Bearded Barbet
Birding Senegal.
Without question the best country on the African continent for viewing the birds of the “Sahel”.
Birding species Senegal.
Senegal, which completely encircles The Gambia, shares most of the bird species found in The Gambia. But the big draw to Senegal are the dry-country birds that occur in the “Sahel” zone in the north. In addition, Senegal offers two large protected areas to view birds: Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary and Niokolo-Koba National Park. Senegal is also reachable by a short flight from Europe or America. It is extremely easy to combine The Gambia and Senegal in a single trip, as the border crossings are simple and quick.
Some of the “Sahel” birds found include Arabian Bustard, Savile’s Bustard, Chestnut-bellied Starling, Black Scrub-robin, Sudan Golden Sparrow, Little Grey Woodpecker, African Collared-dove, Golden Nightjar, Crested Lark, Cricket Warbler, Sennar Penduline-tit, and River Prinia.
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White Crested Bittern
Significant Birding Sites in Senegal.
Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary.
This vast delta in the northwest of the country is a haven for aquatic birds. Huge colonies of great white pelicans, white-faced whistling ducks, white-breasted cormorants and numerous other species can be viewed on foot or from a boat. Black Crowned Crane, River Prinia, Arabian Bustard, Crested Lark, and many palearctic migrants are also seen.
Richard Toll/Podor.
The village lands between these two towns that border Mauritania are hotspots for several “Sahel” specialties such as Chestnut-bellied Starling, Black Scrub-robin, Sudan Golden Sparrow, Little Grey Woodpecker, African Collared-dove, Golden Nightjar, Cricket Warbler, and Sennar Penduline-tit.
Kaolack.
On Kousmar Island on the outskirts of this city, a roosting colony of tens of thousands of Scissor-tailed Kites and Lesser Kestrels can be seen from November to March. Nearby Kousmar, Savile’s Bustard is a possibility, and the enigmatic Quail Plover can be found north of Kaolack.
Saloum Delta.
This “beach holiday” spot has a lot to offer, but for birders the reason for visiting is to search for the elusive White-crested Tiger Heron. A boat ride is taken during low tide to maximize the opportunity.
Wassadou/Niokolo-Koba National Park.
The Wassadou/Niokolo-Koba area offers a wide variety of “Sudanian” birds. A boat ride at Wassadou is the best place in Africa for the elegant Egyptian Plover. Additionally, time spent in Niokolo-Koba can produce big mammal species such as bushbuck, waterbuck, roan antelope, and even lion.
Kedougou/Dindefelo.
This area near the border of Guinea and Mali offers, along with a variety of “Sudanian” birds, species that are confined to this unique, hilly landscape. Such species include Fox Kestrel, Neuman’s Starling, Mali Firefinch, Magpie Mannikin, and Dybowski’s Twinspot.
Are you ready for your birding Senegal tour?
Please ask anything to Ansu. He will answer all your questions and make your bookings for your birding Gambia and Senegal tours.