Ethiopia Birding

Birding

Ethiopia has emerged as one of the foremost birding destinations on the African continent, boasting more than 850 known species, of which 23 are endemic to Ethiopia. Habitats supporting bird life are the Rift Valley lakes, the highland massif, forests and the lowlands. The Rift Valley is scattered with lakes that offer an enormous diversity of bird life; more than half of all Ethiopia's species have been recorded at both Awash National Park and Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park. Lake Langano and Nechisar National Park are also excellent birding sites and commonly seen are kingfishers, storks, pelicans, flamingos and fish eagles. The highland escarpments form the most typical of Ethiopian habitats for birds and offer a number of species not found elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, like the Golden Eagle, Red-billed Chough and Ruddy Shelduck; other endemics include Rouget's Rail and the Spot-breasted Lapwing. More than 50 species of birds inhabit the Simiens Mountains National Park, including the impressive Bearded Vulture, or Lammergeyer, with its 10-foot (3m) wingspan. Bale Mountains National Park in the highlands is another popular birdwatchers paradise. The south of the country also affords superb birding opportunities with sought after endemics like the Prince Ruspoli's Turaco, Degodi Larks and Stresemann's Bush Crow. October to December are the best months to go. Various tour companies specialise in birdwatching trips to Ethiopia.