Ethiopia has one of the richest and most diverse avifauna in Africa, due to its wide range of habitats—ranging from highland plateaus and mountains to savannas, forests, deserts, and wetlands. Agelgile Ethiopia Tours provide you an overview of the avifauna and birdlife in Ethiopia as follow:
1. Bird Diversity in Ethiopia:
Total species recorded: Over 860 bird species:
Endemics: Ethiopia is home to over 30 endemic and near-endemic species, many of which are found only in the Ethiopian highlands and the Horn of Africa. :
The country is part of the Ethiopian Highlands Endemic Bird Area and the Horn of Africa biodiversity hotspot. :
2. Key Endemic and Iconic Birds:
Abyssinian Catbird (Parophasma galinieri) – Restricted to the highland forests. :
Ethiopian Bush-crow (Zavattariornis stresemanni) – Found only in the southern:
highlands around Yabello.
Blue-winged Goose (Cyanochen cyanoptera) – A goose unique to the Ethiopian plateau. :
Wattled Ibis (Bostrychia carunculata) – Commonly seen in highland areas and near lakes. :
Rouget’s Rail (Rougetius rougetii) – Prefers highland wetlands. :
Rüppell’s Black Chat (Myrmecocichla melaena) – Found in rocky highland habitats. :
3. Bird Habitats:
Ethiopia's avifauna thrives in several major habitat types:
Highland Forests and Afro-alpine zones ( Bale Mountains, Simien Mountains) :
Savannas and woodlands (Awash National Park, Nechisar National Park)
Wetlands and lakes ( Lake Tana, Lake Ziway, Lake Langano)
Deserts and semi-arid areas (Danakil Depression, Somali region)
4. Important Bird Areas
BirdLife International has designated 69 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Ethiopia. Some key IBAs include:
Bale Mountains National Park – Rich in highland endemics.
Awash National Park – Great diversity of lowland species.
Lake Tana islands – Important for waterbirds and endemic forest species.
Yabello Sanctuary – Stronghold of the Ethiopian Bush-crow and White-tailed Swallow.
5. Migratory Birds
Ethiopia is also a vital stopover and wintering ground for Palaearctic migratory birds. These include:
Various species of raptors, waders, and songbirds that migrate from Europe and Asia.
