Romania is one of the best places in Europe for bird watching in terms of its wealth of rare and threatened species and sheer numbers of birds not seen elsewhere in the continent. It is also probably the least explored.

Those who know of Romania's potential think mainly of the Danube Delta - an extraordinary area of wetland, some 4000 square kilometres - but the country has many other outstanding areas for bird watching. Romania has a surprising variety of habitats: from the alpine and sub-alpine slopes of the Carpathian Mountains, the dense beech and spruce forests of the Carpathian lower slopes, the oak woods and moorlands of Transylvania, to the rolling hills and warm flat plains of Muntenia and Dobrogea to the south and east.

Bird watching in the mountains requires energy and patience as the area is vast and access is not always straightforward. The bird watcher who is prepared to explore on foot will be rewarded by the possibility of seeing the Ural Owl, Golden Eagle, Goshawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Raven, Nutcracker, Black Woodpecker, Crossbill, Ring Ouzel, Rock Thrush, Stonechat, Wheatear, Siskin, Coal Tit, Firecrest, Goldcrest and Yellow Wagtail. Several mountain locations are also noted for Wallcreeper, Capercaillie, Hazelhen, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Three-toed Woodpecker, and Crested and Sombre Tits.

The spectacular limestone gorges of Turda, Intregalde, Rameti and Bicaz provide the perfect habitat for several species of raptors, Eagle Owl, Nightjar, Hoopoe, Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting, and Wallcreeper.

The rolling hills of Transylvania contain several areas of fish ponds which are known for their interesting birds. In addition to an impressive array of water birds and birds of prey, the specialities include: White Stork, Little Bittern, Black Godwit, Spoonbill, Ruff, Ferruginous Duck, Corncrake, Spotted Crake, Marsh Harrier, Lesser Spotted Eagle, several Warblers, Bee-eater, and various Yellow Wagtails including black-headed and blue-headed hybrids.

This is the region to the south of the Danube Delta and along the Black Sea Coast and includes the low Macin Hills, much low-lying land and several large lakes. The Macin Hills are home to Bee-eater, Roller, Hoopoe, Short-toed and Lesser Spotted Eagle, Levant Sparrowhawk and Montagu’s Harrier. Several rarer species of raptor are seen occasionally here. The lakes again hold a myriad of interesting species but it is the winter gatherings of White pelicans, White-fronted Goose, Ferruginous Duck and Red-breasted Goose which are most spectacular. Indeed it is estimated that almost the entire world population of Red-breasted Geese winters in this area.

The Delta - some 4000 square kilometres of sand bars, lakes, reed beds, floating islands of vegetation, and forests - is the most spectacular wetland in Europe and houses hundreds of species of birds, many not seen anywhere else in the continent. In summer, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill, White Egret, Purple, Night and Squacco Herrons, Little Bittern, White Pelican and Pygmy Cormorant, can all be seen in great numbers. Several interesting species of raptor including White-tailed Eagle, Black Kite and Saker, may be seen along with many forms of warbler, wader and tern.

Access within the Delta can be difficult and travel by small boat is recommended. Also a special permit is required for access into the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve which contains the larger part of the Delta.

Absolute Carpathian

tailor-made tours with special focus on wildlife watching, paragliding, climbing and abseiling

Apuseni Experience

standard and tailor-made programmes including hiking, caving, biking, nature photography and flora observation

Carpathian Tours

travel agency specialised in wildlife watching and guesthouse in Magura (Piatra Craiului Mountains)

Centre for Mountain Ecology

specialised in nature education programmes in the Moeciu-Bran area; own guesthouse

Daksa Equestrian Centre

horse-riding tours in the Apuseni Mountains

Delta Travel

travel agency specialised in bird watching in the Danube Delta

Kalnoky's Guesthouses

guesthouse in Miclosoara; nature & culture tours, hiking and walking trails in the Szekler area

Mosorel Guesthouse

guesthouse and ecotourism activity programmes - Zarnesti

Professional Team

specialised in youth programmes, summer camps, mountain trips

Retezat Revealed

tour-operator promoting ecotourism development in Retezat National Park and Hateg region

Roving Romania

tailor-made tours & day trips - nature, wildlife, local history, rural culture; travel advice & tourism development

Romania's Natural Protected Areas

national park service belonging to the Romanian State Forest Administration

Trifoi Guesthouse

guesthouse in Harja village and a wide range of local activities (walking, hiking, bird watching etc.)

Vila Jo Guesthouse

guesthouse situated in the famous village of Bran and local tours by 4x4