African green broadbill Uganda is one of the most sought-after Albertine Rift endemics, found only in Uganda and DRC’s montane forest, its brilliant emerald-green plumage making it one of the continent’s most beautiful birds. The African green broadbill, also called Grauer’s broadbill, is a small, bright green bird with a pale blue throat and vent, found only in a few montane forests of the Albertine Rift. It is listed as Vulnerable, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the only place in Uganda to see it. For birders it is one of the most wanted species in Africa.

African Green Broadbill Uganda: Bwindi Endemic Species Guide

Habits

Green broadbills live in the mid and upper canopy of mature forest, usually in pairs or small groups, sometimes joining mixed flocks. They eat insects, seeds and fruit. Pairs build a hanging, purse-shaped nest of moss and plant fibres, often suspended from a branch over a stream or gully. They are quiet and blend into the foliage, which makes them easy to miss.

Threats

The species has a tiny range in eastern Congo and south-west Uganda, and forest loss is the main threat. In Uganda its whole population lies within Bwindi, so the park’s protection is vital. Searches with local bird guides have helped map where pairs live.

Where to see it

Birders look for it around Ruhija, especially along the trail down to Mubwindi Swamp, with a specialist local guide. Sightings are never guaranteed. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to Ruhija birding, Albertine Rift endemic birds, Bwindi’s birds and Uganda birding.

Frequently asked questions

Distribution and Habitat

The African green broadbill has one of the most restricted ranges of any East African bird, occurring only in the montane rainforests of the Albertine Rift — specifically in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and adjacent Mgahinga in Uganda, and in the forests of eastern DRC. It is a bird of the forest interior, found in the mid-canopy of intact primary forest at altitudes between 1,500 and 2,500 metres. In Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the primary site and one of the most accessible locations anywhere in its range.

Appearance

The African green broadbill is small — barely the size of a sparrow — but immediately recognisable by its brilliant emerald-green plumage, broad flat head, very wide bill, and small, distinctive dark blue patches on the wing and breast. It is one of two broadbill species in Bwindi, the other being Grauer’s broadbill. Both are sought by birding visitors as Albertine Rift endemics, but the African green broadbill is generally considered the more spectacular due to its vivid colouration.

Conservation Status

The African green broadbill is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN but its restricted range means its conservation is entirely dependent on the survival of Albertine Rift montane forest. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the most important site for this species outside DRC.

Birding Tips

The African green broadbill is most reliably found by hiring a specialist birding guide at Bwindi who knows the species’ favourite territories. The bird is often frustratingly difficult to spot despite its colour, as it moves quietly through mid-canopy foliage. Listen for its call and watch for movement in the mid-canopy. The Ruhija sector of Bwindi is generally considered the most productive sector for this and other Albertine Rift endemics.

African Green Broadbill: Ruhija Sector Guide

Bwindi’s Ruhija sector, at approximately 2,300 metres, is the most productive location for African green broadbill in Uganda and one of the most accessible sites in its entire range. The species has known territories along several trail sections where local guides have regularly observed it. Early morning visits — starting at first light — maximise the time during which the broadbill is most active. Mixed-species bird flocks that include the red-faced woodland warbler, ruwenzori batis, and stripe-breasted tit often include green broadbills, so following these flocks patiently is an effective strategy. The brilliant emerald colour is unmistakable even briefly glimpsed in flight between branches.

African Green Broadbill: Why Bwindi Matters

The African green broadbill’s entire global range is confined to a narrow band of Albertine Rift montane forest, making Bwindi Impenetrable National Park one of the most important sites in the world for this species’ conservation. With a range of only a few hundred kilometres along the Albertine Rift and a specialised dependence on old-growth montane forest, the species is genuinely vulnerable to forest loss. The estimated global population is fewer than 10,000 individuals. Bwindi’s protected status — a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 — is critical for this and over 20 other Albertine Rift endemics. For birders who visit Bwindi primarily for gorillas but include a half-day guided bird walk, the green broadbill is among the most significant endemic species possible to see on a single outing.