Feeding the pigeons on the plaza outside Parliament was once a favourite activity of young tourists (and Athenian kids too). But the city’s bird population is far more diverse. Today, it’s as likely you’ll spot—or at least, hear—parrots in Athens, as wild colonies are taking over the city’s small parks. Several sites near Athens—Mount Ymittos, Antonis Tritsis Park, Schinias Reserve, Mount Parnitha, the Vravrona Estuary—are excellent for birdwatching. But even in the centre of Athens, you don’t need to go far to spot the city’s feathered population.
The National Garden
An incredible variety of vegetation provides the perfect habitat for birds. Look up, look around and with luck you might spot the white wagtail (Motacilla alba) pumping its tail up and down as it chases insects. The Troglodyte troglodyte, one of Europe’s smallest birds and the only wren species on the continent, also makes its home here. Another unusual bird: the wryneck, or Jynx torquilla, a woodpecker that twists its neck when frightened. You can spot them in old nests high in the trees or flicking insects off the ground with their tongues.
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Green parrots have taken up residence in the parks of Athens.
Photo: Georgios Makkas
Lycabettus Hill
The owl, symbol of the city, features on Greek coins. But if you want to spot one in real life, you’ll need to head to Lycabettus. Its pine-covered slopes and quarry are also habitat for the kestrel (Falco tinnuculus), golden oriole (or fig eater, sykofagos, in colloquial Greek), great tit, hoopoe and finches who are among the 64 species recorded there by the city’s birdwatchers.