Top 10 Best Birding Places in Romania

Romania is a paradise for birdwatchers, offering a diverse range of habitats that attract hundreds of bird species throughout the year. From the vast wetlands of the Danube Delta to the high-altitude forests of the Carpathians, here are the top ten birding hotspots in Romania that every nature enthusiast should visit.

1. Danube Delta – The Most Important Birding Destination in Europe

The Danube Delta is not just Romania’s top birding spot—it is the most significant birdwatching location in Europe. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to over 360 bird species, making it a paradise for ornithologists. Vast reed beds, shallow lakes, and winding channels provide the perfect habitat for Dalmatian and Great White Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorants, Glossy Ibises, Squacco Herons, and Spoonbills. The Delta is also an essential stopover for millions of migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa. In spring and autumn, flocks of waders, terns, and passerines fill the sky, while White-tailed Eagles and Peregrine Falcons patrol the waters. Exploring the Delta by boat offers an intimate and unforgettable birding experience.

2. Măcin Mountains – Raptors and Steppe Birds

Located in Dobrogea, the Măcin Mountains offer excellent opportunities to see raptors such as Long-legged Buzzards, Booted Eagles, and Levant Sparrowhawks. The rocky steppe also hosts species like Isabelline Wheatears, Pied Wheatears, and Ortolan Buntings. During migration, this area attracts thousands of raptors soaring above the ridges.

3. Dumbrăvița Fishponds – A Wetland Gem in Transylvania

Situated near Brașov, Dumbrăvița Fishponds is an important wetland attracting large numbers of waterbirds, especially during migration. Here, you can spot species like Ferruginous Ducks, Black-necked Grebes, and Whiskered Terns. The area is also a prime location for watching breeding Black-winged Stilts and various warblers in the surrounding reedbeds.

4. Bicaz Gorges – Hășmaș National Park – A Haven for Mountain Birds

This dramatic landscape in the Eastern Carpathians is home to species like Wallcreepers, Alpine Accentors, and Golden Eagles. The vertical cliffs and mixed forests make this an exciting location for both birding and stunning views.

5. Bărăgan Plains – Open Grasslands and Lark Hotspots

The vast grasslands of Bărăgan remain an excellent birding area. Birders can find Calandra Larks, Tawny Pipits, and Lesser Grey Shrikes, along with Montagu’s Harriers and Red-footed Falcons hunting over the fields.

6. Cheile Turzii (Turda Gorge) – Cliffs Full of Life

This stunning limestone gorge in Transylvania is a great place to see Alpine Swifts, Peregrine Falcons, and Eurasian Eagle-Owls. During spring and summer, Rock Buntings and Crag Martins add to the charm of this location.

7. Rodna Mountains – Alpine and Forest Species

One of the wildest areas in Romania, the Rodna Mountains are a hotspot for high-altitude species like Ring Ouzels, Hazel Grouse, and Eurasian Three-toed Woodpeckers. The vast conifer forests and subalpine meadows create perfect birding conditions.

8. Făgăraș Mountains – A High-altitude Birding Paradise

The Făgăraș Mountains, the highest range in Romania, offer fantastic birding opportunities. The alpine meadows and cliffs are home to Water Pipits, Alpine Choughs, and Golden Eagles. The remote forests shelter Ural Owls, Eurasian Pygmy Owls, and Black Woodpeckers. With breathtaking landscapes and a rich bird diversity, this area is a must-visit for birders who love the mountains.

9. Comana Natural Park – The Little Delta Near Bucharest

Just an hour away from the capital, Comana is a hidden gem for birders. It hosts colonies of herons, egrets, and Purple Herons, while marshes attract Whiskered Terns and Little Bitterns. The forests surrounding the wetlands provide shelter for Black Woodpeckers, Middle Spotted Woodpeckers, and Hawfinches. The diversity of habitats makes this park a fantastic year-round birding location.

10. Retezat National Park – High Peaks and Boreal Birds

One of Romania’s most pristine natural parks, Retezat is home to species like Nutcrackers, Ural Owls, and Capercaillies. The alpine meadows and glacial lakes attract Water Pipits and Alpine Accentors, while the dense coniferous forests hide Hazel Grouse and Black Woodpeckers. The untouched wilderness of Retezat makes it a magical place for birding and nature exploration.

Final Thoughts

Romania’s diverse landscapes offer birders a mix of wetlands, forests, grasslands, and mountain habitats, each with its own avian treasures. Whether you’re after the majestic pelicans of the Danube Delta or the elusive Wallcreeper in the Carpathians, Romania should be on every birdwatcher’s bucket list. Plan your trip with ILGO Tours and experience the best birding Romania has to offer!