Ornithopia tours
Birding in Ethiopia can be an exquisite experience. This is not only because the large proportion in the endemics but the ease of approaching even difficult species. Birds are not hunted or persecuted in Ethiopia and this is a boon to bird watchers and photographers who can get quite close without disturbing them. Besides the resident birds, species are enriched by Afrotropical and Palearctic migrants in the right seasons. A two or three week birding trip to Ethiopia for endemics provides unparalleled opportunity to cover a wide range of habitats to spot anything between 350-450+ species. Even a day trip to areas around Addis Ababa can be fruitful with chances of endemics and a number of sought after species. The country is particularly good for birds of prey and Horn of Africa near-endemics. Some species including the Bearded Vulture, Wattled Crane, Red-billed Chough, Ruddy Shelduck and Golden Eagle are reminiscents of alpine ecosystems from the northern lattitudes.
A birding trip to Ethiopia, depending on its length will take you through major ecosystems of the country. This will allow you to sample a range of avifauna the country has to offer. The following table will give you an idea of major sites, corresponding zones, ecotypes and their bird complements. Note that I have provided this just to give you an idea only. The bird fauna will always be enriched by more localised birds and a host of migrants during the northern winters at the right season.
