​Birds – Zimbabwe

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip has traveled through Zimbabwe several times and is the author of more than 20 guidebooks to various African destinations.

Philip is the Zimbabwe expert for SafariBookings and author of more than 20 guidebooks to Africa.

Philip is our Zimbabwe expert and author of more than 20 guidebooks to Africa.

Zimbabwe has more than 700 bird species and is an excellent birding destination. The country has no endemic birds, but several near-endemics can be found in the globally important Eastern Zimbabwe Mountains Endemic Bird Area (EBA). The high standard of guiding in the national parks, and the many opportunities for walking safaris, make Zimbabwe particularly rewarding for birders. Migratory birds are present from November to April, and the general number of birds is phenomenal.

Notable Birds in Zimbabwe
African skimmer
Locally common
Boulder chat
Common
Livingstone’s turaco
Common
Southern carmine bee-eater
Locally common and migratory
Southern yellow-billed hornbill
Common

Birding Rating

Endemic & Near-endemic Birds

Zimbabwe has no endemic birds.
(NE) near-endemic = also lives in neighboring countries

Other Birding SpecialsTreats for Avid Birders

Facts & Figures

Birds in Zimbabwe
Bird Species
700+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Zimbabwe offers the best bird watching in the Wet season from November to April. At this time, migratory birds are present and all species are in full breeding plumage. The scenery is lush and at it most beautiful, but this isn't the best time for general wildlife viewing, which is at its prime in the middle and end of the Dry season from June or July to October.

Best Parks for Birding Includes Birding Rating

The Eastern Highlands, including Nyanga National Park, is a well-known birding hot spot. Hwange National Park has almost 500 species recorded, and the parks in the Zambezi Valley have a rich birdlife as well.

Recommended Birding Books

  • Roberts Bird Guide (2nd edition; book)
    The pick of several complete field guides for southern Africa.

    Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies and Ingrid Weiersbye
  • Roberts Bird Guide (2nd edition; app)
    Comprehensive, with birdcalls and extra info not in the book.

    Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies and Ingrid Weiersbye
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa
    Another excellent, complete field guide; app available.

    Ian Sinclair et al.
  • Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa
    Complete guide with lifelike illustrations; app available.

    Kenneth Newman and Vanessa Newman
  • Pocket Guide: Birds of Southern Africa
    Useful but limited beginner’s guide.

    Ian Sinclair

Want To Visit Zimbabwe?

229 Zimbabwe Safaris

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Zimbabwe
Bird Species
700+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr