Birds in Lesotho

Though it may be small and landlocked, Lesotho boasts an impressive collection of over 350 recorded bird species. The entire nation boasts an elevation exceeding 1,000m/3,280ft, making the unique mountain species the primary focus for bird enthusiasts. The Drakensberg Mountains are home to the unique Drakensberg siskin and the Drakensberg rockjumper, both of which can be found nowhere else. Other highlights feature the Drakensberg prinia, yellow-breasted pipit, and buff-streaked chat. Cape vultures and jackal buzzards make their homes on the cliffs, and this region stands out as one of the premier locations in southern Africa to catch a glimpse of the elusive bearded vulture.

Unique and Rare Birds near-endemic = also found in surrounding nations

• African pied starling
• Buff-streaked chat (NE)
• Bush blackcap (NE)
• Drakensberg prinia (NE)
• Drakensberg rockjumper (NE)
• Drakensberg siskin (NE)
• Gurney’s sugarbird (NE)
• Southern bald ibis (NE)
• Yellow-breasted pipit (NE)
• Unique Birding Delights–Exciting Finds for Passionate Birdwatchers
• African rock pipit
• Banded martin
• Bearded vulture, a creature that embodies the spirit of exploration and the wild.
• Black stork
• Cape vulture
• Cape weaver
• Chorister robin-chat
• Common stonechat
• Egyptian vulture, a bird that embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery.
• Woodland songbird
• Majestic crested grebe
• Greater double-collared sunbird
• Grey-winged francolin
• Woodpecker of the ground
• Half-collared kingfisher
• Jackal buzzard
• Lanner falcon
• Large-billed lark
• Malachite sunbird
• Mountain buzzard
• Mountain pipit
• Mountain wheatear Secretary bird
• Sentinel rock thrush
• Southern double-collared sunbird
• The wattled crane is a fascinating bird that captures the spirit of exploration and the thrill of the wild.
• White-necked raven
• Golden sentinel

Ideal Moments for Avian Observation

Many of Lesotho’s special birds are resident and can be seen throughout the year, but the best time for birding is from November to April, when the migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa are present. During this season, numerous birds are busy building their nests and flaunting their vibrant breeding plumage.