Birding Holidays Introduction

There is a wide variety of bird life in the Monte Horizonte´s vicinity, notably one of Europe's most interesting ornithological enigmas, the Azure Winged Magpie (Cyanopica cyana). 

This species only occurs in the southern Iberian Peninsula. Also present near Monte Horizonte are a wide variety of Warblers, Stonechats, two species of Shrike, Bee-eaters, Redstarts, Red-legged Partridges, four varieties of Woodpeckers including Wryneck and three of Eagles, (Short toed, Booted and Bonelli's), as well as other raptors.

As well as the wealth of local species surrounding Monte Horizonte, there are four areas within an hour and a half's car journey which are ideal for Birdwatching.

To the north west of Monte Horizonte are the Sado Estuary and the Santo André en Sancha Lagoons, both areas a haven for marshland birds, notably Squacco Heron, Purple Heron and Spoonbill. Raptors include Marsh Harrier and Black winged Kite.

To the south West is the migratory route along Portugal's rocky coast, where, outside the autumn migrating season, the specialities are Blue Rock Thrush, Peregrine Falcon, Rock Bunting and Cattle Egret amongst others. During the Autumn the raptors migrating south along the coast towards Sagres for the onward journey to Africa are a sight that few forget. 

To the east of Monte Horizonte are the wide-open Plains of the Alentejo. The bird life here is truly stunning with specialities including Great and Little Bustard, Black Bellied Sandgrouse, Stone Curlew, Lesser Kestrel, Montagu's Harrier, Red rumped Swallow, Callandra, Thekla, Crested, and Wood Larks, Spanish and Tree sparrows, Black eared Wheatear, Roller, Collared Pratincole and Black and Red Kites amongst others.