Asturias is an autonomous community in the north of Spain. It is a region known for its amazing natural beauty, and its diverse bird life is no exception.
From the majestic golden eagles soaring over the Asturian mountains to the vibrant yellow-legged gulls that nest along the coast, birds of all shapes and sizes can be found here.
Whether you’re an avid bird-watcher or just looking to take in the stunning beauty of the region, Asturias is the perfect place to observe and appreciate the incredible variety of bird life.
1. Black Woodpecker
The black woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that can be found living in mature forests across the northern Palearctic region. It is the only living member in its genus in this area.
In recent years, its range has been increasing as the population of the species grows. The black woodpecker is a large bird, with a body length of up to 47 cm and a wingspan of up to 80 cm. The male of the species has a white crown and nape, and a black back, wings, and tail.
The female has a black crown and nape, and a brownish-black back, wings, and tail. Both sexes have a red patch on the lower abdomen and a yellow bill. The black woodpecker mainly eats wood-boring insects, such as beetle larvae, as well as some fruits and nuts.
It typically makes its nests in the trunks of old trees, and will often use the same nest year after year.
The species is monogamous, meaning that pairs of birds will form a lifelong bond. The black woodpecker has adapted to human-altered landscapes and can be seen in parks, gardens, and plantations.
This species is also known to forage in urban areas and is an important pollinator of some fruit trees. The population of the black woodpecker is stable and its range is slowly increasing, leading to the species being listed as of least concern by the IUCN Red List.
Conservation efforts are important to ensure that the species continues to thrive in the future..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryocopus |
| Species | D. martius |
2. Western Capercaillie
The western capercaillie, also known as the Eurasian capercaillie, wood grouse, heather cock, cock-of-the-woods, or simply capercaillie, is a species of large grouse that is found throughout the northern forests of Europe and Asia.
It is the largest of all existing grouse species, with males typically weighing between 2 and 4 kilograms, and females usually between 1 and 2 kilograms. The western capercaillie is a heavy-bodied bird, with a large head and a short, rounded tail.
Its feathers are predominantly black and white, with the male having a characteristic red eye patch and a distinctive white patch on its throat. The western capercaillie is a ground-dwelling species and is usually found in coniferous and mixed forests, where it feeds on a variety of leaves, berries, and insects.
The species is mainly solitary, and males are known for their elaborate courtship displays, which involve displaying and strutting around the female in order to attract her attention. The heaviest-known specimen of western capercaillie was recorded in captivity, with a weight of 7.2 kilograms.
This is an incredibly impressive feat, considering that the average weight of the species is between 2 and 4 kilograms. This record-breaking capercaillie highlights the impressive size of this species and shows just how large these birds can grow.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Tetrao |
| Species | T. urogallus |
3. Middle Spotted Woodpecker
The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that is native to Europe and belongs to the genus Dendrocoptes. It is a medium-sized bird with black and white spotted plumage. It has a black head, neck, and back, and its wings and tail are barred with black and white.
The belly and underparts are white and the wings are reddish-brown. Its bill is black and the feet are grey. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker’s preferred habitats are open deciduous woodland and wooded parklands.
They feed on insects and spiders found in trees, as well as on the sap and larvae found in tree trunks.
They make their nests in tree cavities and lay 3-5 eggs at a time. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is a protected species in many European countries due to its declining population.
It is listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN, but its population is believed to be in decline due to habitat loss. Conservation efforts are being taken to protect the species, such as creating nesting sites and protecting its habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dendrocoptes |
| Species | D. medius |
4. Eurasian Crag Martin
The Eurasian crag martin is a type of small passerine bird in the swallow family. It measures around 14 centimeters in length and has an ash-brown colored upper body and paler colored underbelly.
It also has a distinctive short, square-shaped tail, which is characterized by having white patches on the majority of its feathers. The crag martin is a relatively small bird, with a short, slender body.
It has a pointed, black bill that is used to forage for food, and black legs and feet for perching and walking.
The wings are long, and the bird has a long, narrow tail that helps it to maneuver and turn quickly while in flight. The crag martin is a vocal bird, making a variety of chirps and whistles. It is also highly social, often seen in flocks.
It is a migratory bird, primarily found in the northern and eastern parts of Europe, as well as in parts of Asia. During the summer months, it is often seen in open areas near water, such as ponds, streams, and lakes.
During the winter months, it migrates southward to warmer climates. The Eurasian crag martin is an important species for insect control, as it consumes large amounts of insects, including flies, mosquitoes, and other pests.
It is also an important species for birdwatchers, as it is relatively easy to spot due to its size, coloration, and distinctive tail.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Ptyonoprogne |
| Species | P. rupestris |
5. Northern Wheatear
The northern wheatear is a small passerine bird that is found across Europe and North and Central Asia. It was once thought to be part of the thrush family Turdidae but has since been reclassified as an Old World flycatcher, Muscicapidae.
This makes it the most widespread member of the wheatear genus Oenanthe in its range. The northern wheatear is a small bird that is easily identified by its distinctive black and white plumage. Its back is black with white spots, while its underside is white with black streaks.
It has a white rump and a black tail with white edges. Its long legs are grey and it has a long, thin bill. It mainly feeds on insects which it catches in the air or on the ground. It also eats berries and other fruits.
The northern wheatear migrates in the winter to areas with more favorable weather and food availability. It is a relatively common bird across its range and is not currently considered threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Oenanthe |
| Species | O. oenanthe |
6. Short-toed Treecreeper
The short-toed treecreeper is a species of small passerine bird found in many parts of Europe and North Africa. It is a species of treecreeper, which are small birds that inhabit woodlands and climb trees in search of food.
This species of treecreeper has a generally more southerly distribution than the common treecreeper, which is a similar species that can also be found in Europe. In areas where both species occur, they can be easily confused due to their similar appearance.
The short-toed treecreeper is typically found in warmer areas, while the common treecreeper can be found in cooler regions. Both species have a long, curved bill and a brown back with white and black streaks, which makes them difficult to tell apart.
The main way to distinguish between the two is through their calls, as the short-toed treecreeper has a distinct and persistent ‘tsee-tsee’ call, while the common treecreeper has a more varied and higher-pitched call.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Certhiidae |
| Genus | Certhia |
| Species | C. brachydactyla |
7. Lesser Whitethroat
The lesser whitethroat is a species of typical warbler that can be found across much of Eurasia. It is a migratory bird, breeding in temperate regions of Europe (with the exception of the southwest) and in western and central parts of the Palearctic.
This small passerine bird is a distinctive species, with a long tail and light gray-brown back and wings. During the winter months, the lesser whitethroat migrates to areas just south of the Sahara Desert in Africa, as well as regions within Arabia and India.
The lesser whitethroat is considered to be a common and widespread species, and it inhabits a variety of habitats, such as shrubland, heathland, and open woodland. It is an insectivorous bird, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates and other insects.
During the breeding season, it builds a neat cup-shaped nest in dense vegetation near the ground. The female lays between three and five eggs, which are incubated by both parents for a period of 11 to 13 days before hatching.
The lesser whitethroat is an important species, providing important ecological services in its natural habitat. It helps to control insect populations, while also serving as food for other predators.
In addition, its presence helps to maintain the balance of its habitat’s ecosystem, as well as providing important benefits to humans in terms of pest control and pollination.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sylviidae |
| Genus | Curruca |
| Species | C. curruca |
8. Eurasian Scops Owl
The Eurasian scops owl is a small bird of prey belonging to the Strigidae family, also known as the typical owl family. This species is found in a variety of habitats, from southern Europe all the way to southern Siberia and the western Himalayas.
During the summer months, it breeds in these regions, but in the winter, it migrates to Africa, south of the Sahara. It is a solitary species, living in small groups or pairs during the breeding season.
The Eurasian scops owl feeds mainly on small invertebrates, such as insects, spiders, and worms. It is an excellent hunter, using its highly developed hearing and sharp vision to locate its prey. It can also fly very silently, enabling it to surprise its prey.
The Eurasian scops owl is an important species for the overall health of its environment, controlling the insect population and providing important nutrients for its predators..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Otus |
| Species | O. scops |
9. Short-toed Snake Eagle
The Short-toed Snake Eagle, or Short-toed Eagle, is a bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. This family includes many different types of raptors, such as kites, buzzards, and harriers. These raptors are active during the day, hunting and scavenging for their food.
The scientific name of this eagle is Circaetus, which is derived from two Greek words: kirkos, meaning a type of hawk, and aetos, meaning eagle. This name accurately describes the Short-toed Snake Eagle as a bird of prey that is closely related to hawks.
The eagle is medium-sized and has a wide wingspan which allows it to soar gracefully through the air. It uses its sharp eyesight and powerful talons to catch its prey, usually small mammals, reptiles, and birds.
This type of eagle is found in many parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and is an important species of raptor in these regions.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Circaetus |
| Species | C. gallicus |
10. White-winged Snowfinch
The white-winged Snowfinch, sometimes simply referred to as the Snowfinch, is a small passerine bird belonging to the sparrow family. It is easily identifiable due to its white-tipped wings, which make it stand out among its peers.
Despite its name, the Snowfinch is not a true finch. It belongs to the family of passerine birds, which includes birds such as sparrows, robins, and thrushes, and is not related to true finches.
This bird is often found in mountainous regions where snow is abundant, which is where it gets its name. It is a hardy species, able to survive in extreme climates and survive on minimal food sources.
The snow finch has a variety of habitats, including meadows, marshes, and grasslands. It is a sociable bird and is often found in flocks, which can range from a few birds to hundreds. Its diet consists of insects, seeds, and berries, which it catches or collects from the ground.
The snow finch is a unique bird that is an important part of the ecosystem in mountainous regions.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passeridae |
| Genus | Montifringilla |
| Species | M. nivalis |
11. Yellow-legged Gull
The yellow-legged gull is a large species of gull found throughout Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
This species has only recently been recognized as being distinct from other gull species and was formerly classified as a subspecies of either the Caspian gull (Larus cachinnans) or the herring gull (Larus argentatus).
The yellow-legged gull is often found among other species of gulls, as they typically feed in the same areas and share many of the same behaviors and characteristics. This species is easily identified by its yellow legs and feet, which give it its name.
They have a grey back and wings, white head and neck, and darker grey wings with white spots on the tips. They are commonly found around the coasts and islands, as well as inland near lakes and rivers.
They are opportunistic feeders, eating a variety of creatures including fish, shellfish, and insects, and scavenging for food from humans. The yellow-legged gull is a social species, forming large flocks when feeding or roosting.
They breed in colonies, often with other species of gulls, and will typically lay two to three eggs per clutch. The chicks are cared for by both parents and will fledge after several weeks.
This species has a lifespan of up to twenty-five years in the wild. The yellow-legged gull is a species of conservation concern, its population has declined in some areas due to habitat loss, hunting, and environmental contamination.
It is still relatively common in many areas, however, and is a species of least concern according to the IUCN Red List.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. michahellis |
Conclusion
Birds in Asturias are a major part of the region’s biodiversity. With more than 300 species of birds, Asturias is home to a wide variety of avian life.
From majestic eagles to beautiful songbirds, the region is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. With a large variety of habitats, from coastal wetlands to high mountain peaks, Asturias provides a unique and diverse environment for birds to thrive.
With the right protection and conservation efforts, these birds can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.