Three Birds with unique characteristics and where you can see them near Kampala

 By Timothy M Ijala
Uganda is known to be a great destination for birds not just in Africa but in the whole world. It has over 1000 species of birds making it a birdwatchers paradise!  And you don’t have to travel far inland to see a variety of these birds. Within and around the capital Kampala are a number of birding ‘hotspots’ with a variety of birds some of them very unique. Here are three examples and the places where they can be seen.

Shoebill Stork

Shoebill stork. Also known as a whalehead. This bird is more unique because of how it looks than its characteristics. It can be easily identified from its huge bill which makes it look like something from the prehistoric era. The shoebill stork mainly feeds on fish and other water creatures like frogs and water snakes. It can be found at both Mabamba and Lutembe Wetland systems both places having close proximity to Kampala city. It takes patience to see this bird though as it is not always out in the open.

African Jacana. This bird is one of several species of Jacana. Also known as the Jesus bird this bird

African Jacana

has long toes and long claws which enable it to walk on floating vegetation in shallow lakes but can be mistaken for walking on water hence the nickname Jesus bird after the bible account of Jesus walking on water. It is also unique in that it is the male who has the sole responsibility of looking after the chicks. The African Jacana can be seen at Mabamba and Lutembe bay wetland systems again both places having a close proximity to Kampala city.

Black Heron. Also known as the black egret, this bird can be seen in Lutembe bay Wetland System on the shores of Lake Victoria. It feeds on fish but what is unique about this bird is the way it feeds called canopy feeding. It uses its wings like an umbrella and uses the shade created to attract fish.

However if you want to venture further inland then Queen Elizabeth National Park in the South west is a great birding place with over 600 bird species. Or you could try Murchison Falls National Park which hosts over 400 bird species including the unique Shoebill stork.

Black Heron