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Bird watching in Jordan

Bird watching in Jordan is exceptionally good due to the country's position as a hub for migratory species from Europe, Africa and Asia; species from all three regions can often be seen at the same time. There are two main areas for bird watching in Jordan, the Azaraq Wetland Reserve in the Eastern desert home to cranes, hoopoe larks and desert wheatears, and the Dana Reserve which is a great place to spot eagles and the Syrian serin.

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Bird watching in Jordan

Jordan is a superb place for birdwatching, as its geographical position means that it is a hub for migratory species from Europe, Africa and Asia. The birdlife of all three continents passes through Jordan twice a year on their passage between seasonal habitats, and sometimes it is possible to see specimens from each at the same time. There is good birdwatching to be had all around Jordan, yet some sites in particular are treasure troves for twitchers.

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The importance of local guides

When it comes to successful birdwatching holidays in Jordan, the importance of having a good local guide cannot be overstated. Not only do they know what you can see, when and where (often thanks to sightings reported through connections), but they’re also full of useful advice when it comes to aiming your binoculars. No baiting is used to attract birds; instead their welfare is prioritised to keep Jordan an attractive stopover for so many species.

And just as a birding trip in Jordan helps conserve protected areas through profits from accommodation and entrance fees, so hiring local guides for their expertise ensures that money enters their communities, which encourages everyone to protect birds. And importantly, report sightings.

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Top 3 places for birdwatching in Jordan

Jordan is so important for bird species that almost 10 percent of its entire landmass has been designated an Important Birding Area (IBA), an international scheme to increase the protection for bird habitats. Seventeen sites in Jordan have been declared IBAs; in order to qualify for this title the area must provide an essential habitat for one or more species.

Azraq Wetland Reserve

The wetlands of Azraq out in the Eastern Desert are a favoured stopping off point not just for waterbirds but for many other species, including raptors attracted by the wealth of prey. Depending on when you visit, some of the bird species you might see in Azraq are cranes, desert lark, Temmiink’s horned lark, hoopoe lark, trumpeter finch and desert wheatear.

Dana Reserve

Birds of prey are well represented in the Dana Reserve too; there are many migratory species, as well as Bonelli's eagle, which breed there. Dana is also a good place to spot Syrian serin. At times, the skies of Jordan are dark with the dramatic spectacle of thousands of black kites, steppe eagles and steppe buzzards soaring overhead.

Petra

The Rose City is not all about the wonder of such buildings as the Treasury. It is also an excellent place for birdwatching, with at least two interesting species to be found here: Hume's tawny owl and the pretty Sinai rosefinch.