General birding was excellent, with at least 175 species noted on one date alone (28th February) and 353 species were noted during the trip. Highlights of the trip included several of Ethiopia's endemic species such as Spot-breasted Plover, Rouget's Rail, Golden-backed (Abyssinian) Woodpecker, Abyssinian Catbird and White-backed Black Tit. As well as these species, everlasting memories of the trip include a Martial Eagle and a Verreaux's Eagle in the air side by side in the Bale Mountains, 2 Painted Snipe feeding in the evening light on the shore of Lake Awassa and a superb flock of 25 Great Black-headed Gulls at Lake Abiatta. Finally, cheers to Phil Misseldine and Steve Cooper who helped increase my knowledge of several species and races observed during the trip.
The following systematic list covers the species seen during the period 22nd February until 1st March. Please note that, when mentioned, the collective term "Rift Valley Lakes" is applied to the lakes of Chelechleka, Zwai, Awassa and Abiatta.
1) LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis. Widespread, seen in numbers at several areas of water. Max 500+ Lake Hora 1st March.
2) GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus. 1 Lake Hora 1st March.
3) AFRICAN GREAT WHITE PELICAN Pelecanus onocrotalus. Localized with birds (up to 30) seen at Lake Zwai, Lake Awassa and Lake Abiatta.
4) PINK-BACKED PELICAN Pelecanus rufescens. Localized, though more numerous than the previous species, with this species seen at Lake Zwai, Lake Awassa and Lake Abiatta.
5) GREAT (WHITE-BREASTED) CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo lucides. Common, with large numbers seen at most areas of extensive water.
6) LONG-TAILED CORMORANT Phalacrocorax africanus. Common, though possibly slightly less numerous than Great Cormorant, being found at waters throughout.
7) (AFRICAN) DARTER Anhinga rufa. Max 20 at Lake Zwai 24th Feb, with small numbers also present at Lake Awassa and Lake Zwai.
8) BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON Nycticorax nycticorax. 4+ Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
9) SQUACCO HERON Ardeola ralloides. Common, with birds seen at many localities in close vicinity to water.
10) CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis. Widespread, with birds frequenting both freshwater habitat and areas of cultivation, predominantly near cattle.
11) BLACK HERON Egretta ardesiaca. Widespread but uncommon with only single figure counts from Lake Zwai and Lake Awassa.
12) GREAT WHITE EGRET Egretta alba. Common by muddy water margins, with large numbers seen at Lake Chelechleka, Lake Zwai, Lake Awassa and Lake Abiatta with smaller numbers seen at smaller areas of water.
13) INTERMEDIATE EGRET Egretta intermedia. Uncommon, with low single figure counts from Lake Chelechleka, Lake Zwai and Lake Awassa.
14) LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta. Common, with medium to large numbers seen at Lake Chelechleka, Lake Zwai, Lake Awassa and Lake Abiatta.
15) GREY HERON Ardea cinerea. Small numbers seen at many of the lakes, with largest concentration being 20+ at Lake Abiatta on 1st March.
16) BLACK-HEADED HERON Ardea melanocephala. Widespread, with largest concentrations in the Rift Valley lakes, but birds also seen on isolated pools in the Bale mountains.
17) GOLIATH HERON Ardea goliath. Small numbers present at all Rift Valley lakes including Chelechleka, Zwai, Abiatta and Awassa.
18) PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea. 1 in flight over Lake Zwai 24th Feb.
19) HAMMERKOP Scopus umbretta. Common and widespread, being seen by open water as well as in forested areas (such as Wondo Guenet).
20) WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia. 25+ thermalling near Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb and 5 following a plough (with 15+ Abdim's Storks) on the road between Awassa and Shashemene on 28th Feb.
21) ABDIM'S STORK Ciconia abdimii. 7 on the arid area between Shashemene and Goba 26th Feb and 15+ following a plough between Awassa and Shashemene on 28th Feb.
22) WOOLLY-NECKED STORK Ciconia episcopus. 1 over the dirt road just east of Shashemene 28th Feb.
23) SADDLE-BILLED STORK Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis. 1 immature on the shore of Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
24) AFRICAN OPEN-BILLED STORK Anastomus lamelligerus. 2 at Lake Zwai 1st March.
25) MARABOU Leptoptilos crumeniferus. Very common, especially near water though birds often seen spiraling over areas of human habitation.
26) YELLOW-BILLED STORK Mycteria ibis. 4 at Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb and 25+ on the shore of Lake Abiatta on 1st March.
27) SACRED IBIS Threskiornis aethiopica. Common to very common, though seemingly absent from more mountainous areas.
28) WATTLED IBIS Bostrychia carunculata. Common, particularly in the Bale mountains. Birds seen mainly away from water in either grassland or forested areas with concentrations seen at Gafersa Reservoir, Wondo Guenet and especially on the road between Shashemene and Goba (particularly at the mountainous Goba end).
29) HADADA Bostrychia hagedash. Uncommon though widespread, with single figure counts at Gafersa Reservoir and double figures at Lake Awassa.
30) GLOSSY IBIS Plegadis falcinellus. Small flocks seen at most of the Rift Valley Lakes, with 40 at Lake Zwai on 24th Feb, with 3 birds also present on a marshy area of the Solulta Plains 23rd Feb.
31) AFRICAN SPOONBILL Platalea alba. 12 at Gafersa Reservoir on 22nd Feb and 15+ at Lake Chelechleka on 24th Feb.
32) GREATER FLAMINGO Phoenicopterus ruber. 4 at Lake Chelechleka on 24th Feb.
33) WHITE-FACED WHISTLING DUCK Dendrocygna viduata. Localized, with 50+ at Lake Zwai on 24th Feb being peak count, with birds also present at Lake Awassa.
34) BLUE-WINGED GOOSE Cyanochen cyanoptera. Localized but widespread, with this species favouring small areas of marsh adjacent to open water and notable by their absence in the Rift Valley lakes. 2 at Gafersa Reservoir 22nd Feb, 12+ on the Solulta Plains on 23rd Feb though largest numbers present on upland marshes in the Bale mountains (both on the Shashemene to Goba road and in the national park) 26th - 28th Feb.
35) EGYPTIAN GOOSE Alopochen aegyptiacus. Very common, seen in large numbers at many localities.
36) RUDDY SHELDUCK Tadorna ferruginea. 2 at Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb and 3 on summit pools in the Bale Mountains National Park 27th Feb.
37) SPUR-WINGED GOOSE Plectropterus gambensis. Locally common, seen at most Rift Valley Lakes with largest numbers being 200+ at Lake Chelechleka on 24th Feb.
38) KNOB-BILLED GOOSE (COMB DUCK) Sarkidiornis melanotus. 10+ at Lake Chelechleka on 24th Feb and 5 at Lake Awassa on 28th Feb.
39) AFRICAN PYGMY GOOSE Nettapus auritus. Small numbers present in reedy margins of Lake Zwai and Lake Awassa, with at least 15 present at the latter site on 1st March.
40) AFRICAN BLACK DUCK Anas sparsa. 4 at Gafersa Reservoir 22nd Feb and 1 on a small stream just outside Goba before the road goes uphill towards the National Park.
41) EURASIAN WIGEON Anas penelope. A pair at Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb and 1 female at Lake Zwai 24th Feb.
42) EURASIAN TEAL Anas crecca. 10+ at Gafersa Reservoir 22nd Feb.
43) YELLOW-BILLED DUCK Anas undulata. Common, with birds present in double figures at many sites including the Rift Valley Lakes as well as smaller areas of water on the Solulta Plains and the Bale Mountains.
44) NORTHERN PINTAIL Anas acuta. Localized, with small numbers present at Lake Awassa and Lake Zwai, though the largest concentration being 50+ at Lake Chelechleka on 24th Feb.
45) RED-BILLED TEAL Anas erythrorhynchus. 2 at Lake Zwai on 24th Feb and 2 at Lake Awassa on 28th Feb.
46) HOTTENTOT TEAL Anas hottentota. Relatively common in the Rift Valley with up to 30 seen at Lake Zwai and Lake Awassa.
47) GARGANEY Anas querquedula. Common to very common, with large numbers (100+) present at Lakes Chelechleka and Zwai on 24th Feb, with many also present at Lake Awassa on 28th Feb.
48) NORTHERN SHOVELER Anas clypeata. Common, with 100s present at Lake Chelechleka on 24th Feb and birds also present at Gafersa Reservoir and Lakes Zwai, Abiatta and Awassa.
49) AFRICAN POCHARD Netta erythrophthalma. A pair at Lake Zwai on 24th Feb and 1st March (presumably the same birds on both dates) and a female at Lake Awassa on 28th Feb.
50) TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula. 20+ Gafersa Reservoir on 22nd Feb and 10 at Lake Hora on 1st March.
51) MACCOA DUCK Oxyura maccoa. 2 (a pair) at Gafersa Reservoir on 22nd Feb.
52) WHITE-BACKED DUCK Thalassornis leuconotus. Only recorded at Lake Awassa, with 80 counted on 28th Feb.
53) BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE Elanus caeruleus. 2 on the Solulta Plains 23rd Feb.
54) AFRICAN SWALLOW-TAILED (SCISSOR-TAILED) KITE Chelictinia riocourii. 3 on the plains between Goba and Shashemene 28th Feb.
55) BLACK (YELLOW-BILLED) KITE Milvus migrans parasitus. Very common to abundant, particularly in towns. At least one individual of the northern migratory race Milvus m. migrans (Black Kite) noted.
56) AFRICAN FISH EAGLE Haliaeetus vocifer. Regularly seen, either in flight or perched in bare trees, adjacent to large areas of water such as the Rift Valley Lakes (Chelechleka, Zwai, Abiatta and Awassa).
57) EGYPTIAN VULTURE Neophron percnopterus. 2 adult-type birds on the Solulta Plains 23rd Feb and an immature over Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb.
58) LAMMERGEIER Gypaetus barbatus. 3+ birds, including an adult that showed exceptionally well on the ground, at Debre Libanos gorge on 23rd Feb and 2 in the Bale Mountains 27th Feb.
59) HOODED VULTURE Necrosyrtes monachus. Common, occasionally seen in gatherings of up to 20 birds (e.g. Wondo Guenet 25th Feb).
60) AFRICAN WHITE-BACKED VULTURE Gyps africanus. Relatively regularly seen, often with Hooded Vultures, though not as common as this species.
61) RUPPELL'S GRIFFON VULTURE Gyps ruppelli. Regular, often in the presence of White-backed Vultures, and small groups of up to 6 birds seen in the Bale Mountains 27th Feb.
62) SHORT-TOED SNAKE EAGLE Circaetus gallicus. 1 on roadside post near Awassa on 1st March.
63) BLACK-CHESTED SNAKE EAGLE Circaetus pectoralis. 1 over the forest above the monastery at Debre Libanos 23rd Feb.
64) BANDED SNAKE EAGLE Circaetus cinerascens. 1 adjacent to Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
65) AFRICAN HARRIER-HAWK (GYMNOGENE) Polyboroides typus. 2 on the plains near Shashemene 28th Feb, 1 near Lake Zwai 1st March.
66) EUROPEAN MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus. 1 (fem/imm) over Lake Awassa on 28th Feb.
67) PALLID HARRIER Circus macrourus. 1 (male) over the Solulta Plains 23rd Feb, 1 (ringtail) near Lake Zwai 24th Feb and 1 (ringtail) by the mountain pool on the Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb.
68) MONTAGU'S HARRIER Circus pygarus. 6+ on the plains between Shashemene and Goba 26th Feb, with 1+ seen there on 28th Feb.
69) DARK CHANTING GOSHAWK Melierax metabates. Regularly seen by the roadside, predominantly in areas of scattered vegetation or acacia scrub.
70) GABAR GOSHAWK Melierax gabar. 2 (1 pale morph, 1 dark morph) in acacia scrub north of Shashemene by the Addis road 24th Feb, 1 at Arsi Negele Ostrich Farm area 1st March.
71) GREAT SPARROWHAWK Accipter melanoleucus. 1 over Wondo Guenet 25th Feb and 1 by the stream near Goba 27th Feb.
72) AFRICAN LITTLE SPARROWHAWK Accipter minullus. 1 over Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
73) SHIKRA Accipter badius. 1 perched in a tree adjacent to Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
74) EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK Accipter nisus. 1 over the road between Goba and Shashemene 28th Feb.
75) COMMON (STEPPE) BUZZARD Buteo buteo vulpinus. Small numbers seen, predominately in mountainous/upland habitat.
76) AFRICAN MOUNTAIN BUZZARD Buteo oreophilus. 1 over the Shashemene-Goba road, adjacent to the small pond, in the Bale mountains near Goba 26th Feb.
77) AUGUR BUZZARD Buteo augur. Common, frequently seen by the roadside particularly in mountainous/upland areas.
78) GREATER SPOTTED EAGLE Aquila clanga. 1 (adult) by the Goba-Shashemene road on 28th Feb.
79) TAWNY EAGLE Aquila rapax. Fairly common, with up to double figures seen on several dates.
80) STEPPE EAGLE Aquila nipalensis. 2 seen with a few vultures and Tawny Eagles by the road between Zwai and Wondo Guenet 24th Feb, 1 Bale Mountains 27th Feb.
81) GOLDEN EAGLE Aquila chrysaetos. 1 (adult) over the Harenna Escarpment, Bale Mountains NP 27th Feb.
82) VERREAUX'S EAGLE Aquila verreauxii. 1 (adult) in the Bale Mountains accompanied in the air by a Martial Eagle, 27th Feb.
83) AFRICAN HAWK-EAGLE Hieraaetus fasciatus. 1 (imm) over Wondo Guenet on 25th Feb.
84) BOOTED EAGLE Hieraaetus penatus. 1 (pale morph) over the Shashemene-Goba road on 26th Feb.
85) LONG-CRESTED EAGLE Lophaetus occipitalis. 3 birds seen, all perched by the roadside, with 1 between Zwai and Wondo Guenet 24th Feb, 1 near Awassa 28th Feb and 1 again near Awassa 1st March.
86) MARTIAL EAGLE Polemaetus bellicosus. 1 in the Bale Mountains, just below the NP boundary, 27th Feb being accompanied by an adult Verreaux's Eagle.
87) AFRICAN PYGMY FALCON Polihierax semitorquatus. 1 by the roadside between the prominent river bridge (on the Addis road) and Wondo Guenet/Shashemene 24th Feb.
88) COMMON KESTREL Falco tinnunculus. Relatively widespread, with small numbers seen almost daily especially in the plain/steppe areas.
89) GREY KESTREL Falco ardosiaceus. 2, both perched prominently in bare trees, at Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
90) LANNER Falco biarmicus. 5+ Solulta Plains/Debre Libanos 23rd Feb, 2 by the small pool in the mountains by the Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb, 1 Bale Mountains 27th Feb.
91) CRESTED FRANCOLIN Francolinus sephaena. 4+ at Arsi Negele Ostrich Farm area on 1st March.
92) MOORLAND (GREY-WINGED) FRANCOLIN Francolinus psilolaemus. 7 on the Sanetti Plateau, Bale Mountains NP 27th Feb, 5+ by the Goba-Shashemene road (at the Goba end) 28th Feb.
93) CHESTNUT-NAPED FRANCOLIN Francolinus castaneicollis. 12 in the mountains adjacent to the Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb, 2 in the Bale Mountains 27th Feb and 6+ on the Goba-Shashemene road 28th Feb.
94) HELMETED GUINEAFOWL Numida meleagris. c.10 at Arsi Negele Ostrich Farm area 1st March.
95) COMMON CRANE Grus grus. 100's present in fields by Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb, 4 over road near Lake Hora 1st March.
96) BLACK CROWNED CRANE Balearica pavonina. 2 Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb.
97) ROUGET'S RAIL Rallus rougetii. Common in the Bale Mountains with 20+ seen by the Shashemene-Goba road (all within the last two hours to Goba, especially around the small upland pond on the left as you drive towards Goba) 26th Feb, 2 Bale Mountains NP 27th Feb and 6+ by the Goba-Shashemene road 28th Feb.
98) BLACK CRAKE Limnocorax flavirostra. 1 Lake Zwai 24th Feb, 4 Lake Awassa 28th Feb and 6 Lake Zwai 1st March.
99) COMMON MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus. Only noted at Lake Awassa, with 25+ seen on 28th Feb.
100) PURPLE GALLINULE Porphyrio porphyrio. 1 (adult) Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
101) ALLEN'S GALLINULE Porphyrio alleni. 1 (adult) Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
102) RED-KNOBBED COOT Fulica cristata. Common on open water, with large numbers present on the Rift Valley Lakes with smaller numbers on isolated pools in the Bale Mountains.
103) BLACK-BELLIED BUSTARD Eupodotis senegalensis. 1 (female) Arsi Negele Ostrich Farm area 1st March.
104) HARTLAUB'S BUSTARD Eupodotis hartlaubii. 1 (male) Arsi Negele Ostrich Farm area 1st March.
105) AFRICAN JACANA Actophilornis africanus. Relatively common by lake margins with 15+ Lake Zwai 24th Feb, 20+ Lake Awassa 28th Feb and 10+ Lake Zwai 1st March.
106) LESSER JACANA Gallinula chloropus. 1 Lake Zwai 24th Feb, 1 Lake Awassa 28th Feb and 1 Lake Zwai on 1st March.
107) PAINTED SNIPE Rostratula benghalensis. 2 Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
108) SPUR-WINGED PLOVER Vanellus spinosus. Common to very common, particularly on lake margins but also seen away from water in areas of cultivation.
109) BLACK-WINGED PLOVER Vanellus melanopterus. 15+ Solulta Plains 23rd Feb, 20+ on the plains by the Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb and 4 near Shashemene 28th Feb.
110) CROWNED PLOVER Vanellus coronatus. 2 by the road between Zwai and Wondo Guenet 24th Feb.
111) (SENEGAL) WATTLED PLOVER Vanellus senegallus. 2 by the road near Awassa on 1st March.
112) SPOT-BREASTED PLOVER Vanellus melanocephalus. 31 on the Solulta Plains 23rd Feb and 20+ by the upland pool on the Shashemene-Goba road (within 2 hours of Goba) 26th Feb with 9 there on 28th Feb.
113) RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula. Present in small numbers on the shores of Lake Zwai, Lake Awassa and Lake Abiatta.
114) LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius. 4 Lake Zwai 24th Feb and 3 Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
115) KITTLITZ'S PLOVER Charadrius pecuarius. 30+ Lake Zwai 24th Feb and 100's at Lake Abiatta on 1st March.
116) THREE-BANDED PLOVER Charadrius tricollaris 2 on small marshy area on the Solulta Plains 23rd Feb.
117) BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa. Relatively common with small numbers of this species present at most wetland habitats, especially the lakes in the Rift Valley.
118) GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia. Present in small numbers at Lakes Zwai, Abiatta, Awassa and Chelechleka as well as Gafersa Reservoir (with the next species being far more numerous).
119) MARSH SANDPIPER Tringa stagnatilis. Common, with several present at all Rift Valley Lakes and particularly numerous at Lake Abiatta 1st March.
120) WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola. Common to very common in the Rift Valley, with birds present in large numbers particularly at Lake Awassa 28th Feb. Birds also present in smaller areas of marsh such as the Solulta Plains and Gafersa Reservoir.
121) GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus. Uncommon, predominantly confined to smaller areas of water with peak being 5+ by the small upland pool on the Shashemene-Goba road on 26th Feb.
122) TEREK SANDPIPER Xenus cinereus. 1 Lake Awassa on 28th Feb.
123) COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos. Small numbers present at most sites, both small areas of water as well as the large Rift Valley Lakes.
124) COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago. Uncommon, with a peak of 12 at Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb but otherwise only 2-3 seen at Lakes Zwai and Awassa.
125) AFRICAN SNIPE Gallinago nigripennis. 1 Gafersa Reservoir 22nd Feb, 1 by the upland pool on the Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb, 1 on pool on Sanetti plateau, Bale Mountains NP 27th Feb and 1 Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
126) DUNLIN Calidris alpina. 2 Lake Zwai 24th Feb and 2 Lake Zwai 1st March.
127) CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea. 4 Lake Zwai 1st March.
128) LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta. Relatively large numbers present at Lakes Chelechleka, Zwai, Awassa and Abiatta.
129) TEMMINCK'S STINT Calidris temminckii. Small numbers present along the muddy margins of the Rift Valley Lakes, with 3 also present on Solulta Plains 23rd Feb.
130) RUFF Philomachus pugnax. Very common around all areas of water, with 60+ birds also present on Solulta Plains 23rd Feb.
131) BLACK-WINGED STILT Himantopus himantopus. 10 Gafersa Reservoir 22nd Feb, 50+ at Lakes Zwai and Chelechleka 24th Feb with 20+ at Lake Awassa 28th Feb and 50+ at Lake Abiatta 1st March.
132) AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta. 4 Gafersa Reservoir 22nd Feb, 20+ Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb and 15+ Lake Abiatta 1st March.
133) SENEGAL THICKNEE Burhinus senegalensis. 6 by the prominent river bridge (on the Addis road) between Zwai and Wondo Guenet 24th Feb and 2 Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
134) GREAT BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ichthyaetus. 25 (including 7 summer plumaged adults) Lake Abiatta 1st March.
135) BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus. 3 Lake Zwai 24th Feb and 5+ Lake Abiatta 1st March.
136) GREY-HEADED GULL Larus cirrocephalus. 4 Lake Zwai 24th Feb, 12+ Lake Abiatta 1st March and 1 Lake Zwai 1st March.
137) LESSER BLACK-BACKED (BALTIC) GULL Larus fuscus fuscus. 2 Lake Zwai 24th Feb and 12 Lake Abiatta 1st March.
138) WESTERN YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus micahellis. 1 (2nd-winter/2nd-summer) Lake Abiatta 1st March.
139) GULL-BILLED TERN Geochelidon nilotica. 1 at Lake Abiatta on 1st March.
140) CHESTNUT-BELLIED SANDGROUSE Pterocles exustus. 1000's over the main road (to Addis) north of Wondo Guenet early evening 24th Feb and 20+ over the road near Lake Hora 1st March.
141) WHITE-COLLARED PIGEON Columba albitorques. Relatively numerous, particularly in the more upland/mountainous areas with 50+ seen on road from Goba-Shashemene 28th Feb.
142) SPECKLED PIGEON Columba guinea. Common to very common, being noted in all habitats from towns to upland areas in the Bale Mountains.
143) OLIVE PIGEON Columba arquatrix. 1 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
144) DUSKY TURTLE (PINK-BREASTED) DOVE Streptopelia lugens. Fairly common, though by no means as numerous as Speckled Pigeon, with birds being seen in a variety of habitats with many present on the upland stretch of the Shashemene-Goba road on 26th Feb.
145) RED-EYED DOVE Streptopelia semitorquata. Small numbers seen on an almost daily basis, with this species appearing to prefer towns/areas of human habitation compared to Speckled and White-collared Pigeons and Dusky Turtle Dove.
146) AFRICAN MOURNING DOVE Streptopelia decipiens. Relatively common especially in areas of human habitation but absent in upland areas such as the Bale Mountains.
147) BARBARY (LAUGHING) DOVE Streptopelia senegalensis. Fairly common, particularly in areas of cultivation and scattered human settlement.
148) NAMAQUA DOVE Oena capensis. 6 Lake Chelechleka and Lake Zwai 24th Feb, 12+ Awassa 28th Feb and 10+ Awassa and Lake Zwai 1st March.
149) TAMBOURINE DOVE Turtur tympanistra. 4 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
150) BLUE-SPOTTED WOOD DOVE Turtur afer. 1 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
151) LEMON DOVE Aplopelia larvata. 1 in forest above Debre Libanos monastery 23rd Feb and 1 Wondo Guenet 25th and 26th Feb.
152) BRUCE'S GREEN PIGEON Treron waalia. 4+ Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
153) YELLOW-FRONTED PARROT Poicephalus flavifrons. 6 at Wondo Guenet 25th Feb and 1 there 26th Feb.
154) BLACK-WINGED LOVEBIRD Agapornis taranta. 6+ in acacia area by the road (to Addis) north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb, 8 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb, 10+ Lake Awassa 28th Feb and 1 Lake Awassa 1st March.
155) WHITE-CHEEKED TURACO Tauraco leucotis. Restricted to mature areas of vegetation, with 10+ at Wondo Guenet on 25th Feb. Birds also seen at Debre Libanos monastery and also in the wooded area downslope of the NP in the Bale Mountains.
156) WHITE-BELLIED GO-AWAY-BIRD Corythaixoides leucogaster. 1 Arsi Negele Ostrich Farm area 1st March.
157) BLUE-HEADED COUCAL Centropus monachus. 1 Lake Awassa 28th Feb and 1st March.
158) RED-CHESTED CUCKOO Cuculus solitarius. 1 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
159) DIDRIC CUCKOO Chrysococcyx caprius. 1 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
160) SPOTTED EAGLE OWL Bubo africanus cinerascens. 2 roosting in acacia scrub at Arsi Negele 1st March.
161) ALPINE SWIFT Apus melba. 1 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb and 10+ over Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb.
162) MOTTLED SWIFT Apus aequatorialis. 5 (with Alpine Swifts) over Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb with 5 again there on 28th Feb.
163) NYANZA SWIFT Apus niansae. Seen regularly in small numbers, with 50+ over the roadside gorge north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb being the peak number.
164) SPECKLED MOUSEBIRD Colius striatus. Frequently seen, especially in acacia scrub and vegetation near human habitation.
165) BLUE-NAPED MOUSEBIRD Urocolius macrourus. 5+ at Arsi Negele Ostrich Farm area on 1st March.
166) NARINA'S TROGON Apaloderma narina. 1 at Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
167) GIANT KINGFISHER Ceryle maxima. 1 on the stream just outside Goba (before the road climbs towards Bale Mountains NP) 27th Feb.
168) PIED KINGFISHER Ceryle rudis. Relatively common on the Rift Valley Lakes, with 15+ at Lake Awassa 28th Feb and birds also seen at Lakes Chelechleka, Zwai and Abiatta.
169) HALF-COLLARED KINGFISHER Alcedo semitorquata. 1 on the stream near the swimming pool at Wondo Guenet 26th Feb.
170) MALACHITE KINGFISHER Alcedo cristata. Relatively widespread, present at most water sites in small numbers - 2 seen at small rock pools near Debre Libanos 23rd Feb and a few present around the Rift Valley Lakes.
171) AFRICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER Ceyx picta. 1 by the prominent bridge on the Addis road north of Zwai 24th Feb.
172) WOODLAND KINGFISHER Halcyon senegalensis. Uncommon, with singles at Zwai 24th Feb and Wondo Guenet 25th Feb and 2 at Lake Awassa 28th Feb and 1st March.
173) BLUE-CHEEKED BEE-EATER Merops superciliosus. 3 at Lake Zwai 24th Feb.
174) NORTHERN CARMINE BEE-EATER Merops nubicus nubicus. Common on roadside wires on the Shashemene-Goba road with 40+ on 26th Feb and 50+ on 28th Feb, and also seen in numbers near Awassa on 28th Feb and 1st March.
175) LITTLE BEE-EATER Merops pusillus. 2 in acacia scrub north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb and 5+ at Arsi Negele area 1st March.
176) BLUE-BREASTED BEE-EATER Merops variegatus. Widespread, though only seen in small numbers, and seen on an almost daily basis.
177) ABYSSINIAN ROLLER Coracias abyssinica. Seen on roadside wires in plains/steppe areas with birds seen on the Solulta Plains, Shashemene-Goba road and near Awassa.
178) LILAC-BREASTED ROLLER Coracias caudata. 1 (presumably the same bird) seen on roadside wires near Awassa on 28th Feb and 1st March.
179) BROAD-BILLED ROLLER Eurystomus glaucurus. 2 at Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
180) HOOPOE Upupa epops. Seen regularly, albeit in small numbers, particularly in areas of scattered trees and cultivation.
181) BLACK-BILLED WOOD-HOOPOE Phoeniculus somaliensis. 4 in acacia scrub by the (Addis) road north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb and 1+ at Arsi Negele 1st March.
182) RED-BILLED HORNBILL Tockus erythrorhynchus. 2 in acacia scrub north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb and 3+ in the Arsi Negele area 1st March.
183) AFRICAN GREY HORNBILL Tockus nasutus. 1 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
184) VON DER DECKEN'S HORNBILL Tockus deckeni. 7+ Arsi Negele area 1st March.
185) HEMPRICH'S HORNBILL Tockus hemprichii. Widespread, with two's and three's seen in a variety of localities including Debre Libanos, Wondo Guenet and the Shashemene-Goba road.
186) SILVERY-CHEEKED HORNBILL Bycanistes brevis. 12+ Wondo Guenet 25th Feb, with smaller numbers also seen on the Shashemene-Goba road 26th and 28th Feb.
187) ABYSSINIAN GROUND HORNBILL Bucorvus abyssinicus. Seen almost daily in open areas, with small groups (of up to 5) noted on the Solulta Plains, north of Wondo Guenet and near Awassa.
188) DOUBLE-TOOTHED BARBET Lybius bidentatus. 3 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb and 1 Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
189) BLACK-BILLED BARBET Lybius guifsobalito. 2 by the prominent river bridge on the (Addis) road north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb.
190) BANDED BARBET Lybius undatus. Seen in small numbers, particularly in forested areas such as Wondo Guenet and above Debre Libanos monastery, with 6 at Debre Libanos on 23rd Feb being the highest count.
191) RED-FRONTED TINKERBIRD Pogoniulus pusillus. 1 Debre Libanos 23rd Feb and 1 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
192) YELLOW-FRONTED TINKERBIRD Pogoniulus chrysoconus. 2 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
193) EASTERN GREEN-BACKED HONEYGUIDE (HONEYBIRD) Prodotiscus zambesiae. 1 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
194) LESSER HONEYGUIDE Indicator minor. 1 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
195) EURASIAN WRYNECK Jynx torquilla. 1 Bale Mountains 27th Feb and 1 Lake Awassa 28th Feb and 1st March.
196) RED-BREASTED WRYNECK Jynx ruficollis. 1 Lake Awassa 28th Feb and 1st March.
197) NUBIAN WOODPECKER Campethera nubica.1 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb and 1 Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
198) GOLDEN-BACKED (ABYSSINIAN) WOODPECKER Dendropicos abyssinicus. 2 in the forest above the monastery at Debre Libanos 23rd Feb and 1 in the forest between Goba and the Bale Mountains NP 27th Feb.
199) CARDINAL WOODPECKER Dendropicos fuscescens. 2 Debre Libanos 23rd Feb, 1 in acacia scrub north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb and 1 Arsi Negele 1st March.
200) GREY WOODPECKER Mesopicos goertae. 1 Debre Libanos 23rd Feb, 6+ Wondo Guenet 25th Feb and 1 Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
201) BEARDED WOODPECKER Thripias namaquus. 1 Arsi Negele area 1st March.
202) RED-CAPPED LARK Calandrella cinerea. 1 Gafersa Reservoir 22nd Feb, 1 Solulta Plains 23rd Feb and 1 by the Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb.
203) CHESTNUT-BACKED SPARROW-LARK Eremopterix leucotis. 5 by Lake Chelechleka on 24th Feb.
204) THEKLA (SHORT-CRESTED) LARK Galerida malabarica. Only seen on the Solulta Plains and in the Bale Mountains/Shashemene-Goba road, proving relatively common at the latter site.
205) EURASIAN SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia. Small to sizeable flocks seen at several areas of water in the Rift Valley, though this species not as numerous as African Sand Martin.
206) AFRICAN SAND MARTIN Riparia paludicola. Common to very common, especially at Lake Awassa on 1st March and, to a lesser extent, other Rift Valley Lakes.
207) BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica. Widespread, with small numbers seen in all habitats including the Bale Mountains. Largest numbers observed at Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb.
208) WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW Hirundo smithii. 1 near the bridge on the (Addis) road north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb.
209) RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Hirundo daurica. 4+ around Debre Libanos gorge 23rd Feb.
210) LESSER STRIPED SWALLOW Hirundo abyssinica. 5+ around the river bridge on the (addis) road north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb and c.6 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
211) GREY-RUMPED SWALLOW Hirundo griseopyga. 2 Gafersa Reservoir 22nd Feb.
212) ROCK MARTIN Ptyonoprogne fuligula. Present in small to medium numbers near rocky outcrops, in particular Debre Libanos gorge, the roadside gorge north of Wondo Guenet and Wondo Guenet itself.
213) HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbica. 1 at Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb and 1 Bale Mountains 27th Feb.
214) BLACK SAW-WING Psalidoprocne pristoptera. 4 at Debre Libanos gorge 23rd Feb, 10+ Wondo Guenet 25th Feb and 2 Wondo Guenet 26th Feb.
215) YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava. Common and widespread, with birds predominantly of the "Blue-headed" race flava, with lesser numbers of "Sykes's" beema. In addition, a "yellow-headed" bird (either flavissima or lutea) was present at Gafersa Reservoir on 22nd Feb.
216) BLACK-HEADED WAGTAIL Motacilla feldegg. Widespread and seen on most days, with this species having a strong preference for areas near water/marsh compared to the more gregarious Yellow Wagtail.
217) GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea. Common in small numbers, especially near streams in the Bale Mountains and Debre Libanos.
218) MOUNTAIN WAGTAIL Motacilla clara. 1+ Debre Libanos 23rd Feb, 6 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb and 1 Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb.
219) WHITE WAGTAIL Motacilla alba. Present in moderate numbers, but not as common as Yellow Wagtail, with many birds present at the Rift Valley Lakes.
220) GRASSLAND (RICHARD'S) PIPIT Anthus (novaeseelandiae) cinnamomeus. Common, seen mainly in areas of cultivation though also in areas adjacent to water.
221) PLAIN-BACKED PIPIT Anthus leucophrys. 1 Debre Libanos gorge 23rd Feb.
222) TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis. 3 by the Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb.
223) RED-THROATED PIPIT Anthus cervinus. Common to very common, seen almost every day with birds present on the Solulta Plains, Bale Mountains and Rift Valley Lakes.
224) ABYSSINIAN LONGCLAW Macronyx flavicollis. 2 Gafersa Reservoir 22nd Feb, 1 Solulta Plains 23rd Feb and 2 by the Shashemene-Goba road (near the upland pool) 26th Feb.
225) GREY CUCKOO-SHRIKE Coracina caesia. 2 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
226) RED-SHOULDERED CUCKOO-SHRIKE Campephaga phoenica. 2 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb and 1 Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
227) COMMON BULBUL Pycnonotus barbatus. Common, seen throughout with both "yellow-vented" and "white-vented" birds present, often alongside each other.
228) WHITE-CROWNED (WHITE-RUMPED) (HELMET) SHRIKE Eurocephalus rueppelli. 2 in acacia scrub north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb and 5 at Arsi Negele 1st March.
229) WHITE HELMETSHRIKE Prionops plumata. 4 in acacia scrub north of Wondo Guenet on 24th Feb.
230) BRUBRU Nilaus afer. 1 in acacia scrub by the (Addis) road north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb.
231) NORTHERN PUFF-BACK Dryoscopus gambensis. 1 Debre Libanos 23rd Feb, 1 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb and 1 Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
232) TROPICAL BOUBOU Laniarius ferruginous. Seen in small numbers at several forested sites including Debre Libanos, Wondo Guenet and Lake Awassa.
233) SLATE-COLOURED BOUBOU Laniarius funebris. 1 Arsi Negele area 1st March.
234) ISABELLINE (DAURIAN) SHRIKE Lanius isabellinus isabellinus. 1 Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb, 1 by the river bridge north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb and 1 Lake Zwai 1st March.
235) GREY-BACKED FISCAL Lanius excubitorius. Seen in small numbers by the roadside, with a 4+ seen north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb and 3+ on the Shashemene-Goba road/Lake Awassa area 28th Feb and 1st March.
236) FISCAL Lanius collaris. Common, frequently seen by the roadside especially in arid/open areas such as the Solulta Plains and the Shashemene-Goba road.
237) WOODCHAT SHRIKE Lanius senator. 1 by the road near Zwai 24th Feb and 1 near Awassa 1st March.
238) MASKED (NUBIAN) SHRIKE Lanius nubicus. 1 (the same bird) in hotel gardens near Lake Zwai 24th Feb and 1st March.
239) STONECHAT Saxicola torquata. Both "African race" axillaris and the "Ethiopian race" albofasciata noted in small numbers, with the latter race appearing to be restricted to higher altitude areas such as the upper echelons of the Shashemene-Goba road and the Bale Mountains.
240) NORTHERN WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe. 1 Solulta Plains 23rd Feb, 2 Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb and 1 Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb.
241) PIED WHEATEAR Oenanthe pleschanka. Common, with low double figures seen most days particularly in open areas and areas of cultivation.
242) ISABELLINE WHEATEAR Oenanthe isabellina. Seen in small numbers, particularly in open areas such as the Solulta Plains and Shashemene-Goba road but not as numerous as Pied Wheatear.
243) SCHALOW'S (MOURNING) WHEATEAR Oenanthe (lugens) schalowi. 2 by the roadside gorge north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb.
244) RED-BREASTED WHEATEAR Oenanthe bottae. Common on the Solulta Plains and the Bale Mountains though absent elsewhere (except 1+ at Gafersa Reservoir on 22nd Feb).
245) HILL (ALPINE) CHAT Cercomela sordida. Common to very common in the Bale Mountains, with smaller numbers noted on the Solulta Plains, Gafersa Reservoir and the Shashemene-Goba road.
246) WHITE-WINGED CLIFF CHAT Myrmecocichla semirufa. 1 (female) on the Solulta Plains 23rd Feb and 2+ near Debre Libanos gorge 23rd Feb.
247) RUPPELL'S BLACK CHAT Myrmecocichla melaena. 10+ in the Debre Libanos gorge area on 23rd Feb.
248) ROCK THRUSH Monticola saxatilis. 1 near Wondo Guenet 26th Feb.
249) BLUE ROCK THRUSH Monticola solitaria. 2 Debre Libanos gorge 23rd Feb.
250) LITTLE ROCK THRUSH Monticola rufocinerea. 1 above Debre Libanos monastery 23rd Feb and 1 in hotel gardens near Shashemene 28th Feb.
251) REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus samamiscus. 1 (male) Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb.
252) RUPPELL'S ROBIN-CHAT Cossypha semirufa. Seen in small numbers in forested/scrub areas such as Debre Libanos, Wondo Guenet and the Bale Mountains.
253) WHITE-BROWED ROBIN-CHAT Cossypha heuglini. 1 Arsi Negele area 1st March.
254) AFRICAN THRUSH Turdus pelios. 1 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb and 1 Lake Awassa 28th Feb and 1st March.
255) OLIVE THRUSH Turdus olivaceus. Common, seen on a daily basis in all variety of habitats.
256) GROUNDSCRAPER THRUSH Psophocichla litsitsirupa. Relatively common, with birds seen in open areas such as the Solulta Plains, Shashemene-Goba road and Gafersa Reservoir.
257) ABYSSINIAN GROUND THRUSH Zoothera piaggiae. 1 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb, 1 Bale Mountains 26th and 27th Feb.
258) ABYSSINIAN CATBIRD Parophasma galinieri. 1 near the headquarters in the Bale Mountains 26th Feb and c.4 in the forest below the Bale Mountains NP 27th Feb.
259) AFRICAN HILL-BABBLER Illadopsis abyssinica. 3 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
260) WHITE-RUMPED BABBLER Turdoides leucopygius. c.10 Debre Libanos 23rd Feb, 5+ Wondo Guenet 25th Feb and 5+ Arsi Negele area 1st March.
261) RUFOUS CHATTERER Turdoides rubiginosus. 2 Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
262) CINNAMON BRACKEN WARBLER Bradypterus cinnamomeus. 1 by the stream near Goba (just before the road goes uphill towards the NP) 27th Feb.
263) SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. 1 Lake Awassa 28th Feb and 1st March.
264) REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus fuscus(?) 1 Lake Awassa 1st March.
265) LESSER SWAMP WARBLER Acrocephalus gracilirostris. 2 Lake Awassa 28th Feb and 1 Lake Awassa 1st March.
266) EASTERN OLIVACEOUS WARBLER Hippolais (pallida) elaecia. Very small numbers seen, with birds noted at Gafersa Reservoir, near Lake Zwai and Lake Awassa.
267) BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla. 3+ Wondo Guenet 25th Feb and 2 Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
268) LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca. 2 Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
269) WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus. A few noted, but completely outnumbered by Chiffchaff, with birds seen near Lake Zwai and Lake Awassa.
270) CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita. Common in all habitats and seen on a daily basis.
271) BROWN WOODLAND WARBLER Phylloscopus umbrovirens. Small numbers noted at forested sites with 3 Debre Libanos 23rd Feb and 3+ Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
272) RATTLING CISTICOLA Cisticola chiniana. 1 Lake Awassa 28th Feb and 1st March.
273) WINDING CISTICOLA Cisticola galactotes. 2 Solulta Plains 23rd Feb and c.5 on the Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb.
274) STOUT CISTICOLA Cisticola robusta. 3 on the Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb and 1 there on 28th Feb.
275) TAWNY-FLANKED PRINIA Prinia subflava. Seen in small numbers, with birds noted at Debre Libanos, Shashemene-Goba road, Bale Mountains and Lake Awassa.
276) BUFF-BELLIED WARBLER Phyllolais pulchella. 2 Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
277) GREY-BACKED CAMAROPTERA Camaroptera brevicaudata. Common, albeit in small numbers, with birds seen skulking low in vegetation on an almost daily basis.
278) YELLOW-BELLIED EREMOMELA Eremomela icteropygialis. 2 Arsi Negele area 1st March.
279) BROWN PARISOMA Parisoma lugens. 1 Bale Mountains (just below the NP boundary) on 27th Feb.
280) RED-FACED CROMBEC Sylvietta whytii. 1 north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb, 1+ Lake Awassa 28th Feb and 2+ Arsi Negele area 1st March.
281) SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata. 1 Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
282) GAMBAGA DUSKY FLYCATCHER Muscicapa gambagae. 1 by the headquarters in the Bale Mountains 26th Feb.
283) DUSKY FLYCATCHER Muscicapa adusta. Common, with small numbers seen in acacia scrub and wooded areas on an almost daily basis.
284) ABYSSINIAN SLATY FLYCATCHER Melaenornis chocolatina. Fairly common, particularly in wooded areas, with c.8 at Debre Libanos 23rd Feb and 6+ Wondo Guenet being the highest concentrations.
285) NORTHERN BLACK FLYCATCHER Melaenornis edolioides. 3 Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
286) GREY FLYCATCHER Bradornis microrhynchus. 1 in acacia scrub north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb.
287) BLACK-HEADED BATIS Batis minor. Seen in small numbers, particularly in open woodland and acacia scrub in areas such as Wondo Guenet and Lake Awassa.
288) BANDED WATTLE-EYE Platysteira cyanea. 1 Debre Libanos 23rd Feb, 4+ Wondo Guenet 25th Feb and 1 Bale Mountains 27th Feb.
289) AFRICAN PARADISE FLYCATCHER Terpsiphone viridis. Common, with birds seen on a daily basis except for in the Bale Mountains.
290) NORTHERN BLACK TIT Parus leucomelas. 1 in acacia scrub by the (Addis) road north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb.
291) WHITE-BACKED BLACK TIT Parus leuconotus. 2 in forested area below the Bale Mountains NP 27th Feb.
292) MOUSE-COLOURED PENDULINE TIT Remiz musculus. 3 in Arsi Negele area 1st March.
293) SCARLET-CHESTED SUNBIRD Nectarinia senegalensis. 1 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb and 1 Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
294) VARIABLE SUNBIRD Nectarinia venusta. Small numbers seen, with birds present at Debre Libanos, Wondo Guenet and Lake Awassa.
295) MARIQUA SUNBIRD Nectarinia mariquensis. 1 near Zwai 24th Feb.
296) TACAZZE SUNBIRD Nectarinia tacazze. The commonest Sunbird, being noted on an almost daily basis with especially large numbers (12+) being noted in the Bale Mountains forest on 27th Feb.
297) BEAUTIFUL SUNBIRD Nectarinia pulchella. A couple present in the hotel gardens near Zwai 24th Feb and 1st March, with birds also noted at Lake Awassa.
298) MALACHITE SUNBIRD Nectarinia famosa. 1 in forest area in the Bale Mountains 27th Feb.
299) MONTANE (GREEN) WHITE-EYE Zosterops poliogastra. Common, particularly in areas of acacia scrub and forest with many seen in areas such as Debre Libanos and Wondo Guenet.
300) ORTOLAN BUNTING Emberiza hortulana. 5 Gafersa Reservoir 22nd Feb, 5+ Solulta Plains 23rd Feb and 2 Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb.
301) YELLOW-RUMPED SEEDEATER Serinus atrogularis. 2 near Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb.
302) YELLOW-CROWNED CANARY Serinus canicollis. 3+ near Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb and 2 in the forested area of the Bale Mountains 27th Feb.
303) AFRICAN CITRIL Serinus citrinelloides. Common, though relatively localized, with birds mainly seen in forest/scrub with 40+ Wondo Guenet 25th Feb being largest number.
304) BLACK-HEADED SISKIN Serinus nigriceps. Common, particularly in the Bale Mountains, with 20+ Gafersa Reservoir 22nd Feb, 60+ and 50+ in the Bale Mountains 26th and 27th Feb respectively and 100+ Shashemene-Goba road 28th Feb being largest numbers.
305) STREAKY SEEDEATER Serinus striolatus. Common, noted on a daily basis though in smaller numbers than Brown-rumped Seedeater.
306) BROWN-RUMPED SEEDEATER Serinus tristriatus. Common to very common, with birds noted in small flocks frequently in a variety of habitats.
307) PIN-TAILED WHYDAH Vidua macroura. 6+ near Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb.
308) EASTERN PARADISE WHYDAH Vidua paradisaea. 3 by the Shashemene-Goba road on 28th Feb.
309) VILLAGE INDIGOBIRD Vidua chalybeata. 1 on outskirts of Addis Ababa 23rd Feb.
310) YELLOW-BELLIED WAXBILL Estrilda melanotis. 8+ by the Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb and 5+ Bale Mountains forest area 27th Feb.
311) COMMON WAXBILL Estrilda astrild. 20+ Lake Awassa 28th Feb, with 5+ there the next day.
312) BLACK-CHEEKED WAXBILL Estrilda erythronotos. 1 Arsi Negele area 1st March.
313) RED-CHEEKED CORDON-BLEU Uraeginthus bengalus. Relatively widespread, with small numbers seen around human habitation and vegetation in many areas including Debre Libanos, near Zwai and Lake Awassa.
314) RED-BILLED FIREFINCH Lagonosticta senegala. Small numbers seen, predominantly in urban areas with scattered vegetation - such as hotel gardens near Zwai and Shashemene.
315) BLACK-AND-WHITE MANNIKIN Lonchura bicolor. 6+ Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
316) BRONZE MANNIKIN Lonchura cucullata. 4 Lake Awassa 28th Feb.
317) GROSBEAK WEAVER Amblyospiza albifrons. 2 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
318) BAGLAFECHT WEAVER Ploceus baglafecht. Relatively common, with small numbers seen almost daily in acacia scrub and areas of cultivation.
319) LITTLE WEAVER Ploceus luteolus. 2 Arsi Negele Ostrich Farm area 1st March.
320) CHESTNUT WEAVER Ploceus rubiginosus. 2 near Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb.
321) RUPPELL'S WEAVER Ploceus galbula. 12+ near Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb.
322) LESSER MASKED WEAVER Ploceus intermedius. 2 near Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb.
323) VITELLINE MASKED WEAVER Ploceus velatus. 4 near Lake Chelechleka 24th Feb.
324) SPEKE'S WEAVER Ploceus spekei. 1+ Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
325) BLACK-HEADED (VILLAGE) WEAVER Ploceus cucullatus. 6+ by the (Addis) road north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb.
326) SPECTACLED WEAVER Ploceus ocularis. 3 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb and 5 Arsi Negele area 1st March.
327) RED-HEADED WEAVER Anaplectes rubriceps. 2 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
328) RED-BILLED QUELEA Quelea quelea. When present, often in large numbers with relatively large numbers seen on the Solulta Plains, near Lake Chelechleka, Lake Zwai and Lake Awassa.
329) YELLOW BISHOP Euplectes capensis. 4 near Gafersa Reservoir 22nd Feb and, elsewhere, common in the Bale Mountains 26th - 28th Feb particularly along the Shashemene-Goba road.
330) NORTHERN RED BISHOP Euplectes franciscanus. 3 Lake Awassa 1st March.
331) RED-BILLED BUFFALO-WEAVER Bubalornis niger. 1 by the (Addis) road north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb and 1 Arsi Negele area 1st March.
332) WHITE-HEADED BUFFALO-WEAVER Dinemellia dinemelli. 1 by the (Addis) road north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb.
333) WHITE-BROWED SPARROW-WEAVER Plocepasser mahali. 2+ north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb and c.5 Arsi Negele area 1st March.
334) GREY-HEADED SPARROW Passer griseus. Relatively common and widespread, with birds seen in open cultivation on most dates.
335) SWAINSON'S SPARROW Passer swainsonii. 3 in trees by the Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb.
336) CHESTNUT SPARROW Passer eminibey. 1 by the prominent road bridge on the (Addis) road near Zwai.
337) RED-WINGED STARLING Onychognathus morio. 2 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb and 3 on the Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb.
338) WHITE-BILLED STARLING Onychognathus albirostris. 9+ Debre Libanos gorge 23rd Feb.
339) BLUE-EARED GLOSSY STARLING Lamprotornis chalybaeus. Common, seen on most dates in numbers particularly near human habitation.
340) (RUPPELL'S) LONG-TAILED GLOSSY STARLING Lamprotornis purpuropterus. Relatively common, with small flocks encountered in the Wondo Guenet area and larger numbers near Lake Awassa 28th Feb and 1st March.
341) SHARPE'S STARLING Cinnyricinchus sharpii. 2 Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
342) SUPERB STARLING Spreo superbus. 3 by the roadside north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb, 4+ near Awassa/Goba-Shashemene road 28th Feb and 2 near Awassa 1st March.
343) WATTLED STARLING Creatophora cinerea. Frequently seen in scattered vegetation and acacia scrub in areas such as Lake Awassa and Arsi Negele.
344) RED-BILLED OXPECKER Buphagus erythrorhynchus. One's and two's noted most days, though 4 present on cattle adjacent to the Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb.
345) BLACK-HEADED ORIOLE Oriolus larvata. 1 in acacia scrub adjacent to the (Addis) road north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb.
346) BLACK-HEADED FOREST ORIOLE Oriolus monacha. 6+ Debre Libanos 23rd Feb and 15+ Wondo Guenet 25th Feb.
347) FORK-TAILED DRONGO Dicrurus adsimilis. 3 Zwai/north of Wondo Guenet 24th Feb, 1 Lake Awassa 28th Feb and 3 Arsi Negele 1st March.
348) RED-BILLED CHOUGH Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax. 3 in the mountains at the Goba end of the Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb.
349) PIED CROW Corvus albus. Common, with birds noted in all habitats on every date though relatively scarce in the Bale Mountains.
350) BROWN-NECKED RAVEN Corvus ruficollis. 2 over the Shashemene-Goba road 26th Feb and 1 over the hotel near Goba 27th Feb.
351) CAPE ROOK Corvus capensis. Seen regularly by the roadside, particularly in arid areas on the Solulta Plains and Shashemene-Goba road.
352) FAN-TAILED RAVEN Corvus rhipiduris. Locally common, particularly Debre Libanos gorge with 15+ on 23rd Feb, with birds also seen at Wondo Guenet and Lake Awassa.
353) THICK-BILLED RAVEN Corvus crassirostris. Seen on most dates in small numbers, with sightings most prevalent in the Wondo Guenet and Lake Awassa areas.