Birdwatching en Extremadura.

Rutas ornitológicas, observación de aves en el norte de Extremadura

Birdwatching trips specially designed according to the time of year and the different ecosystems in the north of Extremadura: dehesas, Mediterranean forests, wetlands, steppe areas, mountains, etc.

All our birding tours are governed by a strict code of ethics based on putting the welfare and tranquillity of the animals and their habitats before birding (especially during the breeding season). If you have any doubts about this code of ethics, you can take a look at the manual prepared by SEO/Birdlife through the following link: Code of ethics.

  • Private service, no vehicle sharing.. No compartirá vehículo con otros grupos.
  • Departures from Plasencia with the possibility of being picked up at your accommodation (for other departure points, please contact us).
  • We adapt the activity to your interests, let us know what species you would like to observe.
  • We can design tailor-made activities, write to us and we will give you a quote.

Book your trip!

Observación de aves en Monfragüe. Birdwathching Monfragüe

Monfragüe National Park

An emblematic place for birdwatching. During this tour of 4 hours of approximate duration we will be able to observe (depending on the time of year):

  • Griffon and black vultures
  • Egyptian vulture
  • Black stork
  • Spanish eagle
  • Bonelli's eagle
  • Eagle owl
  • Many more...
Rutas de observación de aves acuáticas

Arrocampo Ornithological Reserve

A wetland with exceptional conditions that make it the perfect place to observe a multitude of water birds all year round.(5 hours aprox.)

  • Osprey
  • Purple Swamphen
  • Water rail
  • Eurasian wryneck
  • Purple heron
  • Squacco Heron
  • Many more...
Rutas ornitológicas en los llanos de Cáceres. Aves esteparias.

Plains of Trujillo-Cáceres

Extremadura has large areas of pseudo-steppe and cereal plains that are the habitat of a group of fascinating and rare birds. This activity lasts approximately 6 hours.

  • Great Bustard
  • Little Bustard
  • Montagu's Harrier
  • Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouses
  • Lesser kestrel
  • Spanish eagle
  • Many more...
Observación de grullas en Extremadura

Dehesas and wetlands of Cáparra and Granadilla.

Habitats in the north of Extremadura where cultural and natural heritage go hand in hand. 4 hours birding in a wonderful environment.

  • Common Crane
  • European lapwing
  • Red kite
  • Herons and egrets
  • Iberian grey shrike
  • Various waders
  • Many more...

Birding in Extremadura: Guided Ornithological Routes in the Best Observation Places

Extremadura is one of the most important destinations for bird watching in Europe. Its diverse landscapes, from plains and pastures to wetlands and mountain ranges, offer an ideal habitat for a wide variety of species. On our birding trips in Extremadura, we take you to some of the best ornithological sites, accompanied by expert local guides and on private 4×4 tours, so that you can enjoy an exclusive and personalized experience.

Birding Routes in Extremadura: Explore the Best Natural Spaces

At Gorrión Ecoturismo, we offer different ornithological routes to discover the incredible biodiversity of Extremadura:

1. Monfragüe National Park: The Kingdom of Birds of Prey

The Monfragüe National Park is one of the most emblematic spaces for ornithological tourism in Spain. Its impressive rocky cliffs and Mediterranean forests are home to a large number of birds of prey:

  • Black vulture (Aegypius monachus) and the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvusthe breeding colony is one of the largest in Europe.
  • Spanish eagle (Aquila adalberti), an endangered species and a symbol of conservation in the Iberian Peninsula.
  • Alimoche común (Neophron percnopterus), present in spring and summer.
  • Black stork (Ciconia nigramore elusive than its relative the white stork.

In addition, in Monfragüe you can see species such as the eagle owl, the peregrine falcon or the elusive kingfisher in the riverside areas.

2. Cáceres and Trujillo Plains: Paradise of Steppe Birds

This extensive landscape of grasslands and dryland crops is ideal for observing steppe birds, such as:

  • Great Bustard (Otis tarda), one of the most iconic birds of the Peninsula.
  • Little Bustard (Tetrax tetrax), increasingly scarce in Europe.
  • Pin-tailed Sandgrouse (Pterocles alchata) and black-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis), with their characteristic low-flying flight.
  • Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus).

It is also an excellent place to observe birds of prey such as the lesser kestrel, the red kite or the Spanish eagle.

3. Arrocampo Reservoir: An Exceptional Wetland for Waterfowl

Located in the area surrounding the Almaraz Nuclear Power Plant, this reservoir maintains warm waters throughout the year, which favours the presence of waterfowl. Some of the outstanding species are:

  • Common Bittern (Botaurus stellaris), difficult to detect due to its camouflage.
  • Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) and purple heron (Ardea purpurea).
  • Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), easily recognizable by its peculiar spoon-shaped beak.
  • Night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), a nocturnal heron that hides in riverside vegetation during the day.

4. Dehesas of Cáparra and Granadilla: Biodiversity among Holm Oaks and Cork Oaks

In this landscape of Mediterranean dehesas and forests, we find a combination of forest birds, birds of prey and scavengers. Among the most notable species are:

  • Booted eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) and short-toed eagle (Circaetus gallicus).
  • Black vulture and the griffon vulture, who find food in large livestock areas.
  • Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dryobates minor) and other species of forest birds such as the eurasian nuthatch or the iberian magpie.

Extremadura: A Key Destination for Birdwatching Tourism

The importance of Extremadura for bird watching lies not only in its biodiversity, but also in the protection measures that guarantee its conservation. The region has multiple Special Protection Areas for Birds (ZEPA) within the Natura 2000 Network, such as:

  • ZEPA Monfragüe y Dehesas del Entorno
  • ZEPA Llanos de Cáceres y Sierra de Fuentes
  • ZEPA Embalse de Arrocampo
  • ZEPA Embalse de Gabriel y Galán

In addition, Gorrión Ecoturismo is partner of the Birding in Extremadura Club, an initiative that promotes sustainable ornithological tourism, supporting companies specialized in birdwatching and conservation.

Live the Birding Experience with 4×4 Tours and Expert Local Guides

Our birdwatching trips are carried out in a private 4×4 vehicle, without sharing with other groups, which allows for a more comfortable experience adapted to the needs of each observer.

Whether you are an experienced ornithologist or just starting out in the world of birding, our routes are designed to ensure the best possible experience in contact with nature.

Discover the ornithological wealth of Extremadura with Gorrión Ecoturismo and book your guided tour today!

About us

Gorrión ecoturismo is a project based on the divulgation of Extremadura's natural heritage and its conservation.

Registered in the Registry of Tourist Activity Companies of Extremadura with number: OA-CC-00178.

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