Ethiopia stands out as a premier destination for bird-watching enthusiasts, boasting over 920 recorded species. While this tally is certainly remarkable, what truly distinguishes Ethiopia is its abundance of unique and nearly unique species. Remarkably, many of these unique sights can be experienced on a typical birding excursion. Beyond the specials, the abundance and diversity of vibrant birds captivate the attention of many visitors. And if you’re not already captivated by birdwatching, Ethiopia could be the place that changes your mind.

Unique & Rare Birds (E) unique to Ethiopia (NE) near-endemic = also found in adjacent nations

Abyssinian black-headed oriole (NE)
Abyssinian catbird
Abyssinian longclaw (E)
Abyssinian slaty flycatcher (NE)
Abyssinian woodpecker (NE)
African citril (NE)
Ankober serin (E)
Archer’s lark (E)
Bale parisoma (E)
Banded barbet (NE)
Black-fronted francolin
Black-winged lovebird
Blue-winged goose
Brown saw-wing
Brown-rumped seedeater
Chestnut-naped francolin (NE)
Erckel’s francolin (NE)
Erlanger’s lark (E)
Ethiopian cisticola
Ethiopian cliff swallow (E)
Ethiopian siskin
Gillett’s lark (E)
Harwood’s francolin (E)
Heuglin’s bustard (NE)
Juba weaver (NE)
Nechisar nightjar (E)
Orange river francolin
Red-billed pytilia (NE)
Rouget’s rail (NE)
Rüppell’s robin-chat (NE) Rüppell’s weaver (NE)
Ruspoli’s turaco
Shining sunbird (NE)
Somali bulbul (NE)
Somali crow (NE)
Somali starling (NE)
Somali wheatear (NE) Sombre rock chat (NE)
Spot-breasted lapwing
Stresemann’s bush crow (E)
Swainson’s sparrow (NE)
Thick-billed raven (NE)
White-backed black tit (NE)
White-billed starling (NE) White-cheeked turaco (NE) White-collared pigeon (NE)
White-rumped babbler (NE)
White-rumped seedeater
White-tailed swallow (E)
White-winged cliff chat (NE)
White-winged collared dove (NE)
Yellow-fronted parrot (E)
Yellow-throated seedeater (E)
Unique Birding Delights–Exciting Finds for Passionate Birdwatchers
Arabian bustard
Bearded vulture
Hemprich’s hornbill
Moorland francolin
Red-billed choughs
Ruddy shelduck
Somali ostrich
Vulturine guineafowl
Wattled crane
White-winged flufftail
Ideal Moments for Bird Observation
Bird watching in Ethiopia reaches its peak from November to March, a time when the skies are alive with the presence of migratory species. This aligns perfectly with the Dry season, an ideal opportunity for exploration. From April to September, the opportunities for birding are abundant. During this period, numerous resident birds don their vibrant breeding plumage, becoming more vocal and easier to spot. During July and August, the skies open up with heavy rainfall, which could put a damper on bird watching and various other pursuits.

Top Parks for Birdwatching – Features Birding Ratings
Birdwatching in Ethiopia is a thrilling experience. They seem to be around every corner, often in large groups. The countryside and historical sites present fantastic chances for birdwatching, while certain parks excel in spotting those elusive, localized species. Awash NP is a must-visit for every bird enthusiast, offering fantastic opportunities for general birdwatching and unique dry-country species. The Bale Mountains, featuring high-altitude grasslands and thick forests, offer an excellent opportunity to encounter numerous endemic species. The Rift Valley lakes offer an exhilarating experience for bird enthusiasts: Lake Ziway consistently impresses with its abundant birdlife, while Abijatta-Shalla provides a breathtaking backdrop for witnessing the sun dip below the horizon, surrounded by flocks of flamingos.