Birding in Kibale Forest: Primate Forest Birds, Pittas and Canopy Species

The forest is tall and shaded, with a dense understorey, and many birds live high in the canopy or stay hidden near the ground. A local guide who knows the calls makes a huge difference, and early morning is the best time to be on the trail.

This guide focuses on the forest itself, and it complements our page on birding in Kibale and the Bigodi Wetland.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Kibale Forest in Brief

Kibale is a block of mid-altitude rainforest in western Uganda, known for having a very high density of primates, including chimpanzees. The forest is a mosaic of mature trees, regrowth and swampy valleys, and each supports different birds. Walks begin near the Kanyanchu area, and guides lead groups along trails that are narrow and often damp. The park's own page, Kibale Forest National Park, covers the full range of activities, while this guide concentrates on birds.

Canopy and Understorey Birds

The forest's great blue turacos, large and spectacular birds, are often heard calling and sometimes seen on open branches. Hornbills, such as the black-and-white casqued hornbill, move noisily through fruiting trees, and parrots, including the African grey parrot, may be seen or heard in flight. Smaller species, such as greenbuls, sunbirds, flycatchers and warblers, require patience and good binoculars. Many forest birds join mixed groups that move through the trees together. If you find one, stop and let the party pass. See great blue turaco in Uganda.

The Green-breasted Pitta and Other Specials

Kibale is regarded as one of the best places in Uganda for the green-breasted pitta, a colourful, secretive ground bird of the forest floor that is best looked for with a guide at certain times of the year, usually when the forest is wet and birds are calling. It cannot be guaranteed. Other forest specialities that birders hope for include Nahan's francolin and the Abyssinian ground thrush, and the forest is home to many species that are rarely seen elsewhere in the region. See Uganda birds species guide for a broader context.

Chimpanzee Tracking and Birds

Most visitors come for chimpanzees, and the same trails are used. During tracking, the guide's attention is on the chimps, so birds are a bonus. For more time with birds, ask about a dedicated early walk or a visit to the Bigodi Wetland, where birds are easy to see from a boardwalk. Read chimpanzee trekking in Uganda to understand the schedule, and birding in Kibale and Bigodi Wetland for the swamp side of the area. The chimpanzee habituation experience offers a longer day in the forest.

Best Months

Kibale can be visited year-round. The drier months, roughly December to February and June to August, are easier for walking, with firmer trails and fewer leeches. The wet seasons, from March to May and September to November, bring lush growth, fruiting trees and breeding activity, and migrants are present from October to April. Wet weather makes trails slippery, so bring suitable shoes and rain protection. See Kibale in the dry season and Kibale in the rainy season.

Tips for Forest Birding

Start early, walk slowly and stop often. Wear long trousers and sturdy shoes, bring water, a hat and a rain jacket, and carry binoculars with good low-light performance. Use a field guide, but let your local guide lead. Avoid playing recorded calls, and keep to trails. Photography is challenging in dim light, so choose a fast lens and be patient. See the Uganda park rules for general guidance.

Where Kibale Fits

Kibale usually appears between Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth on a western Uganda circuit, or before Bwindi. See Budongo birding, birding in Queen Elizabeth and where to stay near Kibale. For tour ideas, see Uganda birding tours.

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Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team