Spanish Birds

When people think of Spanish treasures, they often think of gold, antiques or culture. However, there is a special treasure in Spain, most valued by foreigners and locals - birds.

Unlike most European countries, Spain, to a certain extent, still keeps those special places where one can enjoy nature, with the exception of some spoilt corners. Birds are numerous even in cities, which interests both naturalists and tourists, in spite of the numerous threats from the usual types, such as pesticides, deforestation, pollution, etc. Fortunately, thanks to the great number of individuals, the interest in the groundswell of Spanish birds augurs an optimistic future.

Birds are the favourite wealth for wildlife lovers, over their love for plants and other animals. Vultures, buzzards, hawks, kites, eagles among others usually fly over the countryside. Griffon Vultures’ silhouettes, for example, still dominate the high ridge-tops.

Some famous places for bird watching are the Coto Donana National Park, The Pink Lagoon, The Guadiario Estuary in Sotogrande, “Laguna de la Fuente de Piedra” (Stone Fountain Lagoon) in the northern area of Antequera, and Laguna Medina, near Cordoba, where it is possible to find some rare birds such as White- Headed Dicks and Purple Gallinule, the Cliffs of Gibraltar, Tarifa and Los Barrios, Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.

In season, small birds are noticed because of their profusion on wires, fences and other man-made ideal places to rest from their flights. Travelling out of the towns and cities will lead the traveller to the land of Woodchat Shrikes, Bee-eaters, Stonechats, Goldfinches, Corn Buntings, Swallows, among many others.

Since Spain is known to be place of contrasting and varied lands and climates (northern temperate and Mediterranean zone along with the sea influence) habitats differ to a great extent, through rivers, snowy mountains, alpine moorland, beaches, lakes and green forests. Apart from those natural habitats, man modified environments such as managed wood lands, pastures, croplands, towns and villages also have their typical species.

Apart from the traditional holiday, attractive coasts have a lot to offer to bird lovers as well. If we take the low lying sandy Mediterranean coast as an example, we will find that the place is significant for bird watching, usually in migration season and in winter. There are also hordes of waders and water fowls in the huge delta of the Ebro, in Cataluña, along with extended colonies of terns, gulls, Audouin ‘s Gulls and herons.

On the northern-coast, waders wil find many tidal inlets and seabird migration including gulls, terns, Gannets, shearwaters, auks and skuas. The southern Atlantic coast, offers the major reserves and estuaries of Guadalquivir and Odiel, where the National Park - Coto Doñana is located.

In the inner lands, the Pyrenees, Cantabria and Asturias, for example, the weather is rather different than the one people who usually visit the Spanish coastal villages would expect, because it is drizzly, and often damp. Landscapes also differ and, as a result, birds are continental and distinct of these areas - some species will not be found in southern areas as is the case of Treecreepers, Goldcrests, and woodpeckers, Alpine Choughs, Accentors Water Pipits and Snow Finches. Lammergeyers are increasing in number. Seeing these awesome, huge birds, would definitely be a plus for any birder.

In the dry lands of Almeria, you will find Trumpeter Finches and Dupont’s Larks. Moustached Warblers can also be found on the east coast of Spain.

The birds of prey found In Andalucia are the Imperial Eagle (Spanish). The Black Shouldered Kite, (becoming numerous lately) is the most attractive raptor in Extremadura. Black/Red Kites, Black Egyptian Vultures and Griffon; Montagu’s, Marsh/Hen Harriers; Booted, Bonelli’s, Ospreys, Peregrines, Eleonora’s Falcons, Golden and Short-toed Eagles, Hobbies, Merlins and Kestrels (Common and Lesser) are all found in the area of the strait of Gibraltar. It is a wonderful idea to visit this place at migration time – they migrate between Africa and Europe, usually from February to June. You may see the flocks of White Storks, Honey Buzzards and Black kites, just to mention a few examples.

Along the wetlands of the Atlantic coast Water birds can be found in individuals and in species, There are wild ducks and flamingos. Flamingos can also be found in Cabo de Gato and El Fuente de Piedre.

During summer the colourful golden oriole can be found in the Andalucain orchards and woodlands. Along with the woodpecks and owls inhabiting the mountainous woodlands. On the Golf courses you may spot another stunning bird which is the black/white and orange hoopoe. 

Some hotels in these locations have bird watching and plant naturalism arranged by the hotel staff.