Birds of Pakistan
From K2’s glaciers to the Indus delta, Pakistan holds an extraordinary range of habitats and more than 660 recorded bird species. Distribution varies by season and locality — always check current regional checklists.
Resident & Migratory Birds
Pakistan sits on the Indus Flyway (part of the Central Asian Flyway). Each winter, hundreds of thousands of ducks, geese, cranes, waders and raptors arrive from Siberia and Central Asia to the Indus wetlands, lakes and barrages.
The Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar).
Wetlands of international importance, including Haleji, Keenjhar, Uchhali and Taunsa Barrage.
Illegal trapping (cranes and falcons), wetland loss, poisoning of vultures and unregulated hunting.
Species recorded in Pakistan
Where to watch birds in Pakistan
Taunsa Barrage Wildlife Sanctuary
A Ramsar site on the Indus with large winter flocks of ducks, coots, gulls, terns and herons, plus resident river birds; also home to the Indus river dolphin.
Uchhali Wetlands Complex, Salt Range
Uchhali, Khabbaki and Jahlar lakes — wintering ducks, including the white-headed duck in some years, and flamingos.
Chashma Barrage
One of the most important waterbird sites in Punjab, with thousands of wintering ducks, cranes and gulls.
Lal Suhanra National Park
Desert, forest and lake habitats at the edge of Cholistan.
Haleji & Keenjhar Lakes
Classic wetland sites near Thatta for pelicans, flamingos, herons, jacanas and wintering ducks.
Indus Delta, Jiwani & Astola Island
Mangroves and coasts for waders, crab plover, terns, ospreys and seabirds.
Margalla Hills & Murree Hills
Himalayan foothill forest birds: red-billed blue magpie, laughingthrushes, barbets and minivets.
Palas Valley, Kohistan
One of the strongholds of the Vulnerable western tragopan in temperate forest.
Deosai & Khunjerab National Parks
High-altitude plateau and passes with golden eagles, bearded and Himalayan vultures and snowcocks.
Hingol National Park
Pakistan’s largest national park: desert, mountains, river and coast in one landscape.