The Alentejo region of Portugal, with its wide open spaces, varied landscapes, and protected areas, is home to a diverse range of birds of prey, or raptors. These birds play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling populations of smaller animals and carrion. Below is a full list of birds of prey that can be found in the Alentejo, including both resident and migratory species:
Eagles (Aquilinae)
- Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus)
Prefers open areas for hunting reptiles, often seen soaring high. - Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus)
A small, agile eagle with pale and dark morphs, common in wooded and open areas. - Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
Rare, but occasionally seen in remote and mountainous areas. - Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti)
A critically endangered resident species; Alentejo is part of its range. - Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata)
A resident species found in rocky and forested habitats.
Kites and Buzzards (Buteoninae)
- Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus)
A small and elegant kite often seen hovering in open fields. - Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
A winter visitor, recognizable by its forked tail and graceful flight. - Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
A summer breeder and passage migrant, common near water and open fields. - Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
Widespread in various habitats, often seen perched or soaring. - Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
A migratory species, seen during passage in late spring and autumn.
Vultures (Aegypiinae)
- Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)
Common in the Alentejo, especially near cliffs and open plains. - Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) (Monniksgier)
A massive and rare vulture, seen in remote and rugged areas. - Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)
An endangered summer visitor, recognizable by its white body and yellow face. - Rüppell’s Vulture (Gyps rueppelli)
Rare, but occasionally observed in mixed vulture flocks, especially near the Guadiana River.
Harriers (Circinae)
- Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
A winter visitor, seen flying low over open fields and grasslands. - Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus)
Breeds in the region during the summer, favoring open plains. - Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
Common in wetlands and reed beds throughout the year.
Hawks and Falcons
- Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
A small, agile predator that frequents wooded and semi-open areas. - Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
Larger and more powerful than the sparrowhawk, found in forested regions. - Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Found in cliffs and open landscapes, it is a master of speed and agility. - Eleonora’s Falcon (Falco eleonorae)
A rare passage migrant in the region during migration periods. - Merlin (Falco columbarius)
A small falcon, seen occasionally during winter in open fields. - Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
Common and widespread, frequently hovering in search of prey. - Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)
A summer visitor, often seen in colonies in open agricultural areas. - Hobby (Falco subbuteo)
A summer visitor, active in hunting insects and small birds.
Owls (Strigiformes)
Though nocturnal and harder to spot, these are significant birds of prey in the Alentejo:
26. Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
27. Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo)
28. Little Owl (Athene noctua)
29. Tawny Owl (Strix aluco)
30. Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)
31. Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
32. Scoops Owl (Otus scops)
Conservation and Threats
Many birds of prey in the Alentejo, particularly species like the Spanish imperial eagle and the Bonelli’s eagle, face threats from habitat loss, illegal hunting, and human encroachment. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these species, including habitat restoration and the creation of protected areas.
The Alentejo remains a significant region for birds of prey, both for local and migratory species. Its diverse ecosystems make it a hotspot for birdwatching, and its raptors are an integral part of the region’s biodiversity.
