Morocco, with its incredible scenery, hospitable people, and many bird specialties, is a haven for all the birders across the globe. Being an African country with a sizeable Mediterranean region, Morocco is a favorite place for all birders searching for endangered or rare bird species.
The place is rich in habitat diversity and has more than 480 bird species. Starting from rare bird species such as Dark Chanting Goshawk and Elenora’s Falcon to African Marsh Owl, Desert Warbler, and Dupont’s lark, Morocco has something interesting to offer all the birders.
The best season for bird watching, where you will be able to see a lot of migrant and resident birds, is from March to May when the weather is mild and sunny. Moreover, Morocco is a stop for the immigrant birds on their way to Western Europe. It is said that more than 100 species of birds visit Morocco during the winter. Thus, Morocco is home to a wide variety of bird species, making them a paradise for birders worldwide.
Merja Zerga
Declared as the Ramsar Wetland in 1980, this is a place of high international importance. The largest lagoon in Morocco, Merja Zerga, is home to more than 30,000 ducks, 50,000 waders, 40,000 Eurasian coots, and 1000 greater flamingos in the winter. When you visit this place, do not forget to enjoy the small fishing village Moulay Bousselham Ramsar and the deserted Atlantic shoreline.
You can also visit a small yet beautiful Ramsar lagoon, Lac de Sidi Boughaba, where you can see large winter flocks. During certain times of the year, you can find various raptors like marsh harriers, Montagu harriers, and Black-shouldered kites here. You might even find Eleonora’s falcon and rare slender-billed curlew and marsh owl if you are lucky.
The Souss-Massa national Park
The national park stretches for 70 kilometers and is the best bird site in the country; that is advised to visit between September and April to get the best experience. This is the best place to have an excellent view of waders like avocet and black-winged stilt, along with many gulls. You can also find unique large water birds like the greater flamingo, grey heron, white stork, and the rare glossy ibis. In addition, the area near the mouth of Oued Massa is known for Waldrapp, an endangered species.
Western High Atlas Mountains
To see the highly popular white-rumped swift and Levaillant’s woodpecker, you must go to valleys around Asni and Imlil. Here you can also see large flocks of re-billed and alpine chough.
Dra valley
Dra valley is home to various species like the Egyptian vulture and little owl during different times of the year. From April to September, you can visit this place to find the sought-after blue–cheeked bee-eater.
So, if you are searching for different birds, then morocco is one of the best countries to explore in North Africa.
