Bird Watching in North Cyprus

September 9, 2016 Wildlife

North Cyprus as a whole has a good cross section of wildlife, especially birds with an impressive 347 different species, seven of which are unique to Cyprus.  During the migration periods of autumn and spring the skies of Northern Cyprus are an amazing spectacle, with huge numbers of migrant birds passing through the island.  The geographical position of Cyprus means that many birds cross this point on their long journeys to and from breeding grounds (Cyprus included) and the island is used as a convenient stopping off post for many tropical and rare species.

Some of the best places for bird watching are the wetlands of Famagusta and Mehmetcik, and the “five finger mountain range”. Kantara Castle and St Hilarion Castle offers a picturesque spot to observe resident and migrant birds, including the spectacled warbler, blue rock thrush, black-headed bunting, and the resident Cyprus warbler and wheatear.  However during the migratory periods of March to May and autumn, the whole of Northern Cyprus is a birders paradise.