birding...

Red Bishop Euplectes orix ©Nigel Blake http://www.nigelblake.co.uk/

In recent years, Ethiopia has rightly become one of Africa`s leading birding destinations. Its avifauna represents an interesting mixture of east and West African, Palearctic and endemic components. In addition to 840 species of birds, of which a staggering 30 are endemic (Africa`s second highest country tally); Ethiopia has a number of peculiar mammals, and a scenic diversity and cultural uniqueness that are hard to equal [please note that this refers to the area which used to be the nation of Ethiopia but now consists of Ethiopia and Eritrea].

The highlands, which dominate the country, are bisected by the Rift Valley, and fall away to arid desert and bushlands in the north, south and east, and to moister woodland in the west. Much of the highlands are under subsistence agriculture, but there still exist considerable tracts of Afro-alpine shrubland and pockets of Afromontane forest. For birders, the most popular access to really high altitude is the Bale Mountains National Park in the south-eastern highlands. Here the highest all-weather road in Africa crosses the Sanetti plateau (4377m); allowing easy access to alpine moorlands, grasslands and lakes. Highland endemics such as Spot-breasted Lapwing, Erlanger Lark, and Rouget`s Rail occur alongside spectacular giant lobelias and Ethiopian wolves. The highlands also offer a number of species not found elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, such as Ruddy Shelduck, Golden Eagle or Red-billed Chough. Other more widespread highland endemics include Blue-winged Goose, Black-headed Siskin, Wattled Ibis, and Abyssinian Longclaw.

Ethiopian forest endemics, accessible at such forest patches as those at Wondo Genet (central highlands) and Debre Libanos (northern highlands); include Yellow-fronted Parrot, Black-winged Lovebird, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, Dark-headed Oriole and Banded Barbet and, in Juniper-Hagenia forest at higher altitude, such as at Dinsho or near Robe in the Bale mountains, White-backed Tit, Abyssinian Catbird and White-cheeked Turaco. Other forest species particularly worthy of mention are Ayre`s Hawk Eagle, Abyssinian Ground Thrush and African Hill Babbler.

There are also a number of other highland localities that deserve individual mention. North of Addis Ababa, the Jemmu River valley holds a population of highly localized and endemic Harwood`s Francolin, best searched for along the river itself. The rocky valley rim hosts a number of species that could be searched for in any rocky highland area, such as White-billed Starling, Rueppell`s Black Chat, Nyanza Swift and White-winged Cliff Chat. One of Ethiopia`s three highly localized endemic serins, Ankober Serin, is also a highland species, occurring along the spectacular Ankober escarpment north of Awash.

The Rift Valley, punctuated by several large lakes, offers few endemics but very diverse and enjoyable woodland birding. Some of the several excellent birding sites here are Lake Langano, Awash National Park and Nechisar National Park, offering amongst many others such great birds as African Swallow-tailed Kite, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Arabian Bustard, Somali Fiscal, and Gillet`s, Red-winged and Singing Bush Larks.

In the south of the country, high diversity and endemicity combine to offer absolutely superb birding. Sought-after specials include the endemic Rupoli`s Turaco, White-tailed Swallow, Stressemann`s Bush Crow and Sidamo and Degodi Larks, as well as a number of dryland species shared with far northern Kenya and Somalia, such as Red-fronted Bush Shike, African White-winged Dove, Somali Long-billed Crombec, Jubaland Weaver, Yellow-vented Eremomela and Vulturine Guinea-fowl.

In the far west of the country, along the Sudanese border, low-lying plains are cloaked with moister woodland supporting an avifauna quite unlike that of the rest of the country. It seems somewhat West African in character, and specials include Egyptian Plover, Gambaga Flycatcher, Black Scimitarbill, Levant Sparrowhawk (perhaps a rare summer migrant); Pygmy Sunbird, Black-rumped Waxbill, Black-faced and Bar-breasted Firefinches, Yellow-bellied Hyliota, Little Green & Red-throated Bee-eater, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver and Green-backed Eremomela.

Ideally one needs to rent a four-wheel-drive to do a visit to Ethiopia justice, although it is possible to fly to many areas, including the historically fascinating north. The best months to visit are October-December, and over 500 species can be recorded on a thorough three-week trip.

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Birding Ecotours

Superb small group and tailor-made birding adventures that contribute to conservation and local communities. We employ expert local guides & ground operators or lead trips ourselves. In 2003, we are offering unforgettable African birding adventures to arguably the greatest birding destination on earth, Kenya as well as to endemic-rich Ethiopia and South Africa. We are nearly giving away the Ethiopian expedition at a brilliant promotional price, and suggest combining this birding safari with our September trip to Kenya. Contact us to arrange tailor-made birding in southern Africa from 1 morning to 1 month, including pelagics off Cape Town. See our African Owling Quest (SA, Namibia & Botswana: 1-12 June 2004) We also deal with the Americas: let us know your birding needs from Wyoming to Peru. Click the logo & tour our website or email: info@birdingecotours.co.za