Istanbul: A City of Animals
Istanbul is famous for its harmonious coexistence with a variety of animals. The city’s street cats and dogs are cherished by locals and visitors alike, often seen lounging in parks, streets, and cafes.
Recently, sightings of dolphins in the Bosphorus have added to the city’s enchanting allure. This unique blend of urban life and wildlife makes Istanbul a remarkable place for nature enthusiasts.
One of the city’s most beloved activities is feeding seagulls from public ferries while crossing between continents, a simple yet delightful way to connect with nature amidst urban life.
In addition to its iconic street animals, Istanbul is home to diverse wildlife. Parks and green spaces like Belgrad Forest and Atatürk Arboretum are havens for bird species such as woodpeckers and owls. The Bosphorus Strait supports marine life, including dolphins and various fish species. Forests around the city shelter mammals like wild boar and foxes, while urban green pockets attract squirrels and bats.
Overall, Istanbul’s vibrant animal life, both in the wild and within the city, adds to its unique charm and offers numerous opportunities for nature enthusiasts.
Birds and the Ottoman Legacy
The history of Istanbul is deeply interwoven with birds. The Ottomans demonstrated a profound respect and care for birds, evident in the numerous bird houses (kuş evleri) integrated into the architecture of mosques, madrasas, and other buildings.
These bird houses were not just shelters but also artistic creations, showcasing the architectural elegance and compassion of the era. They provided safe havens and feeding spots for birds, reflecting a unique blend of utility and beauty.
Bird Species in Istanbul
Istanbul, with its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds and a haven for resident species. The city’s diverse habitats, ranging from lush parks and gardens to bustling urban areas and expansive waterways, provide a rich environment for birdlife.
Seasonal Differences in Bird Populations in Istanbul
Istanbul, uniquely straddling Europe and Asia, is a vital waypoint on the East African–West Asian Flyway — one of the world’s most important bird migration routes. Its geographical position between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara creates a natural corridor for millions of birds each year. As such, the city offers an ever-changing birdwatching experience shaped by the seasons.
🌸 Spring (March–May): The Great Arrival
Spring is one of the most thrilling seasons for birdwatchers in Istanbul. As temperatures rise, migratory birds return north from their African wintering grounds. You’ll witness:
White storks, gliding effortlessly over the Bosphorus in V-formation.
Common swifts, barn swallows, and bee-eaters, filling the skies with their aerial acrobatics.
Passerines, such as warblers and flycatchers, pausing in Istanbul’s green spaces to refuel.
Hotspots like Belgrad Forest, Ağaçlı, and Küçükçekmece Lagoon come alive with birdsong and bursts of color, offering a front-row seat to the marvel of migration.
☀️ Summer (June–August): Breeding and Local Residents
Summer is quieter in terms of migration, but it’s the best time to observe:
Resident birds like little owls, Eurasian jays, magpies, collared doves, and common blackbirds.
Breeding behavior among species such as moorhens, great tits, and grey herons in urban parks and wetland areas.
Though the heat may reduce daytime activity, early morning and dusk are ideal times to observe behavior and listen to courtship calls.
🍂 Autumn (September–November): The Grand Departure
Autumn is the second migratory peak. As the days shorten, birds begin their journey back to Africa. Key sightings include:
Raptors such as honey buzzards, lesser spotted eagles, and sparrowhawks, often spotted in large numbers riding thermal currents above the Bosphorus.
European robins, redstarts, and thrushes, passing through or preparing to overwinter.
Çamlıca Hill and the Yeniköy ridges are particularly popular with raptor watchers in this season.
❄️ Winter (December–February): Waterfowl and Overwintering Guests
While many species head south, Istanbul remains a haven for a variety of overwintering birds, particularly near its wetlands and coastlines. You might spot:
Pochards, tufted ducks, and smews on lakes and reservoirs.
Gulls, cormorants, and Mediterranean shags gathering around the Bosphorus.
Occasional rarities like white-winged scoters or great black-headed gulls for those with keen eyes and a bit of luck.
Even in the cold, Istanbul’s diverse habitats — from coastal cliffs to urban parks — continue to offer surprising birdwatching opportunities year-round.
Summer sees an abundance of resident birds, while winter brings in various waterfowl and seabirds seeking refuge from harsher climates.
Resident Birds
Istanbul, with its unique location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and surrounded by water on three sides, provides a rich habitat for a variety of birds. Here are some resident bird species you can find in Istanbul all year round:
- Great Cormorant (Karabatak): These large, black birds with a hooked bill are a common sight along the Bosphorus Strait and on the Sea of Marmara. They are skilled divers and feed on fish.
- European Shag (Tepeli Karabatak): Similar to the Great Cormorant but smaller and with a crest of feathers on its head, the European Shag is also found along the coasts of Istanbul.
- Yellow-legged Gull (Sarıbacak Martı): These noisy and opportunistic gulls are abundant in Istanbul, scavenging for food scraps and handouts from tourists.
- Black-headed Gull (Güleryüzlü Martı): Another common gull species in Istanbul, the Black-headed Gull has a black head in the breeding season and a white head in the winter.
- Mallard Duck (Yaban Ördeği): These familiar dabbling ducks can be seen in ponds, lakes, and along the shores of Istanbul.
- White Wagtail (Sarısalıncam Kuşburnu): These small, active birds with a long, wagging tail are found in parks, gardens, and along the coast, feeding on insects.
- Pigeons: A staple of urban life, pigeons are found throughout Istanbul, from bustling squares to quiet alleys.
- Eurasian Magpies (Saksağan): Easily recognizable by their black and white plumage, magpies are frequently spotted in parks and gardens.
These are just a few examples, and with around 150 breeding bird species in Istanbul, there are many more to discover!
Migratory Birds
Istanbul‘s location along major migratory routes, particularly the East European Flyway, means that the city witnesses spectacular bird migrations. During spring and autumn, thousands of birds pass through Istanbul, including storks, raptors, and various songbirds. The Bosphorus Strait is a key corridor for these migrations, offering birdwatchers an incredible opportunity to observe a diverse array of species in transit.
- White Storks (Leylekler): Towards the end of August, thousands of storks migrate through Istanbul, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
- Yelkouan Shearwaters (Yelkovan Kuşları): Large flocks of these seabirds can be seen over the Bosphorus, especially during migration periods.
- Herons (Balıkçıllar): Various heron species, including the grey heron, visit Istanbul’s water bodies during certain seasons.
Best Bird-Watching Spots in Istanbul
Istanbul is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering numerous spots that cater to both seasoned birders and casual observers. The city’s rich mosaic of habitats, from coastal areas to lush parks, provides ample opportunities to observe a wide variety of bird species.
Here are some of the top birdwatching spots in Istanbul:
Atatürk Kent Ormanı
Located in the northern part of Istanbul, this urban forest is a haven for birdwatchers. It’s home to a diverse range of bird species, both resident and migratory. The dense foliage and varied habitats make it ideal for spotting everything from woodpeckers to warblers.
Gülhane Park
Nestled in the historic Sultanahmet district, Gülhane Park offers a green oasis amidst the bustling city. It’s particularly famous for its nightingales and a variety of other songbirds. The park’s proximity to the Bosphorus also makes it a good spot to see seabirds.
Top 5 Birds in Gülhane Park:
- Alexandrine Parakeet
- Rose-ringed Parakeet
- Common Myna
- Booted Eagle
- Common Buzzard
Belgrad Forest
This large forested area on the European side of Istanbul is a prime location for birdwatching. It hosts a wide array of bird species, including owls, hawks, and various songbirds.
The forest’s numerous walking trails make it easy to explore and observe the wildlife.
Emirgan Park
Known for its beautiful tulip displays in the spring, Emirgan Park is also a great birdwatching location. The park’s varied landscape, including its lakes and wooded areas, provides a habitat for many bird species.
Polonezköy Nature Park
Situated on the Asian side of Istanbul, Polonezköy offers a tranquil setting for birdwatching. The park’s mixed woodlands and meadows are home to a variety of birds, including woodpeckers, jays, and finches.
Yeniköy and Tarabya
These coastal neighborhoods along the Bosphorus are excellent for spotting seabirds and migratory species. The waterfront areas provide ample opportunities to see birds such as gulls, terns, and cormorants.
Igneada Longoz Forests
Although a bit further from the city center, the İğneada Longoz Forests on the Black Sea coast are worth the trip. This unique ecosystem is home to many bird species, including rare and endangered ones.
Tuzla Lake
Located on the outskirts of Istanbul, Tuzla Lake is a wetland area that attracts numerous waterfowl and waders. It’s a great spot for observing birds such as herons, ducks, and flamingos.
Galata Tower and Human Flight (17th Century)
In the 17th century, Hezarfen Ahmet Çelebi, an Ottoman aviator and polymath, famously flew from the top of the Galata Tower to the Üsküdar district on the Asian side of Istanbul using artificial wings.
Inspired by the flight of birds, Hezarfen‘s feat was a remarkable early attempt at human flight, demonstrating the influence of birds on human ingenuity.
A Visit to Istanbul’s Bird Market
Jessica Devnani, from Pink Plankton Media, shares her delightful experience at Istanbul’s bird market, or kuş pazarı, held every Sunday in the Edirnekapı district of Fatih.
The market is a vibrant hub for pigeon enthusiasts, with some pigeons priced as high as ₺10,000. This market is not just a place for buying and selling birds, but also a social gathering where locals share their passion for pigeon keeping and racing.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned ornithologist or a casual bird watcher, Istanbul offers a vibrant and dynamic bird-watching experience. From the migratory flocks of storks to the resident gulls, the city’s avian population is as diverse as its cultural heritage. So grab your binoculars and explore the feathered wonders of Istanbul, a city where nature and urban life beautifully intertwine.
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So cute!! Thanks for sharing
🙂 Thank you for your comment.