Uganda, located in East Africa, is home to a diverse range of bird species. Among them are some magnificent large birds that captivate the attention of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
These birds are often spotted in habitats across Uganda, from the dense rainforests to the savannahs and wetlands. The country’s varied topography and suitable weather conditions support the proliferation of these impressive birds, making it a perfect destination for bird watching.
This article will look closely at some of the notable large birds found in Uganda’s bird list.
38 Large Birds Of Uganda
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa that boasts rich biodiversity and various habitats. The country is home to over 1000 species of birds, many of which are large and impressive. We will explore some of the most notable large birds of Uganda, their characteristics, and where to find them.
1. Phasianidae
The Phasianidae family of birds contains many popular gamebirds, with 185 species divided across 54 genera.
These heavy ground-living birds include pheasants, partridges, junglefowl, chickens, and turkeys, among others like Old World quail and peafowl.
This large family was formerly split into two subfamilies known as the Phasianinae and Perdicinae, but this classification has since been changed to reflect more current scientific findings on them.
All these different types of birds have certain things in common, such as their solid legs for scratching through leaves or soil looking for food items, including insects, seeds, and other vegetation, which comprise most of their diet.
They also all tend to be quite colorful to attract mates during the breeding season, when males often display vibrant feathers or dance around females to attempt courtship ritual displays.
The majority are monogamous creatures, too, although some may form short-term pair bonds before going off alone again once mating has taken place – either way.
Adults tend to give very little parental care after eggs have hatched, so chicks need to fend for themselves immediately.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Superfamily | Phasianoidea |
| Family | Phasianidae Horsfield, 1821 |
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2. Sandgrouse
Sandgrouse are birds of the order Pterocliformes, found mainly in Africa and Asia. Sixteen species belong to two genera – Syrrhaptes from central Asia and Pterocles from Africa and other Asian countries.
They inhabit treeless areas such as deserts, steppes, scrublands, or savannas and tend to be ground-dwelling birds that feed on seeds.
Sandgrouse have adapted special features for survival in their harsh environment.
They possess well-developed feet with four toes for walking over hot sand while keeping their body temperature cool by regulating heat loss through their legs.
Their feathers also act like a sponge, helping them absorb water before flying long distances back home; they then expel it using specialized glandular secretions near the wings so that chicks can drink directly from an adult’s breast plumage.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Columbimorphae |
| Order | Pterocliformes Huxley, 1868 |
| Family | Pteroclidae Bonaparte, 1831 |
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3. Songbirds
Songbirds are a special suborder of perching birds found all over the world. These beautiful creatures have intricate vocal organs that allow them to produce elaborate bird songs, making them stand out from other species.
With around 5,000 different types of songbirds, they come in various sizes and colors, with complex feathers adding to their beauty.
Songbirds play an essential role in ecosystems as they help disperse seeds by eating fruit and insects, acting as pollination agents.
Their presence also attracts more biodiversity into areas where these delicate animals live, creating vibrant habitats full of life.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Clade | Eupasseres |
| Suborder | Passeri Linnaeus, 1758 |
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4. Jacanas
Jacanas are tropical waders belonging to the Jacanidae family. They have distinctive elongated toes and toenails, which help them forage on floating or semi-emergent aquatic vegetation.
This adaptation gives them their nickname, “Jesus birds,” as they seem to be able to walk on water.
The female jacanas are also unique amongst bird species in that they take charge of nest building, incubation, and caring for the young while males perform courtship displays.
These unusual birds can be found throughout the world’s tropical regions, where they inhabit wetlands such as swamps, marshes, and shallow lakes with lily pads.
With a wide variety range due to particular adaptations, these beautiful creatures will continue living at ease around our planet’s warmest waters.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Thinocori |
| Family | Jacanidae Stejneger, 1885 |
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5. White-Spotted Flufftail
The white-spotted flufftail is a species of bird from the family Sarothruridae. It can be found in tropical rainforest regions across Africa, and its habitat consists of dense vegetation.
The coloration of this tiny bird is quite striking; it has a grey back, with reddish undertail coverts and black wings that are edged with white spots.
Its head features shades of brown and yellow, while its throat is notably creamy.
These birds feed mainly on insects such as caterpillars but consume smaller amounts of fruit when available.
They build nests near water sources or under thick foliage to protect them from predators like hawks or crows, which may attack their eggs or young chicks if they get too close by chance.
The white-spotted flufftail is vital in African ecology due to its insectivorous diet habits that help keep pest populations at bay.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Sarothruridae |
| Genus | Sarothrura |
| Species | S. pulchra |
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6. Cuckoos
Cuckoos are fascinating birds belonging to the Cuculidae family, the only taxon in Cuculiformes.
This family has many species, such as standard or European cuckoo, roadrunners, koels, malkohas, couas, and anis.
Some species may even be identified as separate families – Centropodidae and Crotophagidae.
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 their 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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7. True Owl
Owls are one of the two prominent families of owls, with Strigidae being the true owl family. With 230 species and 24 genera, this large bird family is found worldwide except for Antarctica.
Owls vary significantly in size and shape, but they typically have a round face with forward-facing eyes and a hooked bill to help them catch their prey.
They also possess asymmetrical ears that allow them to detect faint sounds from great distances, making them formidable predators at night.
Although solitary by nature, some species can be pretty vocal while others may remain silent during daylight hours until sunset when they become active again, looking for food under darkness.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae Leach, 1820 |
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8. Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
The Abyssinian ground hornbill is an African bird mainly north of the equator. It is one of two species of ground hornbills and the second most prominent amongst all African Hornbills, only surpassed by its slightly larger relative – the southern ground hornbill.
This impressive bird was described by Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, in the 1780s. Its unique appearance was striking red facial skin and bright yellow eyes.
The male birds are more significant than females and have different plumage colors (black/blue feathers) compared to female companions, who tend to be brownish-grey.
They feed on insects, small mammals, or reptiles, which they hunt from the sky or find on land using their powerful feet to dig up prey items hidden underneath soil or sand.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Bucorvidae |
| Genus | Bucorvus |
| Species | B. abyssinicus |
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9. Augur Buzzard
The Augur Buzzard is an impressive African bird of prey, typically identified by its blackish back and wings, white underside, and orange-red tail. This species also has A dark morph, while juveniles are usually brown.
It is found throughout Central and Southern Africa, inhabiting various habitats ranging from grasslands to wooded savannas.
This Buteo genus member has a wide range of food sources, including rodents, reptiles, insects, and other birds, making it quite versatile when hunting for sustenance.
Its powerful talons allow the predator to snatch up large prey quickly, ensuring that meals are never far away.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. augur |
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10. White Stork
The White Stork is a majestic European bird with white plumage and black wings. It has long, slender legs and beaks that are usually bright red.
The average adult stands around 100 – 115 cm tall from beak to tail tip, while its wing span can reach up to 155-215 cm wide. There are two subspecies of the White Stork, which differ slightly in size.
They feed on small animals such as frogs, fish, or insects and nest near human dwellings due to the abundance of food available; they also build nests atop chimneys or roofs when given the chance.
These birds have been revered for centuries as symbols of fertility because their return each spring often coincides with an increase in births among humans living nearby – something superstitious people take great note of.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae |
| Genus | Ciconia |
| Species | C. Ciconia |
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11. Greater Flamingo
The Greater Flamingo is an impressive bird belonging to the Phoenicopteridae family. It’s one of the most widespread and most extensive species among flamingos, with a range covering Africa, India, the Middle East, and southern parts of Europe.
The bird was described by Peter Simon Pallas in 1811, but it wasn’t until recently that it was distinguished from the American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) due to their differences in coloration.
This large-bodied wading bird stands tall at 1m on average and has bright pink plumage adorning its long neck and legs, which gives way to black wing tips when flying.
Its diet mainly consists of algae, crustaceans, and aquatic animals like mollusks found while feeding along shallow lakes or lagoons where they live their social lives surrounded by others.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Species | P. roseus |
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12. Rail
Rails are a diverse family of birds, ranging from small to medium size, living in habitats worldwide.
They can be found around wetlands and other land-based environments except 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.
They typically feed on insects and aquatic invertebrates but 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 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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13. Kori Bustard
The Kori Bustard is the most giant flying bird native to Africa and part of the Bustard family. It has a large body, with males reaching up to 20kg in weight – making it one of the heaviest living animals capable of flight.
Its range covers most African countries from Ethiopia down south towards South Africa.
The Kori Bustard is omnivorous and feeds on insects, small lizards, seeds, fruit, and even carrion if available.
Their feathers are primarily brownish grey, while their heads have black stripes running over them, making them readily identifiable in their natural habitat.
They usually live alone or in pairs during the breeding season. Still, they will gather into larger groups at other times throughout their lives, typically nesting on dry open grasslands near water sources for easy access to food and drink.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes |
| Family | Otididae |
| Genus | Ardeotis |
| Species | A. kori |
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14. Tawny Eagle
The tawny eagle is a majestic bird of prey that can be found across Eagleof Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and rare parts of southern Europe.
It belongs to the Accipitridae family, within the Aquilinae or “booted eagles” subfamily due to its heavily feathered legs.
They have brown plumage with paler underparts, which gives them their namesake tawny coloring.
With long wingspans, they soar gracefully over open grasslands and deserts in search of small mammals such as hares, rodents, and birds for food.
Their loud squawks echo across their habitats while they use potent talons to snatch up unsuspecting animals below them before enjoying their meal on an exposed perch high above ground level.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Aquila |
| Species | A. rapax |
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15. White-Faced Whistling Duck
The white-faced whistling duck is a highly social bird native to sub-Saharan Africa and South America. It can be easily identified by its distinct three-note whistling call and its long grey bill.
In the right conditions, it’s not uncommon to spot large flocks of these ducks numbering in the thousands at dawn – an incredible sight.
This species usually lives near bodies of water such as swamps or rivers where they feed on plant matter like grasses and grains, which they graze on during the day.
When night falls, they fly off into trees nearby for safety from predators before returning to their feeding grounds when morning arrives again.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Dendrocygna |
| Species | D. viduata |
16. Grey Crowned Crane
The Grey Crowned Crane is a beautiful bird native to eastern and southern Africa. It belongs to the crane family, Gruidae, and its stunning plumage consists of grey feathers topped with golden crowns on their heads.
This species has become Uganda’s national bird due to its gracefulness in flight and for being an essential part of local cultures across the continent.
The Grey Crowned Crane stands out from other birds because of its colorful appearance and because it performs elaborate mating dances involving leaps, bows, throwing their head back, or flapping wings while calling loudly – all to attract a mate.
In addition to these displays, they are highly social animals that form strong bonds with one another and can live up to 20 years if given proper care.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Balearica |
| Species | B. regular |
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17. Hornbill
Hornbills are a tropical and subtropical bird species with characteristic long, curved bills. Their English and scientific names refer to the shape of their bill, resembling a cow’s horn.
They have strong beaks for cracking open hard-shelled fruits and mighty wings for flying between trees or over great distances for food or mates.
Hornbills also feature beautiful plumage ranging from white to black feathers with yellow, brown, red, and blue accents on the head, neck, and back areas, depending on the species.
In addition, they often display brightly colored casques – helmet-like structures – atop their upper mandible, adding further visual appeal to these majestic birds.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Bucerotidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
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18. Saddle-Billed Stork
The Saddle-billed Stork is a large wading bird from the stork family, Ciconiidae. It can be found in sub-Saharan Africa and some parts of western Africa.
This majestic bird stands out with its striking features – its impressive bill looks like a saddle, and its bright red legs contrast against its white plumage.
The Saddle-billed Stork’s diet consists mainly of fish, frogs, aquatic invertebrates, and small reptiles or mammals they come across while scavenging for food in wetland areas.
Sadly, this species is endangered in South Africa due to habitat loss and degradation caused by human activities such as drainage projects and agricultural expansion.
We must take action to protect these beautiful creatures before their numbers decrease further.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae |
| Genus | Ephippiorhynchus |
| Species | E. senegalensis |
19. Lappet-Faced Vulture
The Lappet-faced Vulture is a large bird of prey in the Accipitriformes order. It has an unmistakable look, with its bare head and neck, white body, and brown wings.
This species is native to Africa and can be found in arid areas such as deserts or semi-deserts. They feed mainly on carrion but also eat small animals like lizards or rodents if needed.
Their strong bill helps them tear through tough hides while their long legs help them find food easier by allowing them to walk around looking for it instead of relying solely on soaring high up into the sky like other vultures do to locate carcasses from afar.
The Lappet-faced Vulture is crucial in cleaning up carcasses that otherwise would spread diseases quickly throughout African ecosystems.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Torgos Kaup, 1828 |
| Species | T. tracheitis |
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20. Marabou Stork
The marabou stork is a large wading bird native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is unmistakable, with cloak-like wings and back, skinny white legs, and sometimes a large mass of “hair.”
They reside in wet and arid habitats near human habitation, often found at landfill sites.
This species has earned the nickname ‘undertaker bird’ due to its unique shape viewed from behind.
Despite living alongside humans, they remain elusive birds who rarely interact with us but can still be seen gliding on thermals or standing majestically by lakesides.
The marabou stork is an impressive sight that will stay in your memory forever.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae |
| Genus | Leptoptilos |
| Species | L. crucifer |
21. Eastern Plantain-Eater
The Eastern Plantain-eater is a large member of the Turaco family, found in open woodland habitats throughout tropical East Africa.
They are common and noisy birds, making them easy to spot due to their bright plumage and lively behavior.
They have impressive flying abilities with long wings and tail feathers, which can be seen when moving from tree to tree.
Nesting high up on trees, these birds build platform nests made of twigs to lay two or three eggs at a time.
The diet mainly consists of fruit such as plantains but also includes insects during breeding season when young need protein-rich food sources for healthy development into adulthood.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Musophagiformes |
| Family | Musophagidae |
| Genus | Jennifer |
| Species | C. zonurus |
22. Bar-Tailed Trogon
The Bar-tailed Trogon is a beautiful bird native to central Africa. It has a yellow bill and feet and a long, broad tail that is narrowly barred with black and white on the underside.
The male’s head is blue-black whicolor, and the female’s head is more brownish-grownish-grey and consists mainly of insects and fruits, but it will occasionally take small lizards or frogs.
This colorful bird typically grows up to 28 centimeters (11 in) in length, making it an impressive natural sight.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Trogoniformes |
| Family | Trogonidae |
| Genus | Apaloderma |
| Species | A. vittatum |
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23. Goliath Heron
The Goliath Heron is the world’s largest living heron species, found in sub-Saharan Africa and in smaller numbers in Southwest and South Asia. It stands up to 5 feet tall with a wingspan over 6 feet wide.
Its bill is long and yellowish-orange, while its head has white plumes that point backward along its neck. Its back, scapulars, and tail feathers are dark gray or black, while it has lighter gray wing coverts and primaries.
Depending on age, the body plumage ranges from light grey to brownish grey; younger birds have more whitish coloration than adults.
This bird preys on fish, amphibians, crustaceans, insects, reptiles, and small mammals near water sources such as wetlands or lakesides—it also visits agricultural land for carrion.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. goliath |
24. Black-And-White-Casqued Hornbill
The Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill is a large, beautiful bird of black and white feathers. It has an oversized bill with a prominent casque on top.
The female is slightly smaller than the male, and its casque is much smaller.
This species mate for life and builds its nest inside suitable tree cavities, laying two eggs simultaneously.
These birds are omnivorous, eating fruits, insects, small reptiles, and other animals depending upon their availability near the nesting sites or during migrations when searching for food sources.
They fly swiftly but soar gracefully through open skies, displaying stunning beauty with each flap of their wings.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Bucerotidae |
| Genus | Bycanistes |
| Species | B. subcylindrical |
25. Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl
Verreaux’s eagle-owl is a magnificent bird found in the dry, wooded savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a giant African owl and measures up to 66 cm (26 inches) long.
This majestic creature has grey plumage with white spots on its back and wings, while an impressive facial disk covers its face.
Its eyes are yellowish-orange, surrounded by white feathers, which give it a striking appearance.
These birds hunt mainly at night but may occasionally do so during daylight hours when food becomes scarce or if they have recently hatched young ones who need feeding.
Verreaux’s eagle owls live alone or in pairs for much of the year until the breeding season, after which two eggs will be laid at once and incubated for about 30 days before hatching into fluffy chicks.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Bubo |
| Species | B. lacteus |
26. Pink-Backed Pelican
The Pink-backed Pelican is a beautiful bird of the pelican family in Africa and southern Arabia.
They are resident breeders inhabiting swamps and shallow lakes but were once seen in Madagascar.
It was formally described by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin back in 1789.
These birds have unique pink feathers on their backs, giving them their name, and grey or white heads with black wing tips.
They use their long beaks to scoop up fish from the water and drain excess water before swallowing it whole.
The diet of these birds consists mainly of small fish like anchovies, sardines, and other types of fish they can find near the surface of rivers or lakes.
With its long wingspan ranging between 2 – 3 feet (60 – 90 cm), this species has adapted perfectly for gliding over bodies of water while searching for prey to eat.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. rufescens |
27. Glossy Ibis
The Glossy Ibis is a water bird that belongs to the family Threskiornithidae. It has a unique bill in the shape of a sickle, which gave it its scientific name – Plegadis falcinellus.
It can be found widely across Europe, Asia, and Africa, with scattered nesting sites in warm regions.
Its feathers are black-brown on top and chestnut brown from below; its wings have a glossy greenish-purple sheen from afar.
They mainly feed on small insects like grasshoppers, spiders, earthworms, crustaceans, or amphibians caught while wading through shallow waters.
During the breeding season, they also consume plant material such as rice grains or corn kernels provided by humans near habitat areas where they nest.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Plegadis |
| Species | P. falcinellus |
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28. Southern Giant Petrel
The Southern giant petrel is a large seabird native to the southern oceans, and it overlaps broadly with its similar counterpart, the Northern giant petrel.
Adults of both species can be distinguished by their bill-tip color: greenish in the south and yellowish in the north.
The Southern giant petrel also goes by other names such as Antarctic giant petrel, Giant fulmar, Stinker, or Stinkpot.
These birds are around 75 cm (30 inches) long on average and have striking white plumage combined with brown wings that give them an impressive appearance while they soar through skies above open waters searching for food like fish, krill, and squid – which they can catch up to 100 meters below sea level.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Macronectes |
| Species | M. giganteus |
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29. Giant Kingfisher
The Giant Kingfisher is the biggest in Africa, living and breeding over most parts of the continent, excluding arid southwest regions.
It was first formally described by German naturalist Peter Simon Pallas in 1769 under Alcedo maxima as its binomial name.
Subsequently, it was placed into a new genus, Megaceryle, named by French ornithologist Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot in 1816.
This majestic bird typically measures about 40 cm (15 inches) long with predominantly blue-green plumage on top and white breast and belly underneath.
Its bill is large, robust, and bright red or orange colored, adding to its striking beauty even further.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Subfamily | Cerylinae |
| Genus | Megaceryle |
| Species | M. maxima |
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30. Booted Eagle
The Booted Eagle is a medium-sized bird of prey, typically found in the Palearctic and southern Asia. During winter months, they migrate to Africa and Asia’s tropical regions.
A small population also breeds in southwestern Africa. It belongs to the Accipitridae family, which includes all eagles.
Described formally back in 1780, it has an impressive wingspan reaching up to 1 meter across.
Its black tail feathers contrast against its brown body plumage with white patches on the underside of its wings when seen from below; it makes for easy identification amongst other birds of prey during flight or perched atop trees or buildings surveying for potential food sources like rodents, insects and even reptiles at times.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Hieraaetus |
| Species | H. pennatus |
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31. Nightjars
Nightjars are fascinating nocturnal or crepuscular birds belonging to the Caprimulgidae family. These medium-sized birds have long wings, short legs, and minimal bills.
They can be found across many parts of the world in forests, grasslands, and scrubland habitats.
Nightjars feed on insects such as moths, beetles, crickets, and cicadas, which they catch with their sharp eyesight during nighttime flights over open fields when hunting for food.
Their scientific name, ‘Caprimulgidae,’ is derived from an old folktale that claims these birds suck milk from goats.
In reality, though, they are harmless creatures who pose no threat to livestock whatsoever.
Nightjars make various calls throughout the night, ranging from whistles to chirps – adding further mystery to this unique species.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Stressors |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes Ridgway, 1881 |
| Family | Caprimulgidae Vigors, 1825 |
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32. Grey Parrot
The grey parrot, or the Congo grey parrot, is an Old World parrot species belonging to the family Psittacidae.
It was formally described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
This bird has an ash-grey plumage with bright red tail feathers and white markings around its eyes and beak.
They are intelligent birds that use human speech and understand basic commands.
Their diet consists mainly of fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and insects found in their native African habitat or other tropical regions they inhabit, such as rainforests or woodlands.
Grey parrots have become popular pets due to their intelligence and ability to learn complex behaviors like talking back when speaking.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Psittacus |
| Species | P. Erithacus |
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33. Sandpiper
Sandpiper is a type of wading bird that belongs to the family Scolopacidae. It is a diverse family that includes various species, such as curlew and snipe.
Sandpipers have different bill lengths that allow them to feed on small invertebrates and creatures found in mud or soil.
Due to this diversity, different species can coexist in the same habitat without competing for food.
Sandpipers are commonly found near the coast and in other wetland environments.
They are known for their slender legs, long beak, and streamlined body that enables them to move quickly in and out of water.
Sandpipers are a unique and fascinating bird species that are interesting to observe in their natural habitat.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Scolopaci |
| Family | Scolopacidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
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34. African Fish Eagle
The African fish eagle is a majestic bird of prey found in sub-Saharan Africa near large bodies of water. It is known by many names in different languages due to its extensive range.
This eagle is the national bird of four African countries, including Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Its scientific name, Haliaeetus vocifer, is fitting because it has a loud, distinctive call that can be heard from quite a distance.
The African fish eagle’s diet consists mainly of fish, which it swoops down to catch with its talons while in flight.
Its distinctive brown and white plumage, hooked beak, and sharp talons make it a formidable and impressive hunter.
The African fish eagle is an important symbol of African wildlife and is admired by bird watchers and nature enthusiasts for its beauty and strength.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Haliaeetus |
| Species | H. vocifer |
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35. Common Ostrich
The common ostrich, also known as Struthio camelus, is a flightless bird and the largest living species of bird in the world.
They are native to specific regions of Africa and are the only living members of their genus, Struthio, in the ratite order of birds.
Another ostrich species, the Somali ostrich, is the only other member of the genus Struthio. Common ostriches are known for their long necks and legs, with their wings too small for flight.
They have an omnivorous diet, feeding plants, insects, and small animals.
During mating season, males engage in courtship displays and compete for mates, with the females laying their eggs in a communal nest.
These birds are important ecologically and culturally, but they are also threatened by habitat loss and hunting for their meat, feathers, and skin.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Infraclass | Palaeognathae |
| Order | Struthioniformes |
| Family | Struthionidae |
| Genus | Struthio |
| Species | S. camelus |
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36. Crowned Eagle
The Crowned eagle, also known as the African crowned eagle or the crowEagleawk-eagle, is commonly found in sub-SEaglen Africa. This bird of prey prefers riparian woodlands and forests.
It is the only living member of the genus Stephanoaetus. Though in Southern Africa, it is limited to eastern areas.
The Crowned eagle is a large bird with impressive hunting skills—They are known to hunt medium-sized mammals like guinea fowl, rabbits, and hares.
The females are larger than the males and have a wingspan of over 6 feet. Their striking appearance and powerful talons make them an essential symbol in African cultures.
However, the Crowned eagle is threatened by habitat destruction and hunting, which has decreased its population.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this impressive bird of prey.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Stephanoaetus |
| Species | S. Coronatus |
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37. Speckled Mousebird
The speckled mousebird is common in Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa. It is the largest species of mousebird and was first described in 1789 by a German naturalist named Johann Friedrich Gmelin.
The bird has distinctive markings, with speckles on its feathers, hence its name. It is commonly found in savannas and woodlands and is known for its acrobatic movements while foraging for food. The bird’s diet primarily consists of fruits, berries, and insects.
The speckled mousebird is an integral part of the ecosystem, helping to disperse seeds and control insect populations.
Its natural habitat is under threat due to human activities such as deforestation and agriculture. Conservation efforts are necessary to preserve the species and its role in the ecosystem.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coliiformes |
| Family | Coliidae |
| Genus | Colius |
| Species | C. striatus |
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38. White-Rumped Swift
The White-rumped swift is a small bird with a 14-15.5 cm length. Despite resembling a house martin, it is not closely related. Their forked tails and long, swept-back wings help them fly quickly and easily through the air.
The similarities between swallows and swifts are due to convergent evolution from similar lifestyles.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Stressors |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | A. offer |
Conclusion
Uganda boasts 38 large bird species, contributing significantly to the country’s rich biodiversity. These avian inhabitants captivate with their vibrant plumage and striking appearances and play crucial ecological roles within their habitats.
From the majestic African fish eagle to the elusive shoebill stork, Uganda offers birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts a treasure trove of avian wonders to explore.
Protecting these species and their habitats is paramount for conserving Uganda’s natural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism. Together, we must strive to ensure these magnificent birds’ continued existence and flourishing.