Uganda is a country that is home to a diverse array of wildlife species, including a wide variety of bird species. Amongst the numerous bird species that can be found in Uganda, there are several that are endemic to the region, which means that they only inhabit this specific area.
Endemic bird species have adapted to the unique environmental conditions of Uganda and play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance in the region.
This article will provide a comprehensive list of endemic birds in Uganda, highlighting their distinctive characteristics and their significance in the conservation of the country’s natural heritage.
1. Cuckoos
Cuckoos are fascinating birds belonging to the Cuculidae family, which is the only taxon in the order of Cuculiformes.
There are many different species within this family such as common or European cuckoo, roadrunners, koels, malkohas, couas and anis.
Some of these species may even be identified as separate families – Centropodidae and Crotophagidae respectively.
These birds have been known for their unique features such as loud calls heard consistently during certain times of day and night.
They also exhibit behavior like brood parasitism where they lay eggs in other nests so that their chicks can get more food from host parents than its own.
All these traits make them one-of-a-kind creatures worth admiring.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Otidimorphae |
| Order | Cuculiformes Wagler, 1830 |
| Family | Cuculidae Leach, 1820 |
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2. Ducks
Ducks are water birds belonging to the family of Anatidae. They have a worldwide distribution except Antarctica and are highly adapted for swimming, floating on water surface or in shallow depths.
Ducks come in various sizes ranging from small teals to large swans with around 174 species found across 43 genera.
Their feathers make them waterproof enabling ducks to stay afloat even in stormy waters while their webbed feet allow them to swim gracefully underwater.
Ducks usually feed by filtering food items such as insects, molluscs and crustaceans through their bills but some also graze on land vegetation like grasses & grains depending upon availability of resources at different locations they inhabit.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Suborder | Anseres |
| Superfamily | Anatoidea |
| Family | Anatidae Leach, 1820 |
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3. Grauer’s Cuckooshrike
Grauer’s cuckooshrike is a species of bird belonging to the family Campephagidae. It can be found in Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, where it inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Unfortunately, this beautiful species’ habitat has been facing destruction due to human activities resulting in its population decline.
The name Grauer’s cuckooshrike commemorates the German zoologist Rudolf Grauer who collected natural history specimens from Belgian Congo during his expedition there.
This medium-sized passerine bird has a black head and grey body with white bars on its wings making it easily recognizable among other birds of same kind in its range area.
Although conservation efforts are at play for this endangered species, more attention needs to be given towards protecting their habitats if we wish them not go extinct soon enough.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Campephagidae |
| Genus | Ceblepyris |
| Species | C. graueri |
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4. Rail
Rails are a diverse family of birds, ranging from small to medium size and living in habitats across the world.
They can be found around wetlands, as well as any other land-based environment except for dry deserts, polar regions or areas with persistent snow cover.
These ground-dwellers have short legs and long toes that help them maneuver through wetland vegetation easily.
Tey typically feed on insects and aquatic invertebrates but will also eat seeds and berries when available.
Species such as coots, crakes and gallinules have evolved different bill shapes to allow them to navigate their environments more efficiently while searching for food.
Rails live both alone or in pairs depending on the species; some migrate seasonally while others remain at one location year round.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
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5. Shelley’s Crimsonwing
Shelley’s crimsonwing is a striking species of estrildid finch. It is found in Burundi, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and western Uganda where it lives amongst low vegetation such as shrubs and grasses.
This beautiful bird has bright red-orange wings with yellowish underparts which make it stand out from its habitat.
Unfortunately Shelley’s Crimsonwings are facing significant population decline due to uncontrolled deforestation across their range which has resulted in an estimated 2,500–9,999 birds remaining today.
Conservation efforts need to be put into place urgently if we wish for this unique species to survive for future generations to admire.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Genus | Cryptospiza |
| Species | C. shelleyi |
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6. Handsome Spurfowl
The Handsome Spurfowl is a beautiful bird found in forests across Africa. It has reddish-brown plumage, a grey head and red bill and legs that give it an attractive appearance.
Its eyes have brown irises with bare red orbital skin around them, while its underside is rufous grey. Both sexes are similar in size but the female may be slightly smaller than the male.
The young birds have duller feathers compared to adults. This species typically feeds on seeds, insects, fruits and other small creatures found near ground level – making it quite easy for people to spot when out walking or wildlife watching.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Pternistis |
| Species | P. nobilis |
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7. Jackson’s Spurfowl
Jackson’s spurfowl, also known as Jackson’s francolin, is a species of bird found in Kenya and Uganda. It prefers mountainous forests and stands of bamboo for its habitat.
This species was named after the English administrator and ornithologist Frederick John Jackson who discovered it in 1891.
The males are blackish-brown while females have paler tan plumage with barring on their flanks – both sexes have white throat patches which become brighter during breeding season.
They feed mainly on insects but also consume some plant material such as flowers, buds or fruits when available.
Despite being hunted by humans for sport or food due to its large size, this species remains fairly common across much of its range thanks to ongoing conservation efforts protecting their habitats from destruction or human disturbance activities like logging and farming operations that could reduce suitable areas for them to live in safely.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Pternistis |
| Species | P. jacksoni |
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8. Fox’s Weaver
Fox’s weaver is a species of bird that can only be found in Uganda. As it lives in moist savanna, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grasslands, and swamps its habitat has become threatened by the loss of such environments due to human activities.
It belongs to the family Ploceidae which consists mostly of seed-eating birds with specialized bills for handling their food commodities.
This particular type of weaver stands out as it builds intricate nests made from leaves woven together using its long bill along with other materials like spider webs, small twigs and bark strips making them look quite unique compared to those built by other types of birds within this family group.
Fox’s Weaver is certainly an amazing creature but unfortunately continues to face threats today so conservation efforts must continue if these beautiful creatures are going to survive.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Ploceidae |
| Genus | Ploceus |
| Species | P. spekeoides |
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9. Regal Sunbird
The Regal Sunbird is a small and elegant species of bird that can be found in the Albertine Rift montane forests.
The adult males have an iridescent golden-green coloured head, dark wings and tail, as well as a boldly marked red & yellow breast and belly.
Females are less colourful but still stunning with their dull olive upper parts, paired alongside faint streaks of yellow on the underside.
These sunbirds feed mainly off nectar from wild flowers which they get using their long curved bills; however they also eat insects for additional nutrients.
They tend to stay close to flowering shrubs or trees whilst singing beautiful songs throughout the day – making them one of nature’s most treasured creatures.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Nectariniidae |
| Genus | Cinnyris |
| Species | C. regius |
10. Purple-Breasted Sunbird
The beautiful Purple-breasted Sunbird is a species of bird found in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. It belongs to the family Nectariniidae which are known for their attractive colors.
The male sunbirds have an iridescent purple throat and breast with a light brown head and back while females tend to be duller in coloration.
These birds feed mainly on nectar from flowers but also eat insects such as beetles and caterpillars when available.
They can often be seen perched atop tall trees searching for food or hovering near flowering plants collecting nectar from them using their long curved bills.
Their bright plumage makes them easily recognizable amongst other birds making it easy for us to appreciate their beauty.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Nectariniidae |
| Genus | Nectarinia |
| Species | N. purpureiventris |
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11. Blue-Headed Sunbird
The Blue-Headed Sunbird is a beautiful species of bird found in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.
It belongs to the family Nectariniidae and has striking blue head feathers with contrasting yellow underbelly plumage.
The sunbird also features an impressive long pointed beak which it uses for feeding on nectar from flowering plants.
Additionally, they are known to feed on insects as well due to their active lifestyle – often seen flying rapidly between flowers while hovering like hummingbirds.
Their unique colouration makes them stand out amongst other birds in its range; making this incredible bird one that should not be missed when encountered.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Nectariniidae |
| Genus | Cyanomitra |
| Species | C. alinae |
12. Strange Weaver
The Strange Weaver is a species of bird belonging to the Ploceidae family, found in Albertine Rift montane forests. It is characterized by its vibrant plumage with yellow belly and head feathers along with black wings, tail and back.
Its long bill has a slight downward curve, allowing it to easily reach inside deep flowers for nectar. The male’s bright colors are particularly striking during breeding season when they become even brighter as part of their courtship display.
This species feeds on insects such as grasshoppers and beetles that it catches while hovering over vegetation or while searching among tree branches; also consuming small amounts of fruits occasionally rips off from nearby trees or shrubs.
They build nests near water sources where both males and females take turns incubating eggs until hatching takes place after 18 days duration which marks the beginning of new life cycle for this exotic creature.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Ploceidae |
| Genus | Ploceus |
| Species | P. alienus |
13. Dusky Crimsonwing
The Dusky Crimsonwing is a beautiful species of estrildid finch found in Africa. It has an estimated global range of 78,000km2 and can be found mainly in the Albertine Rift montane forests.
The bird’s binomial name commemorates English explorer Frederick John Jackson. Its plumage is quite unique with its feathers ranging from dark brown to rufous-red on the back and wings, while it’s belly is white or greyish-white along with black streaking throughout its body.
This vibrant coloured creature also features a red eye ring which adds immensely to its beauty when seen up close.
As for dieting habits, this species likes to feed on small insects as well as fruits like berries that are natively grown in their habitat area.
All these traits combined make them one of nature’s most exquisite creatures whose presence will surely leave anyone mesmerized.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Genus | Cryptospiza |
| Species | C. jacksoni |
14. Yellow-Eyed Black Flycatcher
The Yellow-eyed black flycatcher is a small, passerine bird native to the Albertine Rift montane forests. It belongs to the genus Melaenornis and family Muscicapidae.
This beautiful bird has yellow eyes with white eyebrows that contrast sharply against its jet black plumage, giving it an eye-catching look.
Its beak is short and stubby while its legs are relatively long compared to other birds of similar size; they have been known to use them for pouncing on their insect prey.
The diet of this species mainly consists of insects such as flies, beetles or caterpillars but can also include some fruits depending on what’s available in their environment.
As habitat destruction continues across the world, these beautiful birds may become more vulnerable which makes conserving their natural habitats all the more importantScientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Melaenornis |
| Species | M. ardesiacus |
15. Red-Faced Woodland Warbler
The Red-faced Woodland Warbler is a species of leaf warbler found in the family Phylloscopidae. It is closely related to two other species, the Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler and Laura’s Woodland Warbler.
These birds are native to East Africa, mostly inhabiting parts of Uganda, DR Congo and South Sudan. They nest among trees or shrubs near water sources like rivers or streams.
The males have bright red faces with white throats surrounded by yellowish feathers on their lower cheeks while females possess duller plumage than males but still display faint reddish coloring on their heads and chests.
During breeding season they sing melodious songs that can be heard from quite far distances during sunrise hours when most activity takes place around nesting sites.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Phylloscopidae |
| Genus | Phylloscopus |
| Species | P. laetus |
16. Mountain Masked Apalis
The Mountain masked apalis, or black-faced apalis, is a species of bird from the family Cisticolidae. It can be found in Albertine Rift montane forests and was first described back in 1902.
This small but striking bird has dark gray upperparts with white markings on its wings and tail feathers, as well as pale gray underparts adorned with two bold black stripes across its chest.
The most distinctive feature of this species is the jet-black mask that frames its eyes like an eye patch – making it easily identifiable amongst other birds within their range. Its diet consists primarily of insects but they will feed on fruits when available too.
They are fairly common throughout their habitat and make delightful additions to any outdoor space where they can be spotted singing sweetly while flitting between trees and shrubs searching for food sources.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cisticolidae |
| Genus | Apalis |
| Species | A. personata |
17. Stripe-Breasted Tit
The Stripe-breasted Tit is a species of bird found in four countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.
It inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests where it can be seen foraging for food on the ground among foliage.
This small but beautiful bird has an unmistakable appearance with black and white stripes across its chest. Its head is also covered by delicate black feathers that contrast nicely against its bright yellow eyes.
The Stripe-breasted Tit was formerly classified within the genus Parus until a molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed that it should actually belong to Melaniparus instead – thus requiring a separate scientific name.
Despite this classification change however, one thing remains true; these birds are truly captivating creatures who deserve our utmost respect and protection from any potential threats they may face in their natural habitats.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Melaniparus |
| Species | M. fasciiventer |
18. Grauer’s Swamp Warbler
Grauer’s swamp warbler is an Old World warbler found in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.
It enjoys freshwater lakes and marshes as its natural habitats but unfortunately these are threatened due to habitat loss.
Endemic to the Albertine Rift, they inhabit montane swamps above 1900m elevation.
Investigations have been carried out into their diet which consists mainly of insects such as ants and beetles with some spiders too.
They may also be seen foraging on the ground or perched on vegetation near water sources.
The Grauer’s Swamp Warblers are relatively small birds that breed during summer months from June until September in Central Africa where a single egg is laid in a cup-shaped nest suspended between two reeds over water bodies.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Locustellidae |
| Genus | Bradypterus |
| Species | B. graueri |
19. Dwarf Honeyguide
The Dwarf honeyguide is a small bird endemic to the Albertine Rift montane forests. It belongs to the family Indicatoridae, which includes other species of Honeyguides.
This particular species is threatened by habitat loss and uses brood parasitism as an adaptation for survival. As a result, it will lay its eggs in another host’s nest so that they can be incubated and fed by their foster parents.
These birds have adapted to survive in harsh conditions due to human encroachment on their natural habitats, but conservation efforts are still necessary if this species is going to continue thriving into future generations.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Indicatoridae |
| Genus | Indicator |
| Species | I. pumilio |
20. Red-Faced Barbet
The Red-faced barbet is a captivating bird belonging to the African barbet family Lybiidae. It is found in Burundi, Rwanda, Northwest Tanzania and Southwest Uganda and inhabits dry savanna, moist savanna and arable land.
At only 17 cm (6.7 inches) long it’s one of the smaller species from this family. Its unique red coloring on its sides make it stand out amongst other birds in its habitat as well as being incredibly striking when seen up close.
Unfortunately due to loss of habitat this magnificent creature has become endangered but conservation efforts are continuing so that future generations can continue to admire their beauty for years to come.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Lybiidae |
| Genus | Lybius |
| Species | L. rubrifacies |
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21. Chapin’s Flycatcher
Chapin’s flycatcher is an Old World bird species found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Uganda, and possibly Rwanda. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, but it is threatened due to habitat loss.
The bird is named after the American ornithologist, James Paul Chapin. The Itombwe flycatcher was formerly considered synonymous species. Chapin’s flycatcher belongs to the Muscicapidae family of the Old World flycatchers.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Muscicapa |
| Species | M. lendu |