The Algerian Nuthatch was only discovered in 1975 on the isolated mountain range of Djebel Babor and formally described a year later, in 1976. For many years, Babor was believed to be the species’ only habitat, though it has since been found in four additional mountain ranges. Because of terrorist activity in the region, much of northeastern Algeria was difficult to visit for a long time, making the Algerian Nuthatch one of the most difficult Western Palearctic birds to see.

Now, in the 50th anniversary year of its discovery, Egle and I finally decided to look for it ourselves.

I organized the trip independently: flights from Paris to Constantine, a rental car at the airport, and a hotel for the first night in Constantine. Using Google Maps, I searched for a place close to the nuthatch area and found an excellent place called Merj Frah Guesthouse near Beni Aziz.

The guesthouse is highly recommended. The owner Tahar and his so Rami are extremely friendly and helpful, and they can also assist with arranging a guide and access to Djebel Babor.

We first tried for the nuthatch at one of the sites outside the Babor massif. Maybe we did not get deep enough into the forest, but we only found a single pair. Unfortunately, all we had were flight views and several brief calling birds without proper sightings. This site can apparently be visited without a guide or permit, although I am not entirely sure whether that is officially allowed.

The following day we went up to Djebel Babor itself. Access here is more controlled: permission from the local authorities in Babour is needed, and there is a police checkpoint before entering the mountain area.

The forest on Babor is beautiful, with impressive old oak and cedar trees. We drove early toward the top, but snow blocked the road near the summit, so Egle and I continued on foot. Walking back down through the forest we quickly started finding Algerian Nuthatch. Several birds gave excellent views, often quite close to us. It felt very special to see them at their original discovery site, especially in the anniversary year of the species’ discovery.

Unfortunately, I had not brought my best lens with me. Large telephoto lenses can sometimes create unnecessary attention when entering the country, so I decided to travel lighter.

Djebel Babor does not receive many foreign birdwatchers. Most visiting birders go to the more accessible Djimla area together with local guides, so it was nice to experience the original site itself.

On the way down Rami and our guide briefly saw two African Golden Wolfs, which we unfortunately missed. We did, however, see several Barbary Macaque and other North African specialties including Atlas Flycatcher, the Northwest African subspecies of Great Spotted Woodpecker, Short-toed Treecreeper and Coal Tit.

It turned into a very memorable trip: a chance to visit a fascinating and rarely birded part of Algeria and to finally see one of the region’s most special endemic birds.

If anyone is considering a trip for the Algerian Nuthatch and needs tips or contact details, feel free to ask. The owners of Merj Frah Guesthouse are very helpful and are happy to assist with accommodation, guides, and organising access to Djebel Babor.