Birdwatching in Extremadura

There is always something for the birdwatcher to see in Extremadura. The diverse range of habitats and year round Mediterranean climate mean that many species that are difficult to find in the rest of Europe can be found in good numbers in Extremadura. Globally threatened species such as Spanish Imperial Eagle, Cinereous Vulture, Black Stork, Bonelli's Eagle, Black Wheatear and Egyptian Vulture are all well represented here in Extremadura.  ​

Head out onto the open plains around Cáceres or La Serena, and one could encounter Great and Little Bustards along with Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse, not to mention raptors like Booted and Short-toed Snake eagles and the countless numbers of Corn Buntings, Calandra and Crested Larks. ​

Dehesa (evergreen oak forest) is one of the most dominant habitats in Extremadura and extremely valuable in terms of bird biodiversity. Species like Hoopoe, Bee-eater, Woodchat Shrike, Iberian Magpie and Orphean Warblers make these forests their home, whilst in the more scrubby areas Stonechats, Woodlarks and Sardinian Warblers can be found without too much effort.  ​

​Although Extremadura is not famous for its wetlands, there are a number of river systems and large reservoirs and lakes, which are known to hold many interesting species. These include Little Bittern, Purple and Squacco Heron, Purple Swamphen, Penduline tit and Great Reed Warblers, and in winter, visiting Common Cranes can be seen flying to roost in their tens of thousands! 

​Whatever time of the year one comes to Extremadura for Birdwatching, upon leaving this enchanting wilderness, the principle feeling is always "When can I return?" 

​We'd like to thank Chris Hodge for contributing this post.
​Chris, originally from England, UK, is an experienced and knowledgeable birdwatcher and birding guide, based in Extremadura, Spain.
At Finca Flores Amarillas bed and breakfast, you can hire Chris's services and do leisurely day trips or intensive birdwatching holidays.
For more information, drop us an email here.