Santander is a beautiful region of Spain rich in birdlife. It is home to a wide range of species, including raptors, waders, waterfowl, passerines, and seabirds.
The variety of habitats within the region, ranging from the coastline to the mountains, to the steppe, makes it an ideal location for birdwatching.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, Santander is a great place to spot some of the most spectacular avian species in the world.
1. Blue-billed Curassow
Source: ebird.org
The blue-billed curassow is a species of bird that is found only in Colombia. It belongs to the family Cracidae, which includes other birds such as chachalacas, guans, and curassows.
The blue-billed curassow is a fairly large bird, with males reaching up to 66 cm in length and females reaching up to 62 cm. They have a black head and neck, with a red crest and a bright blue bill. They also have a dark brown body and white underparts.
The blue-billed curassow is an omnivore, meaning it eats both plants and animals. Its diet includes a range of fruits, seeds, invertebrates, and small vertebrates.
Its habitat is primarily located in the tropical lowland moist forests of the Magdalena River valley in Colombia, where it is endemic. Due to its restricted range, the blue-billed curassow is classified as an endangered species.
It is threatened mainly by habitat loss and hunting for meat and feathers. Conservation efforts are being taken to protect this species from further decline.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Cracidae |
| Genus | Crax |
| Species | C. alberti |
2. Grebes
Grebes are aquatic birds from the order Podicipediformes. They are found in a variety of habitats, particularly freshwater, and some species can also be found in marine environments during migration and winter.
Generally, grebes are capable of flying, although some species have become flightless over time, particularly in more stable lakes. Grebes typically have short legs and webbed feet, giving them an advantage when diving for food.
They also have dense plumage to provide extra insulation. Grebes are very social birds, often forming large flocks when migrating, and they feed mainly on fish, insects, and other small aquatic animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Mirandornithes |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
3. Least Grebe
The least grebe is a species of aquatic bird found in the New World. It is the smallest member of the Grebe family and can be found in the southwestern United States, Mexico, Argentina, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, and the Greater Antilles.
The least grebe is a migratory bird, meaning it is capable of long-distance travel. It is found in freshwater and brackish areas, such as lakes, ponds, marshes, and other wetland habitats. The least grebe feeds on small fish, insects, and crustaceans.
It has a unique way of catching its prey by diving underwater and capturing it with its long, slender bill. The least grebe is also known for its unique courtship display, which consists of the male and female birds facing each other and performing an elaborate dance.
The courtship ritual usually takes place during the breeding season, which is typically from late March to mid-July.
The least grebe is an important species to wetland ecosystems, as it helps to keep the water clean by eating small aquatic creatures that can be harmful to the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Tachybaptus |
| Species | T. dominicus |
4. Ardea Alba
The great egret is a majestic bird with a wide distribution across the world. It is known by many names, including the common egret, large egret, great white egret, and great white heron. It is found in four subspecies, inhabiting Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe.
This species has been recently found to be spreading to more northern areas of Europe, showing its incredible adaptability and resilience. These egrets are large birds, with long necks and long legs.
Their wingspan can range from around four to five feet, allowing them to travel long distances with ease. Their feathers are mostly white, with black legs and a yellow beak.
They can be found in wetlands, marshes, and estuaries, as well as in agricultural areas and urban parks. Great egrets feed on a variety of aquatic animals, including fish and amphibians.
They catch their prey by wading in shallow water and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. They also use their long beak to probe for prey in the mud. The great egret is an incredible species, with a wide distribution and impressive adaptability.
It is an important part of many wetland ecosystems, and its presence is a reminder of the beauty of nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. alba |
5. Northern Shoveler
The northern shoveler, commonly known as the shoveler in Britain, is a widely distributed duck species.
It can be found breeding in northern regions of Europe and across the Palearctic and North America and spends its winters in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
The shoveler has a unique bill shape, which is wide and flat, and has a spoon-like shape, allowing it to easily filter food from the surface of the water.
This species is also highly visible due to its bright colors, which can include a blue-green head, white chest, and chestnut-brown wings. The shoveler is an important species in the wetland ecosystem, providing food for other waterfowl as well as for predators.
It is also a valuable resource for humans, with its meat and eggs being harvested by hunters and used for consumption.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. clypeata |
6. Gorgeted Wood-Quail
The gorgeted wood quail is a unique bird that is rarely seen. It is a small bird that lives on the ground and is a member of the New World quail family. This bird is typically found in oak and laurel forests along Colombia’s eastern Cordillera region.
These forests are usually humid, subtropical or temperate and contain many large oak and laurel trees.The gorgeted wood quail is an intriguing bird that has adapted to living in these unique habitats.
They have learned to survive in the humid and subtropical climates of the region, as well as the cooler temperatures of the temperate forests.
They also take advantage of the available food sources and shelter provided by the oak and laurel trees. Humans have negatively impacted the targeted wood quail’s natural habitats by clearing large areas of forest for agriculture and development.
This has caused a decrease in the number of oak and laurel trees, which in turn has led to a decrease in the populations of this rare bird.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect the natural habitats of the gorged wood quail so that their numbers can increase and they can continue to thrive in the eastern Cordillera section of Colombia.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Odontophoridae |
| Genus | Odontophorus |
| Species | O. strophium |
7. White-cheeked Pintail
The white-cheeked pintail is a species of dabbling duck found in North and South America. It is a migratory species and is also known as the Bahama pintail or summer duck.
It was first described by the famous Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in his landmark work Systema Naturae, published in 1758. This work is considered to be the starting point of modern biological classification.
The scientific name of this species is Anas bahamensis, and it is still used today. The white-cheeked pintail is a medium-sized duck, with a body length of around 46 cm. It has a distinctive white face, and its wings are brown with a white patch at the base.
Its tail is long and pointed, and it has a yellow bill with a black tip. The white-cheeked pintail is found in freshwater wetlands, marshes, and shallow lakes in North and South America. They feed on aquatic plants, insects, and small crustaceans.
They are also known to eat grains, fruits, and seeds when available. The white-cheeked pintail is an important species in the wild, as it helps to maintain healthy wetland ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. bahamensis |
8. Band-tailed Guan
Source: ebird.org
The Band-tailed Guan is a type of bird that is part of the Cracidae family of feathered creatures. This family is comprised of Chachalacas, Guans, and Curassows. This particular bird can be found in two countries, Colombia and Venezuela.
It has a distinctively long tail that is decorated with a blackish-brown band. Its neck, chest, and upper parts are dark grey, while its throat and lower parts are yellowish-white.
It is a medium-sized bird that is usually seen perched atop trees and shrubs and can be heard making loud, deep, and low sounds. It also frequents forested areas and even open areas in the mountains, where it can be found searching for food.
In terms of diet, the Band-tailed Guan feeds on fruits, seeds, and insects. It is an important species in the ecosystems of its range, as its presence helps promote the growth of vegetation and provides a food source for other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Cracidae |
| Genus | Penelope |
| Species | P. argyrotis |
9. Band-winged Nightjar
The band-winged nightjar is a species of nightjar that belongs to the family Caprimulgidae.
It is found in many parts of South America, including the Andes, the Venezuelan Coastal Range, the Santa Marta Mountains, the Tepuis, most of Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and eastern Brazil.
This nightjar is one of the most widespread species in the region and can be found in a variety of habitats. It is usually found in grasslands, scrublands, open woodlands, and savannas.
It is a medium-sized nightjar, usually measuring around 24-26 cm in length and having a wingspan of 35-40 cm. Its plumage is mainly brownish-grey in color, with white spots on its wings and a white collar around its neck.
The band-winged nightjar is mainly nocturnal and feeds on insects such as moths, beetles, grasshoppers, and cicadas. During the day, it roosts in dense vegetation, often on low branches. It is known to be territorial and will defend its nest from any intruders.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Systellura |
| Species | S. longirostris |
10. Sickle-winged Guan
The Sickle-winged Guan is a species of bird belonging to the family Cracidae, which includes chachalacas, guans, and curassows. This species can be found in the countries of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
It is a medium-sized bird with a long tail and a curved beak, and its wings are colored with bright green and red feathers. Its back is dark brown in color, and it has a white-ringed neck and white tail feathers.
The Sickle-winged Guan prefers to live in tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, and it is mainly herbivorous, feeding on fruits and seeds. It is also known to eat small invertebrates.
It is a solitary bird that is active during the day and is generally not found in large groups. The population of the Sickle-winged Guan is declining due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting.
Therefore, it is listed as a Near Threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is important to protect this species and its habitat, as it plays an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Cracidae |
| Genus | Chamaepetes |
| Species | C. goudotii |
11. Rock Dove
The rock dove is a species of bird from the Columbidae family. It is more commonly known as the pigeon and is the ancestor of the domestic pigeon. Domestic pigeons have escaped captivity and established populations of feral pigeons in many parts of the world.
Feral pigeons have become a common sight in cities and urban areas, where they often find their food and shelter. They can be identified by their distinctive grey and white feathers and cooing calls.
They are a familiar and often welcome sight in many places and are highly adaptable and can live in a wide range of habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. livia |
12. Crested Guan
The crested guan is an ancient species of bird, belonging to the family Cracidae. This family of birds is related to the Australasian megapodes, which are also known as ‘mound builders’.
The crested guan can be found in the Neotropics, a region of North and South America that covers Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America.
Specifically, the crested guan is distributed from southern Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula in the north, all the way to western Ecuador and southern Venezuela in the south.
This species typically inhabits lowland forests, and may sometimes also be found in savannahs and tropical forests.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Cracidae |
| Genus | Penelope |
| Species | P. purpurascens |
13. Eared Dove
The eared dove is a species of bird that is native to South America. It is found from Colombia down to Argentina and Chile and on many of the islands located in the Caribbean Sea.
The eared dove is a resident breeder, meaning that it will stay in the same location each year rather than migrate. While it is a common species in South America, it is believed that it may have only recently colonized Trinidad and Tobago.
This is thought to be a relatively recent event, meaning that the eared dove may not have been present in these countries before.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. auriculata |
14. White-tipped Dove
The white-tipped dove, also known as the White-tipped Ground Dove, is a species of bird found in the tropical regions of the Americas. It is a large dove, measuring up to 11 inches in length, and is characterized by its white tips on its tail feathers.
The scientific name of this species is Leptotila verreauxi, which was chosen in honor of the French naturalists Jules and Edouard Verreaux. The brothers were renowned zoologists and collectors in the 19th century, who had a special interest in ornithology.
Their work was published in a three-volume set titled “Oiseaux des Deux Mondes” (Birds of Two Worlds) and included detailed accounts and descriptions of hundreds of birds from around the world.
The Verreaux brothers are credited with discovering and describing several species of birds, including the white-tipped dove. The naming of the species in their honor serves as a lasting tribute to the brothers and their contributions to science.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Leptotila |
| Species | L. verreauxi |
15. Pale-bellied Hermit
The pale-bellied hermit is a small species of hummingbird belonging to the Trochilidae family. This species is native to Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela. They typically inhabit forested areas, particularly humid tropical and subtropical regions.
These small birds are usually found in the understory of trees and along streams, often foraging on flowers and small insects. Their diet consists mainly of nectar, which they obtain from flowers.
The pale-bellied hermit has a distinctive appearance, with a long, curved bill and a pale grayish-green body. The male has a white breast and belly, while the female is all gray. Both sexes have a dark brown crown, a grayish-green back, and a white stripe above the eye.
These birds are relatively small, measuring only around 12-14 centimeters in length. They are active during the day, often seen hovering in the air as they search for food.
The pale-bellied hermit is an important species in the hummingbird family, and its presence in Colombia, Panama, and Venezuela is vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Phaethornis |
| Species | P. anthophilus |
16. Pale-vented Pigeon
The pale-vented pigeon is a species of large pigeon found in tropical regions of the Americas. It was previously classified in the genus Columba, however, it is now known to be part of a clade of older species of the genus Patagioenas.
This species is part of an evolutionary radiation that is spread across the warmer temperate and tropical regions of the Americas. This radiation is an adaptation to the different environments which this species inhabits.
It has enabled the species to survive in different climates and habitats, allowing them to maintain a wide range of habitats. The pale-vented pigeon is an adaptable species that has been able to thrive in a variety of different climates and habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Patagioenas |
| Species | P. cayennensis |
17. Scaled Pigeon
The Scaled Pigeon is a species of large tropical dove found in the New World. Its range stretches from southern Mexico down to western Ecuador, southern Brazil, northern Argentina, and even Trinidad.
It is a resident breeder which means it remains in the same area all year round. The Scaled Pigeon is quite common in semi-open forests.
This means areas of forest that are not densely packed with trees and shrubs, but instead, have an open canopy with plenty of light for the birds to fly and search for food.
In these areas, the Scaled Pigeon will build a stick platform nest in a tree, which is where it will lay its two white eggs.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Patagioenas |
| Species | P. speciosa |
18. Northern Pintail
The pintail, or northern pintail, is a species of duck that can be found in a wide range of habitats. It is native to the northern parts of Europe, the Palearctic region, and North America.
During the summer months, it breeds in these areas, but when the cold weather sets in, it migrates southward, to regions as far south as the equator. This allows the pintail to take advantage of the warmer temperatures and abundant food sources available in the southern regions.
As the cold weather returns, so too does the pintail, traveling back to its northern breeding grounds in the spring. This annual migratory pattern is an important part of its life cycle, allowing it to survive in the more extreme climates of the northern hemisphere.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. acuta |
19. Andean Guan
Source: ebird.org
The Andean guan is a species of gamefowl belonging to the Cracidae family. It is part of the guan subfamily Penelopinae and can be found in the highlands of the Andes mountain range.
The range of the Andean guan extends from Venezuela and Colombia to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and possibly northwestern Argentina. This species prefers to inhabit mountainous regions with altitudes of over 2000 meters.
It is usually found in pairs or small groups and feeds on fruits, seeds, and insects. This species is considered threatened due to the loss of its habitat due to human activity. Conservation efforts have been put in place in order to protect the Andean guan and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Cracidae |
| Genus | Penelope |
| Species | P. montagnii |
20. Highland Tinamou
Source: ebird.org
The highland tinamou, also known as Bonaparte’s tinamou, is a species of ground bird found in the montane moist forests of various regions. These birds generally inhabit areas that are at least 1,500 meters above sea level.
They are typically found in the tropical forests of the Colombian Andes, the Caribbean coast of Panama, and Costa Rica. The highland tinamou is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 25 to 30 centimeters in length. Its plumage is mostly brownish-gray with a white throat and chest.
They have short wings, long legs, and distinctive white stripes on their heads. Their diet consists of a variety of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They forage in the leaf litter for food, which they can detect using their long legs.
They are usually solitary but can be found in pairs or small family groups. As they are ground-dwelling birds, they nest on the forest floor, usually in a shallow depression lined with leaves. During the breeding season, they are known to make loud, raspy calls.
Highland tinamous are considered to be a threatened species due to habitat destruction and hunting. Conservation efforts are underway to ensure the survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Tinamiformes |
| Family | Tinamidae |
| Genus | Nothocercus |
| Species | N. bonapartei |
21. Horned Screamer
The horned screamer is a unique bird species found in tropical regions of South America. It is part of the Anhimidae family, which has only three species. The other two species of the family are both part of the Chauna genus and are known as the southern and northern screamers.
The horned screamer is found in wetlands, in habitats that are usually damp and humid. They are well-known for their loud, piercing screams that can be heard over long distances.
These birds have distinctive horns above their eyes which help to distinguish them from the other two screamer species. Their diet consists mainly of plants and small animals, which they forage for in the wetlands they inhabit.
The horned screamer is an important species in South America, both in terms of ecology and culture.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anhimidae |
| Genus | Anhima |
| Species | A. cornuta |
22. Maroon-chested Ground Dove
Source: ebird.org
The maroon-chested ground dove is a species of bird that belongs to the family Columbidae. It is an interesting bird, with a unique maroon coloring on its chest and wings.
This species has a wide geographical range, being found in eleven different countries across South and Central America. These countries include Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.
The countries that the maroon-chested ground dove is found in are mostly tropical or subtropical climates, with a large amount of forest cover.
This species of bird is an opportunistic feeder, taking advantage of a wide variety of food sources including insects, fruits, and seeds.
It is also known to be quite vocal, often calling out in the early mornings or evenings. The maroon-chested ground dove is a species of conservation concern, due to its limited range and the destruction of its natural habitat.
It is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, meaning that it is at risk of extinction in the wild if conservation efforts are not implemented.
Fortunately, there are a number of organizations that are actively working to protect this species and its habitat, with the ultimate goal of ensuring its survival for generations to come.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Paraclaravis |
| Species | P. mondetoura |
Conclusion
Santander is a great place for birdwatching. The variety of habitats in the region means that a wide range of bird species can be found throughout the year.
From the mountain peaks of the Sierra de los Sueve to the coastal lagoons of the Bidasoa estuary, Santander offers a unique opportunity for birders to observe a plethora of species in their natural environment.