Principality of Liechtenstein

Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris ©Paco Gómez
Birding Liechtenstein

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked German-speaking alpine country and a microstate in Central Europe, bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and by Austria to the east and north. Its area is just over 160 square kilometres (62 square miles), and it has an estimated population of 35,000. Its capital is Vaduz. The biggest town is Schaan. Liechtenstein has the highest gross domestic product per person in the world when adjusted by purchasing power parity. It is the richest (by measure of GDP per capita) country in the world and the only country to lie entirely in the Alps. It is known as a principality as it is a constitutional monarchy headed by a prince. It is the sixth-smallest independent nation in the world by area.Liechtenstein is situated in the Upper Rhine valley of the European Alps and is bordered to the east by Austria, and to the south and west by Switzerland. The entire western border of Liechtenstein is formed by the Rhine. Measured south to north the country is about 24 km (15 mi) long. Its highest point, the Grauspitz, is 2,599 m (8,527 ft). Despite its Alpine location, prevailing southerly winds make the climate comparatively mild. It is divided into 11 municipalities. Much of its terrain is mountainous, making it a winter sports destination. Many cultivated fields and small farms characterize its landscape both in the south (Oberland, upper land) and in the north (Unterland, lower land). The country has a strong financial sector located in the capital, Vaduz, and has been identified as a tax haven. It is a member of the European Free Trade Association and part of the European Economic Area and the Schengen Area, but not of the European Union.

Number of Species
  • Number of bird species: 247

    (As at February 2019)
Checklist
  • iGoTerra Checklist

    iGoTerra Checklist
    Fatbirder Associate iGoTerra offers the most comprehensive and up to date birds lists on the web
Reserves

Abbreviations Key

  • NR Ruggeller Riet

    WebpageSatellite View
    The peat-rich Ruggeller Riet Nature Reserve covers an area of 90 hectares in the northernmost region of Liechtenstein. Its rich variety of local fauna and, in particular, flora makes it a fascinating region perfect for nature-lovers. Lowland moors, ponds, hedges, trees and litter meadows provide an ideal habitat for many endangered animals and plants. Even the stork has returned to the region. The spectacular blossom of the Siberian iris in late May and early June is an annual highlight and covers large areas of the nature reserve in a carpet of blue.
  • NR Schwabbrünnen-Äscher wetlands

    InformationSatellite View
    Schwabbrünnen-Äscher wetlands (Schaan, Planken, Eschen), which in 1962 - together with Gampriner Seelein - became the country's first official nature reserve.
Trip Reports
  • 2003 [08 August] - Justin Jansen - Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria & Germany

    Report
    From 1 to 3 August 2003 I undertook a short trip to Switzerland. From the trip a short summary. Without the guiding of my personal Guide (Jan Bisschop) and his site descriptions all this wasn't possible big thanks to him! Also big thanks to Mathias Ritschard for his help in writing down some sites....
Other Links
  • List of birds of Liechtenstein

    Information
    This is a list of the bird species recorded in Liechtenstein. The avifauna of Liechtenstein include a total of 247 species, of which four have been introduced by humans and five are rare or accidental in Liechtenstein and are not included in the species count. Three species are globally threatened.

Fatbirder - linking birders worldwide... Wildlife Travellers see our sister site: WAND

Skip to content