Bird Species of Murchison Falls – Organising a Birding Safari in Murchison Falls National Park. Birding Trips in Uganda.

Bird Species of Murchison Falls: At the heart of northwestern Uganda, the mighty River Nile narrows through a 7-metre gorge before bursting into thunder at Murchison Falls, the most dramatic waterfall on the Nile. But beyond this spectacle of water and rock lies another treasure that makes Murchison Falls National Park truly magical.

The park’s diversity is staggering. Over 450 bird species thrive here, painting the skies, grasslands, and riverbanks with colour and song. From the prehistoric Shoebill lurking in papyrus swamps to the elegant Grey-crowned Crane strutting through the savannah, Murchison offers birdwatchers a spectacle unmatched anywhere else in East Africa.

What makes this place special is its fusion of habitats. The sweeping savannah meets dense woodland, riverine forest, and swampland all within one protected landscape. As a result, you can spot a Goliath Heron standing like a sentinel on the Nile’s edge, while a Red-throated Bee-eater flashes crimson wings.s

Birding in Murchison Falls is an experience that stirs something deep, er a quiet appreciation of how wild beauty and nature’s balance coexist. Let’s explore some of the most remarkable bird species of Murchison Falls, and discover when and how to see them at their best.

Bird Species of Murchison Falls

Wetland and River Birds

The wetlands and riverbanks of the Nile Delta are a paradise for water-loving species.

• Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex): This enigmatic bird is Murchison’s ultimate prize. Towering and silent, it stalks lungfish in the papyrus. Spotting one near the delta of Lake Albert feels like traveling back to the age of dinosaurs.
• African Jacana: Graceful and nimble, it walks on floating lilies as if defying gravity. Its bronze plumage glows in the soft morning light.
• Pied and Malachite Kingfishers: Both species are a splash of brilliance along the river. Watch them hover, dive, and emerge with glimmering fish.
• Goliath Heron: The world’s largest heron, dignified and powerful, often seen standing guard by the falls.

Savannah and Woodland Birds

Vast golden plains stretch north of the river, supporting some of the most charismatic species in Uganda.

• Abyssinian Ground Hornbill: A giant, ground-dwelling bird with striking red facial skin. Its deep booming call echoes across the plains.
• Secretary Bird: Elegant and tall, it hunts snakes with deliberate, powerful strides, one of Africa’s most dramatic raptors.
• Grey-crowned Crane: Uganda’s national bird and symbol of grace. Its elaborate courtship dances are a must-see.
• Denham’s Bustard: Rare and regal, this large grassland bird is a reward for patient observers on early-morning drives.

Cliff and Forest-Edge Birds

Murchison’s cliffs and forest fringes provide nesting space for vibrant aerial acrobats.

• Red-throated Bee-eater: Found nesting in colonies at the Nyamusika cliffs, these birds paint the riverbanks in red, turquoise, and emerald.
• Rock Pratincole: Often seen sunbathing on river rocks, their calm demeanor belies the rush of water beneath them.
• White-crested Turaco: A splash of emerald green and white, often calling from the forest canopy.

Rare and Elusive Birds

For seasoned birders, Murchison holds elusive gems.

• Pel’s Fishing Owl: A nocturnal hunter that haunts quiet forested stretches of the Nile, spotting one is a birder’s dream.
• Papyrus Gonolek: Bright and shy, this species lurks deep within papyrus swamps near the delta.
• Northern Carmine Bee-eater: Migratory and flamboyant, these birds add a carnival of colour to the park from December to March.

Best Time for Birding in Murchison Falls National Park

While birding in Murchison is rewarding year-round, timing can make all the difference.

The dry season (December–March and June–September) is the best time to explore. Roads are easier to navigate, vegetation is thinner, and birds gather near remaining water sources, making sightings more predictable. Early mornings and late afternoons during these months provide the best light and activity.

If you want to catch migratory birds, plan your trip between November and April, when species from Europe and northern Africa join the residents. The delta and woodland edges become particularly lively then.

During the wet season (April–May and October–November), the park bursts into green, and breeding activity peaks. Though travel may be trickier, this period rewards photographers with dramatic skies, lush backgrounds, and songs of courting birds echoing across the plains.