When I look through my photographs of Rwanda’s birds I am always struck by their diversity. They’re a kaleidoscope of different colours and patterns. There is amazing variation in overall shape and size. This is also true if I just focus on all the different beaks or bills of the different species of birds! So, …
The oxpecker family, scientifically known as Buphagidae, compromises of just two species, both of which are residents here in Rwanda and found in Akagera National Park. Their plumage is described as being a drab brown with lighter undersides. The eyes of both species are a striking bright yellow which boldly contrasts with their otherwise subdued …
Rwanda’s twelve woodpecker species have found homes in a variety of wooded habitats at differing elevations across the land of a thousand hills. From the montane rain forests in the west and north of the country through to the savannahs and woodlands in the east, and everywhere in between. The plumage of the woodpecker family …
Getting to know Rwanda’s birds – The Woodpeckers Read More »
If you want to see lots of range-restricted bird species in Rwanda, then Nyungwe National Park is without doubt the place to be! Nyungwe is part of the Albertine rift, a mountain range which runs through Uganda, DRC, Burundi, and Rwanda. This region is renowned for its high number of Albertine Rift Endemic (ARE) species, …
Nyungwe National Park – Afro-montane birding at its best Read More »
If it’s avian diversity you want, then look no further than Akagera National Park! Not only is Akagera a birding hotspot but it’s also home to lions, leopards, elephants, black and white rhinos, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, hyenas and so much more too! Located in north eastern Rwanda, along the international border with Tanzania and it’s …
Akagera National Park – an absolute gem for watching birds Read More »
Rwanda is home to approximately 9 members of the shrike family Laniidae, and this includes the Northern Fiscal and Grey-backed Fiscal. The fiscals get their name from their ‘suit-and-tie appearance’ apparently reminiscent of an old British taxman! The majority of Rwanda’s shrike family are breeding residents and can be found throughout the year. The two …
We share our planet with so many amazing creatures. For me there are few things in life better than being outside and experiencing birds and wildlife in their natural environment. It’s even better when you have a camera and are able to capture these moments and share them with others. It’s therefore no surprise that …
Twenty-eight species of the finch family Estrildidae can be found in Rwanda. This family includes nine waxbills, named because of the waxy layers of keratin at the base of their bills. The waxbills are closely related to the pytilias, firefinches, twinspots, mannikins, nigritas, White-collared Oliveback, and Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu – which make up the rest of …
Getting to know Rwanda’s Birds – The Waxbills and Allies Read More »
Rwanda’s bushshrikes are a broad family of 20 species scientifically known as Malaconotidae. They include six bushshrikes, four puffbacks, four boubous, two gonoleks, three tchagras, and a Brubru! All are endemic to sub-Saharan Africa; the Albertine Boubou and Willard’s Sooty Boubou are Albertine rift endemics and the Papyrus Gonolek is a Lake Victoria endemic. Occupying …
Getting to know Rwanda’s Birds – The Bushshrikes Read More »
Rwanda is home to sixteen members of the swallow family, which is called Hirundinidae. Nine of these are ‘true swallows’, the remaining seven consist of two saw-wings and five martins. The most common and familiar swallow plumage is glossy dark blue above complemented by plain or streaked underparts, the Lesser-striped, Wire-tailed and Angola swallows are …