Bird Watching in Morocco

Bird Watching and the Souss Massa National Park

Stretching from Souss estuary in the north, some 8 km south of Agadir to the Massa lagoon- some 40 Miles south of Agadir- and beyond to Sidi Ifni, the Souss Massa National Park was created in 1991 to protect the last remaining colonies (breeding in the wild) of the northern Bald Ibis, the Massa lagoon and Souss estuary. The Massa is widely regarded as one of the most important birding sites in Morocco; its interest lies in the huge numbers of winter migrants as well as the species diversity; over 100 bird species are recorded in the Park.

**Please note: Our wildlife trips are only available as part of an itinerary booked through us including accommodation and transport.**

The habitats are very varied including from dunes, beaches, Argan woodland, cactoid Euphorbia heaths - a habitat unique to the Atlantic Coast in this region- and superb wetland habitats.

At the Massa lagoon Eurasian Coots and Little Grebes can often be found on the water with Purple and Squacco Herons in the reeds. Elsewhere in the area redstarts, many warblers including Sardinian warbler, various species of wheatear, blackcaps, greenfinches, chiffchaffs, Red-necked Nightjar, Dunlin, Snipe, black-tailed godwit as well as other species too numerous to mention can be seen, whilst in skies above birds of prey such as the western marsh harrier and osprey may be seen.

When to go

The best time to visit is between October and May. November is particularly good for coastal wetland sites, as the winter migrants have just arrived. March to May is the best time to see the greatest range of migrants and residents.

Where to go

There is a wide range of sites of interest ranging from the famous estuaries in the Souss Massa National Park to lagoons in the north to montane sites near Oukaimaden to desert sites near Merzouga.

The South West offers a great deal of interest in a small area. Taroudant or Agadir is useful as a base - our guides have a wealth of knowledge, a very keen eye, a great love of ornithology and years of experience.

There are 4 Protected Areas in the region:

• The Argan Forest Biosphere reserve,
• The Tamri National Park, where the critically endangered Bald Ibis is often seen, and
• Cap Rhir; North of Agadir on the Atlantic coast along a coast featuring attractive beaches, cliffs, and estuaries. The birds are often seen in the steppe habitat near to their nesting areas on the ledges of the steep cliffs
• The Souss Massa National Park, renowned for its wetland habitats where Greater Flamingo, Bald Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Marbled Teal, Ferruginous Duck, Common Crane, Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Tawny Eagle, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Black-winged Stilt, Laughing Dove, Alpine Swift, Plain Martin, Tawny Pipit, Black-crowned Tchagra, Zitting Cisticola and Moustached Warbler amongst many others may be seen.

Birdwatching Trips

We offer bird watching trips day trips from Taroudant or Agadir for those wishing to have a brief introduction to bird watching and can arrange stays in local accommodation for those groups wanting a longer and more in-depth birding trip. Please contact us for a suggested itinerary to maximise your birdwatching experience by either phoning us on 01239 710814 or Contact Us for a quotation.