Where to Watch Birds in Armenia

Sites

...broadly speaking - anywhere! Even in Yerevan city and its outskirts, the most populated and polluted area, where parks and patches of 'natural' land are being progressively destroyed and buried under asphalt and concrete, it is possible to find over 80 species of birds in the summer. Needless to say, that the countryside and natural habitats are exceptionally rich for birds, whenever one gets out of a car.

As elsewhere in Southern Europe the best time to visit Armenia is mid May - mid June. Visiting in May could produce a number of late migrants and increase chances with Caucasian Grouse and Semi-collared Flycatcher (which become very hard to find from mid June). But those who have Pale Rockfinch on their primary 'target list' should plan their trip closer to mid June, as the species arrives normally in 1st-2nd third of June and in some years in the last third of the month! Early May visits, apart from unstable weather, could additionally result in difficulties with high-altitude species because of remaining snow on the way to their habitats, while mid summer heat at low elevations could significantly decrease birds (and birder’s!) activity.

It is assumed, that a birder has the standard Armenia travel guidebook and maps and able to reach country's regions, towns and villages. For the relevant information see this page. Visits to various birding sites could be effectively combined into optional single or multiple-day trips. For the options of the best tried itineraries and schedules check out Trip Reports.

We hope, your birding experience in Armenia will be safe and trouble-free, but it should be always remembered about some potential DANGERS!!!

Thus, we suggest the following general areas to visit (*) and some of the places where a particular bird species could be found or likely to be encountered, focusing primarily on local breeding specialties: