The rich Indus delta and the highlands are a great attraction for birds. The Indus flyway is one of the world's top migration routes. There are at least 668 species of birds (Z.B. Mirza) or maybe even 740 species (The Nature of Pakistan) which have been recorded in Pakistan. 375 have been recorded as breeding birds (Roberts, 1991). Among these, a high proportion are migratory birds (from Central and Northern Asia) especially Palaearctic species (30% of recorded species; Roberts 1991) that visit the country in winter. These include large numbers of water birds, raptors and passerines. One third of the species found are Indo-malayan and the rest are Palaearctic. The global centre for bird endemism partly comprises the Sulaiman Range, Hindu Kush and the Himalayas, and has ten restricted range species in Pakistan. The Indus valley wetlands constitute a secondary area of endemism, with one restricted range species. (Biodiversity Action plan 1998)

The Margalla Hills in Islamabad, one of the richest bird areas in the Country, are home to various Sino-Malayan species. (Biodiversity Guide to Pakistan 1991) The wetlands are also of great importance for birds. In January 1990, 1,134,269 wildfowl from 108 species were recorded in 140 wetlands.

Pakistan also has a wide variety of birds of prey. These magnificent predators include the migratory goshawk, Asian sparrowhawk, imperial eagle, eastern steppe eagle, saker falcon, hen harrier, marsh harrier and osprey. (Nature of Pakistan)

Birds Gallery

Palaearctic Birds

Indo-malayan Birds

Endemic Birds

Threatened Birds