A birding success is dependent on a repeated effort, hour after hour; looking left, right, center, up, and on the ground, while identifying the birds and tracing them to the dot, with no destruction. Uganda is a premier birding destination in the continent of Africa; situated in East Africa, truly gifted by nature. Countries Neighboring Uganda include; Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya.
There are about 10% of the world’s bird species- those endemic to the Albertine region, and migratory birds; living in the national parks, mountains, swamps, forests, and Lake Shoreline among others. Of the present species; the Pheasants and Partridge are among the must-see birds in Uganda.
Pheasants.
Birds of unique types in the phasianidea family; order Galliformes; Kingdom Chordata and subfamily; they are heavy-bodied ground-feeding birds, weed dispensers, and predator birds. They are close relatives to turkeys, smaller phasianids, and grouse.
There are also silver pheasants, Elliot’s pheasants, Reeves pheasants, copper pheasants, ruffed pheasants, ring-necked pheasants, crested pheasants, cheer pheasants, swinhoes pheasants, eared pheasants and Green pheasants among others.
Pheasants primarily feed on grains, roots, berries and seeds; insects, spiders, earthworms, snails and fresh green shorts during the summer seasons. The common pheasant is the most known of the pheasant species among others.
The name pheasant is derived from the word “phasis” also derived from the now Rioni River in Georgia. The males have bright colors and frills such as wattles. They have larger bodies than the females, with long tails, but are never concerned with the raising of young ones. Pheasants run to a speed of about 10miles per hour and soar at about 35 miles per hour. They have strong long legs with four toes, and sharp claws; used for tracing and capturing the prey. Pheasants sleep on the highest points on a pearch as possible beyond the reach of other predators.
Partridge.
These are medium-sized non-migratory birds found in some parts of Asia and the country. It is one bird referred to in the biblical reference, a symbol of Kurdish nationalism and as well part of the paraphyletic organism. These birds are related to the pheasants, jungle fowl, and quails, etc, in the subfamily of perdicine.
Partridge birds reside in forested areas, savannah pasture, and agricultural farms; spending nights on the ground where they nest. They feed on grapes, insects, and grapes. The species are not limited to red-legged partridge, black-wood partridge, Rubeho partridge, Hill partridge, Rufous partridge, Chestnut-bellied partridge, grey-breasted partridge, crested partridge, Chinese bamboo partridge, and grey partridge among others.
Where to find the Partridge and Pheasant birds in Uganda.
Both bird species are so unique and had to find. They stay on the ground most of the time thus the need for real attention, as you have your search for them in the foliage. Find them in the foliage in Semiliki national park, Bwindi Impenetrable national park, Budongo forest, Mgahinga National Park, Lake Mburo national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, and Mount Kilimanjaro among others.
It is through a birding safari that’s when you get to see the different unique Pheasant and partridge bird species in Uganda. It can be done any time of the year; in the morning hours of the day and the afternoon hours, as they rise and rest. The ranger guide will help you identify each of these species by name, color, sound, and characteristics. Bird watching costs 10,000ugx for Ugandan Nationals, 30usd for Foreign and non-foreign residents; Money payable on arrival, or a few months in advance.
Summing it up all; a great wealth of knowledge regarding the pheasants and partridge inclines a true birder’s heart into taking a trip to Uganda’s birding sites for a great adventure; seeking to find these unique ave species.
