Bulgaria
Bulgaria lies between the Danube and the Black Sea, with landscapes ranging from broad agricultural plains to extensive mountain ranges. The Balkan Mountains cross the country from west to east, while the higher Rila, Pirin and Rhodope ranges contain conifer forests, alpine meadows and peaks approaching 3,000 metres. The Danube lowlands and Thracian Plain contrast with rugged river gorges, wetlands and the long Black Sea coastline. Bulgaria has a transitional climate between continental and Mediterranean influences, with colder conditions at higher elevations and warmer, drier landscapes in the south.
Overview
Bulgaria is one of southeastern Europe's strongest destinations for raptors, wetland birds and migration. The Burgas lakes and Black Sea coast lie on the Via Pontica migration route, producing spectacular movements of White Storks, pelicans and raptors in autumn. The Eastern Rhodopes are famous for Egyptian, Griffon and Cinereous Vultures, while dry landscapes support European Roller, European Bee-eater and various buntings and larks. Wetlands along the Danube and Black Sea hold Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant and Ferruginous Duck, and mountain forests add woodpeckers and owls. Bulgaria has an established specialist birding-tourism sector, with guides and well-known itineraries combining the coast, wetlands and Rhodopes. Its migration spectacles and diversity of eastern European specialties make it particularly rewarding in spring and autumn.
Top 10 target species
| Species | Annual frequency | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Tit Parus major | 47.1% | 50.6% | 56.4% | 60.0% | 51.9% | 35.7% | 34.3% | 33.0% | 34.9% | 36.0% | 54.4% | 60.6% | 57.6% |
| Eurasian Magpie Pica pica | 41.3% | 45.5% | 50.4% | 52.4% | 41.9% | 30.3% | 30.1% | 27.5% | 29.8% | 35.8% | 45.2% | 53.3% | 53.8% |
| Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula | 34.2% | 30.5% | 36.2% | 45.8% | 45.8% | 38.4% | 42.4% | 29.6% | 24.3% | 22.8% | 32.0% | 32.5% | 30.6% |
| Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs | 32.7% | 37.0% | 35.5% | 41.1% | 33.1% | 26.4% | 30.8% | 24.9% | 22.2% | 19.0% | 37.4% | 42.8% | 42.6% |
| Rock Pigeon Columba livia | 31.0% | 29.3% | 33.5% | 35.9% | 31.2% | 23.4% | 26.6% | 29.1% | 28.2% | 28.8% | 34.5% | 37.6% | 34.2% |
| Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius | 29.9% | 25.2% | 29.3% | 36.9% | 32.8% | 22.0% | 23.9% | 21.7% | 25.7% | 29.2% | 40.2% | 38.8% | 32.6% |
| Hooded Crow Corvus cornix | 29.1% | 31.0% | 34.5% | 38.4% | 33.5% | 26.5% | 24.5% | 21.2% | 18.8% | 19.8% | 31.6% | 35.4% | 34.5% |
| Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus | 27.8% | 33.8% | 38.7% | 36.4% | 25.9% | 12.6% | 16.7% | 17.6% | 21.1% | 21.2% | 32.5% | 38.0% | 39.0% |
| Mallard Anas platyrhynchos | 27.1% | 37.9% | 31.3% | 34.5% | 28.8% | 21.2% | 14.8% | 13.0% | 17.7% | 24.6% | 27.7% | 34.2% | 39.6% |
| European Starling Sturnus vulgaris | 25.1% | 10.0% | 20.8% | 40.5% | 44.7% | 42.0% | 35.9% | 18.7% | 15.6% | 29.9% | 21.8% | 13.0% | 8.9% |