Best Places for Birdwatching in Malta

Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, Malta offers an impressive range of birdwatching opportunities, thanks to its position along one of Europe’s key migratory routes. Twice a year—during spring and autumn migration—thousands of birds pass over the islands, resting and feeding along the way or even stay for the winter.

Why Malta is Unique for Birdwatchers

The islands’ location makes them a natural “pit stop” for birds migrating between Europe and Africa. While Malta’s habitats are small and fragmented, the sheer number of species passing through each year is remarkable—over 200 species have been recorded, from tiny warblers to majestic eagles.

Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply curious, Malta’s nature reserves, cliffs, and valleys offer unforgettable encounters with the avian world.

Here’s a guide to the best places for spotting Malta’s feathered visitors and residents.

1) Għadira Nature Reserve

Located in the north of Malta near Mellieħa, this seven-hectare reserve is made up of brackish lake and saltmarsh habitat. Due to Malta’s dry climate, permanent inland water bodies are rare, making Għadira a vital resting spot for migratory birds. Around 160 species are recorded annually, including waders, herons, and ducks stopping over to rest and feed. Little Ringed Plover (the symbol of the reserve) is breeding here during summer months. Ghadira is also the only place in the Maltese islands where Black winged Stilts have nested frequently since 2008.

2) Is-Simar Nature Reserve

Tucked in a valley of agricultural land, Is-Simar is a mix of reedbeds, open pools, and woodland. It provides safe haven for resident species as well as migratory visitors such as different passerines, herons, ducks and rails. From August till March Common kingfisher are wintering there. In spring you can see bird of prey around.

3) Foresta 2000

Overlooking Għadira Bay, Foresta 2000 is a restored Mediterranean woodland with a variety of habitats—steppe, maquis, garrigue, and woodland. It shelters birds, insects, reptiles, and small mammals and is a great spot for observing typical Mediterranean wildlife.

4) Buskett Woodlands

One of Malta’s greenest areas and a prime autumn raptor migration hotspot. In late September, flocks of Honey Buzzards, Marsh Harriers, Kestrels, and occasionally rarer species like Short-toed Eagles and Ospreys gather over the woodland before roosting.

5) Chadwick Lakes

Between Rabat and Mtarfa, Chadwick Lakes’ artificial freshwater pools attract a variety of birds, especially in winter. Look for warblers, herons, rails and freshwater-loving species along the vegetated banks.

6) Salina Saltpans

These historic saltpans between Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq and Qawra are a bird sanctuary and a late summer hotspot for waders like Greenshank, Black-winged Stilts, Little stints, different species of sandpipers and plovers. Greater Flamingos occasionally use the site as a feeding stop. From October to February one could see a lot of Gulls species wintering there.

7) Rdum tal-Madonna

This Natura 2000 site near L-Aħrax hosts one of the largest colonies of Yelkouan Shearwaters in the Maltese Islands. It’s also good for spotting pipits, wheatears, and Malta’s national bird, the Blue Rock Thrush.

8) Comino

Situated between Malta and Gozo, this small island is a bird sanctuary and an Important Bird Area. Spring and autumn migrations bring bee-eaters, hoopoes, and various raptors. BirdLife Malta runs ringing projects here in April and October.

9) Majjistral Nature & History Park

Malta’s first natural national park offers a rich mix of habitats—clay slopes, boulder screes, sandy beaches—home to 430+ plant species, breeding birds, and migratory visitors. Sardinian Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, nine breeding bird species, migratory wheatears and larks. Small mammals like hedgehogs and weasels also inhabit the area.

10) Dwejra, Gozo

Famous for its dramatic cliffs, Dwejra offers excellent migration viewing. Offshore you might spot Little Egrets, while the rocky fields inland host wagtails, flycatchers, and warblers.

11) Jerma Point, Marsaskala

A scenic southeastern coastal point ideal for watching seabirds and coastal migration. In spring and autumn, look for shearwaters, terns, and other pelagic birds, especially with westerly winds. The best birdwatching there is with the North-west wind!

12) Ċirkewwa

At the northern tip of Malta, Ċirkewwa is one of the best locations to witness spring duck migration. The Garganey, Northern Pintail, and Ferruginous Duck are regular visitors, with occasional Northern Shoveler and Mallard sightings. March and April are peak months, as ducks travel through the Malta-Gozo channel to reach their breeding grounds.