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Armenia is a
mountainous country with elevations above sea level ranging from 379m to 4090m,
and it combines elements of three geo-botanical regions: Caucasian, Iranian and
Eastern Mediterranean. Various factors, such as the country's geographical
situation and complex geomorphology, lead to there being a variety of
landscapes and habitats from rocky semi-deserts and mountain steppes to mature
mixed and deciduous forests and alpine meadows up to the snowline. Armenia also
has numerous natural lakes (with Sevan being the largest in the entire
Caucasus), rivers running down the mountain gorges, and a large system of
artificial wetlands and reservoirs.
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This, in turn, results in unusually
rich diversity of flora and fauna in a relatively small country. Up to the
present over 340 bird species have been recorded in Armenia, of which about 240
species breed here. Many of European bird species are represented in Armenia by
particular subspecies, while almost all of the Caucasian specialities are
habitually encountered during a spring-summer Birdwatching trip.
Some of these most sought-after birds
are Caspian Snowcock, Caucasian Grouse, Armenian Gull, Ride's Accentor, Persian
Wheatear and Semi-collared Flycatcher. Other interesting species for
birdwatchers are Pygmy Cormorant, Marbled, Ferruginous and White-headed Ducks,
White-tailed Plover, an excellent selection of raptors, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater,
Bimaculated Lark, White-throated Robin, Finch's Wheatear, Menetries's, Upcher's
and Green Warblers, Eastern and Western Rock Nuthatches, Wallcreeper,
Grey-necked Bunting, Pale Rock Sparrow, Red-fronted Serin, Crimson-winged,
Trumpeter and Mongolian Finches.
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Situated on an
important migration flyway Armenia offers superb opportunity to see, among many
others, such species as Demoiselle Crane, Black-winged Pratincole,
Broad-billed, Terek and Marsh Sandpipers, Greater Black-headed Gull, Calandra
Lark, Moustached Warbler, and spectacular migration of eagles, harriers and
buzzards.
The richness of birds in conjunction
with the hospitality of the local people, numerous ancient historical and
cultural monuments and some of the most impressive scenery in the Western
Palaearctic, makes Armenia a worthwhile and rewarding destination for every
birdwatcher.
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For more information or for composing your private tour,
please visit to our partner's site:
www.ArmeniaBirding.info
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