ERONGO MOUNTAINS
NAMIBIA
LOCALE
| # Species*: | 213 |
| # Excl Vagrants*: | 213 |
| # Endemics*: | 1 |
| # Near Endemics*: | 11 |
| *Based on partial or incomplete data. | |
| Habitat: Dry mountains, dry scrub, riverine scrub | |
ABOUT THE BIRDING
Omaruru offers the best bushveld birding in Namibia. The town is surrounded by dry Acacia woodland and is traversed by two major rivers that flow west into the Atlantic Ocean, the Omaruru and the Khan. Birders can stay in town at the Omaruru Guest House or at the much more expensive Erongo Wilderness Lodge in the nearby mountains. Birds sometimes found behind the hotel include Lesser Honeyguide, Bearded Woodpecker, and Southern Pied-Babbler. Notable birds along the dry riverbeds and adjoining scrub are Orange River Francolin, Hartlaub's Francolin, Bradfield's Swift, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Violet Woodhoopoe, Carp's Tit, and Chestnut Weaver. Other birds in the same habitat include Red-billed Francolin, Gray Go-away-bird, Damara Red-billed Hornbill, Brubru, Rockrunner, Gray-backed Camaroptera, Rufous-vented Warbler, and Black-faced Waxbill.
The Erongo Mountains are a dry granitic mountain range in western Namibia, not far from the town of Omaruru. A wilderness lodge is available for overnight stays. The mountains are flanked on the west by the Namib Desert and on the east by mixed woodland savanna and Acacia scrub around Omaruru. The confluence of ecosystems results in wonderful biodiversity and hence excellent birding. Raptor present in the mountains include Black-chested Snake-Eagle, Booted Eagle, and Verreaux's Eagle. Paula's Cave Road goes through farmland in a newly created conservancy area. An early morning drive is likely to produce Hartlaub's Francolin and Rockrunner. This is one of the best places to see the francolin, which can be very difficult to see and is generally found only early in the morning. The road leads to a National Monument where ancient rock art can be viewed. Other interesting birds include Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, White-tailed Shrike, Herero Chat, Pale-winged Starling, and Dusky Sunbird.
LOCATION OF SITE
Omaruru is a small town located at the base of the Erongo Mountains in western Namibia. It's about 2&hours drive from Windhoek.