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A Journey Into Some Wonderful Birds of Uganda
Birds of Uganda
In this article, I bring you a short list of the most wonderful birds of Uganda. Over 1,000 bird species soar through Uganda’s skies, each with a unique song and story to tell. From our majestic national symbol to the elusive forest dwellers, Ugandan birds are a mesmerising sight waiting to be watched.
1. The Crested Crane (Balearica regulorum)
Let’s start with our very own – Behold the grey crowned crane (or crested crane), Uganda’s emblematic bird. Standing tall and proud, the crested crane graces our Ugandan flag and symbolises peace and vigilance.
Did you know that these elegant birds are adorned with a golden crown of feathers, from which Uganda derives its national colours? Yes, the Crested Crane is Uganda’s iconic bird and graces most swamplands from the North to the East and Western regions of the country. The J’opadhola of Eastern Uganda call the Crested Crane “Owel”, probably due to how it sings.
Their loud trumpeting calls echo across the savannas, as a powerful reminder of their importance in the Ugandan culture. If you’re lucky enough to spot one in the wetlands, we promise, you’ll witness poetry in motion.
2. Fox’s Weaver (Ploceus Spekeoides)
The beautiful fox’s weaver bird
Look at that dazzling splash of colour unique to Uganda. The Fox’s Weaver is an endemic bird species. That simply means this bird has adapted and thrived specifically within Uganda’s ecosystem, and that makes it a true Ugandan treasure. Now that’s the Pearl of Africa for you!
Did you know that the male fox’s weaver boasts a fiery orange plumage with a jet-black head and throat? Oh yes. Now did you also that the female fox’s weaver is adorned in a more subdued coat of brown and yellow? That’s right! These social birds often build elaborate woven nests, incorporating grass, and leaves.
3. Shoebill Stork (Balaeniceps rex)
This is a giant and needs more consideration.
The Shoebill Stork is Africa’s largest long-legged wading samp bird described by most as a relic from the dinosaur era. The Shoebill derived its name from its enormous shoe-shaped bill.
Towering over 0.9 to 1.5 m tall (yes, taller than most humans lol), with a wing span of between 2 to 2.4 m, this bird has a massive, shoe-shaped bill that it uses to hunt.
Its prey largely consists of lungfish and other aquatic prey in swamps. The adults are mainly grey while the juveniles are more brown.
Furthermore, Its grey plumage and piercing yellow eyes give it a formidable look, while its slow, and deliberate movements add to its mystique.
Did you know that genetic evidence places the shoebill with pelicans and herons in the Pelecaniformes? This means they are characterised by an order of medium-sized and large waterbirds worldwide.
4. Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos Crumenferus)
The Baganda call these beautiful birds “kaloli”. Macabre carrion-eating storks are 1.5m tall, with large expandable air sacs right below their neck. These large birds also boast dramatic black-and-white feather patterns.
Furthermore, its white body feathers contrast sharply with its black wings and head, which creates an almost tuxedo-like effect. These birds are common in rural and urban environments and are especially popular at Makerere University Buildings.
Why? Because they painted some buildings “white with their poop”. And as a joke, students named a few buildings after them, lol.
The Kaloli is no doubt the master of Uganda’s urban scene. Get your camera ready when you see them in Kampala, Mulago, Makerere, Katwe and other urban centres.
5. Common Ostrich (Struthio Camelus)
Did you know that Ostriches hold the title of the biggest bird on earth, and that is both in height and weight? The males can reach up to 9 feet tall, and their necks make up for almost half of their height! Here’s more – an average ostrich can weigh over 330 pounds.
By the way, it’s very easy to recognise the males by their black and white feathers. Furthermore, they also have a black body with white wings and tail feathers. Contrary to popular belief, female ostriches and juveniles are typically brown or greyish.
Did you know that ostriches are flightless, but make up for it with incredibly strong legs? These legs are the fastest of any birds on land, and that allows them to sprint at speeds of up to 40 mph, yet, they are even faster in short bursts.
6. The Black-and-White-Casqued Hornbill (Bycanistes Subcylindricus)
However, there are different types of casqued hornbills, see the Great casqued below – pure beauty!
The male black and white hornbill has an oversized blackish bill with a large casque on the top. In contrast, the female hornbill is slightly smaller and has a significantly smaller casque.
Here’s the fun part – they are monogamous species, which means they pair their nests in suitable tree cavities.
The female hornbill lays up to two eggs. Their diet consists mainly of fruits, figs, insects and maybe some small animals found in the trees.
7. Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola Cristata)
Doesn’t she look curious, yet very beautiful? I know she does. The Great blue turacos are large beautiful, subtropical, and tropical African birds, especially in Uganda and East Africa. These beauties also belong to the Musophagidae family and are among the most common turacos.
Did you know that the male turacos are much larger than the female ones? Oh, they also have a brighter blue shade on their feathers, and white stripes down their backs. Furthermore, the great blue turacos are one of Uganda’s most popular and iconic bird species.
They are a reminder of the diversity and uniqueness of Uganda’s natural beauty. The Great Blue Turaco is an important part of African folklore. They are considered to be a symbol of love, peace and luck.
8. Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis)
The first look at this bird and I get the “back off” vibe, lol. The Long-crested Eagle is a large species of raptor found in sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda. These birds are distinguished by their long crest, rufous back and head, and boldly patterned underparts.
Did you know that the long-crested eagle’s wingspan reaches 1.8 meters, and it weighs up to 1.3 kilograms? That’s right. Expect to see these birds along the Entebbe Express highway around Nambigirwa swamp.
The Long-crested Eagle faces threats such as hunting, and habitat loss, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thankfully, Uganda protects these beautiful birds, making hunting illegal.
9. The Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius)
Image Source – Pixabay
The secretary bird is a large, and mostly terrestrial bird of prey. By the way, these beauties are only found in the open grasslands in Africa.
Did you know that the Secretary Bird gets her name from the large crest of feathers on her head? These feathers resemble a quill pen and portray the image of a secretary seated at a desk.
In Uganda, you’ll find the Secretary Birds along the River Nile, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Pian Upe Reserve. Fun fact – traditionally, in some African cultures, the secretary bird is considered a symbol of strength and courage.
10. African Fish Eagle (Icthyophaga Vocifer)
Image Source – Pixabay
These are some of the largest eagles throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Fun fact – just the sound of its distinctive call, a high-pitched “quet-quet-quet,” is very familiar in Uganda’s wetlands. Even chickens are afraid of the African Fish Eagle.
They are among the most recognizable raptors on the African continent. As their name suggests, these birds almost exclusively feed on fish. However, they also sometimes catch water snakes, turtles, and other aquatic creatures.
11. Goliath Heron (Ardea Goliath)
Image source – Pixabay
A Goliath heron is a large grey bird found in most of Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in the eastern, southern and western parts.
You can find these birds along lake margins, wetlands, and open woodlands. Typically, their diet consists of fish, frogs, and any other small aquatic prey, but they also eat insects and rodents.
12. Saddle-Billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis)
The mighty saddle-billed stork
The Saddle-billed Stork are large species of tropical stork found in the East and Southern parts of Africa. You can find these birds in Uganda’s wetlands or shallow lakes/swamps, feeding on fish, frogs, and insects.
Don’t underestimate these birds. They can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The average male weighs 7 kg, whereas the average female weighs 5 kg.
The saddle-billed stork has long legs and they are not just for beauty. They’re more likely to succeed in their endeavours with it. Did you know these birds can wade through fairly deep water in search of food?
13. African Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx Cupreus)
The African Emerald Cuckoo is a dazzling little bird, only about 21cm long. Look for a flash of emerald green with a bright yellow belly flitting through the African forests. Females are more secretive, with brown and rufous feathers and hints of green.
Meet the African Emerald Cuckoo! This dazzling little bird, only about 21cm long is barely bigger than a robin and isn’t shy about its emerald green plumage and its sunshine-yellow belly. However, don’t be fooled by its good looks, this feathered beauty is a master of disguise.
The females are brown with just a touch of green! Look for emerald green with a bright yellow belly flitting through the African forests, and that’s the male.
Bottom Line
These are just, but a few of the incredible birds that grace Uganda’s skies. Each bird plays a vital role in our country’s ecosystem.
So, the next time you’re in Uganda, take a moment to explore and listen to the stories these birds tell. While at it, you’ll discover the magic of these creatures, some of which are prehistoric.
