Travel and tour Zimbabwe to discover the beauty of Zimbabwe’s birds beneath the African sun. Zimbabwe is home to a wide variety of birds, from the brightly colored parrots and hornbills to the majestic eagles and vultures.
With over 560 species of birds, it is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Here are just a few of the many birds you can discover in Zimbabwe.
One of the most iconic birds of Zimbabwe is the Fish Eagle. This majestic bird can be found along the Zambezi River and its tributaries, and is known for its distinctive call, which can be heard for miles around. The Fish Eagle has a white head and tail, and a dark brown body, and it’s considered the national bird of Zimbabwe.
Another bird to look out for is Lilian’s Lovebird. This brightly colored parrot can be found in the miombo woodlands of Zimbabwe, and is known for its striking bright red, yellow, and green plumage. The bird is also found in other countries of southern Africa.
The Bateleur Eagle is also a common sight in Zimbabwe. This large eagle has a distinctive black and white plumage and is often seen soaring high in the sky. Visitors can see it flying over the savannah and open woodlands of the country.
For birdwatchers who are interested in waterbirds, the African Skimmer is a must-see. This large bird can be found along the Zambezi River and its tributaries, and is known for its distinctive black and white plumage and its habit of skimming the surface of the water to catch fish.
The Broad-tailed Paradise Whydah is another beautiful bird to look out for. This small finch is a resident breeder in Zimbabwe, it has a bright yellow and black plumage, and a long black tail. The bird can be found in the miombo woodlands and savannah of the country.
There are many more birds to discover in Zimbabwe, from the colorful kingfishers and rollers to the elusive and rare species such as the Taita Falcon and the Racket-tailed Roller. The best time to go bird watching is during the dry season, which is from May to October, as the birds are more concentrated around water sources.
Zimbabwe is home to a wide variety of birds, and there are many bird viewing sites throughout the country where visitors can go to see them.
Here are some of the most popular bird viewing sites in Zimbabwe:
Hwange National Park: Hwange National Park is one of the best places to go birdwatching in Zimbabwe. The park is home to over 400 species of birds, including the African Skimmer, the Lilian’s Lovebird, and the Bateleur Eagle.
Matobo National Park: Matobo National Park is known for its ancient rock paintings and sculptures, as well as its diverse birdlife. Visitors can see a wide variety of birds in the park, including the Black Eagle, the Black-throated Wattle-eye, and the White-backed Night-heron.
Mana Pools National Park: Mana Pools is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to over 350 species of birds, including the African Finfoot, the Goliath Heron, and the Pel’s Fishing.
Victoria Falls: Victoria Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Zimbabwe, and it is also home to a wide variety of birds, including the African Skimmer, the Lilian’s Lovebird, and the Fish Eagle.
Zambezi River: The Zambezi River is home to a wide variety of waterbirds, such as the African Skimmer, the Goliath Heron, and the Pel’s Fishing.
Matusadona National Park: Matusadona National Park is located on the shores of Lake Kariba, it is home to a wide variety of waterbirds, as well as other bird species, visitors can spot the African Finfoot, the Goliath Heron, the Black Heron and more.
Private Game Reserves: Private game reserves such as Somalisa, Imbabala, and Makalolo, offer exclusive and intimate bird watching experiences.
These are some of the most popular bird viewing sites in Zimbabwe, However, it’s worth noting that you can find birds all over the country, from the savannah and woodland, to the wetlands and waterways, so keep your eyes open and you may spot something interesting.
It is also important to note that the best time to go bird watching is during the dry season, which is from May to October, as the birds are more concentrated around water sources.
Zimbabwe is a great destination for birdwatching. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just an avid nature lover, the country offers a wide range of opportunities to discover and enjoy the beauty of its birds.
From the majestic Fish Eagle to the colorful Lovebirds and the elusive Taita Falcon, there is something for everyone.
Source: Behaviour Report, Oscar Habeenzu
