The list of Bulgarian birds includes all bird species which have been seen in the country. Birds marked with (W) are species which spend the winter in Bulgaria but do not breed there, birds marked with (V) are vagrant species and birds marked with (I) are Introduced species. The list is presented in taxonomic order. It includes 402 bird species from 11 orders, 50 families and 174 genera.
The varied natural habitat, relief and climate and relatively untouched environment are among the main reasons for the many bird species in the country. The numerous islands and wetlands along the Danube including the Persina Natural Park and Srebarna Nature Reserve, as well as the lakes and swamps along the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, support many species of diving and aquatic birds such as ducks, swans, pelicans, grebes, spoonbills and many others. The Eastern Rhodopes are among the strongholds of birds of prey in Europe, with most of the species in the continent nesting in that area. The mild climate in the extreme south offers good conditions for many Mediterranean birds as well as for wintering species from the north.
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Anatidae is a family from class Aves (Birds). It includes ducks, geese and swans which inhabit aquatic habitat such as lakes, swamps and rivers. Most of the European species breed to the north and are migratory. There are 131 species, 43 of which can be observed in Bulgaria.
Apodidae is a family of small birds which are similar to the Swallows but a bit larger. The rarely stay on the ground with exception of the breeding period. There are 99 species, 3 of which breed in Bulgaria
Accipitridae is a widespread family of birds of prey which includes Eagles, Hawks, Sparrowhawks, Kites, Buzzards and others. There are 28 species which inhabit the territory of Bulgaria.
Ardeidae is a family which includes wading birds such as Herons, Hgrets and Bitterns. Their main habitat are wet areas where the birds can prey on fish, frogs and other aquatic species. From the 61 species worldwide, 9 inhabit the Bulgarian wetlands, especially along the Danube and coastal lakes and swamps.
Burhinidae consists of largely tropical birds with only several species to inhabit the temperate regions of Europe and Asia. There is 1 species which nestles in the territory of the country.
The bird family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. There are 15 out of 66 species in the family which can be observed in Bulgaria.
Ciconiidae are family of large birds with long long necks and legs. They inhabit areas close to rivers, lakes, swamps and other water bodies, where the birds feed on small aquatic animals. There are 19 species worldwide, 3 of which can be found in Bulgaria.
The family Falconidae includes about 60 species of diurnal birds of prey, notably the falcons and caracaras. There are 9 species which breed in Bulgaria.