4 during drive to Nyungwe N.P.

Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax

26-07: 1 on transit when driving from Lake Mburo – Kisoro.

07-08: 1 at Kibale.

13-08: 2 between Masindi – Kampala.

Wahlberg’s Eagle Aquila wahlbergi

26-07: 2 between Lake Mburo – Kisoro.

A total of 5 on 2 dates at QENP.

09-08: 1 near Fort Portal.

10-08: 1 near Royal Mile.

11-08: 1 Busingirom-Murchison Falls N.P.

Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus

12-08: 1 sub adult north bank of Nile, Murchison Falls N.P.

Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipalis

A total of 26 on 14 dates.

18-08: 1 at Nyungwe N.P..

Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus africanus

24-07: 1 near Lake Mburo.

28-07: 1 at Echuya Forest.

07-08: 1 between Semliki – Fort Portal.

18-08: 1 at Nyungwe N.P.

Crowned Hawk-Eagle Stephaanoatus coronatus

31-07: 1 imm. perched along the main trail at Buhoma. Only brief views.

05+06-08: single adult birds along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

10-08: 2 adult birds along the Royal Mile, Budongo.

Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

04-08: 1 when driving out of QENP to Fort Portal.

Grey Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus

24-07: 1 Lake Mburo.

26-07: 2 on transit.

04-08: 1 at QENP.

09-08: 1 near Kibale.

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Murchison falls N.P.

Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera

12-08: 4 on north bank of Nile, Murchison Falls N.P.

Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus

28-07: 1 at Echyua Forest.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

03-08: 1 at QENP. (Paul only)

Crested Francolin Francolinus sephaena

Up to 10 daily at Lake Mburo.

03-08: 10+ at QENP.

12-08: 10+ north bank of Nile, Murchison Falls N.P.

Scaly Francolin Francolinus squamatus

11-08: 1 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Nahan’s Francolin Francolinus nahani

10-08: Heard at the Royal Mile, Budongo.

11-08: 4 crossing the track at Busingiro, Budongo.

Heuglin’s Francolin Francolinus icterorhynchus

A total of 4 on 2 dates at Murchison’s Falls N.P.

Red-necked Francolin Francolinus afer

Daily seen at Lake Mburo N.P.

Daily recorded at QENP.

Handsome Francolin Francolinus nobilis

27-07: 1 flushed along the gorge trail, Mgahinga N.P.

29-07: 1 flushed along the Mubwindi Swamp Trail, Bwindi.

30-07: Great views of a pair along the main track at Ruhiza, Bwindi. More birds were heard.

Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris

Recorded on 8 dates: Lake Mburo, QENP, Murchison Falls N.P. and on transit.

Crested Guineafowl Guttera pucherani

14-08: Great views of 2 near The Rainforest Lodge, Mabira Forest.

Grey-crowned Crane Balearica regulorum

Observed on 8 dates. A total of 120.

White-spotted Flufftail Sarothrura puchra

06-08: Heard at Sempaya Hot Springs, Semliki.

07-08: Heard and great views of 1 at Bigodi Swamp, Kibale.

Red-chested Flufftail Srathrura rufa

04/05-08: Heard at Semliki N.P.

Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostris

A total of 7 on 3 dates at Lake Mburo

26+28-07: 2 at Lake Bunyonyi.

03-08: 40+ along the Kazinga Channel.

12-08: 3 along the Nile, Murchison falls N.P.

African Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis

24-07: 2 at Mabamba Swamp.

Common Gallinule Gallinule chloropus

24-07: 4 at Mabamba Swamp.

26+28-07: 2+4 at wetland near Kisoro.

African Finfoot Podixa senegalensis

25-07: 3 during boat trip on Lake Mburo. Very close views!

Denham’s Bustard Neotis denhami

12-08: 2 on north bank of Murchison Falls N.P.

Black-bellied Bustard Lissotis melanogaster

25-07: 1 at Lake Mburo.

03-08: 1 at QENP.

12-08: 2 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Lesser Jacana Microparra capensis

24-07: 2 at Mabamba Swamp.

African Jacana Actophilomis africanus

Recorded on 7 dates in swampy habitat.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

03-08: 3 along the Kazinga Channel.

Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus

A total of 5 on 3 dates at Lake Mburo.

03-08: 10+ along the Kazinga Channel.

12-08: 1 at Murchison falls N.P.

Senegal Thick-knee Burhinus senegalensis

12-08: 2 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis

03-08: 1 along the Kazinga Channel (Wiel P. only)

Temminck’s Courser Cursorius temminckii

03-08: 3 at QENP.

Rock Pratincole Glareola nuchalis

12-08: 10+ on the rocks at the bottom of the falls, Murchison Falls N.P.

Long-toed Lapwing Vanellus crassirostris

24-07: Common at Mabamba Swamp.

12-08: 2 at Murchison falls N.P.

Spur-winged Plover Vanellus spinosus

03-08: 10+ along the Kazinga Channel.

06-08: 4 Sempaya Hot Springs, Semliki N.P.

12-08: Common north bank of Murchison Falls N.P.

Black-headed Lapwing Vanellus tectuc

12-08: 5 north bank of Murchison Falls N.P.

Senegal Lapwing Vanellus lugubris

A total of 6 on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

03-08: 30+ at QENP.

Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus

03-08: 3 at QENP.

Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus

A total of 12 on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

03-08: 20+ at QENP.

A total of 25 on 3 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Brown-chested Lapwing Vanellus superciliosus

A total of 17 on 3 dates at Lake Mburo.

03-08: 3 at QENP.

Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius

03-08: 10+ at QENP.

Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris

03-08: 3 along the Kazinga Channel.

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia

03-08: 2 at QENP.

Wood sandpiper Tringa glareola

A total of 8 on 5 dates recorded. QENP, Sempaya Hot Springs Semliki and Murchison Falls N.P.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

03-08: 3 along the Kazinga Channel.

06/07-08: 5+3 at Sempaya Hot Springs, Semliki N.P.

12-08: a single bird at Murchison Falls N.P.

Grey-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus

24-07: 2 at Mabamba Swamp.

03-08: 20+ along the Kazinga Channel.

12-08: 4 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica

03-08: 30+ along the Kazinga Channel.

White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus

12-08: 4 during boat trip on the Nile, Murchison Falls N.P.

Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea

Up to 10 daily at Lake Mburo.

14/15-08: Observed at the edge of Mabira Forest and around our hotel in Jinja

Afep Pigeon Columba unicincta

A total of 9 on 2 dates at Kibale Forest.

Rameron Pigeon Columba arquatrix

A total of 28 on 3 dates at Bwindi N.P.

A total of 100 on 2 dates at Semliki N.P., especially around the Sempaya Hot Springs.

Western Bronze-naped Pigeon Columba iridirtorques

01-08: Heard at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 8 on 2 dates at Semliki N.P. Very nice scope views.

Dusky Turtle Dove Streptopelia lugens

A total of 14 on 2 dates around Kisoro and at Mgahinga N.P.

African Mourning Dove Streptopelia decipiens

25-07: 2 at lake Mburo.

A total of 20 on 2 dates at QENP.

11-08: 10+ at Busingiro and on transit to Murchison falls N.P.

Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata

Observed on 12 dates.

Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola

Observed on 9 dates.

Vinaceous Dove Streptopelia vinacea

A total of 10 on 3 dates in the north, Murchison Falls N.P.

Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis

Observed on 8 dates.

Emerald Spotted Dove Turtur chalcospilos

A total of 16 on 3 dates at Lake Mburo.

Black-billed Wood-Dove Turtur abyssinicus

A total of 23 on 3 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Blue-spotted Wood-Dove Turtur afer

A total of 22 on 3 dates at QENP.

17-08: 2 near Masindi.

18-08: 4 at Royal Mile, Budongo

19-08: 4 at Busingiro, Budongo.

Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria

A total of 26 on 12 dates.

18/19-08: a single bird at Nyungwe N.P.

Bruce’s Green Pigeon Treron waalia

13-08: 1 at Murchison falls N.P.

African Green Pigeon Treron calva

A total of 80 on 8 dates.

Red-headed Lovebird Agapornis pullarius

A total of 14 on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

14-08: 2 at Mabira Forest.

Grey Parrot Psittacus erithacus

08-08: 10 at Kibale Forest.

11-08: 3 at Busingiro Forest.

14-08: 2 at Mabira Forest.

Meyer’s Parrot Poicephalus meyeri

A total of 20 on 3 dates at Lake Mburo.

Great Blue Turaco Corythaeola cristata

29-07: Heard along the Mubwindi Swam Trail, Bwindi.

01-08: 4 along the Royal Mile, Budongo.

A total of 16 on 3 dates at Semliki N.P.

07-08: 4 at Bigodi Swamp, Kibale.

08-08: 8 at Kibale Forest.

A total of 11 on 2 dates at Mabira Forest.

18-08: Heard at Nyungwe Forest.

19/20-08: 9 at Nyungwe Forest

Black-billed Turaco Tauraco schuettii

29/30-07: 4+4 in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

Heard on 2 dates at Semliki N.P.

15-08: heard at Mabira Forest.

18-08: 10at Nyungwe N.P.

Ruwenzori Turaco Ruwenzorornis johnstoni

27-08: 5 along the gorge trail, Mgahinga N.P.

1 adult bird stayed close to a recently fledged young bird and gave great views.

18-08: heard at Nyungwe N.P.

19-08: 2 seen at Nyungwe N.P.

Ross’s Turaco Musophaga rossae

26-07: 1 near Echuya Forest.

04-08: 1 at QENP.

07-08: 2 at Bigodi Swamp, Kibale area.

09-08: 1 on transit.

Bare-faced Go-away-bird Corythaixoides personatus

A total of 12 on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

02-08: 4 Isasha sector, QENP.

17-08: 1 en route to Nyungwe N.P.

Eastern Plantain-eater Crinifer zonurus

24-07: 4 on transit between Kampala – Lake Mburo.

04-08: 2 between QENP – Fort Portal.

09-08: 1 on transit.

14-08: 2 near Jinja.

Pied Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus

12-08: 1 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Levaillant’s Cuckoo Clamator levaullantii

16-07: 1 at Echyua Forest.

Thick-billed Cuckoo Pachycoccyx audeberti

25-07: 2 at Lake Mburo.

Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius

Heard on 7 dates and seen on:

31-07: 1 Bwindi N.P.

09-08: 1 at Kibale.

10-08: 1 at Royal Mile, Budongo.

11-08: 1 at Busingiro Forest.

Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo Cercococcyx mechowi

31-07: heard at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

05-08: Heard along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

08-08: Heard and nice views of 2 at Kibale Forest, when looking for the pitta.

Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo Cercococcyx montanus

26-07: 2 seen well at Echuya Forest.

28-07: Heard and 1 seen at Echuya Forest.

Klaas’s Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas

25-07: 1 at Lake Mburo.

11/12-08: single birds on both dates.

14-08: 1 at Mabira Forest.

African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus

30-07: 1 at Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P. (Wiel only)

08-08: Heard at Kibale Forest.

13-08: 1 at Murchison Falls.

Diederik Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius

31-07: 2 near Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

11-08: 1 between Busingiro – Murchison Falls N.P.

Yellowbill Ceuthochares aereus

07/08-08: Single birds at Bigodi Swamp and Kibale Forest.

09-08: 1 Kibale Forest.

Black Coucal Centropus grillii

03-08: 1 sub-adult bird at QENP was our only observation.

Blue-headed Coucal Centropus monachus

24-07: 1 during stop between Kampala –Lake Mburo.

28-07: Heard near Bunyonyi Lake.

11-08: 2 at Murchison falls N.P.

Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis

Heard at QENP.

Commonly observed at Murchison Falls N.P. on 3 dates.

White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus

A total of 6 on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

A total of 14 on 2 dates at QENP.

09-08: 1 on transit to Masindi.

A total of 3 on 3 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

African Scops Owl Otus senegalensi

Heard on 2 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Spotted Eagle Owl Bubo africanus

06-08: heard at Semliki. (Paul T. only)

Fraser’s Eagle Owl Bubo poensis

05-08: 1 seen and also briefly heard at HQ area, Semliki N.P. (Henk & Frans only)

06-08: Heard in the same area but no views.

Verreaux’s Eagle Owl Bubo lacteus

25-07: 1 at Lake Mburo.

02-08: 2 seen Isasha sector, QENP.

08/09-08: 1 to 2 seen and heard just outside our room, Kibale.

12-08: 1 seen at Murchison Falls N.P.

African Wood Owl Strix woodfordi

Heard every night at HQ area, Semliki N.P.

08/09-08: 2 + 1 bird seen.

Ruwenzori Nightjar Caprimulgus Ruwenzori

18-08: 2/3 observed at dusk at the start of the Karamba Trail, Nyungwe N.P.

Black-shouldered Nightjar Caprimulgus nigriscapularis

03-08: Heard at our accommodation at QENP.

Swamp Nightjar Caprimulgus natalensis

12-08: heard at Murchison falls N.P.

Freckled Nightjar Caprimulgus tristigma

Daily heard at Lake Mburo.

Slender-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus clarus

24-07: 1 seen at Lake Mburo.

Square-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus fossii

25-07: 3 seen at Lake Mburo.

03/04-08: Heard at QENP.

Pennant-winged Nightjar Macrodipteryx vexillarius

25-07: Great views of 2 at Lake Mburo N.P.

02-08: 1 at QENP.

Scarce Swift Schoetedenapus myoptilus

26-07: 5 close to Kisoro (Frans only)

27-07: 1 above the Gorge Trail, Mgahinga N.P.

01/02-08: 10+ daily above the main trail at Buhoma.

18-08: 4 above Nyungwe N.P.

Sabine’s Spinetail Rhaphidura sabini

08-08: a single bird at Kibale Forest.

10-08: a single bird at the end of the Royal Mile, Budongo.

Cassin’s Spinetail Neafrapus cassini

15-08: 1 at Mabira Forest (William only)

African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus

Observed on 13 dates.

Alpine Swift Apus melba

A total of 42 on 2 dates at Kibale Forest.

Common Swift Apus apus

03-08: 10+ at QENP.

06-08: 4 at Sempaya Hot Springs, Semliki N.P.

08-08: 2 at Kibale Forest.

Little Swift Apus affinis

Observed on 7 dates, mainly on transit.

Horus Swift Apus horus

24-07: A few identified in a flock of Little Swifts.

03-08: 10 at QENP.

White-rumped Swift Apus caffer

Daily observed at Lake Mburo.

A total of 12 on 2 dates at QENP.

09-08: 2 between Fort Portal and Masindi.

12-08: 2 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus

Observed on 18 dates.

Blue-naped Mousebird Urocolius macrourus

Observed on 8 dates.

Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina

08-08: Heard at Kibale Forest.

09-08: 1 male seen at Kibale Forest.

15-08: 1 male at Mabira Forest

Bar-tailed Trogon Apaloderma vittatum

29-07: 1 male along the Mubwindi Swamp Trail, Bwindi N.P.

31-07: 1 pair between Ruhiza – Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

18-08: 1 male at Nyungwe Forest.

Shining-blue Kingfisher Alcedo quadribrachys

07-08: Heard Bigodi Swamp, Kibale.

10-08: 1 seen at Budongo Forest.

A total of 3 on 2 dates at mabira Forest.

Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata

10+ daily at Lake Mburo.

28-07: 1 at lake Bunyonyi.

A total of 7 on 2 dates at QENP.

African Pygmy Kingfisher Ispidina picta

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

03-08: 1 at QENP.

07-08: 1 at Kibale.

10/11: Single birds at Budongo.

A total of 7 on 2 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

African Dwarf Kingfisher Ispidina lecontei

11-08: 1 at Busingiro Forest.

Chocolate-backed Kingfisher Ispidina badia

10-08: Great views in the scope of this canopy species at the Royal Mile, Budongo.

11-08: another bird seen well at Busingiro Forest.

Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala

25-07: a single bird at Lake Mburo.

03-08: a single bird at QENP.

A total of 9 on 3 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis

A total of 5 on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

A total of 5 on 2 dates at QENP.

A total of 6 on 3 dates at semliki N.P.

Blue-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon malimbica

01-08: 1 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

05/06-08: 1 along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

10-08: 1 at the Royal Mile, Budongo.

15-08: 1 at mabira Forest.

Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti

A total of 16 on 8 dates recorded.

Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima

12-08: 1 at Murchison falls N.P.

14-08: 1 along the river at Jinja.

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis

Recorded on 14 dates.

03-08: abundant along the Kazinga Channel.

Black Bee-eater Merops gularis

A total of 5 on 2 dates at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

08-08: 2 at Kibale Forest.

Red-throated Bee-eater Merops bulocki

03-08: 4 along the Kazinga Channel.

Daily up to 20 on 3 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus

Common at Lake Mburo.

11-08: 2 on transit.

Blue-breasted Bee-eater Merops variegates

24-07: 10+ at Mabamba Swamp

Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater Merops oreobates

26-07: 2 at Mgahinga N.P.

Daily observed on 3 dates at Bwindi N.P.

18-08: 2 at Nyungwe N.P.

Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus

12-08: 4 north bank of Nile, Murchison Falls N.P.

White-throated Bee-eater Merops albicollis

09-08: 1 at Kibale Forest.

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Mabira Forest.

Madagascar Bee-eater Merops superciliosus

Daily 10+ at QENP.

Daily 10+ at Murchison Falls N.P.

Northern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicus

12-08: 20+ north bank of Nile, Murchison Falls N.P.

Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias garrulous

A total of 8 on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus

A total of 10 on 3 dates at Lake Mburo.

A total of 6 on 2 dates at QENP.

A total of 12 on 2 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Blue-throated Roller Eurystomus gularis

10-08: a single bird at Busingiro Forest was our only observation.

Green Woodhoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus

03-08: 1 at QENP.

White-headed Woodhoopoe Phoeniculus bollei

30-07: 1 at Ruhiza, Bwindi N.P.

01-08: 5 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

19-08: Heard at Nyungwe N.P.

Forest Woodhoopoe Phoeniculus castaneiceps

14-08: great views of 2 at Mabira Forest.

Black Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus aterrrimus

13-08: a single bird at Murchison Falls N.P.

Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas

25-07: 1 at lake Mburo.

02-08: 1 at QENP.

Crowned Hornbill Tockus alboterminatus

25-07: 1 at Lake Mburo.

08/09: 1+2 at Kibale Forest.

10-08: 1 at Budongo.

African Pied Hornbill Lophocerus fasciatus

A total of 8 on 3 dates at Semliki N.P.

A total of 9 on 2 dates at Mabira Forest.

African Grey Hornbill Lophocerus nasatus

25-07: 4 at Lake Mburo.

Common on 3 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Piping Hornbill Ceratogymna fistulator

A total of 35 on 4 dates at Semliki N.P.

Black & White casqued Hornbill Ceratogymna subcylindricus

Recorded on 11 dates. Bwindi N.P., Semliki N.P., Kibale , Budongo and Mabira Forest.

A total of 4 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

White-thighed Hornbill Ceratogymna albotibialis

A total of 6 on 2 dates at Semliki N.P.

11-08: 4 at Busingiro Forest.

Black-casqued Hornbill Ceratogymna atrata

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Semliki N.P.

Abyssinian Ground Hornbill Bucorvus abyssinicus

A total of 12 on 2 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Grey-headed Barbet Gymnobucco [bonapartei] cineireiceps

A total of 19 on 5 dates at Bwindi N.P.

09-08: 2 at Kibale Forest.

A total of 6 on 2 dates at Mabira Forest.

Speckled Tinkerbird Pogoniulus scolopaceus

A total of 5 on 3 dates at Bwindi N.P.

06-08: 1 at Semliki N.P.

12-08: Heard along the Royal Mile, Budongo.

14-08: 3 at Mabira Forest.

Western Green Tinkerbird Pogoniulus coryphaeus

30-07: 2 at Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

Red-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus atroflavus

Heard on 2 dates at Semliki N.P.

06-08: Nice views of this uncommon bird along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

Yellow-throated Tinkerbird Pogoniulus subsulphureus

A total of 4 on 3 dates at Bwindi N.P.

Heard on 3 dates at Semliki N.P.

A total of 7 on 2 dates at Mabira Forest.

Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus

A total of 18 recorded on 8 dates. Bwindi N.P., Kibale , Budongo and Mabira Forest.

A total of 5 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus

25-07: 2 at Lake Mburo.

02-08: 4 at QENP.

Yellow-spotted Barbet Buccanodon duchaillui

A total of 8 on 3 dates at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

15-08: heard at Mabira Forest.

Streaky-throated Barbet Tricholaema [hirsuta] flavipunctata

01-08: 2 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

08-08: Heard at Kibale Forest.

09-08: 1 at Kibale Forest.

14-08: 2 at Mabira Forest.

Spot-flanked Barbet Tricholaema lachrymose

Commonly seen on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

A total of 4 on 2 dates at QENP.

White-headed Barbet Lybius leucocephalus

02-08: Excellent views of 4 in the Isasha sector of QENP

Red-faced Barbet Lybius rubrifacies

15-07: excellent views of 2 of this target species at Lake Mburo.

Black-billed Barbet Lybius guifsobalito

Single birds on 2 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Double-toothed Barbet Lybius bidentatus

25-07: 2 at lake Mburo.

Single birds on 2 dates at QENP.

A total of 5 on 3 dates at Kibale Forest.

Eastern Yellow-billed Barbet Trachyphonus purpuratus ssp.purpuratus

29-07: 2 along the Mubwindi Swamp Trail, Bwindi N.P.

02-08: Heard at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

05-08: 2 along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

Single birds on 2 dates at Kibale Forest.

12-08: heard at Murchison Falls N.P.

14-08: Heard at Mabira Forest.

Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii

25-07: 4 at lake Mburo.

Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor

26-07: 2 at ??

02-08: 2 at QENP.

Willcock’s Honeyguide Indicator willcocksi

12-08: 1 at Southern Murchison Falls Conservation area.

Least Honeyguide Indicator exilis

05-08: Heard along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

Dwarf Honeyguide Indicator meliphilus

29-07: Heard along the Mubwindi Swamp Trail, Bwindi N.P.

30-07: Great views of 1 in the Ruhiza area, school trail – Bwindi N.P.

Wahlberg’s Honeyguide Prodotiscus regulus

09-08: 1 at Kibale Forest.

Nubian Woodpecker Campethera nubica

25-07: 1 at lake Mburo.

03-08: 2 at QENP.

13-08: 1 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Green-backed Woodpecker Campethera cailliautii

25-07: 1 at Lake Mburo.

Fine-banded (Tullberg’s) Woodpecker Campethera [tullbergi] taeniolaema

30-07: 1 at Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

Brown-eared Woodpecker Campethera caroli

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Semliki N.P.

10-08: 1 at Royal Mile, Budongo.

14-08: 1 at Mabira Forest.

Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens

26-07: 1 at lake Mburo.

02-08: 3 at QENP.

Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus

14-08: 1 at Mabira Forest.

Golden-crowned Woodpecker Dendropicos xantholophus

A total of 6 on 3 dates at Semliki N.P.

10-08: 1 at Royal Mile, Budongo.

Elliot’s Woodpecker Dendropicos elliotii

01-08: 3 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

Grey Woodpecker Dendropicos goertae

13-08: 1 at Murchison falls N.P.

Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus

A total of 4 on 3 dates at Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

African Broadbill Smithornis capensis

Single birds seen on 2 dates at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

Rufous-sided Broadbill Smithornis rufolateralis

06-08: Astonishing views of a displaying bird along the Lirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

Grauer’s (African Green) Broadbill Pseudocalptomena graueri

29-07: Great views of 2 along the Mubwindi Swamp Trail, Bwindi N.P.

One of the absolute highlights of the trip.

Green-breasted Pitta Pitta reichenowi

06-08: Heard along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P. but no views.

08-08: 3 different birds seen at Kibale Forest. One bird was observed displaying for several minutes on a bare branch and gave magnificent views. Another highlight.

White-tailed Lark Mirafra albicauda

03-08: 3 birds seen at QENP.

Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra Africana

24-07: 4 at edge of Mabanba Swamp.

A total of 8 on 2 dates at QENP.

Flappet Lark Mirafra rufocinnamomea

25-07: 2 at Lake Mburo.

03-08: 2 at QENP.

Single birds on 2 dates at Murchison falls N.P.

Bank Swallow Riparia riparia

26-07: 2 near Lake Bunyonyi.

Banded Martin Riparia cincta

12-08: 10+ at north bank of Nile, Murchison Falls N.P.

Grey-rumped Swallow Hirundo griseopyga

24-07: 10 at Mabamba Swamp

Rock Martin Hirundo flavigula

26-07: 4 along the road near Kisoro.

04-08: 4 between Fort Portal and Semliki N.P.

A total of 20 on 2 dates in the Kibale area.

18-08: 2 at Nyungwe N.P.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

Observed on 12 dates.

Angola Swallow Hirundo angolensis

Observed on 13 dates.

19-08: 10+ at Nyungwe N.P.

Lesser Striped Swallow Hirundo abyssinica

Observed on 8 dates.

Rufous-chested Swallow Hirundo semirufa

24-07: 3 at the edge of Mabamba Swamp.

25-07: 10+ at Lake Mburo.

Mosque Swallow Hirundo senegalensis

24-07: 1 near Mabamba Swamp.

A total of 12 on 2 dates at QENP.

09-08: 5 on transit to Masindi.

11-08: a single bird at Murchison Falls N.P.

White-headed Sawwing Psalidoprocne albiceps

Observed on 13 dates but not at Mgahinga N.P. and Bwindi N.P.

Black Sawwing Psalidoprocne holomelas

Observed on 6 dates in Bwindi N.P.

A total of 14 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp

Observed throughout.

Daily in Rwanda.

Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis

26/28-07: 4 near Echuya Forest.

31-07: 4 between Ruhiza – Buhoma

Mountain Wagtail Motacilla clara

01-08: 2 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

08-08: 1 at Kibale Forest.

Yellow-throated Longclaw Macronyx croceus

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

A total of 50 on 3 dates at QENP.

09-08: 1 on transit.

Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

A total of 4 on 2 dates at QENP.

07-08: 1 on transit near Kibale.

African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus

24-07: a single bird at the edge of Mabamba Swamp.

03-08: 3 at QENP.

Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis

03-08: 1 at QENP.

Grey Cuckoo-Shrike Coracina caesia

A total of 4 on 3 dates at Ruhiza, Bwindi N.P.

Petit’s Cuckoo-Shrike Campephaga petiti

A total of 4 on 2 dates at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

09-08: 1 pair at Kibale Forest.

Black Cuckoo-Shrike Campephaga flava

A total of 4 on 3 dates at Lake Mburo.

Red-shouldered Cuckoo-Shrike Campephaga phoenicea

11-08: 1 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Purple-throated Cuckoo-Shrike Campephaga quiscalina

14-08: 2 males + 1 female at Mabira Forest.

Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor

Observed In Uganda and Rwanda.

Kakamega Greenbul Andropadus [masukuensis] kakamegae

Also considered subspecies of Shelley’s Greenbul A.masukuensis

01-08: 3 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

Little Greenbul Andropadus virens

Observed on 11 dates.

Little Grey Greenbul Andropadus gracilis

10-08: a single bird identified along the Royal Mile, Budongo.

A total of 4 on 2 dates at Mabira Forest.

Ansorge’s Greenbul Andropadus ansorgei

01-08: 3 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

Plain (Cameroon Sombre) Greenbul Andropadus curvirostris

A total of 5 on 2 dates at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

09-08: 1 at Kibale Forest.

10-08: 2 at Royal Mile, Budongo.

Slender-billed Greenbul Andropadus gracilirostris

A total of 9 on 2 dates at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

09-08: 1 at Kibale Forest.

10-08: 1 at Royal Mile, Budongo.

Yellow-whiskered Greenbul Andropadus latirostris

A total of 13 on 5 dates at Bwindi N.P.

A total of 5 on 2 dates at Semliki N.P.

09-08: heard at Kibale Forest.

A total of 8 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Olive-breasted Greenbul Andropadus [nigriceps] kikuyuensis

Also considered a subspecies of Eastern Mountain Greenbul A. nigriceps

27-07: 4 Mgahinga N.P.

29-07: 10 along the Mubwindi Swamp Trail, Ruhiza, Bwindi N.P.

30-07: 10+ in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 12 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Honeyguide Greenbul Baepogon indicator

01-08: 2 along the main trail at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

05-08: Heard at Semliki N.P.

08-08: Heard at Kibale Forest.

09-08: 1 seen at Kibale Forest.

Spotted Greenbul Ixonotus guttatus

10-08: 2 at Royal Mile, Budongo.

Yellow-throated Greenbul Chlorocichla flavicollis

25-07: 2 at Lake Mburo

03/04-08: 2 at cabins of Bush Lodge at QENP.

07-08: a single bird at Kibale Forest.

09-08: 2 at Kibale Forest.

12-08: a single bird at Murchison Falls N.P.

Joyful Greenbul Chlorocichla laetissima

09-08: a single bird at Kibale Forest was our only observation.

Swamp Greenbul Chlorocichla leucopleura

Heard on 2 dates at Semliki N.P.

Common Leaflove Phyllastrephus scandens

06-08: 2 at Sempaya Hot Springs, Semliki N.P.

Cabanis’s Greenbul Phyllastrephus cabanisi

A total of 5 on 3 dates at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

Toro Olive Greenbul Phyllastrephus hypochloris

29-07: 4 between Ruhiza – Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

30-07: 2 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

05-08: Heard at Semliki N.P.

Single birds on 3 dates at Kibale Forest.

Single birds on 2 dates at Mabira Forest.

Yellow-streaked Greenbul Phyllastrephus flavostriatus

29-07: 5 along the Mubwindi Swamp Trail, Ruhiza, Bwindi N.P.

30-07: 1 at Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

White-throated Greenbul Phyllastrephus albigularis

02-08: 2 at Isasha area, QENP

12-08: 3 at Murchison Falls N.P.

14-08: 3 at Mabira Forest.

Icterine Greenbul Phyllastrephus icterinus

06-08: a single bird along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

Xavier’s Greenbul Phyllastrephus xavieri

A total of 7 on 2 dates at Semliki N.P.

Red-tailed Bristlebill Bleda syndactyla

A total of 6 on 2 dates at Semliki N.P.

09-08: heard at Kibale Forest.

15-08: 3 at Mabira Forest.

Red-tailed Greenbul Criniger Calurus

A total of 8 on 3 dates at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 8 on 2 dates at Semliki N.P.

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Mabira Forest.

Yellow-eyed Bristlebill Bleda [notate] ugandae

A total of 16 on 2 dates at Semliki N.P.

Western Nicator Nicator chloris

01-08: 1 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

Single birds on 3 dates along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

08-08: a single bird at Kibale Forest.

10-08: 2 at Royal Mile, Budongo.

Yellow-throated Nicator Nicator vireo

05/06-08: heard along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

06-08: Finally 1 seen high in the canopy along the Kirumia Trail.

Rufous Flycatcher-Thrush Neocossyphus fraseri

01-08: 2 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 8 on 3 dates at Semliki N.P.

10-08: 4 along the Royal Mile, Budongo.

14-08: 1 at Mabira Forest.

White-tailed Ant-Thrush Neocossyphus poensis

01-08: 1 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

08-08: 2 at Kibale Forest.

Abyssinian Thrush Turdus abyssinicus

27-07: 2 at Mgahinga N.P.

28-07: 1 near Kisoro.

African Thrush Turdus pelios

Observed on 9 dates.

Brown-chested Alethe Alethe poliocephala

14-08: great views of 1 at Mabira Forest.

Red-throated Alethe Alethe poliophrys

Single birds on 2 dates at Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

01-08: 2 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Fire-crested Alethe Alethe castanea

05-08: 2 along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

06-08: Heard in the same area.

13-08: 2 at Kanyo Pabido.

14-08: 1 at Mabira Forest.

Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops

04/05/07-08: 2 at the edge of Semliki N.P.

10-08: 4 at Budongo.

11-08: 1 near Busingiro Forest.

Whistling Cisticola Cisticola lateralis

A total of 6 on 3 dates in the Budongo area.

Trilling Cisticola Cisticola woosnami

A total of 10 on 3 dates at Lake Mburo.

Chubb’s Cisticola Cisticola chubby

Commonly recorded at Mgahinga and Bwindi N.P.

Observed on 2 days in Nyungwe N.P.

Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chianiana

11/12-08: 1 to 2 in Murchison Falls N.P.

Winding Cisticola Cisticola galactotes

Common at swampy habitat like Mabamba Swamp, Lake Mburo, Lake Bunyonyi, QENP and Murchison Falls. Also regularly at suitable habitat on transit.

Carruther’s Cisticola Cisticola carruthersi

29-07: 4 at Mubwindi Swamp, Bwindi N.P.

04-08: 2 at papyrus patch in QENP.

Stout Cisticola Cisticola robustus

02-08: 5 in Isasha area, QENP.

Croaking Cisticola Cisticola natalensis

A total of 8 on 2 dates at QENP.

12-08: Heard at Murchison Falls N.P.

Tabora (Long-tailed) Cisticola Cisticola angusticaudus

15-07: Great views of this range-restricted species at Lake Mburo.

Siffling Cisticola Cisticola brachypterus

12-08: 4 at north bank of Murchison Falls N.P.

Foxy Cisticola Cisticola troglodytes

11-08: scope views of 2 at the Butiaba escarpment.

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis

03-08: Common at QENP.

Common on 3 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Black-necked Cisticola Cisticola eximius

11-08: At least 2 identified at escarpment.

Wing-snapping Cisticola Cisticola ayresii

02-08: 2 at QENP.

Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava

Observed on 9 dates.

White-chinned Prinia Prinia leucopogon

A total of 4 on 2 dates in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 4 on 2 dates at Kibale Forest.

Black-faced Prinia Prinia ??

29-07: 8 along the Mubwindi Swamp Trail, Bwindi N.P.

31-07: heard between Ruhiza – Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

18-08: 4 at Nyungwe N.P.

Ruwenzori Apalis Apalis Ruwenzori

26-07: 2 Echyua Forest.

A total of 8 on 3 dates in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Black-capped Apalis Apalis nigriceps

30-07: a single bird in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

Black-throated Apalis Apalis jacksoni

A total of 13 on 4 dates in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 6 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Mountain Masked Apalis Apalis binotata

27-07: 1 along the Gorge Trail, Mgahinga N.P.

29-07: 6 along the Mubwindi Swamp Trail, Bwindi N.P.

Commonly observed on 3 days in Nyungwe N.P.

Lowland Masked Apalis Apalis binotata

09-08: Heard at Kibale Forest.

Buff-throated Apalis Apalis rufogularis

01-08: 2 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

06-08: 2 at Semliki N.P.

09-08: 1 at Kibale Forest.

10-08: 3 at Royal mIle, Budongo.

Chestnut-throated Apalis Apalis porphyrolaema

27-07: 2 along the Gorge Trail, Mgahinga N.P.

A total of 10 on 2 dates in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 8 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Grey Apalis Apalis cinerea

01-08: 3 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

07-08: 2 at Kibale Forest.

A total of 10 on 2 dates at Mabira Forest.

Daily up to 6 at Nyungwe Forest.

A total of 12 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Kungwe Apalis Apalis argentea

18-08: 2 identified at Nyungwe Forest

Grey-capped Warbler Eminia lepida

28-07: 1 at lake Bunyonyi.

Green-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyuran

Observed on 13 dates.

Yellow-browed Camaroptera Camaroptera superciliaris

09-08: 1 at Kibale Forest.

Olive Green Camaroptera Camaroptera chloronota

01-08: 1 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

Single birds on 2 dates at Semliki N.P.

14-08: 1 at Mabira Forest.

White-winged Scrub-Warbler Bradypterus carpalis

Heard at patches of papyrus swamps on 6 dates.

28-07: 1 seen in flight at Lake Bunyonyi. (Frans and Wiel only)

03-08: 1 seen briefly at papyrus swamp in QENP.

Grauer’s Swamp-Warbler Bradypterus graueri

A total of 6 at Mubwindi swamp in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

19-08: 1 briefly seen at Nyungwe N.P.

Forest Green Warbler Bradypterus lopezi

29-07: 1 at Ruhiza, Bwindi N.P.

Cinnamon Bracken-Warbler Bradypterus cinnamomeus

27-07: 2 seen well along the Gorge Trail, Mgahinga N.P.

Black-faced Rufous-Warbler Bathmocercus rufus

29-07: 4 along the Mubwindi Swamp Trail, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 6 on 2 dates at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

Moustached Grass-Warbler Melocichla mentalis

26-07: 1 at Lake Mburo.

04-08: 1 at QENP.

09-08: 3 on transit to Masindi.

Greater Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus rufescens

Single birds on 2 dates at Lake Bunyonyi.

Mountain Yellow Warbler Chloropeta similis

27-07: 10+ along the Gorge Trail, Mgahinga N.P.

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Ruhiza, Bwindi N.P.

Papyrus Yellow Warbler Chloropeta gracilirostris

28-07: 1 at papyrus patch at the edge of Lake Bunyonyi.

Buff-bellied Warbler Phyllolaios pulchella

25-07: 4 at Lake Mburo.

A total of 6 on 2 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Grauer’s Warbler Graueria vittata

30-07: Heard and 1 seen well at Ruhiza, Bwindi N.P.

Heard on 2 days and 3 seen at Nyungwe N.P.

Rufous-crowned Eremomela Eremomela badiceps

10-08: 3 at Royal Mile, Budongo.

Green Crombec Sylvietta virens

Single birds seen at Buhoma, Semliki, Kibale, Budongo and Murchison Falls.

A total of 7 on 7 dates.

Lemon-bellied Crombec Sylvietta denti

05-08: a single bird along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

10-08: 2 along the Royal Mile, Budongo.

White-browed Crombec Sylvietta leucophrys

27-07: 3 at Mgahinga N.P.

28-08: 1 at Echuya Forest.

18-08: 1 at Nyungwe N.P.

Red-faced Crombec Sylvietta whytii

25-07: 2 at Lake Mburo.

Neumann’s Warbler Hemitesia neumanni

01-08: finally 1 seen at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

18-08: 1 heard at Nyungwe N.P.

Yellow Longbill Macrosphenus flavicans

06-08: 1 at semliki N.P.

Heard on 2 dates at Mabira Forest.

Grey Longbill Macrosphenus concolor

11-08: 1 at Busingiro Forest.

14-08: 3 at Mabira Forest.

15-08: Heard at Mabira Forest.

Green Hylia Hylia prasina

A total of 6 on 2 dates at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

06-08: Heard at Semliki N.P.

10-08: 2 at Royal Mile, Budongo.

Red-faced Woodland-Warbler Phylloscopus laetus

A total of 4 on 2 dates at Echuya Forest.

27-07: 2 along the Gorge Trail, Mgahinga N.P.

Daily 10+ in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 10 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Uganda Woodland-Warbler Phylloscopus budongoensis

10-08: 3 at the Royal Mile, Budongo. After some effort we finally succeeded in reasonable views in the canopy.

Hyliota Hyliota

Fan-tailed Grassbird Schoenicola brevirostris

04-08: 1 in grassland area, QENP.

Silverbird Empidormis semipartitus

10+ daily at Murchison Falls N.P. Common at campsite at Paraa.

Pale Flycatcher Brodornis pallidus

A total of 5 on 3 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher Melaeornis fischeri

A total of 31 on 7 dates in the southern highlands like Echuya Forest, Mgahinga N.P. and Bwindi.

A total of 6 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Northern Black Flycatcher Meleaornis pammelaina

Single birds on 2 dates T Lake Mburo.

A total of 5 on 2 dates around our accommodation at QENP.

A total of 10 on 2 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher Melaeornis ardesiacus

29-07: 3 along the Mubwindi Swamp Trail, Bwindi N.P.

01-08: Heard near Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

18-08: 2 at Nyungwe N.P.

African Forest Flycatcher Fraseria ocreata

10-08: 1 at the Royal Mile, Budongo.

14-08: Heard at Mabira Forest.

Sooty Flycatcher Muscicapa infuscate

01-08: 2 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 6 on 2 dates at Kibale Forest.

10-08: 1 at Royal Mile, Budongo.

Swamp Flycatcher Muscicapa aquatita

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

A total of 5 on 2 dates at Lake Bunyonyi.

29-07: 3 at Mubwindi Swamp, Bwindi N.P.

03-08: 4 at swamp, QENP.

Chapin’s Flycatcher Muscicapa lendu

02-08: Heard along the main trail at Buhoma and finally 1 seen.

African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta

A total of 23 on 8 dates in the south.

A total of 13 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Dusky Blue Flycatcher Muscicapa comitata

A total of 4 at the start of the main trail at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

07-08: 1 at Bigodi Swamp, Kibale.

Cassin’s Flycatcher Muscicapa cassini

08-08: a single bird at a bridge, Kibale Forest.

Grey-throated Tit Flycatcher Myioparus griseigularis

Single birds on 2 dates at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

05-08: a single bird at Semliki N.P>

10-08: a single bird at Royal Mile, Budongo.

14-08: 2 at Mabira Forest.

White-starred Robin Pogonocichla stellate

A total of 15 on 6 dates in the forest in the south like Echuya Forest, Mgahinga N.P. and Bwindi.

Single birds on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Eastern Forest Robin Stiphromis erythrothorax

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Semliki N.P.

10-08: Heard at Royal Mile, Budongo.

11-08: 2 seen very well at Busingiro Forest.

Note: Apparently this species has been lumped with Gabon Forest Robin and Western Forest Robin.

Unfortunately this means that I have to skip 2 species.

Equatorial Akalat Sheppardia aequatorialis

01-08: 3 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

18-08: 1 at Nyungwe N.P.

 

White-bellied Robin-Chat Cossyphicula roberti

01-08: 2 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

Archer’s Robin-Chat Cossypha archeri

27-07: 3 along the Gorge Trail, Mgahinga N.P.

Heard on 3 dates in the Ruhiza area. Did not try to tape one in.

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra

17-07: 1 at Mgahinga N.P.

Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat Cossypha cynocampter

03-08: poor views of 1 at the start of the main trail at Buhoma. (Henk only)

05-08: Great views of this notorious skulker along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

Grey-winged Robin-Chat Cossypha polioptera

A total of 4 on 3 dates at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini

Common 0n 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

04-08: a single bird on transit.

Red-capped Robin-Chat Cossypha natalensis

Single birds on 2 dates at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

18-08: 1 at Nyungwe N.P.

Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat Cossypha niveicapilla

A total of 25 on 9 dates.

Spotted Morning-Thrush Cichladusa guttata

A total of 8 on 2 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Brown-backed Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas hartlaubi

25-07: 2 at Lake Mburo.

09-08: on transit to Masindi.

Red-backed Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys

10-08: 1 at scrubby patch near Masindi.

12-08: 2 at Murchison Falls N.P.

African Stonechat Saxicola torquata

A total of 20 on 5 dates in the highlands in the south.

Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris

26-07: a single bird at Lake MBuro.

Sooty Chat Myrmecocichla albifrons

Observed on 9 dates.

White-fronted Black Chat Myrmecocichla arnoti

12-08: 1 at north bank of Nile, Murchison falls N.P. (Wiel only)

13-08: Great views of a pair when leaving Murchison falls N.P.

Ruaha Chat Myrmecocichla collaris

28-07: When driving through the village of Molore, Paul Tamwenya spotted a suspicious chat along the road.

When we checked the area we saw and photographed a pair of Ruaha Chat. If accepted, this would constitute the first observation of this species in Uganda.

It is the female which is readily identified as different from the female of Arnott’s Chat.

Mocking Cliff-Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris

11-08: 2 along the Butiaba escarpment.

African Shrike-Flycatcher Megabyas flammulatus

02-08: 2 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

10-08: 1 pair at the Royal Mile, Budongo.

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Mabira Forest.

Black & White Shrike-Flycatcher Bias musicus

31-07: 1 pair at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

02-08: A single bird in the same area.

07-08: 1 pair at Kibale Forest.

Brown-throated Wattle-eye Platysteira cyanea

A total of 5 on 3 dates at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 7 on 3 dates around our accommodation, QENP.

13-08: 1 at kanyo Pabidi.

Chestnut Wattle-eye Platysteira castanea

01-08: 1 pair at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

06-08: 1 pair at Semliki N.P.

09-08: 1 at Kibale Forest.

10-08: 1 pair at Royal Mile, Budongo.

11-08: 1 at Busingiro Forest.

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Mabira Forest.

Jameson’s Wattle-eye Platysteira jamesoni

06-08: Heard at Semliki N.P.

11-08: heard at Busingiro Forest.

15-08: Excellent views of a male at Mabira Forest.

Ruwenzori Batis Batis diops

A total of 9 on 4 dates in the southern highlands, Mgahinga N.P., Echuya Forest and Ruhiza area in Bwindi N.P.

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Chinspot Batis Batis molitor

A total of 5 on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

A total of 5 on 4 dates at Bwindi N.P.

Black-headed Batis Batis minor

03-08: 1 male at QENP.

12-08: 2 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Ituri Batis Batis ituriensis

10-08: 2 in the canopy along the Royal Mile, Budongo.

Chestnut-capped Flycatcher Erythrorcus mccallii

05-08: 3 at Semliki N.P.

10-08: Heard at Royal Mile, Budongo and 1 seen.

African Blue Flycatcher Elminia longicauda

26-07: 1 Lake Mburo.

04-08: 1 on transit.

A total of 10 on 2 dates at Kibale Forest.

White-tailed Blue Flycatcher Elminia albicauda

A total of 14 on 4 dates at Bwindi N.P.

02-08: 2 at QENP.

06-08: a single bird at Semliki N.P.

19-08: 3 at Nyungwe N.P.

Dusky Crested Flycatcher Elminia nigromitrata

04-08: A single bird at Semliki N.P.

White-bellied Crested Flycatcher Elminia albiventris

18-08: 2 at Nyungwe N.P.

White-tailed Crested Flycatcher Elminia albonotata

17-07: 4 along the Gorge Trail, Mgahinga N.P.

Blue-headed Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus nitens

Single birds on 2 dates along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

Black-headed Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone rufiventer

A total of 29 recorded on 9 dates.

African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis

A total of 13 recorded on 8 dates.

Scaly-breasted Illadopsis Illadopsis albipectus

01-08: heard in the Buhoma area, Bwindi N.P.

02-08: 2 seen well at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P>

05-08: 2 along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

09-08: heard at Royal Mile

Puvel’s Illadopsis Illadopsis puveli

13-08: Excellent views of a responsive bird at Kanyo Pabidi.

Brown Illadopsis Illadopsis fulvescens

05-08: A single bird at Semliki N.P.

10-08: A single bird at the Royal Mile, Budongo.

11-08: Heard at Busingiro Forest.

Mountain Illadopsis Illadopsis pyrrhoptera

A total of 8 on 3 dates at Bwindi N.P.

Single birds on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Ruwenzori Hill Babbler Illadopsis abyssinica

At otal of 12 on 3 dates at the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

18-08: Heard at Nyungwe N.P.

19-08: 3 at Nyungwe N.P.

Red-collared Mountain Babbler Kupeornis rufocinctus

18-08: a flock of 6 at Nyungwe N.P.

Grey-chested Illadopsis Kakamega poliothorax

29-07: brief but good views of this ultimate skulker along the Mubwindi Swamp Trail, Ruhiza, Bwindi N.P.

Dusky Babbler Turdoides tenebrosus

13-08: A small flock near Sambiya River Lodge, Murchison Falls N.P.

Black-lored Babbler Turdoides sharpie

26-08: 2 at Lake Bunyonyi.

A total of 20 on 2 dates at QENP.

Brown Babbler Turdoides plebejus

24-07: 2 at the edge of Mabamba Swamp.

13-08: 2 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii

03-08: 3 at QENP.

White-winged Black Tit Melaniparus leucomelas

25-07: 6 at Lake Mburo.

Dusky Tit Melaniparus funereus

A total of 4 on 2 dates at Bwindi N.P.

08-08: 1 at Kibale Forest.

10-08: 2 at Budongo.

Stripe-breasted Tit Melaniparus fasciiventer

27-07: 6 along the Gorge Trail, Mgahinga N.P.

A total of 7 on 2 dates in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 14 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

White-shouldered Black Tit Melaniparus guinensis

13-08: 2 at Murchison Falls N.P.

African Penduline-Tit Anthoscopus caroli

02-08: 3 at Isasha area, QENP.

Grey-headed Sunbird Deleornis axillaris

A total of 8 on 3 dates in the Buhoma area, Bwindi N.P.

06-08: 2 Semliki N.P.

Little Green Sunbird Anthreptes seimundi

A total of 4 on 2 dates in the Buhoma area, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Mabira Forest.

19-08: 1 at Nyungwe N.P.

Green Sunbird Anthreptes rectirostris

A total of 3 on 2 dates in the Buhoma area, Bwindi N.P.

09-08: 1 at Kibale Forest.

14-08: 1 at Mabira Forest.

Collared Sunbird Anthreptes collaris

Observed on 9 dates. Ruhiza area, Bwindi, Kibale Forest, Budongoand Murchison Falls N.P.

A total of 8 on 3 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Green-headed Sunbird Cyanomytra verticalis

A total of 5 on 3 dates in the Buhoma area, Bwindi N.P.

04-08: 3 at QENP.

08-08: 1 at Kibale Forest.

Blue-throated Brown Sunbird Cyanomytra cyanolaema

A total of 3 in the Buhoma area, Bwindi N.P.

05-08: 3 along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

08-08: 1 at Kibale Forest.

Blue-headed Sunbird Cyanomytra alinae

Single birds of this endemic sunbird was seen on 2 dates in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 9 on 3 dates at Nyungwe Forest.

Eastern Olive Sunbird Cyanomytra olivacea

A total of 13 on 3 dates in the Buhoma area, Bwindi N.P.

05-08: 1 at Semliki N.P.

09-08: 2 at Kibale Forest.

10-08: 1 at Royal Mile, Budongo.

Green-throated Sunbird Chalcomitra rubescens

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

Single birds on 2 dates at Ruhiza, Bwindi N.P.

Single birds on 2 dates at Kibale Forest.

Purple-breasted Sunbird Nectarinia purpureiventris

30-07: 2 at Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 4 including gorgeous males on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Bronze Sunbird Nectarinia kilimensis

A total of 6 on 2 dates at Echuya Forest.

A total of 14 on 4 dates at Bwindi N.P.

08-08: 2 at Kibale Forest.

Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa

27-07: 1 female type bird along the Gorge Trail, Mgahinga N.P.

Olive-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris chloropygus

31-07: 2 between Ruhiza – Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

08-08: 3 at Kibale Forest.

Tiny Sunbird Cinnyris minullus

08-08: 1 male at Kibale Forest.

Ruwenzori Double-collared (Stuhlmann’s) Sunbird Cinnyris stuhlmanni

27-07: 10+ along the Gorge Trail Mgahinga N.P.

26-07: 1 female at Echuya Forest.

31-07: 1 between Ruhiza – Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

19-08: 1 at Nyungwe N.P.

Northern Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris reichenowi ssp.reichenowi

28-07: 2 at Echyua Forest.

30-07: 3 in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 5 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Regal Sunbird Cinnyris regius

A total of 7 on 2 dates at Echuya Forest.

27-07: 6 along the Gorge Trail, Mgahinga N.P.

A total of 10 on 2 dates in the Ruhiza area.

A total of 12 on 3 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Beautiful Sunbird Cinnyris pulchellus

A total of 4 on 2 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Mariqua Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis

24-07: 3 at the edge of Mabamba Swamp.

Single birds on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

A total of 3 on 2 dates at QENP.

Red-chested Sunbird Cinnyris erythrocerca

24-07: 2 at Mabamba Swamp.

26-07: 1 at Lake Bunyonyi.

02-08: 1 at QENP.

11-08: 1 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Superb Sunbird Cinnyris superbus

08-08: 2 at Kibale Forest.

Variable Sunbird Cinnyris venustus

27-07: 1 at Mgahinga N.P.

30-07: 2 in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

Copper Sunbird Cinnyris cupreus

A total of 4 on 3 dates at QENP.

A total of 4 on 3 dates at Kibale Forest.

12-08: 1 at Murchison Falls N.P.

African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis

Recorded on 14 dates.

Daily at Nyungwe N.P.

Western Black-headed Oriole Oriolus brachyrhynchus

06-08: 2 at Semliki N.P.

08-08: 2 at Kibale Forest.

3 on 2 dates at Mabira Forest.

African Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus

25-07: 1 at lake Mburo.

02-08: 2 in the Buhoma area, Bwindi N.P.

13-08: 1 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Black-tailed (Mountain) Oriole Oriolus percuvali

A total of 9 on 4 dates at Bwindi N.P.

Single birds on 3 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

 

Black-winged Oriole Oriolus nigripennis

05-08: 1 along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

Grey-backed Fiscal Lanius excubitoroides

Recorded on 10 dates.

Mackinnon’s Shrike Lanius mackinnoni

27-07: 2 at Mgahinga N.P.

A total of 7 on 4 dates in Bwindi N.P.

Common Fiscal Lanius collaris

26-07: 2 on transit.

A total of 8 on 3 dates at QENP.

09-08: 1 on transit.

11-08: 3 escarpment.

Yellow-billed Shrike Corvinella corvine

12-08: 1 at Murchison Falls N.P. was our only observation.

Bubru Nilaus afer

25-07: 1 at Lake Mburo.

02-08: Heard at Isasha, QENP.

11-08: Heard at Murchison Falls N.P.

Northern Puffback Dryoscopus gambensis

26-07: 2 at Echuya Forest.

27-07: 3 at Mgahinga N.P.

A total of 4 on 3 dates in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

08-08: 1 at Kibale Forest.

Single birds on 2 dates at Murchison falls N.P.

A total of 5 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Pink-footed Puffback Dryoscopus angolensis

A total of 4 on 2 dates in the Buhoma area, Bwindi N.P.

Marsh Tchagra Tchagra minuta

16-08: 1 during stop at swamp between Kampala – Kisoro.
Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegala

Single birds on 2 dates at Lake MBuro.

30-07: 1 at Ruhiza, Bwindi N.P.

03-08: 1 at QENP.

A total of 7 on 2 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis

Single birds on 2 dates in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 5 on 2 dates at QENP.

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Kibale Forest.

A total of 4 on 2 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Lüdher’s Bushshrike Laniarius luehderi

A total of 7 on 3 dates in Bwindi N.P.

09-08: 1 at Kibale Forest.

18-08: 1 heard at Nyungwe N.P.

20-08: 1 at Nyungwe N.P.

Tropical Boubou Laniarius aethiopicus

A total of 8 on 3 dates at Lake Mburo.

30-07: heard and 1 seen in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

13-08: 1 at Murchison falls N.P.

Black-headed Gonolek Laniarius erythrogaster

A total of 12 on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

20+on 3 dates at QENP.

16 on 3 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Papyrus Gonolek Laniarius mufumbiri

25-07: heard at Lake Bunyonyi.

A total of 6 on 2 dates at a nice patch of papyrus swamp, QENP.

Some very nice views of this skulking species.

09-08: heard at swamp on transit to Masindi.

Slate-coloured Boubou Laniarius funebris

25-07: Heard and 2 seen at Lake MBuro.

Mountain Sooty Boubou Laniarius poensis

A total of 11 on 4 dates in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

19-08: 1 at Nyungwe N.P.

 

Willard’s Sooty Boubou Laniarius willardi

Heard and 3 seen on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Good views and greyish eyes seen well.

Lowland Sooty Boubou Laniarius

05-08: Nice views of 2 along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

15-08: heard at Mabira Forest.

Bocage’s (Grey-green) Bushshrike Telophorus bocagei

31-07: Heard at Buhoma.

02-08: 1 seen at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike Telephorus sulfureopectus

26-07: 1 at Lake Mburo.

02-08: 1 at QENP.

11-08: 1 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Many-coloured Bushshrike Telephorus multicolour

31-07: 1 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P. gave great views.

A total of 3 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Doherty’s Bushshrike telephorus dohertyi

26-07: 1 at Echuya Forest.

27-07: 2 along the Gorge Trail, Mgahinga N.P.

28-07: heard at Ruhiza.

31-07: 1 at Ruhiza, Bwindi N.P.

19-08: heard at Nyungwe N.P.

Lagden’s Bushshrike Malaconotes lagdeni

29-07: heard along the Mubwindi swamp Trail, Bwindi N.P.

18-08: 1 at Nyungwe N.P.

Grey-headed Bushshrike Malaconotes blanchoti

13-08: heard at Murchison Falls N.P.

Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis

Observed on 9 dates.

Velvet-mantled Drongo Dicrurus modestus

01-08: 2 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

14-08: 1 at Mabira Forest.

Piapiac Ptilostomus afer

Daily observed at Murchison Falls N.P.

Pied Crow Corvus albus

Observed almost daily in both Uganda and Rwanda.

White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis

26-07: Observed near Kisoro.

28-07: 10+ driving from Kisoro to Bwindi N.P.

17-08: common at the Ugandan/Rwandan border crossing.

19-08: 10+ at Nyungwe N.P. especially around the HQ area.

Wattled Starling Cretophora cinerea

03-08: 3 at QENP.

Greater Blue-eared Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis chalybaetus

26-07: Regularly seen between Lake Mburo – Kisoro.

13-08: 3 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Splendid Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis splendidus

25-07: 10+ at Lake Mburo.

A total of 15 on 3 dates at Semliki N.P.

09-08: 4 at Kibale Forest.

Ruppell’s Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis purpuropterus

Commonly observed on 3 dates at Lake Mburo.

Commonly observed on 3 dates at QENP.

Commonly observed on 3 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Purple-headed Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis purpureiceps

01-08: 2 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 14 on 2 dates at Semliki N.P.

A total of 12 on 2 dates at Kibale Forest.

Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster

02-08: 1 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

07-08: 1 at Bigosi Swamp. Kibale Forest.

A total of 9 on 3 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

 

Slender-billed Starling Onychognathus tenuirostris

29-07: 10+ along the Mubwindi Swamp Trail, Bwindi N.P.

Waller’s Starling Onychognathus walleri

19-08: 2 at Nyungwe N.P.

Narrow-tailed Starling Poeoptera lugubris

A total of 11 on 2 dates in the Buhoma area, Bwindi N.P.

08-08: 10+ at Kibale Forest.

Stuhlmann’s Starling Poeoptera stuhlmanni

29-07: 5 in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P. (Wiel only)

31-07: 2 in The Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

19-08: 10 at Nyungwe N.P.

Sharpe’s Starling Pholia sharpie

Single birds on 2 dates in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus

A total of 12 on 2 dates at QENP.

12-08: 20+ on the north bank of the Nile, Murchison Falls N.P.

Speckle-fronted Weaver Sporopies frontalis

A total of 30 on 2 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali

12-08: 10+ on the north bank of the Nile, Murchison Falls N.P.

Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser superciliosus

A total of 22 on 3 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Baglafecht Weaver Ploceus Baglafecht

A total of 8 on 2 dates near Kisoro.

02-08: Common Isasha area, QENP.

08-08: 10+ at Kibale Forest.

A total of 14 on 2 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Slender-billed Weaver Ploceus pelzelni

28-07: 4 near Lake Bunyonyi.

04-08: 10+ on transit to Semliki N.P.

Little Weaver Ploceus luteolus

24-07: 4 at Mabamba Swamp.

A total of 24 on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

02-08: 20+ at swamp towards QENP.

Lesser Masked (Victoria) Weaver Ploceus intermedius

25-07: 4 of these weavers at Lake Bunyonyi.

28-07: good views of a male in same general area.

Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis

A total of 4 on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

28-07: 2 near Lake Bunyonyi.

A total of 4 on 2 dates at QENP.

Black-necked Weaver Ploceus nigricollis

A total of 10 on 3 dates in the Buhoma area, Bwindi N.P.

Black-billed Weaver Ploceus melanogaster

A total of 12 on 4 days in Bwindi N.P.

Strange Weaver Ploceus aleinus

28-07: 3 at Echyua Forest.

A total of 6 on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Holub’s Golden Weaver Ploceus xanthops

Single birds on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

02-08: 2 at QENP.

13-08: 1 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Northern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus castanops

24-07: 10+ at Mabamba Swamp.

25-07: 10 + at Lake Mburo.

04-08: 2 at QENP.

09-08: 1 male at Kibale Forest.

Heuglin’s Masked Weaver Ploceus heuglini

12-08: 1 at north bank of Nile, Murchison Falls N.P.

Africa Masked (Vitelline)Weaver Ploceus velatus

3 on 2 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus

Recorded on 14 dates.

Vieillot’s Weaver Ploceus nigerimus

24-07: 4 at Mabamba Swamp.

01-08: 4 in the Buhoma area, Bwindi N.P.

A total of 8 on 3 dates in semliki N.P.

09-08: 10+ at Kiobale Forest.

10-08: 10+ near Masindi.

11-08: 10+ at Busingiro Forest area.

Weyn’s Weaver Ploceus weynsi

14-08: 10+ at Mabira Forest.

Yellow-backed (Black-headed) Weaver Ploceus melanocephalus

A total of 3 on 2 dates at QENP.

10+ daily at Murchison Falls N.P.

Brown-capped Weaver Ploceus insignis

A total of 9 on 3 dates in Bwindi N.P.

Compact Weaver Pachyphantes superciliosus

02-08: 10+ at QENP.

A total of 11 on 3 dates in Murchison Falls N.P.

Crested Malimbe Malimbus malimbicus

A total of 9 on 2 dates in semliki N.P.

Red-headed Malimbe Malimbus rubriceps

A total of 4 on 2 dates in the Buhoma area of Bwindi N.P.

A total of 3 on 2 days at Mabira Forest.

Cardinal Quelea Quelea cardinalis

10-08: 1 male in scrubby area near Masindi.

Red-headed Quelea Quelea erythrops

10-08: 1 male in scrubby habitat near Masindi.

Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea

26-07: 10+ Lake Mburo.

10+ daily at QENP.

12-08: 10+ at Murchison Falls N.P.

Black Bishop Euplectes gierowi

07+09-08: 1 male near Kibale.

10-08: 1 male in scrubby area near Masindi.

11-08: 4 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Black-winged Bishop Euplectes hordeaceus

10-08: 2 males in scrubby habitat near Masindi.

11-08: 2 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Northern Red Bishop Euplectes orix

A total of 30 on 2 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Fan-tailed Widowbird Euplectes axillaris

24-07: 4 between Kampala – Lake Mburo.

26-07: 10 at swamp near Kisoro.

02-08: 4 at QENP.

09-08: 1 near Masindi.

Yellow-shouldered Widowbird Euplectes macrourus

09-08: 5 between Fort Portal – Masindi.

10-08: 4 near Masindi.

11-08: 10 between Masindi – Murchison Falls.

White-winged Widowbird Euplectes albonotatus

A total of 6 on 2 dates at QENP.

08-08: 1 near Kibale

Red-collared Widowbird Euplectes ardens

A total of 4 on 3 dates near Masindi.

Marsh Widowbird Euplectes hartlaubi

13-08: 2 at swamp near Luwero.

Grosbeak Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons

02-08: 1 at Buhoma.

A total of 8 on 2 dates at Semliki N.P.

Single birds on 2 dates near Masindi.

13-08: 2 at escarpment.

White-breasted Negrofinch Nigrita fusconota

Single birds on 2 dates in the Buhoma area, Bwindi N.P.

08-08: 2 at Kibale Forest.

14-08: 3 at Mabira Forest.

Single birds on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch Nigrita bicolor

31-07: 2 between Ruhiza – Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

Grey-headed Negrofinch Nigrita canicapilla

A total of 26 recorded on 10 dates.

Grey-headed Oliveback Nesocharis capistrata

A total of 3 on 2 dates in scrubby area near Masindi.

Red-winged Pytilia Pytilia phoenicoptera

11-08: 2 at escarpment.

13-08: 1 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba

26-07: 1 at Lake Mburo.

03-08: 3 at QENP.

Green-backed Twinspot Mandingo nitidula

10-08: 1 near Royal Mile, Budongo.

Dusky Crimsonwing Cryptospiza jacksoni

27-07: 3 along the Gorge Trail, Mgahinga N.P.

29-07: 2 along the Mubwindi Swamp Trail, Ruhiza, Bwindi N.P.

Shelley’s Crimsonwing Cryptospiza shelleyi

27-07: an imm. bird seen well along the Gorge Trail, Mgahinga N.P.

Grant’s Bluebill Spermophaga poliogenys

05-08: brief views of 2 single birds along the Kirumia Trail, Semliki N.P.

Red-headed Bluebill Spermophaga ruficapilla

06-08: 1 along the road, Semliki N.P.

Brown Twinspot Cryptospiza monteiri

10-08: 2 at scrubby area near Masindi.

Dusky Twinspot Euschistospiza cinereovinacea

30-07: Great views of 1 in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

Bar-breasted Firefinch Lagonosticta rufopicta

11-08: 1 Murchison Falls N.P.

Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala

Recorded on 12 dates.

Black-bellied Firefinch Lagonosticta rara

10-08: 2 in scrubby area near Masindi.

11-08: 2 at Murchison Falls N.P.

13-08: 1 at edge of Kanyo Pabidi.

African Firefinch lagonosticta rubricata

A total of 8 on 2 dates at Lake Mburo.

Red-cheeked Cordonbleu Uraeginthus bengalus

24-07: 10 at edege of Mabamba Swamp.

09-08: 1 along the road between Fort Portal – Masindi.

A total of 40 on 3 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Fawn-breasted Waxbill Estrilda paludicola

02-08: 40+ at QENP.

A total of 10 on 2 dates at Murchison Falls N.P.

Crimson-rumped Waxbill Estrilda rhodopyga

12-08: 10+ at the Butiaba escarpment.

Black-rumped Waxbill Estrilda troglodytes

12-08: 3 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Black-crowned Waxbill Estrilda nonnula

05-08: 6 at Semliki N.P.

08-08: 10+ at Kibale.

A total of 8 on 2 dates near Masindi.

14-08: 4 at Mabira Forest.

Kandt’s Waxbill Estrildakandti

A total of 20 on 2 dates at Echuya Forest.

27-07: 10+ at Mgahinga N.P.

Daily 10+ in the Ruhiza area, Bwindi N.P.

19-08: 5 at Nyungwe N.P.

Black-chinned Quailfinch Ortygospiza gabonensis?

30-07: 1 at Ruhiza, Bwindi N.P.

 

Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata

Observed on 15 dates.

Black & White Mannikin Lonchura bicolor

Observed on 6 dates.

Village Indigobird Vidua chalybaeta

02-08: 1 at QENP.

09-08: 1 near Kibale.

Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura

Observed on 12 dates.

Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi

11-08: 2 on the Butiaba escarpment.

Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris

25-07: 1 at Lake Mburo.

Brown-rumped Bunting Emberiza affinis

11-08: 1 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Western Citril Serinus citrinelloides

31-07: 1 at Buhoma, Bwindi N.P.

Cape Canary Serinus canicollis

A total of 4 on 2 dates at Ruhiza, Bwindi N.P.

Papyrus Canary Serinus koliensis

28-07: 1 at Lake Bunyonyi.

White-rumped Seedeater Serinus leucopygius

11-08: 6 at Murchison Falls N.P.

Yellow-fronted Canary Serinus mozambicus

Observed on 10 dates.

Brimstone Canary Serinus sulphuratus

28-07: 10+ at Lake Bunyonyi.

08-08: 2 between Fort Portal – Masindi.

Streaky Seedeater Serinus striolatus

Observed on 7 dates, Echyua Forest, Mgahinga N.P. and Bwindi N.P.

Thick-billed Seedeater Serinus burtoni

28-07: 4 at Echyua Forest.

Single birds on 2 dates at Nyungwe N.P.

Shelley’s Rufous Sparrow Passer shelleyi

11-08: 2 at the Butiaba escarpment.

Northern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus

Observed on 18 dates

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

03-08: 4 near Mweya, QENP.

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