Discover the African Green Broadbill: A Jewel of Uganda’s Albertine Rift

The African Green Broadbill (Pseudocalyptomena graueri) also known as Grauer’s broadbill, a secretive and vibrant gem, is a must-see for anyone passionate about birdwatching in Uganda. This compact bird, with its emerald-green plumage and cryptic habits, thrives in the dense montane forests of the Albertine Rift, making it a highlight of Uganda safari birding adventures. In this guide, we’ll explore where to spot this elusive broadbill, its unique behaviors, and why Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a top destination for birders seeking Albertine Rift endemic birds.

Why the African Green Broadbill Captivates Birdwatchers

The African Green Broadbill is a small but striking member of the Eurylaimidae family. Males and females both display vivid green feathers that blend perfectly with the forest canopy, earning the nickname Grauer’s Broadbill. These birds are insectivores, snatching flies and beetles mid-air with agile flycatching displays, which makes them vital pest controllers in Uganda’s ecosystems.

Their soft, buzzing “zrrr–zrrr” call resonates through the understory of the Albertine Rift, where they are found at altitudes of 1,500–2,600 meters. For birders on Uganda birdwatching tours, spotting this elusive broadbill in its natural habitat is a thrilling experience, especially when paired with the region’s other Albertine Rift endemics.

Physical Characteristics and Description

The African Green Broadbill measures just 9–10 cm in length, making it one of the smallest broadbills in Africa. Its entire body shimmers in glossy emerald green, with a slightly paler throat and a short, broad, flattened bill adapted for catching insects. The eyes are large and dark, enhancing its cryptic appearance in the dim forest understory. Unlike many birds, both sexes look nearly identical, with no significant dimorphism. Juveniles show duller green tones with faint streaking. When perched motionless among leaves, this bird vanishes into the foliage—only its sudden darting flight reveals its presence, a true master of camouflage in Bwindi birding African Green Broadbill habitats.

Breeding and Nesting Behaviors

Breeding occurs during the wet seasons (March–May and October–November), when insect prey surges. The African Green Broadbill (Pseudocalyptomena graueri) builds a delicate, pear-shaped nest suspended from slender branches 2–5 meters above the ground, using moss, lichen, and spider silk for camouflage. The female lays 2–3 cream-colored eggs with reddish speckles, incubating them alone for 16–18 days. Both parents feed the chicks with regurgitated insects. Nest sites are fiercely guarded, with the pair performing distraction displays to lure predators away. Birders on Uganda safari birding trips rarely see nests, but early morning walks in Ruhija’s Mubwindi Swamp occasionally reveal these hidden cradles.

Feeding Habits and Behaviors

The African Green Broadbill (Pseudocalyptomena graueri) is a specialist flycatcher. It perches silently on mid-level branches, scanning for flying insects, then launches in short, acrobatic sallies to snap prey in its wide bill. Favorite foods include beetles, flies, moths, and small caterpillars. Unlike nectar-feeders, it rarely visits flowers, focusing instead on aerial hunting in shaded forest layers. During feeding, it emits soft clicks and buzzes, helping birders locate it during Uganda birdwatching tours. Its role in controlling insect populations supports forest health, making it a keystone species in Albertine Rift ecosystems.

Conservation Status and Threats

The African Green Broadbill is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to its restricted range and ongoing habitat loss. Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and mining in the Albertine Rift threatens its montane forest homes. Climate change may push suitable habitats higher, reducing available territory. Protected areas like Bwindi and Mgahinga offer refuge, but buffer zones face pressure. Supporting sustainable avian tourism Uganda through responsible operators helps fund anti-poaching patrols and reforestation. Every Uganda bird safari contributes to preserving this emerald jewel.

Best Places to Spot the African Green Broadbill in Uganda

Uganda is a birding paradise, with over 1,000 species recorded, and the African Green Broadbill (Grauer’s broadbill) is a star attraction in several key locations. Here are the top spots for birdwatching in Uganda to see this gem:

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Known for its gorilla trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also a haven for Albertine Rift endemic birds. The Bwindi Forest offers prime viewing opportunities, particularly along the Mubwindi Swamp trail in the Ruhija sector and the dense undergrowth near Buhoma. The Impenetrable Forest Uganda is ideal for spotting the African Green Broadbill (Pseudocalyptomena graueri) year-round, with peak activity during wet seasons when insects abound.

2. Mgahinga National Park
Located in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another hotspot for Albertine Rift endemics. Its montane forests and bamboo zones attract the African Green Broadbill. Birders can explore trails with expert guides to hear the broadbill’s buzzing call and catch its emerald flash.

3. Nyungwe Forest National Park (Rwanda Extension)
For those extending Uganda birdwatching tours into Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park hosts the African Green Broadbill (Pseudocalyptomena graueri) in its dense rainforest. Trails near Uwinka provide excellent chances to spot this bird, complementing Uganda safari birding itineraries.

Our Remarkable Uganda Birding Tour Packages

Take a journey into some of the most memorable landscapes of Uganda with our incomparable birding tours. Come for an experience in this paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 1,000 species of birds, some of which are rare and therefore endemic treasures. From moist forests to wetlands and open savannahs, our guided tours will ensure a unique and breathtaking experience in the Pearl of Africa. Below are some of our best Uganda birding tours and we offer.

21 Days Birding Uganda and Gorilla Trekking Safari

18 Days Birding Tour with Gorilla Trekking

15 Days Uganda Birding Safari with Gorillas and Chimps

10 Day Birding Uganda and Game Drives

3 Day Mabamba Shoebill Birding Safari

Tips for Birdwatching African Green Broadbill in Uganda

To maximize your chances of spotting the African Green Broadbill on a Uganda bird safari, follow these tips:

Timing: Visit during wet seasons (March–May, October–November) when insect activity draws Albertine Rift broadbills into the open. Early mornings enhance sightings in Bwindi’s understory.
Gear: Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens to capture the broadbill’s green plumage. Wear neutral, nature-friendly clothing to blend into the forest.
Guides: Book a Uganda birdwatching tour with a knowledgeable guide who knows the broadbill’s haunts and calls. Operators like Arcadia Safaris specialize in avian tourism Uganda.
Permits: For Bwindi National Park, secure a birding permit ($30–$50) in advance. If combining with gorilla trekking, check visa requirements (e.g., the East African Visa for US$100) for seamless travel.

Why Uganda is a Top Destination for Birding

Uganda’s Albertine Rift is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 50 endemic bird species, including the African Green Broadbill. Combining Uganda safari birding with gorilla trekking or chimpanzee tracking creates an unforgettable adventure. The country’s national parks, like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga, offer dense forests that support a wealth of Rift Valley avifauna.

Beyond birds, Uganda’s cultural richness and scenic landscapes make it a dream destination for nature lovers. Whether you’re exploring the Bwindi Forest or hiking the Virungas, a Uganda bird safari promises encounters with the African Green Broadbill (Grauer’s broadbill) and other avian wonders.

Plan Your Uganda Birdwatching Adventure

Ready to witness the African Green Broadbill (Grauer’s broadbill) in its natural glory? Plan your birdwatching Uganda trip with a focus on the Albertine Rift. Whether you’re drawn to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga, or extending to Nyungwe, Uganda’s safari birdwatching opportunities are unmatched. Contact Arcadia Safaris, Uganda’s premier tour operator, to craft your customized Uganda birding safari itinerary that showcases the Grauer’s Broadbill and other Western Uganda birds.

Embark on a Uganda wildlife birding journey and let the African Green Broadbill’s emerald beauty inspire you. Share your sightings with fellow birders and join the global community celebrating Uganda’s avian treasures! Contact us via email at info@arcadiasafaris.com or via WhatsApp to book your birding safari tour in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya or Tanzania.