Birds in Greece

🦅 Species, Habitats & Birdwatching Tips

Greece is a paradise for birds.

The country lies directly on the main migration route between Europe and Africa, which is why millions of migratory birds stop here to rest or overwinter each year.

From the mountains of Macedonia to the coasts of the Aegean and Ionian Islands, Greece offers an extraordinary diversity of habitats – and therefore of bird species.

Those vacationing in Greece can observe birds almost everywhere with a little attention:
on beaches, in olive groves, on cliffs, at lakes, or in city parks.

In this article, you’ll learn all about the most important bird species in Greece, where you can see them, and why the country is so special for ornithologists and nature lovers.

🌍 Why Greece Has So Many Bird Species

Greece is geographically unique:

Located between Europe, Asia, and Africa

Over 2,000 islands, each with its own microclimate

Large differences in altitude: from the sea to over 2,900 meters (Mount Olympus)

Numerous wetlands, lakes, and lagoons

👉 As a result, over 450 different bird species live here – including many that are rare or nonexistent in Central Europe.

Some species are endemic (found only here), while others use the country as a stopover on their migratory routes.

🐦 Common Birds in Greece

You’ll encounter many bird species even on a simple walk or while having breakfast on the terrace.

Here are the most common species that you’ll see almost everywhere:

These species are perfectly adapted to the Mediterranean climate and can be found everywhere – from Crete to Thessaloniki.

🏞️ Bird Habitats in Greece

The diversity of its landscapes makes Greece one of the most important bird habitats in Europe.

🏖️ Coasts & Islands

Numerous seabirds and migratory birds live here, using the sea or lagoons as resting places:

Gulls (Herring Gull, Common Gull, Mediterranean Gull)

Cormorants

Herons (Great Egret, Purple Heron)

Terns

Flamingos in Lagoons

Particularly well-known are:

Gialova Lagoon (Peloponnese)

Alyki Salt Lakes on Paros and Lemnos

Messolonghi Lagoon (Western Greece)

🌾 Fields & Olive Groves

Many songbirds and smaller birds of prey live here.

Typical species:

Hoopoe 🐦 (Upupa epops) – orange crest, loud call

Bee-eaters – colorful, exotic, usually seen in May and June

Quails, Larks, Finches, Goldfinches

Olive groves offer nesting opportunities and shelter – especially on Crete, Rhodes, and Naxos, many songbirds can be seen there.

🌳 Forests & Mountains

Owls, woodpeckers, birds of prey, and mountain birds live at higher elevations.

In the Pindus Mountains, on Mount Olympus, or on Crete, you can find:

Robins, nuthatches, wrens

Great Spotted Woodpecker and Black Woodpecker

Owls (Long-eared Owl, Barn Owl)

Golden Eagle, Goshawk, Common Buzzard

These regions are particularly active in spring and autumn – many species sing and hunt during this time.

💧 Lakes & Wetlands

Greece boasts several large wetlands, some of the most important in Europe.

Top birdwatching areas:

Lake Kerkini (Northern Greece) – over 300 bird species, including pelicans and herons

Prespa Lakes (Northwestern Greece) – breeding ground for Dalmatian pelicans

Messolonghi Lagoon (Western Greece) – large flamingo and heron colonies

Ambracian Gulf (Epirus) – numerous waterfowl and rare duck species

Evros Delta (bordering Turkey) – one of the richest birdlife areas in Europe

These areas are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a birdwatcher’s paradise.

🦉 Birds of Prey & Owls in Greece

Greece has an impressive variety of birds of prey.

The mountains and open landscapes provide ideal conditions for them.

🦅 Important Birds of Prey

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🦉 Owl species in Greece

Owls are closely linked to Greek culture – the owl of Athena still symbolizes wisdom and knowledge.

Common species:

Little Owl (Athene noctua) – symbolic animal of Athens, small and active at dusk

Barn Owl (Tyto alba) – found in churches, ruins, and old buildings

Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) – lives in forests and parks

Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) – the largest owl in Europe, rare, but found in Crete and northern Greece

🦩 Flamingos in Greece

Flamingos have become a symbol of Greek nature conservation in recent years.

They primarily inhabit lagoons and salt lakes.

Notable places:

Lake Alyki on Kos

Gialova Lagoon (Peloponnese)

Alyki Lagoon near Thessaloniki

Messolonghi Lagoon (Western Greece)

Most flamingos are greater flamingos, hundreds of which overwinter in Greece during the spring and winter.

Their color depends on their diet – the more crustaceans they eat, the more intense the pink.

🐧 Migratory Birds – Greece as a Resting Place

Migratory birds play a huge role in Greece.

In spring and autumn, millions of birds migrate across the country – especially over the Aegean Sea.

Popular viewing times:

March–May: Migration north (Africa → Europe)

September–October: Return flight south

Species:

Storks (White Stork, Black Stork)

Swallows

Bee-eaters

Nightingales

Various birds of prey

The best places to see migratory birds:

Lesbos Island (famous among birdwatchers)

Evros Delta

Messolonghi Lake

Lake Kerkini

📸 Birdwatching in Greece – Tips for travelers

Birdwatching is becoming increasingly popular in Greece.

You don’t need expensive equipment – ​​often binoculars or a camera with zoom are sufficient.

💡 Best time to visit: Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October)
💡 Best places to visit: Lakes, lagoons, olive groves, mountains

Tips:

Birds are most active in the early morning.

Avoid bright clothing and loud noises.

Stay on the marked trails in national parks.

Many protected areas have observation towers.

⚠️ Threats & Conservation

Although Greece has many protected areas, some bird species are threatened.

Main threats:

Habitat loss (e.g., due to development and tourism)

Hunting (especially of quail and songbirds in rural areas)

Power lines and wind farms

Pollution and fire

Organizations such as the Hellenic Ornithological Society (BirdLife Greece) and WWF Greece are working to protect these species through neutering and reintroduction projects, monitoring, and public awareness campaigns.

🪶 Rare and special bird species

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🧭 Conclusion: Birds in Greece – Diversity Between Mountains & Sea

Greece is a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

From the majestic golden eagle to the colorful bee-eater – hardly any other country in Europe offers so many bird species and habitats in such a small area.

Whether on Crete, at Lake Kerkini, or in the Cyclades – those who get up early and look closely will experience Greek nature at its finest: vibrant, diverse, and full of song.

Birds Greece   Flamingos Greece   Snakes Greece    Sharks Greece