Morocco is among the top birding trip locations in the West Palearctic due to its many specialties, which include all but one of North Africa’s unique bird species and the region’s richest biological specimens. Morocco offers a large variety of bird species in addition to its lovely beaches and vast desert expanses. Birdwatching is significant because it fosters a close relationship between humans and their natural surroundings.
Best season for bird watching in Morocco
The greatest times to go outside with binoculars in Morocco are around mid-March and mid-October when birds are passing through on their migratory routes. Birders may typically find something more of interest all year long in Morocco. However, the months of March through May are seen to be the best for bird watching since a variety of species, both migrating and resident, are there, and the climate is typically pleasant and sunny. A variety of birds, including water birds, larks, hawks, flycatchers, and wheatears, as well as a few uncommon species like the Alpha flycatcher can be seen in good numbers in Morocco.
Places to visit for birdwatching
Morocco has various places to visit for birdwatching.
Merja Zerga
One of Morocco’s largest lagoons, Merja Zerga, has more than a thousand beautiful flamingos, 30,000 water birds, 35,000 Eurasian coots, and half a lakh waders can be seen here in the winter. Moulay Bousselham, a small fishing community, has views of both the lagoon and the mostly barren Atlantic coastline.
High Atlas at Oukaimeden
Overlooking the ancient city of Marrakech is the majestic High Atlas at Oukaimeden. The unique African Crimson-winged Finch can be found here, along with Barbary Partridge, Levaillant’s Green Woodpecker, the spectacular Moussier’s Redstart, the very peculiar Seebohm’s Wheatear, and the perceptive North African Blue Tit, all against a background of giant, snow-capped peaks and lush alpine meadows.
Edge of Sahara
When millions of birds migrate north to their breeding grounds in Europe, you will have the chance to witness a wide variety of ecosystems. North African endemics like the recently recognized, African Desert Flycatcher, Saharan Scrub Warbler, rare and localized Desert Falcon, and House Bunting, along with the stunning Pharaoh Eagle-Owl, the mystical Egyptian Nightjar, the lovely Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, and, hopefully, the endangered Houbara Bustard, are among the desert significant species found in this region.
Sous valley
Sous valley is the Sous River’s alluvial bank, which the Anti-Atlas Mountains divide from the Sahara desert. You may have a lovely walk and see lots of birds at the Massa reserve. The observation along the valley to the coast at dawn and dusk is quite fascinating. Sous valley is located on Agadir’s Atlantic shore in the west. While at Agadir, birds like Red-necked Nightjars, and also flock with migrating gulls, waders, and terns. Also, this place has the habitat of the rare Eleonora’s Falcon and magnificent Northern Bald Ibis.