Birding EthiopiaA guide to the country's birding sites

Description

Birding Ethiopia: A field guide to one of Africa’s most remarkable birding destinations

Birding Ethiopia is the ultimate companion for anyone interested in exploring the extraordinary avian diversity of the Horn of Africa. Written by two experienced field ornithologists, this richly illustrated guide provides comprehensive coverage of over 30 key birding sites across the country, from the highlands of the Bale Mountains to the sun-scorched plains of the Somali region. With its combination of practical information, ecological insight, and visual appeal, this book is an essential tool for anyone planning a birding trip to Ethiopia—or simply curious about one of the world’s most overlooked birding frontiers.

Why birding Ethiopia is an unmissable experience

Ethiopia is home to over 850 bird species, including 16 political endemics and 18 more that are shared only with Eritrea. This incredible diversity is supported by the country’s topographical and ecological variety, ranging from montane forests and Afroalpine moorlands to Rift Valley lakes, lowland savannas, and semi-desert scrub. Birding Ethiopia is the first guide of its kind to provide detailed, site-by-site coverage of this diversity, helping visitors plan their itinerary and maximize species lists during their stay.

Each site account includes driving directions, habitat descriptions, annotated maps, and practical details about access, accommodation, and target species. Key species are highlighted with icons and organized lists, allowing birders to quickly identify where to focus their time and effort. Whether you’re seeking the cryptic Sidamo Lark, the bizarre Stresemann’s Bush-Crow, or the dazzling Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco, this book will help you find them.

The introductory chapters offer essential context for first-time travelers, including safety, logistics, health, transportation, and when to visit. Ethiopia is not always an easy country to navigate independently, and this book includes the kind of hard-earned advice that can only come from field experience. Sample itineraries are provided for both short and extended trips, allowing birders to plan around seasonal conditions and maximize their time in the field.

Birding Ethiopia also contains a section on “Specialty Birds,” which summarizes the country’s most sought-after species and tells you exactly where to look for them. An indexed bird list allows users to track sightings and organize records. The inclusion of GPS coordinates, field-tested tips, and over 110 photographs of habitats, birds, and cultural highlights adds further depth to this indispensable resource.

A modern, practical, and beautifully illustrated bird-finding guide

Unlike older, text-heavy bird-finding guides, Birding Ethiopia is visually rich, user-friendly, and tailored to today’s traveling birder. The layout is clean and intuitive, making it easy to reference while on the move. Dozens of detailed maps help readers find their way through even the most remote regions, and species icons link directly to the main bird list for quick navigation.

More than a bird-finding guide, this book offers an immersive experience into the culture, landscape, and biodiversity of Ethiopia. From the bustling Awassa fish market to the pristine alpine habitats of the Sanetti Plateau, Birding Ethiopia celebrates the harmony between birds and people in a country where wildlife is still remarkably tame and widespread.

Whether you’re planning your first African birding trip or are a seasoned traveler seeking a new challenge, this guide will open the door to one of the continent’s most rewarding and accessible birding experiences.

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