Description:

Cyprus is an excellent destination for bird watching and is probably most famous for the thousands of migratory flamingos which visit the larnaca and the akrotiri salt lakes every year.

They come to Cyprus just as winter starts, leave as it starts to rain and return in spring. Thousands of flamingos form a pink blanket over the lakes and is a sight well worth seeing that even words cannot really explain.

During August and September, birdwatchers can witness the northward migration in Cyprus where over 380 species of birds use Cyprus as a migratory passage.
 
Cyprus has two endemic species - the Cyprus Wheatear and the Cyprus Warbler, and four endemic subspecies - Cyprus Scops Owl, Coal Tit, Short-toed Treecreeper and Jay.
 
The autumn migration begins in early August and continues into October. During the autumn migration, the Egyptian Vulture, Honey Buzzards, Black and White Storks, Lesser Spotted Eagles, Black Kite, Red Footed and Lesser Kestrels may be spotted.
 
For the keen birdwatcher, the following areas offer great sightings at various times of the year and are well worth checking out:
 
Asprokremnos Dam in Paphos - Good for sighting the Wheatear in the winter and the Black-headed Buntings in late April. Wading birds such as herons, gulls and waders can also be seen when the water level is sufficient.
 
Paphos Headland - Warblers, Black-headed Buntings, Yellow Wagtails and larks and various Wheatears can be seen in the trees and bushes in the headland area. Around the coast, waders including the Greater Sand, Golden Plovers and the Ruddy Turnstone can sometimes be seen amongst the rocks. 

Akamas Peninsula - The protected Akamas area provide resting grounds for migratory birds such as wheatears, buntings, wagtails, various warblers and flycatchers during spring and autumn. The area is very tranquil and attracts egrets, waders, herons, gulls and ducks as well as the Glossy Ibis. 
 
Akrotiri Salt Lake - Flamingos can be seen in abundance here during the winter as well as gull and wildfowl. Little Stint, Marsh and Curlew Sandpipers, Greater Sand Plovers, Greenshank and Egrets can also be seen during the migratory season.

Larnaca Salt Lake - Located near to Larnaca International Airport, the lake is famous for the Greater Flamingos arriving in winter. The White-fronted Goose, Ruddy Shelduck and Little Gull can also be seen during winter as well as various waders on passage.
 
Paralimni Lake - When the lake has water in, it provides a good area for the Spur-winged and Kentish Plover. Other birds such as Ruffs, Wood Sandpipers, Lesser Kestrel, Hobby and Red-footed Falcon can be seen on passage. There are small pools holding water most of the year round near to the Sotira side of the lake where waders including Golden Plover, Hen and Marsh Harriers have been spotted.
 
Cape Greko - Located between the popular tourist destinations of Protaras and Ayia Napa, Cape Greko is a busy route between Africa and Europe for migratory passage. In spring, sightings include warblers, pipits, Yellow Wagtails and larks. Along the coast, harriers and falcons can sometimes be seen. In winter Blue Rock Thrush often use the area.

Athalassa Forest in Nicosia - Located on the outskirts of Nicosia, the Athalassa Forest and Dam has a variety of migratory birds that use the area on passage across Cyprus. The Shoveler, Pintail, Ferruginous Duck and Wigeon regularly use the area. Bitterns, Night Herons and Little Egrets can sometimes be seen in the dam or on passage.

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