Zambia may be famous for its big cats, wild dogs, and unspoiled wilderness, but for birders, it is equally captivating. More than 700 bird species have been recorded across the country’s varied ecosystems, and in the Lower Zambezi alone, over 400 of them can be found. Here, where woodland, floodplains and riverine habitats meet, birding takes on a new dimension. Whether you’re drifting quietly by boat along the Zambezi or scanning the treeline from a game vehicle, the region offers unrivalled access to both resident and migratory species. Below are some stand-out birds to keep an eye out for during your trip.
Seasonal Highlights
From August to November, the riverbanks come alive as Southern Carmine Bee-eaters arrive from central Africa. Dressed in vivid crimson, they tunnel into the soft riverbanks to nest, taking advantage of vertical cliffs exposed by the dry season. Their fast-paced comings and goings create one of the Lower Zambezi’s most mesmerising spectacles. Other Bee-eater species that are seen all year-round include white-fronted and little bee-eaters.
African Pitta
Come November, the elusive African Pitta returns to the miombo woodlands and can be seen until May. Known among birders as the “Holy Grail,” its vibrant plumage and rich call make every sighting an event to remember.
Year-Round Residents & Special Finds
Southern Ground Hornbill: Endangered and charismatic, these ground-dwelling birds move in small family groups. Their deep, resonant calls often reveal their presence before you see them. The region is also home to Trumpeter, Crowned, African Grey, Red-billed, and Yellow-billed Hornbills.
*Seen year-round
Collared Palm Thrush & Livingstone’s Flycatcher: Both thrive in riverine bush and palm thickets, rewarding patient birders with distinctive calls and fleeting glimpses.
*Seen from November to May.
Black-Throated Wattle-Eye: Small, restless, and striking, this undergrowth specialist is a treat for sharp-eyed observers.
*Seen year-round
Red-Throated Twinspot: Shy yet colourful, this finch is often seen during the Green Season (November to May) in areas of dense cover.
African Hoopoe: Easily recognised by its cinnamon plumage, black-and-white wings, and distinctive crest, the African Hoopoe is often seen probing the ground for insects or flashing its striking wing pattern in flight. Its soft, repetitive call carries across open areas, adding a familiar soundtrack to morning drives.
*Seen year-round
Storks and Spoonbills: The Lower Zambezi’s waterways attract large waders such as the elegant Yellow-billed Stork, sweeping its vivid bill side-to-side in search of fish. In contrast, the Marabou Stork, with its bald head and imposing wingspan, is an opportunistic scavenger, often sharing carcasses with vultures or patrolling riverbanks for scraps. Alongside them, the African Spoonbill’s distinctive spatula-shaped bill makes it a striking sight as it sweeps through shallows for aquatic invertebrates.
*Seen year-round
Kingfishers: Tiny, jewel-like Malachite skim the water’s edge; Pied hover in the air, then spear straight down. The heavyweight Giant waits from a perch before a forceful dive. In the thickets, Brown-hooded hunts insects more than fish, while the Woodland arrives with the rains, its bright call echoeing through the valley.
*Most species seen year-round; Woodland Kingfisher: November to April.
Raptors on the Wing
Hooded and White-backed Vultures: The sharp-eyed hooded is often first on the scene, darting in to feed, while the powerful white-backed circles high above, its broad wings catching thermals as it scans for the next meal.
Gymnogene (African Harrier-Hawk): With its double-jointed legs, unmatched in nest-raiding skill.
Martial Eagle: Powerful and imposing, capable of hunting small antelope.
Bateleur Eagle: Its plumage and beak colour shifting dramatically with age.
Brown Snake Eagle: A solitary hunter specialising in reptiles.
African Fish Eagle: Zambia’s national bird, its call echoing across the river.
*All seen year-round.
Herons
Black Heron: This small, dark heron uses a unique hunting method known as “canopy feeding,” creating shade with its wings like an umbrella to lure fish into striking range.
Goliath Heron: The world’s largest heron, often seen fishing patiently along the river’s edge.
Grey Heron: Widespread and graceful, stalking prey in shallow waters with deliberate precision.
Rufous-bellied Heron: A shy wetland specialist, blending seamlessly into reedbeds and marshes.
After Dark
Birding doesn’t end with sunset. Evening drives can reveal the duet of the African Scops Owl, the deep hoot of Pel’s Fishing Owl, and the silhouette of the Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl. Even the diminutive Pearl-spotted Owlet may surprise you in daylight, perched quietly in the branches.
*All seen year-round; Pel’s Fishing Owl more often sighted from November to May.
Colour in Motion
Beyond the headline species are flashes of colour that are sure to brighten a drive, especially so for photographers: Lilac-breasted Rollers, Lilian’s Lovebirds, Southern Red Bishops, Blue Waxbills, Purple-crested Turacos and Violet-backed Starlings, to name a few.
Southern Red Bishop in breeding plumage: November to April. Others seen year-round.
When to visit for Birding
While the Lower Zambezi offers rewarding birding all season long, certain months bring unique sightings. For sheer variety, visit between November and April, when summer rains draw in migratory species such as the African Pitta, Woodland Kingfisher, and Southern Red Bishop in breeding plumage. August to November is unmissable for the arrival of the Southern Carmine Bee-Eaters, with their riverbank colonies creating one of the valley’s most vibrant displays. If your focus is on raptors, owls, and year-round residents mentioned above, July to October offers exceptional visibility with clear skies perfect for photography.
