Johannes Vermehren, Berlin, Germany

Introduction

This was not a birdwatching trip but I spent as much time in the field as possible. During February I attended an exchange program at Accra University, Ghana. I was based at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, from where I made some weekend birding-trips to destinations in the vicinity.

After completing the course, my sister (a non-birdwatcher) and I went on a four-week journey covering much of Ghana and some of Burkina Faso and Mali, including remote Timbuktu.

The aim of the trip was to fully enjoy and experience the rich diversity of West-Central Africa: The rugged yet still beautiful countryside, its famous cultural heritage (e.g. the mosque at Djenné, Mali) and of course the people. There was only little time for birdwatching, mostly due to the tight schedule.

Since we travelled by public transport, only easily accessible birding sites were visited and hardly any roadside birding could be done. Therefore many birds were missed, often only seen as a fading silhouette out of a cracked car window. Power birding, more money and a hired car would have definitely produced a better trip list but nevertheless I saw far more species than I had expected (a total of 349) including a good number of lifers. All in all I am very happy with the outcome.

There are many reasons why Ghana is only gradually becoming a birdwatching destination: A serious field guide that covers the region has only very recently been published. Flying into Ghana takes longer and is far more expensive than to similar destinations like popular The Gambia, where besides no visa is needed. Having said this, I predict that Ghana will very soon become a more popular place to visit. And this is why: 1) Ghana is an English speaking and very safe country with a stable democracy; 2) Ghana is very cheap by European standards; 3) Surrounding countries, where similar bird species occur, are either currently no-go areas such as Ivory Coast or much less accessible, e.g. Togo and Burkina Faso; 4) Ghana boasts a list of more than 740 species which surpasses those of all of its neighbouring countries. There are no endemics but a good selection of Upper Guinea Forest endemics can be encountered, including Brown-cheeked Hornbill and Sharpe’s Apalis; 5) Last but not least, the people are exceptionally friendly and helpful. The only drawback: Birds are still considered to be more convenient in a cooking pot than as a money source for ecotourism.

Organized birding tours are frequently offering visits to Ghana and this is probably how you will be able to amass the biggest trip list since they have their own transport and know some good sites which I for instance never found. This was however no option for me anyway for it would have been way above my budget. Mali is not known as a birding destination either, probably because neighbouring and more accessible Senegal offers a similar list.

When I was preparing my trip, there was hardly any information on the web, so it soon became clear I had to find my own birds, an unusual but welcome challenge. During the trip I met only two other birders, two Englishmen working for Birdlife International. Of the many park rangers I met, only one was really interested in birds!

Birding in Ghana and Mali – general information

Literature

“Birds of Western Africa” by Nick Borrow and Ron Demey is the one and only guide you need. It is simply excellent, although some of the plates are not satisfying. The descriptions are however very good and the range maps surprisingly precise. The main drawback of the book is its weight; carrying it on my back throughout the trip really gave me some backache. Good news for all those who haven’t bought the book: There will soon be a paperback handbook-version on the market. Look out for it; it will definitely be worth its price, even if you have the big one already.

D. Moyer has published an interesting article on Birdwatching in Ghana in the ABC bulletin, vol. 3, no. 2, available through the club’s webpage.

By far the best pre-travel purchase was Claude Chappuis’ “African Bird Sounds” which covers most of the birds to be seen in Ghana. A fantastic collection of bird sounds, definitely worth its somewhat steep price!

Nigel Wheatley’s “Where to watch birds in Africa” was neither useful for Ghana nor Mali since only very basic information is provided.

As a travel guide I had the well established Lonely Planet “Western Africa”, which is okay. If you visit Ghana only I would recommend the Bradt Guide “Ghana”, which gives you far more information than the Lonely Planet guide could possibly do.

There are currently no useful websites on birding in Ghana. You may still want to check out the latest trip reports on www.eurobirding.com. The African Bird Club website provides checklists and useful addresses: www.africanbirdclub.org.

I would also like to recommend two good books which have nothing to do with ornithology: “The Shadow of the Sun” by polish author Ryszard Kapuscinski gives a deep and emphatic insight into african life and politics of the recent past. “The Innocent Anthropologist” by Nigel Barley is an incredibly funny description of the author’s own experiences as an ethnologist in Cameroon. It’s not about Ghana but describes situations and habits that could well enough be Ghanaian!

Birdwatching equipment

A good scope is very important. Even while birding the rainforest, it is absolutely essential to have one, especially on the Kakum National Park canopy walkway. Knowing this, you should definitely take the smallest scope and the lightest tripod you have, since it is REALLY hot and humid down there and every additional kilogram will make you sweat more than you can possibly imagine!

My equipment included a portable CD-player (“Discman”) as well as a small and cheap, battery-run loudspeaker which was very useful in attracting elusive forest species.

For night visits of the canopy walkway at Kakum, you should bring a powerful flashlight.

Climate, Clothing & Health

Southern Ghana has a tropical equatorial climate, which means that it is hot and humid throughout the year. There are frequent rains even during the dry season, making the countryside look always lush and green. Northern Ghana on the contrary is less humid but even hotter and very dry. Daytime temperatures soar up to 35° C and higher but nights give more relief than in the south. During the dry season much of the country is covered by the dusts of the harmattan wind, making birding somewhat difficult due to the poor visibility.

Mali is covered by arid savanna scrub in the south and desert in the north making it a typical Sahel country.

Light and strong clothing should be taken. There was no need for a sweater in Ghana but it was absolutely essential for chilly mornings in Mali.

You may consider taking light rainwear for Ghana since there are frequent tropical downpours to be expected. Take good, waterproof walking boots, as the rainforest is often wet and muddy.

Insect repellent containing DEET is essential as well as a good mosquito-net if you don’t stay at hotels which have air-conditioning. Malaria is a serious threat in Ghana and prophylaxis should be taken, e.g. Lariam. Ghana, Burkina and Mali all require yellow fever vaccination certificates. Immunisation against hepatitis, polio and typhoid is also recommended.

Visas, Money & Flight

All European nationals require visas which can be obtained at embassies throughout the region. Note, they are usually not being issued at land borders between the countries and should be best obtained in your home country. I bought a Ghana multiple entry visa for 60€ at the Ghana embassy in Berlin, a multiple entry visa for Burkina at the Burkina embassy, Berlin for 16€ as well as a 35€ single entry visa for Mali, again in Berlin.

I took only cash and no traveller cheques, which is definitely risky as theft is not unknown in this part of the world. If you prefer taking cheques, take American Express cheques only since you will have serious difficulties changing other brands. Visa credit cards are widely accepted in Ghana, as well as major towns in Mali but hardly anywhere in Burkina.

The currency in Ghana is the Ghanaian Cedi, which stood at around 11.000 per Euro at the time of visit. Ghana is very cheap by European standards. You may be able to charter a taxi for as little as 40€ a day, though you need to bargain hard. Accommodation and food is not very costly either but don’t expect European standards away from the beach resorts.

Burkina and Mali are part of the West African currency union and have the CFA franc which is pegged to the euro at a rate of CFA656/1€. This makes it a stable but expensive currency. Note: In many places you can only change Euros and no other currency! Both countries are far more expensive than Ghana and only little cheaper than Europe. You will hardly be able to hire a cheap car for the day and if you prefer not to sleep on rooftops under the stars, accommodation will make up a lot of your budget too.

I took a Lufthansa flight from Berlin via Frankfurt and Lagos to Accra and back. It cost me around 800€. There are sometimes cheaper, direct flights from London and Amsterdam with BA and KLM. Ghana airways offer the cheapest tickets, the airline however has a reputation for being unreliable and not very safe.

Public transport

In Ghana there is a very sufficient bus network run by the state owned STC Company. Unfortunately you will have difficulties reaching some of the more remote birding sites. Bush taxis (tro-tros) cover even more ground but they are not very safe. I took them anyway since there was often no alternative. In Mali, Bush taxis (taxi brousse) are often the only means of transport available, and here the cars looked even worse but they were still fun to sit in and gave us a real African experience.

It is of course possible to rent your own car. All you need is an international driving permit and lots of money. Note: Ghana is not a very big country but since much of the road network is in very poor condition you will always have to expect to spend more time on the road than you can possibly imagine. The trip from Accra up to Mole may easily take two days, and even the “short” ride between Accra and Kakum National Park may take up to 4 hours due to heavy traffic jam on the outskirts of the capital. We were permanently forced to reschedule our plans due to such circumstances. But that’s Africa, isn’t it?

Major birding sites visited (in chronological order)

Ghana

Aburi Botanical Gardens

These gardens, originally built by the British, lie in a green, hilly area, roughly 35 km north of Accra. The gardens seem to be a shadow of their former self but they are still worth a short visit. It’s not a spectacular birding site either yet a surprise or two may always show up.

Lagoon near Accra

There are several lagoons worth checking between Accra and Tema to the east. The lagoon I visited was close to the International Trade Fair Centre on the eastern outskirts of Accra, close to the shoreline and not far from the posh Labadi Beach Hotel. There was only a small variety of waders present and the site was full of plastic waste and smelled terribly.

Wli falls (Eastern Region)

The Wli waterfall is a major tourist attraction close to the Togolese border. The site is well known for thousands of Straw-coloured Fruit-bats, hanging from cliffs nearby. Unfortunately the noise of the falls makes birdwatching rather difficult here. I still managed to get a glimpse of some birds including Tambourine Dove and a flock of Black-and-white Flycatchers. This site also hosts a variety of colourful butterflies.

How to get there: Take any bus from Accra to Ho and then on to Hohoe. From here take a taxi to Wli.

Kakum National Park

This is one if not the major tourist attraction in Ghana. Situated some 35 km north of Cape Coast, the park is famous for Africa’s only canopy walkway which provides good birdwatching opportunities. It is also one of only two easily accessible national parks in the country that offer facilities supporting ecotourism.

The park protects one of the last remaining virgin rainforest patches in Ghana and is a must for every birdwatcher. It is here where you will have the best chance to see most of the true rainforest species, such as hornbills, barbets and greenbuls.

Unfortunately, once the noisy crowd is up on the walkway, you will have difficulties finding any birds at all. What you need to do is prearrange early, predawn visits with the park rangers and you will have the walkway for yourself. Once you are there, proceed to platform 3 which is the best vantage point. Platform 5 is also good. Although it is important to come early, bird activity may only come to full swing after 9 a.m.

The entry fee is roughly 10 US$ and half this price for students. A guide is mandatory on the walkway and you need to pay extra for every additional hour. Since there is only one park ranger who is really interested in birds, you should try to arrange trips only with him. His name is Robert and you can ask for him at the reception desk. Make clear you are a birdwatcher which is an unusual sight there! Robert is quite familiar with many of the bird calls and very good company. I was very lucky having him accompany me for a couple of times. I warmly recommend him to anybody whishing to visit the park.

If you are at Kakum NP, there are more sites to be visited than just the walkway. Antwikaa and Kruwa are both very rewarding, though you need a guide and a car to visit either of them. I only managed to visit Antwikaa but together with Robert I had a memorable morning there. Antwikaa is situated some 20 min drive to the north of the walkway. It is an area of mixed secondary and tertiary forest growth and supports fantastic birdwatching opportunities. It also produced the bird of my trip: Black Bee-eater, the most beautiful bird I have ever seen!

Time and money permitting, you could possibly stay at Kakum for more than a week and still see new birds every single day! It is a truly wonderful birdwatching site!

How to get there: Tro-tros leave Cape Coast for the park throughout the day. They are mostly full once they get to Hans Botel and you may have difficulties getting a ride from there. Taking a drop-off taxi from Hans Botel is more expensive than one from Cape Coast which is much further away. The best thing to do is staying at Cape Coast and arranging an early taxi to drop you off at the park (it cost me around 40.000 Cedis, though you need to bargain hard!) It is fairly easy to get an empty tro-tro back to Cape Coast.

Hans Cottage Botel

It’s a nice hotel that is situated well signposted halfway between Cape Coast and Kakum and makes a good base for visiting the park. They have a garden restaurant overlooking a crocodile pond, where many species of herons, kingfishers and weavers are frequently seen. The surrounding area is also well worth exploring. The cheapest room was roughly 15 US$ for two.

Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary

This site, situated some 16 km northwest of Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region, makes a fine day out if you are staying at Kumasi. It is a Ramsar site that protects a man made reservoir and its surrounding forest patches. The sanctuary lies off the main Kumasi-Sunyani road close to a village called Akropong. This village can be reached by bush taxi from Kumasi. Once you get off, just ask for the reserve which lies only a few hundred meters ahead.

Unfortunately, when I visited, no park ranger was present and the security staff wouldn’t let me explore the area by myself. I was only able to scan the reservoir where I found my only Giant Kingfisher and a flock of African Pygmy Geese.

Bobiri Forest Reserve

The Bobiri Forest lies 35 km east of Kumasi on the main road to Accra and is well signposted. The reserve protects some nice and very beautiful rainforest habitat and is also known for its impressive variety of stunningly beautiful butterflies. There is a visitor’s centre where you pay your entrance fee (10.000 Cedis). Since the guides don’t seem to care about birds too much, it would be wise to go birding on your own, which you are allowed to do. It is best to bird the main access path past the visitor’s centre which will soon lead you to some open clearings. I visited this site two mornings in a row but it is well worth to consider staying at the simple guesthouse overnight and bird the area more thoroughly.

How to get there: In order to be at the park early in the morning you need to get up VERY early. I took a tro-tro out of Kumasi to Ejisu where I chartered a taxi to take me directly to the park headquarters. This option is cheaper than taking a taxi all the way from Kumasi and it saves you a lot of time since there is no transport from the main road down to the reserve itself, which is another 4 km dirt track.

Mole National Park

Situated in the far north of Ghana, this park hosts a totally different range of bird species than those seen in the south. The park contains mainly guinea savanna woodland and therefore has a similar variety of bird species to other countries of the sahel region. Those who have visited The Gambia or Senegal before will find many species they already know.

The park also hosts a variety of mammals, most notably elephants, which you will most likely see at the water holes surrounding the park hotel. Mole motel is the only place to stay, if you really want to spend most of the day birding in the park. This is also where you pay your entrance fee (5 US$) and where you arrange your guided tours on foot, which are much cheaper than at Kakum. If you are a lucky owner of a 4WD, you should try to cover more of the park and therefore get to see more species. Pel’s Fishing Owl is a major goal here which I was unable to find, since the site was apparently too far without a car. The premises of the hotel are also well worth exploring. When I visited, the unbearable heat made birdwatching no fun and I probably failed to see some species only because I didn’t want to leave the pool!

How to get there: The base for exploring the north is Tamale, a dusty and incredibly hot transport hub. A daily OSA bus runs from here, leaving around 2 p.m., and arriving at the park motel at around 8 p.m. Unfortunately the bus is often out of service and you might need to look out for alternatives. 

Shai Hills Resource Reserve

This reserve is well described in the Bradt guide but not mentioned in the Lonely Planet. Its entrance is situated on the right hand side of the well paved Tema-Akosombo road, some 50 km north-east of Accra and it can not be missed if you drive slowly. The area is mainly covered by savanna grass- and woodland interspersed with rocky hills.

I took a walk into the reserve, which was not very rewarding. The rocky outcrops of the hills are known to host Mocking Cliff Chat but I was unable to locate any of them. Probably a car would have been good to get deeper into the park, where more rocks and possibly chats are found. None of the guides had ever heard of the bird! But none of them knew anything about birds anyway. My only Spot-nosed Monkeys of the trip cheered me up a little.

How to get there: From Accra take a tro-tro to Ashaiman and then on to the north, ask to be dropped off at the park. 

Burkina Faso/Mali border

Crossing the Burkina/Mali border in a Bush Taxi was a real adventure and turned out to be a day’s trip what would have been a 3 hour drive. We had one of several brake downs in the no-man’s-land which enabled me to explore the surrounding arid scrub savanna and to catch up with some birdwatching.

Mali

Niger River

Mopti is a town in central Mali, situated on the southern bank of the Niger River. Here my sister and I boarded a large pinasse transporteur (wooden cargo ship, loaded with sacks of rice, millet and flour) which took us down the river to Timbuktu. The trip, not the usual tourist thing to do (they usually have their own chartered boats), was very adventurous indeed. Sleeping on the cargo load under the stars, chatting with local people, visiting remote villages along the river banks was an african experience not to be missed. I spent most of the days scanning the river banks, looking for good birds but none of the much-hoped for species such as Rock and Grey Pratincoles were seen. The river was very shallow, allowing us only to proceed at very slow pace and therefore making the trip a five-day journey instead of three.

Timbuktu

I birded the surrounding desert scrubs during two subsequent morning visits and saw many birds not noted elsewhere including several Palaearctic migrants.

Species list

Taxonomy, sequence and names follow J. Clements’ “Birds of the World”, 5th edition

Abbreviations:   

PODICIPEDIFORMES: Podicipedidae

001. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Zwergtaucher 
7.2.04: 4 seen at L

PELECANIFORMES: Phalacrocoracidae

002. Long-tailed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus Riedscharbe 
common along watercourses and lakes

PELECANIFORMES: Anhingidae

003. Darter Anhinga melanogaster Afrikan. Schlangenhalsvogel
10.-13.3.04: only a few were seen along N

CICONIIFORMES: Ardeidae

004. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Graureiher
common in suitable habitat, most were seen along N 

005. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Purpurreiher 
27.2.04: a few were seen at O
10.-13.3.04: some noted along N

006. Great White Egret Ardea alba Silberreiher 
most individuals were seen along N

007. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia Mittelreiher 
10.-13.3.3.04: only noted along N

008. Western Reef-Heron Egretta gularis Küstenreiher
common in suitable habitat

009. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Seidenreiher 
many seen along N, some in other wetland areas

010. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides Rallenreiher
several along N
21.3.04: 2 were seen at M

011. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Kuhreiher 
very common throughout

012. Striated Heron Butorides striata Mangrovereiher
7.2.03: a few at L
22.2.04: 2 at Hans Botel
several along N

013. Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Nachtreiher 
13.3.04: a huge colony of more than 100 birds on the north bank of N

CICONIIFORMES: Scopidae

014. Hamerkop Scopus umbretta Hammerkopf 
6.3.04: 1 briefly seen flying overhead in Burkina Faso

21./22.3.04: some were seen around the pools at M

CICONIIFORMES: Ciconiidae

015. Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus Wollhalsstorch 
22.3.04: 1 at M

016. Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis Sattelstorch 
22.3.04: 1 adult + 1 juv. at M

CICONIIFORMES: Threskiornithidae
017. Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash Hagedasch 
only noted at Mole where fairly common

ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae

018. White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata Witwenpfeifgans 
27.2.04: 15 at O
21./22.3.04: 5-6 at M

019. Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis Sporengans
large flocks flying over N on several dates
21.3.04: 3 at M

020. African Pygmy-goose Nettapus auritus Rotbrust-Zwerggans 
27.2.04: a flock of 6 at O

FALCONIFORMES: Pandionidae

021. Osprey Pandion haliaetus Fischadler 
12.3.04: 1 on a rock in N

FALCONIFORMES: Accipitridae

022. African Cuckoo-Hawk Aviceda cuculoides Kuckucksweih 
28.2.04: 1 pair at B

023. Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus Gleitaar 
seen at several locations but nowhere common

024. Black Kite Milvus migrans  
very common throughout the region

025. African Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer Schreiseeadler 
12.3.04: 1 was noted along N

026. Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis Palmgeier 
quite common in southern Ghana
22.3.04: a pair at M

027. Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus Kappengeier
one of the commonest birds in Ghana

028. White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus Weißrückengeier 
21./22.3.04: 3-4 were seen soaring over M

029. Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus Schlangenadler 
15.2.04: 1 at AK
29.2.04: 1 at B

030. Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus Gaukler 
21.2.04: 1 at M
22.2.04: 2 at M

031. Western Marsh-Harrier Circus aeruginosus Rohrweihe 
quite common along N

032. African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus Höhlenweihe 
rarely seen in southern and central Ghana

033. Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus Kehlstreifbussard 
fairly common throughout

034. Dark Chanting-Goshawk Melierax metabates Graubürzel-Singhabicht 
10.-13.3.3.04: only two were noted along N

035. Shikra Accipiter badius Schikra
common throughout, a pair was nesting in the vicinity of Korle Bu Hospital 

036. Grasshopper Buzzard Butastur rufipennis Heuschreckenteesa 
several noted in northern Ghana

037. Red-necked Buzzard Buteo auguralis Salvadori-Bussard 
6.3.04: 2 were briefly seen north of Kumasi, Ghana
21./22.3.04: 1 was seen on both days at M

038. Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax Raubadler 
21./22.3.04: 2 at M

039. Wahlberg's Eagle Aquila wahlbergi Wahlberg-Adler 
some seen around K and in the north

040. Cassin's Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus africanus Schwarzachseladler 
21.2.04: 1 ad. at K

FALCONIFORMES: Falconidae

041. Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Turmfalke 
22.2.04: 2 at Hans Botel
several in Mali

042. Grey Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus Graufalke 
27./28.2.04: 2-3 around Kumasi
several seen in Burkina and Mali

044. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Wanderfalke 
21.3.04: 1 at M

GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae

045. Latham's Forest Francolin Francolinus lathami Waldfrankolin 
2.4.04: 2-3 calling at dusk at Kakum

046. Ahanta Francolin Francolinus ahantensis Ahantafrankolin 
2.4.04: 4-5 calling at dusk at Kakum
3.4.04: 1-2 at A, heard only

047. Double-spurred Francolin Francolinus bicalcaratus Doppelspornfrankolin 
common at M and S

048. Stone Partridge Ptilopachus petrosus Felsenrebhuhn 
small groups noted at M and S

GALLIFORMES: Numididae

049. Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris Helmperlhuhn 
very common at M

GRUIFORMES: Rallidae

050. White-spotted Flufftail Sarothrura pulchra Perlenralle 
3.4.04: 1 heard at A

051. Nkulengu Rail Himantornis haematopus Rotfußralle 
2.4.04: at least 3 were heard at K

052. Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostris Mohrenralle 
common in suitable habitat

053. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Teichhuhn 
7.2.04: 2 at L
10.-13.3.04: several noted along N

CHARADRIIFORMES: Jacanidae

054. African Jacana Actophilornis africanus Blaustirn-Blatthühnchen 
seen in various wetlands, most were seen at O and along N

CHARADRIIFORMES: Rostratulidae

055. Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis Goldschnepfe 
11.3.04: 2 were at a pond in M

CHARADRIIFORMES: Recurvirostridae

056. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Stelzenläufer 
common in suitable habitat, hundreds along N

CHARADRIIFORMES: Burhinidae

057. Senegal Thick-knee Burhinus senegalensis Senegaltriel 
10.-13.3.04: noted in small groups along N on all dates

058. Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis Kaptriel 
14.3.04: 1 was a surprising find near T

CHARADRIIFORMES: Glareolidae

059. Egyptian Plover Pluvianus aegyptius Krokodilwächter 
10.-13.3.04: very common along N, one of the commonest birds there!

060. Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola Rotflügel-Brachschwalbe 
13.3.04: a group of 10-15 greeted us at the port of T

CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae

061. Spur-winged Plover Vanellus spinosus Spornkiebitz 
common in wet habitat

062. Black-headed Lapwing Vanellus tectus Schwarzschopfkiebitz 
10.-13.3.04: up to 20 birds were seen along N

063. Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus Senegalkiebitz 
7.2.04: 2 at L
10.-13.3.04: occasionally noted along N
21./22.3.04: several at M

064. Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola Kiebitzregenpfeifer 
some were seen at Korle Bu Lagoon, Accra throughout my stay there

065. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Sandregenpfeifer 
common along N and up to 15 at Korle Bu Lagoon, Accra

066. Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius Hirtenregenpfeifer 
10.-13.3.04: small groups of up to 10 birds were seen along N

CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae

067. Great Snipe Gallinago media Doppelschnepfe
12.3.04: one was positively identified along N

068. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Bekassine-gallinago 
11.-12.3.04: seen in large numbers along N

069. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Uferschnepfe 
very common along N, seen in triple figures
a few were also seen at Korle Bu Lagoon, Accra

070. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Regenbrachvogel 
7.2.04: 2 at L
1-2 were present at Korle Bu Lagoon, Accra
10.-13.3.04: some noted along N

071. Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Dunkelwasserläufer 
10.-13.3.04: seen in small numbers along N, most in the Lac Debo area

072. Common Redshank Tringa totanus Rotschenkel 
10.-13.3.04: only a few noted on the banks of the Niger River

073. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Teichwasserläufer 
7.2.04: 2 at L
10.-13.3.04: several along N

074. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Grünschenkel 
10.-13.3.04: common along N

075. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Waldwasserläufer 
7.2.04: 1 was seen at L

076. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Bruchwasserläufer 
10.-13.3.04: very common along N, hundreds were seen

077. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Flußuferläufer 
10.-13.3.04: common along N, seen in double figures

078. Sanderling Calidris alba Sanderling 
5-6 at Korle Bu Lagoon, Accra

079. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Sichelstrandläufer 
10.-13.3.04: seen in good numbers along N

080. Dunlin Calidris alpina Alpenstrandläufer 
some seen at Korle Bu Lagoon, Accra

081. Ruff Philomachus pugnax Kampfläufer 
10.-13.3.04: approximately 10 000-20 000 were seen along N, probably even more

CHARADRIIFORMES: Laridae

082. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Heringsmöwe 
12.3.04: 1 was sitting on a rock in the N

CHARADRIIFORMES: Sternidae

083. Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica Lachseeschwalbe 
10.-13.3.04: very common along N, hundreds were seen!

084. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Raubseeschwalbe 
10.-13.3.04: common along N

085. Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis Brandseeschwalbe 
several seen from various coastal spots in Ghana

086. Royal Tern Sterna maxima Königsseeschwalbe 
several off Atlantic coast

087. Common Tern Sterna hirundo Flußseeschwalbe 
10.-13.3.04: common along N

088. Little Tern Sterna albifrons Zwergseeschwalbe 
12./13.3.04: tens were seen along N

089. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus Weißbart-Seeschwalbe 
10.-13.3.04: 500+ along N, the commonest of the Chlidonias species

090. White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus Weißflügel-Seeschwalbe 
10.-13.3.04: common along N, <500 were counted

091. Black Tern Chlidonias niger Trauerseeschwalbe 
10.-13.3.04: only in small numbers along N

PTEROCLIFORMES: Pteroclidae

092. Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus BraunbauchFlughuhn 
10.-13.3.04: several seen flying over at dawn

COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae

093. Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea Guineataube 
only seen in Burkina and Mali where fairly common

094. Afep Pigeon Columba unicincta Kongotaube 
29.2.04: 1 at B

095. African Collared-Dove Streptopelia roseogrisea Lachtaube 
only positively identified in Timbuktu, where very common

096. Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata Halbmondtaube 
not very often seen, more common in northern Ghana, probably overlooked

097. Vinaceous Dove Streptopelia vinacea Röteltaube 
very common in northern Ghana, Burkina and Mali

098. Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis Palmtaube 
common throughout, but less common in the north where Vinaceous Dove is the commonest

099. Black-billed Wood-Dove Turtur abyssinicus Erzflecktaube 
several noted around Kakum National Park and in the north

100. Blue-spotted Wood-Dove Turtur afer Stahlflecktaube 
more common in the south where noted at various locations

101. Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria Tambourintaube 
14.2.04: 2 at W
many were heard calling at A, B and K, several were also seen.

102. Namaqua Dove Oena capensis Kaptäubchen 
common at M, Burkina Faso and Mali
7.3.04: very vommon at B/M

103. African Green-Pigeon Treron calva Rotnasen-Grüntaube 
a few birds were seen at Kakum on all visits

PSITTACIFORMES: Psittacidae

104. Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri Halsbandsittich 
11.3.04: a large flock of 30+ birds were seen flying over the Niger River

105. Grey Parrot Psittacus erithacus Graupapagei 
seen in flocks of up to 8 birds on all visits to K and A

106. Red-fronted Parrot Poicephalus gulielmi Kongopapagei 
22.2.04: 10+ at K
2.4.04: 5 at K

107. Senegal Parrot Poicephalus senegalus Mohrenkopf 
7.3.04: a flock of about 10 birds at B/M
21./22.3.04: several at M
28.3.04: 3-4 at S

CUCULIFORMES: Musophagidae

108. Yellow-billed Turaco Tauraco macrorhynchus Blaurückenturako 
22.2.04: 3 at K
2.4.04: 1 at K

109. Violet Turaco Musophaga violacea Schildturako 
seen at many places in northern Ghana and Burkina Faso
28.3.04: 2 at S

110. Western Plantain-eater Crinifer piscator Schwarzschwanz-Lärmvogel 
very common throughout

CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae

111. Levaillant's Cuckoo Clamator levaillantii Kapkuckuck 
3.4.04: 1 at A

112. Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus Schwarzkuckuck 
2.4.04: 1 at K

113. Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas Klaas-Kuckuck 
21.3.04: 1 at M

114. African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus Smaragdkuckuck 
3.4.04: 2 at A

115. Dideric Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius Goldkuckuck 
seen regularly in southern Ghana

116. Yellowbill Ceuthmochares aereus Erzkuckuck 
common at K and B

117. Black-throated Coucal Centropus leucogaster Weißbauchkuckuck 
29.2.04: 2 at B

118. Blue-headed Coucal Centropus monachus Mönchskuckuck 
1.4.04: 1 at Cape Coast, Ghana

119. Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis Spornkuckuck 
common throughout

STRIGIFORMES: Tytonidae

120. Barn Owl Tyto alba Schleiereule 
20.3.04: one flying across the road close to Mole

STRIGIFORMES: Strigidae

121. Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Sumpfohreule
12.3.04: 1 flying over the Niger River was a welcome surprise

CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae

122. Brown Nightjar Caprimulgus binotatus Bootschwanz-Nachtschwalbe 
2.4.04: 1 seen and another heard at K

123. Long-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus climacurus Schleppennachtschwalbe 
1.4.04: 2 near Buthre, coastal Ghana

APODIFORMES: Apodidae

124. Black Spinetail Telacanthura melanopygia Ituri Segler 
21.2.04: 2 at K
2.4.04: 2 at K

125. Sabine's Spinetail Rhaphidura sabini Sumpfsegler 
22.2.04: 7 at K
2.4.04: 5+ at K

126. African Palm-Swift Cypsiurus parvus Palmensegler 
very common throughout, absent in the Mali desert

127. Common Swift Apus apus Mauersegler 
seen in southern Ghana on various dates

128. Pallid Swift Apus pallidus Fahlsegler 
seen throughout the region

129. Little Swift Apus affinis Haussegler 
the commonest swift

CORACIIFORMES: Alcedinidae

130. Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata Haubenzwergfischer 
seen at most wetland areas including lakes at M and S

131. African Pygmy-Kingfisher Ispidina picta Natal Zwergfischer 
21.3.04: 2 were at M

132. Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala Graukopfliest 
21./22.3.04: 3-4 were present at M

133. Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis Senegalliest 
fairly common in open forest habitat; most were seen sitting on roadside wires

134. Blue-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon malimbica Zügelliest 
3.4.04: 2 at A

135. Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima Riesenfischer 
27.2.04: 1 at O

136. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Graufischer 
common at rivers, lakes and lagoons; very common along N

CORACIIFORMES: Meropidae

137. Black Bee-eater Merops gularis Purpurspint 
3.4.04: 3 at A, bird of the trip!

138. Red-throated Bee-eater Merops bulocki Grünstirnspint 
some seen along N and at M

139. Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus Zwergspint 
21.2.04: 1 at Hans Cottage Botel, Ghana

140. White-throated Bee-eater Merops albicollis Weißkehlspint 
21./22.3.04: up to 10 at M

141. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus Blauwangenspint 
7.3.04: 1 at B/M

142. Rosy Bee-eater Merops malimbicus Rosenspint 
21.2.04: 4 at K
29.3.04: 4-5 at S

143. Northern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicus Scharlachspint 
10.-13.3.04: several seen along N

CORACIIFORMES: Coraciidae

144. Abyssinian Roller Coracias abyssinica Senegalracke 
common in northern Ghana, Burkina and southern Mali

145. Blue-bellied Roller Coracias cyanogaster Opalracke 
29.3.04: 4 at S

146. Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus Zimtroller 
1 was present during my stay at Korle Bu, Accra

147. Blue-throated Roller Eurystomus gularis Blaukehlroller 
28.2.04: 3 at B
29.2.04: at least 6 were seen at B
3.4.04: 2 at A

CORACIIFORMES: Upupidae

148. Hoopoe Upupa epops Wiedehopf 
15.3.04: 1 was seen south of T

CORACIIFORMES: Phoeniculidae

149. Green Woodhoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus Baumhopf 
not uncommon in southern Ghana

150. Forest Woodhoopoe Phoeniculus castaneiceps Waldhopf
29.2.04: 1 at B

151. Black Scimitar-bill Rhinopomastus aterrimus Mohrensichelhopf 
21./22.3.04: 4-5 seen at M

CORACIIFORMES: Bucerotidae

152. White-crested Hornbill Tockus albocristatus Weißschopf-Hornvogel 
22.2.04: 2 at K
3.4.04: 4 at A

153. Black Dwarf Hornbill Tockus hartlaubi Hartlaub-Toko 
29.2.04: 2 were a welcome surprise at B

154. Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill Tockus camurus Zwergtoko 
29.2.04: 1 at B

155. Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus Rotschnabeltoko 
seen in Burkina Faso and southern Mali; most were seen on roadside trees and shrubs

156. African Pied Hornbill Tockus fasciatus Elstertoko 
the commonest hornbill species in southern Ghana, absent in the far north

157. African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus Grautoko 
seen throughout Ghana, less common than Pied Hornbill

158. Piping Hornbill Ceratogymna fistulator Schreihornvogel 
3.4.04: 8+ at A

159. Brown-cheeked Hornbill Ceratogymna cylindricus Babalihornvogel
2.4.04: 6 were seen flying over the canopy walkway at K

PICIFORMES: Capitonidae

160. Naked-faced Barbet Gymnobucco calvus Glatzenbartvogel 
very common at Kakum and Bobiri Forest

161. Bristle-nosed Barbet Gymnobucco peli Borstenbartvogel 
21./22.2.04: seen only on these two visits to K

162. Speckled Tinkerbird Pogoniulus scolopaceus Schuppenbartvogel 
8.2.04: several birds were noted at AB, subsequently seen at many other places; this species seems to be one of the commonest barbets in Ghana

163. Red-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus atroflavus Rotbürzel-Bartvogel 
seen and heard on all visits to K

164. Yellow-throated Tinkerbird Pogoniulus subsulphureus Gelbkehl-Bartvogel 
seen and well identified at K

165. Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus Goldbürzel-Bartvogel 
several seen at K and B

166. Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus Gelbstirn-Bartvogel 
seen at various locations including K and M

167. Yellow-spotted Barbet Buccanodon duchaillui Gelbfleck-Bartvogel 
21./22.2.04: 2-3 were seen at K

168. Hairy-breasted Barbet Tricholaema hirsuta Fleckenbartvogel 
quite common at Kakum

169. Vieillot's Barbet Lybius vieilloti Blutbrust-Bartvogel 
29.3.04: 2 at S

170. Double-toothed Barbet Lybius bidentatus Doppelzahn-Bartvogel 
only noted in the vicinity of Accra, probably overheard elsewhere

171. Bearded Barbet Lybius dubius Senegalfurchenschnabel 
21./22.03.04: 4-5 were seen at M

172. Yellow-billed Barbet Trachyphonus purpuratus Gelbschnabel-Bartvogel 
3.4.04: 1 perched on a dead tree at A

PICIFORMES: Indicatoridae

173. Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator Schwarzkehl-Honiganzeiger 
21.3.04: 2 at M

174. Cassin's Honeyguide Prodotiscus insignis Liliputhoniganzeiger 
29.2.04: 1 at B

PICIFORMES: Picidae

175. Buff-spotted Woodpecker Campethera nivosa Termitenspecht 
21.2.04: 2 at K

176. Brown-eared Woodpecker Campethera caroli Braunohrspecht 
22.2.04: 1 at K

177. Fire-bellied Woodpecker Dendropicos pyrrhogaster Rotbauchspecht 
3.4.04: 2 at A

PASSERIFORMES: Eurylaimidae

178. Rufous-sided Broadbill Smithornis rufolateralis Kappenbreitrachen 
22.2.04: 1 heard at K

PASSERIFORMES: Alaudidae

179. Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix leucotis Weißwangenlerche 
very common in Burkina Faso and Mali, most were seen at B/M

180. Crested Lark Galerida cristata Haubenlerche 
10.-13.3.04: several seen along N

PASSERIFORMES: Hirundinidae

181. Bank Swallow Riparia riparia Uferschwalbe 
common along N

182. Grey-rumped Swallow Hirundo griseopyga Graubürzelschwalbe 
10.-13.03.04: several birds noted along N

183. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Rauchschwalbe 
hundreds along the N, fewer were seen in Ghana

184. Red-chested Swallow Hirundo lucida Singschwalbe 
noted at various locations but nowhere common

185. Ethiopian Swallow Hirundo aethiopica Fahlkehlschwalbe 
1.4.04: only noted at Cape Coast where several individuals were seen

186. Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii Rotkappenschwalbe 
noted several times in large mixed swallow flocks

187. Lesser Striped-Swallow Hirundo abyssinica Maidschwalbe 
only noted in Ghana where quite common

188. Mosque Swallow Hirundo senegalensis Senegalschwalbe 
21.02.04: several seen at K, probably overlooked elsewhere

189. Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica Rötelschwalbe 
quite common at K and various other places

190. Square-tailed Sawwing Psalidoprocne nitens Glanzsägeflügel 
15.2.04: 2 seen at the Akosombo suspension bridge

191. Fanty Saw-wing Psalidoprocne obscura
21.2.04: 4 at K

PASSERIFORMES: Motacillidae

192. White Wagtail Motacilla alba Bachstelze 
15.3.04: 1 was seen at a puddle in T

193. African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp Witwenstelze 
common in south and central Ghana, rare in the north

194. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Schafstelze (flava, cinerocapilla, thunbergi, flavissima)
very common along N, most were flava and thunbergis. Some also seen in Accra and Timbuktu

195. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Baumpieper 
28.2.04: 1 at B

PASSERIFORMES: Campephagidae

196. Blue Cuckoo-shrike Coracina azurea Azurraupenfänger 
1-2 seen on all visits to Kakum where apparently quite common, also seen at B

197. Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike Campephaga phoenicea Rotschulter-Kuckuckswürger 
21./22.3.04: 2-3 were seen at M

PASSERIFORMES: Pycnonotidae

198. Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus Graubülbül 
common throughout

199. Little Greenbul Andropadus virens Grünbülbül 
common in suitable habitat, most were seen at Kakum

200. Little Grey Greenbul Andropadus gracilis Zwergbülbül 
fairly common at K and B

201. Slender-billed Greenbul Andropadus gracilirostris Schmalschnabelbülbül 
the commonest Greenbul at K and B

202. Yellow-whiskered Bulbul Andropadus latirostris Gelbbartbülbül 
many heard at Kakum and only 2 were seen on 2.4.04

203. Honeyguide Greenbul Baeopogon indicator Weißschwanzbülbül 
quite common at K where several were heard and seen

204. Simple Greenbul Chlorocichla simplex Hartlaub-Bülbül 
3.4.04: 2 at A, probably overheard elsewhere

205. Swamp Palm Greenbul Thescelocichla leucopleura Raphiabülbül 
3.4.04: several seen and heard at A, probably overheard elsewhere

206. Leaf-love Phyllastrephus scandens Uferbülbül 
2.4.04: 1 at K

207. Icterine Greenbul Phyllastrephus icterinus Zeisigbülbül 
2.4.04: 4 at K

208. Common Bristlebill Bleda syndactyla Rotschwanzbleda 
22.2.04: 1 at K
3.4.04: 2 at A

209. Gray-headed Bristlebill Bleda canicapilla Graukopfbleda 
28.2.04: 1 at B
3.4.04: 1 at A

210. Western Nicator Nicator chloris Graukehl-Nicator 
28./29.2.04: 2-3 at B

PASSERIFORMES: Turdidae

211. Finsch's Flycatcher-Thrush Neocossyphus finschii Finsch-Drossel 
2.4.04: 2-3 at K

212. African Thrush Turdus pelios Kapdrossel 
fairly common throughout

213. Fire-crested Alethe Alethe diademata Diademalethe 
2.4.04: 1 heard and later seen at K

PASSERIFORMES: Cisticolidae

214. Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops Rotgesicht-Cistensänger 
29.3.04: 1 at S

215. Singing Cisticola Cisticola cantans Weißbrauen-Cistensänger 
often overlooked but seen well at A and Hans Botel

216. Whistling Cisticola Cisticola lateralis Pfeifcistensänger 
seen at S, A and other places

217. Winding Cisticola Cisticola galactotes Schwarzrücken-Cistensänger 
1.4.04: 1 seen well at Cape Coast Lagoon

218. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis Cistensänger 
7.2.04: first seen at L, later noted at various places with similar habitat

219. Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava Rahmbrustprinie 
common in suitable habitat

220. Red-winged Prinia Prinia erythroptera Sonnen-Prinie 
common in the fields around Bobiri

221. Cricket Longtail Spiloptila clamans Schuppenkopfprinie
14.3.04 : 12-15 at T
15.3.04 : 6 at T

222. Black-capped Apalis Apalis nigriceps Kappenfeinsänger 
21.2.04: 1 at K

223. Sharpe's Apalis Apalis sharpii Kurzschwanz-Feinsänger 
22.2.04: a large party of up to 10 birds was at K
2.4.04: 3 at K

224. Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata Meckergrasmücke
common throughout, easily overlooked!

225. Yellow-browed Camaroptera Camaroptera superciliaris Gelbbrauen-Camaroptera 
seen on all visits to K and B where apparently fairly common

PASSERIFORMES: Sylviidae

226. Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida Blaßspötter  
14.3.04: 1 at T
16.3.04: 4-5 at Mopti, Mali

227. Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta Orpheusspötter 
8.2.04: 1 at AB
15.2.04: 1 at AK

228. Senegal Eremomela Eremomela pusilla Graukappen-Eremomela 
21./22.3.04: 4-5 at M
also seen at Hans Botel, S and other places

229. Rufous-crowned Eremomela Eremomela badiceps Rotkopf-Eremomela 
21.2.04 2 at K
22.2.04: 1 at K
2.4.04: 3 at K

230. Green Crombec Sylvietta virens Grünmantel-Sylvietta 
28.2.04: 1 at B, probably overheard elsewhere

231. Northern Crombec Sylvietta brachyura Braunbauch-Sylvietta 
seen at a variety of places including Hans Botel, Mole and Shai Hills

232. Kemp's Longbill Macrosphenus kempi Rostflanken-Bülbülgrasmücke 
3.4.04: 1 at A

233. Grey Longbill Macrosphenus concolor Einfarb-Bülbülgrasmücke 
22.2.04: 1 at K
3.4.04: 2 at A

234. Green Hylia Hylia prasina Grünhylia 
common in suitable habitat, most were heard at K

235. Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Zilpzalp 
14.3.04: 4 at T
15.3.04: 3 at T

236. Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli Berglaubsänger 
14.3.04: 1 at T

237. Violet-backed Hyliota Hyliota violacea Violettmantel-Hyliota 
3.4.04: 2 at A

238. Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans Weißbartgrasmücke
14.3.04: 3 at T
15.3.04: 4 at T

239. Greater Whitethroat Sylvia communis Dorngrasmücke 
15.3.04: 1 at T

PASSERIFORMES: Muscicapidae

240. Northern Black-Flycatcher Melaenornis edolioides Senegaldrongoschnäpper 
21./22.3.04: 4-5 at M

241. Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Grauschnäpper 
21.3.04: 1 at M
29.3.04: 1 at S

242. Ussher's Flycatcher Muscicapa ussheri Schwalbenschnäpper 
28.2.04: 2 at B

243. Swamp Flycatcher Muscicapa aquatica Sumpfschnäpper 
21./22.3.04: at least 2 at M

244. Olivaceous Flycatcher Muscicapa olivascens Olivschnäpper 
21.2.04: 1 at K

245. Little Grey Flycatcher Muscicapa epulata Fantischnäpper 
8.2.04: 1 at AB
2.4.04: a nesting pair at K

246. Dusky-blue Flycatcher Muscicapa comitata Stuhlmann-Schnäpper 
28.2.04: 2 at B
3.4.04: 1 at A

247. Fraser's Forest Flycatcher Fraseria ocreata
3.4.04: 1 at A

248. European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Trauerschnäpper 
21./22.3.04: 2 at M

249. Forest Robin Stiphrornis erythrothorax Waldrötel 
several heard at K
3.4.04: 1 heard and seen at A

250. Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat Cossypha niveicapilla Weißscheitelrötel 
21./22.3.04: 2-3 at M

251. Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas galactotes Heckensänger
7.3.04: 4 at B/M

252. Black Scrub Robin Cercotrichas podobe Rußheckensänger
15.3.04: 2-3 south of T

253. Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Gartenrotschwanz 
14.3.04: 1 at T

254. Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Braunkehlchen 
21.2.04: 1 at Hans Botel

255. Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Steinschmätzer 
fairly common in Burkina and Mali

256. Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica Mittelmeersteinschmätzer
common around Timbuktu

PASSERIFORMES: Platysteiridae

257. African Shrike-flycatcher Megabyas flammulatus Schäpperwürger 
29.3.04: 1,0 at B
2.4.04: 1,0 at K

258. Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher Bias musicus Vangaschnäpper 
14.2.04: 5-6 at W

259. Common Wattle-eye Platysteira cyanea Lappenschnäpper
21./22.3.04: several seen at M

260. Chestnut Wattle-eye Platysteira castanea Weißbürzel-Lappenschnäpper 
22.2.04: 1 at K
28.2.04: 1 at B

261. Senegal Batis Batis senegalensis Senegalbatis 
29.3.04: 2 at S

PASSERIFORMES: Monarchidae

262. Chestnut-capped Flycatcher Erythrocercus mccallii Rotkappen-Spreizschwanz 
22.2.04: 10+ in a mixed species flock at K
28.2.04: 4 at B
3.4.04: 3 at K

263. African Blue-Flycatcher Elminia longicauda Türkiselminie 
21.3.04: 2 at M
22.3.04: 1 at M

264. Black-headed Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone rufiventer Senegalparadiesschnäpper 
22.2.04: 2 at K
28.2.04: 2 at B
22.3.04: 2 at M
3.4.04: 1 at K

265. African Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis Graubrust-Paradiesschnäpper
21./22.3.04 : 3-4 at M

PASSERIFORMES: Timaliidae

266. Brown Illadopsis Illadopsis fulvescens Braunbauch-Buschdrossling 
28.2.04: 2 at B

267. Fulvous Babbler Turdoides fulvus Akaziendrossling
14.3.04: 6 at T

268. Brown Babbler Turdoides plebejus Sudandrossling 
a small party was present at the Korle Bu Hospital premises

PASSERIFORMES: Paridae

269. White-winged Black-Tit Melaniparus leucomelas Rüppell-Meise 
21.3.04: 3-4 at M

PASSERIFORMES: Remizidae

270. Tit-hylia Pholidornis rushiae Strichelköpfchen 
22.2.04: 1 in a mixed species flock at K

PASSERIFORMES: Nectariniidae

271. Little Green Sunbird Anthreptes seimundi Stutzschwanz-Nektarvogel 
22.2.04: 2-3 in a mixed species flock at K

272. Pygmy Sunbird Hedydipna platura Grünbrust-Nektarvogel
21./22.3.04: 4-5 at M

273. Green Sunbird Anthreptes rectirostris Goldbauch-Nektarvogel 
21.2.04: 1 at K
3.4.04: 3 at K

274. Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris Waldnektarvogel 
common at Kakum and other forest areas

275. Blue-throated Brown Sunbird Cyanomitra cyanolaema Braunrücken-Nektarvogel 
22.2.04: 2 at K
2.3.04: 3 at K

276. Western Olive-Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea Olivnektarvogel 
common at Kakum where at least 6 birds were seen on 22.2.04; also seen at B

277. Buff-throated Sunbird Chalcomitra adelberti Fahlkehl-Glanzköpfchen 
2.4.04: 2 at K
3.4.04: 2 at A

278. Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis Rotbrust-Glanzköpfchen 
21./22.3.04: 4-5 at M, probably overlooked

279. Olive-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris chloropygius Olivbauch-Nektarvogel 
most frequently seen at Kakum where common resident

280. Beautiful Sunbird Cinnyris pulchellus Elfennektarvogel 
seen at Mole, Mopti and Timbuktu, probably overlooked elsewhere

281. Splendid Sunbird Cinnyris coccinigaster Rotbauch-Nektarvogel 
seen at a several places including AB, AK, K and Cape Coast

282. Johanna's Sunbird Cinnyris johannae Grünscheitel-Nektarvogel 
21.3.04: 2 at K
3.4.04: 1 at A

283. Copper Sunbird Cinnyris cupreus Kupfernektarvogel 
fairly common in southern Ghana

PASSERIFORMES: Zosteropidae

284. African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis Senegalbrillenvogel 
21.3.04: 1 at Hans Botel
21./22.3.04: a few at Mole

PASSERIFORMES: Oriolidae

285. Western Black-headed Oriole Oriolus brachyrhynchus Blauflügelpirol 
very common at Kakum, Antwikaa and Bobiri

286. Black-winged Oriole Oriolus nigripennis Gabunpirol 
21.2.04: 2 at K, near the park headquarters

PASSERIFORMES: Laniidae

287. Southern Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor Raubwürger 
common around Timbuktu

288. Common Fiscal Lanius collaris Fiskalwürger 
common on roadside wires in Ghana

289. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator Rotkopfwürger 
7.3.04: 1 female at B/M
14.3.04: 1 male at T

290. Yellow-billed Shrike Corvinella corvina Gelbschnabelwürger 
common throughout Ghana, not noted in Mali

PASSERIFORMES: Malaconotidae

291. Northern Puffback Dryoscopus gambensis Gambia-Schneeballwürger 
several seen at Mole and Shai Hills

292. Sabine's Puffback Dryoscopus sabini Dickschnabel-Schneeballwürger 
21.2.04: 1,1 at K
2.4.04: 1,1 at K

293. Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegala Senegaltschagra 
often heard, seldom seen. Seen well at M and S

294. Common Gonolek Laniarius barbarus Goldscheitelwürger 
7.3.04: 1 at B/M
21./22.3.04: some at M

295. Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike Telophorus sulfureopectus Orangebrustwürger 
22.3.04: 1 at M

296. Grey-headed Bushshrike Malaconotus blanchoti Graukopfwürger 
22.3.04: 2 at M

PASSERIFORMES: Prionopidae

297. White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus Brillenwürger 
29.3.04: 4 at S

298. Chestnut-bellied Helmetshrike Prionops caniceps Rostbauchwürger 
28.2.04: 6 at B
3.4.04: 2 at A

PASSERIFORMES: Dicruridae

299. Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis Trauerdrongo 
29.3.04: 2 at S

300. Velvet-mantled Drongo Dicrurus modestus Flaggendrongo
common at B and K where a pair was constantly seen around platform 3  

PASSERIFORMES: Corvidae

301. Piapiac Ptilostomus afer Piapia 
only occasionally seen; associated with cattle

302. Pied Crow Corvus albus Schildrabe 
common everywhere

303. Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis Wüstenrabe
14.3.04: 1 at T
15.3.04: 12 at T

304. Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus Borstenrabe
15.3.04: 4 seen south of T

PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae

305. Lesser Blue-eared Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis chloropterus Messingglanzstar 
fairly common throughout

306. Bronze-tailed Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis chalcurus Erzglanzstar 
7.3.04: 2 at B/M

307. Splendid Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis splendidus Prachtglanzstar 
21./22.2.04: some at K and surrounding areas

308. Long-tailed Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis caudatus Langschwanz-Glanzstar 
common in northern Ghana, Burkina and southern Mali

309. Chestnut-bellied Starling Lamprotornis pulcher Rotbauch-Glanzstar 
very common roadside bird in Burkina and southern Mali

310. Copper-tailed Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis cupreocauda Kupferglanzstar
3.4.04: up to 20 of this Upper Guinea forest endemic were seen at A

311. Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster Amethystglanzstar 
21.3.04: 2 at M

312. Forest Chestnut-winged Starling Onychognathus fulgidus Kastanienflügelstar 
21.2.04: 4+ at K
3.4.04: 10+ at A

313. Narrow-tailed Starling Poeoptera lugubris Spitzschwanzstar 
3.4.04: small flocks of up to 6 birds were seen at A

PASSERIFORMES: Ploceidae

314. Speckle-fronted Weaver Sporopipes frontalis Schuppenköpfchen 
7.3.04: a colony of at least 20 birds was present at the B/M border

315. Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser superciliosus Braunwangenmahali 
very common at Mole where breeding birds were seen

316. Slender-billed Weaver Ploceus pelzelni Mönchsweber 
1.4.04: a small colony seen at Cape Coast

317. Orange Weaver Ploceus aurantius Königsweber 
31.3.04: a large colony near Buthre, Ghana
1.4.04: some seen at Cape Coast

318. African Masked-Weaver Ploceus velatus Dotterweber  
seen only in villages along the Niger River, also seen in T

319. Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus Textor 
the commonest weaver species

320. Vieillot's Black Weaver Ploceus nigerrimus Mohrenweber 
breeding colonies at Hans Botel and Kakum park entrance, occasionally noted elsewhere

321. Yellow-mantled Weaver Ploceus tricolor Dreifarbenweber 
fairly common rainforest inhabitant, seen at K, B and A

322. Red-vented Malimbe Malimbus scutatus Schildweber 
1-2 birds seen on all visits to Kakum

323. Gray's Malimbe Malimbus nitens Rotkehlweber 
21.2.04: 1 at K near the park headquarters
3.4.04: 1 at A

324. Crested Malimbe Malimbus malimbicus Haubenweber 
22.2.04: 1 at K
28.2.04: 2 at B
2.4.04: 2 at K

325. Red-headed Malimbe Malimbus rubricollis Kletterweber 
seen on all visits to Kakum and Bobiri

326. Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea Blutschnabelweber 
7.3.04: a few birds at B/M

327. Black-winged Bishop Euplectes hordeaceus Flammenweber 
7.2.04: 2 at L

328. Grosbeak Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons Weißstirnweber 
3.4.04: 12+ ind. at A

PASSERIFORMES: Estrildidae

329. White-breasted Negrofinch Nigrita fusconota Mantelschwärzling 
29.2.04: 1 at B

330. Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch Nigrita bicolor Zweifarbenschwärzling 
21.2.04: 2 at K
2.4.04: 1 at K
3.4.04: several at A

331. Gray-headed Negrofinch Nigrita canicapilla Graunackenschwärzling 
fairly common at K, not noted elsewhere

332. Red-winged Pytilia Pytilia phoenicoptera Auroraastrild 
21.3.04: 5 at M

333. Western Bluebill Spermophaga haematina Rotbrust-Samenknacker 
3.4.04: 1 at A

334. Bar-breasted Firefinch Lagonosticta rufopicta Pünktchenamarant 
very common in southern Ghana, not noted in the North

335. Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala Senegalamarant 
seen at M and throughout Burkina and Mali

336. Red-cheeked Cordonbleu Uraeginthus bengalus Schmetterlingsastrild 
common in suitable habitat, absent in the south

337. Lavender Waxbill Estrilda caerulescens Schönbürzel 
only seen at M where fairly common

338. Orange-cheeked Waxbill Estrilda melpoda Orangebäckchen 
common at Mole

339. Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata Kleinelsterchen 
common throughout

340. Black-and-white Mannikin Lonchura bicolor Glanzelsterchen 
21.3.04: a large group at Hans Botel, small groups also seen at other places in Ghana

PASSERIFORMES: Viduidae

341. Village Indigobird Vidua chalybeata Rotfuß-Atlaswitwe 
most were seen in villages along N, some also seen in northern Ghana near Bolgatanga

342. Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura Dominikanerwitwe 
2.4.04: a stunning male was seen at the Kakum visitor’s centre
less appealing non-breeding males and females were frequently seen at a variety of places

343. Long-tailed Paradise-Whydah Vidua interjecta Senegalparadieswitwe 
21./22.3.04: 6-7 were seen at M (all in non-breeding plumage)

PASSERIFORMES: Emberizidae

344. Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi Bergammer 
common at Mole

345. African Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris Gelbbauchammer 
7.3.04: 1 at B/M

PASSERIFORMES: Fringillidae

346. White-rumped Seedeater Serinus leucopygius Weißbürzelgirlitz 
7.3.04: 7 at B/M

347. Yellow-fronted Canary Serinus mozambicus Mosambikgirlitz 
21./22.3.04: common around the Motel at M

PASSERIFORMES: Passeridae

348. Gray-headed Sparrow Passer griseus Graukopfsperling 
common throughout

349. Sudan Golden Sparrow Passer luteus Braunrücken-Goldsperling
15.3.04: a group of up to 15 birds was seen at T

Mammals

001. Olive Baboon Papio anubis
21./22.3.04: common at Mole

002. Patas Monkey Erythrocebus patas
21./22.3.04: 4-5 at Mole

003. Green Vervet Monkey Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus
21./22.3.04: some at Mole

004. Mona Monkey Cercopithecus mona lowei
2.4.04: 2 at Kakum

005. Lesser Spot-Nosed Monkey Cercophitecus cephus petaurista
29.3.04: 5+ at Shai Hills Reserve

006. Black-and-White Colobus Monkey Colobus guereza
22.2.04: 1 at Kakum
2.4.04: 4 at Kakum

007. Straw-coloured Fruit Bat Eidolan helvum
7.2.04: thousands at the Wli falls

008. Gambian Fruit Bat Epomophorus gambianus
seen at many places in Ghana

009. Fruit Bat spec. – unidentified species

010. Red-legged Sun-Squirrel Heliosciurus rufobrachium
2.4.04: 2 at Kakum

011. Green Squirrel Paraxerus poensis

012. Striped Ground Squrrel Euxerus erythropus

013. African Elephant Loxodonta africana
21./22.3.04: up to 20 at Mole

014. Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius
10.-13.3.04: several families in the Niger River

015. Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus
21./22.3.04: common at Mole

016. Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus
common at Mole

017. Red-flanked Duiker Cephalophus rufilatus
22.3.04: 1 at Mole

018. Kob Kobus cob
common at Mole

019. Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus
several seen at Mole

I also saw a large black scorpion of the genus Pandinus at Antwikaa/Kakum. It may have been an Emperor Scorpion Pandinus imperator.