Data Zone
Country/territory: Azerbaijan
IBA criteria met: A4i, A4iii, B1i, B3 (2005)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here
Area: 100,000 hectares (1,000.00 km2)
Site description (2005 baseline)
The territory presents water area size of 150000 ha and includes two big islands - Pirallahy and Jilov, some small islands like Boyuk and Kichik Tava, Yal, Koltish, Gu, Garabatdag and a scores of different very small islands. The old oil platforms in the sea is very important place for breeding of different species of birds.
Key biodiversity
Breeding birds include Tadorna ferruginea, Porphyrio porphyrio, Larus cachinnans, Sterna hirundo and (unconfirmed) S. sandvicensis. Wintering area for 2,000-3,000 wildfowl, notably Cygnus cygnus, also Aythya fuligula, A. marila, A. ferina, Bucephala clangula and Fulica atra. Species of global conservation concern that do not meet IBA criteria: Circus macrourus (3-6 winter).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Absheron archipelago (north) and Pirallahi bay (Azerbaijan). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/absheron-archipelago-(north)-and-pirallahi-bay-iba-azerbaijan on 22/12/2024.