Baku, April 4, AZERTAC

Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic – which is an integral part of Azerbaijan, a country where geological history and climatic conditions have combined to create an abundant and complex wealth of biodiversity, is incredibly rich in avifauna.

From a geological point of view, Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic lies at the south-east end of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, an important part of Western Asia that contains a large number of endemics amongst its flora and fauna.

Many birders consider Nakhchivan the highlight of a birdwatching trip to Azerbaijan for its many unique species.

Birding here is a great way to explore the region’s stunning landscapes.

Visiting Nakhchivan as a birdwatcher is a hugely worthwhile experience.

For many birdwatchers, it is the highlight of a trip to Azerbaijan because the landscape, look and feel is very different.

The region has a continental climate, producing very cold winters and very hot summers. Much of the central zone is dry highland covered by orange-red steppe or semi-desert.

The Araz River creeps along the south and marks the border with Iran, while the Lesser Caucasus Mountains tower across the north of the territory.

The region is large but you can visit the key birdwatching sites in two to three days. Moreover, the avifauna is markedly different from mainland Azerbaijan, having more in common with eastern Turkey and north-western Iran.

Here in May or early June, visitors can observe 10-12 species not found elsewhere in Azerbaijan, such as follows:

Mongolian Finch (Eremopsaltria mongolica)

Grey-necked Bunting (Emberiza buchanani)

Red-tailed Wheatear (Oenanthe chrysopygia)

White-throated Robin (Irania gutturalis)

Radde’s Accentor (Prunella ocularis)

See-see Partridge (Ammoperdix griseogularis)

Upcher’s Warbler (Hippolais languida)

Pale Rock Sparrow (Carpospiza brachydactyla)

Bimaculated Lark (Melanocorypha bimaculate)

Caspian Snowcock (Tetraogallus caspius)

Eastern Rock Nuthatch (Sitta tephronata)

Lanner Falcon (Falco birmicus)

Black-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis)

Trumpeter Finch (Bucanetes githagineus)

Asian Crimson-winged Finch (Rhodopechys sanguinea)

Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus)

Late spring and early summer is the best time to come for most target species. Late autumn and winter is the time for wintering birds along the Araz river and reservoir.