Birding Tours in Ethiopia
Arguably the most diverse country in Africa, Ethiopia offers some of the best birding on the continent. With a formidable list of endemic and regional specialities, the country’s bird list exceeds 860 species. So, whether you’re a serious birder or have a more general interest, you’re going to love it here!
The avifauna in Ethiopia is simply breath-taking and represents an incredible mix of bird species – migrants from East and West Africa, to Palearctic migrants from the Northern Hemisphere and an inconceivable number of resident species, along with a staggering 29 endemic species, it truly is a birder’s paradise.
It’s also the only place in the world to see the fascinating Gelada Baboon, as well as the endangered Walia Ibex and Ethiopian Wolf — the rarest and most endangered canid in the world. Ethiopia has an astonishing range of wildlife; boasting over 22,000 species of butterflies and moths, and around 320 species of mammals.
So, come and join us on a birding tour of a lifetime in the ‘Bleeding Heart’ of Africa, Ethiopia.
Location
Ethiopia, in the Horn of Africa, is a rugged, landlocked country split by the beautiful Great Rift Valley and is primarily made up of rolling highlands, with altitudes reaching an astounding 4,550mtrs in the magnificent Simien Mountains National Park. The lowlands and Eastern highlands are hot, dry areas, while the western highlands enjoy summer rainfall and are home to the majority of the country’s human population. The capital city Addis Ababa is often referred to as the “capital of Africa”, and is well worth a visit to soak up some culture. ‘Addis’ is located in the western highlands and also Africa’s highest capital city!
Weather & Climate
Ethiopia is an ecologically diverse country, so you can expect several different types of weather; ranging from hot savannah in the west, to dry and extreme heat in the eastern deserts. Most of the country is dominated by highlands, with high altitudes and enjoy a considerably cooler climate all year round. It is advised when joining us on one of our Ethiopia birding tours, that you bring clothes suitable for hot days (t-shirts, short trousers and a hat) and cold nights (long trousers, raincoat and jumper).
Endemic Bird Species in Ethiopia
- Harwood’s Francolin (Pternistis harwoodi)
- Moorland Francolin (Scleroptila psilolaema)
- Blue-winged Goose (Cyanochen cyanoptera)
- Nechisar Nightjar (Caprimulgus solala)
- Brown-faced Go-away-bird (Corythaixoides personatus)
- Ruspoli’s Turaco (Tauraco ruspolii)
- Spot-breasted Lapwing (Vanellus melanocephalus)
- Yellow-fronted Parrot (Poicephalus flavifrons)
- Ethiopian Bushcrow (Zavattariornis stresemanni)
- Liben Lark (Heteromirafra archeri)
- White-tailed Swallow (Hirundo megaensis)
- Abyssinian Catbird (Parophasma galinieri)
- Kaffa White-eye (Zosterops kaffensis)
- Sombre Rockchat (Oenanthe dubia)
- Red-billed Pytilia (Pytilia lineata)
- Abyssinian Longclaw (Macronyx flavicollis)
- Yellow-throated Seedeater (Crithagra flavigula)
- Salvadori’s Seedeater (Crithagra xantholaema)
- Ankober Serin (Crithagra ankoberensis)
- Ethiopian Siskin (Serinus nigriceps)
*Photo by Dick Daniels
Conservation of birds in Ethiopia through The Sustainable Birding Company
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