Visitors who have an interest in animal observation love Lesvos. The island is a destination for bird-watching all year-round with new bird species being observed arriving and departing according to the season! Notice the abundance of herons, avocets, kingfishers, seagulls, grebes, and of course beautiful pink flamingos all over the island. Because of the varied and lush vegetation of Lesvos and its geographic position within the Mediterranean Sea, Lesvos is a perfect haven for birds. Some birds choose to make Lesvos their permanent home while other exotic birds use it as a pit-stop in their migratory patterns. Given that there are over 325 species of birds recorded on the island, we believe Lesvos is truly a delight for any keen birdwatcher visiting the island.

Where can you find the opportunity to bird-watch?

The quiet and untouched landscapes of Vatera in the south of Lesvos, and the beautiful Skala Kalloni on the Kalloni gulf are the best locations for catching a glimpse of the Kruper’s Nuthatch, Sombre Tit, and the Cretzschmar’s Bunting, foreign species that stay on Lesvos all summer. And, as enthusiasts will know, Lesvos is also home to many southern European species, such as the Hoopoe, the European Bee-eater, European Roller, and Eastern Olivaceous. In spring and autumn the migrating birds can be seen, such as The Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper and the Common Tern. The most famous birds of the island are the Kruper’s Nuthatch (Sitta krueperi) and the Cinereous Bunting (Emberiza cineracea).

In Skala Kalloni alone, 130 bird species have been spotted, and around the surrounding Messon region, the salt-pits, and the Vouvari river. The pool and the west river are ideal for bird watching at Skala Kalloni. We recommend taking a full day here to explore the beautiful landscape and take in the wide variety of wildlife. Watch the colorful birds at Vatera on the southern edge of the island. These birds include birds from the southern hemisphere where areas have been growing colder – Lesvos is a stop on their journey upwards. Look out for exotic specimens that remain in Lesvos during the entire summer too!

Lesvos Birdwatching offers personal, local guides who will take you around the island during peak bird-watching season – Spring (end of March to beginning of May) and Autumn (end of August to October) – but they are also available all year round! LESVOS BIRD-WATCHING also offers bird-watching courses that take place regularly – if you’re a rookie, worry not ! Improve your birding level while on Lesvos! Find more information about bird-watching opportunities at: https://lesvosbirdwatching.gr/ by clicking the button below.

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