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Netherlands

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa ©Andreas Trepte Website

The Netherlands, informally Holland, is a country in Northwestern Europe, with overseas territories in the Caribbean. It is the largest of the four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Netherlands consists of twelve provinces; it borders Germany to the east and Belgium to the south, with a North Sea coastline to the north and west. It shares maritime borders with the United Kingdom, Germany, and Belgium. The official language is Dutch, with West Frisian as a secondary official language in the province of Friesland. Netherlands literally means ‘lower countries’ in reference to its low elevation and flat topography, with 26% below sea level. Most of the areas below sea level, known as polders, are the result of land reclamation that began in the 14th century. In the Republican period, which began in 1588, the Netherlands entered a unique era of political, economic, and cultural greatness, ranked among the most powerful and influential in Europe and the world; this period is known as the Dutch Golden Age. During this time, its trading companies, the Dutch East India Company and the Dutch West India Company, established colonies and trading posts all over the world.

With a population of over 18.3 million people, all living within a total area of 41,850 km² (16,160 square miles), the Netherlands is the 33rd most densely populated country, with a density of 544 people per square kilometre. Nevertheless, it is the world’s second-largest exporter of food and agricultural products by value, owing to its fertile soil, mild climate, intensive agriculture, and inventiveness. The four largest cities in the Netherlands are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht. Amsterdam is the country’s most populous city with almost 1.2 million inhabitants of the metropolitan area, and the nominal capital. However, the primary national political institutions are located in the Hague.

Landscape at Workum, Friesland – ©Gouwenaar CC0 via Wikimedia Commons

The country is for the most part flat, with the exception of foothills in the far southeast, up to a height of a little over 1,000 feet at the Vaalserberg, and some low hill ranges in the central parts. Most of the areas below sea level are caused by peat extraction or achieved through land reclamation. Since the late 16th century, large polder areas are preserved through elaborate drainage systems that include dikes, canals and pumping stations. Much of the country was originally formed by the estuaries of three large European rivers: the Rhine, the Meuse and the Scheldt, as well as their tributaries. The south-western part of the Netherlands is a river delta of these rivers.

The European Netherlands is divided into north and south parts by the Rhine, the Waal, its main tributary branch, and the Meuse. These rivers functioned as a natural barrier between fiefdoms and hence historically created a cultural divide, as is evident in some phonetic traits that are recognisable on either side of what the Dutch call their ‘Great Rivers’. Another significant branch of the Rhine, the IJssel river, discharges into Lake IJssel, the former Zuiderzee (‘southern sea’). This river also forms a linguistic divide: people to the northeast of this river speak Dutch Low Saxon dialects (except for the province of Friesland, which has its own language).

Wadden Sea Biosphere – ©Nationalparkwattenmeersh CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Climate change has resulted in increased frequency of droughts and heatwaves. Because significant portions of the Netherlands have been reclaimed from the sea or otherwise are very near sea level, the Netherlands is very vulnerable to sea level rise. Nitrogen pollution is a problem. The number of flying insects in the Netherlands has dropped by 75% over the last three decades.

Birding the Netherlands

The Netherlands has 21 national parks and hundreds of other nature reserves. Most of these are owned by Staatsbosbeheer, the national department for forestry and nature conservation and Natuurmonumenten, a private organisation that buys, protects and manages nature reserves. The Wadden Sea in the north, with its tidal flats and wetlands, is rich in biological diversity, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Nature Site. The Eastern Scheldt, formerly the northeast estuary of the river Scheldt was designated a national park a generation ago, making it the largest national park in the Netherlands at an area of 370 km². Phytogeographically, the European Netherlands is shared between the Atlantic European and Central European provinces of the Circumboreal Region within the Boreal Kingdom. Its ecoregion is Atlantic mixed forests. The last old original natural woods were cut down over 150 years ago.

Biesbosch National Park – ©Baykedevries CC BY-SA 3.0 NL via Wikimedia Commons

Holland is the most densely populated country in Europe. Nevertheless, it has a lot to offer to (foreign) birdwatchers and with around 300 regular migrant and resident birds and a total list of 571 bird species. It has a surprising variety of habitats, so is certainly worth a visit. With almost 800 kilometres of coast line and nearly half of the country below sea-level it is no wonder that (coastal) wetlands make up some of the best birdwatching areas, especially since the Netherlands are located on one of the main migration routes for waders. However, being on the continent Holland also profits from various range extensions of Middle-European or eastern species. Common Rosefinch, Penduline Tit and Eagle Owl are now well-established breeding birds and many birders hope that Greenish Warbler and Thrush Nightingale will follow this same pattern. Eagle Owl colonised the extreme south of the country then spread north often nesting on electricity pylons as there are few cliff-faces, its traditional preferred nest site.

Texel Dunes National Park – ©Txllxt TxllxT CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Holland is an easy country for a birdwatcher with good facilities such as an increasing number of hides at the right places. Easy (usually free) access to most reserves and a good network of roads, although the traffic jams in the Western part of the country can be frustrating. Birdwatching is popular in Holland and when out in the field you will certainly meet other birders who are usually happy to give you information on local birds. Twitching is also increasingly popular and there are various web-sites with daily updates of rarities seen. Many Dutch birders use pagers and/or mobile phones but the whole scene is still far more relaxed than in the UK and any bird attracting over a 100 twitchers is still considered a massive twitch (or dip!).

Top Sites

Delta
Satellite View
The South-West of the country with the estuaries of the rivers Scheldt and Meuse is usually simply refered to as The Delta. It as a wide open country with many dams and lakes attracting large numbers of geese and other waterfowl in winter. A perfect place to see migrating birds which follow the coast line is at Breskens. Large numbers of common migrants and a surprising variety of rarer birds have been seen here at Parnassia. Another good site in this area, although completely artificial and under the smoke of petro-chemical industry is the Maasvlakte, the man-made extension of the Rotterdam harbour area projecting into the North Sea. Due to its position this area catches a lot of migrants.
Lapelaarplassen Reserve
Information Satellite View
Lapelaarplassen Reserve is in Flevoland, near to Lelystad, north of Amsterdam - it is similar in some ways to Stodmarsh in the UK, with a mere, reedbeds, scrubby willows and rough pasture behind the sea wall. Autumn species include Brambling, Chiffchaff, Water Rail, S/T Treecreeper, Smew, Bewick's Swan, Marsh Tit, Egyptian, Greylag, White-fronted, Brent and Bean Goose, Red-Necked Grebe, Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Goosander. It is easy to get to from Amsterdam, and would suit any birder touring to Amsterdam who wanted to get some convenient birding in whilst in the area.
Lauwersmeer
Information Satellite View
Arguably the best bird-site in The Netherlands the wetlands of the Lauwersmeer and the surrounding grassland are worth a visit at any time of the year. The number of geese to be found at Anjumer Kolken can be breathtaking. The most common species to be found are Barnacle, Dark-bellied Brent and White-fronted Geese, but smaller numbers of all other species can also be found. Every year most of the rare geese visiting the Netherlands (Red-breasted Goose, Ross's Goose, Lesser White-fronted Goose and Black Brent) are reported in this area. Because of it's proximity to the intertidal mudflats of the Waddensea the Lauwersmeer attracts large numbers of waders. Some of the rarest waders have been reported in the area like Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Red-necked Stint and Lesser Yellowlegs. Interesting Breeding birds include Montague's Harrier, Golden Oriole, Bearded Tit and Marsh Warbler. The harbour of Lauwersoog, where the ferry to Schiermonnikoog departs, is one of the few places along the northern coast where sea-watching can produce some good birds.
Oostvaardersplassen
Information Satellite View
This large wetland in the central reclaimed area of The Netherlands is a popular place to visit both by Dutch birdwatchers and by foreign visitors. It can easily be reached (even if you have only a couple of hours to spend birdwatching in the Netherlands) and there are some excellent hides in the area. In spring and summer many marshland species can be seen here such as Bluethroat, Savi's warbler, Spoonbill, Great White Egret, Bittern, Black Tern etc. Many waders can be seen during migration and in september 1991 the first Great Knot for the Netherlands was found here. Another first for the OVP was the first Dutch breeding record of Melodious Warbler in 1990. In winter it is one of the best places to see White-tailed Eagle.
The Friesian Islands
Information Satellite View
The five inhabited Friesian Islands are all very good places for birdwatching although Texel is probably most famous as a hotspot for Dutch rarities. Indeed with 13 new species for the Dutch list and 36% of all rarities ever recorded on the islands it's fame is certainly well deserved. However, the other islands should not be underestimated. Part of Texel's fame is due to the fact that it can easily be reached by a regular ferry (allowing you to take your car) and because it is home to the annual Dutch Birding week. The smaller islands, however, are less disturbed by agriculture and tourism and have produced some of the best rarities ever found in the Netherlands such as the Myrtle warbler and Baltimore Oriole on Vlieland and the Northern Mockingbird on Schiermonnikoog. This is not to say that the Islands are only interesting to those looking for vagrants. The numbers and the variety of waders and other birds which can be seen here at the intertidal mudflats and on migration are impressive. Indeed, during the last national bird census Schiermonnikoog had more species of birds (264) than any other square in the Netherlands.
Veluwe
Website Satellite View
In the centre of the country you will find the National Park Hoge Veluwe with it's extensive forests and heathland. Here and in much of the surrounding woodland you will find most of the characteristic woodland species such as woodpeckers and certain birds of prey like Honey-Buzzard and Goshawk. Sometimes more southerly species turn up in this area such as Short-toed Eagle and Grey-headed Woodpecker. More or less the same species can be expected somewhat further north in the province of Drenthe. Tengmalm's Owl has been reported here and the south-eastern corner of the province has by far the largest population of Red-backed Shrike in the Netherlands at Bargerveen. A Black-winged Kite spent most of the summer of 2000 at this reserve.

Contributors

Jaap Schelvis
Alkumaheerd, Wirdumerweg 1, 9917PA Wirdum (Gn) The Netherlands | jaap.schelvis@planet.nl

Number of Species

Number of bird species: 571

(As at April 2025)
National Bird: Black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa

Checklist

Avibase
PDF Checklist
This checklist includes all bird species found in Netherlands , based on the best information available at this time. It is based on a wide variety of sources that I collated over many years. I am pleased to offer these checklists as a service to birdwatchers. If you find any error, please do not hesitate to report them.
E-Bird
PDF Checklist
This checklist is generated with data from eBird (ebird.org), a global database of bird sightings from birders like you. If you enjoy this checklist, please consider contributing your sightings to eBird. It is 100% free to take part, and your observations will help support birders, researchers, and conservationists worldwide.
Wikipedia
Annotated List
This is a list of the bird species recorded in the Netherlands. The avifauna of the Netherlands included a total of 570 species documented in the wild through October 2024 according to Checklist of Dutch Bird Species with supplemental additions from Avibase.

Useful Reading

A Birdwatching Guide to the Netherlands

| By Roger White | Roger White | 2021 | Paperback | 207 Pages | colour photos, colour maps | ISBN: 978095716954 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Birds of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East

| Photographic Guide | By Frédéric Jiguet & Aurélien Audevard | PUP | 2017 | Paperback | 447 pages, 2200 colour photos, colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9780691172439 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Collins Bird Guide

| By Lars Svensson | Harper Collins | Edition 3 | 2023 | Paperback | 478 pages, 4000+ colour illustrations, 700 colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9780008547462 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Handboek Vogels van Nederland en België [Handbook to the Birds of the Netherlands and Belgium]

| By Luc Hoogenstein & Ger Meesters | KNNV Uitgeverij | 2017 | Hardback | 343 pages, ~2000 colour photos and colour illustrations, 1 colour map | Out of Print | ISBN: 9789050115803 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Zakgids Vogels van Nederland en België [Pocket Guide to the Birds of the Netherlands and Belgium]

| By Luc Hoogenstein, Ger Meesters & Jip Louwe Kooijmans | KNNV Uitgeverij | 2022 | Paperback | 320 pages, colour illustrations | ISBN: 9789050118781 Buy this book from NHBS.com

Birding Aps

Collins Bird Guide
Apple iOS |
Collins Bird Guide 4+ A field guide to Europe NatureGuides Ltd. Designed for iPad
Collins Bird GuideCollins Bird Guide
Android
The Collins Bird Guide App provides everything you need to identify a species quickly and learn about it thoroughly.

Festivals & Bird Fairs

Wadden Islands Bird Festival
Webpage
Situated on the southern edge of the tidal bay the Mokbaai and within the beautiful Dune of Texel National Park, this birdwatching point has great views over the freshwater pools of the Geulplas and the tidal Mokbaai.

Observatories

Ooievaarsbuitenstation Zegveld
Observatory Website Satellite View
Site about a Stork breeding station
Schiermonnikoog Ringing Station
Observatory Website Satellite View
Schiermonnikoog is one of the Dutch islands in the Waddensee on the coordinates 53.29N 06.11E. It is about 14km long and 2.5km broad
Schlammwiss
Bird Ringing Station Satellite View
We contribute to research on phenological studies and studies which are related to the biosphere of different bird species.
Zouweboezem - Vogelkijkhut
Observatory Website Satellite View
This bird viewing hut is an excellent location for observing purple herons. They forage in the nearby meadows of Polder Achthoven. You can also find all kinds of typical marsh and reed birds in the marshland, varying from bittern to beard and from water rail to mustache.
ird Banding Station AWDuinen
Bird Ringing Station Satellite View
The Foundation Bird Banding Station AWDuinen (short for Amsterdam Watersupply dunes) is located approximately 1,5 kilometre off the Northsea coast, about 1 kilometre south of the town of Zandvoort. In 1964 the banding station started out as a traditional “Vinkenbaan”, it’s founders being F.Koning, H.Niesen, P.van Spanje and H.Vader.

Museums & Universities

Zoological Museum Amsterdam - Bird type specimens online
Information
The bird collection of the Zoological Museum of the University of Amsterdam holds over 60,000 skins, including 23 holotypes, 112 paratypes and 16 syntypes. To increase the accessibility of the collection, a pilot project (funded by NLBIF) has been launched with the aim of digitizing the most valuable specimens. The 3D images on this website allow bird skins to be viewed from all angles.

Organisations

Avifauna Groningen
Website
The website of a local/provincial bird society with impressive galleries of pictures, sounds and videos of birds seen in the province of Groningen. A useful feature of the site is that it gives detailed maps of the atlas-blocks mentioned at the recent sightings…
Barn Owl Protection Foundation
Website
The Barn Owl is referred to as a ’red alert species’ (or red list species) according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality confirming its status as a severely endangered bird species nowadays. As a consequence, extra surveillance and protection measures are taken…
Birdclub Katwijk
Website
A site devoted to the birds seen in Katwijk, the Netherlands. Incl complete list of all species recorded (with much data) in this coastal village, recent sightings, photo-gallery (the rare stuff) and more
Commissie Dwaalgasten Nederlandse Avifauna (CDNA) Handbook
Website
Dutch Rarities Committee - The CDNA is a committee of the Dutch Birding Association (DBA) and the Netherlands Ornithological Union (NOU)…
Dutch Birding Association
Website
The web site of Dutch Birding (the magazine) and the Dutch Birding Association. The site includes information on the magazine, membership of the association, Masters of Mystery (one of the best mystery bird competitions around); news from the Dutch rarities committee, bird reports with pictures, sounds, e-mail service (great place to find an e-mail address of a certain person, anywhere on earth). One of the best birding sites in Holland. Language: English…
GoForNature
Website
Foundation which organize nature trips…
Haagse Vogelbescherming (HVB)
Website
Association for Bird Protection of The Hague has already been active for more than 90 years. The Association for Bird Protection of The Hague (“De Haagse Vogelbescherming”, HVB) aims to protect (wild) birds and their habitats in and around The Hague. The Association was founded in 1925 and mainly works with volunteers.
KNNV Afdeling Voorne
Website
Met o.a. recente waarneming op Voorne Putten en omstreken…
Natuur-en Vogelwacht "De Alblasserwaard"
Website
Welkom op de website van de Natuur- en Vogelwacht "De Alblasserwaard" De Natuur- en Vogelwacht "De Alblasserwaard" is een middelgrote regionale vereniging met bijna 800 leden. Binnen de vereniging zijn een groot aantal actieve werkgroepen, daarnaast is de NVWA de trotse eigenaar van het SNC (StreekNatuurCentrum) in Papendrecht.
Natuur-en Vogelwacht Rotta
Website
Natuur-en Vogelwacht Rotta is een natuurbeschermingsvereniging die werkzaam is in het recreatiegebied De Rottemeren, alsmede in de omliggende gemeenten Moerkapelle / Zevenhuizen, Bergschenhoek…
Natuurbeschermingsvereniging (NBV) de Steltkluut
Website
Recent sightings, local information and other wild-life items about the eastern half of Zeeuw Vlaanderen…
Natuurvereniging Zwolle
Website
The bird group of the KNNV Zwolle department exists since 1980. The bird working group consists of enthusiastic group of bird watchers. The group's activities largely consist of participating in almost all SOVON projects, especially breeding bird galleries and water bird counts.
Natuurvereniging Wierhaven
Website
Natuurvereniging Wierhaven is a nature association in the former municipalities of Wieringermeer and Wieringen and the city of Medemblik.
Nederlandse Ornithologische Unie
Website
Welkom op de website van de Nederlandse Ornithologische Unie. Op de website vindt u informatie over onze activiteiten en achtergronden
Netherlands Biodiversity Information Facility
Website
Promoting Access to Biodiversity Information…
Netherlands Institute of Ecology
Website
The NIOOs core task is to carry out fundamental ecological research to the highest international standards, which are safeguarded by the KNAW board. Thus, once every five years, the NIOOs performance is evaluated by experts from various countries; during these reviews, explicit performance criteria are applied in order to determine whether or not the institute's activities should continue…
SOVON (Sovon Vogelonderzoek Nederland)
Website
The Dutch Trust for Ornithology - equivalent to the British BTO…
Twentse Vogelwerkgroep
Website
On the site of the Twente birdwork group you will find extensive information about the activities of the association. The observation list is also updated 3x per week...
Vogel-en Natuurwacht Zuid-Flevoland
Website
The Stichting Vogel- en Natuurwacht Flevoland was established in 1984 with the aim of studying and protecting the birds in Flevoland, and thus also all nature reserves in which they occur. We are a very active foundation.
Vogelbescherming Nederland
Website
P0 Box 925, NL-3700 AX Zeist. + 31 30 6937700 birdlife@antenna.nl The Birdlife International partner in Holland. (In Dutch)…
Vogelbeschermingswacht Noord-Veluwe
Website
Another local site, this time about birdwatching at the Noord-Veluwe, the northern part of the central wooded area of the Netherlands, with the usual features such as recent sightings, information about excursions, local projects etc
Vogels in de Kempen
Website
On this site you will find observations of special birds in the Kempen (Southeast Brabant, the Netherlands) Birds in the Kempen is from and for all birders who are active in the Kempen.
Vogelwacht Dordrecht
Website
The Natuur- en Vogelwacht Foundation is a voluntary organization that was established in 1983. The general objective of the foundation is: Nature conservation in the broadest sense of the word, or in other words: The protection of native plants, animals and landscape types in the Netherlands. De Bosuil (Strix aluco) is the logo of the foundationâ
Vogelwacht Kollum
Website
News, reports etc
Vogelwacht Uden e.o.
Website
Birdwatch Uden; (especially in the Maashorst working groups) Barn owl, Sand martin, Nest cupboard, Inventory, PR On site div special observations of Uden etc.
Vogelwerkgroep Alkmaar
Website
The Vogelwerkgroep was founded in 1983 and has since grown into an association with almost 300 members
Vogelwerkgroep Amsterdam
Website
In Amsterdam there is a bird working group that has been involved for many years in all kinds of bird activities. Over 300 species of birds have been identified in this region. The bird migration can also be seen within the boundaries of the municipality of Amsterdam.
Vogelwerkgroep Arnhem en omstreken
Website
Welcome to the site of the Vogelwerkgroep Arnhem and surroundings. This site provides information about the work of the VWG in the Arnhem region.
Vogelwerkgroep Berkelland
Website
Vogelwerkgroep De IJsselstreek
Website
Welcome to the homepage of bird working group 'De IJsselstreek'. The birdwork group was founded in 1967 with the aim of researching and protecting the bird population in a part of Overijssel and Gelderland.
Vogelwerkgroep Den Haag
Website
Bird and bird migration site in and around The Hague, with regularly updated data...
Vogelwerkgroep Koudekerk/Hazerswoude e.o.
Website
The members of the VWG bring the bird interests to the attention of the formal authorities with the collected knowledge about the Rhine region.
Vogelwerkgroep Losser
Website
Welcome to the website of the bird working group Losser.
Vogelwerkgroep Nijmegen
Website
Wetlandwacht is active for the Wetland de Gelderse Poort. In the rest of the work area, the spatial planning coordinator, with the help of regional informants, fulfills the objective of protecting birds and their habitat. Furthermore, a number of members of the bird working group are active in protecting specific species, such as House Martin, House Sparrow and Swift
Vogelwerkgroep Ridderkerk en Barendrecht
Facebook Page
Dunes, forests, farms, orchards, meadows, waterjungles, mills and monuments. Since 1934 we have provided green treasures in the busiest province of our country. We think it is important that everyone in South Holland can enjoy a green environment. Step by step we are working on more nature close by. Thanks to the support of you and many others, we make South Holland even more beautiful!
Vogelwerkgroep Stad en Ambt Doesborgh
Information
A landscape management group is active with the management of small landscape elements in the outlying area. These are often hedges, pollard trees, thickets and trees (avenues). These can be located on the grounds of the municipality, the water board or a private owner. Sometimes a group has its own area in management or ownership. We mainly work in the winter season. Most groups meet on Saturday (morning), but sometimes the working day is a weekday. Working outdoors, working together and clearing the head for a while are terms that fit this volunteer work.
Vogelwerkgroep Texel
Website
The Vogelwerkgroep Texel was founded in 1982 and came from a group of bird watchers who had carried out a count every two years. Nowadays the association counts 225 (per 14-3-2003) members at home and abroad
Vogelwerkgroep Vlietland
Website
The VWG Vlietland is active on the Vogelplas Starrevaart, in Vlietland and Leidschendammerhout. The areas are located in South Holland, municipality Leidschendam (see map). On this website you will find information about the areas and results of the work of the VWG Vlietland. This includes an overview of recent observations, reports, a virtual excursion, a bird calendar (which bird species is present) and press releases about the area. You can find photos in many places on the site. These are all from the areas themselves.
Vogelwerkgroep Walcheren
Website
Walcheren is a peninsula in the middle of one of the most populous areas of the Netherlands with a wide variety of biotopes; from forest to open sea. The nutrient-rich sandbanks off the coast are a magnet for birds that come here to rest and refuel during the migration.
Vogelwerkgroep Zuid-Kennemerland
Website
We count, research, protect and we provide lectures, excursions, youth excursions, camps and courses. Join and become a member.
Vogelwerkgroep Zuidlaren
Website
The Vogelwerkgroep offers a wide variety of activities, both for the experienced birdwatcher and for beginners. This partly concerns informal trips to jointly 'watch birds' and partly involves the execution of official counts and inventories.
Vogelwerkgroep de Krimpenerwaard
Website
The Natuur- en Vogelwerkgroep Krimpenerwaard is a regional association founded in 1961. The NVWK aims to stand up for nature, landscape and the environment in the Krimpenerwaard.
Vogelwerkgroep voor Vogel-en Natuurbescherming Midden-Brabant
Website
Our association is busy shaping its objectives. Many times, members of the bird working group carry out inventories, surveys and surveys. Owls, swallows and meadow birds get all the attention. Visit the website regularly to keep up to date with all developments and activities.
Werkgroep Roofvogels Nederland
Website
Website of the Dutch working group on Raptors with information on many aspects of the birds of prey breeding and wintering in the Netherlands…

Reserves

Abbreviations Key

BR Wadden Sea
Information Satellite View
The Wadden Sea is an intertidal zone in the southeastern part of the North Sea. It lies between the coast of northwestern continental Europe and the range of low-lying Frisian Islands, forming a shallow body of water with tidal flats and wetlands. It has a high biological diversity and is an important area for both breeding and migrating birds.
NP Biesbosch
Information Satellite View
The Biesbosch National Park is one of the largest national parks of the Netherlands. It consists of a large network of rivers and smaller and larger creeks with islands. The vegetation is mostly willow forests, although wet grasslands and fields of reed are common as well.[3] The Biesbosch is an important wetland area for waterfowl and has a rich flora and fauna. It is especially important for migrating geese.
NP De Alde Feanen
Information Satellite View
The Oude Venen National Park is a national park in the Netherlands province of Friesland. Its size is about 25 km2 (9.7 sq mi). Part of the national park is the lake area Princenhof (or Princehof). 100 bird species can be found there. A very prominent bird is the white stork (Ciconia ciconia). Tall wooden poles have been installed so that the storks can build nests.
NP De Groote Peel
Information Satellite View
De Groote Peel is a National Park in the Peel, a region in the Southeast of the Netherlands on the border between the provinces of Limburg and North Brabant. It has a size of 13,4 km² and preserves a peat bog that has remained partly untouched by peat cutting, which used to be extensive in the area. It is one of the most bird-rich areas in Western Europe, with resident black-necked grebes and sometimes migrating common cranes in October/November. The terrain is varied with inaccessible peat swamps, lakes, heath land and sand ridges. The present swamp and some of the lakes were created by the cutting of peat. There is a 3 km-long safe route guided by red poles with a tower that provides visitors with a view of the wasteland. Those who do not want to follow the route but want to find their own way have to careful in these treacherous swamps.
NP De Maasduinen
Information Satellite View
De Maasduinen National Park is in the Dutch province of Limburg covering approximately 4500 ha. The landscape consists of forests and heathlands on a sandy plateau along the river Meuse close to the German border. The present name is derived from the parabolic dunes which date from the last glaciation. In the park quite a lot of reptiles and amphibians species occur such as Coronella austriaca, Epidalea calamita, Pelobates fuscus, Lacerta agilis, Anguis fragilis, and Zootoca vivipara. Some typical birds for the park are Grus grus, Caprimulgus europaeus, Falco subbuteo, Circus aeruginosus, Dryocopus martius and Alcedo atthis. Several marten species can be found in the park, such as the beaver (Castor fiber), as well as several bat species such as Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Plecotus auritus. There are at least 26 species of dragonflies and 33 species of butterflies.
NP De Zoom–Kalmthoutse Heide
Information Satellite View
De Zoom–Kalmthoutse Heide is a cross-border park on the Belgian–Dutch border. It is a merger of two former parks, the Kalmthoutse Heide in Belgium and De Zoom in the Netherlands, together extending over 37.50 square kilometres (14.48 sq mi). A very large part of the park is covered with heath. Particularly good for butterflies.
NP Drents-Friese Wold
Information Satellite View
The Drents-Friese Wold National Park is a national park in the Dutch provinces of Friesland and Drenthe, covering more than 61 km2 (24 sq mi), founded in 2000. It consists of forests, heath lands and drift-sands.
NP Dunes of Texel
Information Satellite View
Dunes of Texel National Park (Dutch: Nationaal Park Duinen van Texel) is a national park located on the North-Holland island of Texel. All dune systems on the western side of the island and the large coastal plains on both the northern and southern points of the island are part of the park. The park covers approximately 43 km2 (17 sq mi). Commonly sighted birds on the island are: brent goose, spoonbill, shelduck, wigeon, eider, scoter, oystercatcher, pied avocet, golden plover, peewit, knot, dunlin, bar-tailed godwit, black-headed gull, starling and the hen harrier.
NP Dwingelderveld
Information Satellite View
Dwingelderveld National Park covers about 37 km2 (14 sq mi) and is mainly managed by the State Forest Service (Staatsbosbeheer) and the most important Dutch private nature management organisation Natuurmonumenten. It is the largest wet heathland of Western-Europe.
NP Hoge Veluwe
Information Satellite View
Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe is in the province of Gelderland near the cities of Ede, Wageningen, Arnhem and Apeldoorn. It is approximately 55 square kilometers in area, consisting of heathlands, sand dunes, and woodlands. It is situated in the Veluwe, the area of the largest terminal moraine in the Netherlands.
NP Lauwersmeer
Information Satellite View
One of the best birding areas in the country is on the border of the provinces of Friesland and Groningen. This area is good any time of the year and we will focus on the birds that are present at the time. The area, Lauwersmeer, used to have an open connection to the sea until not too long ago. After the disaster floods of 1953 in Zeeland the government decided not to make the existing dikes any higher, but to build a completely new, 8 mile long dam across the inlet, which meant the end of the open connection to the sea. By doing this a magnificent nature reserve was lost, but a new, completely different reserve was created. The new area is home to large numbers of birds, and a visit will be a highlight of any trip.
NP Meinweg
Information Satellite View
Meinweg National Park is in Limburg, Netherlands. It is about 1800 hectares in size and was established in 1995.
NP Oosterschelde
Information Satellite View
Since May 8, 2002, the entire Oosterschelde was designated a national park. Its boundaries are the dikes of Schouwen-Duiveland, Tholen and Sint-Philipsland, Noord-Beveland and Zuid-Beveland, and the dams of the Delta Works. Having an area of 370 square kilometres (140 sq mi), it is the largest national park in the Netherlands. Total shore length is 125 kilometres (78 mi).
NP Sallandse Heuvelrug
Information Satellite View
Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park is located between the townships of Hellendoorn and Holten. It holds the last Dutch population of the black grouse (Tetrao tetrix), European nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeusnightjar), and several lizard species, such as the viviparous lizard (Zootoca vivipara).
NP Schiermonnikoog
Information Satellite View
It covers about 72 km2 (28 sq mi), the majority of the island Schiermonnikoog. On the marshes and tidal flats thousands of birds occur, such as common redshank, barnacle goose, spoonbill, hen harrier, oystercatcher, red knot, bar-tailed godwit, curlew and European herring gull.
NP Utrechtse Heuvelrug
Information Satellite View
Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park is in the Dutch province of Utrecht. When it was founded the park covered 6,000 ha (15,000 acres) of heathlands, shifting sands, forests, grass lands and floodplains. In 2013 the park was extended to 10,000 ha (25,000 acres), adding the area north of highway A12 when the ecoduct Mollebos was realized. The most striking landscape feature is the glacial ridge after which the park is named. There are more than 100 bird species living in the park, among which the black woodpecker, the raven and the bluethroat. In the marshy region near Amerongen castle the little bittern is a rare species.
NP Veluwezoom
Information Satellite View
Veluwezoom National Park is located in the province of Gelderland. This park is the oldest national park of the Netherlands. The landscape of the park consists of forests and heathland, which is kept open by grazing of Highland cattle, and a small sand drift, which is kept open by human maintenance.
NP Weerribben-Wieden
Information Satellite View
The Weerribben-Wieden National Park is in the municipality of the province of Overijssel. Comprising the largest bog of northwestern Europe, the park consists of two areas, De Weerribben and De Wieden, and has an area of roughly 100 square kilometres (39 sq mi). The vegetation and wildlife are typical for such an area, full of peat and water. Resident species include the water soldier, the sundew, the black tern, the northern pike and, recently, the otter. In addition, the Green Hawker and the Large Copper are found here.
NP Zuid-Kennemerland
Information Satellite View
National Park Zuid-Kennemerland is located in the province of North Holland and established in 1995. Over 100 bird species and.nearly 20 butterfly species have been observed.
NR Ackerdijkse Plassen
Information Satellite View
Ackerdijkse Plassen is a nature reserve in Oude Leede, a village in the municipality of Pijnacker-Nootdorp, (south of Delft and west of Berkel en Rodenrijs). It is one of the most important bird areas in the Netherlands. In addition to 115 species of breeding birds, the ponds are visited annually by about eighty species of migratory birds, such as greenish warbler, Greater short-toed lark, short-eared owl, booted eagle, lesser spotted eagle, black crowned night heron and osprey.
NR Bargerveen WII IBA
Information Satellite View
Bargerveen Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in the Dutch province of Drenthe that has been included in the Natura 2000 ecological network. Most of the transboundary nature reserve, some 134 km2 (52 sq mi), lies in Germany, in the west of the state of Lower Saxony. The sparsely populated landscape consists of large peat areas, heather, and small lakes. Bargerveen is a Special Protection Area for bird-life,[8] and is home to large numbers of wintering bean geese, It is also an Important Bird Area: "trigger" species are the spotted crake and the red-backed shrike.[
NR De Lokkerij
Website Satellite View
The Stork Station was established in 1981 by the Koopman couple, on the initiative of the Nature Conservation Association IJhorst / Staphorst. This in response to the reintroduction program for the white stork in 1969 in the stork village Liesveld in Groot-Ammers .
NR Donkse Laagten
Information Satellite View
The Donkse Laagten is a small Dutch nature reserve of roughly two square kilometres in the Alblasserwaard in the province of South Holland. It is located in the municipality of Molenwaard, between the towns Streefkerk to the northwest and Bleskensgraaf to the south. It is a site of relative importance in bird conservation and protection. There are three duck decoys.
NR Duivelsberg
Information Satellite View
Duivelsberg is a hill and nature reserve in the municipality of Berg en Dal in the Dutch province of Gelderland, near the border with Germany (North Rhine-Westphalia). The nature reserve covers about 125 ha and is predominantly covered with deciduous trees, especially chestnut. It is managed by the Staatsbosbeheer, the Dutch Forestry Commission.
NR Griend
Information Satellite View
Griend is a small uninhabited Dutch island in the Wadden Sea, lying around 12 kilometres south of Terschelling. It is one of the West Frisian Islands, and belongs to the municipality of Terschelling. The largest colony of Sandwich terns in Western Europe can be found on Griend: every year, around 10,000 pairs breed on the island. Among others, the common tern, Arctic tern, common eider, common shelduck, Eurasian oystercatcher, common redshank, and occasionally the short-eared owl also breed on the island.
NR Het Groene Woud
Information Satellite View
Het Groene Woud (The Green Forest) is a special area of the Netherlands which is located in North Brabant between the cities of Tilburg.
NR Oostvaardersplassen WII
Information Satellite View
The Oostvaardersplassen is a nature reserve, which is managed by the State Forestry Service. Covering about 56 square kilometres (22 sq mi), it is noted as an experiment of rewilding. It is in a polder which was created in 1968, by 1989 its ecological interest had resulted in its being declared a Ramsar wetland.
NR Rottum (island group)
Information Satellite View
Rottum is a nature reserve in the Wadden Sea in the Netherlands. It consists of the three West Frisian Islands Rottumerplaat, Rottumeroog, and Zuiderduintjes. As a nature reserve, Rottum receives highest protection status under Dutch law; admission to the islands is restricted.
NR Zwin
Information Satellite View
The Zwin is a nature reserve at the North Sea coast, on the Belgian-Dutch border. It consists of the entrance area of a former tidal inlet which during the Middle Ages connected the North Sea with the ports of Sluis and Bruges inland. It is famous for its large variety in salt-resistant flora, such as sea lavender. It is also popular with bird watchers. There is a small zoo with some major domestic birds and it is one of the few places in Belgium with a population of white storks.

Sightings, News & Forums

Trektellen
Sightings
Waarneming.nl
Sightings etc
Waarneming stands for record/observation and this site aims to give you as many of these as possible in a way that you can easily check out the latest rarities, find all records of certain species (many with photographs), see which species are to be expected in a certain area etc. Not only birds, but also mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects.
eBird
Sightings
eBirding This Event

Guides & Tour Operators

Birding Holland
Local Guiding
Guided birding in the Netherlands. Airport layover tours, target birding, half-day tours, day tours and tours up to eight days long, focussing on birds and mammals in Holland.
Birding Netherlands
Local Tour Operator
Birding Netherlands specialises in guided Birding and Photography Tours in The Netherlands. Planning a (business) visit or holiday in the Netherlands? We can help you find targets birds, take wonderful photos of Dutch wildlife or go birding near Amsterdam when you have a layover between flights. If you just started birding, are a professional photographer or anything between we can help you with our experienced guides and knowledge...
Birds4You
Local Tour Operator
Birdwatching in Holland / The Netherlands is always fun, alone or with a group! And it’s totally fun if you do it with an experienced guide, in the most beautiful places in the Netherlands.
Birdwatching Holland
Local Guide
Holland
DutchTours
Local Tour Operator
Small Group Tour Bird Watching in Unique Nature Reserve from Amsterdam
Eagle-Eye Tours
Tour Operator
Excellent birding in a well-established network of nature reserves and national parks. The breeding season will be in full swing.
FieldGuides
Tour Operator
A tour for some exciting winter birding, in particular waterfowl, combined with an exploration of great Dutch art masters.
Flevo Birdwatching
Local Tour Operator
Birdwatching in the Netherlands without a trip to the Oostvaardersplassen is like going to Paris and skipping the Eiffeltower. The Oostvaarderplassen is a must for birdwatchers who are visiting the Netherlands. Flevo Birdwatching Tours offers you a full day of birdwatching in this great wetland reserve. I will show you the best spots for birdwatching. Together we will search for the birds. The number of species depends on the weather and time of year. Between 50 and 80 are numbers to be expected
Limosa Holland Birding
Local Tour Operator
Book a birdwatching excursion and enjoy a beautiful day
Nature Travel Birding
Tour Operator
The Netherlands, colloquially known as Holland, is a densely populated nation of bicycle riders.
NatureTrek
Tour Operator
A 5-day holiday to the Netherlands, focusing on two localities, in search of wildfowl, raptors and other wintering birds.
Natuurbeleven
Local Tour Operator
The Netherlands, especially the numerous wetlands, are home of the largest concentrations of birds in North-Western Europe. Because of its situation in a corner of the Eurasian continent and the great variety of wetlands, millions of birds concentrate in this area in all months of the year. The country offers an astonishing variety of habitats in a small area, thus creating ample opportunity for birdwatchers to see many species in a short time. A typical trip with NatuurBeleven in spring should give you around 125 species…
Swallow Birding
Tour Operator
This tour takes us to the wildlife-rich country of the Netherlands and we can expect some superb birding throughout with species such as Bluethroat, Black Woodpecker, White-tailed Eagle, Northern Goshawk, Eurasian Spoonbill, Icterine, Marsh and Great Reed Warblers through to European Honey Buzzard, Short-toed Treecreeper, European Crested Tit and much more.
The Travelling Naturalist
Tour Operator
With vast areas of protected marshland, which are a natural stopping point for migrating birds, The Netherlands are a dreamy destination for those in search of mind-boggling birdlife.
Wildlife Worldwide
Tour Operator
Few places on Earth offer such variety and numbers of wading birds as the north Netherlands coast in late summer.
Witte Travel & Tours
Tour Operator
Embark on an unforgettable birding adventure in the Netherlands, where picturesque landscapes and diverse habitats await!

Trip Reports

2019 [01 January] - Pixie Birding
Report
The Netherlands – home to a network of winding waterways, windmills, cyclists and for winter 2018/19 at least, surprisingly the host of a vagrant Spotted Nutcracker.
2019 [05 May] - Andy Hall - France and Texel
Report
I also wanted to pull in a quick visit to Texel for the Dutch Birding Festival, and as a non-driver/non-flyer, this would require quite a fiddly route on public transport.
2019 [05 May] - James Dee - Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland and Sweden
PDF Report
This trip re-affirmed my appreciation of the people and nations of Western Europe, especially Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland and Sweden where I met the most fantastic friendly people
2021 [11 November] - Stefano Miceli
PDF Report
...In total, 113 species were seen and fully identified. I saw the majority of the commoner species I wanted to see, but missed some scarcer targets such as redbreasted goose, rough-legged buzzard and Lapland bunting...
2022 [01 January] - Luca Feuerriegel
PDF Report
...I ate some sandwiches and continued South along the dyke and stopped at the visitors center where I locked my bike and walked along the trails a bit, spending most time at the Keersluisplas hide. I was greeted by a single Barnacle Goose that found some protection from the wind in front of the hide. After a while, I was busy watching a female Common Pochard when for a fraction of a second, a black and white bird appeared on the edge of my binoculars’ field of vision – unmistakably a Smew...
2023 [04 April] - Daniel Watson
PDF Report
A total of 63 species were observed, with highlights including; White-tailed eagle, White stork, Short-toed treecreeper, Crested tit, Black, Middle-spotted and Lesser-spotted woodpeckers.
2024 [05 May] -
Report
Next stop was a marshland for Marsh-, Reed-, Icterine- and Cetti's Warbler. A pair of Long-eared Owls was a nice surprise, pointed out by the local birdwatcher. In a city park we tried for Tawny Owl but it wasn't present at its roost, we did see Nuthatch and Short-toed Treecreeper.
2024 [06 June] - Biesbosch
Report
Whilst waiting at the parking lot a Ruddy Shelduck flew by and two White-tailed Eagles where also waiting to be observed. A Roe Deer was feeding on a bank with Spoonbills foraging in the water, adding to the nice morning scene.
2024 [06 June] - Vincent van der Speck
Report
Sites visited day 1: Kampina (Noord-Brabant), Oostvaardersplassen (Flevoland)

Places to Stay

Farmer's campsite Wetland
Accommodation
The campground is situated on the edge of the National Park De Groote Peel. In days gone by this area was a nearly impenetrable marsh. In this watery nature moor-peat developed which was used as fuel by the local inhabitants. In later years peat was exploited on a large scale. Around 1930 the area around the campsite was reclaimed and brought under cultivation as grassy meadows and fertile acres…

Netherlands

Birding the Netherlands

Delta

Lapelaarplassen Reserve

Lauwersmeer

Oostvaardersplassen

The Friesian Islands

Veluwe

Jaap Schelvis

Number of bird species: 571

Avibase

E-Bird

Wikipedia

A Birdwatching Guide to the Netherlands

Birds of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East

Collins Bird Guide

Handboek Vogels van Nederland en België [Handbook to the Birds of the Netherlands and Belgium]

Zakgids Vogels van Nederland en België [Pocket Guide to the Birds of the Netherlands and Belgium]

Collins Bird Guide

Collins Bird GuideCollins Bird Guide

Wadden Islands Bird Festival

Ooievaarsbuitenstation Zegveld

Schiermonnikoog Ringing Station

Schlammwiss

Zouweboezem - Vogelkijkhut

ird Banding Station AWDuinen

Zoological Museum Amsterdam - Bird type specimens online

Avifauna Groningen

Barn Owl Protection Foundation

Birdclub Katwijk

Commissie Dwaalgasten Nederlandse Avifauna (CDNA) Handbook

Dutch Birding Association

GoForNature

Haagse Vogelbescherming (HVB)

KNNV Afdeling Voorne

Natuur-en Vogelwacht "De Alblasserwaard"

Natuur-en Vogelwacht Rotta

Natuurbeschermingsvereniging (NBV) de Steltkluut

Natuurvereniging Zwolle

Natuurvereniging Wierhaven

Nederlandse Ornithologische Unie

Netherlands Biodiversity Information Facility

Netherlands Institute of Ecology

SOVON (Sovon Vogelonderzoek Nederland)

Twentse Vogelwerkgroep

Vogel-en Natuurwacht Zuid-Flevoland

Vogelbescherming Nederland

Vogelbeschermingswacht Noord-Veluwe

Vogels in de Kempen

Vogelwacht Dordrecht

Vogelwacht Kollum

Vogelwacht Uden e.o.

Vogelwerkgroep Alkmaar

Vogelwerkgroep Amsterdam

Vogelwerkgroep Arnhem en omstreken

Vogelwerkgroep Berkelland

Vogelwerkgroep De IJsselstreek

Vogelwerkgroep Den Haag

Vogelwerkgroep Koudekerk/Hazerswoude e.o.

Vogelwerkgroep Losser

Vogelwerkgroep Nijmegen

Vogelwerkgroep Ridderkerk en Barendrecht

Vogelwerkgroep Stad en Ambt Doesborgh

Vogelwerkgroep Texel

Vogelwerkgroep Vlietland

Vogelwerkgroep Walcheren

Vogelwerkgroep Zuid-Kennemerland

Vogelwerkgroep Zuidlaren

Vogelwerkgroep de Krimpenerwaard

Vogelwerkgroep voor Vogel-en Natuurbescherming Midden-Brabant

Werkgroep Roofvogels Nederland

BR Wadden Sea

NP Biesbosch

NP De Alde Feanen

NP De Groote Peel

NP De Maasduinen

NP De Zoom–Kalmthoutse Heide

NP Drents-Friese Wold

NP Dunes of Texel

NP Dwingelderveld