Cijevna Canyon is one of Montenegro’s most important areas for bird conservation. Its diverse habitats, from riverbanks and oak forests to steep cliffs and rocky terrain, support numerous bird species, including rare and threatened species of national and international importance.
Surveys conducted so far in Cijevna Canyon Natural Monument have recorded as many as 106 bird species, confirming the area’s exceptional ornithological value. This number is not final, as further surveys are needed, particularly during migration. The species recorded include numerous birds of prey, woodland birds, songbirds and species associated with river ecosystems.
Species of particular importance include the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), one of Europe’s most impressive predators; the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo), Europe’s largest owl; and the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), one of the fastest birds in the world. The cliffs of Cijevna Canyon provide important nesting habitats for these and other species that depend on preserved natural conditions.
Historically, the canyon was also home to species that no longer nest here or have disappeared from Montenegro, such as the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), further demonstrating its importance for natural heritage conservation.
Golden eagle – Aquila chrysaetos, ©Internet
Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) © Ana Mendes do Carmo
Thanks to its natural values, Cijevna Canyon offers outstanding opportunities for birdwatching. Protecting bird habitats and continuously monitoring their populations are important aspects of managing this protected area and contribute to conserving the canyon’s overall biodiversity.
