The ObservA - Environmental Observatory for Climate Change 's mission is to promote scientific knowledge and environmental education in Mozambique, valuing biodiversity and fostering sustainable practices. In this context, birdwatching has emerged as one of the most accessible, educational and engaging ways of connecting with nature and promoting environmental conservation. The existence and number of birds can be used to measure the impact of climate change around the world. birdwatching) surge como uma das formas mais acessíveis, educativas e envolventes de se conectar com a natureza e promover a conservação ambiental. A existência e número de avões podem ser usadas para medir o impacto das Mudanças Climáticas no Mundo.
The BIRDWATCHING DAY celebrated annually on two dates, also known as Global Bird Day World Migratory Bird Day, follows this logic to enable this phenomenon to be seen by more people in the world.
This year, the first date was in May (spring in the Northern Hemisphere), coinciding with a Saturday on the 11th, when the birds migrate from south to north.
In October (spring in the Southern Hemisphere), the second date will be celebrated, the second Saturday in October, which this year will be on 11 October, highlighting the return migration of birds in a north-south direction.
Mozambique is one of southern Africa's most promising birdwatching destinations, bringing together a unique combination of coastal landscapes, tropical forests, savannahs, mountains and wetlands. With more than 755 recorded bird species, according to BirdLife International (2024) and eBird Cornell Lab of Ornithology (2024) the country is home to everything from common and colourful species to rare, migratory and endemic birds that arouse the interest of ornithologists and nature lovers from all over the world. This diversity makes Mozambique a true paradise for birdwatching, an activity that combines tourism, conservation and environmental education. birdwatching, uma atividade que combina turismo, conservação e educação ambiental.
Throughout Mozambique, there are natural areas of great ecological value where the birdlife stands out both for its variety and its scientific importance. Places such as Gorongosa National Park, Mount Namuli, Gilé National Reserve, Niassa National Park, the Quirimbas Archipelago and the coastal areas of Inhambane and Gaza, not only offer diverse habitats but also harbour unique species that are difficult to find in other parts of the continent. Some of these places are especially valuable for harbouring endemic birds - which only exist in Mozambique - and others that are threatened with extinction.
The practice birdwatching of birdwatching goes far beyond a simple pastime: it represents a sustainable way of learning about and valuing biodiversity, encouraging responsible ecotourism and contributing to the protection of natural habitats. It can also be an alternative source of income for local communities and a powerful tool for environmental education. Getting to know Mozambican birds and the places where they live is also a way of reconnecting with nature and the country's ecological wealth.
In this article we'll introduce you to some of the most popular places for birdwatching in Mozambique
Gorongosa National Park (Sofala) - Located in the centre of Mozambique, this is one of the most important biodiversity areas in the country and on the continent. With savannahs, miombo woodlands, wetlands and Lake Urema, it offers habitats for a variety of bird species, including the Common Lark (Estrilda astrild); White-bellied Cooper's Eagle (Circaetus pectoralis); Great Egret (Ardea goliath); Gorongosa Cuckoo (Ploceus burnieri), a recently discovered species endemic to the park's mountainous region; Cuckoos, Weavers, Owls and much more.Estrilda astrild); Águia-cobreira-de-barriga-branca (Circaetus pectoralis); Garça-real (Ardea goliath); Zucão-de-Gorongosa (Ploceus burnieri), espécie recém-descoberta e endêmica da região montanhosa do parque; Cucos, Tecelões, Corujas e muito mais.
The best time to go and see these birds is in the dry season (May to October), when observation is easier.
It's worth pointing out that we're not talking about all the places where you can see lots of other birds.
Niassa National Park (Niassa) - This is Mozambique's largest conservation area, with Miombo landscapes, river valleys and escarpments. Very remote, it is excellent for observing birds that are little disturbed, as they still live in places with low human impact. In these places we can observe Livingstone's Turaco (Tauraco livingstonii); South African Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri); African Pearl Owl (Glaucidium perlatum); Long-tailed Starling (Lamprotornis caudatus) and Southern Eagle (Aquila rapax). As it is a place little explored by ornithologists, it has a high potential for discoveries.
Mount Namuli (Zambézia) - A sacred and isolated mountain, with high altitude forest, open fields and surrounding agricultural areas. It is considered a biodiversity hotspot. Here you can see the following species: Namuli's Apalis (Apalis lynesi) - endemic, extremely rare; Namuli's Weaver (Ploceus nicolli) - possible endemic species; Grey-headed Parrot (Poicephalus fuscicollis suahelicus); Black-and-white Shrike (Tchagra australis). Apalis lynesi) - endemic, extremely rare; Damask Weaver (Ploceus nicolli) - possible endemic species; Grey-headed Parrot (Poicephalus fuscicollis suahelicus); Black-and-white Shrike (Tchagra australis).
Gilé National Reserve (Zambézia) - Miombo and rainforest reserve, still little known but rich in little-studied species, including the following birds: African Green Pigeon (Treron calvus); Red-nosed Trogon (Apaloderma vittatum); Gilé's Zosterops (possible new subspecies/endemic) and Taita Shrike (Lanius dorsalis).
Quirimbas Archipelago (Cabo Delgado) - An archipelago of tropical islands, mangroves and coral reefs, with a rich coastal and marine biodiversity, Because of this wealth of coastal and marine ecosystems, it is possible to see the following birds: Great Egret (Egretta alba); African Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis); Migratory Terns; African Osprey (Haliaeetus vocifer), Presence of coastal, migratory and mangrove birds. Egretta alba); African Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis); Migratory Terns; African Osprey (Haliaeetus vocifer), Presence of coastal, migratory and mangrove birds.
Inhambane Region (Tofo, Vilankulo, Bazaruto) - Coastal area with dunes, dry forests, mangroves, estuaries and tropical islands. Popular with divers, but also excellent for birdwatchers, as here you can spot the following species Red-headed Tartar (Cinnyris regius); White-faced Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis); Grey Heron, spoonbills, storks and flamingos (in the wetlands); Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus). Cinnyris regius); White-faced Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis); Grey Heron, spoonbills, storks and flamingos (in the wetlands); Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus).
And finally in this text, we're going to talk about the Maputo Reserve, which is part of the Ponta do Ouro Environmental Protection Area (APA) and the Maputo National Park. This coastal region, where savannah meets dune forests, mangroves and lagoons, offers a mosaic of exceptional habitats for birdwatching. With hundreds of species recorded, including turacos, rolieiros, herons, spoonbills and ospreys, the reserve is a strategic point for birdwatching all year round. The APA also functions as an important cross-border ecological corridor, linking Mozambique to South Africa and Swaziland, reinforcing its value for the conservation of migratory and resident birds, and providing unique experiences for nature and photography lovers.
Here we can see the following waders and coastal waterbirds: Great Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus); Lesser Black-backed Sandpiper (Limosa limosa); Common Eider (Charadrius hiaticula); Great Egret (Ardea alba); African Spoonbill (Platalea alba); Grey-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus); Black-breasted Sandpiper (Calidris alpina) and African Osprey (Haliaeetus vocifer), as well as forest and open woodland birds: Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus); Narina Trogon (Apaloderma narina); African Paradisiac Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis), Red-rumped Warbler (Tockus erythrorhynchus); Weavers (e.g. Ploceus velatus); Livingstone's Turaco (Tauraco livingstonii) and Common Francolin (Pternistis natalenses).
Fotos de Diogo Marecos Duarte
References:
BirdLife International. (2024). Country profile: Mozambique. Disponível em: https://www.birdlife.org
eBird – Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (2024). Explore Species & Hotspots: Mozambique. Disponível em: https://ebird.org/region/MZ
