This ornithological expedition takes us into Mongolia’s eastern steppes, where a breathtaking array of bird species awaits. Eastern Mongolia is a haven for East Asia’s cranes, warblers, thrushes, and buntings, with habitats that favor migrating and breeding birds. Mongolia’s nomadic lifestyle is still widely practiced today, giving travelers a glimpse into traditional ways of life. The land itself is adorned with lush wildflowers, expansive grasslands, and stunning birdlife. Mongolia’s landscapes bring to mind yurts, wild horsemen, and the distant echoes of Genghis Khan’s legendary warriors. Mongolia is one of the least densely settled countries on Earth. This untouched wilderness is a sanctuary for wildlife, where vast areas still belong to wild creatures rather than humans. Mongolia is an ecological crossroads. The north reaches the edge of the Siberian taiga; the center is an endless steppe; and to the south lies the Gobi Desert’s sands. The eastern region adds yet another layer, with its steppe, mountains, numerous lakes, and marshes, creating an ideal setting for birdwatching in diverse and striking natural environments. We made an amazing ornithological expedition to eastern Mongolia in 2023 – have a look at the report from the tour, and begin dreaming!

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The wide range of habitats is reflected in an exciting avifauna which encompasses both Siberian and Central Asian species, including species unique to Mongolia and its immediate surroundings. Some of the prime specialties include (seen during our 2023-expedition): Black-billed (Spotted) Capercaile, Daurian Partridge, Japanese Quail, Bar-headed Goose, Swan Goose, Eastern Spot-billed Duck, Falcated Duck, Black Stork, Saker Falcon, Amur Falcon, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Black-eared Kite, Eastern Marsh Harrier, Japanese Sparrowhawk, Upland Buzzard, Long-legged Buzzard, Eastern Buzzard, Booted Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Golden Eagle, Cinereous Vulture, Brown-cheeked (Eastern) Rail, Common Crane, White-naped Crane, Hooded Crane, Demoiselle Crane, Great Bustard, Pacific Golden Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Mongolian Plover (Lesser Sand Plover), Oriental Plover, Grey-headed Lapwing, Terek Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Grey-tailed Tatler, Red-necked Stint, Long-toed Stint, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Relict Gull, White-winged Tern, Oriental Turtle Dove, Oriental Cuckoo, Grey Nightjar, Pacific Swift, White-backed Woodpecker, Brown Shrike, Isabelline Shrike, Chinese Grey Shrike, White-cheeked Starling, Azure-winged Magpie, Daurian Jackdaw, Azure Tit, Mongolian (Eastern) Short-toed Lark, Asian Short-toed Lark, Mongolian Lark, Marsh Grassbird, Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler, Paddyfield Warbler, Black-browed Reed Warbler, Thick-billed Warbler, Oriental Reed Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Radde's Warbler, Arctic Warbler, Two-barred Warbler, Pale-legged Leaf Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Pallas’ Leaf Warbler, Reed Parrotbill, Chestnut-flanked White-eye, White-crowned Penduline Tit, Eyebrowed Thrush, Siberian Thrush, Red (Rufous)-throated Thrush, Dusky Thrush, Naumanns Thrush, Whites Thrush, Daurian Redstart, Siberian Rubythroat, Siberian Blue Robin, Red (Orange)-flanked Bluetail, Isabelline Wheatear, Yellow-rumped Flycatcher, Mugimaki Flycatcher, Taiga Flycatcher, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Ashy Minivet, Pere Davids Snowfinch, Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Citrine Wagtail, Richards Pipit, Blyth's Pipit, Buff-bellied Pipit, Red-throated Pipit, Olive-backed Pipit, Grey-capped (Oriental) Greenfinch, Long-tailed Rosefinch, Pine Bunting, Meadow Bunting, Jankowski’s Bunting, Little Bunting, Pallas’ Reed Bunting, Japanese (Ochre-rumped) Reed Bunting, Black-faced Bunting, Tristrams Bunting, Yellow-breasted Bunting, Chestnut Bunting, etc.