Ethiopia is an exceptional and highly rewarding birding destination, often overlooked in favor of its East African neighbors. It is home to over 860 recorded bird species, including 30 endemic species (found only in Ethiopia and Eritrea) and a number of other near-endemics. From the high Afro-alpine moorlands to the lush lowland forests, the country offers a remarkable range of habitats, making it a paradise for ornithologists and birding enthusiasts.
Prime Birding Locations & Key Species
A well-planned birding trip often combines several of these key sites to maximize the number of endemics and habitats seen.
1. The Bale Mountains National Park
This is arguably the single most important birding site in Ethiopia for endemics.Habitat: Afro-alpine moorland, high-altitude lakes, and the Harenna cloud forest.Key Endemics & Specialties:The Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco: One of the most sought-after and beautiful birds in Africa, often found in the juniper forests near Dinsho.Spot-breasted Plover: A rare and localized endemic of the Sanetti Plateau.Yellow-fronted Parrot: Found in the Harenna Forest.Abyssinian Catbird: A skulking but vocal endemic in the highland forests.Abyssinian Longclaw: Common in the grasslands.Wattled Crane: Often seen on the Sanetti Plateau.Blue-winged Goose: A high-altitude endemic, frequently seen in wetland areas.Thick-billed Raven: Common and unmistakable.2. The Rift Valley Lakes
A chain of lakes offering spectacular waterbird concentrations.Lakes to Visit: Lake Awassa, Lake Ziway, Lake Langano, and Lake Abijatta.Key Species:Great White Pelican, Greater and Lesser Flamingo (especially at Lake Abijatta).African Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, Goliath Heron.A variety of shorebirds, storks, and ducks.Silvery-cheeked Hornbill in the forests around Lake Awassa.3. The Jemma Valley & Debre Libanos
A dramatic gorge north of Addis Ababa, excellent for a day trip to see several endemics.Key Species:Harwood’s Francolin: A rare and elusive endemic.White-winged Cliff Chat: Common and conspicuous on cliff faces.Rüppell’s Black Chat.White-billed Starling.Lappet-faced Vulture, Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture).4. The Sof Omar Caves & Southern Lowlands
The area around the spectacular Sof Omar cave system offers dry-country species.Key Species:Salvadori’s Seedeater: A localized and highly sought-after endemic.Somali Ostrich (distinct from the Maasai Ostrich).Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark, Black-billed Woodhoopoe.5. The Awash National Park
A savannah ecosystem with acacia woodlands, home to a different set of species.Key Species:Yellow-throated Serin: An endemic of the dry savannah.Crimson-rumped Waxbill.Kori Bustard, Secretary Bird, and various raptors.6. The Gibe Gorge & Gibe Sheleko
A forested area in the south, good for a range of forest birds.Key Species:Banded Barbet.Black-headed Forest Oriole.A variety of sunbirds and weavers.Practical Information for Birding TripsBest Time to Visit: The optimal time for birding is during the dry season, from October to March. This coincides with the arrival of Palearctic migrants, increasing the species count, and the weather is favorable for travel. The breeding season for many residents also occurs during this time, making birds more vocal and active.Guides: Hiring a specialist birding guide is highly recommended. Their knowledge of bird calls, specific locations, and behavior is invaluable for finding the key endemics, many of which are elusive.Equipment:Binoculars and Spotting Scope: Essential for viewing birds on the open plains and lakes.Field Guide: Birds of Ethiopia and Eritrea by Ash and Atkins is the standard.Camera: A camera with a good telephoto lens (300mm+) is a must for documentation.Physical Requirements: While not overly strenuous, birding in the Bale Mountains involves being at high altitude (over 4,000m), so a good level of fitness is beneficial.
