Night Birding in Uganda: Owls, Nightjars and Coursers
Uganda's nocturnal birdlife is extraordinary and largely overlooked by birders who focus exclusively on daytime species. A dedicated night birding session adds unique species impossible to record in daylight — Uganda holds 10+ owl species and a remarkable variety of nightjars across its different habitats.
Key Nocturnal Species
Owls: Fraser's eagle-owl (Kibale and Bwindi forest), Shelley's francolin (Bwindi, crepuscular), Verreaux's eagle-owl (Murchison savannah), African wood owl (common in gardens and forest edges), pearl-spotted owlet (widespread in savannah), African barred owlet (western Uganda forests), African scops owl (widespread), white-faced scops owl (savannah). Nightjars: standard-winged nightjar (spectacular breeding display, Queen Elizabeth NP, June-September), long-tailed nightjar (savannah), Abyssinian nightjar (northern Uganda), freckled nightjar (rocky areas).
Standard-Winged Nightjar Display
The standard-winged nightjar's breeding display is one of Africa's most astonishing bird spectacles. The male grows extraordinary white-tipped, elongated secondary feathers up to 40cm long during the breeding season (June-September). At dusk, displaying males fly circuits above open ground near Queen Elizabeth National Park with these banner-like feathers streaming behind them. An unforgettable sight that should be on every Uganda birder's list.
Night Birding Logistics
Night birding sessions typically run from 7:30pm to 10:00pm. We use powerful LED spotlights to eyeshine detection and play calls of target species judiciously. Sessions are most productive in the first 2 hours after dark when owls and nightjars are most active. Night birding is included in our 7-day, 10-day and 14-day Uganda birding tours. Contact us to add a night session to any itinerary.