Where to go birdwatching in Calabria: recommended destinations

Reed beds, ponds and lagoons, woods and dunes: this wetland in the Cassano all'Ionio area is home to a wide variety of migratory bird species thanks to its different types of habitat, both as a stopping point during migration and as a nesting and wintering ground.

There are many species that can be observed in the Crati Estuary Nature Reserve almost all year round, including moorhens, water rails, grey herons and little egrets. During migration, white storks, black storks, spoonbills and glossy ibises can also be seen. You may also encounter colourful water birds such as mallards, teals, wigeons and pintails. On the sandy shores and riverbanks, you can see curlews, sandpipers and snipe. Have you ever heard of the little sandpiper? This bird with a funny name and a milky white belly lives on the Crati. Among the birds of prey that can be spotted are buzzards and kestrels, which are present all year round and nest here.

The Sibari Plain is nicknamed "the stork's nest", as it is the main nesting area for white storks. To encourage the return of this species after an absence of 500 years, a project was launched by Lipu: in the early 2000s, artificial nests were installed on poles and pylons to attract the birds. This was a fundamental strategy for increasing the population of these beautiful birds, and in 2025, 107 chicks were born to 35 pairs. The nests can also be monitored and observed closely thanks to webcams.

Just take a walk and look up, listen to the sounds coming from the woods, and you will discover how much life there is in the Sila National Park. A veritable treasure trove of biodiversity, it offers the perfect habitat for 113 species of birds. Along the various birdwatching trails, you may spot black or red woodpeckers or see birds of prey such as kites, hawks, kestrels and many other small and large birds whose names are known only to experts, such as the short-toed eagle, the calandra lark, the calandra lark and the nightjar.

If you are passionate about birdwatching, perhaps it is time to be more daring. How about discovering the world of birds of prey and perhaps experiencing the thrill of seeing His Majesty the Eagle up close, or other majestic birds such as hawks, kites and buzzards? Or the griffon vulture, the largest bird living in Calabria, with an impressive wingspan that can reach almost three metres.

In the Pollino National Park, where birdwatchers can take advantage of the most strategic viewing points, you can stop off at the so-called 'carnai' for griffon vultures, which are fenced-off areas equipped to feed the vultures that fly through the skies above the Pollino mountains.

In Civita, the Setteventi Natural Falconry Centre offers educational courses for children and exciting excursions for adults, during which you can come into direct contact with birds of prey.

A WWF Oasis in the heart of the Serre Regional Nature Park. This artificial lake in the province of Vibo Valentia falls within the municipalities of Maierato and Monterosso Calabro and is a Site of Community Importance (SCI) recognised by the Ministry of the Environment.

The lake's winged inhabitants live peacefully among olive groves, white willows and black alders. In fact, several species of migratory birds stop on the banks of the Angitola, from the most common to the rarest, such as the osprey and the great crested grebe (chosen as the symbol of the Oasis), which nests in this area. Ducks and coots, together with cormorants, systematically come here to spend the winter. It is also possible to see mallards, teals, wigeons and pochards. During migration periods, it is possible to observe various species of herons - from the more common grey heron to the little egret and the rarer great white egret - and various waders, such as the black-winged stilt and the curlew. At the Cricenti Refuge (entrance 1 of the Oasis) there is a small wooden observation hut.

In the heart of the Greek area, in the municipality of Montebello Jonico in the province of Reggio Calabria, lies the Ionian Salt Marshes Nature Reserve. It is a favourite habitat for numerous species of water birds, which stop here during their migratory journeys, especially around the small lakes, when arriving from or departing for Africa. In particular, you can see coots, ducks, grey herons and black-winged stilts here, and you may even spot the iconic pink flamingos.