You would be extremely hard pressed to find another area within the whole of Europe as good as Andalucía for birdwatching. Its great diversity of habitats translates into such an array of birds, not to mention other wildlife, that frequent visitors are often surprised how, on each visit, they are able to record more and more species.
Perhaps the most famous aspect for which birdwatching is renowned in Andalucía is the spectacle of migration. The Strait of Gibraltar provides the perfect short sea crossing for migrants to and from Africa. It is a route used from the early ages and the sheer numbers of raptors, storks and smaller passerines make it an attraction for birders from across the world. It is one of those natural wonders that all should try to witness at least once in their lifetime! A great bonus, in recent times, has been the regular recording of the African species Rüppell’s Vulture, seen annually and by many observers in the southern parts of the province.
Of course, so many areas offer excellent birding in southern Spain, just up the Atlantic coast from the Strait of Gibraltar is the wetlands of the Coto Doñana and here it’s possible to witness several mouth-watering birding moments! The attractive Azure-winged Magpie is common and widespread in the Doñana and is always a must-see bird whilst visiting the area, but one of the spectacles here is the large colonies of mixed heron species breeding together, with of course the increasing Glossy Ibis present which nests alongside Purple, Black-crowned Night and Squacco Heron, Cattle and Little Egret. Raptors also attract attention and in particular the elusive Spanish Imperial Eagle. It is also possible to find odd breeding pairs of local water birds such as White-headed Duck, Marbled Duck and Crested Coot.
Making your way back inland and heading southeast the areas Sierra de Grazalema and the Serranía de Ronda will not only provide a range of typical mountain birds, but scenically it probably has the most to offer in all of Spain. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty with the fauna and flora of particular interest. Here Bonelli’s Eagle has one of its highest densities in the world and this resident eagle is joined by Booted and Short-toed Snake Eagle in the summer months. The resident Golden Eagle are increasing in this part of Andalucía and vie for breeding sites with Bonelli’s. The higher mountains hold one of the largest concentrations of Griffon Vulture in Europe and these can sometimes be joined by Black and Egyptian Vulture with Rüppell’s Vulture becoming more frequent in the area. Long-legged Buzzard has a toehold in these parts and just adds to the wonderful array of raptors seen hereabouts! Better mention it whilst I’m here, before I forget, the area is known for its rarities and the most recent to have been sighted is Red-flanked Bluetail!
Not too far away and going in a northerly direction from the Ronda Mountains, brings you to an area that is dotted with lagoons, the most famous of these being Fuente de Piedra. The region here is rich in agriculture and much of the land is given over to Olive production, interspersed with cereal crops. In the cultivated areas we can still find birds typical of open habitats and there remain good populations of Montagu’s Harrier, Little Bustard, and lark species such as Calandra Lark. A small lagoon, the Laguna Dulce, is always worth a visit (when water fills this basin) and can sometimes hold large numbers of White-headed Duck as well as the odd Crested Coot, but the real star site of this region is Fuente de Piedra with the largest breeding colony of Greater Flamingo in Europe. Most years this large lagoon holds staggering numbers of Greater Flamingo, normally more than 30,000 individuals during the springtime, with large areas painted pink as these large birds congregate and indulge in group courtship and displays. Gull-billed Terns have a large breeding colony here and other tern species are frequently seen in good numbers including Whiskered and Black Tern. Waders also use this lagoon during periods of migration and often rarities are reported.
Onwards and upwards we travel into the province of Granada, an area dominated by the Sierra Nevada, which has the highest mountain peak (3,482 metres) in all of mainland Spain. The higher areas of the province hold breeding Alpine Accentor and within the Sierra we can find Ortolan Bunting and Citril Finch, three much sought after species. Despite the high mountainous terrain of central Granada, it is a disappointment not to find higher numbers of raptor species, but on the plains Black-bellied Sandgrouse and Little Bustard make a journey here worthwhile, with Dupont’s Lark still remaining, if only tenuously, within the province as a resident bird. From Granada province we are spoilt for choice, continuing northwards to Jaén or southwards to Almería, both excellent areas for the exploring naturalist. For the sake of a more rounded journey, assuming the visitor’s main point of entry and departure is the central airport at Málaga, it is perhaps better to first proceed to Jaén province. If the main disappointment in the Granada area is the lack of good numbers of raptors, then this area provides instant relief with Black Vulture, Spanish Imperial and Golden Eagle widespread. In fact, the raptors of the area, which also include Black-winged Kite, Goshawk and Lammergeier, make a visit an absolute must for the serious birdwatcher! Whilst large areas of the province are carpeted beneath swathes of Olive plantations, the areas Parque Natural de la Sierra de Andújar and the Sierra de Cazorla are very noteworthy for their birdlife, the former is probably the best in Spain for a chance to see the rare and elusive Pardel Lynx.
After visiting the other main regions of Andalucía, it is appropriate to finish the route in the very distinct landscape presented by Almería. The province has Europe’s only true desert area and is the driest of all the provinces in Andalucía. Here you can find Trumpeter Finch in arid habitats and of course the area of Gabo de Gata is in stark contrast with wetland species including Greater Flamingo. The coastal site and inlets of Gabo de Gata can be good areas to search for Slender-billed Gull as well as wader and duck species. Scrub areas near to this site can be worthwhile and Dupont’s Lark has often been sighted here. Inland mountain ranges are good for Great-spotted Cuckoo and on the higher and more sparsely vegetated areas Tawny Pipit and Northern Wheatear are common. Bonelli’s Eagle is frequent in the area and the recent breeding attempts by Cream-coloured Courser just add to the attraction of the region.
Whatever your pleasure as a birder and birdwatcher, a visit to the wonderfully colourful region of Andalucía will more than reward your efforts.
Article: Peter Jones
Photographs: Peter Jones
Further information:
Complete and updated Bird Checklist for Andalucía here.
Some hotspot birding sites here.
Bird and wildlife guides here.
Some recommended accommodation here.
Note: The views expressed in articles are those of the authors, and are not necessarily those of the Society.
Article first published in Costa Connection Magazine February 2023 edition.