The Alentejo region of Portugal is a haven for birdwatchers, offering the chance to spot a variety of extraordinary summer visitors. Some notable species include:
- European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster): Recognizable by their vivid colors and agile flight.
- European Roller (Coracias garrulus): With striking blue plumage and dramatic flight displays.
- Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni): A small falcon often seen in colonies near open fields.
- Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus): A medium-sized eagle with impressive hunting skills.
- Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos): Famous for its melodious song, especially during the night.
- Subalpine Warbler (Sylvia cantillans) and Spectacled Warbler (Sylvia conspicillata): Small, active warblers found in scrubby habitats.
- Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus): A strikingly yellow bird with a beautiful flute-like song.
- Nightjar species: Including the European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) and the Red-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus ruficollis), which are nocturnal and cryptically colored.
- Western Orphean Warbler (Curruca hortensis): A large warbler with a varied song.
- Western Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica): Found in rocky, open areas.
- Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus): A loud singer often found near water.
- White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) and Iberian Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus ibericus): Common small passerines.
- Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator): Known for its predatory habits and striking plumage.
- Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris): Prefers dry, open landscapes.
- Red-rumped Swallow (Cecropis daurica): A graceful flier with distinctive red coloring on its rump.
- Short-toed Lark (Calandrella brachydactyla): Found in arid fields and plains.
- Swift species: Including Common Swift (Apus apus), Alpine Swift (Apus melba), Pallid Swift (Apus pallidus), and White-rumped Swift (Apus caffer), all renowned for their aerial prowess.
- Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola): A wader with an elegant, tern-like flight.
- Cuckoo species: Both the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) and the Great Spotted Cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) can be observed.
- European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur): A symbol of summer, often heard cooing softly.
- Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica): A distinctive tern with a short, thick bill.
- Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo): A small falcon adept at catching insects and birds in flight.
- Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus): A striking bird of prey, often seen gliding low over fields.
- Short-toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) and Black Kite (Milvus migrans): Majestic raptors with broad wings and excellent hunting skills.
- Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea), Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides), Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus), and Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax): Elegant waterbirds found in wetlands.
The Alentejo’s mix of wetlands, open fields, and Mediterranean scrub provides the perfect environment for these avian summer guests, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.
