Birds of our Region
The Habitats & Birds of the Valencia Region
Valencia and its surroundings are well known as a fabulous holiday destination, with superb transport links, low cost flights, a rich history and culture, great climate and wonderful food and wine. However, perhaps the most exciting and even unknown characteristics of the area are its amazingly diverse natural habitats and environments and the wildlife that they support, particularly the birdlife.
The Valencian Community (Comunidad de Valencia) comprises 3 provinces – Castellon, Valencia and Alicante.
It is relatively well known as a holiday destination but largely for the beaches of the Costa Blanca and the avant-garde city of Valencia.
What relatively few people are aware of are the stunningly rich natural environments and birdlife of the region.
Many of our clients are truly amazed by habitat diversity, the vast wild spaces and the wildlife that thrives here.
The Valencian Community is home to no less than 21 Natural Parks. These areas of special scientific interest and / or outstanding natural beauty are officially designated and protected by law and include some of Europe´s most important natural habitats. They include mountains in excess of 1800 metres (5900 ft), vast areas of rolling forested hills, deep river canyons, Mediterranean desert, coastal wetlands, marshes and ancient forests. Add to that the fact that the area lies on a major migration flyway, and its understandable why the region is so fascinating for bird watchers.
Here you can find specific information about the habitats and birdlife of both Valencia and Alicante:
Birds & Habitats of Valencia The province of Valencia contains an extensive network of coastal wetlands, perhaps the most famous being that of Albufera de Valencia. However, one has to view the network as a whole, with each specific site playing a crucial role in the area’s ecology. During spring and early summer, these wetlands provide breeding territory for species such as Collared Pratincole, Whiskered Tern, Little Tern, Great Reed Warbler, Moustached Warbler and more. Valencia is also the only place in Europe that has a regular breeding site for Elegant Tern. Aquatic species include Little Bittern, Night Heron, Purple Heron and Great Egret. There is also a huge population of Glossy Ibis and Greater Flamingo. Wildfowl include White Headed Duck, Red Crested Pochard, Garganey and Pintail. In winter, huge numbers of Teal and Lapwing fly in from the north, as does the ever-popular Bluethroat. The extensive rice fields of Albufera de Valencia The mountainous areas tend to be largely forested or covered in Mediterranean scrub, provide nesting habitat for Eagles, including Short-Toed, Golden, Bonelli´s and Booted as well as species such as Egyptian Vulture, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Wheatear,…
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Birds & Habitats of Alicante The network of coastal wetlands that exist in Valencia extend into and throughout the province of Alicante too. Many species overlap, especially the Terns, Warblers and shorebirds. However, Alicante´s wetlands include some of the best sites in Spain for some very special species such as Marbled Teal and Red-knobbed Coot as well as holding good numbers of White Headed Duck. Other highlights include the small wintering population of Spotted Eagle that have returned to the region for many years and the only stable population of Azure-winged Magpie in the entire Valencian Community. Just off-shore lies the marine island reserve of Tabarca. A fast boat ride of just 15 minutes takes us to this small island which not only acts as a migration hotspot, but is home to colonies of Shag, Little Tern and Pallid Swift. In winter it provides the ideal spot for seawatching, when Balearic and Yelkouan Shearwater pass by. Tabarca The mountains of the interior of the province are very rugged, and provide habitat for Short-Toed Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Griffon Vulture and Eagle Owl. The crags are home to Black Wheatear and Blue…
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