8 of the Best Places To Go Birdwatching Around the World

Many travelers likely wouldn’t expect to discover thousands-strong flocks of flamingos in continental Europe—but then again, they probably haven’t visited this wild and unique delta region in the south of France, located between Montpellier where birdwatching tops the list for one of the best things to do in Camargue. Located between Montpellier and Marseille, the Camargue’s wetlands ecosystem is a favorite of the pink-hued wading birds, as well as species of birds such as herons, egrets, and even the rare sacred ibis. In between your Côte d’Azur beach trips, it’s worth planning a day to discover this untamed nature park.

The Galapagos Islands, located some 600 miles (966 kilometers) off the coast of Ecuador, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for decades, owing to extraordinary biodiversity, active volcanoes, and their association with Darwin and his evolutionary studies.

Along with scuba diving and swimming with sea lions and marine iguanas, birdwatching is one of the top things to do in the Galapagos Islands. Ornithophiles flock to the archipelago to see rare birds such as the blue-footed booby, the Galapagos penguin, the waved albatross, Darwin’s finches, and more. Many island-hopping excursions give you the best chance to glimpse this wealth of wildlife for yourself.

Owing to its geographic isolation; many endemic species of bird (including the Hawaiian goose, Hawaiian honeycreepers, and beyond); and dramatic scenery, Hawaii has long been considered a major destination for birdwatchers.

The only problem? Narrowing down your itinerary. The Audubon Society recommends an island-hopping approach, including visits to the Big Island, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu, and specific trips to Waimea Canyon, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Haleakala National Park. Get your zoom lenses ready.

Many visitors to Kruger National Park focus on the “big five”—lions, rhinos, buffalo, elephants, and leopards—but for birdwatchers, it’s all about spotting the “big six.” The kori bustard, martial eagle, saddle-billed stork, lappet-faced vulture, ground hornbill, and Pel’s fishing owl are all prized sightings (of which the Pel’s fishing owl is the rarest). For birders, on an immersive park safari should be at the top of your list of things to do in Kruger National Park. While Kruger is home to some 500 different bird species, the best time go birding at South Africa's iconic wildlife sanctuary is between October and March when an additional 200 migrant species also make an appearance.

Florida’s otherworldly Everglades National Park is famous for its alligators and manatees, but the park is also one of North America’s best birdwatching destinations. Some of its highlights—among the more than 300 different bird species that call the wetlands ecosystem home—include the roseate spoonbill (plus other wading birds, such as egrets and ibis), the sharp-shinned hawk, the swallow-tailed kite, and even the bald eagle.

Book a boat tour to venture deep into the wilderness—and time your visit for December through March to see the greatest congregation of different bird species.

Related: 7 of the World’s Best Wetlands for Wildlife Watching (and How to Visit Responsibly)

Papua New Guinea is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, and its vast expanse of tropical rainforest and dense jungle is home to over 800 bird species. For expert birdwatchers, it’s one of the world’s most bucket list–worthy destinations—spotting majestic birds of paradise is one of the most incredible things to do in Papa New Guinea.

Encompassing dozens of rare bird species, many of which are known for their outlandish plumage and equally zany mating dances and rituals, the birds have previously been immortalized on camera by the likes of David Attenborough. But there’s nothing like seeing them in real life—and multi-day rainforest treks offer the exceedingly rare chance to do so.

Within day-trip distance of Nairobi, Kenya’s Lake Nakuru National Park is located in the scenic Rift Valley region. This protected body of water is best known for its enormous population of flamingos—at their peak, they can number in the millions, and when they take flight, they’re capable of turning the sky pink. But the park is also a destination for hundreds of other bird species, from ibises and spoonbills to pelicans, storks, kites, ostriches, and more. For the amateur ornithologist, it’s a place to watch birds.

As the world’s largest tropical rainforest and home to over 1,300 species of birds, the Amazon is home to the largest concentration of bird biodiversity of any region on Earth.

Ornithophiles come to spy toucans and macaws, hummingbirds and potoos, as well as rare birds such as the harpy eagle. Given the region’s vast expanse, it’s best to narrow down your itinerary based on what you most wish to see. Of course, if time isn’t a concern, don’t miss out on these other popular things to do in the Amazon Rainforest for bird watchers such as visiting Tambopata National Reserve in Peru, Amacayacu National Park in Colombia, and the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve in Ecuador.