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About
WINGS Birding Tours has been crafting unforgettable birding travel experiences since the early 1970s, making it one of the most trusted names in birding tourism worldwide. Operating out of Tucson, Arizona, WINGS offers an extensive catalog of guided birdwatching tours spanning destinations from Mongolia and Borneo to Peru, the Canary Islands, and the Arctic. Each itinerary is designed to maximize bird encounters while incorporating broader natural history, culture, and conservation themes. Tours are led by a hand-picked roster of world-renowned ornithologists and field naturalists—including globally recognized names like Steve Howell and Jon Dunn—who bring decades of expertise and an unmatched ability to locate, identify, and interpret bird species in their native habitats. WINGS caters to birders of all skill levels, from enthusiastic beginners to seasoned listers seeking rare and endemic species. The company maintains an active network of in-country experts to ensure the highest quality experience on the ground. A regularly published email newsletter, "From the Field," keeps the community connected with live field reports from ongoing tours. Guaranteed departures give travelers confidence when planning, and new tour destinations are continuously added to the schedule. Whether you're chasing iconic species at Machu Picchu, exploring the steppes of Mongolia, or discovering endemics in Indonesian rainforests, WINGS delivers a meticulously planned, deeply enriching birding adventure.
Key Features
- Expert Professional Tour Leaders: Tours are led by world-renowned ornithologists and naturalists with decades of field experience and deep regional knowledge.
- Global Tour Destinations: An extensive catalog spanning every continent, including Mongolia, Borneo, Peru, Finland, South Africa, and many more unique birding hotspots.
- Guaranteed Departures: A selection of tours are invoiced and confirmed to run, giving travelers reliable scheduling confidence when booking travel plans.
- In-Country Expert Network: A trusted network of local guides and naturalists supplements tour leaders to maximize bird encounters and cultural context.
- Field Reports Newsletter: Regular 'From the Field' email updates provide live dispatches from tour leaders currently in the field, keeping the community engaged.
Use Cases
- Serious birders seeking guided access to rare and endemic species in remote global destinations
- Nature travelers wanting expert-led itineraries that combine birdwatching with natural history and cultural experiences
- Wildlife photographers looking for professional guidance to locate and photograph birds in their native habitats
- Ornithology students and enthusiasts wanting to learn identification and field skills from world-class experts
- Retired travelers and bird club members planning an organized, fully supported international birding vacation
Pros
- Unparalleled Guide Expertise: Leaders like Steve Howell and Jon Dunn are globally recognized authorities in ornithology, ensuring high-quality identification and interpretation.
- 50+ Years of Proven Experience: Decades of operating worldwide tours means deeply refined itineraries, trusted logistics, and an outstanding reputation in the birding community.
- Diverse Global Destinations: An exceptionally broad portfolio of destinations covers rare endemics, migratory spectacles, and iconic natural wonders across all continents.
Cons
- Premium Pricing: Expert-led international birding tours come at a significant cost, potentially placing them out of reach for budget-conscious birders.
- Limited Availability: Many tours operate with small group sizes, meaning spaces fill quickly and last-minute bookings can be difficult to secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is required to join a WINGS tour?
WINGS Birding Tours welcomes birders of all skill levels, from enthusiastic beginners to experienced listers. Tour descriptions typically note the physical demands and birding intensity so participants can choose the right fit.
What does a 'Guaranteed Tour' mean?
A Guaranteed Tour has been invoiced, confirmed, and is scheduled to run within the next 3–4 months. These tours still have available spaces and offer reliable departure assurance for prospective participants.
How do I reserve a spot on a WINGS tour?
Reservations can be made directly through the WINGS website. The Reservations & Payments section provides details on deposits, payment schedules, and cancellation policies.
Do WINGS tours focus only on birds?
While birds are the primary focus, WINGS tours also incorporate broader natural history, including flora, mammals, cultural heritage sites, and local ecosystems, for a well-rounded travel experience.
How can I stay updated on new tours and field reports?
You can subscribe to the WINGS email newsletter on their website to receive HTML-format updates every few weeks, including new tour announcements and live field reports from leaders currently on tour.
