Birding in Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Park of Rwanda : In Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park offer some of the most incredible birding opportunities in all of East Africa. Nyungwe supports over 300 species of birds, while Akagera is home to over 500 species. Both parks are home to a wide range of habitats – from evergreen rainforest to grasslands to swamps to savannas. The forests of Nyungwe are one of the richest habitats in Africa for birds and primates, and Akagera National Park is blessed with a number of small lakes where one can watch different bird species feeding along the shores – or in the water itself!
Bird Species of Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park has the biggest number of bird species in Rwanda, with over 500 different species recorded. Some of the birds you wouldn’t want to miss in this park include: Stork-billed Kingfisher, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Rock Pratincole, Red-fronted Hornbill, Rufous-bellied Heron, Hamerkop, Black-winged Stilt, Marabou Stork, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, and Common Bulbul – one of the most common birds in Akagera Park.
Lesser Flamingo – a rare bird in Rwanda that can only be found in a few places in the country including Lake Kivu, Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks and Virunga Volcanoes National Park. Pygmy kite – also known to be the smallest living bird in the world! Can weigh as little as 1 oz. Tropical doves – There are seven species of tropical doves and only three are found outside of Africa; others occur throughout the continent except in the far north. African Green Pigeon – the smallest pigeon in the world. Rainbow tropic swallows – Colorful little swallows that are common throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Bird Species in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is the largest protected forest in Rwanda, East Africa. The park is an important habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is particularly rich in plant and animal biodiversity and supports at least 300 species of birds. The Nyungwe forest has Rwanda’s longest river, Nyabarongo River that runs through it, which is the only permanent source of water in the forest.
This park has some of the rarest unique birds in the world such as African Green Pigeon, Blue-headed Coucal, and Yellow-throated Barbet. There are also 16 globally threatened species such as the Chestnut-bellied Cuckooshrike and the Giant Otter that are also found here. These are just a few of the many animals that call this national park home!
As in all national parks in Africa, the conservation and protection of wildlife in the park is of utmost importance in order to ensure their survival for future generations to enjoy. The main threats that face these species are habitat loss due to deforestation and poaching for their valuable body parts. In order to prevent this from happening we must work together to protect these wonderful creatures from the dangers of the outside world.
Birding is a fun way to explore the different bird species that can be found in Rwanda and a great way to learn more about them. It is a great way to spend time outdoors and learn about the different ecosystems found in this country. Birding is also an enjoyable activity that you can do with family and friends, so it is a great way to bond and have fun together while appreciating the beauty of nature.
