Birdwatching
Our region boasts a large number of both resident and migratory birds. Our delightful and very knowledgeable and experienced guide, Said, can include a small element of birdwatching on excursions and in the gardens of our ecolodge. One of the must-see local species is Moussier’s Redstart, pictured above.
Birdwatching
Around 480 species of birds either make their home in Morocco or pass through on their migratory routes, making Morocco the best country in the North Africa, Europe and the Middle East for bird watching.
When to go
The best time to visit is between October and May.
Autumn: November is particularly good for coastal wetland sites, as the winter migrants have just arrived.
Spring: March to May is the best time to see the greatest range of migrants and residents.
Why is Taroudant an ideal base?
- Our region has many contrasting habitats in a small area (irrigated valleys and terraces, woodland, scrub, rocky, sandy, estuarine, coastal and montane).
- Our guide, Said, has a wealth of knowledge, a very keen eye, a great love of ornithology, a biology degree and long experience of assisting birdwatchers – since 1996!
- There are 3 Protected Areas in the region: the Argan forest Biosphere reserve, the Tamri National Park & the Souss Massa National Park, world famous for fauna in the wetland and cactoid euphorbia habitats.
- The critically endangered Northern Bald Ibis may be seen in the last 2 Parks
- We have a specialist library and a range of tailored information at our guest house in Taroudant.
The Souss Massa National Park
Euphorbia steppe (unique to this part of Morocco) and 2 estuaries that are a magnet for migrant birds. Its northern boundary at the Souss estuary, some 8 miles south of Agadir, offers considerable interest including flamingoes, waders and the Red-necked Nightjar.
Towards its southern edge is the Massa estuary/lagoon, 40 Miles south of Agadir, famous for its birdlife, migrants, especially waders and gulls. Species of particular interest in the Park include breeding Marbled Ducks, Glossy Ibis, European Spoonbill, Audouin’s Gull, Thick-billed Lark, Tristram’s Warbler, Moussier’s Redstart, Eurasian Coots, Little Grebes, Herons, Redstarts, Sardinian warblers, Blackcaps, Western Marsh Harrier, Ospreys and much more.
The Tamri National Park
Tamri lies on the Atlantic coast north of Agadir and south of Essaouira, roughly midway between the 2 towns. It is undoubtedly the best place to find the critically endangered northern Bald Ibis, since it is not a shy bird so is easy to observe.
On the way, near the promontory of Cap Rhir, you will see a wide variety sea birds.
A suggested itinerary for a birdwatching group
We run day trips from Taroudant for those wishing to have a brief introduction to birdwatching. Six examples are listed below. We can offer a “birdwatchers only” tour or as part of a more general wildlife tour provided that you have a ready-made group. Said will spot or advise on birds of interest that are encountered.
The Souss Valley: the Argan forest, Tioute Palmery and the Anti Atlas Mountains. A patchwork of dryland, oases and irrigated land.
The Souss Massa National Park south of Agadir: resident and migrant birds of the Souss and Massa estuaries.
The Atlantic Coast North of Agadir: Coastal habitats. The Northern Bald Ibis and the Tamri National Park.
The Atlas East of Taroudant: Tiz n Test Pass and the Aoulouz Gorge.
The Western High Atlas North of Taroudant – terraced irrigated valleys, ancient olive groves, mountain slopes and mountain streams.
Taroudant town: Relaxation and birds in and around the town.
If you would like us to arrange a small group birdwatching holiday please Contact Us
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