Birdwatching in Jordan 2024

Observe birds during their migration and enjoy stunning landscapes at the same time

Best time: March–May | September–November

In Jordan, you can always combine a regular sightseeing tour with a birdwatching holiday as migration routes pass through the most popular tourist destinations including ancient Petra, Wadi Rum desert, Aqaba seaside resort, Azraq, and Dana. Since Jordan lies at the crossroads between Asia, Europe, and Africa, its airy latitudes often shelter birds from three continents.

In the Azraq Wetland Reserve, you can encounter a variety of larks, Desert Wheatear, and Trumpeter Finch. The highlands and open steppes are home to the Linnet, Spectacled Warbler, Black-eared Wheatear, Long-billed Pipit, and Woodchat Shrike, whereas woods teem with Upchers, Palestine Sunbirds, Sardinian Warblers, and Orpheans. Desert birds include Bonelli's Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Blackstart, Hume's Towny Owl, different Wheatears, Sinai Rose Finch, Scrub Warbler, House Bunting, Fan-tailed Raven and Tristram's Grackle. Finally the Wadi Arabah and Dead Sea area are famous for such African and Arabian species of birds as the Arabian Warbler, Sand Partridge, Hoopoe Larks, Bar-tailed Dunns, Little Green Bee-eater, and Blackstart.

Sightseeing season in Jordan coincides with the period when migratory flyovers during the temperate spring and autumn seasons.

If birds are your priority and you want to observe the best of them, it would be best to go on a specially designed guided birdwatching tour.

Practical info

When is the best time to visit Jordan for birdwatching?

Jordan is best visited between March to May and September to November for bird watching. During this time, the climate is mild, the daylight hours long, and migratory birds make their way through the country. Jordan is home to notable tourist attractions, including the Petra, the Wadi Rum desert, Aqaba seaside resort, Azraq, and Dana. It is the perfect time to witness beauty in both birds and landscape.

Where are the best spots for birdwatching in Jordan?

Jordan is rich with many areas appropriate for bird watching. The Azraq Wetland Reserve, highland and open steppes, woodlands, and desert regions are among the popular destinations. The Wadi Arabah and Dead Sea area is famous for African and Arabian species of birds. It is best to have a guided tour designed explicitly for bird watching to have the best experience, even though regular sightseeing tours can allow birds viewing.

What species of birds can be seen in Jordan's Azraq Wetland Reserve?

The Azraq Wetland Reserve, as a significant stopover for migratory birds, attracts birds like Desert Wheatear, larks, and Trumpeter Finch. The wetlands, home to aquatic vegetation, also allures reed-dwelling birds like the Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, and Clamorous Reed Warbler. Water birds such as Great White Pelican, Little Bittern, and Common Moorhen, as well as waders such as Black-winged Stilt and Marsh Sandpiper, can be seen in the reserve.

Are there any guided birdwatching tours available in Jordan?

Specialized bird watching tours led by experienced guides are common in Jordan. Equipments, meals, and transportation are also provided to make the experience exciting. These tours offer customizable packages to suit bird watchers' specific requirements and objectives of the bird watching tours.

Which migratory birds can be seen during the temperate spring and autumn seasons in Jordan?

The Jordanian landscape becomes more charming during the temperate spring and autumn when migratory birds pass through. Bird watchers can see various Sandpipers' species, Black Kites, Amur Falcon, Honey Buzzards, Spotted Flycatchers, White Storks, and Lesser Kestrel, among others. Such birds cross countries to breed and use Jordan as their stopover point, making the timing of the vacation vital to the bird watching experience.