We are not claiming that we are specialists in birdwatching but we tried to gathered the available data online and our and local birders knowledge, By synthesizing this information, we aim to provide a comprehensive introduction to the birdwatching opportunities in Imider
Nestled in the stunning landscapes of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, Imider, Morocco, offers an enchanting destination for birdwatchers seeking both adventure and tranquility. This lesser-known location is rich in biodiversity, making it a prime spot for observing a wide variety of bird species, from migratory visitors to endemic residents. Whether you’re a seasoned ornithologist or a casual nature lover, Imider promises an unforgettable experience surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Getting There: Imider is easily accessible from major Moroccan cities. The nearest airport is Ouarzazate, approximately 100 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus, rent a car or arrange a transfer to reach Imider, enjoying the scenic drive through the mountains and traditional Berber villages. Alternatively, you can there are direct national buses from major cities such as Marrakesh, Casablanca ,fes , tangier, Agadir and many more.
Where to Stay: the only avaible Accommodation in Imider is a guesthouse which offers a unique blend of comfort and cultural immersion, allowing you to experience traditional Moroccan hospitality. Where you will be staying at a family run local homestay, where you can enjoy home-cooked meals and engage with the community.
Birdwatching Highlights:
Imider is home to a variety of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Keep your eyes peeled for the magnificent Eurasian Hoopoe, the striking Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, and the elusive African Blue Tit and faraho desert owl. During migration seasons, you might also spot a range of raptors and passerines. The diverse habitats, including rocky cliffs, and agricultural fields, provide an array of opportunities to observe both common and rare species.
Local Guides: For an enriching experience, consider hiring a local birding guide who knows the area and its avifauna intimately. Local guides can provide valuable insights into bird behavior, help you identify species, and lead you to the best observation spots. One highly recommended guide is Baha Udawd, who has extensive knowledge of the local birdlife and a passion for sharing it with visitors. You can contact him at +212625884677 (available on whatsapp as well).
With its stunning landscapes, rich avian diversity, and warm hospitality, Imider is a birdwatching destination that should not be missed. Prepare your binoculars, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the avian wonders of this hidden gem in Morocco!
Here is a list of the spotted birds in Imider by specialist and local birdwatcher, and we added the names of birds as they are known locally in Berber language to make it easier to communicate with locals, some of this birds are very shy and they are rarely seen in the area, also some of them have moved or disappeared because of the drought that area is experiencing, and it is worth mentioning that it is not guaranteed that you will be able to see all the birds mentioned on this list.
We are working tiresly to establish a guide to all fellow birdwatchers to make their experience as positive as it can be and we would appreciate your expertise to ameliorate this guide, if you have any suggestion or corrections we will be more than happy to hear from you.
long-legged buzzard
the Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) locally known as Tamdda is a species of bird of prey that can be found in various regions, including parts of North Africa. Imider, being located in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, provides suitable habitats for various bird species, and the Long-legged Buzzard could potentially be spotted in the area.
The bird can be spotted in various areas of imider, not only that the bird nest location is known and you can get a chance to see its chicks if you are lucky enough.
The Pharaoh Eagle Owl (Bubo ascalaphus), also known as the Pharaoh Eagle-Owl or Desert Eagle Owl, and locally known as Bawwu, is a species of eagle owl that is found in parts of North Africa, including Morocco.
The bird can be spotted in various areas of Imider, not only that the bird nest location is known and you can get a chance to see its chicks if you are lucky enough.
Black wheatear
The Black Wheatear (Oenanthe leucura) locally known as Tam-Lkhirt is a bird species found in parts of North Africa, including Morocco. It is known for its striking black and white plumage and is often associated with rocky habitats, making it well-suited for the landscapes found in the High Atlas Mountains, where Imider is situated.
Mourning wheatear
The Mourning Wheatear (Oenanthe lugens) is known for its distinctive black and white plumage and is commonly found in arid and rocky habitats, including deserts, semi-arid areas, and rocky landscapes. In Morocco, including regions like the High Atlas Mountains where Imider is located, the Mourning Wheatear may inhabit suitable rocky and arid terrains
The Mourning Wheatear (Oenanthe lugens) locally known as Tamtch-Idamen is known for its distinctive black and white plumage and is commonly found in arid and rocky habitats, including deserts, semi-arid areas, and rocky landscapes. In Morocco, including regions like the High Atlas Mountains where Imider is located, the Mourning Wheatear may inhabit suitable rocky and arid terrains
The Rock Dove (Columba livia), also commonly known as the Rock Pigeon, locally called Abir-Ajenjaliy, is a bird species that has a widespread distribution around the world, including urban and rural areas. It is a common and adaptable bird known for its ability to thrive in various environments.
Desert Lark
The Desert Lark, scientifically known as Ammomanes deserti, and locally known as , is a bird species found in arid and desert regions of North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. It’s a small, ground-dwelling lark well-adapted to harsh desert environments.
The Alpine Chough is a social black bird known for its bright yellow bill and long, curved wings, thriving in mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. Often seen in flocks, it exhibits playful behavior and is skilled at foraging on rocky slopes.
Thekla’s Lark
Thekla’s Lark Locally know as Bousaid, is a small, brownish bird with a distinctive crest and a streaked appearance, commonly found in dry grasslands and open scrub in southern Europe. Its melodious song and habit of running along the ground make it a charming sight in its arid habitats.
Pied Wagtail/White Wagtail
The Pied Wagtail, or White Wagtail, is a slender bird with striking black and white plumage and a distinctive bobbing tail, often found near water sources. Known for its agile foraging style, it primarily feeds on insects and small invertebrates.
European Stonechat
The European Stonechat is a small, vibrant bird with a characteristic orange-brown breast and a black cap, often perched on tall grasses or bushes. Its distinctive call and habit of flitting between perches make it a familiar sight in open fields and heathlands.
White-crowned Wheatear
The White-crowned Wheatear is a striking bird characterized by its white crown and contrasting dark back, often found in rocky, arid environments. It is known for its acrobatic flight and melodious song, making it a delightful sight for birdwatchers.
House Bunting
The House Bunting, often found in urban areas, has a warm, streaked brown plumage and a cheerful song. This adaptable bird forages on the ground for seeds and scraps, often seen in flocks near human habitation.
Crested Lark
The Crested Lark is a medium-sized bird known for its distinctive crest and melodious song, typically found in open fields and grasslands. Its sandy-brown plumage helps it blend into its surroundings as it forages for seeds and insects.
Desert Wheatear
The Desert Wheatear is a small, pale bird with a striking contrast between its sandy-colored body and black wings, thriving in arid habitats. Its curious nature and bold foraging behavior make it a fascinating species to observe in the wild.
Common Chiffchaff
The Common Chiffchaff is a small, olive-green warbler known for its distinctive “chiff-chaff” call, often found in woodlands and gardens. This active bird flits through foliage in search of insects and is a common sight during migration.
Red-rumped Wheatear
The Red-rumped Wheatear is a small bird characterized by its striking red-brown rump and pale underparts, typically found in arid and rocky areas. Its cheerful song and agile flight make it a captivating presence in its desert habitats.
Spanish Sparrow
The Spanish Sparrow is a social bird with a stout body and a mix of brown and black plumage, often seen in flocks near human settlements. Known for its lively behavior and complex songs, it primarily feeds on seeds and grains.
Thick-billed Lark
The Thick-billed Lark is a robust bird with a stout bill and streaked brown plumage, typically found in dry, open areas. Its distinctive calls and ground-foraging habits make it a notable species in its arid habitats.
Eurasian Hoopoe
The Eurasian Hoopoe is an unmistakable bird with a striking crown of feathers, a long curved bill, and distinctive black and white wing patterns. Known for its unique “oop-oop-oop” call, it feeds primarily on insects, often foraging on the ground.
Temminck’s Lark
Temminck’s Lark is a small, brownish bird often found in arid habitats, featuring a subtle streaked appearance and a distinctive song. Its ground foraging behavior and curious nature make it an engaging species to observe in the wild.
Northern Wheatear
The Northern Wheatear is a small, migratory bird known for its striking white rump and brown upperparts, often found in open fields and rocky areas. Its cheerful song and bold behavior during migration make it a favorite among birdwatchers.
Woodchat Shrike
The Woodchat Shrike is a medium-sized bird with a striking black-and-white head and reddish-brown back, often seen perched prominently in its habitat. Known for its predatory behavior, it feeds on insects and small vertebrates.
Collared Dove
The Collared Dove is a pale grey bird with a distinctive black “collar” on its neck, commonly found in urban and rural areas. Its soft cooing calls and adaptability to human environments make it a familiar sight across Europe and Asia.
Black-bellied Sandgrouse
The Black-bellied Sandgrouse is a medium-sized bird with a striking black belly and patterned wings, often found in arid regions. Known for its unique ability to carry water in its feathers for its young, it is a fascinating species to observe.
Eurasian Crag Martin
The Eurasian Crag Martin is a small, agile bird with a sleek body and long wings, typically found in rocky cliffs and urban areas. Its swift flight and acrobatic maneuvers while catching insects make it a captivating presence.
Barn Swallow
The Barn Swallow is a small, agile bird with a distinctive forked tail and blue upperparts, often seen swooping over fields and water. Known for its graceful flight and melodious calls, it is a common sight during the warmer months.
European Bee-eater
The European Bee-eater is a colorful bird with bright green and yellow plumage, known for its exceptional aerial hunting skills, particularly of bees and other insects. Its striking appearance and social behavior make it a favorite among birdwatchers.
Western House Martin
The Western House Martin is a small, sleek bird with a distinctive white underbelly and a shallow forked tail, commonly seen near human habitation. Known for its agile flight and mud-nesting habits, it often nests in colonies under eaves.
Ruddy Shelduck
The Ruddy Shelduck is a striking orange-brown duck with a long neck and a distinctive black bill, often found in wetlands and lakes. Its graceful swimming and elegant appearance make it a popular sight in suitable habitats.
Common Kestrel
The Common Kestrel is a small falcon known for its characteristic hovering flight while hunting for small mammals and insects. With its reddish-brown plumage and distinctive facial markings, it is a common sight in open fields and farmlands.
Brown-necked Raven
The Brown-necked Raven is a large bird with a distinctive brown neck and glossy black feathers, typically found in arid regions. Its intelligence and adaptability make it a fascinating species to observe as it forages for food.
Eurasian Blackbird
The Eurasian Blackbird is a common bird with glossy black plumage and a bright yellow bill, often found in gardens and woodlands. Known for its melodious song, it forages for insects and fruits on the ground.
House Sparrow
The House Sparrow is a small, adaptable bird with a stout body and a mix of brown and grey plumage, commonly found in urban areas. Its social behavior and cheerful chirping make it a familiar presence around human habitation.
Short-toed Eagle
The Short-toed Eagle is a medium-sized raptor with a distinctive short tail and a preference for open habitats, where it hunts primarily for reptiles. Its graceful flight and unique feeding habits make it a remarkable bird of prey.
Montagu’s Harrier
Montagu’s Harrier is a slender, medium-sized raptor known for its graceful flight and distinctive low hunting style over fields and wetlands. With a striking plumage and long wings, it is a beautiful sight in its preferred open habitats.
Laughing Dove
The Laughing Dove is a small, slender dove with a soft brown plumage and a distinctive cooing call that sounds like laughter. Often seen in pairs or small groups, it is commonly found in urban and semi-arid areas.
Black Kite
The Black Kite is a large bird of prey with a distinctive forked tail and a soaring flight, often seen near water bodies and urban areas. Its adaptability and scavenging habits make it a common sight in many regions.
Western Subalpine Warbler
The Western Subalpine Warbler is a small, lively bird with a greyish-brown appearance and a characteristic song, typically found in scrub and bushy habitats. Its elusive nature and melodious calls make it a delight for birdwatchers.
Common Redstart
The Common Redstart is a small bird with vibrant orange underparts and a distinctive black throat, often found in woodlands and gardens. Its charming song and active behavior make it a captivating sight during the breeding season.
Whinchat
The Whinchat is a small, brownish bird with a distinctive white supercilium, often found in grasslands and heathlands. Its perching behavior and melodic song make it a charming presence in its natural habitat.
Common Swift
The Common Swift is a small, dark bird with long, pointed wings, known for its incredible aerial agility and high-speed flight. Often seen screeching in the skies during summer, it spends most of its life in the air, only landing to breed.
Greater Short-toed Lark
The Greater Short-toed Lark is a small, sandy-colored bird with a distinctive short bill, typically found in dry grasslands and open scrub. Its melodic song and habit of running on the ground make it an engaging species to observe.
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater
The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater is a colorful bird with bright green and blue plumage, known for its aerial prowess in catching insects, especially bees. Its striking appearance and social behavior make it a favorite among birdwatchers in suitable habitats.
Sand Martin
The Sand Martin is a small, agile swallow with a brown upper body and a white belly, often seen near water bodies where it hunts for insects. Its graceful flight and habit of nesting in sandy banks make it a delightful species to observe.
Common Linnet
The Common Linnet is a small, finch-like bird with a reddish breast and a melodic song, typically found in open fields and scrubland. Its sociable nature and fondness for seeds make it a familiar sight in rural areas.
Red-rumped Swallow
The Red-rumped Swallow is a small, agile bird with a distinctive red rump and long, pointed wings, often seen swooping over fields in search of insects. Its graceful flight and social behavior make it a captivating presence during the breeding season.
Atlas Wheatear
The Atlas Wheatear is a striking bird with a bold black and white appearance and a distinctive call, typically found in rocky habitats. Known for its curious behavior and acrobatic flight, it is a fascinating species to observe.
Barbary Partridge
The Barbary Partridge is a medium-sized game bird with a distinctive chestnut plumage and a striking black throat, often found in rocky, hilly areas. Its secretive nature and charming calls make it a sought-after species for birdwatchers.
Bonelli’s Eagle
Bonelli’s Eagle is a large, powerful raptor with striking plumage and exceptional hunting skills, primarily targeting small mammals and birds. Its majestic flight and fierce nature make it a prominent figure in its natural habitat.
Mediterranean Short-toed Lark
The Mediterranean Short-toed Lark is a small, sandy-colored bird known for its distinctive song and preference for open, dry habitats. Its ground-foraging behavior and melodious calls make it an engaging species for birdwatchers.
Western Yellow Wagtail
The Western Yellow Wagtail is a small, colorful bird with a bright yellow belly and a distinctive tail-bobbing behavior, often found in wetland areas. Known for its lively song and agile flight, it is a charming presence in suitable habitats.
European Serin
The European Serin is a small finch with a bright yellow underbelly and a cheerful song, commonly found in gardens and woodland edges. Its sociable nature and preference for seeds make it a delightful species to observe.
Black Redstart
The Black Redstart is a small bird with a striking grey body and a fiery orange tail, often found in urban environments. Its melodic song and agile movements make it a charming presence in gardens and parks.
Blue Rock Thrush
The Blue Rock Thrush is a striking bird with a vibrant blue plumage and a melodic song, typically found in rocky or urban habitats. Its curious nature and bold behavior make it a captivating species to observe.
Red-billed Chough
The Red-billed Chough is a striking bird with glossy black plumage and bright red bill and legs, often found in mountainous regions. Known for its playful behavior and aerial acrobatics, it is a charming presence in its rocky habitats.
Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon is renowned for being the fastest bird in the world, with striking blue-grey plumage and a distinctive black cap. Its exceptional hunting skills and adaptability make it a fascinating species to observe in various habitats.
Rock Martin
The Rock Martin is a small, agile bird with a brownish plumage, often seen near cliffs and rocky outcrops. Its swift flight and social behavior make it a common sight in suitable habitats.
Spectacled Warbler
The Spectacled Warbler is a small bird with a distinctive white eye-ring and a streaked brown body, commonly found in scrub and bushy habitats. Its melodious song and elusive nature make it an engaging species for birdwatchers.
Crowned Sandgrouse
The Crowned Sandgrouse is a medium-sized bird with a striking patterned plumage, typically found in arid regions. Its unique ability to carry water in its feathers for its chicks makes it a fascinating species to observe.
Black-winged Kite
The Black-winged Kite is a small raptor with striking black wing tips and a white body, often seen hovering over open fields. Its graceful flight and hunting skills make it a captivating presence in its habitat.
European Pied Flycatcher
The European Pied Flycatcher is a small bird with striking black and white plumage, known for its distinctive song and habit of catching insects in mid-air. Its preference for woodland habitats makes it a charming sight during the breeding season.
Cream-coloured Courser
The Cream-coloured Courser is a slender, sandy-colored bird often found in arid regions, known for its long legs and distinctive running behavior. Its unique appearance and foraging habits make it a fascinating species to observe.
Sardinian Warbler
The Sardinian Warbler is a small, lively bird with a distinctive black cap and grey body, typically found in scrub and dense vegetation. Its melodious song and elusive nature make it a delight for birdwatchers in its Mediterranean habitat.
Meadow Pipit
The Meadow Pipit is a small, brownish bird with streaked plumage, commonly found in grasslands and open fields. Known for its cheerful song and ground-foraging habits, it is a familiar presence in rural areas.
European Goldfinch
The European Goldfinch is a small, colorful finch with striking red and yellow markings, often seen in gardens and open fields. Its cheerful song and fondness for seeds make it a delightful bird to observe.
Bar-tailed Lark
The Bar-tailed Lark is a small, sandy-colored bird known for its distinctive song and preference for open, dry habitats. Its ground-foraging behavior and social nature make it an engaging species to watch.
Tristram’s Warbler
Tristram’s Warbler is a small, lively bird with a streaked appearance, often found in scrub and bushy areas. Its melodious song and elusive behavior make it a charming species for birdwatchers.
Alpine Swift
The Alpine Swift is a large, dark bird with long wings and a forked tail, known for its exceptional aerial abilities and swift flight. Often seen soaring high in the sky, it spends most of its life in the air, feeding on insects.
Western Black-eared Wheatear
The Western Black-eared Wheatear is a small bird with striking black and white markings, often found in rocky and arid areas. Its bold behavior and melodious song make it a captivating presence in its habitat.
Great Grey Shrike
The Great Grey Shrike is a large, predatory bird with a striking grey plumage and a distinctive black mask, often seen perched on prominent posts. Known for its hunting skills and unique behavior of impaling prey, it is a fascinating species to observe.
Little Owl
The Little Owl is a small, stocky owl with a distinctive round face and speckled plumage, often found in open farmland and urban areas. Its curious nature and characteristic hoots make it a delightful sight during the day.
Pallid Swift
The Pallid Swift is a medium-sized bird with long wings and a pale body, known for its fast, agile flight. Often seen in urban areas, it feeds primarily on insects and is a common sight during the breeding season.
Grey Heron
The Grey Heron is a large, elegant bird with a long neck and legs, often found near lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Its patient hunting style and striking appearance make it a captivating sight in its natural habitat.
Black Tern
The Black Tern is a small, slender bird with a dark plumage and white underparts, often seen near wetlands and water bodies. Its agile flight and distinctive calls make it a charming presence during the breeding season.
Little Egret
The Little Egret is a small white heron with long legs and a slender neck, often found in shallow waters hunting for fish and invertebrates. Its elegant appearance and graceful movements make it a delight to observe in its wetland habitat.
Western Cattle Egret
The Western Cattle Egret is a small, white heron often seen foraging in fields and near livestock, known for its distinctive yellowish plumage during breeding season. Its social behavior and unique foraging habits make it a common sight in agricultural areas.
Booted Eagle
The Booted Eagle is a medium-sized raptor with a distinctive feathered leg and a varied diet, often seen in open habitats. Known for its graceful flight and hunting skills, it is a captivating presence in its environment.
Western Marsh Harrier
The Western Marsh Harrier is a large bird of prey with a distinctive brown plumage and long wings, often seen hunting over wetlands and reed beds. Its graceful flight and keen hunting skills make it a fascinating species to observe.
Eurasian Wryneck
The Eurasian Wryneck is a small, woodpecker-like bird with a distinctive mottled appearance and a unique ability to twist its neck. Often found in woodlands and scrub, its haunting call and elusive nature make it a delight for birdwatchers.
African Blue Tit
The African Blue Tit is a small, colorful bird with striking blue and yellow plumage, typically found in gardens and woodlands. Known for its lively behavior and melodious song, it is a delightful sight in its natural habitat.
Greater Hoopoe-Lark
The Greater Hoopoe-Lark is a large, robust bird with a striking appearance and a distinctive song, often found in arid regions. Its unique foraging behavior and vocalizations make it a captivating species to observe.
Common Bulbul
The Common Bulbul is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive black cap and olive-brown plumage, often found in gardens and wooded areas. Known for its melodious song and sociable nature, it is a charming presence in its habitat.
Scrub Warbler
The Scrub Warbler is a small, brownish bird with a distinctive long tail, typically found in scrub and bushy habitats. Its secretive nature and melodious song make it an engaging species for birdwatchers.
Fulvous Chatterer
The Fulvous Chatterer is a small, vibrant bird with striking plumage and a characteristic chatter-like call, often found in open woodlands and gardens. Its social behavior and lively presence make it a delightful sight in its natural habitat.
Common Nightingale
The Common Nightingale is renowned for its powerful and beautiful song, often heard at dusk and dawn, typically found in dense shrubs and woodlands. This small, brown bird is a master of melody, captivating listeners with its hauntingly lovely tunes.
