The province of Álava in Spain is home to an incredible array of bird species. From the majestic Lammergeier vultures that soar above the mountain ranges to the tiny Red-backed Shrikes that can be spotted on the open plains, the avian diversity of Álava is awe-inspiring.
With over 170 species recorded, the province is a haven for birders and a perfect bird-watching spot. Álava is also home to some rare birds, such as the Great Grey Shrike and the Crested Tit, making it an exciting destination for birders.
With its diverse habitats and breathtaking scenery, Álava is an ideal spot to observe some of Europe’s most spectacular birds.
14 Birds to Watch in Álava
In the northern region of Spain lies Álava, a province renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and abundant biodiversity.
From lush forests to expansive wetlands, Álava offers a haven for birdwatchers to immerse themselves in the diverse avian life that graces its skies.
Here are 14 Birds to Watch in Álava.
1. American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a common bird that is found throughout North America. It belongs to the finch family and is known for its beautiful yellow and black plumage. This bird can be found in mid-Alberta to North Carolina during the breeding season.
During the winter, it migrates to the south, where it can be found just south of the Canada–United States border to Mexico. The American goldfinch is a seed-eater, and it prefers to feed on grasses, weeds, and other plants.
This bird is also known for its beautiful song, often heard in the summertime. During the winter, its song is not as loud or frequent. The American goldfinch is an integral part of the North American ecosystem.
It plays a vital role in pollinating many plants and can help spread the seeds of the plants it feeds on.
This bird also helps to control pest populations, as it feeds on many of the same insects that can damage crops. The American goldfinch population has been declining in recent years due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
As its natural habitats are destroyed or altered, this bird finds it increasingly difficult to find suitable places to breed and live. Conservation efforts are needed to protect these birds and their habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
2. American Robin
The American robin is a bird species in Turdidae, the wider thrush family, and the valid thrush genus. It is a migratory bird, meaning it travels to different places during certain times of the year.
The American robin is named after the European robin due to its reddish-orange breast, even though the two species are not closely related. The European robin belongs to the Old World flycatcher family.
This distinction indicates that the two birds have different evolutionary origins, though they share a similar physical appearance.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
3. Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that is the smallest in North America. It usually measures between 14 and 18 cm in length. This species is native to the United States and Canada and can be found in forested areas.
The only places they do not inhabit are the deserts in the southwest and the northern tundra regions. Downy woodpeckers have adapted to various habitats, from deciduous and coniferous forests to urban parks and gardens.
They feed on insects, fruits, nuts, and seeds and use their beaks to forage for food on tree bark. They also use their beaks to drill holes in trees for nesting and roosting. The Downy Woodpecker is an essential species in North America’s ecosystems.
It helps to control insect populations and disperses seeds for new plant growth, and its presence can indicate healthy forests. They are also a famous bird for birdwatchers and photographers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryobates |
| Species | D. pubescens |
4. Red-Bellied Woodpecker
The red-bellied woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker species belonging to the family Picidae. These birds are found across the eastern United States, stretching from Florida in the south and as far north as Canada.
This species of woodpecker is common in wooded or forested areas, where they feed on insects, fruits, and nuts.
They have a distinctive red head and neck that extends down to their chest, hence the name “red-bellied woodpecker.” These birds are also known for their loud, raucous call that can be heard across large distances.
Red-bellied woodpeckers typically nest in old, dead trees or dead sections of trees. They will often excavate a cavity in the wood and line it with wood chips and other materials.
The female lays three to six eggs in the cavity and incubates them for about two weeks before they hatch.
Both parents feed the young birds, and they are ready to leave the nest in about four weeks. Red-bellied woodpeckers are essential to the ecosystem, as they help to control the population of damaging insects and some species of plants.
They also benefit other bird species, as their nests often provide a safe place for different birds to nest in. In addition, these woodpeckers help disperse some plants’ seeds, thus aiding in the regeneration of forests.
The red-bellied woodpecker is an essential bird species in the eastern United States. They are a common sight in wooded areas and can be heard from long distances thanks to their loud call.
They play an essential role in the ecosystem, helping to control insect populations and dispersing some plants’ seeds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. carolinus |
5. Red-Winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird is common in North America and much of Central America. It belongs to the family Icteridae, which includes more than 400 species of birds. This blackbird species is easily recognizable by its bright red and yellow wings.
The red-winged blackbird is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring 7 and 9 inches long. Its body is primarily black, with a few white spots on the wings and tail. The red-winged blackbird is a ground-dwelling species, typically inhabiting open fields and wetlands.
During the breeding season, males establish territories and sing to attract mates. The females build nests in tall grasses, reeds, or shrubs and lay up to four eggs. The red-winged blackbird feeds on insects, spiders, seeds, and fruits.
During the winter months, it will feed on grains and berries. The red-winged blackbird is an essential species in North America and Central America. It is an indicator of wetland health and provides vital pest control services to farmers.
This species is an essential food source for predators, making it an essential part of the food web.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
6. American Crow
The American crow is a type of bird belonging to the family Corvidae. It is widely distributed in North America and can be seen in various habitats.
The American crow is related to two other species of birds, the carrion crow and the hooded crow, both native to Eurasia.
Although they are different species, all three birds are similar in their ecological niche; they all feed on carrion and scavenge for food. American crows are known to be intelligent birds; they can use tools and solve problems.
They are also socially active and live in large flocks. The American crow plays an essential role in the ecosystem by helping to control the population of small mammals and insects.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Corvus |
| Species | C. brachyrhynchos |
7. Yellow-Rumped Warbler
The yellow-rumped warbler (Setophaga coronata) is a species of New World warbler that can be found across North America. It is a medium-sized songbird with a bright yellow rump, giving it its common name.
It is found in various habitats, including woodlands, parks, and gardens. During migration, it can be found in multiple locations, from sea level to high mountains.
The yellow-rumped warbler is a regular visitor to North America and can be seen in most areas during the spring and summer. It is also a migratory species, traveling south in the fall and winter months.
It is an insectivore, feeding mainly on small invertebrates such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. It also feeds on fruits and berries in late summer and fall.
The yellow-rumped warbler is a common sight all across North America and can be easily identified by its bright yellow rump and distinctive song.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. coronata |
8. Pine Warbler
The pine warbler is a small, brightly-colored bird species belonging to the New World warbler family. It is found in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia and is known for its melodious song.
The pine warbler typically has yellowish-olive upperparts streaked with white or gray and a yellowish-white underside. They have a gray head with a yellow or orange crown and a yellow throat. They also have two white wing-bars.
Pine warblers prefer to live in coniferous or mixed woodlands and feed primarily on insects, fruits, and seeds. These birds migrate long distances in the winter; some populations have been seen to travel over 1,000 miles in a single season.
The pine warbler is a great asset to the environment, as it plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations and also helps to disperse seeds and other plant materials.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. pinus |
9. Pied-Billed Grebe
The Pied-billed Grebe is a member of the Grebe family of water birds and is the only member of the genus Podilymbus left since the extinction of the Atitlán grebe. This grebe species can be found in ponds and other American wetlands.
They usually have brown feathers on the head and back and white feathers on their chest. The most distinctive feature of this species is the black-and-white band around its bill.
This band helps the bird differentiate itself from other species of grebe. The pied-billed grebe is a relatively small bird, measuring 9 and 11 inches long. They have short wings and a short tail, which helps them move quickly underwater.
They feed on various aquatic creatures like fish, amphibians, and crustaceans. They can also feed on plants. The pied-billed grebe is a monogamous species, meaning that they form strong pair bonds with their mate.
The female will lay 4-6 eggs in a floating nest, typically made of plant matter and feathers. The male then takes on the responsibility of incubating the eggs and raising the chicks. The pied-billed grebe is an important species to the wetlands they inhabit.
They help keep the water clean by consuming dead animals and plants, which helps keep the environment healthy. They are also an important food source for predatory birds, such as hawks and owls.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podilymbus |
| Species | P. podiceps |
10. Palm Warbler
The palm warbler is a species of bird found mainly in the Americas. It is a part of the New World warbler family, consisting of various small songbird species. The palm warbler is a small songbird, generally measuring 4 and 5 inches long.
It has a greyish-brown upper body, a white belly, and a yellow throat. It also has distinct black stripes on its head, and its tail feathers are typically streaked with white. The palm warbler is a migratory species and can be found in a variety of habitats throughout its range.
It is most commonly seen in woodlands, marshes, and shrubby areas. It also frequents gardens, fields, and open areas. It can be found in the northern parts of its range during the breeding season, including Canada and the United States.
During winter, it migrates to the southern parts of its range, including Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The palm warbler is an omnivorous species whose diet consists of insects, seeds, and fruits.
It feeds mainly on insects, such as caterpillars and beetles, during the breeding season. During the winter months, it consumes more fruits and seeds. The palm warbler is an essential species for biodiversity and conservation.
Its presence in various habitats and its diet of insects and fruits make it an important species for maintaining ecosystem balance. Additionally, its migratory nature makes it an important species for maintaining genetic diversity among bird populations.
As a result, conservation efforts should focus on preserving its natural habitats and ensuring that its migratory patterns remain uninterrupted.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. palmarum |
11. Hooded Warbler
The Hooded Warbler is a species of warbler found in North America. It is most commonly found in eastern North America, from the United States to southern Canada.
During winter, the Hooded Warbler migrates further south into Central America and the West Indies. This species is rare and only seen as a vagrant in Western Europe. The Hooded Warbler is a very colorful bird.
It has a bright yellow underbelly, face, black hood, and wings. Its chest is covered in black and white stripes, and its tail is bright yellow and white. This bird is active and can often be seen foraging in low shrubs.
It eats a variety of insects, as well as some fruits and seeds. The Hooded Warbler breeds in deciduous and coniferous forests. It nests in the lower branches of trees, and its nest is usually constructed from twigs and grasses.
It lays 3-5 eggs in each clutch, and males and females help incubate them. After hatching, both parents feed the chicks until they can fly. The Hooded Warbler is an important species for conservation.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists it as a species of most minor concern. However, it is still threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and urban development.
We must continue to protect the habitats of the Hooded Warbler so that future generations can enjoy this beautiful species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. citrina |
12. Mallard
The mallard or wild duck is a dabbling duck, a bird species found across a vast range of the world. It is native to the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa temperate and subtropical regions.
However, it has been introduced to several other countries, including New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa.
In these countries, the mallard has thrived and become a ubiquitous sight, often living near humans. The mallard is a medium-sized duck, typically measuring between 20 and 25 inches long. It has a long, broad bill with a green head, neck, and brown body.
The males of the species are usually more brightly colored than the females, with a bright yellow bill and purple breast. The mallard is an omnivore, eating both plant and animal material. Its diet is primarily composed of seeds, insects, and aquatic organisms.
It will also eat small amphibians, fish, fruits, roots, and other vegetation.
As its name implies, the mallard is also an adept swimmer, able to plunge underwater to catch prey or escape danger. The mallard is a very social species, living in large flocks that can number hundreds or even thousands.
It will form smaller groups during the breeding season, usually with one dominant male.
Mallards are also known for their vocalizations, consisting of a signature quack and various other noises. With its wide range and large population, the mallard is an essential species that plays a crucial role in many ecosystems.
It is also one of the most popular waterfowl species for hunters, with millions of mallards being taken each year.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
13. Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a species of woodpecker that is found throughout Canada and the northeastern United States. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring between 8 and 12 inches in length and weighing around 2 ounces.
Its wingspan is usually between 15 and 18 inches. This bird has a black and white striped back and a yellowish underside.
It has a white throat and a red crown, and its wings and tail are barred with black and white. The yellow-bellied sapsucker’s primary food source is tree sap, which it extracts from holes it drills in the bark of trees.
It also feeds on insects and fruit, which it gleans from tree trunks and branches. This bird is monogamous, and it is believed to mate for life. The pair will form a nesting cavity in a tree, usually in aspen or willow, where the female will lay up to five glossy white eggs.
Both parents will incubate the eggs for 12 to 14 days before they hatch.
The young birds will stay with their parents until they are old enough to fly, usually around five weeks. The yellow-bellied sapsucker is an integral part of the ecosystem, as it helps control insect pests’ populations.
It is also popular with birdwatchers and is often seen in parks and wooded areas, where its distinctive plumage can quickly identify it.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Sphyrapicus |
| Species | S. varius |
14. Magnolia Warbler
The magnolia warbler is a species of songbird that is a part of the wood warbler family, Parulidae. This family comprises many different species of warblers that inhabit North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
The magnolia warbler is one of the most widespread species of the family, found throughout much of the eastern and central United States and parts of Canada.
They are relatively small birds with a grey-green back and a yellow belly, and they are easily recognizable by their white wing bars and eye-rings.
They prefer to make their homes in deciduous woodland areas and build their nests in the crooks of trees. The magnolia warbler has an impressive repertoire of songs, and they are well-known for their melodic, trilling calls.
They forage for insects mid-air, often catching them using quick, darting movements. During the breeding season, they are usually seen alone or in pairs but may form flocks with other warbler species in the winter.
The magnolia warbler is an essential species in the wood warbler family, and they play a crucial role in the ecology of North America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. magnolia |
Conclusion
Birds are an essential part of the natural environment in Álava. They provide food for other animals, help to pollinate plants, and can be an important indicator of environmental health.
The presence of birds in Álava is an integral part of the region’s biodiversity, and their habitats must be protected and maintained to ensure their survival.