Hornbill Species in Uganda: 14 Species
Uganda's 14 hornbill species range from the enormous Abyssinian ground hornbill striding across Murchison's savannah to the tiny red-billed dwarf hornbill lurking in Semuliki's Congo Basin forest. Hornbills are among Uganda's most unmistakable birds — their large curved bills, colourful casques and spectacular nesting behaviour make them a highlight of any Uganda birding tour.
Savannah Hornbills
Abyssinian ground hornbill: Uganda's most impressive — a large, turkey-sized bird that walks in pairs and small groups across open savannah. Best seen at Murchison Falls and Kidepo at dawn. African grey hornbill: Common and widespread in savannah and woodland. Jackson's hornbill: Kidepo Valley — a key target species found only in Uganda's far north. Hemprich's hornbill: Rocky escarpments in northern Uganda.
Forest Hornbills
Black-and-white-casqued hornbill: Common in Kibale and Bwindi — the large, noisy species most likely encountered in Uganda's forests. Piping hornbill: Bwindi and Kibale forest canopy. White-thighed hornbill: Western Uganda forests. Black-casqued wattled hornbill: Semuliki — large Congo Basin species. Red-billed dwarf hornbill: Semuliki only in Uganda — a tiny, easily-overlooked species.
Completing Uganda's Hornbill List
Seeing all 14 Uganda hornbill species requires covering all major habitat types: savannah (Murchison and Kidepo), western forest (Kibale and Bwindi) and Congo Basin (Semuliki). Our 14-day Uganda Big Bird Tour is specifically designed to cover all three habitat zones and regularly produces 12 to 14 hornbill species. Contact us to target Uganda's complete hornbill list.