Birding Rome

Millions of tourists visit Rome each year, yet many birders are unaware of the remarkable opportunities the city offers for observing some of Europe’s most fascinating birds. The Eternal City combines an unparalleled historical and artistic heritage with a surprisingly rich natural environment. Even amid the urban bustle, parks, gardens, riverside habitats, and archaeological areas provide refuge for wildlife.
In Rome it is easy to combine sightseeing with birdwatching. You don’t just see birds: you may spot them perched on the Milvian Bridge, built in 206 BC, or flying along the ancient Aurelian Walls erected in AD 275. It is even possible to see peregrine falcons patrolling the skies above the city’s rooftops and monuments, included the Colosseum.
Villa Borghese is one of the largest urban parks in Europe and it hosts a remarkable variety of breeding birds while attracting many migrants throughout the year. During a relaxed walk colorful species such as Great tit, European robin, and Chaffinch are easily observed among the trees and gardens. Eurasian green woodpecker, European serin, and Sardinian warbler are among the resident species, together with both the Eurasian tree sparrow and the Italian sparrow.
The nearly 500 acres of gardens, woods, grasslands, and small lakes at Villa Doria Pamphili make it one of the best green areas in the city for birdwatching. This park attracts both nesting and migrating birds, including European turtle dove, Firecrest, and many other woodland species.
Birdlife, however, is not limited to parks. Along the banks of the Tiber River, swifts, herons, gulls, and many migratory birds follow the course of the water through the city. In the Roman Forum and the Imperial Fora, birds move freely among ancient columns, ruins, and stone walls, creating a unique meeting point between nature and history. Almost anywhere in the city the open spaces offer chances to observe Mediterranean species such as Woodchat shrike, Nightingale, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, and Pallid swift. In spring and autumn, migrating raptors can also be seen passing over the city, including Honey-buzzard, Marsh-harrier, and Black kite.
Watching birds in Rome means discovering a different side of the city, one where wildlife thrives among temples, ruins, and Renaissance gardens.
“My wife and I went birding in Rome with Marco. We had a great trip and saw many new bird species to add to our life lists. Not only was the birding great but Marco is very knowledgeable about local architecture, history and cuisine. Top marks to Marco for his guiding and hospitality.” — Happy Customer from TripAdvisor