Did you know Ethiopia is home to over 35 endemic bird species?
Do you have a passion for wildlife?
Did you know that Ethiopia is the epicentre for exotic and beautiful bird species? This makes it a country rich in avian biodiversity.
The East African nation has over 860 recorded bird species, including an impressive 35 endemics (full list at the end of the blog) – birds found nowhere else on Earth.
The thrill of spotting these creatures in their natural habitats is further enhanced by the expansive landscapes of Ethiopia… imagine searching for rare birds in the Bale Mountains or scanning the vast plains of Awash National Park.
Ethiopia’s diverse scenery adds another extraordinary layer to the birding experience.
Want to take your love of nature to the next level? Check out Birding Tours – immersive experiences for nature and wildlife lovers.
What are Birding Tours?
Birding tours are guided adventures led by experts to observe birds in their natural habitats.
For birdwatchers seeking a deeper experience than a trip to the local park, birding tours offer a structured and enriching way to explore lots of bird species. These tours are inclusive and welcome bird lovers of all experience levels, from seasoned birdwatchers to casual nature enthusiasts who want to learn more.
Here are our top reasons why an Ethiopian Birding Tour should be on your travel bucket list:
You can explore top Ethiopia birding destinations
Ethiopia has a variety of birding hotspots across its diverse landscapes.
From the steep peaks of the Simien Mountains – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the lush Wondo Genet Forest known for its vibrant bird calls, each location offers a unique opportunity to encounter some of the rarest species in the world.
In the mountain regions (Simien and Bale) you can spot the majestic Lammergeyers – Africa’s largest birds of prey, as they glide over the breathtaking scenery.
In the Bale Mountains specifically, you may encounter the energetic Simien Wren Babbler or the Bale Monkey Eating Eagle also known as the ‘Golden Eagle of the Mountains.’ True to its name, the Eagle is a predator that primarily feeds on small mammals, particularly rodents and Bale monkeys.
Travel further South and you will discover the unique birdlife of the Omo Valley (a vast geographic region in southwest Ethiopia) – such as the elegant, White-collared Starling and the Long-tailed Widowbird, famous for its impressive tail display. Fun fact – a widowbird’s long black tail feathers can reach up to three times the length of its body!
You can discover species in a range of habitats
Ethiopia’s diverse ecosystems offer a range of birding experiences.
The vast Awash National Park shelters the impressive Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, the largest hornbill species in Africa.
Alternatively, you can spot the elegant Black-Winged Courser on the open plains or witness the flash of blue from the Abyssinian Roller as it hunts insects.
Ethiopia’s stunning birding adventure isn’t confined to a checklist. Imagine spotting Thick-billed Ravens gliding over the peaks of the Simien Mountains, or blue-winged geese grazing on the shores of Lake Tana.
Don’t forget the Danakil Depression. This fascinating site plunges over 125 meters (410 feet) below sea level, making it one of the lowest points on the African continent. Even though it is rife with volcanic activity, it has thriving biodiversity. Ethiopia birding tours offer tourists a unique chance to see birds adapted to extreme environments such as the Sociable Weaver (known for large communal nests) and the Sandgrouse species (amazingly camouflaged and can travel long distances for water).
Birding tours are run by experts
A local birding guide with extensive knowledge of the country’s ecosystems and bird behaviour is an invaluable asset.
Birding tour guides will take you to prime locations at the right times and climate to identify elusive species. They’re experts in storytelling and sharing their passion for Ethiopian bird species.
A birding tour in Ethiopia is a special experience. It’s about appreciating the country’s diverse birdlife, the beauty of its landscapes and the richness of the culture. It’s about the thrill of discovery and a beautiful show of nature in one of the most interesting parts of the world.
Looking for top-rated Ethiopian birding tours? Contact Absolute Ethiopia today and let us plan your dream birding adventure!
Full Ethiopia Endemic Bird List – What birds are native to Ethiopia?
- Ethiopian Siskin (Serinus nigriceps)
- Yellow-throated Seedeater (Crithagra flavigula)
- Erlanger’s Lark (Calandrella erlangeri)
- Abyssinian Catbird (Parophasma galinieri)
- Wattled Ibis (Bostrychia carunculata)
- Blue-winged Goose (Cyanochen cyanopterus)
- Abyssinian Longclaw (Macronyx flavicollis)
- Black-headed Siskin (Dendronanthus atricapillus)
- Abyssinian Crimsonwing (Cryptospiza salvadorii)
- Abyssinian Slateclifter (Ptychosperma flavipes)
- Abyssinian White-eye (Zosterops abyssinicus)
- Abyssinian Groundscraper (Ammoperddix nigriceps)
- Abyssinian Woodpecker (Dendropicos abyssinicus)
- Abyssinian Lark (Mirafra albiceps)
- Abyssinian Starling (Onychognathus abyssinicus)
- Black-winged Lovebird (Agapornis taranta)
- Blue-winged Starling (Onychognathus walleri)
- Ethiopian Boubou (Lioptilus melanoleucus)
- Ethiopian Slatecuckoo (Centropus leucogaster)
- Ethiopian Blacpurple Sunbird (Nectarinia metallica)
- Ethiopian Bunting (Emberiza somalica)
- Ethiopian Chestnut-winged Starling (Onychognathus pretoriae)
- Ethiopian Swallow (Hirundo senegalensis)
- Ethiopian Shearwater (Puffinus Ethiopicus)
- Ethiopian Crested Lark (Galerida cristinae)
- Ethiopian Bushcrow (Zavattariornis stresemanni)
- Spot-breasted Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus)
- Nechisar Nightjar (Caprimulgus stellatus)
- Abyssinian Catbird (Parophasma galinieri)
- Salvadori’s Seedeater (Salvadoriornis salvadorii)
- Yellow-fronted Parrot (Poicephalus flavifrons)
- White-tailed Swallow (Hirundo megaensis)
- Ankober Serin (Serinus ankoberensis)
- Moorland Francolin (Francolinus leucoscepus)
- Yellow-throated Serin (Crithagra sulphurata)