Bird Migration and Its Characteristics

Due to its geographical location and the variation in its landforms, our country is incredibly rich in terms of biodiversity. This makes Turkey a remarkable land bridge for bird species migrating between Asia, Europe, and Africa. Turkey is situated on a primary migration route for many bird species that breed in the Palearctic, winter in Africa, and migrate by soaring.

Large, soaring bird species such as storks (Ciconia spp.), eagles (Aquila spp.), and hawks (Buteo spp.) migrate by using thermal air currents created by the rising warm air over land during the day. These birds take advantage of land and narrow straits where they can catch thermals to gain altitude. Once they catch a thermal, they glide to the next one, migrating with minimal wing-flapping. Waterfowl, on the other hand, prefer to stop at wetlands and suitable habitats along their migration routes. Birds such as songbirds migrate over broad fronts.

Istanbul lies on one of the most important migration paths in Turkey. The stork migration begins in August, followed by the migration of raptors and songbirds. Various bird species, including eagles, falcons, hawks, sparrowhawks, storks, vultures, pelicans, cranes, swans, swallows, swifts, and many others, pass through Istanbul in large flocks. For this reason, we wanted to witness this magnificent visual spectacle up close. To remind ourselves that we are not the only inhabitants of Istanbul, to share this city with all living beings, and to raise awareness of wildlife in Istanbul, we participated in the Istanbul Bird Migration Observation Event held at Büyük Çamlıca Hill. This event was organized in collaboration with Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Department of Parks, Gardens and Green Spaces, Yeşil Istanbul, GEF Small Grants Programme, UNDP, and WWF. Our aim was to create informative content to promote awareness of wildlife and contribute interactively to this nature conservation event.

Some of the birds we can observe at the Istanbul Bird Migration Observation Event include:

Stork, Ciconia ciconia

It is a bird commonly known as the “Pilgrim Stork.”

They usually nest near rural settlements, often choosing rooftops, chimneys, poles, or treetops to breed, typically returning to the same location each year.

They court each other by clattering their beaks.

They roost and feed in fields close to wetlands.

Their wingspan ranges from 108 to 218 cm.

BLACK STORK, Ciconia nigra

Its beak, long legs, and eye area are red, while its belly and undertail coverts are white.

It is a summer migrant and a passage bird.

It feeds on fish, insects, bird eggs and chicks, reptiles, and small mammals.

It is generally observed in wetlands.

It nests in old forests and on cliffs.

Wingspan: 173–205 cm.

Hawk , Buteo buteo

It belongs to the Accipitridae family and is the most predatory bird species in Europe.

They can vary in color from dark brown to white.

During migration, thousands of them gather together.

Wingspan: 110–132 cm.

LITTLE FOREST EAGLE, Clanga pomarina

The adults are solid brown.

They breed in the Marmara region and northeastern Turkey.

They nest near lakes, swamps, rivers, forests, and groves.

A large portion of their diet consists of frogs, snakes, and mice.

Wingspan: 143–168 cm.

HONEY BUZZARD, Pernis apivorus

It is a narrow-winged, long-tailed, small-headed, small-billed, and medium-sized predator.

They nest in trees.

Their diet consists of frogs, reptiles, and young birds, especially eating hornet larvae.

Wingspan: 113–135 cm.

SNAKE EAGLE, Circaetus gallicus

It is a large, light-colored predator with long and wide wings.

It builds its nest in trees.

It feeds on reptiles, especially snakes and lizards.

It is a summer migrant and a passage bird.

Wingspan: 162–178 cm.

SPARROWHAWK, Accipiter nisus

It has a slender, long tail and short, rounded wings.

Females are slate gray, while males are bluish in color.

They feed on small birds.

It is a resident species, a winter migrant, and a passage bird.

Wingspan: 58–80 cm.

SEDGE WARBLER, Circus aeruginosus

It is the largest of the warblers.

It flies with its wings held in a V shape.

It can be seen in Istanbul during all seasons.

It flies near reed beds, suddenly descending and swooping to hunt.

Wingspan: 115–140 cm.

BLACK KITE, Milvus migrans

It is both a predator and a scavenger.

They nest in groups in trees and on cliffs.

WHITE-RUMPED SWIFT, Tachymarptis melba

It is the largest species of swift seen in Turkey.

Its call is a high-pitched, thickening, and speeding up, then slowing down “trihihihihi” sound.

It is the bird species in Istanbul that most often requires veterinary assistance. If found weak and on the ground, it is necessary to contact the Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks.

TREE SWALLOW, Hirundo rustica