Valladolid is one of the most essential birdwatching destinations in Spain. The city is home to various birds, including some of the rarest species in Spain. Valladolid is a paradise for birdwatchers, from the majestic golden eagle to the small European bee-eater.
The area is rich in wetlands and rivers, with some of the most biodiverse habitats in the region. There are also a variety of parks and gardens, which provide an excellent opportunity to observe birds in their natural environment.
With more than 120 species of birds recorded in Valladolid, it is an ideal destination to explore the region’s rich biodiversity.
21 Birds to Watch in Valladolid
Valladolid is a charming colonial city in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. It is also an excellent destination for birdwatchers, as it offers a variety of habitats and species to observe. Whether a beginner or an expert, you will find plenty of birds to watch in Valladolid.
Here are 21 of them that you should not miss.
1. Icterids
Icterids, also known as New World blackbirds, are a bird family that makes up the Icteridae family. These birds are small to medium-sized, and they typically have colorful plumage.
The predominant color of their feathers is usually black, but they often have accents of yellow, orange, or red that add vibrancy to their appearance. The species that make up this family vary in size, shape, behavior, and coloration.
For example, some species may be larger than others and have different color combinations. Additionally, some species may be more active than others or have a different type of behavior.
Icterids are a diverse group of birds that comprise the Icteridae family. They are usually small to medium-sized birds with black plumage often accented by yellow, orange, or red.
The species that make up this family also vary widely in size, shape, behavior, and coloration.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
2. Collared Aracari
The collared aracari is a species of bird found in the Ramphastidae family, which is part of the near-passerine order of birds. It is native to tropical regions of Central and South America, ranging from Mexico to Colombia and Venezuela.
The collared aracari has a distinctive black and yellow plumage, with a white and yellow collar around its neck. Its beak is black and curved, and its long tail is typically yellow and barred with black.
It is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring 30-35 cm long. Collared aracaris inhabit tropical forests and are arboreal, meaning they are mainly found in trees. They are omnivorous and feed on fruit and small vertebrates such as lizards and frogs.
They are also known to eat insects, eggs, and small mammals.
They are usually seen in pairs or small groups and are social and active birds, often making loud noises to communicate with each other. Collared aracari is a threatened species due to deforestation, hunting, and capture for the pet trade.
As a result, their population is declining, and they are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitats and ensure their numbers remain stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Ramphastidae |
| Genus | Pteroglossus |
| Species | P. torquatus |
3. Yucatan Jay
The Yucatan jay is a species of bird that belongs to the Corvidae family, which also consists of crows and their allies. This species is native to the Yucatán Peninsula, which is a region in Central America.
Its habitats are typically found in subtropical or tropical dry forests, plantations, and cleared areas at up to 250 m altitudes. These birds are primarily found in open woodlands, scrublands, and deciduous forests, and they often forage for food in open areas near trees.
The Yucatan jay is an omnivorous bird, so it eats a variety of food items, including fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. These birds are known for their bright blue feathers, white throat, and long tails. They also have distinctive black markings on their heads and wings.
The Yucatan jay is an essential species for the region’s ecology, as it is a keystone species and helps to maintain the balance of the local ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocorax |
| Species | C. yucatanicus |
4. Mexican Sheartail
The Mexican Sheartail is a species of hummingbird that belongs to the family Trochilidae. It is unique to Mexico, meaning that it is not found anywhere else in the world. This hummingbird species is characterized by its long, wedge-shaped tail and bright colors.
The hummingbird’s body is mainly a metallic green, while the throat and chest are iridescent and range from yellow to orange.
The wings are a dark violet-blue, and the tail is black with white edges. The Mexican Sheartail is found throughout Mexico in various habitats, from woodlands and scrublands to gardens and parks.
They usually feed on nectar from flowers and insects, which they catch with their long beaks.
They are also known to make short migrations to find suitable food sources, especially during drought. The Mexican Sheartail is a threatened species due to habitat destruction and overexploitation.
It is also threatened by climate change, which can lead to droughts and extreme weather. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species, including habitat restoration and protection of its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Doricha |
| Species | D. eliza |
5. Keel-billed Toucan
The keel-billed toucan is a brightly colored bird of the toucan family native to Latin America, ranging from southern Mexico to Colombia.
It is particularly renowned as the national bird of Belize, where it is referred to as the sulfur-breasted toucan, keel toucan, or rainbow-billed toucan.
It is a highly recognizable species due to its striking plumage, which consists of a black body, a yellow throat, and a red bill adorned with a yellow tip. This species is common in tropical jungles, where it can be seen in flocks of up to 30 individuals.
The keel-billed toucan feeds mainly on fruit and eats insects, eggs, and lizards. It is an arboreal species, meaning it spends much of its time in the canopy of trees.
The keel-billed toucan is an essential species for seed dispersal and the health of the rainforest ecosystem. The keel-billed toucan is threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation.
In addition, it is hunted for its feathers, which are used in traditional ceremonies and costumes. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the species, such as protecting its habitat and establishing protected reserves.
With effective conservation measures in place, the future of the keel-billed toucan is hopeful.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Ramphastidae |
| Genus | Ramphastos |
| Species | R. sulfuratus |
6. Yucatan Woodpecker
The Yucatan woodpecker is a species of bird belonging to the family Picidae. It is mainly found in Belize and Mexico and inhabits the entire Yucatan Peninsula.
The Yucatan woodpecker has a distinct red vent, sometimes called the red-vented woodpecker. The Yucatan woodpecker is a medium-sized bird with a black and white spotted back and a white belly.
Its head is black with a red mohawk and a white face, and its wings are black with a white patch at the base. Its tail is black with a white tip. The Yucatan woodpecker has a mostly insectivorous diet consisting of beetles, ants, termites, and larvae.
It also feeds on fruits and nuts. The Yucatan woodpecker prefers open woodlands, savannas, and agricultural areas, and it is often seen along roadsides and in parks. The Yucatan woodpecker is a monogamous species that mate for life.
The female lays two to four eggs in a nest cavity excavated in an old tree. Both parents take part in feeding the young birds. The Yucatan woodpecker is an essential species in its range, playing a vital role for the natural environment.
It helps to keep the insect population in check and aids in the dispersal of seeds from the fruits and nuts it consumes. Its presence also helps to maintain the biodiversity of its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. pygmaeus |
7. Great Curassow
The great curassow is a magnificent bird that resides in the Neotropical rainforests. It can be found in eastern Mexico, Central America, western Colombia, and northwestern Ecuador. Males of this species are large and have black feathers, curly crests, and yellow beaks.
Conversely, females come in three distinct color morphs: barred, rufous, and black. This species is more significant than other members of the pheasant family, and it is known for its impressive size and elegant plumage.
The great curassow is an integral part of the Neotropical rainforest’s ecology, and it is an excellent example of the beauty and diversity of life in this unique ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Cracidae |
| Genus | Crax |
| Species | C. rubra |
8. Ornate Hawk-eagle
The ornate hawk-eagle is a type of predatory bird native to the tropical regions of the Americas. It is considered a reasonably large bird and has previously been referred to by some authorities as the crested hawk-eagle.
This can confuse, however, as that term is more commonly used to describe an Asian eagle species. Nevertheless, the ornate hawk-eagle belongs to the Accipitridae family, encompassing all eagles.
This family is further divided into various subspecies found in different parts of the world. The ornate hawk-eagle is found in the tropical regions of the Americas and is easily distinguished by its size and appearance.
It has a distinctive crest on its head, and its feathers are typically brown or black. The ornate hawk-eagle is a mighty hunter with a diet of small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
It hunts by soaring above its prey and diving down to catch it in its talons.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Spizaetus |
| Species | S. ornatus |
9. Wedge-tailed Sabrewing
The wedge-tailed brewing is a species of hummingbird that belongs to the Trochilini, a tribe within the Trochilinae subfamily. This hummingbird species is found in Central America, primarily in Belize, Guatemala, Mexico, and potentially Honduras.
The wedge-tailed brewing is a member of the ’emeralds,’ a group of hummingbirds characterized by their vibrant emerald-green coloring. They are relatively small, with the adult length usually between 3-4 inches.
The wedge-tailed brewing has a bright yellow-orange plumage on its chest, with a distinctive black tail with a wedge-shaped tip. Its diet consists mainly of nectar and small insects, which they feed on using its long, curved bill.
These hummingbirds are also known to forage in larger flocks than other species of hummingbirds. The wedge-tailed brewing is an essential species in the Central American ecosystem, as it helps to pollinate many essential plants in the region.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Pampa |
| Species | P. pampa |
10. Rose-throated Tanager
The rose-throated tanager is a bird species that belongs to the family Cardinalidae. This family also includes the cardinals and cardinal grosbeaks, both medium-sized songbirds.
The rose-throated tanager is endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula, which is located in Central America. This species is found in three countries in the region – Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. The rose-throated tanager is a brightly-colored bird.
Its head, neck, and chest are a deep, glossy black, while its back is bright orange. As its name suggests, its throat is a rosy pink color, and its wings and tail are deep black.
The tanager is a lively, active bird that can often be seen flitting among the trees in its native range. The rose-throated tanager is an integral part of the ecosystem of the Yucatán Peninsula. It is a voracious insectivore and helps to keep insect populations in check.
Additionally, it plays a vital role in dispersing seeds, contributing to the health of local forests.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. roseogularis |
11. Summer Tanager
The summer tanager is a medium-sized songbird native to the Americas. It was formerly placed in the Tanager family, but it and other members of its genus are now classified as part of the cardinal family.
This is due to the similarities between the summer tanager’s plumage and vocalizations and those of other members of the cardinal family.
The summer tanager has a bright, vibrant yellow and red plumage reminiscent of other cardinals, and its song is similar to that of other cardinals. Its call is a loud “chip-churr” that is characteristic of cardinals.
The summer tanager is a common sight in gardens and parks during the summer months, and its cheerful song is a welcome sign of the warmer weather.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. rubra |
12. Greater Flamingo
The greater flamingo is the most widespread and significant species of the family.
Its range extends to many parts of the world, including Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean countries of Southern Europe.
This species is particularly adapted to living in warm climates, and it can be found in freshwater and saltwater wetlands, estuaries, lagoons, and mangroves.
They are gregarious birds, living in large flocks, often with other wading birds. The greater flamingo feeds mainly on algae, aquatic plants, and invertebrates, such as crustaceans and insects. They also eat some small fish.
They use their long neck and curved bills to sift through shallow waters to find food.
This species is also known for its unique courtship display, where two flamingos face each other and slowly bow their heads while shaking their wings. The greater flamingo is a beautiful and iconic species that has adapted to living in many different habitats worldwide.
It is an integral part of many wetland ecosystems and is often associated with healthy wetlands.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Species | P. roseus |
13. American Flamingo
The American flamingo is a large species closely related to the greater flamingo and Chilean flamingo. This species is native to the Neotropics, stretching from Mexico to South America.
In the past, the American flamingo was considered the same species as the greater flamingo. However, more recent scientific studies have found that there is not enough evidence to support this claim.
As a result, many experts now believe that the American flamingo should be classified as a separate species. This is due to the two species’ lack of physical or genetic similarities.
Its larger size and unique behaviors distinguish the American flamingo from the greater flamingo. Additionally, the two species have different habitats and diets. These differences indicate that the American flamingo is its species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Species | P. ruber |
14. Corn Bunting
The Corn Bunting is a type of passerine bird, which is a member of the Emberizidae family. This family is usually categorized separately from the finches, which belong to the Fringillidae family.
The Corn Bunting has a distinctive appearance, with heavily streaked buff-brown plumage. Both males and females have this coloring, although males are typically larger than females. This bird is also quite large compared to other buntings, making it easily distinguishable.
Corn Bunting is a widespread species amongst birdwatchers and is often seen in open countryside and farmland.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Emberizidae |
| Genus | Emberiza |
| Species | E. calandra |
15. Red kite
The red kite is a type of bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family, which is made up of numerous other raptors that are active during the day, such as eagles, buzzards, and harriers.
This species is only found in Europe today, though it used to inhabit western Asia and northwest Africa. Red kites are medium to large and have a graceful, soaring flight.
They feed mainly on small mammals, such as mice, voles, shrews, and carrion, as well as invertebrates. They also scavenge on rubbish and have become entirely accustomed to humans.
The red kite is an impressive sight in the sky, with its long, forked tails and distinctively angled wings. Conservation efforts have helped the species recover from extinction, and now they can be seen in many parts of Europe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Milvus |
| Species | M. milvus |
16. Cinereous Vulture
The cinereous vulture is a species of bird belonging to the Accipitridae family of raptors. It is found in various habitats in temperate Eurasia, from woodlands to grasslands, fields, and mountains.
It is a large bird with a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters and is mainly black with brown and white patches. It is sometimes called the black vulture, monk vulture, or Eurasian black vulture.
The cinereous vulture is an opportunistic feeder, mainly feeding on carrion and small mammals, eggs, and insects. It is an essential scavenger in its range, helping to maintain a healthy food chain and reducing the risk of disease transmission.
It is also a significant predator of small to medium-sized animals. Its large size and powerful talons make it well-equipped to hunt successfully. Several factors threaten the cinereous vulture, including habitat loss and degradation, illegal hunting, and poisoning.
It is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and its habitat, including captive breeding programs, habitat restoration, and public awareness campaigns.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Aegypius |
| Species | A. monachus |
17. Collared Trogon
The Collared Trogon is a unique species of bird that belongs to the Trogonidae family. This family of birds includes the Quetzals and Trogons. This species of bird can be found in a variety of different locations.
In Mexico, the Collared Trogon is standard, while it can also be found throughout Central America and in the northern regions of South America. This bird is a near passerine, closely related to other passerine birds, such as sparrows, warblers, and finches.
The Collared Trogon is a medium-sized bird with stunningly bright colors. Its back and wings are black, and its tail is a vibrant, deep blue. Its underside is typically a bright yellow, while its head and neck are a deep, reddish-brown with a distinctive white collar.
This coloration helps the bird stand out against the foliage and makes it easier to identify. The Collared Trogon mainly feeds on insects but eats fruits, berries, and small vertebrates.
It typically nests in tree cavities or on ledges, and both males and females will help build the nest. This species of bird is solitary, usually found alone or in pairs. It is not considered a threatened species, and its population is stable overall.
The Collared Trogon is an interesting species of bird that is found in a variety of different regions. Its unique coloration and solitary nature make it an exciting bird to observe and study.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Trogoniformes |
| Family | Trogonidae |
| Genus | Trogon |
| Species | T. collaris |
18. Little Egret
The little egret is a species of small heron that belongs to the family Ardeidae. It is a white bird with a slender black beak and long black legs. In the western race of the species, the feet are yellow.
The little egret feeds in shallow water and on land as an aquatic bird. It consumes a variety of small creatures, such as insects, fish, crustaceans, and amphibians, as part of its diet.
The diet of the little egret is quite varied, as it can take advantage of a variety of habitats. It can be found in marshes, ponds, wetlands, estuaries, and open seas.
The little egret is an essential species for wetland conservation, as the bird’s presence indicates a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. garzetta |
19. Flamingo
Flamingos are a beautiful and iconic bird species that can be found worldwide. They are part of the Phoenicopteridae family, the only living family in Phoenicopteriformes.
Four flamingos inhabit the area in the Americas, while in Afro-Eurasia, two species can be found. When a group of flamingos is seen together, they are called vivid.
This term describes the vibrant colors and large numbers of flamingos often seen together. Flamingos have become a popular part of the culture in many areas they inhabit and are usually used as a symbol of beauty and grace.
They are also fascinating species to observe and study, demonstrating many unique behaviors and adaptations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
20. Reddish Egret
The reddish egret is a heron species native to Central America, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Gulf Coast of the United States, and Mexico. This heron species is medium-sized and a resident breeder in these areas.
It is known for its foraging behavior, which differs from other herons, and its preferred habitat, mud flats. The reddish egret has an unusual foraging style compared to other herons.
It is known to actively chase and dash after prey in the water, a behavior known as the “dancing” or “bouncing” technique. This contrasts with other herons that usually wait and ambush their prey.
The reddish egret is typically found in mud flats, a wetland habitat characterized by shallow water and soft, muddy soil.
Mudflats provide an ideal habitat for the reddish egret as they are rich in small aquatic creatures that are the egret’s primary food source.
As a result of its unique foraging behavior and its preference for mud flats, the reddish egret has become a popular species among birdwatchers.
The reddish egret is also of conservation concern since some of its preferred habitats, such as coastal wetlands, are in danger of destruction due to human activities.
Conservationists are working to protect these areas and ensure that the reddish egret and other species can continue to thrive.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. rufescens |
21. Tropical Mockingbird
The tropical mockingbird is a bird species native to a vast geographical region. It can be found in southern Mexico, extending to northern and eastern South America, the Lesser Antilles, and other Caribbean islands.
This bird species is a resident breeder, meaning it will remain in the same area to reproduce. It does not migrate seasonally but stays in one location to find the resources it needs to raise its offspring.
This bird species is highly adaptable and can live in various habitats, from open woodlands to urban areas. The tropical mockingbird is an important species to the local ecosystem, providing essential services such as pollinating flowers and dispersing seeds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Mimus |
| Species | M. gilvus |
Conclusion
Valladolid is a great place to observe birds. Its vast forests, rivers, and marshlands show a wide variety of bird species. Valladolid is a paradise for birdwatchers, from common backyard birds to rare migratory species.
Not only is the region home to many birds, but it is also home to many conservation efforts to protect these birds and their habitats. So, if you’re looking for a great place to appreciate birds’ beauty, head to Valladolid.