Subtitle / Introduction
In late December 2025, my wife and I traveled to Uganda for birding. One of our main target species was the African Dwarf Kingfisher, which had been the biggest challenge of the trip for us. To our great surprise, we managed to photograph this bird on the very first day of our journey — an unforgettable and encouraging start.
When & Where
- Date: Dec 2025
- Location: Budongo Central Forest reserve , Uganda
Budongo Forest is well known among birders as a site for several rare forest kingfishers. However, access can be complicated. On our visit, park rangers were not available at the official opening time, and additional permit fees were requested on the spot. Because of this, we strongly recommend hiring an experienced local bird guide who can handle negotiations smoothly and help avoid unnecessary delays.
Target Species
African Dwarf Kingfisher
The African Dwarf Kingfisher is one of the smallest and most colorful kingfishers in Africa. It is easily recognized by its bright orange body, deep blue wings, and vivid purple crown.
This species is mainly found in tropical forests and forest edges across sub-Saharan Africa. Unlike many other kingfishers, it is not closely associated with water and feeds primarily on insects rather than fish, often staying low in the forest understory.
Before the trip, we shared our target bird list with our guide in advance, and the African Dwarf Kingfisher was clearly at the very top of that list.
Terrain & Difficulty
The bird was found along a flat trail that was easy to walk, so the terrain itself was not physically demanding. In the deep forest, not specific living place like near the pond.
The waiting time was short, as our guide located the bird quickly. However, the observation distance was relatively far, making photography challenging. A lens with a focal length of 800mm or longer was essential.
We observed the bird at around 8:30 a.m., timed to match the park’s opening hours. At that time of day, the forest was still quite dark, which added to the difficulty. We strongly recommend bringing a monopod and a long telephoto lens to stabilize shots in low-light conditions.
Why This Bird Still Matters
This tiny kingfisher is difficult to find and has a limited and specialized habitat. My wife and I have been captivated by this bird ever since we first learned of its existence. Its size, colors, and secretive forest lifestyle make it a species that captures the imagination of many birders.
Although our actual viewing time lasted only one to two minutes, the experience felt truly special. Sometimes, even a brief encounter can leave a lasting impression.
Meeting time was around 1-2 minutes, however it was special.
Conclusion
On the very first day of birding in Uganda, we managed to photograph what had been our biggest challenge of the entire trip. It was the best possible start we could have hoped for.
Meeting chance was only one time, I little regret be waiting that around 1 hour…
Our sincere thanks go to Greenleaf Tourist Club for arranging the trip and to our guide, Hamlet, whose skill and local knowledge made this moment possible.
https://green.co.ug/companye.html