Birding in Hungary: My Favorite Birdwatching Spots and Species

Hungary is a birdwatcher's paradise with its diverse habitats and rich avifauna. Living in Kecskemét, I frequently explore the birdwatching hotspots of the Kiskunság National Park and surrounding areas. This park, established in 1975 as Hungary's second national park, features a mosaic of protected areas that provide unique opportunities for birdwatching throughout the year. In this blog, I'll introduce my favorite birding locations and highlight the species you can observe there.

Southern Kiskunság: Tiszaalpár and the Great Lake

Tiszaalpár's Great Lake is a vast marshland in the Tisza River floodplain, sustained by floodwaters from the river. It is a breeding haven for numerous herons (Ardeidae), including the Great Egret (Ardea alba), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea), Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), and Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides). One of the most remarkable observations here was the successful breeding of the Smew (Mergellus albellus) in 2014—the first confirmed nesting of this species in Hungary.

Since 2020, the Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) and the Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) have been confirmed as breeding species in the area.

Among the reedbeds and marshy vegetation, you can spot Savi's Warbler (Locustella luscinioides), River Warbler (Locustella fluviatilis),Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina) and Eastern Olivaceous Warbler (Iduna pallida), which has expanded its range northward along the Tisza River over the past two decades.

The area is also a raptor hotspot, with frequent sightings of White-tailed Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla). During migration, Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) and flocks of Black Storks (Ciconia nigra) preparing for their journey south are common sights.

One of my most memorable birding moments was in 2022 when I found a Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (Merops persicus) near Tiszaalpár—only the second recorded observation of this species in Hungary.

Pusztaszer Nature Reserve and Csaj Lake

Just a short drive from Tiszaalpár is the Pusztaszer Nature Reserve, home to the famous Csaj Lake. This man-made fishpond system is a birdwatching paradise, especially during the spring and autumn migrations.

When the ponds are drained for carp harvesting, thousands of waders (Charadriiformes) feed in the muddy beds. Regular sightings include Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis), Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres), Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus), Temminck's Stint (Calidris temminckii).

The reedbeds surrounding the ponds are home to Bearded Tits (Panurus biarmicus) and Penduline Tits (Remiz pendulinus), while large flocks of Pygmy Cormorants (Microcarbo pygmaeus) and various herons are common.

One pond has been set aside for conservation grazing by water buffaloes, which attract interesting species like Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) during the summer. In winter, this area becomes a vital feeding ground for geese, including Red-breasted Geese (Branta ruficollis) and Lesser White-fronted Geese (Anser erythropus).

One of my most exciting birding experiences at Csaj Lake was spotting a Red-flanked Bluetail (Tarsiger cyanurus) in November 2020—a rare sighting and the fourth record for Hungary.

Vesszős-szék and the Surrounding Grasslands

Not far from Csaj Lake lies the small saline lake called Vesszős-szék, surrounded by grazed grasslands. This area is excellent for spotting Imperial Eagles (Aquila heliaca), Red-footed Falcons (Falco vespertinus), and White-tailed Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla).

The shallow waters of Vesszős-szék attract numerous waders, including Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis), Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus), and Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) during migration.

Upper Kiskunsag: Saline Lakes

The Upper Kiskunság region was once home to an extensive system of interconnected saline lakes. However, due to drainage activities, only a few of these lakes remain. One of the largest surviving temporary lakes is Böddi-szék, which often dries up by late summer. Despite this, the remaining saline habitats provide crucial breeding grounds for Kentish Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus) and Pied Avocets (Recurvirostra avosetta).

In winter, thousands of geese (Anser spp.) visit the area, creating a spectacular sight across the landscape.

Apaj Puszta and Fishponds

The Apaj Puszta and its fishponds are regarded as one of the best birding spots in Hungary. Many first records for Hungary have been made here, including the Baird's Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii) andAmerican golden plover (Pluvialis dominica). Other rarities observed include Long-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus), Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), andGreater Sand Plover (Anarhynchus leschenaultii).

This is the easiest place to observe the Great Bustard (Otis tarda), Hungary's largest bird species. The grasslands also support populations of Eastern Imperial Eagles (Aquila heliaca), Hen Harriers (Circus cyaneus), and Saker Falcons (Falco cherrug), Short-toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus). In winter, Rough-legged Buzzards (Buteo lagopus) can be spotted.

Among the passerines, look for Tawny Pipits (Anthus campestris), Red-backed Shrikes (Lanius collurio), and Lesser Grey Shrikes (Lanius minor). The reedbeds of the ponds are home to Bearded Tits (Panurus biarmicus) and Ferruginous Ducks (Aythya nyroca).

Bélapátfalva in the Bükki National Park

Located in the Bükki National Park in northern Hungary, Bélapátfalva is one of my favorite birding spots outside the Kiskunság region. The limestone quarry near the village is a reliable wintering site for Wallcreepers (Tichodroma muraria) and Alpine Accentors (Prunella collaris).

During my visits, I often encounter Grey-headed Woodpeckers (Picus canus), Black Woodpeckers (Dryocopus martius), and occasionally Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus).

Hungary's diverse habitats offer endless birdwatching opportunities. Whether you prefer the vast marshes of Tiszaalpár, the fishponds of Csaj Lake, the grasslands of Apaj Puszta, or the rocky slopes of Bélapátfalva, each location promises unique and unforgettable birding experiences. I hope this guide inspires you to explore these incredible areas and discover the amazing bird species they host.