Despite its small size and rapid development, Hong Kong is a haven for birds with 470 different species seen within its borders - about one-third of the species found on the Mainland and one-twentieth of the global number.

The diversity is mainly attributable to the city's geographic location. Situated on the southern coast of China, Hong Kong is blessed with a sub-tropical monsoon climate, which nurtures a host of natural habitats.

Feathered friends: Fifty-six bird species have been recorded in Hong Kong and Kowloon Parks, including yellow-crested cockatoos, the spotted dove and the black-collared starling.

Urban habitats

Hong Kong is also a stopover point on the East-Asian Australasian Flyway, and many migrating birds pass through it on their way south - or spend the winters there.

While the Mai Po and Deep Bay marshes are a sanctuary for our feathered friends, they are not the only place to go and see them.

Bird Watching Society Projects & Communications Manager Lo Wai-yan told news.gov.hk we can enjoy their natural beauty all over Hong Kong.

"As urban parks provide vegetation and trees, birds can find fruit and shelter. Many birds you see in urban parks you can also see in the countryside. Birds that can adapt to this kind of habitat can be found in Hong Kong Park, the Zoological & Botanical Gardens and Kowloon Park, and there are some common species, especially those resident in Hong Kong. You can find them all year round."

56 species recorded

To date, the society has recorded 56 types of birds in Hong Kong and Kowloon Parks.

"There are some very special species that can only be found in both parks," the society's Education & Publicity Committee Chairman Apache Lau says.

"The alexandrine parakeet and chestnut-tailed starling can only be found in Kowloon Park. In Hong Kong Park, a type of parrot (yellow-crested cockatoo) can be found.

"The most common type of bird in Kowloon Park are sparrows, while the most common bird in Hong Kong Park is the red-whiskered bulbul."

To bring people closer to nature, a morning bird-watching adventure has been held in Hong Kong Park since March, attracting more than 200 bird lovers.

Panoramic view

Hong Kong Park Deputy Manager Susan Tam said the sloped park offers a very good view of birds at eye level.

"Bird watching brings people close to nature. We are very happy to jointly organise this bird-watching activity with the Bird Watching Society so more people can enjoy and share the fun of bird watching," she said.

In view of the encouraging response, the morning bird watch, originally scheduled to end in August, will carry on indefinitely.

To spot birds in urban parks, all you need is a pair of binoculars. Resident birds can be found in parks year round, with migrants spotted at various times.

Mr Lau said the best time to view birds is either early morning, about 7am, or in the late afternoon, 4pm to 5pm. However, bright coloured clothing should be avoided as it could ward off the birds.

To learn more about birds in Hong Kong, click here. For details about bird watching techniques, click here. Enquiries about the morning bird-watching adventure can be made on 2853 2566 or 2521 5059 (Hong Kong Park) or 2302 1762 (Kowloon Park).