African Green Broadbill: Uganda's Most Sought-After Forest Bird
The African green broadbill (Pseudocalyptomena graueri) is one of the most sought-after birds in East Africa. A small, brilliantly emerald-green bird with a remarkably broad bill, it inhabits the dense understorey of Albertine Rift montane forest and is one of the hardest species to locate in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Distribution and Habitat
The African green broadbill is an Albertine Rift endemic with a highly restricted range confined to montane forest in Uganda, Rwanda and DRC. In Uganda the primary site is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest — specifically the Mubwindi Swamp trail in the Ruhija sector. Occasional records exist from Kibale Forest but Bwindi is by far the most reliable site. The species inhabits forest between 1,700 and 2,500 metres altitude, favouring dense understorey vegetation near streams and swampy areas.
How to Find It
The African green broadbill is notoriously difficult. Key tips: visit Mubwindi Swamp at Ruhija sector with a specialist local guide who knows current territories; listen for the soft, rolling purring call which carries surprisingly well in forest; search dense mossy understorey near the swamp edges between 6:00am and 10:00am; be patient — the species can take an entire morning to locate even by experienced guides.
Conservation Status
The African green broadbill is classified as Vulnerable due to its tiny global range and dependence on intact montane forest. Habitat loss from forest encroachment is the primary threat. Responsible birding tourism at Bwindi generates income that supports forest conservation and ranger patrols. Contact us to include a specialist search for this extraordinary species in your Uganda birding itinerary.