Mongolia is a meeting point for around 480 species of birds that mostly fly by on their way from the Indian and Pacific Oceans to the northern tundra, or the Arctic Ocean. So the migratory season, lasting from late May to mid-September, ensures the best birdwatching experience ever. The main attraction is really a variety of species due to vast land. Every natural habitat has its highlights. In the Gobi, there are desert warblers, ground jays, saxaul sparrows, houbara bustards, finches, sand grouses, and cinereous vultures. The highlands are populated with Altai snowcocks, ptarmigans, woodpeckers, owls, and lammergeyers. The steppes are inhabited by demoiselle cranes and black kites, hoopoes, steppe eagles, vultures, falcons, hawks, and owls. Finally, the wet areas around water basins are home to relict gulls, Dalmatian pelicans, bar-headed geese, and hooded cranes. Mongolian birdwatching hotspots include Hustai and Khogno Khan National Parks, Yol Valley, and Ugii and Gun Galuutai Lakes.
Practical info
When is the ideal migratory season for birdwatching in Mongolia?
The best birdwatching experience in Mongolia occurs during the migratory season which starts from late May and extends to mid-September. At this time, many bird species, around 480, migrate to the Arctic Ocean or the northern tundra from the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The migratory period is recommended for birdwatching as it affords the opportunity to see a wide range of unique bird species in their natural habitats. Show more
What are some of the most popular birdwatching locations in Mongolia?
A variety of birdwatching hotspots are distributed throughout Mongolia, providing birdwatchers with the opportunity to see exceptional bird species such as demoiselle cranes, black kites, owls, eagles, and falcons. Among the most popular birdwatching spots are Hustai and Khogno Khan National Parks, Ugii, Yol Valley, and Gun Galuutai Lakes. Each spot offers a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent species in their unique natural habitats in Mongolia. Show more
What kind of bird species are exclusive to Mongolia?
Mongolia's vast and diverse landscape makes it a perfect destination for intense birdwatching sessions. Birdwatchers can observe various singular bird species in the desert area such as the saxaul sparrows, ground jays, houbara bustards, cinereous vultures, and desert warblers. Demoiselle cranes, black kites, owls, eagles, falcons, and lammergeyers are among the species found in the steppe and highlands regions. Other species such as the hooded cranes, Dalmatian pelicans, relict gulls, and bar-headed geese can also be seen around water areas. Show more
What is the approximate number of bird species recorded in Mongolia?
Approximately 480 species of birds are found in Mongolia, the country's diverse set of natural habitats making it a perfect place to observe bird species from around the world during their migratory period. This diversity allows birdwatchers to witness species such as the desert warblers, ground jays, houbara bustards, cinereous vultures, lammergeyers, demoiselle cranes, black kites, owls, eagles, falcons, ptarmigans, woodpeckers, hooded cranes, Dalmatian pelicans, relict gulls, bar-headed geese, and more unique species in their habitat. Mongolia truly offers an incredible birdwatching adventure that birdwatchers can indulge in. Show more
What distinguishes the birdwatching experience in the highlands from the Gobi desert?
Mongolia offers spectacular birdwatching experiences in the Gobi desert region and the highlands. The Gobi desert is known for unique bird species such as cinereous vultures, saxaul sparrows, ground jays, desert warblers, houbara bustards, finches, and sand grouse. On the other hand, the highlands offer a distinctive experience with bird species like Altai snowcocks, ptarmigans, owls, woodpeckers, and lammergeyers. These different regions provide diverse birdwatching opportunities with their unique species, making it an ideal spot for bird enthusiasts. Show more
