Birding in Romania is a unique and rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts. With an active birding community and a diverse range of bird species, Romania is home to around 370 different types of birds, including some that are rare and endangered. Some that are worthy of note include Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliacal), Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata), Great Bustard (Otis tarda) and Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula).
Romania is on important migration routes from south to north in spring and the reverse in winter. Birds migrate from other parts of Europe and the Mediterranean. Also, birds migrate from as far afield as Siberia, Mongolia, China and the Arctic.
The country is home to several important birdwatching sites. These offer the perfect opportunity to see and photograph a variety of different species in their natural habitats.
One of the best places to go birdwatching in Romania is the Danube Delta, located in the eastern part of the country. The Danube is the second largest river in Europe. Its Delta is home to over 260 species of birds. This makes it one of the most important birdwatching destinations in Europe. The Danube Delta has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Moreover, it is considered to be one of the most important wetlands in the world, in terms of biodiversity. It ranks third only to the Galapagos Islands and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Additionally, it is the only delta in the world that has been entirely declared a Natural Reserve.
The Birds of the Danube Delta
The Danube Delta is home to a large population of Pygmy Cormorants (Phalacrocorax pygmeus). It also has the biggest colony of Great White Pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus) outside Africa.
The Delta is also home to several species of birds of prey. These include the vulnerable White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Short-toed Snake-eagle (Circaetus gallicus), Eurasian Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus), Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus), Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and Eurasian Hobby (Falco Subbuteo).
Other species that can be found in the Delta during migration include the Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). There are also many different species of waders and shorebirds. For example, Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius), Dunlin (Calidris alpina), Temminck’s Stint (Calidris temminckii), Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) and Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata).
Summer
During the summer, the Danube Delta is inhabited by a wide range of bird species. These include Purple Herons (Ardea purpurea), Dalmatian Pelicans (Pelecanus crispus), Rollers (Coracias garrulus), Bee-eaters (Merops apiaster), Hoopoes (Upupa epops), Pallas’s Gulls (Larus ichthyaetus) and many more.
Winter
During winter, on the Black Sea coast, you can find Smew (Mergellus albellus), European Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis), Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) and, on Dobrogea‘s Fields, Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus), Great White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons), Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) and endangered Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis).
Although in the past few years numbers of Common crane (Grus grus) have been diminishing in the Danube Delta and it can usually only be found during winter migration on the west side of the country. However, Romania as a whole has became a favourite place for Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus). During the year a lot of Greater Flamingos migrate across the country. A few have clearly preferred to remain. It is still not known if they are breeding in Romania. Nevertheless, they behave like sedentary birds.
Birding in Other Parts of Romania
Another great place for birdwatching in Romania is the entire Dobrogea area. It consists of Babadag Forest, the Razelm-Sinoe lagoon area, Vadu, Techirghiol Lake, the Dobrogea plateau and the Black Sea coast. This part of the country offers a lot of birds of prey, warblers, woodpeckers, owls, gulls, etc.
In addition to the renowned birdwatching destinations of the Danube Delta and Dobrogea, Romania boasts a variety of other important sites for birding enthusiasts. One such site is the Neajlov Delta or Comana Area, located in the southern part of the country. This area is considered the second most biodiverse location in Romania after the Danube Delta.
Another lesser-known birdwatching spot can be found in the heart of Romania’s capital city, Bucharest. The Văcărești Delta, a hidden gem within the urban landscape, serves as real proof of what happens when humans do not intervene in nature.
Dumbrăvița Lake in Brașov County, located in the central region of the country, is another noteworthy destination. The lake is host to a diverse range of bird species including the Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), herons, egrets, birds of prey, shorebirds and different species of ducks.
Other choice birdwatching locations include the banks of the Olt, Mureș, Prut and Siret rivers. In addition, there is the “Cazanele Dunării” area with “Moldova Veche” island, and the “Balta mică” Natural Park of Brăila county.
For those new to birdwatching, Romania offers a variety of guided tours and birdwatching trips led by experienced guides. These experts can help you find the best spots to see some top species and teach you how to identify them. These tours, available in multiple languages, can also be tailored to suit your specific interests and needs.
For the experienced birders, Romania offers the delights of the Danube Delta, Dobrogea area and other sites in the country. There are perfect opportunities to see and photograph rare and exciting avian beauties in their natural habitats.
In conclusion, Romania is an ideal destination for birding, offering a wide range of bird species and important birdwatching sites. Whether you are an experienced birder or just starting out, Romania is a destination not to be missed.
Please find below some helpful checklists that you will need during your birdwatching holiday in Romania.
Birds of the Danube Delta – beginners’ checklist
Birds of the Danube Delta Complete Checklist
Mahmudia, Danube Delta, Romania – January 2023
1. How many bird species can be seen in Romania?
Romania hosts around 370 recorded bird species, making it one of the richest birding destinations in Europe. Its diverse habitats — wetlands, mountains, forests, steppe and coastline — support resident, migratory and wintering species.
2. Why is Romania important for bird migration?
Romania lies on major migratory flyways between Europe, Asia and Africa. Each spring and autumn, birds travel from regions such as Siberia, Mongolia, China and the Arctic, stopping to rest and feed in key areas like the Danube Delta, Dobrogea and Black Sea Coast.
3. Why is the Danube Delta one of Europe’s top birdwatching destinations?
The Danube Delta hosts more than 250 bird species annually and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains Europe’s largest reedbeds and one of the world’s most important wetland ecosystems.
Highlights include:
Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) – largest colony outside Africa
Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus)
Pygmy Cormorant (Microcarbo pygmeus)
4. What birds of prey can be seen in Romania?
Romania offers excellent raptor watching opportunities. Notable species include:
White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca)
Short-toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus)
Eurasian Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Dobrogea Plateau, Macin mountains and Bestepe Hills are especially good areas for observing soaring raptors.
5. What rare or endangered species can be seen in Romania?
Romania is home to several conservation-priority species, including:
Great Bustard (Otis tarda)
Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus)
Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis)
Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
Winter in Dobrogea is particularly important for rare geese species.
6. What waders and shorebirds can be seen during migration?
Romania’s wetlands attract many shorebirds, including:
Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)
Ruff (Calidris pugnax)
Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
Temminck’s Stint (Calidris temminckii)
Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)
Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to observe mixed flocks on mudflats and lagoons.
7. Is winter birdwatching good in Romania?
Yes. The Black Sea coast can host:
Smew (Mergellus albellus)
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)
Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) – rare, but present in the last few years
Winter provides dramatic light conditions and excellent waterfowl photography.
8. What are the best birdwatching areas outside the Danube Delta?
Important sites include:
Dobrogea region (Babadag Forest, Razelm–Sinoe lagoons, Vadu)
Vacaresti Delta
Neajlov Delta (Comana Area)
“Balta Mica a Brailei” Natural Park
Each region offers different habitats and species diversity.
9. Is Romania suitable for beginner birdwatchers?
Yes. Romania offers guided birdwatching tours for beginners and experienced birders alike. Local guides help identify species, locate target birds and provide insight into habitats and seasonal patterns.
10. Why choose Romania for a birdwatching holiday?
Romania offers:
High species diversity (370+ species)
Large, relatively untouched habitats
Important migration corridors
Rare and endangered species
Affordable, guided birdwatching tours
Strong opportunities for wildlife photography
From the wetlands of the Danube Delta to the steppe of Dobrogea and mountain lakes of Transylvania, Romania remains one of Europe’s most rewarding and underrated birding destinations.
