Birding in Athens National Garden: discover resident and migrant species

Birding in Athens National Garden, right at the heart of the city behind Syntagma Square, can be exciting if you are hanging around downtown. Avifauna is thriving in the dense foliage, nesting, feeding or just being hidden inside the numerous plants.

The main entrance of the National Garden of Athens

Many species of birds enjoy the dense foliage of the park, including breeding Robins and Blue Tits (the latter not being found nesting anywhere else in Athens!).

Join us in a 2 hour birding walk at the National Garden of Athens

Among the regular European species, two newcomers have already established breeding colonies; Ring-necked Parakeet and Monk Parakeet. Both species have managed to find both food and nest sites and they have become very common sights in just a few years!

Monk Parakeets collect twigs for their nests

Ring-necked Parakeets are fond of the fruits
at Athens National Garden

Athens National Garden has a very lush vegetation, consisting of centuries-old trees and bushes. Therefore, avifauna is thriving in the dense foliage, nesting, feeding or just being hidden inside the numerous plants.

Sardinian Warblers breed in Athens National Garden

Great Tits are moving restlessly at
 Athens National Garden, Syntagma Square

Other species that breed in the gardens and can bee seen all year long include Scops Owl, Short-toed Treecreeper, Blackbird, Serin, Goldfinch, Greenfinch. Overwintering birds are also numerous: Grey Wagtail, Redwing, Song Thrush, Goldcrest, Hawfinch, Siskin. Several species arrive in spring and breed during the summer, such as Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Hoopoe, while soaring Alpine Swifts could be seen all summer long.

Blackbird

Eurasian Jays

Spotted Flycatcher

Birding Athens National Garden during migration can be surprisingly productive, with Nightingale, Cuckoo,  flycatchers, Golden Oriole, Wryneck

Birding and Photography Tips for the National Gardens

• Choose the Right Time: Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to visit, as birds are more active during these cooler hours. 

• Bring Binoculars and a Telephoto Lens: A telephoto lens with a focal length of at least 300mm will help capture those distant, hidden species.

• Be Patient and Listen: Many of the garden’s birds, especially warblers and robins, are often heard before they’re seen. Take your time, listen for distinctive calls, and move slowly. 

• Shoot at Higher ISO: Since the lighting is low, don’t be afraid to experiment, as modern cameras handle higher ISO quite well.

• Focus on Behavior: Rather than waiting for the perfect perch shot, try capturing birds in action—feeding, preening, or flying. These natural behaviors make for more dynamic and engaging images.

Spyros Skareas
Bird Guide and Certified Tour Leader
Athens, GREECE