Birdwatching adventures

Birdwatching is one of the best activities you can indulge in this time of the year. It is rapidly evolving into the world's most enriching and sustainable travel experiences. Be it the Amazon rainforests or Himalayan trails, you can sight rare plumage, elusive calls and seasonal migrations if you know just where to look and have the patience to wait.

Whether you're a beginner, taking on your first guided birding trip or a family looking forward to beginner birdwatching holidays, or a seasoned traveler seeking advanced birding expectations, this guide will come in handy for the best birdwatching destinations in the world. Plan all your travels with InterMiles and earn Miles on every transaction.

Top Birding Locations Globally:

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a paradise for bird lovers, new and seasoned alike. It is home to over 900 recorded bird species, making it the top destination for neotropical birding. The country's dedication to sustainable birding tours makes it an excellent choice for responsible birdwatching travel. It offers guided birding tours for beginners in Costa Rica, sighting of majestic birds like Resplendent Quetzal and Scarlet Macaw and is perfect for ecotourism, birdwatching, and family-friendly holidays.

Peru

Manu National Park in Peru, a true high biodiversity birding gem, is home to over 1,000 bird species. From vibrant tanagers to majestic macaws, it's a mecca for enthusiasts seeking affordable birding trips to Manu National Park. It's ideal for spotting rare species, conservation birdwatching, and as a bird photography destination owing to its beautiful landscapes.

Colombia

With over 1,900 species, birdwatching in Colombia leads global charts and has earned a reputation for the ultimate birding holiday destination. The confluence of the Andes, Amazon, and Caribbean offers unmatched birding hot spots. Here, you can experience Community-based avitourism and ethical birdwatching experiences.

Papua New Guinea

Renowned for its unique bird species, this island is home to 42 species of birds of paradise-including the flamboyant Ribbon-tailed Astrapia. There are many unique bird species to spot in Papua New Guinea but what steals the show is Papua New Guinea's birds of paradise species Raggiana species which is the national bird and emblem of the country.

Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon basin is an excellent location for Harpy Eagle sightings. Dedicated Birding tours in Peru and Brazil birdwatching tours offer a prime opportunity to witness this magnificent bird. Other bucket-list sightings in this rich ecosystem include the Amazonian Umbrellabird and the Hoatzin.

Africa

Africa is a birdwatcher's paradise with every region offering new and diverse experiences. South Africa offers a luxury birdwatching safari where you can spot Lilac-breasted Rollers along with the big five in the background. One of the hotspots here is Kruger National Park, Drakensberg which is great for a wildlife photography tour and a low-impact birding trip where you are in their natural environment.

Kenya offers one of the best birdwatching safaris to Lake Nakuru and the Rift Valley and is home to over 1,000 bird species. Both these locations are ideal for birders, photographers and curious travellers wanting a glimpse.

The birding adventures in Gambia are also gaining momentum thanks to its ease of access, diversity and a community-based avitourism initiative.

USA

The USA has a lot to offer for birdwatching enthusiasts. From the tropical wetlands Everglades National Park in Florida to arid landscapes of Arizona, to icy fjords of Alaska, birdwatching is a treat no matter where you go. If you happen to be in the USA during the spring migration, visit Texas birding hotspots to enjoy magnificent views and spot warblers and tanagers among other birds.

Spain

Spain is home to many vultures, eagles and migratory storks. If you are seeking birding adventures in Spain, head to Coto Doñana National Park for ethical birdwatching experiences.

Iceland and Scotland

Make your way to Iceland for a puffin tour or head to the Hebrides in Scotland for an unforgettable seabird watching tour experience.

India

From the icy Himalayas to lush Western Ghats and coastal mangroves, birdwatching in India is an immersive experience with something to offer to every kind of birdwatcher. Some of the top birding spots in India are -

Uttarakhand where you can spot Himalayan Monal and Cheer Pheasant. Birdwatching in Rajasthan can have you witnessing the Great Indian Bustard while birding in Karnataka is perfect to spot Malabar Trogon. Birdwatching in Kerala and Tamil Nadu is perfect for spotting Sri Lanka Frogmouth and Indian Pitta respectively. Visit Assam to spot the Bengal Florican, or West Bengal to witness Migratory waterfowl at Chilika or Sikkim to see the Blood Pheasant. Visit the North East, especially Arunachal Pradesh to find Temminck's Tragopan and Mizoram to spot Hume's Pheasant. These are the major wildlife and birdwatching India destinations but there are so many more that are relatively lesser known and hence have better chances for you to spot a rare species.