Wild world

Birds of Ethiopia

A tawny Eagle with a Black-backed Jackal killed by a vehicle on the road between Moyale and Awassa in Ethiopia. Credit: Fiver Löcker (Wikipedia)

List of birds of Ethiopia – Wikipedia

Birds, birding & conservation in Ethiopia

In recent years, Ethiopia has rightly become one of Africa`s leading birding destinations. Its avifauna represents an interesting mixture of east and west African, Palearctic and some strikingly unusual endemic components. In addition to more than 800 species of birds, of which a staggering 29 are endemic to Ethiopia and its neighbour Eritrea, Ethiopia has a number of peculiar mammals, and a scenic diversity and cultural uniqueness that are hard to equal.

Birds of Ethiopia

According to Jose Luis Vivero Pol, ornithologist and author of “A Guide to Endemic Birds of Ethiopia and Eritrea,” Ethiopia, situated in the Horn of Africa, plays host to 861 avifauna species and 30 endemics, which it shares with neighbouring Eritrea.

With each onset of the Northern Hemisphere winter season, the bird population increases due to migrants, making the East African country one of the most significant birding sites this side of the globe.

Endemic birds

• Endemic Birds of Ethiopia
• Bird watching in Ethiopia the Ornithological Paradise

Birdwatching books about Ethiopia

Where to Watch Birds in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of Africa’s top birding destinations, harbouring dramatic scenery, a wonderful diversity of habitats, over 30 endemic species, and a number of other regional specialities that cannot be easily seen anywhere else in the world. No self-respecting world lister can afford not to go there! This new book is a comprehensive site guide to the 50 best birding sites in the country. Each site describes how to get there, what you can see there, and when to visit. A number of full colour maps complement the site texts, and GPS co-ordinates allow sites to be located with great accuracy. A section covering the top 50 species gives details of how to see each of these special birds. The book is completed with an annotated checklist of all the country’s birds and more than 150 photographs of birds, habitats and even some of Ethiopia’s other fauna and flora.

Birds of The Horn of Africa – Ethiopia

The Horn of Africa has the highest endemism of any region in Africa, and around 70 species are found nowhere else in the world. Many of these are confined to the isolated highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea, but a large number of larks specialise in the arid parts of Somalia and adjoining eastern Ethiopia, whilst the island of Socotra has its own suite of endemic species. The region is also an important migration route and wintering site for many Palearctic birds. This is the first field guide to the birds of this fascinating region, and a companion to Birds of East Africa by two of the same authors. Over 200 magnificent plates by John Gale and Brian Small illustrate every species that has ever occurred in the five countries covered by the guide, and the succinct text covers the key identification criteria.

One review:

This is an excellent book that fills one of the few remaining gaps in the quality field guide market. Sadly continual border disputes and unrest make tourist travel to Eritrea, Djibouti and Somalia an unlikely prospect for some time to come. However, many people visited Ethiopia in the late 1990s as it came into vogue for the first time. Perhaps, like me, they assumed that they would never make that journey again. And perhaps, like me, they will now realise that a follow-up trip is well overdue.

Birding Ethiopia

Interested in seeing some of Africa’s most incredible endemic birds, from Stresemann’s Bush-Crow and Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco to Rouget’s Rail and Spot-breasted Lapwing? What about the rugged mountains of the ‘roof of Africa’, the continent’s most extensive highland forests, endless bird-rich savannas, and some of Africa’s most spectacular archaeological sites? If so, then Ethiopia is your destination, and this book will guide you to the best birding sites in this remarkable country. A far cry from the dull, text-heavy bird-finding guides of the past, this book is copiously illustrated with over 110 spectacular photos that show the region’s sweeping landscapes and unique birds. Even someone with no interest in travel will enjoy this glimpse into the ancient world of Abyssinia and its mysterious endemic birds. There are dozens of maps, with parallel icons making reference to the text convenient. A section on the specialties of Ethiopia helps in planning a trip, and a complete, indexed list of the country’s birds, will aid in tracking your sightings once you arrive in the country. This guide is indispensable for any birder planning or considering a trip to Ethiopia.

A Guide to Endemic Birds of Ethiopia

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