Studies have demonstrated that birds from at least 35 countries in Europe and 12 in Africa fly over Malta during migration periods. The central location of the Maltese archipelago, which lies on one of the main European-African bird migration flyways, provides an ideal resting place for migratory birds flying over the Mediterranean. This makes Malta a fantastic destination for birdwatching.
Best places for birdwatching in Malta
BirdLife Malta has identified the top ten birdwatching spots in Malta. Many of them are nature reserves run by the NGO itself while the others are also protected natural areas. Here’s where to go birdwatching in Malta:
1. Ghadira Nature Reserve*
Lying on the outskirts of the town of Mellieha in the north of Malta, the Ghadira Nature Reserve comprises a brackish lake and saltmarsh habitat that’s rare in Malta due to the dry climate. Around 140 species of migrating birds stop at these wetlands to rest before continuing on their journeys.
2. Foresta 2000*
The afforestation project of Foresta 2000 has restored an area of natural habitat that consists of steppe (grassland), garigue (scrubland), maquis (shrubland) and woodland running into coastal habitats and cliffs. The area also offers fantastic views from coast to coast across the valley overlooking Ghadira Nature Reserve.
3. Rdum tal-Madonna
On the nearby ridge of Rdum tal-Madonna near L-Ahrax, you will find another important bird area and Natura 2000 site. The cliffs along the coast nearby Ghadira Nature Reserve and Foresta 2000 are home to a breeding colony of yelkouan shearwaters and Malta’s national bird, the blue rock thrush.
4. Majjistral Nature and History Park
Still in the area of Mellieha set across the northwestern coast of Malta, Majjistral Nature and History Park is a national park that includes six kilometres of protected coastline with various habitats including clay slopes, sandy beaches and boulder screes, and several interesting archaeological sites. The site, which is home to 430 species of plants, attracts several resident and migratory birds.
5. Simar Nature Reserve*
Made up of various habitats with open pools, reedbed and trees set amid agricultural land and urban sprawl, the reclaimed and restored Simar Nature Reserve is now teeming with wildlife and is home to several protected species. The managed site is in Xemxija, on the outskirts of St Paul’s Bay.
6. Salina Nature Reserve*
Wading birds and migrating birds such as flamingos, who favour saltpans in the Mediterranean, find their sanctuary at the Salina saltpans located between Salini and Qawra in the northeast of Malta. No hunting or trapping is permitted in the reclaimed area of saline marshland and salt pans of Salina Nature Reserve.
7. Chadwick Lakes
Chadwick Lakes, set in a valley between Rabat and Marfa, are man-made freshwater lakes built in 1890 as a source of fresh water for farming. The watery habitat also provides well for several species of plants and animals. The lakes are at their best in winter.
8. Buskett*
Buskett forest is a semi-natural mature woodland that was used as hunting grounds by the Knights of Malta. Located in a valley between Dingli and Siggiewi, birds can find sanctuary in this green area of the Maltese Islands where no hunting or trapping is now permitted. Due to its high altitude, Buskett is the place to watch migrating raptors in the autumn.
9. Comino
Uninhabited Comino island makes a safe resting spot for migratory birds. The tiny rocky island situated between Malta and Gozo is both a bird sanctuary and an Important Bird Area (IBA). Spring and Autumn (especially April and October) are the best times to visit for birdwatching.
10. Dwejra, Gozo
One of the Maltese Islands’ most extraordinary locations (discover why Dwejra should be a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Dwejra is rich with endemic flora and fauna. Its prominents cliffs also attract migrating birds and seabirds, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
Some of these reserves* are managed and maintained by BirdLife Malta NGO, whose volunteers are keen to show you the best birdwatching spots and help you identify the birds. You can also check out this comprehensive list of all 392 species of birds to spot in Malta. Enjoy birdwatching in Malta - it’s a delight!