Bird Watching in Northern Cyprus

Cyprus has over 369 species of birds. Since it is in a north-south migration route you can find large flocks of birds and small clusters that may rest for a week at a time. Northward flight times are March through May and Southward flight times are August to October.

Places to find them:
Kyrenia Mountains
The Kyrenia Mountains provides for some of the finest bird watching in Cyprus. The Pines and funeral cypress of the region are a magnetic for migratory and resident birds. The Kantara Castle is a superb spot to watch many species such as the blue rock thrush, spectacled warbler, Black-headed Bunting as well as the Cyprus Warbler and Wheatear. And in the cliffs around the castle Alpine Swifts can be found swooping nearby. This is also the spot that the Griffon Vulture can be seen soaring above the castle and St. Hilarion Castle. This bird was believed to have become extinct in and around 1995 but its 2m wingspan can still be seen today in this region. There are other birds of prey in this area such as buzzards and falcons and owls.
Karpas Peninsula
Besides turtle watching, this peninsula is also a prime location for bird watching. The bird watchers can expect to see many migratory birds on this strip. To name a few one can expect to see Golden Orioles, bee-eaters, rollers and partridge. Just off the peninsula in the Klidhes Islands there are sea birds such as Cormorants, Audouin’s Gulls, and Swags.
 

For more information about bird watching in Cyprus visit www.fatbirder.com and www.cyprusbirds.com

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