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Rothschild's Giraffes on the savanna at Murchison Falls NP. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Thanks to our fun group for a very good time in Uganda. We couldn't have done it without our fine team of guides, tour reps, and driver. Thanks to Alfred, Elias, and David, as well as Grace and Judith at Far Horizons. And, of course, many, many thanks to all of our local guides and porters who pushed and pulled us up and down mountains to see Uganda's awesome wildlife.
I wish you all the best in your future travels and hope to see you again soon.
Jesse Fagan (aka Motmot) from Lima, Peru
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata) – Fairly common, (but never big numbers) in wetlands like Mabamba Swamp and Lake Mburo. This species is found in South America and Africa.
COMB DUCK (OLD WORLD) (Sarkidiornis melanotos melanotos) – This odd duck was seen in flight and perched on top of a tree during our Victoria Nile boat ride. Also known as Knob-billed Duck and sometimes separated from the Comb Duck of South America.
Despite it being fairly common in most wetland sites, the Egyptian Goose is a striking bird to look at. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan at Lake Victoria.
EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Alopochen aegyptiaca) – Good numbers in most wetland habitat. Our first was along the shores of Lake Victoria.
SPUR-WINGED GOOSE (Plectropterus gambensis) – Our only ones were a group of 10 near Lake Albert.
HOTTENTOT TEAL (Spatula hottentota) – This was a surprise. A group of four were in a few shallow pools along the road as we left Lake Mburo.
AFRICAN BLACK DUCK (Anas sparsa) – Another surprise was finding a pair of this species in The Neck (Bwindi Imp. For.).
YELLOW-BILLED DUCK (Anas undulata) – Seen at Mabamba Swamp and again at Lake Mburo NP.
Numididae (Guineafowl)
HELMETED GUINEAFOWL (Numida meleagris) – Common in dry brushlands and grasslands. Often seen along the road.
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
HANDSOME FRANCOLIN (Pternistis nobilis) – Paul spotted our first along the road in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on our way out of Ruhija. We were able to get good scope views.
HEUGLIN'S FRANCOLIN (Pternistis icterorhynchus) – One atop a termite mound near Masindi was a great look.
RED-NECKED FRANCOLIN (Pternistis afer) – These were common at Queen Elizabeth NP and around Lake Mburo.
CRESTED FRANCOLIN (Dendroperdix sephaena) – Less common than the previous species, but seen well, our best looks at Lake Mburo.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
LESSER FLAMINGO (Phoeniconaias minor) – Just two immatures on a salt pan at Queen Elizabeth NP.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
AFRICAN OPENBILL (Anastomus lamelligerus) – Singles here and there, but mainly from the moving vehicle. Not super common.
WOOLLY-NECKED STORK (Ciconia episcopus) – Just one on our drive to Masindi the second day of the tour.
SADDLE-BILLED STORK (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) – We debated whether this bird should be the national bird of Uganda. Spectacular bill and colors. Seen at Victoria Nile and a few other spots along the way.
MARABOU STORK (Leptoptilos crumenifer) – A common denizen of roadside dumps and communication towers. This bird stands as tall as a small child.
YELLOW-BILLED STORK (Mycteria ibis) – Not many, but seen well on the Victoria Nile and again at the Kazinga Channel.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
LONG-TAILED CORMORANT (Microcarbo africanus) – Good numbers at Lake Victoria and along the Victoria Nile.
GREAT CORMORANT (WHITE-BREASTED) (Phalacrocorax carbo lucidus) – A few along the Victoria Nile, but large concentrations were on the Kazinga Channel near Lake Edward. The African subspecies (several) show white breasts unlike European populations.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
AFRICAN DARTER (Anhinga rufa rufa) – This sharp looking bird was seen well on the Victoria Nile.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
GREAT WHITE PELICAN (Pelecanus onocrotalus) – Our only ones were on the Kazinga Channel, but there were a bunch.
PINK-BACKED PELICAN (Pelecanus rufescens) – Small numbers were at Lake Victoria, Murchison Falls, and Queen Elizabeth NP.
Shoebill was a target for most folks. A monotypic family and Uganda seems to be the best place to find one. We had great luck with a pair that showed well. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Balaenicipitidae (Shoebill)
SHOEBILL (Balaeniceps rex) – This species tied for bird of the trip. Not surprisingly. It is an awesome creature. Mabamba Swamp came through for us and we enjoyed very close intimate looks with a pair.
Scopidae (Hamerkop)
HAMERKOP (Scopus umbretta) – We remarked on their huge stick nests in the acacia trees. Seen throughout the tour.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
DWARF BITTERN (Ixobrychus sturmii) – One at Queen Elizabeth NP sitting on top of some tall grasses had us all scratching our heads. We got it in the scope just to be sure. Probably a migrant moving around looking for a good marsh.
GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea) – Good numbers on the Nile.
BLACK-HEADED HERON (Ardea melanocephala) – One of the more common herons seen on the tour.
GOLIATH HERON (Ardea goliath) – This beast of a heron was seen well during our Nile boat ride.
PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea) – Good numbers along the Nile, but also again at Lake Mburo.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Not super common, but seen at Murchison, Queen Elizabeth NP, and around Lake Mburo. A few were seen from the moving vehicle, too.
INTERMEDIATE EGRET (Ardea intermedia) – We had three near Kakoge and then another at Murchison Falls.
LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta) – This one is most similar to our New World Snowy Egret. However, in non-breeding the lores are gray and it lacks the elaborate neck plumes, instead being replaced by two simple long feathers. Elegant.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Cattle Egrets in the Old World! Count 'em.
SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides) – Lots along the Victoria Nile.
RUFOUS-BELLIED HERON (Ardeola rufiventris) – This was a nice surprise for us at Lake Mburo. Spotted sitting on top of the large reeds. Relatively rare to uncommon through much of its southern Africa range.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – The Old World variety of Striated Heron. This species is pantropical. Seen at several wetland sites on this tour.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Just two on our sunset Nile boat ride.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
SACRED IBIS (Threskiornis aethiopicus) – More seen on the second-half of the tour like on the Kazinga Channel and Lake Mburo. Also, seen on the drives feeding in rice fields.
HADADA IBIS (Bostrychia hagedash) – These were common throughout the tour.
AFRICAN SPOONBILL (Platalea alba) – One was at the Kazinga Channel.
Why else do people come to Uganda? The amazing mammal show. This leopard was photographed by guide Jesse Fagan (his lifer) at Queen Elizabeth NP.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE (Elanus caeruleus) – Singles at a few sites.
AFRICAN HARRIER-HAWK (Polyboroides typus) – One of the more common raptors seen on tour.
PALM-NUT VULTURE (Gypohierax angolensis) – Not many this year, but good numbers around Ishasha.
WHITE-HEADED VULTURE (Trigonoceps occipitalis) – One was soaring with a vulture kettle over Ishasha. It was several sizes larger than the White-backed.
LAPPET-FACED VULTURE (Torgos tracheliotos) – Awesome looks at several individuals at a Zebra kill while leaving Lake Mburo.
HOODED VULTURE (Necrosyrtes monachus) – A few around Entebbe at the start of the tour were our only ones.
WHITE-BACKED VULTURE (Gyps africanus) – The most common vulture on this tour. Seen at Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Ishasha, and Lake Mburo.
RUEPPELL'S GRIFFON (Gyps rueppelli) – One was scoped at Queen Elizabeth NP.
BATELEUR (Terathopius ecaudatus) – The odd shape in flight is diagnostic. We saw them regularly in the open country.
BLACK-BREASTED SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus pectoralis) – One was soaring low for good looks at Lake Mburo.
BROWN SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus cinereus) – Singles on the drives.
BANDED SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus cinerascens) – We stopped for one on our drive north to Masindi. The light banding on the legs and flanks was visible only at close range. Otherwise very similar to the previous species.
CROWNED EAGLE (Stephanoaetus coronatus) – Heard calling in flight, but briefly seen soaring through the Budongo treetops.
MARTIAL EAGLE (Polemaetus bellicosus) – Awesome perched scope views of an immature at Lake Mburo.
LONG-CRESTED EAGLE (Lophaetus occipitalis) – Best raptor silhouette prize? Common on telephone poles throughout the country.
AFRICAN HAWK-EAGLE (Aquila spilogaster) – A group of four were soaring over the acacia woodland at Lake Mburo.
LIZARD BUZZARD (Kaupifalco monogrammicus) – Fairly common at a few spots during the first half of our tour.
DARK CHANTING-GOSHAWK (Melierax metabates) – Good numbers (5 or so) near the escarpment on the day we drove from Murchison Falls back to Masindi. Our only ones, however.
GABAR GOSHAWK (Micronisus gabar) – One very quickly dashed by our boat along the shores of the Victoria Nile.
AFRICAN MARSH-HARRIER (Circus ranivorus) – Good numbers coursing over Mabamba Swamp and Lake Mburo.
BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans) – We had several northern migrant/winter visitors (Black-billed) still around the Murchison Falls area.
BLACK KITE (YELLOW-BILLED) (Milvus migrans parasitus) – Common throughout the tour.
AFRICAN FISH-EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer) – We came up with a few ways to describe these birds: elegant, graceful, and regal, all were mentioned.
MOUNTAIN BUZZARD (Buteo oreophilus) – One was scoped perched above the forest as we left Bwindi from Ruhija.
AUGUR BUZZARD (Buteo augur) – Small numbers in the Bwindi/Buhoma region.
We spent some time birding on the Nile. We also spent some time drinking Niles. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Otididae (Bustards)
BLACK-BELLIED BUSTARD (Lissotis melanogaster) – A pair were seen on our game drive through Murchison Falls NP.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
AFRICAN CRAKE (Crecopsis egregia) – We spotted one out in the open in a roadside ditch as we left Queen Elizabeth NP.
BLACK CRAKE (Zapornia flavirostra) – Common in several wetland sites where they often walk in the open.
AFRICAN SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio madagascariensis) – One was seen during our boat ride down the Victoria Nile.
Sarothruridae (Flufftails)
WHITE-SPOTTED FLUFFTAIL (Sarothrura pulchra) [*]
Heliornithidae (Finfoots)
AFRICAN FINFOOT (Podica senegalensis) – Awesome views of a pair along the edges of Lake Mburo. Just three members of this family, two in the Old World, one in the New World (Sungrebe).
Gruidae (Cranes)
GRAY CROWNED-CRANE (Balearica regulorum) – What a beautiful bird. This is the national bird of Uganda. Thankfully, seen well on various occasions.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
WATER THICK-KNEE (Burhinus vermiculatus) – This species is not present in the north. We encountered them first at Queen Elizabeth NP and again further south.
SENEGAL THICK-KNEE (Burhinus senegalensis) – This was the species in the north, seen well along the Victoria NIle.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus) – Our only ones were on the Kazinga Channel.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
LONG-TOED LAPWING (Vanellus crassirostris) – Seen well at Murchison Falls.
SPUR-WINGED LAPWING (Vanellus spinosus) – Good numbers at Murchison Falls and Kazinga Channel.
BLACK-HEADED LAPWING (Vanellus tectus) – A group of six were near our picnic lunch spot at Murchison Falls NP.
SENEGAL LAPWING (Vanellus lugubris) – Small numbers were seen at Queen Elizabeth NP.
CROWNED LAPWING (Vanellus coronatus) – Good numbers were seen at Queen Elizabeth NP, but this was our only site for them.
WATTLED LAPWING (Vanellus senegallus) – The most common lapwing on the tour. Seen at several sites.
KITTLITZ'S PLOVER (Charadrius pecuarius) – At least three were seen on our boat ride down the Kazinga Channel.
THREE-BANDED PLOVER (Charadrius tricollaris) – One was seen on the Kazinga Channel and several more along a shallow pool as we left Lake Mburo.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
LESSER JACANA (Microparra capensis) – Just one (for a few folks) during our boat ride through Mabamba Swamp.
AFRICAN JACANA (Actophilornis africanus) – Good, close looks in Mabamba Swamp and again on the Nile.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia) – A few on a saltpan in Queen Elizabeth NP.
MARSH SANDPIPER (Tringa stagnatilis) – One was spotted by Paul and I during our Kazinga Channel boat ride.
Turnicidae (Buttonquail)
SMALL BUTTONQUAIL (Turnix sylvaticus) – Always good to see buttonquail. We had good looks at a bird running along the tire tracks ahead of our vehicle.
Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)
TEMMINCK'S COURSER (Cursorius temminckii) – Large numbers (20+) were around the place we parked to scope the saltpan at Queen Elizabeth NP.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE (Glareola pratincola) – A small group was along the muddy shore of the Kazinga Channel.
African Finfoot was another important species for many folks. Just three species represented in the family. This male was photographed by guide Jesse Fagan at Lake Mburo.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
GRAY-HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus) – Large numbers at Lake Victoria.
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus) – A group of 8 were seen during our Kazinga Channel boat ride.
GULL-BILLED TERN (Gelochelidon nilotica) – Large numbers were on the Kazinga Channel where we had nice comparisons with the next species.
WHITE-WINGED TERN (Chlidonias leucopterus) – 100's or 1000's (?) at Lake Victoria (Entebbe) and Kazinga Channel. Most were in non-breeding plumage.
AFRICAN SKIMMER (Rynchops flavirostris) – Large numbers sitting along the banks of the Kazinga Channel.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Thankfully not seen too much (they are introduced here as well). They may have too much competition from the next species.
SPECKLED PIGEON (Columba guinea) – Seen outside of Entebbe and again on the drive to Lake Mburo. A fairly localized species in Uganda.
AFEP PIGEON (Columba unicincta) [*]
RAMERON PIGEON (Columba arquatrix) – Good numbers in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
BRONZE-NAPED PIGEON (Columba iriditorques) [*]
MOURNING COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decipiens) – Common along the Victoria Nile.
RED-EYED DOVE (Streptopelia semitorquata) – The most common Streptopelia on this tour. Seen in a wide variety of habitats.
RING-NECKED DOVE (Streptopelia capicola) – Prefers dry brushland, so we had good numbers at Queen Elizabeth NP and Lake Mburo.
VINACEOUS DOVE (Streptopelia vinacea) – Small numbers around Masindi.
LAUGHING DOVE (Streptopelia senegalensis) – Not super common, but seen throughout the tour in a variety of habitats.
EMERALD-SPOTTED WOOD-DOVE (Turtur chalcospilos) – These were around in good numbers at Lake Mburo. We scoped one from behind the bus.
BLACK-BILLED WOOD-DOVE (Turtur abyssinicus) – Our only one was in the Budongo Forest.
BLUE-SPOTTED WOOD-DOVE (Turtur afer) – A bit more common than the other two Turturs, as they are found in a variety of habitats including cultivation and secondary growth. This one had the yellow bill.
TAMBOURINE DOVE (Turtur tympanistria) – Lots in the Murchison Falls-Masindi area, mostly by their call.
One of the more memorable aspects of this tour was seeing Mountain Gorilla. This silverback is being followed by a youngster. Video by guide Jesse Fagan.
AFRICAN GREEN-PIGEON (Treron calvus) – A nice looking bird that we saw well a few times.
Musophagidae (Turacos)
GREAT BLUE TURACO (Corythaeola cristata) – Turacos are just awesome. This is the largest and the most common. Seen well a few times.
BLACK-BILLED TURACO (Tauraco schuettii) – The Mubwindi Swamp hikers had this one well. Others just a heard only. One of the more difficult ones to see.
WHITE-CRESTED TURACO (Tauraco leucolophus) – We caught up with this species at Royal Ranch Swamp near Masindi.
ROSS'S TURACO (Musophaga rossae) – Some had it at the botanical gardens in Entebbe (like Paul), but we had it as a group during one of our roadside stops.
BARE-FACED GO-AWAY-BIRD (Corythaixoides personatus) – Do we like this name? Not sure.
EASTERN PLANTAIN-EATER (Crinifer zonurus) – Good numbers on the first half of the tour, then they disappeared. No plantains in the west and south?!
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SENEGAL COUCAL (Centropus senegalensis) – Singles in the Masindi area.
BLUE-HEADED COUCAL (Centropus monachus) – Prefers papyrus marsh like Mabamba and along Lake Mburo.
WHITE-BROWED COUCAL (Centropus superciliosus) – Common throughout the tour, especially by voice.
BLUE MALKOHA (Ceuthmochares aereus) – This name is so cumbersome. Let's bring back Yellowbill.
LEVAILLANT'S CUCKOO (Clamator levaillantii) – This species was seen a few times at Lake Mburo.
PIED CUCKOO (Clamator jacobinus) – We had a pair on the Royal Mile walk.
DIDERIC CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx caprius) – Most of these Chrysococcyx cuckoos sorted out by call long before we saw them. This was an easy one to remember b/c it sounds like they are saying their name. "DEE-DEE-DIDERIC!"
KLAAS'S CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx klaas) – Just one on the tour.
AFRICAN EMERALD CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx cupreus) – A familiar sound in the taller forests.
DUSKY LONG-TAILED CUCKOO (Cercococcyx mechowi) [*]
BARRED LONG-TAILED CUCKOO (Cercococcyx montanus) – The Mubwindi Swamp hikers saw this species. Always tough.
BLACK CUCKOO (Cuculus clamosus) – The subspecies here is gabonensis, which looks a lot like Red-chested Cuckoo in poor light (something we found out!).
Our intrepid group after coming down from the mountain (literally) after having seen the Rushegura family.
RED-CHESTED CUCKOO (Cuculus solitarius) – Seen or heard nearly every day of the tour.
Strigidae (Owls)
AFRICAN SCOPS-OWL (Otus senegalensis) – This one we called up our last night at Mburo camp. It is a tiny owl!
PEARL-SPOTTED OWLET (Glaucidium perlatum) – Seen well at Lake Mburo.
RED-CHESTED OWLET (Glaucidium tephronotum) – A new species for the tour thanks to the local knowledge of Alfred. We tracked down one at Kibale forest and folks had another on the trek to to Mubwindi swamp.
AFRICAN WOOD-OWL (Strix woodfordii) – For those that stayed out after Wayne's birthday celebration, we had a pair just down from the Buhoma Lodge.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
PENNANT-WINGED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus vexillarius) – Awesome bird to see in flight right at dusk over the Lake Mburo savanna.
BLACK-SHOULDERED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus nigriscapularis) – Seen at a site just outside of Masindi and heard again at Lake Mburo.
MONTANE NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus ruwenzorii) – Also known as Rwenzori Nightjar, but not treated as a separate species by all taxonomic authorities. This species comprises several subspecies differing by the amount of white in the wing and slight vocal differences.
LONG-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus climacurus) – New for our tour and a cool bird to see in flight. Seen at dusk near Masindi.
SLENDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus clarus) – Seen at the same site as Long-tailed.
SQUARE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus fossii) – We heard this one early one morning, then called it in the next evening.
Apodidae (Swifts)
SCARCE SWIFT (Schoutedenapus myoptilus) – A total of four were seen flying over the Kibale forest.
LITTLE SWIFT (Apus affinis) – Seen during our drives a few times.
WHITE-RUMPED SWIFT (Apus caffer) – One of the more common swifts on the tour.
AFRICAN PALM-SWIFT (Cypsiurus parvus) – Quite common and seen most days of the tour.
This White-browed Coucal was captured very nicely by participant Paul Bengtson.
Coliidae (Mousebirds)
SPECKLED MOUSEBIRD (Colius striatus) – An "every day" bird.
BLUE-NAPED MOUSEBIRD (Urocolius macrourus) – Seen just a few times on the tour. Prefers mostly good native savanna. Singles or small numbers at Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
NARINA TROGON (Apaloderma narina) [*]
BAR-TAILED TROGON (Apaloderma vittatum) – We saw a pair in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Phoeniculidae (Woodhoopoes and Scimitarbills)
GREEN WOODHOOPOE (Phoeniculus purpureus) – One during our drive through Ishasha, and again at Lake Mburo.
WHITE-HEADED WOODHOOPOE (Phoeniculus bollei) – This is a primary montane forest species which we saw well in Bwindi.
COMMON SCIMITARBILL (Rhinopomastus cyanomelas) – A trio in Ishasha and another at Lake Mburo.
Bucorvidae (Ground-Hornbills)
ABYSSINIAN GROUND-HORNBILL (Bucorvus abyssinicus) – This awesome species (a living prehistoric fossil) was first seen in Budongo and again at Murchison Falls.
Bucerotidae (Hornbills)
CROWNED HORNBILL (Lophoceros alboterminatus) – Seen along the shores of Lake Victoria and again around Budongo Forest.
AFRICAN GRAY HORNBILL (Lophoceros nasutus) – Fairly common in the drier woodlands like Murchison and Mburo.
BLACK-AND-WHITE-CASQUED HORNBILL (Bycanistes subcylindricus) – Seen a bunch of times, where it prefers more secondary forest to the next species.
WHITE-THIGHED HORNBILL (Bycanistes albotibialis) – Only Budongo Forest. A bird of tall primary forest.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
MALACHITE KINGFISHER (Corythornis cristatus) – Pretty common at wetlands like Mabamba Swamp and Lake Mburo.
AFRICAN PYGMY-KINGFISHER (Ispidina picta) – Good numbers in the Budongo Forest.
AFRICAN DWARF KINGFISHER (Ispidina lecontei) – A pair were along the Royal Mile.
CHOCOLATE-BACKED KINGFISHER (Halcyon badia) – We scoped a calling bird along the Royal Mile.
GRAY-HEADED KINGFISHER (Halcyon leucocephala) – Seen in the dry woodland of Murchison and Queen Elizabeth.
WOODLAND KINGFISHER (Halcyon senegalensis) – Slightly more common than the previous species as its better adapted to more secondary growth.
BLUE-BREASTED KINGFISHER (Halcyon malimbica) – One at the Budongo Forest visitor center calling from the canopy. Seen flying from tree top to tree top.
STRIPED KINGFISHER (Halcyon chelicuti) – Good numbers at Murchison and Lake Mburo.
GIANT KINGFISHER (Megaceryle maxima) – Surprising, but our only one was the first day at Lake Victoria.
PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis) – Thousands (easily) along the banks of the Victoria Nile and again at Kazinga Channel.
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
BLACK BEE-EATER (Merops gularis) – A forest bee-eater seen well at The Neck.
RED-THROATED BEE-EATER (Merops bulocki) – Good looks along the shore of Victoria Nile.
LITTLE BEE-EATER (Merops pusillus) – A few times throughout the tour.
BLUE-BREASTED BEE-EATER (Merops variegatus) – Our only ones were four at Murchison Falls.
CINNAMON-CHESTED BEE-EATER (Merops oreobates) – We caught up with this species at Bwindi Imp. Forest.
SWALLOW-TAILED BEE-EATER (Merops hirundineus) – A few were on our drive to Kibale Forest sitting on power lines.
WHITE-THROATED BEE-EATER (Merops albicollis) – Just one on our drive to Murchison Falls from Masindi.
MADAGASCAR BEE-EATER (Merops superciliosus) – Singles were seen a few times. One of the least common of the bee-eaters on our tour.
NORTHERN CARMINE BEE-EATER (Merops nubicus) – This lovely bird was seen well in the open savanna at Murchison Falls.
We were up to our ears with the different types of cisticolas. This is one of the more common ones we saw on the tour, Red-faced Cisticola. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Coraciidae (Rollers)
LILAC-BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus) – They seemed more common in the south from Bwindi to Lake Mburo.
BROAD-BILLED ROLLER (Eurystomus glaucurus) – Pretty common at places like Masindi and Lake Mburo.
BLUE-THROATED ROLLER (Eurystomus gularis) – Such a strange call they make! A noisy squawk from the forest.
Lybiidae (African Barbets)
YELLOW-BILLED BARBET (Trachyphonus purpuratus) – Awesome looks at a bird in the scope along the entrance road to the chimp camp.
CRESTED BARBET (Trachyphonus vaillantii) – A species of eastern and southern Africa that is expanding its range into southern Uganda. Now fairly common at Lake Mburo.
GRAY-THROATED BARBET (Gymnobucco bonapartei) – The horn on top of the bill is an odd feature.
SPECKLED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus scolopaceus) – Uncommon in a variety of woodland habitats.
WESTERN TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus coryphaea) – Fairly local worldwide distribution, oddly disjunct. We caught up with this species at Bwindi.
YELLOW-THROATED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus subsulphureus) – Quite common by voice and seen in good numbers throughout the tour.
YELLOW-RUMPED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus bilineatus) – The most common tinkerbird encountered on the tour. As with most tinkerbirds, heard more often than seen.
YELLOW-FRONTED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus chrysoconus)
YELLOW-SPOTTED BARBET (Buccanodon duchaillui) – A nice looking barbet that we saw at the entrance road to Budongo Forest.
HAIRY-BREASTED BARBET (Tricholaema hirsuta) – Finally caught up with this species in the Kibale Forest.
SPOT-FLANKED BARBET (Tricholaema lacrymosa) – This acacia woodland species was seen well at Murchison Falls and Lake Mburo.
WHITE-HEADED BARBET (Lybius leucocephalus) – Seen on our drive to Masindi and again at Lake Mburo. Just small numbers.
BLACK-BILLED BARBET (Lybius guifsobalito) – A few times at Murchison Falls. Some of you thought this species should be called "Red-faced" Barbet!
BLACK-COLLARED BARBET (Lybius torquatus irroratus) – Seen at Lake Mburo where expanding from the south. Several subspecies here, but what we saw closely resembled irroratus.
DOUBLE-TOOTHED BARBET (Lybius bidentatus) – One of our first barbets seen around Entebbe.
Indicatoridae (Honeyguides)
CASSIN'S HONEYGUIDE (Prodotiscus insignis) – We had one briefly at the entrance to The Neck.
DWARF HONEYGUIDE (Indicator pumilio) – Seen well on the day we left Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. A TINY honeyguide.
One of the many amazing sunsets we saw on this trip. This one was taken by guide Jesse Fagan on the Victoria Nile.
LEAST HONEYGUIDE (Indicator exilis) – Another rare honeyguide seen during our exit from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
LESSER HONEYGUIDE (Indicator minor) – Surprised we didn't encounter more of this species. Just one or two at Murchison Falls.
GREATER HONEYGUIDE (Indicator indicator) [*]
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
NUBIAN WOODPECKER (Campethera nubica) – Heard a bunch of times, but eventually seen well at Lake Mburo.
GREEN-BACKED WOODPECKER (Campethera cailliautii) – This species was scoped at Lake Mburo where apparently uncommon.
TULLBERG'S WOODPECKER (Campethera tullbergi) – Seen birding the road at Ruhija.
BUFF-SPOTTED WOODPECKER (Campethera nivosa) – One was seen along the road near GFC in Bwindi.
BROWN-EARED WOODPECKER (Campethera caroli) – A pair were seen along the Royal Mile.
CARDINAL WOODPECKER (Dendropicos fuscescens) – This tiny woodpecker was seen a few times.
GOLDEN-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Dendropicos xantholophus) – Also called Yellow-crested Woodpecker. A pair was seen along the Royal Mile.
ELLIOT'S WOODPECKER (Dendropicos elliotii) – Several Elliot's were seen birding the road into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest from GFC.
AFRICAN GRAY WOODPECKER (Dendropicos goertae) – One was on the grounds of the Boma in Entebbe.
BROWN-BACKED WOODPECKER (Dendropicos obsoletus) – A good find of this rare woodpecker seen on the Albert Lake escarpment.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus) – Just one on our drive to Masindi.
GRAY KESTREL (Falco ardosiaceus) – Seen most days of the tour.
AFRICAN HOBBY (Falco cuvierii) – A family were seen around the Boma in Entebbe. They must have nested nearby.
Psittaculidae (Old World Parrots)
RED-HEADED LOVEBIRD (Agapornis pullarius) – Always in flight!
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
GRAY PARROT (Psittacus erithacus) – Small numbers were seen in the Kibale Forest.
MEYER'S PARROT (Poicephalus meyeri) – Far more common than the previous species. Seen a few times perched in the scope. Also called Brown Parrot.
Calyptomenidae (African and Green Broadbills)
AFRICAN BROADBILL (Smithornis capensis) – A pair were seen in the forest near GFC.
Eurylaimidae (Asian and Grauer's Broadbills)
GRAUER'S BROADBILL (Pseudocalyptomena graueri) – For those that did the Mubwindi Swamp trek you had excellent views of a pair at a nest! One of the rarest birds on the trip and an Albertine Rift endemic.
Platysteiridae (Wattle-eyes and Batises)
BROWN-THROATED WATTLE-EYE (Platysteira cyanea) – The wattle-eyes are named after the female plumage. Males can be a tough ID. This was by far the most common species seen on our tour.
We wondered why the Saddle-billed Stork isn't the national bird of Uganda? The colors fit just right. However, their choice of the Gray-crowned Crane is hard to argue with. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
CHESTNUT WATTLE-EYE (Platysteira castanea) – Seen in the Budongo Forest and Kibale. Prefers understory of tall forest.
JAMESON'S WATTLE-EYE (Platysteira jamesoni) – Rare and local. Seen pretty well at the Royal Mile.
RUWENZORI BATIS (Batis diops) – A few of us caught up with this Albertine Rift endemic near Ruhija.
CHINSPOT BATIS (Batis molitor) – Just one seen at The Neck.
BLACK-HEADED BATIS (Batis minor) – Seen a few times early on in the trip.
Vangidae (Vangas, Helmetshrikes, and Allies)
AFRICAN SHRIKE-FLYCATCHER (Megabyas flammulatus) – We saw both male and female birds on a couple of different days.
BLACK-AND-WHITE SHRIKE-FLYCATCHER (Bias musicus) – Also known as Vanga Flycatcher. This is a cool looking species!
Malaconotidae (Bushshrikes and Allies)
BRUBRU (Nilaus afer) – Seen a few times, but never very common.
NORTHERN PUFFBACK (Dryoscopus gambensis) – Slightly more common than the previous species.
PINK-FOOTED PUFFBACK (Dryoscopus angolensis) – This species is found in a small area around Bwindi, but it was fairly common there.
MARSH TCHAGRA (Tchagra minutus) – Just a pair on our drive from Masindi to Kibale.
BLACK-CROWNED TCHAGRA (Tchagra senegalus) – Seen at Murchison Falls. Far less common than the next species.
BROWN-CROWNED TCHAGRA (Tchagra australis) – This was the most common tchagra seen on the tour. It seems to inhabit a wide variety of habitat types. The calls are slightly different between the three species.
LUEHDER'S BUSHSHRIKE (Laniarius luehderi) – Seen well in the Bwindi area.
TROPICAL BOUBOU (Laniarius major) – Heard near Masindi, but finally seen at a stop outside The Neck in Bwindi.
BLACK-HEADED GONOLEK (Laniarius erythrogaster) – Common. Our best views may have been on the grounds of Boma.
PAPYRUS GONOLEK (Laniarius mufumbiri) – Crazy looking bird! Awesome plumage. We saw it well crossing the Kazinga Channel, but also again in reeds at Lake Mburo (Susan was happy about that!).
WILLARD'S SOOTY BOUBOU (Laniarius willardi) – Some taxonomic authorities still treat this as a subspecies of Mountain Sooty Boubou (L. poensis). This particular taxon is an Albertine Rift endemic. One was seen in Bwindi near GFC. The pale eye is a distinctive field mark.
MOUNTAIN SOOTY BOUBOU (RUWENZORI) (Laniarius poensis holomelas) – This is the species seen around Ruhija. I believe the new common name (if split) will be Albertine Sooty Boubou. The split seems to involve many factors include iris color, morphology, and distinct vocalization differences.
GRAY-GREEN BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus bocagei) – I prefer the old name of Bocage's Bushshrike.
SULPHUR-BREASTED BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus sulfureopectus) – Widespread (at least by voice) in a variety of wooded habitats.
MANY-COLORED BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus multicolor) – This one was a hit with most folks. Seen well at GFC.
DOHERTY'S BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus dohertyi) – This one had us ooing and awing. A bright spot of color in a sea of green.
Another beauty, the African Fish-Eagle. They were seen on most major rivers or lakes, but we never tired of them. Great photo by participant Warren Jones.
LAGDEN'S BUSHSHRIKE (Malaconotus lagdeni) – Small disjunct worldwide distribution makes this a good one to see for those on the Mubwindi Swamp trek.
Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes)
GRAY CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina caesia) – Finally caught up with this species in Bwindi.
BLACK CUCKOOSHRIKE (Campephaga flava) – Just one at Lake Mburo.
PETIT'S CUCKOOSHRIKE (Campephaga petiti) – Seen a few times around GFC and Buhoma.
Laniidae (Shrikes)
GRAY-BACKED FISCAL (Lanius excubitoroides) – Common and widespread in open country.
MACKINNON'S SHRIKE (Lanius mackinnoni) – Seen a few times around Bwindi where it prefers clearings in forest.
NORTHERN FISCAL (Lanius humeralis) – Like Gray-backed, also common and widespread in open habitat. Slightly less common, however, than Gray-backed.
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
WESTERN BLACK-HEADED ORIOLE (Oriolus brachyrynchus) – The more widespread oriole on this tour. Fairly common in taller woodlands.
AFRICAN BLACK-HEADED ORIOLE (Oriolus larvatus) – Seen or heard in the south at Lake Mburo.
BLACK-TAILED ORIOLE (Oriolus percivali) – Formerly Montane Oriole. This one was seen in the forests of Bwindi.
Dicruridae (Drongos)
FORK-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus adsimilis) – Seen a few times throughout our tour. A couple of sightings on power lines.
VELVET-MANTLED DRONGO (PRINCIPE) (Dicrurus modestus modestus) – Seen in taller forests of Kibale and Bwindi.
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
BLACK-HEADED PARADISE-FLYCATCHER (Terpsiphone rufiventer) – Seen several times in Budongo; also known as Red-bellied P-F.
AFRICAN PARADISE-FLYCATCHER (Terpsiphone viridis) – Seen most days.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PIAPIAC (Ptilostomus afer) – Some of us just like saying the name.
PIED CROW (Corvus albus) – Common in open country, cities, and towns.
WHITE-NECKED RAVEN (Corvus albicollis) – Just one on our long drive from Bwindi to Lake Mburo.
Nicatoridae (Nicators)
WESTERN NICATOR (Nicator chloris) – Tim was especially happy to finally see this species well at Bigodi Swamp.
Alaudidae (Larks)
RUFOUS-NAPED LARK (Mirafra africana) – A common species at Queen Elizabeth NP.
FLAPPET LARK (Mirafra rufocinnamomea) – We enjoyed hearing the mechanical noise (the "flapping") from the wings in flight.
WHITE-TAILED LARK (Mirafra albicauda) – Seen at Queen Elizabeth and Ishasha.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BANDED MARTIN (Riparia cincta) – A couple were seen at Queen Elizabeth NP.
ROCK MARTIN (Ptyonoprogne fuligula) – Just a couple on our drive to Ruhija.
ANGOLA SWALLOW (Hirundo angolensis) – One of the more common swallows seen on the trip.
WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW (Hirundo smithii) – Small numbers around Murchison and Queen Elizabeth.
MONTANE BLUE SWALLOW (Hirundo atrocaerulea) – One or two folks may have seen this very rare species with Alfred at Mabamba Swamp. Most likely a non-breeding visitor to Uganda.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW (Cecropis daurica) – Finally caught up with four birds at Lake Mburo.
LESSER STRIPED-SWALLOW (Cecropis abyssinica) – Big numbers throughout the tour. Probably the most common swallow encountered on the tour.
RUFOUS-CHESTED SWALLOW (Cecropis semirufa) – Seen around Entebbe and Queen Elizabeth.
MOSQUE SWALLOW (Cecropis senegalensis) – Just one in the tea plantation near Kibale. A very large swallow.
WHITE-HEADED SAWWING (Psalidoprocne albiceps) – Also very common in a variety of habitats. The immatures have dark heads.
BLACK SAWWING (Psalidoprocne pristoptera) – Seen only in the highland forests like Buhoma and Ruhija where common.
This Yellow-winged Bat was keeping cool and hanging out in a large acacia tree next to the Victoria Nile. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Stenostiridae (Fairy Flycatchers)
AFRICAN BLUE FLYCATCHER (Elminia longicauda) – Singles or pairs throughout the tour.
WHITE-TAILED BLUE FLYCATCHER (Elminia albicauda) – Seen in the Bwindi/Buhoma area.
WHITE-BELLIED CRESTED-FLYCATCHER (Elminia albiventris) – Just one of these rare fairy flycatchers was seen in Ruhija.
Paridae (Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice)
WHITE-SHOULDERED BLACK-TIT (Melaniparus guineensis) – A pair were seen at the Kafu river crossing during our drive to Masindi. This species has yellow eyes.
WHITE-WINGED BLACK-TIT (Melaniparus leucomelas) – Seen at Lake Mburo. The species with dark eyes.
DUSKY TIT (Melaniparus funereus) – Good numbers in canopy flocks at the The Neck.
STRIPE-BREASTED TIT (Melaniparus fasciiventer) – Seen most days in Ruhija where rare to uncommon.
Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls)
SLENDER-BILLED GREENBUL (Stelgidillas gracilirostris gracilirostris) – Seen well near the GFC visitor's center at a fruiting tree.
RED-TAILED BRISTLEBILL (Bleda syndactylus woosnami) [*]
SHELLEY'S GREENBUL (KAKAMEGA) (Arizelocichla masukuensis kakamegae) – This species "Kakamega" Greenbul was uncommon in the forest around GFC and Buhoma.
EASTERN MOUNTAIN-GREENBUL (OLIVE-BREASTED) (Arizelocichla nigriceps kikuyuensis) – Quite distinctive looking (one of the easier greenbuls to identify), it was fairly common in the forest around Ruhija.
HONEYGUIDE GREENBUL (Baeopogon indicator indicator) – Heard in a bunch of different places, but finally caught up with a visual at Buhoma.
YELLOW-THROATED GREENBUL (Atimastillas flavicollis) – Not many, but our first was at Royal Ranch Marsh.
RED-TAILED GREENBUL (Criniger calurus emini) – Small numbers in the forest at Budongo and Bwindi.
GRAY GREENBUL (Eurillas gracilis ugandae) – Also known as Little Gray Greenbul. We had two in the forest at Royal Mile.
ANSORGE'S GREENBUL (Eurillas ansorgei) – Previously unknown from The Neck due to misidentification with Little Gray. The voice is distinctive, however. Alfred and I spent some time recording its vocalizations.
PLAIN GREENBUL (Eurillas curvirostris) – I prefer the old name Cameroon Sombre Greenbul. Small numbers at Budongo and Kibale forests.
YELLOW-WHISKERED GREENBUL (Eurillas latirostris) – Common (at least by voice) in the Bwindi forest, especially around Ruhija.
LITTLE GREENBUL (Eurillas virens virens) – One of the more common greenbul songs heard in a variety of forest types. Seen less often as it likes to stay hidden.
TORO OLIVE-GREENBUL (Phyllastrephus hypochloris) [*]
CABANIS'S GREENBUL (Phyllastrephus cabanisi) – Good numbers in the forest around GFC and Buhoma.
WHITE-THROATED GREENBUL (WHITE-THROATED) (Phyllastrephus albigularis albigularis) – Seen in the Budongo forest where it responded well to tape. Our only site for this species.
YELLOW-STREAKED GREENBUL (YELLOW-STREAKED) (Phyllastrephus flavostriatus olivaceogriseus) – Seen well on our last day leaving Ruhija and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. A large greenbul.
COMMON BULBUL (DARK-CAPPED) (Pycnonotus barbatus tricolor) – Another "everyday" bird.
Macrosphenidae (African Warblers)
GREEN CROMBEC (Sylvietta virens) – The most common crombec seen on our tour. Found in a variety of woodlands, the song was with us everywhere.
LEMON-BELLIED CROMBEC (Sylvietta denti) [*]
WHITE-BROWED CROMBEC (Sylvietta leucophrys) – Seen extremely well near eye-level during our first afternoon of birding in Ruhija.
NORTHERN CROMBEC (Sylvietta brachyura) – Just one during our drive back from Murchison to Masindi.
MOUSTACHED GRASS-WARBLER (Melocichla mentalis) – Also known as African Moustached Warbler. Seen well on our drive to Masindi the second day of the tour.
YELLOW LONGBILL (Macrosphenus flavicans) – We had decent looks at a pair in the Budongo forest. They always managed to stay high in the vine tangles.
GRAY LONGBILL (Macrosphenus concolor) – Also seen in the Budongo forest, but during our afternoon birding along the paved road through the forest. They showed a little better than the previous species.
GRAUER'S WARBLER (Graueria vittata) – Seen well a couple of times in the forest near Ruhija.
GREEN HYLIA (Hylia prasina) – At least by voice a common species in most taller forest. We had good looks at a pair while doing our paperwork to get into Budongo forest.
Hard to beat the look of a Northern Carmine Bee-eater. This one was photographed by guide Jesse Fagan at Murchison Falls NP.
Scotocercidae (Bush Warblers and Allies)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Erythrocercus mccallii) – A pair in the savanna woodland near Masindi.
Phylloscopidae (Leaf Warblers)
RED-FACED WOODLAND-WARBLER (Phylloscopus laetus) – Seen most days at Bwindi.
UGANDA WOODLAND-WARBLER (Phylloscopus budongoensis) – Seen at the Royal Mile.
Acrocephalidae (Reed Warblers and Allies)
MOUNTAIN YELLOW-WARBLER (Iduna similis) – Folks on the Mubwindi trek saw this species and for the other group just a heard only.
AFRICAN REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus baeticatus) – A pair were seen skulking in the reeds during our stop at the Kazinga Channel bridge.
LESSER SWAMP WARBLER (Acrocephalus gracilirostris) – Another species seen at the bridge over the Kazinga Channel.
GREATER SWAMP WARBLER (Acrocephalus rufescens) – Seen briefly on the Victoria Nile, but better looks at Lake Mburo.
Locustellidae (Grassbirds and Allies)
FAN-TAILED GRASSBIRD (Schoenicola brevirostris) – Also known as Broad-tailed Warbler. Seen in the marshes during a stop between Masindi and Kibale.
CINNAMON BRACKEN-WARBLER (Bradypterus cinnamomeus) [*]
WHITE-WINGED SWAMP WARBLER (Bradypterus carpalis) – Fantastic looks at a marsh stop on our way to Kibale forest. Heard a few other times.
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
RUWENZORI APALIS (Apalis ruwenzorii) – This species was seen and heard a few times around Ruhija. An Albertine Rift endemic.
BLACK-THROATED APALIS (Apalis jacksoni jacksoni) – Three were seen in the Bwindi forest.
BLACK-FACED APALIS (Apalis personata) – Also known as Mountain Masked Apalis; good numbers were seen around Ruhija. This is a striking apalis. Another Albertine Rift endemic.
YELLOW-BREASTED APALIS (YELLOW-BREASTED) (Apalis flavida caniceps) – Small numbers during the tour. Our first were near the Budongo Forest and again on the drive to Lake Mburo.
BUFF-THROATED APALIS (BUFF-THROATED) (Apalis rufogularis nigrescens) – Preferring the taller forest where they stuck to the canopy. We saw them (or tried to) in Kibale and Bwindi. A bit confusing as very similar to Gray Apalis.
CHESTNUT-THROATED APALIS (CHESTNUT-THROATED) (Apalis porphyrolaema affinis) – Seen in The Neck and near Ruhija.
GRAY APALIS (GRAY) (Apalis cinerea cinerea) – Not many, but we heard them in Ishasha and finally seen in the Bwindi forest near Buhoma.
GREEN-BACKED CAMAROPTERA (GRAY-BACKED) (Camaroptera brachyura brevicaudata) – Nearly an "everyday" bird. The song followed us everywhere.
YELLOW-BROWED CAMAROPTERA (Camaroptera superciliaris) – Just one at the Royal Mile where it stayed way up in the canopy.
OLIVE-GREEN CAMAROPTERA (Camaroptera chloronota toroensis) – Singles around Buhoma and The Neck.
WHITE-CHINNED PRINIA (Schistolais leucopogon) – Not a true prinia. Small numbers were seen Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, and Buhoma, where it prefers forest edge.
RED-WINGED GRAY WARBLER (Drymocichla incana) – We saw one in open savanna scrub near Masindi.
This very cool photo by participant Alice Whitmore shows the group about to board our boat on the Victoria Nile. Storm clouds are brewing...
RED-FACED CISTICOLA (RED-FACED) (Cisticola erythrops sylvia) – This is one of the more common cisticolas found in open scrub and savannah. Quite loud and vocal.
SINGING CISTICOLA (Cisticola cantans belli) – One was seen in scrubby agriculture outside the entrance to Royal Mile.
WHISTLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola lateralis antinorii) – A pair were seen outside of Masindi in open country edge habitat.
TRILLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola woosnami woosnami) – Large numbers in dry savanna at ishasha and again Lake Mburo.
CHUBB'S CISTICOLA (CHUBB'S) (Cisticola chubbi chubbi) – Loud and vocal. The highland cisticola of forest edge and clearings. Common around GFC.
RATTLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola chiniana simplex) – Several on our Murchison Falls safari ride in savanna country.
WINDING CISTICOLA (WINDING) (Cisticola galactotes marginatus) – The common cisticola of marshes everywhere.
CARRUTHERS'S CISTICOLA (Cisticola carruthersi) – Small numbers in papyrus marshes. One was at the Kazinga Channel crossing and again at Lake Mburo.
CROAKING CISTICOLA (Cisticola natalensis strangei) – Common around Murchison Falls and again Queen Elizabeth.
TABORA CISTICOLA (Cisticola angusticauda) – We had nice looks at this prinia-like cisticola at Lake Mburo.
SIFFLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola brachypterus hypoxanthus) – One was near Masindi on our second afternoon of birding. Also known as Short-winged Cisticola.
FOXY CISTICOLA (Cisticola troglodytes troglodytes) – Indeed, "foxy" is a good name. A fine looking cisticola that we stomped out along the escarpment.
ZITTING CISTICOLA (AFRICAN) (Cisticola juncidis uropygialis) – Large numbers were around this year.
GRAY-CAPPED WARBLER (Eminia lepida) – Heard more often than seen, but we had nice looks along the shores of Lake Victoria our first day out.
BLACK-FACED RUFOUS-WARBLER (Bathmocercus rufus vulpinus) – Vocal and seen a few times around Buhoma.
BUFF-BELLIED WARBLER (Phyllolais pulchella) – A pair were in open country south of Masindi. This one can be kind of confusing, not looking quite right for a "warbler," is it a prinia?
TAWNY-FLANKED PRINIA (Prinia subflava subflava) – Small numbers around Masindi and Queen Elizabeth.
BANDED PRINIA (BLACK-FACED) (Prinia bairdii obscura) – A cool looking prinia that we saw well in the ferny understory at The Neck and Ruhija.
RED-WINGED PRINIA (Prinia erythroptera jodoptera) – We chased one down in open country south of Masindi. Also known as Red-winged Warbler.
GREEN-BACKED EREMOMELA (Eremomela canescens) – Just one near Bulisa.
RUFOUS-CROWNED EREMOMELA (Eremomela badiceps badiceps) – Pretty common at the Royal Mile.
Sylviidae (Sylviid Warblers)
AFRICAN HILL BABBLER (RUWENZORI) (Sylvia abyssinica atriceps) – Small numbers in the Bwindi forest.
Zosteropidae (White-eyes, Yuhinas, and Allies)
AFRICAN YELLOW WHITE-EYE (Zosterops senegalensis) – Pretty common throughout a variety of habitats.
Pellorneidae (Ground Babblers and Allies)
BROWN ILLADOPSIS (Illadopsis fulvescens) [*]
PALE-BREASTED ILLADOPSIS (Illadopsis rufipennis) – One was seen in the forest outside of Buhoma.
MOUNTAIN ILLADOPSIS (Illadopsis pyrrhoptera) – Seen in the same forest as the previous species.
SCALY-BREASTED ILLADOPSIS (Illadopsis albipectus) [*]
PUVEL'S ILLADOPSIS (Illadopsis puveli) – We worked hard for this one and it paid off with good looks for most. A very local and rare bird in East Africa.
Wayne celebrated his birthday while on tour in Buhoma. It was a nice celebration complete with some owling afterwards! Video by guide Jesse Fagan.
Leiothrichidae (Laughingthrushes and Allies)
BLACK-LORED BABBLER (Turdoides sharpei) – We saw this species on our way out of Queen Elizabeth NP.
BROWN BABBLER (Turdoides plebejus) – Three were spotted at our afternoon birding spot south of Masindi on day two.
ARROW-MARKED BABBLER (Turdoides jardineii) – Slightly more common in the west and south than the previous two species of Turdoides. Our first were in Queen Elizabeth and again at Lake Mburo.
Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)
DUSKY-BROWN FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa adusta pumila) – Certainly not the flashiest bird we saw on this trip.
SWAMP FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa aquatica infulata) – Common at wetland sites, but it was also nesting at the entrance sign to Queen Elizabeth NP Mweya Lodge.
CASSIN'S FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa cassini) – Singles at Kibale forest and again in Buhoma.
SOOTY FLYCATCHER (Bradornis fuliginosus minusculus) – A pair were seen during our afternoon walk along the paved entrance road to the chimp camp.
DUSKY-BLUE FLYCATCHER (Bradornis comitatus comitatus) – Seen in the Kibale forest.
PALE FLYCATCHER (PALE) (Agricola pallidus murinus) – A small group were seen at the Royal Ranch Swamp.
GRAY-THROATED TIT-FLYCATCHER (Fraseria griseigularis griseigularis) – We caught up with this species in the Buhoma-Bwindi forest.
GRAY TIT-FLYCATCHER (Fraseria plumbea plumbea) – One was seen in a patch of taller forest along the Victoria Nile.
ASHY FLYCATCHER (Fraseria caerulescens) – Similar to the previous two species, but with a more upright posture. A few were seen in the Kibale forest.
SILVERBIRD (Melaenornis semipartitus) – Seen a few times at Murchison Falls NP.
YELLOW-EYED BLACK-FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis ardesiacus) – Around four individuals were seen on the Mubwindi Swamp trek.
NORTHERN BLACK-FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis edolioides lugubris) – Pretty common on the first half of this tour (away from taller forest).
WHITE-EYED SLATY-FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis fischeri toruensis) – The subspecies we saw in Bwindi do not show the broad white eye-ring.
FIRE-CRESTED ALETHE (FIRE-CRESTED) (Alethe diademata castanea) [*]
BROWN-BACKED SCRUB-ROBIN (Cercotrichas hartlaubi) – Seen a few times in the Murchison Falls-Masindi area.
Warren got the Bishop shot!
RED-BACKED SCRUB-ROBIN (Cercotrichas leucophrys) – Seemed less common than the previous species, but singles were seen over a couple of different days. Also known as White-browed Scrub-Robin.
WHITE-BELLIED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossyphicula roberti) – One was seen briefly during our walk into the Bwindi forest from Buhoma.
ARCHER'S ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha archeri) – Most folks in our group saw this on the Mubwindi Swamp trek.
GRAY-WINGED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha polioptera) – This species was seen a few times around the cabins in Buhoma.
WHITE-BROWED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha heuglini) – By far the most common robin-chat observed. Found in a variety of woodland habitats.
RED-CAPPED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha natalensis) [*]
SNOWY-CROWNED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha niveicapilla) – One was perched on a power cable during our drive from Masindi to Kibale.
SPOTTED MORNING-THRUSH (Cichladusa guttata) – Good numbers in the Murchison Falls area.
WHITE-STARRED ROBIN (Pogonocichla stellata ruwenzorii) – One was in the Bwindi forest.
RED-THROATED ALETHE (Pseudalethe poliophrys) – Seen in the Bwindi forest near the GFC lodge.
FOREST ROBIN (EASTERN) (Stiphrornis erythrothorax xanthogaster) – Such a nice song, but a devil to see well! One did circles around us in the Budongo forest.
AFRICAN STONECHAT (AFRICAN) (Saxicola torquatus axillaris) – Small numbers around Kibale (in the tea) and again in open country around Bwindi.
SOOTY CHAT (Myrmecocichla nigra) – Fairly common in most open country savanna.
CAPPED WHEATEAR (Oenanthe pileata) – One of the more interesting finds of our trip. This looks to be just the third record for Uganda. Nice work group! Seen at QENP.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
RUFOUS FLYCATCHER-THRUSH (Neocossyphus fraseri vulpinus) – One was seen on the Royal Mile walk.
RED-TAILED ANT-THRUSH (RED-TAILED) (Neocossyphus rufus gabunensis) – We chased one around in the Budongo forest, but just a few folks saw it well. Stayed high and circled us.
OLIVE THRUSH (Turdus olivaceus) – Just one in the forest near Ruhija.
AFRICAN THRUSH (AFRICAN) (Turdus pelios centralis) – Most days.
Sturnidae (Starlings)
WATTLED STARLING (Creatophora cinerea) – Not a common starling. We saw a group of 5 near Kibale.
VIOLET-BACKED STARLING (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster) – Around in small numbers throughout the trip.
WALLER'S STARLING (Onychognathus walleri) – Seen in the Bwindi forest near Ruhija.
SHARPE'S STARLING (Pholia sharpii) – Good numbers perched on canopy snags in Bwindi near Ruhija.
NARROW-TAILED STARLING (Poeoptera lugubris) – One was seen in Kibale forest, but also again in Bwindi.
STUHLMANN'S STARLING (Poeoptera stuhlmanni) – Seen in the Bwindi forest near Buhoma.
PURPLE-HEADED STARLING (Hylopsar purpureiceps) – A trio were on the Royal Mile walk.
RUEPPELL'S STARLING (Lamprotornis purpuroptera) – Common. Seen most days. Africa's version of a Great-tailed Grackle.
SPLENDID STARLING (Lamprotornis splendidus) – Seen well at the Boma in Entebbe.
LESSER BLUE-EARED STARLING (Lamprotornis chloropterus) – At least a hundred were in flocks at the Royal Ranch Swamp near Masindi.
GREATER BLUE-EARED STARLING (Lamprotornis chalybaeus) – Good numbers at Lake Mburo. Larger than the previous species and replaces it in the south.
Buphagidae (Oxpeckers)
YELLOW-BILLED OXPECKER (Buphagus africanus) – Not many, but good looks at Kazinga Channel sitting on top of muddy elephants and buffalo.
Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)
GRAY-HEADED SUNBIRD (Deleornis axillaris) – Rare or at least uncommon it seems. Seen in Budongo and again at Buhoma. Prefers taller forest.
WESTERN VIOLET-BACKED SUNBIRD (Anthreptes longuemarei) – One was seen at the entrance to Budongo Forest on our third day.
SEIMUND'S SUNBIRD (Anthreptes seimundi) – Also known as Little Green Sunbird. Also rare to uncommon. Singles on two different days.
GREEN SUNBIRD (GRAY-THROATED) (Anthreptes rectirostris tephrolaemus) – Seen on the Royal Mile walk and again around Buhoma.
Another great shot by Alice Whitmore with Alfred teaching us something about the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest near Ruhija.
COLLARED SUNBIRD (Hedydipna collaris garguensis) – Widespread, but small numbers.
GREEN-HEADED SUNBIRD (GREEN-HEADED) (Cyanomitra verticalis viridisplendens) – Seen a few times around Kibale and Queen Elizabeth NP.
BLUE-THROATED BROWN SUNBIRD (Cyanomitra cyanolaema octaviae) – Just a pair in the Bwindi forest near Buhoma.
BLUE-HEADED SUNBIRD (Cyanomitra alinae alinae) – In the Bwindi forest near Ruhija.
OLIVE SUNBIRD (Cyanomitra olivacea) – Singles seen throughout the tour, but never very common.
GREEN-THROATED SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra rubescens) – The males of this species are striking. Seen at Bugodi Swamp and again at Buhoma.
SCARLET-CHESTED SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra senegalensis lamperti) – Maybe our first sunbird of the tour? We had them on the grounds of the Boma among other places.
BRONZE SUNBIRD (Nectarinia kilimensis kilimensis) – The males with their long tails are awesome looking.
OLIVE-BELLIED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris chloropygius) – One was seen at Murchison Falls and more common at Kibale Forest.
NORTHERN DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD (WESTERN) (Cinnyris reichenowi preussi) – This was the common sunbird at Queen Elizabeth and Buhoma.
REGAL SUNBIRD (Cinnyris regius regius) – Seen a few times near Ruhija.
BEAUTIFUL SUNBIRD (BEAUTIFUL) (Cinnyris pulchellus pulchellus) – The males are lovely. Seen a few times in the Budongo Forest.
MARIQUA SUNBIRD (Cinnyris mariquensis suahelicus) – Just two for the tour. Our first near Masindi and again at Lake Mburo.
RED-CHESTED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris erythrocercus) – These were seen on the grounds of the Boma in Entebbe.
SUPERB SUNBIRD (Cinnyris superbus) – One female at the Royal Mile was our only one of the tour.
VARIABLE SUNBIRD (ORANGE-CHESTED) (Cinnyris venustus igneiventris) – A pair was seen at Buhoma.
COPPER SUNBIRD (Cinnyris cupreus cupreus) – Small numbers around Masindi and again at Kibale forest.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
AFRICAN PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla aguimp) – Good numbers throughout the tour.
AFRICAN PIPIT (Anthus cinnamomeus) – Our first was at Murchison Falls, but more were at Queen Elizabeth NP.
PLAIN-BACKED PIPIT (Anthus leucophrys) – Just singles near Masindi and again at Queen Elizabeth NP.
YELLOW-THROATED LONGCLAW (Macronyx croceus) – The African equivalent of our meadowlarks!
Emberizidae (Old World Buntings)
GOLDEN-BREASTED BUNTING (Emberiza flaviventris) – Tim saw it first at Queen Elizabeth NP on the grounds of the Mweya Lodge. We all saw it again on the road near Ruhija.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
WHITE-RUMPED SEEDEATER (Crithagra leucopygia) – A few around the GFC and along the forest road.
YELLOW-FRONTED CANARY (Crithagra mozambica) – Not common, but regular on the first half of the tour.
WESTERN CITRIL (Crithagra frontalis) – One was feeding on thistle heads on the edge of town near our Buhoma lodges.
BRIMSTONE CANARY (Crithagra sulphurata sharpii) – Very similar to Yellow-fronted, but larger overall. Less common, too. A couple seen on two different days.
STREAKY SEEDEATER (Crithagra striolata graueri) – Three individuals were seen and one was scoped at the highland pass near our turnoff to Ruhija.
THICK-BILLED SEEDEATER (Crithagra burtoni kilimensis) – Fairly common around Buhoma and Ruhija.
YELLOW-CROWNED CANARY (Serinus flavivertex sassii) – One was seen in The Neck.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Not super common, thankfully, but a few throughout the tour in different towns. [I]
SHELLEY'S RUFOUS SPARROW (Passer shelleyi) – We saw this species during our safari ride at Murchison Falls NP.
NORTHERN GRAY-HEADED SPARROW (Passer griseus) – Common in many places throughout the tour.
Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies)
SPECKLE-FRONTED WEAVER (Sporopipes frontalis) – A nice looking weaver that we saw briefly at Murchison Falls, but again on our drive back to Masindi near Balisa.
WHITE-BROWED SPARROW-WEAVER (Plocepasser mahali) – Our only ones were on our drive from Entebbe to Masindi during one of our roadside stops.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED SPARROW-WEAVER (Plocepasser superciliosus) – Fairly common at Murchison Falls NP.
RED-HEADED MALIMBE (Malimbus rubricollis) – This forest species was seen at Budongo and again around Buhoma.
RED-HEADED WEAVER (Anaplectes rubriceps) – One was seen on our Lake Mburo boat ride.
BAGLAFECHT WEAVER (Ploceus baglafecht) – Seen on our drive to Masindi and again in open country around Bwindi.
LITTLE WEAVER (Ploceus luteolus) – Small numbers around Masindi and Murchison Falls.
SLENDER-BILLED WEAVER (Ploceus pelzelni) – This one was seen a few times, but it was also common on the grounds of the Boma hotel.
BLACK-NECKED WEAVER (Ploceus nigricollis) – One of the first new weavers seen near our lodges at Buhoma.
SPECTACLED WEAVER (Ploceus ocularis) – Seen a few times around Murchison Falls, Masindi, and again at Lake Mburo.
STRANGE WEAVER (Ploceus alienus) – Indeed, strange. Its habitat of foraging in the understory or primary forest was odd behavior for a weaver. Seen well a few times at Ruhija.
HOLUB'S GOLDEN-WEAVER (Ploceus xanthops) – A nice looking bird seen well a few times. Its all yellow-orange plumage and pale eye are a contrast to other weaver plumages.
ORANGE WEAVER (Ploceus aurantius) – This species is quite local in East Africa. We saw several at a weaver colony along the shores of Lake Victoria during our first day of birding.
NORTHERN BROWN-THROATED WEAVER (Ploceus castanops) – Our only ones were seen on the grounds of the Boma where common.
LESSER MASKED-WEAVER (Ploceus intermedius) – This species was around in good numbers at Lake Mburo and nesting above the muddy hippos at Queen Elizabeth NP.
VITELLINE MASKED-WEAVER (Ploceus vitellinus) – Seen on our safari ride at Murchison Falls.
VIEILLOT'S WEAVER (Ploceus nigerrimus) – We had large numbers leaving a roost site at the entrance to Budongo Forest. Seen a few other times as well.
VILLAGE WEAVER (Ploceus cucullatus) – Easily one of the most seen weavers on the tour.
BLACK-HEADED WEAVER (Ploceus melanocephalus) – The name caused all sorts of confusion. This is the former Yellow-backed Weaver, which was seen most days during the first half of this tour.
GOLDEN-BACKED WEAVER (Ploceus jacksoni) – Just one at Lake Mburo.
YELLOW-MANTLED WEAVER (Ploceus tricolor) – Some folks saw this our first day out at Mabamba Swamp.
BROWN-CAPPED WEAVER (Ploceus insignis) – This nice looking weaver was around the Buhoma lodges. More of a forest weaver seen foraging mid-story in the trees.
COMPACT WEAVER (Pachyphantes superciliosus) – Not super common, but a few times during the tour.
RED-BILLED QUELEA (Quelea quelea) – Hundreds in the scrubby savanna vegetation during our safari ride through Murchison Falls.
NORTHERN RED BISHOP (Euplectes franciscanus) – Did everyone get a satisfactory photo?
SOUTHERN RED BISHOP (Euplectes orix) – Just a couple on our drive through Ishasha. Northern and Southern have subtle plumage differences, but separate out by range.
BLACK-WINGED BISHOP (Euplectes hordeaceus) – One was on the drive to Masindi our second day of the tour.
BLACK BISHOP (Euplectes gierowii) – Good numbers in cutover habitat and agricultural fields between Masindi and Murchison Falls.
YELLOW BISHOP (Euplectes capensis) – A few were seen around The Neck and on our drive to Lake Mburo.
WHITE-WINGED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes albonotatus) – Awesome to watch them in flight. Seen well at Queen Elizabeth NP in the tall grass.
YELLOW-MANTLED WIDOWBIRD (YELLOW-SHOULDERED) (Euplectes macroura macrocercus) – This was the subspecies seen early on around Masindi with yellow-shoulders and dark backs.
YELLOW-MANTLED WIDOWBIRD (YELLOW-MANTLED) (Euplectes macroura macroura) – This subspecies was more predominant further north closer to Murchison Falls and on the drive to Kibale.
RED-COLLARED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes ardens) – Small numbers in the sugarcane fields around Masindi.
FAN-TAILED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes axillaris) – Good numbers in most large swamps like Mabamba and Lake Mburo.
MARSH WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes hartlaubi) – Seen at Royal Ranch Swamp in good numbers where scoped a few times. Fairly local in East Africa.
GROSBEAK WEAVER (Amblyospiza albifrons) – A female was seen at Bigodi Swamp.
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
GRAY-HEADED NIGRITA (Nigrita canicapillus) – This forest species was heard more often than seen as it prefers to sit on tops of trees in the canopy.
WHITE-BREASTED NIGRITA (Nigrita fusconotus) – Also, similar habits to the previous species. However, both negrofinches were seen well and scoped a few times.
GRAY-HEADED OLIVEBACK (Nesocharis capistrata) – Awesome, rare bird that we found on a roadside stop on our way to Kibale. The local mayor seemed interested in our find as well. ;-)
YELLOW-BELLIED WAXBILL (Coccopygia quartinia) – Seen at the high pass just before arriving to Ruhija.
FAWN-BREASTED WAXBILL (Estrilda paludicola) – A group of four were seen as we made our way back across the Victoria Nile to Masindi.
A final look at our fun group. Here we are at the end of the tour, finally back at the Boma. Good birding and safe travels for the rest of 2018. Thanks to Grace for the photo!
CRIMSON-RUMPED WAXBILL (Estrilda rhodopyga) – One was seen on our drive to Masindi, but then a group of 10 or so were at the Kazinga Channel.
BLACK-RUMPED WAXBILL (Estrilda troglodytes) – A group of 10 or so were foraging in tall grass along the Victoria Nile.
COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild) – Small numbers seen at several different sites.
BLACK-CROWNED WAXBILL (Estrilda nonnula) – One of the more common Estrilids seen on the trip.
RED-CHEEKED CORDONBLEU (Uraeginthus bengalus) – This species was common in the Masindi/Murchison Falls area, also at Lake Mburo.
BROWN TWINSPOT (Clytospiza monteiri) – Pairs were seen near Masindi and outside of the Budongo Forest entrance. However, always skulky and difficult.
RED-BILLED FIREFINCH (Lagonosticta senegala) – The firefinches are tough to separate. Close attention to bill color, undertail covert color, and crown color is important. This was by far the most common species encountered on the tour.
BAR-BREASTED FIREFINCH (Lagonosticta rufopicta) – Seen at the boat ramp along the Victoria Nile. Our only ones of the tour.
BLACK-BELLIED FIREFINCH (Lagonosticta rara) – A female was near Masindi and also encountered in the agricultural lands outside of Budongo Forest.
BRONZE MANNIKIN (Spermestes cucullata) – Lots throughout the tour.
BLACK-AND-WHITE MANNIKIN (Spermestes bicolor) – Much less common than the previous species. Our first was on our drive from Masindi to Kibale.
Viduidae (Indigobirds)
PIN-TAILED WHYDAH (Vidua macroura) – Common, but the male display is always spectacular to watch.
VILLAGE INDIGOBIRD (Vidua chalybeata) – Seen at Bulisa and one was on our drive to Lake Mburo from Bwindi.
MAMMALS
STRAW-COLORED FRUIT BAT (Eidolon helvum) – The hundreds of large fruit bats we saw in the evening at Masindi would almost certainly be this species.
ROUSETTE FRUIT BAT SP. (Rousettus aegyptiacus) – These were the fruit bats roosting in our cabins at the chimp camp. Also known as Egyptian Fruit Bat or Egyptian Rousette. Susan had hundreds it seemed!
YELLOW-WINGED BAT (Lavia frons) – The lovely bat in the trees along the Victoria Nile.
BLUE MONKEY (Cercopithecus mitis) – A nice looking monkey seen well in the Budongo Forest.
BLACK-CHEEKED WHITE-NOSED MONKEY (Cercopithecus ascanius) – Also known as Red-tailed Monkey. We saw this species in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
L'HOEST'S MONKEY (Cercopithecus l'hoesti) – A lovely looking monkey. Seen well at Bigodi Swamp and again in Bwindi.
BLACK-FACED VERVET MONKEY (Cercopithecus aethiops) – One of our first primates of the tour. A few were around Entebbe and again at Lake Mburo.
PATAS MONKEY (Erythrocebus patas) – These were in the acacia trees during our safari ride through Murchison Falls. A nice looking primate.
GRAY-CHEEKED MANGABEY (Cercocebus albigena) – Good numbers in the Kibale Forest.
OLIVE BABOON (Papio anubis) – Lots once we made Budongo Forest and continued through to Bwindi.
MANTLED GUEREZA (Colobus guereza) – Formerly known as Black-and-white Colobus Monkey. Tim finally figured that out for us! A beautiful primate seen many times on the tour. Their long dangling tails were spectacular.
UGANDA RED COLOBUS (Piliocolobus tephrosceles) – These were the primates with the red caps. Seen at Bigodi and in the Kibale Forest.
CHIMPANZEE (Pan troglodytes) – Our first were along the Royal Mile, but more intimately inside the Kibale Forest with our trackers. Awesome interactions with a young male and the older alpha chimp. Lots of pounding of buttresses and running around calling and trashing!
MOUNTAIN GORILLA (Gorilla beringei beringei) – Wow. Not sure any of us will forget our close encounters with a family and the silverback, or the 7 mile trek uphill to find them! Worth it? Of course.
STRIPED GROUND SQUIRREL (Xerus erythropus) – A couple ran across the road a few times looking like mongooses.
ALEXANDER'S BUSH SQUIRREL (Paraxerus alexandri) – Seen in the Budongo Forest and Kibale.
BOEHM'S BUSH SQUIRREL (Paraxerus boehmi) – This species replaced the previous (?) in Bwindi at higher elevations. It looked like a large chipmunk.
RUWENZORI SUN SQUIRREL (Heliosciurus ruwenzorii) – Also seen in Bwindi near Ruhija. Similar to the previous but larger and lacking the stripes on the back.
RED-LEGGED SUN SQUIRREL (Heliosciurus rufobrachium) – Very similar to the previous species, but with obvious red legs. We saw one in the Bwindi forest near GFC.
SIDE-STRIPED JACKAL (Canis adustus) – A pair were in the short grass at Murchison Falls NP. A good mammal to see.
EGYPTIAN MONGOOSE (Herpestes ichneumon) – One on the trip.
BANDED MONGOOSE (Mungos mungo) – These were around the grounds of the Mweya Lodge at Queen Elizabeth NP.
DWARF MONGOOSE (Helogale parvula) – Cool creature. We saw them well at Lake Mburo.
SPOTTED HYAENA (Crocuta crocuta) – As we were leaving Queen Elizabeth NP, this species crossed the road and disappeared into the tall grass. Most saw it well enough, however.
LEOPARD (Panthera pardus) – Amazing creature. Jesse was probably the most excited! ;-)
LION (Panthera leo) – Did we see Lions, too?!! Sure did, and of the tree-climbing variety.
AFRICAN ELEPHANT (Loxodonta africana) – Good numbers at Murchison Falls and again at QENP.
BURCHELL'S ZEBRA (Equus burchelli) – Only at Lake Mburo on this trip, but good numbers.
WARTHOG (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) – We watched them feed on their knees at Murchison Falls.
HIPPOPOTAMUS (Hippopotamus amphibius) – Lots on the Nile River. Also, at QENP and Lake Mburo.
ROTHSCHILD'S GIRAFFE (Giraffa rothschildi) – An elegant creature. Good to see so many at Murchison Falls NP. The older ones were darker in color.
BUSHBUCK (Tragelaphus scriptus) – Small numbers in most of the savanna parks.
AFRICAN BUFFALO (Syncerus caffer) – According to Alfred, the ones seen in Murchison Falls are now Chad Buffalo. Those seen in QENP and Lake Mburo are called Cape Buffalo.
BUSH (GRAY) DUIKER (Sylvicapra grimmia) – One crossed our path in the Bwindi forest, but quickly vanished.
DEFASSA WATERBUCK (Kobus defassa) – Good numbers in all of the savanna parks.
KOB (Kobus kob) – Large numbers at Murchison and QENP.
TOPI (Damaliscus lunatus) – One at QENP and a few more at Lake Mburo.
HARTEBEEST (KONGONI) (Alcelaphus buselaphus) – Small numbers at Murchison Falls NP.
ORIBI (Ourebia ourebi) – This tiny quadruped was around in good numbers during our safari ride through Murchison Falls NP.
IMPALA (Aepyceros malampus) – Lots at Lake Mburo. Several males with very large harems.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
A few additional critters we saw on the tour:
1) Nile Crocodile(Cocodrylus niloticus) = Good numbers on the Victoria Nile and a couple of big ones at Kazinga Channel.
2) Goldie's Tree Cobra (Pseudohaje goldii) = There are just two species of tree climbing cobras, and just one in the range of Uganda. This was the cobra we saw along the paved road in the Kibale Forest. Awesome! One of the most venomous creatures in Africa.
3) Nile Monitor (Varanus niloticus) = Two different individuals at QENP.
Totals for the tour: 493 bird taxa and 40 mammal taxa