Birds of Transylvania: Birding Around Brasov and Sibiu
Old forests, alpine ridges and hay meadows: the birds of Transylvania around Brasov and Sibiu, with a checklist of more than 275 species.
After the Danube Delta, Transylvania is one of the richest places for birding in Romania. Around Brasov and Sibiu, old Carpathian forests, alpine ridges, flowery hay meadows, lakes and marshes lie within a short drive of each other, and so do their birds.
Quick facts
- Region Brasov and Sibiu, in the heart of Transylvania
- Habitats Mountain forests, alpine ridges, hay meadows, villages, lakes and marshes
- Species on the list More than 275, across the four seasons
- The list Compiled by local guides, last updated in 2019
- With us Bears and Birds photo tour in Transylvania, 4 days
Why Transylvania
In Transylvania, traditional farming has kept a landscape that has disappeared from much of Europe: meadows mown by hand, grazed pastures, hedges and orchards around villages, all close to large, wild forests climbing up to the alpine ridges of the Carpathians. This mosaic of habitats explains the variety of birds.
Birds to look for
Mountain forests. Ural Owl, White-backed and Three-toed Woodpeckers, Hazel Grouse, Capercaillie and Spotted Nutcracker.
Alpine ridges and rocky gorges. Wallcreeper, Alpine Accentor, Water Pipit and Golden Eagle.
Hay meadows and villages. Corncrake, Red-backed Shrike, Barred Warbler, Lesser Spotted Eagle, White Stork and Hoopoe.
Lakes and marshes. Herons, ducks and waders, especially during migration.
The checklist
The bird checklist of the Brasov and Sibiu area was compiled by a team of local guides from their field observations and from national databases of bird sightings, and it lists more than 275 species. You can download the list here (last updated in 2019).
Birding in Romania with us
In Transylvania you can join our Bears and Birds photo tour, or combine the Carpathians with the Danube Delta on the Bears and Danube Delta photo tour. For the Danube Delta and Dobrogea, see our bird list and our birdwatching tours.
See it with us
Our birding guides are biologists and ornithologists who are on the water every day of the year. Small groups, open boats, the best hours of the day.
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