Tour Highlights
This was a 16 day tour covering the entire vegetational zones of Ghana, from the coastal wetlands through the lowlands evergreen rainforest, the transitional woodlands, the high mountainous ranges to the Guinea savannah of the far Northern Ghana.
During the trip, two top National Parks were visited, with other wildlife protected areas. Beside these, other special areas were also visited where special top birds were picked. In total there were 12 full days of birdwatching in two sections of four average hours each, i.e. morning and evenings. We had about 3 hours of afternoon break when activities are down. The rest of the days were used for driving from one destination to another with some stopovers at special places for special birds.
This tour was special because two of our guests were going for the world record for number of bird species seen in one single calendar year for their ‘’BIGGEST TWITCH’’. By the end of the trip, a successful result was achieved having recorded the highest number of bird species seen in a 16 day birdwatching tour of Ghana. In all a total of 405 different bird species were recorded excluding only heard, with about 250 new species for the list of the couple chasing the ‘’Biggest Twitch’’. These include the dream birds of every Ashanti African birdwatching trip, ‘’the stunning Yellow – headed Picathartes’’ and the next of kin, Pel’s Fishing Owl. Other species are the extraordinary male Standard – winged Nightjar, the eye catching Rufous – sided Broadbill, the special Black Bee – eater, the Oriole warbler, the stinging Long – tailed Hawk, the two distinguished Dwarf Hornbills, the African Finfoot and most Upper Guinea endemic species.
Other great highlights of the trip were the sight of some quality mammals such as the biggest land moving animal, ‘’African Elephant’’ seen at a close range of about 20m, a lot of Kobs, Water and Bush bucks, Baboons and other monkeys and the most friendly Warthogs.
Detailed Itinerary of Daily Activities
Day 1 - 01/03/08
Arrival of guests, at the Kotoka International Airport at about 8:00pm, we checked them into their hotel, went through the itinerary and introduce them to some Ghanaian culture to keep them abreast with their new environment. The first night was spent in Accra, the capital of Ghana in a hotel closer to the first birding destination.
Day 2 - 02/03/2008
This day marked the beginning of the much awaited dream of Ghana birds. With much expectation, they had the only early breakfast of the trip at 7:00am after which we picked them to the first site of birdwatching in Ghana, the Sakumono Lagoon. This was one of the coastal wetlands visited. At the lagoon, they had no problem identifying the birds since most of them were European winter migrants. After spending about 3 hours: from 7:30am – 10:30am, we had recorded about 40 species including a pair of collared pratincoles, couples of Black Herons doing their usual umbrella fishing, many Terns and Plovers. Also in the surrounding bushes, we were offered a pair of Yellow – crowned (common) Gonolek, the first plantain – eater for the group i.e. the Western Grey Plantain – eater, a group of Purple Glossy Starling and Fine – Spotted Woodpecker.
We left the lagoon and started our first long drive westwards to the Central Region. Our next destination was the capital of the Central Region, which used to be the seat of the colonial administration, Cape Coast. We stopped to have lunch at Winneba, and we also visited the Winneba planes where we found our first Lizard Buzzard and Grey Kestrel and some Warblers. We continued the drive and stopped again at a small lily pond where we again found a Pygmy – Goose. We arrived at our destination at about 5:30pm where we stayed at Hans Cottage Botel, a hotel on a small lake with Nile crocodiles. We retired to bed at about 9:00pm with about 80 bird species recorded for the day.
Day 3 - 03/03/2008
Three nights were spent at the Hans Cottage Botel, while we exploited the Kakum Canopy walk, the trails in the forest and other special areas around the park for some top quality birds. On our first morning, we had our first early start and late breakfast (but with Ashanti African Tours, you will always have early morning Tea, Coffee or hot chocolate with biscuits). We set off for the Upper Guinea rainforest at Kakum National Park. As usual, the canopy walkway was our first stop. We spent the first 4 hours of the day scanning the forest canopies of Kakum from the walkway platforms at about 40m above the forest floor. On our arrival at the walkway bridges, we had our warm welcome to the rainforest by the White Crested Hornbill with its grey hair like the blessed old man of the forest, on one of the bridge cables. Earlier on, we had found the first Malimbe of the forest; the Gray’s Malimbe. Soon after getting on the walkway, we added the other three species, Red Vented, Crested and Red – headed Malimbes, to finish the set of Malimbes in the forest.
From the walkway, we also found a troop of monkeys made up of the Mona, Lesser spot – Nosed and Olive Colobus. By the end of the morning section, we had picked some upper Guinea endemic and specials like Sharp’s Apalis, Sabin’s Puffback, some Sunbirds, the Cassin’s and Sabin’s Spintails were both picked flying low above us on the walkway platforms. The Cassin’s Hawk and Congo Serpant Eagles, Forest Woodhoopoes, Rosy – Bee eaters, Black Sparrow Hawk, a Violet Backed Hyliota were also recorded in Kakum. We had our late breakfast at the rainforest cafe at the Kakum National Park visitor center and two hours afternoon rest before starting off again, this time on some trails at about 3:30pm and ended up on the walkway again in the evening. The day’s trip ended with the special rainforest canopy Brown Nightjar which responded to a playback call from one of the canopy towers. Earlier, we had picked the stunning Rufous – sided Broadbill, Forest Robin, Finsch’s Forest Flycatcher, Red – billed Helmetshrik, our first Grey and Red – fronted Parrot and a group of heavy flying Black Casqued Wattled – Hornbills which also stopped on a tree top to give us a good scope view.
Day 4 - 04/03/2008
Our next destination today in Kakum National Park was at one of the camps on the Western boundary called Antwikwaa. At this place we targeted open vegetation and farm bush species and also looked for forest edge species. Though not as busy like the canopy walkway on the day before, we were still entertained by birds like the Superb Black Bee- eater, the only Cuckoo Hawk of the trip, Crown Eagle displaying, a good number of sunbirds like the great Superb Sunbird, the Buff – throated Sunbird and the Blue – throated Roller. We returned to our hotel for lunch and went for the target of the day at a small reservoir near the hotel and found the world’s additives – a fantastic female African Finfoot standing out on a dead log at the edge of the water showing its outrageous bright orange feet.
A short break to see the Cape Coast Castle gave our guest a reminder of West Africa in colonial era. After this short diversion, we went to a small wetland near Elmina where we picked the Shining – blue Kinfisher whilst being entertained by around 100 Preuss’s Swallows coming into roost. We returned to our hotel for our final evening at Hans Cottage after exhausting the day with some quality species.
Day 5 - 05/03/2008
Still at Kakum National Park, we went to the canopy in the morning to try our luck with some of the species we missed on our first visit, we got blessed with a plain Nightjar on the way to Kakum as our vehicle flashed it in the headlights sitting on the road. Though the walkway was not very different from the first day, we only looked for quality birds not already seen and when hope seemed to be lost, Mark found the much sought after Chocolate – backed Kingfisher sitting in full view below the canopy walkway platform. No sooner had we seen this than the Fire – bellied Woodpecker, Fraser’s Sunbird, Honey – guide Greenbul, Chestnut Wattle – eye and Buff – Spotted Woodpeckers were also picked. We came down at 10:30am, had our late breakfast and then set off for the main target of the trip. With excitement growing, we headed to the nesting site of the recently rediscovered Yellow – headed Picathartes we are actively supporting a community based project which is protecting 7 nesting sites in the area, Ashanti African Tours were the first birding company to take visitors here.
This bird which is one of the only two in their family and a West African endemic was believed to be extinct in Ghana. The main problem for seeing this remarkable bird is they are mainly found in unstable political countries, Ghana offers the best opportunity to see this species as its site is only an hour’s walk into the rainforest with moderate difficulty. As always, we got there at exactly 3:30pm in the afternoon. Our hearts were pumping with the anticipation of seeing this wonderful bird, our eyes constantly scanning the thick vegetation surrounding the huge rock face where their nests are found. Our guests faces light up when the first Rockfowl came into view, With its naked yellow head and black ear muffs, one bird flashed and went out again leaving question marks on the faces of our quest’s will we see another? Our 100% record of all our guests getting excellent views filled us with the confidence more will come and like a dream come true, four birds came hopping from branch to branch one after the other and entertained us for about 30 minutes. You could sense the excitement of our guest’s, no one put down their binoculars for a second during the 30 minutes a definite highlight of their world birding to date.
We left early to make sure the birds are not disturbed much and also ensure that they have enough time to prepare to roost. We returned to our hotel at around 7:30pm to finish the day with a well deserved beer, no prize for guessing what the main topic of discussion was over dinner.
Day 6 - 06/03/2008
Still around Kakum, we made our final visit to the northern part of the National Park. At Aboabo, we usually walk on a dirt road that cuts through the forest. This is one of the easier birding areas around Kakum National Park. As usual, there were many birds, but because we had already seen most at the canopy walkway and Antwikwaa, we only chased the quality ones. By the end of the morning section, when we retired for our late breakfast, we had recorded and added up to our list some great birds like the Black – Capped Apalis and Brown Illadopsis both of which were lured from their hide out by a tape, Red – thighed Sparrow Hawk, African Gosh hawk and the beautiful long tailed hawk posed before our telescopes.
We also found Kemps Longbill and the Blue – headed Crested Flycatcher. Later the Golden – backed Weaver showed well after franticly searching for it in a tree with thick vegetation after hearing it call. Black Cuckoo, White – headed Woodhoopoe and Tit – Hylia sealed the morning. As usual Aboabo did not disappoint with some excellent species seen by all.
In the afternoon a 4 hour drive to Kumasi, the home of the Ashanti’s and land of culture. Whilst in Kumasi, we visited the Owabi Reservoir where we got our second African Finfoot, African Pygmy Goose and had our first Giant Kinfisher the biggest of Africa’s Kinfishers.
Day 7 - 07/03/2008
This day was dedicated to driving as we headed off to the northern woodland savannah and Ghana’s premier National Park. On the way to Mole National Park, we picked the Blue – bellied Roller, a couple of Bearded Barbets, a small flock of Green woodhoopoes, Pearl spotted owlet which responded to the tape when we tried to use it to get some passurines. We got to Mole before sunset and that allowed us to spend some time at the terrace overlooking the two waterholes at the bottom of the escarpment from the Mole Motel where we spent four nights during out time at Mole national park.
Amongst the afternoon highlights were the Helmeted Guinea fowl, which is very common and its counterpart the Double – Spured Francolin. We also had Bruce’s Green Pigeon, African Hobby and the eye – catching Abyssinian Roller. Mammals were a plenty with Bushbuck, Waterbuck and the warthog common on eye sight. Later in the night as we had dinner, we were entertained by a Freckled Nightjar around the swimming pool.
Day 8-10 - 08/03/2008 - 10/03/2008
During our time at Mole National Park we spent 3 days and 4 nights. Our birding consisted of 2 scheduled birding walks during the 3 days each i.e. a morning section which starts at 6:00am to 10:00am and late afternoon which was from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. During the mid day heat we enjoyed some rest time with the option of short walks around the hotel and scanning for raptors from the shaded terrace and restaurant area around the pool.
For our first morning, just like all the mornings in Mole, we first met at the terrace to have our usual early morning Tea, Coffee or hot chocolate and biscuits at 5:30am before setting off at 6:00am. Whilst enjoying our morning refreshments at the terrace overlooking the waterholes, we saw the Hadada Ibis and the strange looking Hamerkop. Then appearing in the water was a grey thing that looked like an island but turned out to be the African Elephant cooling itself down in the waterhole. Our armed guide led us to the waterholes at the bottom of the hill where we picked a couple of Waxbills, Pytilias and Finche’s. A flash of violet wing in the woods turned out to be the Violet Turaco which can be found only in the savannah zones. As we walk through the few patches of green bushes, we heard the Oriole Warbler and with a little search and tape, we found this great African Warbler which is usually included in the top 10 species due to its explicit frosted black head and golden body. There was countless numbers of Red – throated Bee – eaters. Just before the end of the first morning section, we added the Northern Crombec, White – Shouldered Black – Tit, Common Wattled – eye and African Paradise Flycatcher. Later in the afternoon it was rather quite as we added only a few species.
The next morning, we continued our exploitation with our first owl of the trip when one of our guests saw the grayish Eagle Owl sitting on the ground just in front of her room and called the rest to see it. The owl expedition continued as we searched for the almighty Pel’s Fishing Owl. Being rated as the second most sought after bird on this trip, it was subjected to a tireless search through bushes and trees in an area of the park we know it to roost. Indeed this owl gave us a tough time and almost killed our hope, but with our experience and persistence we finally found this incredible bird and were greatly rewarded. Just before we gave up, a last look into one of the trees on the river bank showed us this awesome bird looking down on us. It was a breathtaking for our guests when they heard that the owl has been found. The remainder of the morning was spent on this great ginger owl.
After the usual late breakfast and the afternoon rest, we again topped our list in the late afternoon with the Blue - bellied Roller, Snowy Crown Robin Chat, Red – billed Hornbill and Sulphur – brested – Bush Shrike. In the evening we went to the Mole Airstrip for the amazing Standard Winged Nightjar and found one male displaying. After enjoying excellent views of the nightjar we heard the voice of our third owl of the day and called it to tape. With a quick response, the brilliant Northern White – faced Owl came and posed for our spotlight in excellent view for all to enjoy giving us a good ending to an excellent days birding with some quality species seen well by all.
Again as usual, we started day 3 in Mole which was our final full days birding in this great National Park. With our usual morning start, we continued our exploitation alongside another river. Today was a little slower as most of the species were already found and recorded. We dedicated the day for top quality birds and by the end we had added the superb Northern Carmine Bee – eater, White – Crowned Robin Chat, Red – shouldered Cuckoo –Shrike, White Breasted Cuckoo – Shrike, Yellow – penduline – Tit, Black Scimitarbill and Squar – tailed Drongo, Spotted Creeper and White bellied and Stanley (Denham’s) Bustards. We were again entertained by the display of yet another three male Standard – winged Nightjars at the Airstrip. Indeed it was a great finish to our birding at Mole National Park.
Day 11 - 11/03/2008
This day was another long drive day still moving further north. We headed to the Upper East Region of Ghana. Our next destination was Bolgatanga, the capital of the youngest region in the country.
We never regret driving this 5 hour journey, we made a brief stop on the way and added Fox Kestrel, Rock Loving Cisticola and the Chestnut – backed Sparrow Lark to our ever growing lists. Also on the way we had good looks at a Grasshopper Buzzard, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Rufous Crown Roller and White – Crested Helmetshrike
Day 12 - 12/03/2008
This was another full birding day in the northern savannah land of the Upper East at Tono. A 30 minutes drive from our hotel took us to this lakeside woodland savannah vegetation. Producing an interesting mixture of both woodland and wetland species, we began to count the Spotted – thick – knee, Comb Duck, Bearded Barbet and Spur – winged Goose. We also found our first Vieillot’s Barbet. We had our usual morning break and continued later in the day with Long – tailed Glossy Starling, Chestnut – bellied Starling, Montagues Harrier and closed the day with a Long – tailed Nightjar.
Day 13 - 13/03/2008
A day dedicated to driving picking up some species already seen which was nice to get second and sometimes better looks at some of the species and refreshing them in our minds.
Day 14 - 14/03/2008
Back to the south – central Ghana, we revisited the rainforest to try our luck on the species we missed back at Kakum National Park, Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary was our first stopover. Exhausting the morning section, our target was the Red – Billed Dwarf – Hornbill which gave us the run around a little but later gave up and showed well. We also had yet another look at a group of the Red – billed Helmet – Shrikes. The Western Bronze – Naped Pigeon and Afep Pigeon were a blessing for the morning walk. Other species were Africa’s smallest woodpecker with the African Piculet and Gabon Woodpecker.
Later in the day, we made a short walk in open cultivated land near Atewa where we added species like Viellots Weaver, Black – and White Manikins, Compact Weavers, White – throated Bee – eaters and the gorgeous Western Bluebill to the day’s list
Day 15 - 15/03/2008
This morning we boarded our 4x4’s and drove to the top of the Atewa – Range Rainforest. This forest protects one of the only two examples of Ghana’s upland evergreen rainforests. As an important area for both birds and butterflies, the reserve also provided its fair share of quality species. Among the cracking ones were the Yellow – billed Turaco, Golden Greenbul, Yellow – spotted and Hairy – breasted Barbets, Dusky Tit, the upper guinea endemic Copper – tailed Glossy Starling and the Western Black- headed Oriole. Our loop then joined the tail when we returned to Accra for the final night of the trip.
Day 16 - 16/03/2008
This was the final day and destination of the trip. Still holding to our late breakfast, we drove to Shai Hills which is the only fenced wildlife reserve in Ghana. This reserve is made up of woodland savannah and Rocky Mountains. Our main target here was another two rock loving species. With a good position at the base of the cliff, we began to scan the bare rocks above for sign of movements. As soon as we started scanning with the scope we were rewarded with the stunning mocking cliff chat.
Our search continued to produce good results like the Croaking Cisticola, Double – toothed Barbet and Blackcap Babbler. We left Shai Hills and made a last stop at the Sakumono Lagoon where we topped up the list with Roseat and Royal Terns, African Spoonbill and Eurasian Mash Harrier.
The trip far exceeded our guest’s expectations with 405 species in 16 days a record for Ghana birdwatching. Aside this the couple chasing the BIGGEST TWITCH also added more than 200 new species to their record attempt list, impressive as they had already birded in Ethiopia before coming to Ghana. Their top 5 species were the Yellow Headed Picathartes, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Chocolate Backed Kingfisher, Standard winged Nightjar and Black Bee- eater.
Annotated List Of Bird Species Recorded.
Taxonomic order and nomenclature follow Clements, 6th edition updated 2007.
Birds that are marked with GO were seen by the guide only.
Birds that are marked with H were only heard.
GREBES: Podicipedidae
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
CORMORANTS: Phalacrocoracidae
Long-tailed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus
ANHINGAS: Anhingidae
Darter Anhinga melanogaster
HERONS, BITTERNS AND EGRETS: Ardeidae
Gray Heron Ardea cinerea
Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Great Egret Ardea alba
Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca
Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Western Reef-Heron Egretta gularis
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Striated Heron Butorides striata
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
HAMERKOP: Scopidae
Hamerkop Scopus umbretta
STORKS: Ciconiidae
Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus
Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus
IBIS AND SPOONBILLS: Threskiornithidae
Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
DUCKS, GEESE AND SWANS: Anatidae
White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata
Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis
Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos
African Pygmy-goose Nettapus auritus
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
Garganey Anas querquedula
HAWKS, EAGLES AND KITES: Accipitridae
African Cuckoo-Hawk Aviceda cuculoides
European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis
Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus
White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus
White-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis
Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus
Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus
Congo Serpent-Eagle Dryotriorchis spectabilis
Western Marsh-Harrier Circus aeruginosus
Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus
African Harrier-Hawk (Gymnogene)Polyboroides typus
Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus
Dark Chanting-Goshawk Melierax metabates
Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar
Red-chested (African) Goshawk Accipiter toussenelii
Shikra Accipiter badius
Red-thighed Sparrowhawk Accipiter erythropus
Black Goshawk Accipiter melanoleucus
Long-tailed Hawk Urotriorchis macrourus
Grasshopper Buzzard Butastur rufipennis
Red-necked Buzzard Buteo auguralis
Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax
Booted Eagle Aquila pennata
Cassin's Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus africanus
Crowned Hawk-Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus
FALCONS: Falconidae
Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Fox Kestrel Falco alopex
Gray Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus
Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera
African Hobby Falco cuvierii
Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus
PHEASANTS AND PARTRIDGES: Phasianidae
White-throated Francolin Francolinus albogularis H
Forest Francolin Francolinus lathami H
Ahanta Francolin Francolinus ahantensis H
Double-spurred Francolin Francolinus bicalcaratus
Stone Partridge Ptilopachus petrosus
GUINEAFOWL: Numididae
Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris
RAILS, GALLINULES AND COOTS: Rallidae
White-spotted Flufftail Sarothrura pulchra
Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
FINFOOTS: Heliornithidae
African Finfoot Podica senegalensis
BUSTARDS: Otididae
Stanley (Denham's) Bustard Neotis denhami
White-bellied Bustard Eupodotis senegalensis
JACANAS: Jacanidae
African Jacana Actophilornis africanus
AVOCETS AND STILTS: Recurvirostridae
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
THICK-KNEES: Burhinidae
Senegal Thick-knee Burhinus senegalensis
Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis
COURSERS AND PRATINCOLES: Glareolidae
Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola
Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni
PLOVERS AND LAPWINGS: Charadriidae
Spur-winged Plover Vanellus spinosus
Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus
Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius
SANDPIPERS: Scolopacidae
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Common Redshank Tringa totanus
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Sanderling Calidris alba
Little Stint Calidris minuta
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
Ruff Philomachus pugnax
TERNS: Sternidae
Black Tern Chlidonias niger
White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii
Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis
Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus
SANDGROUSE: Pteroclidae
Four-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles quadricinctus
PIGEONS AND DOVES: Columbidae
Rock Pigeon Columba livia
Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea
Afep Pigeon Columba unicincta
Bronze-naped Pigeon Columba iriditorques
Eurasian Turtle-Dove Streptopelia turtur
Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata
Vinaceous Dove Streptopelia vinacea
Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis
Black-billed Wood-Dove Turtur abyssinicus
Blue-spotted Wood-Dove Turtur afer
Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria
Blue-headed Wood-Dove Turtur brehmeri
Bruce's Green-Pigeon Treron waalia
African Green-Pigeon Treron calvus
PARROTS: Psittacidae
Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri
Red-headed Lovebird Agapornis pullarius
Gray Parrot Psittacus erithacus
Red-fronted Parrot Poicephalus gulielmi
Senegal Parrot Poicephalus senegalus
TURACOS: Musophagidae
Yellow-billed Turaco Tauraco macrorhynchus
Violet Turaco Musophaga violacea
Western Plantain-eater Crinifer piscator
CUCKOOS: Cuculidae
Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius
Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus
African Cuckoo Cuculus gularis
Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo Cercococcyx olivinus
Klaas' Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas
African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus
Dideric Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius
Yellowbill Ceuthmochares aereus
Black-throated Coucal Centropus leucogaster
Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis
BARN-OWLS: Tytonidae
Barn Owl Tyto alba
OWLS: Strigidae
Northern White-faced Owl Ptilopsis leucotis
Grayish Eagle-Owl Bubo cinerascens
Pel's Fishing-Owl Scotopelia peli
Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum
NIGHTJARS: Caprimulgidae
Brown Nightjar Caprimulgus binotatus
Plain Nightjar Caprimulgus inornatus
Freckled Nightjar Caprimulgus tristigma
Long-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus climacurus
Standard-winged Nightjar Macrodipteryx longipennis
SWIFTS: Apodidae
Sabine's Spinetail Rhaphidura sabini
Cassin's Spinetail Neafrapus cassini
African Palm-Swift Cypsiurus parvus
Mottled Swift Tachymarptis aequatorialis
Common Swift Apus apus
Little Swift Apus affinis
White-rumped Swift Apus caffer
KINGFISHERS: Alcedinidae
Shining-blue Kingfisher Alcedo quadribrachys
Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata
African Pygmy-Kingfisher Ispidina picta
Dwarf Kingfisher Ispidina lecontei
Chocolate-backed Kingfisher Halcyon badia
Gray-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala
Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis
Blue-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon malimbica
Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti
Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maximus
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
BEE-EATERS: Meropidae
Black Bee-eater Merops gularis
Red-throated Bee-eater Merops bulocki
Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus
White-throated Bee-eater Merops albicollis
Rosy Bee-eater Merops malimbicus
Northern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicus
ROLLERS: Coraciidae
Abyssinian Roller Coracias abyssinicus
Rufous-crowned Roller Coracias noevius
Blue-bellied Roller Coracias cyanogaster
Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus
Blue-throated Roller Eurystomus gularis
WOODHOOPOES AND SCIMITAR-BILLS: Phoeniculidae
Green Woodhoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus
White-headed Woodhoopoe Phoeniculus bollei
Forest Woodhoopoe Phoeniculus castaneiceps
Black Scimitar-bill (Woodhoopoe)Rhinopomastus aterrimus
HORNBILLS: Bucerotidae
White-crested Hornbill Tockus albocristatus
Black Dwarf Hornbill Tockus hartlaubi
Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill Tockus camurus
Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus
African Pied Hornbill Tockus fasciatus
African Gray Hornbill Tockus nasutus
Piping Hornbill Ceratogymna fistulator
Black-casqued Hornbill Ceratogymna atrata
BARBETS: Capitonidae
Yellow-billed Barbet Trachyphonus purpuratus
Naked-faced Barbet Gymnobucco calvus
Speckled Tinkerbird Pogoniulus scolopaceus
Red-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus atroflavus
Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus
Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus
Yellow-spotted Barbet Buccanodon duchaillui
Hairy-breasted Barbet Tricholaema hirsuta
Vieillot's Barbet Lybius vieilloti
Double-toothed Barbet Lybius bidentatus
Bearded Barbet Lybius dubius
HONEYGUIDES: Indicatoridae
Cassin's Honeyguide Prodotiscus insignis
Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator
WOODPECKERS: Picidae
African Piculet Sasia africana
Fine-spotted Woodpecker Campethera punctuligera
Little Green Woodpecker Campethera maculosa
Green-backed Woodpecker Campethera cailliautii
Buff-spotted Woodpecker Campethera nivosa
Gabon Woodpecker Dendropicos gabonensis
Fire-bellied Woodpecker Dendropicos pyrrhogaster
Gray Woodpecker Dendropicos goertae
Brown-backed Woodpecker Dendropicos obsoletus
BROADBILLS: Eurylaimidae
Rufous-sided Broadbill Smithornis rufolateralis
LARKS: Alaudidae
Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix leucotis
Sun Lark Galerida modesta
SWALLOWS: Hirundinidae
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii
Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula
Lesser Striped-Swallow Cecropis abyssinica
Rufous-chested Swallow Cecropis semirufa
Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica
Preuss' Swallow Petrochelidon preussi
WAGTAILS AND PIPITS: Motacillidae
Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys
Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus
Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis
Yellow-throated Longclaw Macronyx croceus
African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
CUCKOO-SHRIKES: Campephagidae
White-breasted Cuckoo-shrike Coracina pectoralis
Blue Cuckoo-shrike Coracina azurea
Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike Campephaga phoenicea
Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike Campephaga quiscalina
BULBULS: Pycnonotidae
Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus
Little Greenbul Andropadus virens
(Little) Gray Greenbul Andropadus gracilis
Plain (Cameroon Sombre) Greenbul Andropadus curvirostris
Slender-billed Greenbul Andropadus gracilirostris
Honeyguide Greenbul Baeopogon indicator
Simple (Leaflove) Greenbul Chlorocichla simplex
Swamp Greenbul Thescelocichla leucopleura
White-throated Greenbul Phyllastrephus albigularis
Icterine Greenbul Phyllastrephus icterinus
Common (Red-tailed) Bristlebill Bleda syndactylus
Green-tailed Bristlebill Bleda eximius
Gray-headed Bristlebill Bleda canicapillus
Yellow-spotted Nicator Nicator chloris
Red-tailed Greenbul Criniger calurus
THRUSHES: Turdidae
Finsch's Flycatcher-Thrush Neocossyphus finschii
African Thrush Turdus pelios
Fire-crested Alethe Alethe diademata GO
CISTICOLAS AND ALLIES: Cisticolidae
Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops
Singing Cisticola Cisticola cantans
Whistling Cisticola Cisticola lateralis
Rock-loving Cisticola Cisticola aberrans
Winding Cisticola Cisticola galactotes
Croaking Cisticola Cisticola natalensis
Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis
Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava
Red-winged Prinia (Warbler)
Black-capped Apalis Apalis nigriceps
Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida
Sharpe's Apalis Apalis sharpii
Oriole Warbler Hypergerus atriceps
Green-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura
Yellow-browed Camaroptera Camaroptera superciliaris
Olive-green Camaroptera Camaroptera chloronota
OLD WORLD WARBLERS: Sylviidae
Moustached Grass-Warbler Melocichla mentalis
Senegal Eremomela Eremomela pusilla
Rufous-crowned Eremomela Eremomela badiceps
Green Crombec Sylvietta virens
Lemon-bellied Crombec Sylvietta denti
Northern Crombec Sylvietta brachyura
Kemp's Longbill Macrosphenus kempi
Gray Longbill Macrosphenus concolor
Green Hylia Hylia prasina
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus
Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus
Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix
Violet-backed Hyliota Hyliota violacea
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
Greater Whitethroat Sylvia communis
OLD WORLD FLYCATCHERS: Muscicapidae
Northern Black-Flycatcher Melaenornis edolioides
African (Fraser's) Forest-Flycatcher Fraseria ocreata
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
Gambaga Flycatcher Muscicapa gambagae
Ussher's Flycatcher Muscicapa ussheri
Swamp Flycatcher Muscicapa aquatica
Little Gray Flycatcher Muscicapa epulata
Dusky-blue Flycatcher Muscicapa comitata
Gray-throated Tit-Flycatcher Myioparus griseigularis
Gray Tit-Flycatcher Myioparus plumbeus H
European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca
Forest Robin Stiphrornis erythrothorax
Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat Cossypha niveicapilla
White-crowned Robin-Chat Cossypha albicapilla
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
Mocking Cliff-Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris
WATTLE-EYES: Platysteiridae
Brown-throated (Common) Wattle-eye Platysteira cyanea
Chestnut Wattle-eye Platysteira castanea
Red-cheeked Wattle-eye Platysteira blissetti H
Senegal Batis Batis senegalensis
MONARCH FLYCATCHERS: Monarchidae
Chestnut-capped Flycatcher Erythrocercus mccallii
African Blue-Flycatcher Elminia longicauda
Blue-headed Crested-Flycatcher Trochocercus nitens
Black-headed Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone rufiventer
African Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis
ROCKFOWL: Picathartidae
White-necked Rockfowl (Yellow-headed Picathartes) Picathartes gymnocephalus
BABBLERS: Timaliidae
Blackap Illadopsis Illadopsis cleaveri H
Brown Illadopsis Illadopsis fulvescens
Blackcap Babbler Turdoides reinwardtii
Brown Babbler Turdoides plebejus
TITS: Paridae
White-shouldered Black-Tit Melaniparus guineensis
Dusky Tit Melaniparus funereus
PENDULINE-TITS: Remizidae
Yellow (-bellied) Penduline-Tit Anthoscopus parvulus GO
Tit-hylia Pholidornis rushiae
SUNBIRDS: Nectariniidae
Scarlet-tufted (Fraser's) Sunbird Deleornis fraseri
Western Violet-backed Sunbird Anthreptes longuemarei
Little Green Sunbird Anthreptes seimundi
Green Sunbird Anthreptes rectirostris
Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris
Pygmy Sunbird Hedydipna platura
Green-headed Sunbird Cyanomitra verticalis
Blue-throated Brown Sunbird Cyanomitra cyanolaema
Western Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea
Buff-throated Sunbird Chalcomitra adelberti
Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis
Olive-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris chloropygius
Tiny Sunbird Cinnyris minullus
Beautiful Sunbird Cinnyris pulchellus
Splendid Sunbird Cinnyris coccinigastrus
Johanna's Sunbird Cinnyris johannae
Superb Sunbird Cinnyris superbus
Copper Sunbird Cinnyris cupreus
WHITE-EYES: Zosteropidae
African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis
ORIOLES: Oriolidae
African Golden Oriole Oriolus auratus
Western Black-headed Oriole Oriolus brachyrhynchus
Black-winged Oriole Oriolus nigripennis
SHRIKES: Laniidae
Common Fiscal Lanius collaris
Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator
Yellow-billed Shrike Corvinella corvina
BUSHSHRIKES AND ALLIES: Malaconotidae
Brubru Nilaus afer
Northern Puffback Dryoscopus gambensis
Large-billed (Sabin's) Puffback Dryoscopus sabini
Black-crowned (-headed) Tchagra Tchagra senegalus
Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis
Common (Yellow-crowned) Gonolek Laniarius barbarus
Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike Telophorus sulfureopectus
Gray-headed Bushshrike Malaconotus blanchoti
HELMETSHRIKES AND ALLIES: Prionopidae
White Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus
Chestnut-bellied (Red-billed) Helmetshrike Prionops caniceps
DRONGOS: Dicruridae
Square-tailed Drongo Dicrurus ludwigii
Shining Drongo Dicrurus atripennis
Fork-tailed (Glossy-backed) Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis
Velvet-mantled Drongo Dicrurus modestus
CROWS: Corvidae
Piapiac Ptilostomus afer
Pied Crow Corvus albus
STARLINGS: Sturnidae
Lesser Blue-eared Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis chloropterus
Splendid Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis splendidus
Purple Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis purpureus
Long-tailed Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis caudatus
Chestnut-bellied Starling Lamprotornis pulcher
Copper-tailed Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis cupreocauda
Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
Chestnut-winged Starling Onychognathus fulgidus
OLD WORLD SPARROWS: Passeridae
Gray-headed Sparrow Passer griseus
Bush Petronia Petronia dentata
WEAVERS: Ploceidae
Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser superciliosus
Red-vented Malimbe Malimbus scutatus
Gray's (Blue-billed) Malimbe Malimbus nitens
Crested Malimbe Malimbus malimbicus
Red-headed Malimbe Malimbus rubricollis
Little Weaver Ploceus luteolus
Black-necked Weaver Ploceus nigricollis
Vieillot's (Black) Weaver Ploceus nigerrimus
Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus
Yellow-mantled Weaver Ploceus tricolor
Maxwell's Black (White-naped) Weaver Ploceus albinucha
Preuss' (Golden-backed) Weaver Ploceus preussi
Compact Weaver Pachyphantes superciliosus
Black-winged Bishop Euplectes hordeaceus
Yellow-shouldered (-mantled) Widowbird Euplectes macroura
WAXBILLS AND ALLIES: Estrildidae
Pale-fronted Negrofinch Nigrita luteifrons
Gray-headed Negrofinch Nigrita canicapillus
Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch Nigrita bicolor
White-breasted Negrofinch Nigrita fusconotus
Lavender Waxbill Estrilda caerulescens
Orange-cheeked Waxbill Estrilda melpoda
Black-rumped Waxbill Estrilda troglodytes
Western Bluebill Spermophaga haematina
Red-cheeked Cordonbleu Uraeginthus bengalus
Red-winged Pytilia Pytilia phoenicoptera
Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala
Bar-breasted Firefinch Lagonosticta rufopicta
Black-faced Firefinch Lagonosticta larvata
Black-bellied Firefinch Lagonosticta rara
African (Blue-billed) Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata
Black-faced (African) Quailfinch Ortygospiza atricollis
Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucullatus
Black-and-white Mannikin Spermestes bicolor
INDIGOBIRDS: Viduidae
Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura
SEEDEATERS: Fringillidae
Yellow-fronted Canary Serinus mozambicus
BUNTINGS: Emberizidae
Cinnamon-breasted (Rock) Bunting Emberiza tahapisi
Cabanis' Bunting Emberiza cabanisi
Tour lead by Robert Ntakor of Ashanti African Tours email info@ashantiafricantours.com or visit the specialised birding section of our website at the following link http://www.ashantiafricantours.com/birdwatching_tours.php