Bird-watching in South Sudan – South Sudan has beautiful birding destinations, welcoming even migratory birds from other countries, including Europe.
It is important to note that South Sudan is located in northern Africa, bordering Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
Despite being a landlocked country, it still boasts stunning natural features and is home to a wide variety of colorful birds, each grouped according to species and habitat—such as wetlands, deserts, and highlands.
Bird Species Found in South Sudan
- Turaco – These birds strongly depend on bananas (plantains) for survival, which is why they are often called “banana eaters.” They have bright colors, including green, red, blue, and purple, and vibrant yellow eyes.
- African Quail Finch – Found in arid floodplains near Nyamel, they are small and compact, with dark grey underparts, barred breasts and flanks, and an orange-buff central belly.
- Blue-Naped Mousebird – Common in South Sudan, often seen perching on mango tree branches, where bats also take shelter.
- Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl – These birds are adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, with webbed feet, flattened bills, and water-resistant feathers. Examples include: White-Faced Whistling Duck, Fulvous Whistling, Duck, White-Backed Duck, Knob-Billed Duck, Egyptian Goose, and the Ruddy Shelduck among other species.
- Guinea Fowl – Seed-eating birds that live in groups and share nests. They have featherless heads and belong to the Numididae family.
- Flamingos – Found in both the western and eastern hemispheres, they depend on shellfish and algae for food. Their upside-down beaks allow them to filter mud and silt from their food, making them fascinating to visitors.
- Bustards – Mostly found in dry, open areas. They nest on the ground and have long, broad wings and fingered wingtips. Examples include: White-Bellied Bustard, Buff-Crested Bustard, Arabian Bustard, and the Black-Bellied Bustard.
- Nightjars and Allies – Nocturnal birds that include: Pennant-Winged Nightjar, Standard-Winged Nightjar, Egyptian Nightjar and the Fiery-Necked Nightjar.
Other Bird Species in South Sudan
- Swifts
- Flufftails
- Cranes
- Thick-Knees
- Egyptian Plover
- Plovers and Lapwings
- Painted Snipes
- Jacanas
- Buttonquails
- Storks
- Pratincoles
Bird Conservation in South Sudan
Some of these birds are domesticated, while others can be observed in the wild—such as in national parks, zoos, and birding centers.
Since they are important tourist attractions, bird lovers protect them from habitat destruction and promote reforestation efforts to expand their breeding grounds.
Visit South Sudan for the Best Bird-watching Experience!
South Sudan is the best birding destination. Bird lovers, you are welcome!
