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Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

GRAYLAG GOOSE (Anser anser)

Present in most of the wetlands visited. Good numbers in the wetland next to El Rocío.

EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Alopochen aegyptiaca) [I]

Only two individuals, in the reservoir of Alange, Extremadura.

COMMON SHELDUCK (Tadorna tadorna)

We enjoyed good views of this pretty duck, especially on the very first day at the Laguna Larga, Castilla La Mancha.

NORTHERN SHOVELER (Spatula clypeata)

Small numbers in several lakes of La Mancha Húmeda.

GADWALL (Mareca strepera)

Present in most of the lakes of La Mancha Húmeda and in the wetlands of Coto Doñana National Park.

MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos)

Common and widespread.

MARBLED DUCK (Marmaronetta angustirostris)

We saw this rare and endangered species on several occasions, enjoying the best views in Tablas de Daimiel National Park.

RED-CRESTED POCHARD (Netta rufina)

Stunning bird! Great numbers at the Laguna Larga lake and the reservoir of Dehesa de Abajo.

COMMON POCHARD (Aythya ferina)

We observed this beautiful duck species at most of the lakes of La Mancha Húmeda and in Coto Doñana National Park.

FERRUGINOUS DUCK (Aythya nyroca)

Seen small numbers in Tablas de Daimiel National Park and in Arrocampo reservoir, Extremadura.

COMMON SCOTER (Melanitta nigra)

We discovered 6 Common Scoters at the coastline of Doñana.

WHITE-HEADED DUCK (Oxyura leucocephala)

Very good numbers in the Laguna Larga and the Laguna de la Veguilla in La Mancha Húmeda and in the Dehesa de Abajo reservoir.

Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)

COMMON QUAIL (Coturnix coturnix)

We only heard one Common Quail singing in the vast grazing land next to Trujillo.

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE (Alectoris rufa)

Very nice views in the Natural Park of Andújar.

Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)

GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus)

We enjoyed good views of dozens of Greater Flamingos in several wetlands in La Mancha Húmeda and Coto Doñana National Park.

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

Present in most of the wetlands visited, at least 15 individuals in the Dehesa de Abajo reservoir.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE (Podiceps cristatus)

We enjoyed the best views of a breeding bird on the nest at the Laguna de Navaseca next to Tablas de Daimiel National Park.

EARED GREBE (Podiceps nigricollis)

At least 120 Eared Grebes were present at the Laguna Larga lake. That was the biggest concentration but we had better views of them at the Veguilla lake.

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)

Feral Pigeons are widespread and common.

STOCK DOVE (Columba oenas)

Stock Doves are rare in central and southern Spain. We found the only Stock Doves of this trip in the Retiro Park of Madrid.

COMMON WOOD-PIGEON (Columba palumbus)

Very common and widespread.

EUROPEAN TURTLE-DOVE (Streptopelia turtur)

Recently, the hunting of this species was prohibited which is showing already a positive result on the population.

EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto)

Every day bird.

Pteroclidae (Sandgrouse)

PIN-TAILED SANDGROUSE (Pterocles alchata)

We were lucky to see a group of around 35 Pin-tailed Sandgrouse in the pseudo-steppe of Extremadura.

BLACK-BELLIED SANDGROUSE (Pterocles orientalis)

We struggled to see this species with finally only a brief view of two flying individuals.

Otididae (Bustards)

GREAT BUSTARD (Otis tarda)

Good views of this massive bird in the plains between Cáceres and Trujillo, Extremadura.

LITTLE BUSTARD (Tetrax tetrax)

This species decreased dramatically and is becoming extremely rare. After searching for a while we finally found 3 individuals in display flight.

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO (Clamator glandarius)

Surprisingly, there were two Great Spotted Cuckoos next to the old windmills of Campo Criptana.

COMMON CUCKOO (Cuculus canorus)

We heard the "cu cu" sound many times, showing up only in few occasions, mostly in flight.

Apodidae (Swifts)

ALPINE SWIFT (Tachymarptis melba)

Impressive swift, huge and with the white belly, it is unmistakable.

COMMON SWIFT (Apus apus)

Common and widespread in all the towns and villages.

PALLID SWIFT (Apus pallidus)

We encountered a big group of Pallid Swifts north of the Coto Doñana National Park and some individuals in the historical part of Trujillo.

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

EURASIAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)

Present in small numbers in most of the wetlands visited.

EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)

The baby coots were so cute!

WESTERN SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio porphyrio)

Surprisingly hard to find this year. We managed to find some individuals at the reservoir of Dehesa de Abajo.

Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)

BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)

Very nice views, for example in the National Park of the Tablas de Daimiel.

PIED AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta)

Two individuals in the Laguna Larga lake , and two in the Laguna seca lake, during our visit to the area of La Mancha Húmeda.

Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)

EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus ostralegus)

We registered around 30 Eurasian Oystercatchers at the long and unspoiled beach of Doñana.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola)

Seen in the marsh and on the beach of Coto Doñana NP.

COMMON RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius hiaticula)

Huge flock of about 300 birds in the marshland of Coto Doñana.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius dubius)

Fresh water plover easily distinguished by the yellow eye-ring. Seen in the lakes of La Mancha Húmeda.

NORTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus vanellus)

Some pairs with chicks in the surroundings of the Laguna Larga lake.

KENTISH PLOVER (Anarhynchus alexandrinus)

At least six birds along the beach of Doñana.

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)

We encountered just one Whimbrel during our excursion along the Doñana beach.

COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos)

At least 30 individuals at the Laguna de Navaseca.

GREEN SANDPIPER (Tringa ochropus)

Seen in flight showing the distinctive white rump at the Laguna de Veguilla.

COMMON REDSHANK (Tringa totanus)

Just one encounter, at the Laguna Larga.

COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia)

One bird present at the Laguna de Navaseca.

RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres)

Two birds seen, already in the smart breeding plumage.

RED KNOT (Calidris canutus)

We found two Red Knots on the beach of Doñana, one of them showing the bright red plumage of the breeding season.

CURLEW SANDPIPER (Calidris ferruginea)

Some showing already the rusty colors of the breeding plumage.

SANDERLING (Calidris alba)

Plenty of them at the Doñana beach.

DUNLIN (Calidris alpina)

Few birds present, most of them had already left to the breeding grounds in the far north.

LITTLE STINT (Calidris minuta)

We found two birds at the flooded plains of Coto Doñana National marshes.

Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)

COLLARED PRATINCOLE (Glareola pratincola)

Best views of this elegant shorebird at the Laguna de Navaseca.

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

SLENDER-BILLED GULL (Chroicocephalus genei)

One Slender-billed Gull was feeding mixed in a group of Black-headed Gulls.

BLACK-HEADED GULL (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

Noisy colony of this widespread gull at Laguna de Navaseca.

AUDOUIN'S GULL (Ichthyaetus audouinii)

We registered about 20 Audouin's Gulls resting at the beach between Matalascañas and Sanlucar de Barrameda.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus)

Just one flyby at the Tablas de Daimiel National Park.

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL (Larus michahellis)

Very common at the coastline of Doñana NP.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus)

Likewise, numerous at the coastline of Doñana.

LITTLE TERN (Sternula albifrons)

All together about 60 beautiful Little Terns were resting at the beach.

GULL-BILLED TERN (Gelochelidon nilotica)

Seen well while feeding in flight, in the National Parks of Tablas de Daimiel and Coto Doñana.

WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias hybrida)

The Whiskered Terns fishing invertebrates in the Tablas de Daimiel NP offered us great photographic opportunities.

BLACK TERN (Chlidonias niger)

We discovered two Black Terns mixed in the groups of Whiskered Terns.

COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo)

About seven Common Terns were resting on the beach together with the Little and Sandwich Terns.

SANDWICH TERN (Thalasseus sandvicensis)

We counted 40 individuals at the Doñana beach.

Ciconiidae (Storks)

BLACK STORK (Ciconia nigra)

This species ended as the third best bird of the trip! The nest with chicks at the viewpoint of Peña Falcon in Monfragüe NP allowed good views to a family with chicks.

WHITE STORK (Ciconia ciconia)

We saw plenty of White Storks during this tour. Awesome to see them breeding on towers and churches in towns and villages.

Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)

NORTHERN GANNET (Morus bassanus)

Flying above and diving into the Atlantic.

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)

GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo)

In Monfragüe NP and Arrocampo reservoir, Extremadura.

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

LITTLE BITTERN (Ixobrychus minutus)

A stunning male showed up at close range in the reed beds of Laguna de Navaseca.

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)

In the mixed colony of herons, egrets and Glossy Ibis at the José Antonio Valverde visitor center we found a good number of breeding Black-crowned Night Herons.

LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

Present in most of the wetlands visited.

SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides)

We saw this beautiful heron only during the excursion to the marshland of Coto Doñana with our wonderful local guide, Javi.

WESTERN CATTLE EGRET (Bulbulcus ibis)

Showing orangy-brown feathers of the breeding plumage.

GREAT EGRET (ALBA) (Ardea alba alba)

Just one observation at the Arrocampo reservoir.

GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

Widespread but never numerous.

PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea)

Fantastic views both in Doñana NP and at Arrocampo reservoir.

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)

GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)

Impressive breeding colony at the JA Valverde visitor center in Doñana.

EURASIAN SPOONBILL (Platalea leucorodia)

Fantastic views of this attractive species at a mixed colony (together with White Stork and Gray Heron) north of Doñana NP.

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

BLACK-WINGED KITE (Elanus caeruleus)

Unfortunately only a far away view.

EGYPTIAN VULTURE (Neophron percnopterus)

The yellow face and the head feathers give them a peculiar "punky" image. Good views in Monfragüe NP.

EUROPEAN HONEY-BUZZARD (Pernis apivorus)

Several groups migrating north towards their breeding grounds.

CINEREOUS VULTURE (Aegypius monachus)

We saw this huge and impressive vulture in many places, with the biggest concentration in Monfragüe. This National Park hosts one of the most numerous colonies in the world.

EURASIAN GRIFFON (Gyps fulvus)

Very widespread! Stop at a random place in southern and central Spain and you will find a Griffon Vulture. The breeding colony at the Peña Falcón viewpoint was awesome!

SHORT-TOED SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus gallicus)

We were able to observe that this big raptor often hovers when searching for snakes and lizards.

BOOTED EAGLE (Hieraaetus pennatus)

Most common and widespread eagle. We found one at close range eating a lizard.

SPANISH EAGLE (Aquila adalberti)

Good views of this endemic species in Andujar and Monfragüe NP.

GOLDEN EAGLE (Aquila chrysaetos)

Two rather far-away views in Andújar Natural Park.

BONELLI'S EAGLE (Aquila fasciata)

We were lucky to find two pairs of this rare eagle.

WESTERN MARSH HARRIER (Circus aeruginosus)

Present in all the wetlands with reed-beds.

MONTAGU'S HARRIER (Circus pygargus)

We were extremely privileged to be able to observe the only breeding pair of the whole province of Cáceres (without causing any disturbance, of course). Hopefully this couple was successful!

RED KITE (Milvus milvus)

We managed the best views of this good looking raptor in the Sierra de Gredos.

BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans)

Without any doubt the most common and widespread raptor of the area.

COMMON BUZZARD (Buteo buteo)

Not so common as the its name suggests... We saw only 5 individuals.

Strigidae (Owls)

EURASIAN SCOPS-OWL (Otus scops)

Lovely views right next to our hotel in Trujillo, Extremadura.

EURASIAN EAGLE-OWL (Bubo bubo)

It was not easy to actually see the bird hidden in a small and dark cave...

LITTLE OWL (Athene noctua)

Seen at least 7 individuals at 4 different locations, this species is becoming scarce.

Upupidae (Hoopoes)

EURASIAN HOOPOE (Upupa epops)

Wonderful bird, not uncommon, but rather shy.

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)

COMMON KINGFISHER (Alcedo atthis)

Just one flyby at Laguna de Veguilla...

Meropidae (Bee-eaters)

EUROPEAN BEE-EATER (Merops apiaster)

Without any doubt, the most exotic and colorful bird of the trip. Best views in Coto Doñana NP.

Coraciidae (Rollers)

EUROPEAN ROLLER (Coracias garrulus)

Fantastic views of this wonderful species, thanks to a series of nest boxes.

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos major)

We enjoyed nice views of this species in the Retiro Park of Madrid.

IBERIAN GREEN WOODPECKER (Picus sharpei)

Again, best views in the Retiro Park in Madrid city.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

LESSER KESTREL (Falco naumanni)

We visited a nice breeding colony at an abandoned silo with nest boxes in Trujillo. This historical town hosts the largest colony of this small and elegant raptor.

EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus)

This solitary breeding falcon is widespread in Spain.

PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)

Registered in four occasions. Best views at the Salto del Gitano viewpoint in Monfragüe NP of a couple in their breeding territory.

Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)

MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus)

Plenty of them in Madrid city.

Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)

EURASIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE (Oriolus oriolus)

We have heard them many times but seeing them well is more difficult. Eventually we managed decent views in El Rocio, Coto Doñana.

Laniidae (Shrikes)

RED-BACKED SHRIKE (Lanius collurio)

Splendid look at this smart looking shrike in the Gredos mountains.

IBERIAN GRAY SHRIKE (Lanius meridionalis)

Seen only in two occasions, this species is in serious decline.

WOODCHAT SHRIKE (Lanius senator)

Second best bird of the trip, colorful and often showing very well, even at close range, not too shy, which makes it into a favorite bird.

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

EURASIAN JAY (Garrulus glandarius)

Spectacular bird showing a stunning blue panel of feathers on the wing band. Seen well next to our hotel the Gredos mountains!

IBERIAN MAGPIE (Cyanopica cooki)

Not uncommon, moving around in groups. Very clever birds, they know exactly when you are looking at them.

EURASIAN MAGPIE (Pica pica)

Common and widespread.

RED-BILLED CHOUGH (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax)

Only one observation during this trip, in the Andújar mountains. But what a fantastic view!

EURASIAN JACKDAW (Corvus monedula)

Intelligent and social bird, this small corvid also favors nest boxes.

CARRION CROW (WESTERN) (Corvus corone corone)

Common in the Gredos mountains.

COMMON RAVEN (Corvus corax)

Seen here and there, always in pairs, rarely alone.

Paridae (Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice)

COAL TIT (Periparus ater)

Common in the pine woodlands of Sierra de Gredos.

CRESTED TIT (Lophophanes cristatus)

Seen well next to our lovely Parador Hotel in Sierra de Gredos.

EURASIAN BLUE TIT (Cyanistes caeruleus)

We saw this pretty bird in at least six occasions.

GREAT TIT (Parus major)

Unmistakable with its striking black and white head pattern. Present in almost all the woodlands and forests.

Remizidae (Penduline-Tits)

EURASIAN PENDULINE-TIT (Remiz pendulinus)

We managed to observe this nice little bird very well at the Veguilla lake.

Alaudidae (Larks)

GREATER SHORT-TOED LARK (Calandrella brachydactyla)

Seen well during our excursion through Doñana marshes with our splendid local guide, Javi.

CALANDRA LARK (Melanocorypha calandra)

The concert of several Calandra Larks in song flight was awesome!

MEDITERRANEAN SHORT-TOED LARK (Alaudala rufescens)

A bit of effort was required to see this species, but we managed very well indeed.

WOOD LARK (Lullula arborea)

Seen well with its distinct supercilium. We also heard his lovely song.

EURASIAN SKYLARK (Alauda arvensis)

We had to climb high to observe this species, but it was worthwhile!

THEKLA'S LARK (Galerida theklae)

Common and widespread in the dehesa landscape of Extremadura.

CRESTED LARK (Galerida cristata)

Widespread but often difficult to distinguish from the Thekla Lark...

Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)

ZITTING CISTICOLA (Cisticola juncidis)

Tiny, little LBJ but always fun to watch.

Acrocephalidae (Reed Warblers and Allies)

WESTERN OLIVACEOUS WARBLER (Iduna opaca)

Plain grayish-brown Old World warbler... ;-)

MELODIOUS WARBLER (Hippolais polyglotta)

Seen well, showing his yellow underparts while singing away.

COMMON REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

Present in all the wetlands with reeds.

GREAT REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)

Much larger than the Common Reed Warbler and with a distinctive more heavy sound.

Locustellidae (Grassbirds and Allies)

SAVI'S WARBLER (Locustella luscinioides)

Showing well while singing from a high point in the reeds and hiding rapidly when he goes silent.

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia)

Our observations are restricted to the area of La Mancha Húmeda.

EURASIAN CRAG-MARTIN (Ptyonoprogne rupestris)

Breeds in rocky habitats but also in monumental towns and villages, under bridges, etc...

BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

Common and widespread, but always a pleasure to see.

WESTERN HOUSE-MARTIN (Delichon urbicum)

Nice to see them collecting mud for the nest building, next to a huge breeding colony at a dam.

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW (Cecropis daurica)

Very pretty swallow with its golden-orange neck and rump.

Phylloscopidae (Leaf Warblers)

WESTERN BONELLI'S WARBLER (Phylloscopus bonelli)

Good views next to our hotel in Sierra de Gredos. The song is easy to distinguish and tells you where to find the bird.

IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus ibericus)

Not uncommon in the marsh woodland of Coto Doñana. But, in order to find it, it's important to recognize the song.

Scotocercidae (Bush Warblers and Allies)

CETTI'S WARBLER (Cettia cetti)

Heard very often but seen only occasionally.

Aegithalidae (Long-tailed Tits)

LONG-TAILED TIT (Aegithalos caudatus)

Showed very well in the pine woodland of Navarredonda de Gredos.

Sylviidae (Sylviid Warblers and Allies)

EURASIAN BLACKCAP (Sylvia atricapilla)

Stays often hidden in the cover while singing away. Nevertheless we achieved some good views.

WESTERN ORPHEAN WARBLER (Curruca hortensis)

We saw the white iris during a pre-breakfast walk next to our hotel in Monfragüe NP.

SARDINIAN WARBLER (Curruca melanocephala)

By far the most common and widespread Curruca warbler of the area. Showing a very distinct red eye-ring.

WESTERN SUBALPINE WARBLER (Curruca iberiae)

We had three encounters with this lovely warbler, all inside the Monfragüe NP.

GREATER WHITETHROAT (Curruca communis)

Common in the shrub vegetation of the higher Gredos mountains.

SPECTACLED WARBLER (Curruca conspicillata)

Seen only once, in a shrub vegetation with brooms, heather and lavender.

DARTFORD WARBLER (Curruca undata)

Seen only at the same place as the Spectacled Warbler.

Regulidae (Kinglets)

GOLDCREST (Regulus regulus)

The smallest bird of Europe!

COMMON FIRECREST (Regulus ignicapilla)

Slightly larger and much more colorful than the Goldcrest.

Sittidae (Nuthatches)

EURASIAN NUTHATCH (Sitta europaea)

Unmistakable with the blue and orange coloring and woodpecker-like way of sticking to the trees. Usually moves downwards the tree.

Certhiidae (Treecreepers)

SHORT-TOED TREECREEPER (Certhia brachydactyla)

Modest and camouflaged bird, often discovered by its calls. Usually climbing up the tree.

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

EURASIAN WREN (Troglodytes troglodytes)

Small, camouflaged and staying in the cover but with a surprisingly powerful song.

Cinclidae (Dippers)

WHITE-THROATED DIPPER (Cinclus cinclus)

It was a huge relief to see this Dipper as it was high on the wish list.

Sturnidae (Starlings)

SPOTLESS STARLING (Sturnus unicolor)

One of the most common and widespread birds of Spain.

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

MISTLE THRUSH (Turdus viscivorus)

Seen in Andújar nature park and in the Sierra de Gredos.

EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula)

Common and widespread.

Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)

Very modest, dull colored and low profile bird. Not even the song attracts the attention. Therefor difficult to find. But we managed to see at least one individual.

EUROPEAN ROBIN (Erithacus rubecula)

Seen only in the woodlands of the Sierra de Gredos mountains.

COMMON NIGHTINGALE (Luscinia megarhynchos)

Its song is amazing, melodious and powerful!

BLUETHROAT (IBERIAN) (Luscinia svecica azuricollis)

Elected as The Bird of the Trip! We struggled to see this species. On the first good site we missed it but, on the very last day, we found it, eventually we saw no less than 4 birds, showing very well.

EUROPEAN PIED FLYCATCHER (Ficedula hypoleuca)

The black and white male really stands out, even in the pine woodland.

COMMON REDSTART (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)

One beautiful male showed up instantly.

BLACK REDSTART (Phoenicurus ochruros)

Seen well in Monfragüe NP and Sierra de Gredos.

RUFOUS-TAILED ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola saxatilis)

Stunning bird! Stayed rather distant and high in the mountains so we enjoyed good views through the telescope.

BLUE ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola solitarius)

Fantastic views at the mighty Salto del Gitano viewpoint in Monfragüe NP.

EUROPEAN STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola rubicola)

Always welcome bird!

NORTHERN WHEATEAR (Oenanthe oenanthe)

Breeds in the higher, alpine meadows of the Gredos mountains.

WESTERN BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR (Oenanthe hispanica)

Wonderful bird! Seen well in Monfragüe NP.

BLACK WHEATEAR (Oenanthe leucura)

We made a stop at Alange dam and reservoir specifically for this species, and we managed to find the bird. Unmistakable!

Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)

COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild)

Introduced species, originally from Africa. Still nice to see, though.

Prunellidae (Accentors)

DUNNOCK (Prunella modularis)

According to recent research, the Dunnocks that breed in the Iberian Peninsula are likely to be considered as a distinct species, Iberian Dunnock (Prunella mabbotti).

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)

HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)

Almost everywhere.

SPANISH SPARROW (Passer hispaniolensis)

Locally very abundant, especially in the plains of Extremadura.

EURASIAN TREE SPARROW (Passer montanus)

A small, local population resists at the Veguilla lake. Good views!

ROCK SPARROW (Petronia petronia)

We saw one Rock Petronia in Extremadura and about 15 individuals in the Sierra de Gredos.

Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)

GRAY WAGTAIL (Motacilla cinerea)

Down by the riverside.

WESTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (IBERIAE) (Motacilla flava iberiae)

We saw the Iberian subspecies that can be distinguished by its white throat, grayish-blue head and supercilium.

WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

Seen only in the cooler, mountainous areas that we visited. This species avoids the dryer and hotter regions.

WATER PIPIT (Anthus spinoletta)

We found a male in breeding plumage next to a mountain stream in Sierra de Gredos.

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

COMMON CHAFFINCH (Fringilla coelebs)

As the name suggests, common and widespread.

HAWFINCH (Coccothraustes coccothraustes)

Big, chunky finch but very good in hiding...

EUROPEAN GREENFINCH (Chloris chloris)

Nice green finch! Common and widespread but never numerous.

EURASIAN LINNET (Linaria cannabina)

Male shows a bright red chest in breeding season.

RED CROSSBILL (Loxia curvirostra)

One flyby during a pre-breakfast walk around our hotel in Sierra de Gredos.

EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)

Most common and widespread amongst the finches, and maybe the most beautiful.

EUROPEAN SERIN (Serinus serinus)

Males show their bright yellow breast while singing away.

Emberizidae (Old World Buntings)

CORN BUNTING (Emberiza calandra)

The less colorful bunting of the area. Still nice to see though.

ROCK BUNTING (Emberiza cia)

Seen well in rocky habitats. The Rock Buntings in the Sierra de Gredos are very obliging offering good photographic opportunities.

CIRL BUNTING (Emberiza cirlus)

We struggled to find this species. Eventually we saw just one single bird.

ORTOLAN BUNTING (Emberiza hortulana)

Lovely bird with its pink bill and yellow eye-ring and mustache.

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MAMMALS

OLD WORLD RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Locally very abundant.

GRANADA HARE (Lepus granatensis)

Also called Iberian Hare.

RED FOX (Vulpes vulpes)

Seen on three occasions, with the best views at the beach of Coto Doñana.

OLD WORLD BADGER (Meles meles)

Roadkill

WILD BOAR (Sus scrofa)

Best views in the Andújar natural park.

RED DEER (Cervus elaphus)

We saw many Red Deers both in Andújar mountains as in the Doñana marshland.

ROE DEER (Capreolus capreolus)

We found this small deer species in the Sierra de Gredos mountains.

SPANISH IBEX (Capra pyrenaica)

The population of the Spanish Ibex in Sierra de Gredos is doing very well, allowing even controlled hunting, as we have witnessed.

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ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

I hope you enjoyed this triplist. Thanks to the photographers that contributed with some great pictures!

Looking forward to meeting you at another Field Guides adventure!

Kind regards,

Godfried Schreur

Totals for the tour: 197 bird taxa and 8 mammal taxa