Birdwatching in Croatia is very interesting throughout the year. 390 bird species has been reported in Croatia. Between them 245 species has been reported as a breeding. Before first birdwatching trip in Croatia it’s a must to know few facts about migration and birds’ habitats in Croatia.
Birds migration
Croatia is a small country located in the south of Europe. Most of the eastern Adriatic Sea coast belongs to Croatia. One of the bird migration routes from northern and central Europe is placed along Croatia. During the migration, the birds avoid high altitudes of Alps and Dinarides mountains. Their route across Croatia to the south is one of the shortest in Europe.
The map of birds migration in Croatia during fall
Frequently during spring migration to the north, while bad weather is on continent, birds often use the coastal area as an important resting place until the weather improves. Keeping them for a week or even more, allows to watch more bird species and take bird pictures more easily too.
Habitats
Along the coast of the Adriatic Sea there are small silt and wetland areas. These habitats are necessary for feeding during migration or wintering. For instance, Curlew (Numenius arquata) uses the coastal zone for wintering and migrates north to the Eurasian continent for breeding.
Curlew (Numenius arquata) with prey during winter time at the coast of Adriatic Sea
Bee-eaters (Merops apiaster) come to Croatia from Africa for breeding at the end of April. At the end of August and the beginning of September they migrate back to Africa. During spring Bee-eaters migrate along Croatia further to the northeast of Europe too.
There are numerous wild habitats in Croatia. In addition to the Adriatic coast, there are many rivers and hilly and mountainous areas that vary in vegetation type and relief forms. Above all the diverse diet and good conditions required for birds’ good nesting are available in many areas of Croatia.
Issues
The main issues that threaten birds are:
- Destruction of wild habitats for agricultural or other purposes,
- Hunting and poaching. Keep in mind the birds are very scared. Each Sunday is a hunting time,
- Poor education and bad behavior of the locals including some hunters.
It’s very important to not disturb birds during nesting time. In case you notice irresponsible behavior of people in relationship with wildlife like poaching or similar, you can submit your note and report it to the agency. I have very good experience with their work.
Birdwatching Areas
With the rise of tourism, the popularity of birdwatching in Croatia has increased in recent years. Significant funds have been invested in some areas for design of new trails and monitoring hot spots. Nevertheless, much remains to be done. It is very important to better educate the local population and prevent poaching. There is also a problem of lack of trained birdwatching guides.
However, if you want to enjoy birdwatching in wild habitats then Croatia is for sure a right choice for bird watching.
Important birdwatching areas in Croatia are shown in the map below. For sure, it doesn’t mean you can’t birdwatching in other areas too. The map is based on reference Natura 2000 GIS database. The map can be opened in a new large window with 2 separate layers for Important birds’ areas according to Nature 2000 directive and Ornithological Zones respectively.
Natura 2000 list of important areas:
— near Adriatic Sea —
Northwest Dalmatia including The Island of Pag
Vrana Lake (Vransko jezero)
River Krka including National Park Krka
Mosor, Kozjak mountains and Trogir hinterland
Dinara and Kamešnica mountains
Biokovo mountain
Northern islands of Zadar archipelago
National Park Kornati and Nature Park Telašćica
Southern islands of Dalmatia and Pelješac peninsula
National Park Mljet
Nature Park Lastovo
Open sea islands
Ravni Kotari
River Cetina
Delta of Neretva river
Lika carst fields
Velebiti mountain
Učka and Ćićarija mountains
The islands of Kvarner
Gorski Kotar and Lika
— inland of Croatia —
Donja Posavina
Jelas Polje
Spačva river basen
Bilogora and Kalnik mountains
Poilovlje including fishfarms
Našice and Grudnjak fishfarms
Drava river
The mouth of Drava river and Dunav river
Pokupsko basen
Turopolje
Česma fishfarms
National Park Plitvice Lakes
Papuk mountain
The section of Sava river near Hruščica and Rakitje Lake
The list of ornithological zones:
Palud (Istria)
Fojiška-Podpredošćica (The Island of Cres)
Mali bok-Koromačna (The Island of Cres)
Kuntrep (The Island of Krk)
The Island of Prvić
Kolansko Blato (The Island of Pag)
Veliko Blato and Malo Blato (The Island of Pag)
Vrana Lake (Biograd na Moru)
Pantan (Trogir)
Prud (Metković)
Orepak and Pod Gredom (Metković)
Southeast of Neretva river delta
The Islands: Mrka, Bobara and Supetar (Cavtat)
Crna Mlaka (Jastrebarsko)
Jastrebarski Lugovi (Jastrebarsko)
Sava river – section Strmec (Zagreb)
Sava river – section Zaprešić (Zagreb)
Veliki Pažut (Mura and Drava rivers)
Varoški Lug (Ivanić Grad – Čazma)
Rakita (Lonja)
Đol Dražiblato (Lonja)
Krapje Đol (Lonja)
Jelas fishfarm (Slavonski Brod)
Dvorina pond (Slavonski Brod)
Kopački Rit (Osijek)
Podpanj (Donji Miholjac)
Due to the configuration of the terrain and lack of roads, some areas are difficult to access. However, make sure you have a good access before visiting. Furthermore, check the weather report too. Take your binocular or scope and enjoy in birdwatching.
Recommended Links
The list of birds of Croatia is here and the bird gallery is here.
Photographing birds in Croatia.
Below is a short video trailer about birds in Croatia.
The plan is to give more information including easy access to hot spots for birdwatchers and photographers too. In the meantime, in below comments section, share your experience about birdwatching in Croatia.