Kilis is a province located in the southeastern corner of Turkey. It is home to various bird species, making it an ideal destination for bird watchers. Over 200 species of birds can be seen in Kilis, ranging from small songbirds to giant eagles.
Many of the birds seen in Kilis are migratory, meaning they come from other countries in the region to rest and feed in Kilis during certain times of the year.
Some of the most popular birds in Kilis include the more incredible spotted eagle, black stork, flamingo, black-winged stilt, and Eurasian hobby.
With its diverse bird population, Kilis is a great place to go birdwatching and explore the beautiful Turkish countryside.
24 Birds to Watch in Kilis
Kilis is a city in southeastern Turkey, near the border with Syria. It is a rich and diverse habitat for many bird species, some of which are rare or endangered.
Here are 24 birds that you can watch in Kilis, and give you some tips on where and when to find them.
1. White Stork
The white stork is a majestic bird belonging to the Ciconiidae family. It stands out due to its white plumage and black wings. On average, the white stork measures 100-115 cm from the beak tip to the end of its tail and has a 155-215 cm wingspan.
Its long red legs and long, pointed red beak are distinctive features that make it easily recognizable. The white stork is a large bird, and its size is not the only feature that makes it stand out.
Its bold coloring is also striking, as the black on its wings offsets the white plumage. This contrast makes it an eye-catching sight in the sky.
In addition to its size and coloring, the long red legs and long, pointed red beaks of the white stork are key identifying features. These features make it easy to distinguish the white stork from other species of birds. The white stork is a magnificent bird and a sight to behold.
Its size, coloring, and distinctive features make it stand out from the other birds in its family. It is an impressive sight in the sky with an average wingspan of 155-215 cm.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Ciconiiformes |
Family | Ciconiidae |
Genus | Ciconia |
Species | C. ciconia |
2. Coal Tit
The coal tit (or cole tit) is a small passerine bird in the Paridae family, commonly known as the tit family. It is widely distributed in temperate to subtropical regions across the Palearctic, including North Africa.
This species is a common, year-round resident that breeds in forests. The coal tit is easily recognizable by its black-crested head, which contrasts with its gray body. It is also known for its bold and active behavior, often making it a favorite among bird watchers.
In recent times, the coal tit has been included with the black-crested tit as a single species. This is due to the similarities in their physical features and behavior and the fact that they are often found in the same habitats.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Paridae |
Genus | Periparus |
Species | P. ater |
3. Black Stork

The black stork is a species of large wading bird found in the Ciconiidae family. The famous Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus first documented it in the 10th edition of the Systema Naturae.
The black stork is a large bird, usually measuring up to 1.44m in length, with a wingspan of 2.2m and a weight of up to 4kg. It has a black crown and back, a white belly and cheeks, and a long red bill. Its legs and feet are also red.
The black stork is found in wetlands and grasslands across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its diet consists of frogs, fish, insects, and small mammals. It prefers to nest in trees and on cliffs and usually lays 3-4 eggs.
It is a migratory species and will travel south during the winter months. The black stork is a vulnerable species, with its population decreasing due to habitat destruction and hunting. It is listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
In some areas, it is classified as “endangered” or “near threatened”. Conservation efforts are being made to protect its habitat and population.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Ciconiiformes |
Family | Ciconiidae |
Genus | Ciconia |
Species | C. nigra |
4. Eurasian Collared Dove

The Eurasian collared dove is a species of dove that is native to Europe and Asia. Recently, it has been introduced to Japan, North America, and islands in the Caribbean.
Due to its wide global range and increasing population trend has been classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 2014. This means that, despite its sizeable global distribution, the species is not under threat of extinction.
The Eurasian collared dove is a medium-sized dove with a distinctive black collar around its neck and grey-brown plumage. It prefers open habitats such as grasslands, farmland, and parks and feeds on seeds, fruits, and insects.
This species is noted for its remarkable ability to adapt to its environment, and it has survived and expanded its range in many different climates and regions. The species has been widely introduced to the new areas, with the first introductions occurring in the 1950s.
It is now found on numerous islands in the Caribbean and is a common sight in North America, where it was first sighted in the 1980s.
It has also been seen in Japan, though there are no known introductions of the species to this country. The Eurasian collared dove is a species of most minor concern, meaning it is not currently threatened with extinction.
Its population is stable and is likely to remain so in the future. The species is also adaptable and resilient, which has allowed it to survive and expand its range in many different regions.
The species is an integral part of the ecosystem in its native and introduced ranges, and its populations must remain healthy and stable.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Columbiformes |
Family | Columbidae |
Genus | Streptopelia |
Species | S. decaocto |
5. Cuckoos

The Cuculidae family is a family of birds that comprises the only taxon in the order Cuculiformes. This family includes several species, such as the standard or European cuckoo, roadrunners, koels, malkohas, couas, coucals, and anis.
The coucals and anis are sometimes classified into distinct families, specifically the Centropodidae and Crotophagidae. The cuckoo is a widely known bird, and its unique call is recognizable worldwide.
Cuckoos typically have a slim body, short legs, and a long, pointed bill. As they are migratory birds, they can usually be found in the Northern Hemisphere during the springtime.
Roadrunners, on the other hand, are native to the Americas and are known for their long legs and substantial bills. Koels are a species of cuckoo found in tropical regions and are characterized by their black-and-white coloration.
Malkohas, couas, and coucals have a more tropical distribution, and all three species share similar physical traits. Finally, anis are found in Central and South America, and they are known for their black, glossy plumage.
All these species are part of the Cuculidae family, a diverse bird group that has adapted to various habitats worldwide.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Clade | Otidimorphae |
Order | Cuculiformes |
Family | Cuculidae |
6. Common Wood Pigeon

The standard wood pigeon is a bird species belonging to the dove and pigeon family. It is native to the western Palearctic, a region encompassing Europe, North Africa, and West Asia.
They are members of the genus Columba, a group of closely related species that includes the rock dove. The wood pigeon is quite large compared to other family members, with a body length of up to 38 centimeters and a wingspan of up to 90 centimeters.
Its plumage is typically grayish-blue with a white neck and throat, and its head is adorned with a distinctive white patch. As its name implies, the wood pigeon often lives in wooded areas and feeds mainly on seeds, grains, and other vegetation.
Wood pigeons are gregarious birds and can often be seen in large flocks. They are also quite vocal, making a variety of coos and clucks.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Columbiformes |
Family | Columbidae |
Genus | Columba |
Species | C. palumbus |
7. Eurasian Blackbird

The common blackbird is a species of true thrush, also referred to as the Eurasian blackbird or simply the blackbird, when it does not lead to confusion with other species that look similar.
This species of bird is native to Europe, Asiatic Russia, and North Africa and has been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. It is a small bird with a length of around 25 cm and a wingspan between 40 and 46 cm.
The typical blackbird has a glossy black plumage and orange-yellow bill and eyes. The head and neck are usually black, while the wings and tail are dark brown. The underparts are generally a lighter shade of grey and may have faint streaks.
The female is slightly smaller than the male and has a browner plumage. The common blackbird is a territorial species and will defend its territory against other birds. It feeds mainly on insects, worms, snails, other invertebrates, and fruits and berries.
It will also take food from bird feeders and gardens. Breeding usually takes place from April to June, when the male performs a display flight to attract a mate. The female will build a nest in a tree or bush and lay up to five eggs.
The chicks will fledge around two weeks later. The common blackbird is an important species, providing food for other predators and controlling insect populations.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Turdidae |
Genus | Turdus |
Species | T. merula |
8. Sandwich Tern
The Sandwich tern is a type of seabird in the Laridae family, including gulls, skimmers, and skuas. It is closely related to four other species of terns: the lesser crested tern, Chinese crested tern, Cabot’s tern, and elegant tern.
These species are so closely related that the Sandwich tern is known to interbreed with the lesser crested tern. This means they can mate and produce offspring with viable genes, creating hybrids of the two species.
This is a rare phenomenon in the bird world and shows just how closely related these terns are.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Laridae |
Genus | Thalasseus |
Species | T. sandvicensis |
9. Mallard

The mallard or wild duck is a species commonly found in temperate and subtropical regions of the world. It is found in the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa.
Additionally, the mallard has been introduced to other parts of the world, such as New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa.
This is likely due to the species’ adaptability and ability to thrive in various habitats. The mallard is a dabbling duck, so it prefers shallow bodies of water and areas of grassy wetlands. It feeds on aquatic plants, insects, and other invertebrates.
Mallards are also known to eat grains, seeds, and fruits. They are also commonly seen in urban areas, as they are comfortable around humans and often visit parks and gardens. The mallard is a social species, gathering in large flocks during the winter.
These flocks protect from predators and allow the ducks to find food more efficiently. The mallard is also known to be a famous game bird and is hunted for sport. Overall, the mallard is a widespread species that can be found in a variety of habitats.
Its adaptability and tolerance of humans make it a successful species, and it is likely to remain a ubiquitous part of the avian landscape for many years to come.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Anseriformes |
Family | Anatidae |
Genus | Anas |
Species | A. platyrhynchos |
10. Black-legged Kittiwake

The black-legged kittiwake is a type of seabird that belongs to the Laridae family of gulls. The famous Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus first documented and named it in his influential 1758 publication Systema Naturae.
The species’ scientific name, Larus tridactylus, was assigned by Linnaeus in this publication.
Its English name, black-legged kittiwake, originates from the bird’s call, described as a shrill “kittee-wa-take, kitten-wa-make” sound. The black-legged kittiwake is a medium-sized, white-headed seabird with a black-tipped yellow bill and webbed black feet.
It has a grey back, wings, white underside, and black tail. It usually measures between 33 and 37 cm long and has a wingspan of approximately 66 cm. These birds can be found along the coasts of the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the Arctic Ocean.
They feed mainly on small fish, crustaceans, and squid, which they catch by plunge-diving into the water from up to 30 m in the air. Black-legged kittiwakes often breed in large colonies on coastal cliffs, usually laying two eggs.
Both parents help to incubate the eggs, which hatch after about 25 days.
The black-legged kittiwake is listed as a species of most minor concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and its population is stable. However, it is threatened by human activities such as overfishing.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Laridae |
Genus | Rissa |
Species | R. tridactyla |
11. Laughing Dove

The laughing dove is a species of small pigeon that is found in several regions around the world. It is native to Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Western Australia.
This pigeon species is a resident breeder, meaning it does not migrate in search of better climates or food sources. In Western Australia, this species has established a wild population.
This was made possible due to the release of some birds from Perth Zoo in 1898. This release allowed the species to expand its range to Western Australia and become a part of the ecosystem.
The laughing dove is a small and attractive species of pigeon that has adapted to many different environments. It is an exciting species to observe and study; its population is generally stable.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Columbiformes |
Family | Columbidae |
Genus | Spilopelia |
Species | S. senegalensis |
12. Herons
Herons are a family of birds known as Ardeidae, with 72 species scattered worldwide. They are famed for being tall and slender, with long legs and necks. They are typically found in freshwater and coastal areas; some are referred to as egrets or bitterns.
Herons are a diverse and unique family of birds, and their physical characteristics make them quite recognizable. They have long wings that can help them soar over long distances in search of food, and their long necks enable them to search for food in deep water.
Herons also have a wide range of colors, with some species having a bright white plume of feathers that make them stand out in their environment. They are often found in large groups, which allows them to search for food efficiently.
Herons are a vital part of the ecosystem, as they help to maintain the balance of nature by eating small prey such as fish and amphibians.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Pelecaniformes |
Family | Ardeidae |
13. Common Moorhen

The common moorhen is a species of bird belonging to the rail family. It is native to many parts of the Old World and is commonly found near wetlands such as marshes, ponds, and canals.
These birds prefer well-vegetated areas and need such habitats to feed, breed, and raise their young.
Other names, such as the waterhen or the swamp chicken, are also known as the common moorhen. Common moorhens are highly aquatic birds and spend much time around the water. They feed mainly on aquatic plants, small insects, and other invertebrates.
They can dive and swim underwater to forage for food. The birds also use their long toes to walk along the bottom of the water in search of food. Common moorhens live in colonies and are monogamous.
The males of the species are very territorial and can be quite aggressive towards other males. They are also very vocal, with various calls and songs.
The nests of these birds are usually constructed from sticks and reeds and are built in shallow water. The common moorhen is an integral part of many wetland ecosystems. They help to keep aquatic vegetation clean by eating algae and other aquatic plants.
They also provide food for predators such as fish and larger birds. As a result, they are an essential part of the food chain in many wetland habitats.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Gruiformes |
Family | Rallidae |
Genus | Gallinula |
Species | G. chloropus |
14. Rock Dove

The rock dove, rock pigeon, or common pigeon is a bird species belonging to the Columbidae family. This species is often called the ‘pigeon’ in everyday language.
The domestic pigeon is a descendant of the rock dove, and it has spread to many parts of the world due to escapees from captivity. These escapees have led to the growth of feral pigeon populations in many places.
Feral pigeons have been bred in captivity but live wild in the environment. They can adapt to different climates and urban environments and are often seen living in cities and towns.
As a result of their adaptation to urban environments, they can be seen in parks, gardens, and other public spaces.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Columbiformes |
Family | Columbidae |
Genus | Columba |
Species | C. livia |
15. Greater Flamingo

The greater flamingo is the most significant world’s ant and widespread species.
Native to many regions, they can be found in Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and Southern Europe.
The greater flamingo is an adaptable species, able to survive in various landscapes. In Africa, their range extends from Senegal to Sudan and from the Mediterranean coast to the eastern coast of South Africa.
They can also be found in parts of the Middle East, such as the Levant, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea. In the Indian Subcontinent, they can be found in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
They also inhabit parts of Southern Europe, such as the Mediterranean countries of Italy, France, Spain, and Greece. The greater flamingo is an omnivore, feeding on various animals and plants.
They often feed on fish, mollusks, insects, crustaceans, algae, and other plant material. They also eat small amphibians, such as frogs and toads.
They are social birds, often seen in large flocks of hundreds or thousands of individuals. The greater flamingo is an iconic species, with its bright pink plumage standing out in many habitats.
It is a protected species whose populations are monitored closely to ensure its continued survival.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
Family | Phoenicopteridae |
Genus | Phoenicopterus |
Species | P. roseus |
16. European Turtle Dove

The European turtle dove is a species of bird that belongs to the Columbidae family, which includes doves and pigeons. It has a wide range of breeding grounds in the southwestern Palearctic region that spans from North Africa to some parts of northern sub-Saharan Africa.
During the winter months, this species migrates from its breeding grounds to the warmer climates of northern sub-Saharan Africa. This species of bird is usually found in the open country, such as grasslands, meadows, and fields, where they feed on grains, seeds, and fruits.
They are known for their distinct, melancholy call, often heard at dawn and dusk. Their feathers range from gray to brown, with a white patch on the underside of their wings.
They are also known for their strong and swift flight, which allows them to cover long distances in their migrations. The European turtle dove is a species that is vulnerable to extinction due to the destruction of its habitats and overhunting.
Conservation efforts, such as habitat protection and hunting restrictions, have been implemented to help protect this species. These conservation measures will help ensure that the European turtle dove remains part of the wild bird population for generations.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Columbiformes |
Family | Columbidae |
Genus | Streptopelia |
Species | S. turtur |
17. Crested Lark
The crested lark is found in many areas across Europe and northern Africa. It is a non-migratory bird, meaning it does not move from one area to another for breeding.
However, it can sometimes be seen as a vagrant in Great Britain, an unexpected sighting of a species outside its usual range.
The crested lark is a ground-nesting species, meaning that it builds its nests on the ground rather than in trees or other elevated locations. It typically inhabits open areas such as pastures, grasslands, and deserts.
The diet of the crested lark consists mainly of seeds, grains, and insects. It has a reasonably long lifespan for a small bird, with some individuals living up to 15 years in the wild.
The crested lark is an essential species in its range, providing food for other animals and an important indicator of environmental health.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Alaudidae |
Genus | Galerida |
Species | G. cristata |
18. Stork

Storks are a type of bird belonging to the Ciconiidae family and are classified under Ciconiiformes. They have impressive stature, long legs, necks, and a stout bill. Storks are also classified as wading birds, meaning they feed in shallow water.
Ciconiiformes used to include several other families of birds, such as herons and ibises, but these have since been moved to other orders. This is likely because storks are distinct from other birds, with their large size and distinctive features.
Their unique characteristics make it easy to see why the stork is such an iconic bird.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Clade | Aequornithes |
Order | Ciconiiformes |
Family | Ciconiidae |
19. Common Greenshank

The common greenshank is a type of water belonging to the large family of birds called Scolopacidae. ‘Tringa’ is the Neo-Latin name given to the green sandpiper by Aldrovandus in 1599.
This name is derived from the Ancient Greek word ‘trunks,’ which was used to describe a thrush-sized, white-rumped, tail-bobbing wading bird, as mentioned by Aristotle. Greenshanks are found in large parts of the world and inhabit wetlands, coasts, and large lakes.
They feed on small invertebrates like insects, spiders, and crustaceans. They have long, pointed wings, a long neck, and a short, straight bill. They are usually brownish-gray, with white underparts and a white stripe on the back.
They are often seen in flocks and have a distinctive call that can be heard for miles.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Scolopacidae |
Genus | Tringa |
Species | T. nebularia |
20. Eurasian Marsh Harrier
The western marsh harrier is a species of giant bird of prey found in parts of West Eurasia and Africa. It is a member of the harrier family, also known as the Eurasian marsh harrier. It was previously classified under the scientific name C.
Aeruginous, or the “marsh harrier,” has since been recognized as its distinct species. The western marsh harrier is a large bird of prey with a wingspan of up to 1.7 meters and a weight between 500 and 800 grams.
It is mainly found in wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, and wet grasslands, where it hunts small birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. Its diet mainly consists of rodents, frogs, and insects, although it may also take small birds and fish.
It is a migratory species, wintering in Africa and returning to its breeding grounds in the spring. It is a common species, but its population is declining due to habitat destruction and hunting.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Accipitriformes |
Family | Accipitridae |
Genus | Circus |
Species | C. aeruginosus |
21. Gull-billed Tern
The gull-billed tern (formerly Sterna nilotica) is a species of tern that is part of the Laridae family. It is found worldwide, including Europe, Asia, northwest Africa, and the Americas. It is a migratory species, breeding in scattered localities.
Until recently, the Australian gull-billed tern was viewed as a subspecies of the bird. This suggests genetic similarities between the two populations, although they are not necessarily the same species.
The gull-billed tern is a medium-sized bird with a black head, white neck and underparts, and a grey back and wings. Its long, thin bill has a downward curve and is yellow. Its diet consists of small fish, insects, and crustaceans.
It is a social bird often seen in flocks foraging for food in shallow waters.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Laridae |
Genus | Gelochelidon |
Species | G. nilotica |
22. Red-billed Chough
The red-billed chough, Cornish chough, or simply chough, is a bird species in the crow family and is one of only two species in the genus Pyrrhocorax.
This bird species is found in Europe, parts of North Africa, and parts of Asia. It is a large blackbird with a red bill and legs. The bird is omnivorous, feeding on various insects, grains, and berries, and will form large flocks when foraging.
The red-billed chough is a favored bird species due to its beauty and intelligence and is a symbol of the Celtic culture. It is also a protected species due to its declining numbers in certain areas and is considered an endangered species in some parts of the world.
Conservation efforts are being put into place to help protect the species and to help ensure its future survival.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Corvidae |
Genus | Pyrrhocorax |
Species | P. pyrrhocorax |
23. Pelicans

The Pelecanidae is an extensive family of birds that belong to the Pelecani group. It is composed of three genera: Eopelecanus, Miopelecanus, and Pelecanus. The Eopelecanus and Miopelecanus genera are now extinct, while the Pelecanus genus still exists today.
The Pelecanidae family of birds has been around since the late Eocene era, around 56 million years ago. They have since adapted to their environment and have been able to survive through the centuries.
Today, these birds are found worldwide in both wet and dry climates. Pelecanids are large waterbirds, typically with long necks and large bills. They are usually gray or white, and many species have a distinctive pouch on their lower bill.
This pouch captures and stores fish, which the birds then swallow whole. Pelecanids are also adept swimmers and can often be seen gliding on the water’s surface.
They are also strong fliers and, like many Pelecaniformes group members, have an oil gland from which they can spread oil onto their feathers to keep them waterproof.
In conclusion, the Pelecanidae family of birds has been around for millions of years, adapting to their environment and surviving through time. Today, they are found in many different climates and are adept swimmers and strong fliers.
They are also known for their large, distinctive bills and ability to capture and store fish in their pouches.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Pelecaniformes |
Family | Pelecanidae |
24. Chukar
The chukar partridge, or simply chukar, is a species of gamebird found in the Palearctic region of the world. It is a member of the pheasant family Phasianidae and is known for its unique coloration and distinctive feather pattern.
It is related to other species of gamebirds, including the rock partridge, Philby’s partridge, and Przevalski’s partridge. In the past, these species were often considered to be the same species, with the chukar being the most dominant of the group.
However, recent studies show distinct differences between the species, and they should be considered different species. The chukar is a very hardy bird and is known to be able to survive in a variety of habitats, from grasslands to mountains.
It is also known to be a very skittish bird and will often take flight when disturbed. The chukar is usually hunted for sport and is a famous game bird for hunters in the Palearctic region.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Galliformes |
Family | Phasianidae |
Genus | Alectoris |
Species | A. chukar |
Conclusion
Birds in Kilis provide a unique opportunity to witness the diversity of the avian species in the region. Birdwatching is popular in the region with both migratory and resident birds.
The diversity of birds provides a unique insight into the region’s biodiversity and its impact on the local flora and fauna.
The presence of so many birds in Kilis also contributes to the beauty of the region and its natural beauty, making it a great place to visit.