observation des oiseaux
feminine
Birdwatching in French is observation des oiseaux.
The term refers to the activity of observing wild birds. To express the hobby of birdwatching, French speakers often use the phrase faire de l'observation des oiseaux.
Meaning: observing wild birds (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
In a sentence, the phrase is often preceded by the definite article l’ (the), resulting in l'observation des oiseaux.
Did you know?
- While observation des oiseaux is the formal term, many French enthusiasts use the English word 'birdwatching' directly in casual conversation.
- In France, the national birdwatching organization is called la LPO, which stands for Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux. This reflects a cultural tendency to blend the hobby of observation des oiseaux with active conservation efforts.
- While observation des oiseaux is the literal translation, many enthusiasts simply use the term ornithologie to describe the hobby itself.
Examples in context
- Hier, nous avons fait de l'observation des oiseaux dans la réserve naturelle.Yesterday, we went birdwatching in the nature reserve.
- La contemplation des oiseaux me permet de me relaxer et de m'évader de la vie quotidienne.Birdwatching allows me to relax and escape from daily life.
- J'ai décidé de m'adonner à ma passion pour les oiseaux et de m'inscrire à un cours d'étude ornithologique.I have decided to indulge in my passion for birds and enroll in an ornithological study class.
- L'observation des oiseaux est ma passion.Birdwatching is my passion.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are planning a weekend trip to the forest.
- EmmaHugo, tu veux essayer l'observation des oiseaux ?Hugo, do you want to try birdwatching?
- HugoOui, j'aimerais beaucoup découvrir les espèces locales.Yes, I would love to discover the local species.
- EmmaC'est parfait, je vais apporter mon guide.That's perfect, I will bring my guide.
- HugoSuper, on part samedi matin alors.Great, we'll leave Saturday morning then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “birdwatching” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
