Lutembe Ramsar Site, located in Uganda, is a renowned birding hot spot that attracts birdwatchers from around the world. This site, situated on Lutembe Bay, is not only an Important Bird Area (IBA) but also a Ramsar Site, highlighting its significance for waterfowl birds.
Since 1993, regular waterfowl counts have been conducted at Site, revealing a total of 108 water bird species. Among these, 26 are Palearctic migrants, making it a crucial stopover for these migratory birds. The site’s ability to support thousands of roosting water birds consistently further solidifies its importance as a birding destination.
Lutembe Ramsar Site is home to eight out of the twelve species of the Lake Victoria Basin biome that occur in Uganda. Birdwatchers visiting this site may have the opportunity to spot rare and elusive species such as the Shoebill Stork, Tawny Pipit, and the Madagascar Squacco Heron.
The diversity of bird species found at Lutembe Ramsar Site is astounding. Visitors may encounter the Purple Starling, House Sparrow, Brown Twinspot, Fawn-breasted Waxbill, Black-necked Weaver, Holub’s Golden Weaver, Speckle-breasted Woodpecker, Africa-Pygmy Kingfisher, Scaly Francolin, Black Kite, Grey-backed Fiscal, Black-headed Gonolek, Black-crowned Waxbill, Barn Swallow, Helmeted Guineafowl, Wire-tailed Swallow, Brimstone and the Yellow-fronted Canaries, Little Ringed Plover, Collared Pratincole, Splendid Sterling, Blue-spotted Wood-dove, Pin-tailed Whydah, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Common Waxbill, Marico Sunbird, Tree Pipit, Grosbeak Weaver, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Cape Wagtail, Africa Wattled Lapwing, Senegal Lapwing, Yellow-throated Longclaw, White-headed Saw-wing, Broad-billed Roller, White-browed and the Brown-backed Scrub-robins, Whiskered Tern, Lead-coloured Flycatcher, African Green Pigeon, Sooty Chat, Plain-backed Pipit, and Tropical Boubou, among others.
With such a rich avian diversity, Lutembe Ramsar Site offers birdwatchers a unique and rewarding experience. The chance to observe these beautiful and rare bird species in their natural habitat is truly remarkable.
Uganda is the missing piece of your worldly puzzle. It’s time to complete your adventure and experience all that Uganda has to offer. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this amazing country. Visit Uganda now!
Arthur Mugisha
