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 Rock Thrush, and during the winter months, Alpine Accentor.
Within the rural interior lies a small area of authentic Mediterranean desert, where there is the chance to see Trumpeter Finch and Rufous-tailed Bushchat as well as Black-eared Wheatear. The vast, highland interior comprises mountain, forest, scrub and olive and almond groves and provides home to Bee Eater, Little Owl, Golden Oriole, Iberian Green Woodpecker and Red-necked Nightjar as well as passerines that include Crested Tit, Bonelli’s Warbler, Short-toed Treecreeper, Firecrest and Crossbill.
Alicante’s Mediterranean Desert
Another of the region´s secrets is that of its steppe habitat. Where the province of Alicante borders Castilla la Mancha and Murcia, the wide open spaces, rolling cereal fields and vineyards provide habitat for Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Great Bustard, Stone Curlew, Calandra Lark, Thekla Lark and much more.
For many people, their impression of Alicante is the narrow coastal strip that attracts tourists to its golden beaches and resorts. However, the region’s vast highland interior is incredibly diverse, with a very low human population density, an authentic rural way of life, and stunning bird life. After more than 15 years of exploring this area, I’m still discovering its hidden gems!
Typical steppe landscape of the region
As always, we are willing to assist in the planning of holidays and more than happy to provide local knowledge in order to design the ideal birding break, whether or not you’d like to combine that with a few free days to enjoy the culture and history of this fascinating region, or simply to relax with friends and family. Please feel free to contact us without obligation.
Red-knobbed Coot
