Barcelona is home to a wide range of beautiful birds. From the majestic griffon vultures that soar above the city’s skyline to the colorful parakeets that fill the city’s parks and squares with life, birdwatching in Barcelona is an unforgettable experience.
Visitors to Barcelona can expect to find a variety of bird species, including birds of prey, waterfowl, passerines, and more.
Whether you’re looking for a chance to spot a rare species or just want to enjoy some of the city’s most spectacular birds, Barcelona has something for everyone.
1. Hoopoes
Hoopoes are a species of bird that can be found across much of the world in Africa, Asia, and Europe. They are quite colorful and have a unique “crown” of feathers on their head. There are three species of hoopoe that are currently living and one species that is now extinct.
For a long time, all of the living species were thought to be the same species—Upupa epops. Hoopoes are quite distinctive birds. They have long, curved beaks, and their wings are large and rounded.
Their upper parts are a black-brown color, while their underparts are white and their tails are barred. The most notable feature of the hoopoe is the “crown” of feathers on its head. This crown is made up of a series of long feathers that are black, white, and brown in color.
Hoopoes are quite social birds, living in small flocks or pairs. They feed mainly on insects, but will also eat berries and other fruits. They make their nests in tree hollows or abandoned nests of other birds.
Hoopoes are a species that is of great interest to scientists and birdwatchers alike. They are an important part of many different ecosystems and are an important food source for many other species of animals.
Despite this, their numbers have been decreasing in recent years due to habitat loss and other human-related activities. It is important that we take steps to protect these birds and their habitats so that they can continue to thrive.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Upupidae |
| Genus | Upupa |
2. Nanday Parakeet
The nanday parakeet, also referred to as the black-hooded parakeet or nanday conure, is a medium-sized, primarily green, parrot native to South America. It belongs to the Neotropical parrot family, which is a group of parrots that live in Central and South America.
The nanday parakeet is characterized by its overall green body and black hooded head. The black hood extends from the bird’s forehead down to its neck and chest.
It also has a distinctive orange beak and reddish patches on its wings. The nanday parakeet is a popular pet bird due to its relatively small size and its bright and colorful plumage. They are quite active and require plenty of space to move around.
They can be quite noisy and require daily interaction and enrichment activities in order to stay happy and healthy. Additionally, they may require a larger cage than other parrot species due to their size and active nature.
The nanday parakeet is native to continental South America, where it is found in a variety of habitats, ranging from semi-arid savannas and grasslands to humid tropical forests. It prefers open areas with trees and low shrubs for foraging and nesting.
It feeds mainly on fruits, seeds, and nuts, but may also eat small insects and other invertebrates. Overall, the Monday parakeet is a beautiful and vibrant species of parrot that can make a wonderful pet if given the right care and attention.
Its active and playful nature makes it a great companion for people who are looking for a pet to enjoy and bond with.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Aratinga |
| Species | A. nenday |
3. Mitred Parakeet
The Mitred Parakeet, or Mitred Conure, is a species of parrot found in South America. It is native to Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru, but has been introduced to Uruguay, where it has become established.
The Mitred Parakeet belongs to the subfamily Arinae of the Psittacidae family, which are African and New World parrots. The Mitred Parakeet is generally a medium-sized parrot with a length of 28-33 cm.
It is mainly green in color, with a red forehead, white markings around the eyes, and a blue-tipped tail. The Mitred Parakeet is known to be very social and can often be seen in flocks.
It is also known to be quite vocal, and its call can be heard from a distance. The Mitred Parakeet is a popular pet bird due to its attractive colors and friendly personality. It can make a very rewarding pet if given proper care and attention.
The Mitred Parakeet requires a large cage with plenty of room for exercise and exploration, as well as plenty of toys and treats. In addition, it should be given plenty of time to interact with its human companions.
It is important to provide a healthy and balanced diet for the Mitred Parakeet, as well as regular veterinary check-ups. With the right environment and care, the Mitred Parakeet can be a wonderful addition to any family.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Psittacara |
| Species | P. mitratus |
4. Senegal Parrot
The Senegal parrot is a type of parrot found in many areas of West Africa. It is a resident breeder, meaning that it remains in one area throughout the year and is not migratory.
However, when its usual food sources become scarce, the Senegal parrot will migrate in order to find more adequate supplies of fruit, seeds, and blossoms. Unfortunately, it is seen as a pest by many African farmers, as it is known to feed on crops such as maize and millet.
This can lead to significant losses for the farmers, as these crops are a vital part of their livelihood. As a result, the Senegal parrot can often be a source of tension between farmers and conservationists, as the parrot’s needs must be balanced with the needs of the farmers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Poicephalus |
| Species | P. senegalus |
5. Sardinian Warbler
The Sardinian warbler is a species of bird from the Curruca family which is very common and can be found in the Mediterranean region. It has easily distinguishable plumages, with the adult male having a grey back, whitish underparts, black head, white throat, and red eyes.
This coloration helps it to blend in with its natural habitat and provides it with some camouflage from potential predators. Males also have a more distinct and colorful plumage than females, which can help them attract mates.
The warbler’s habitat is typically found in open woodland and scrub, where its diet consists mostly of small insects, seeds, and berries.
The Sardinian warbler is a hardy species and can even survive in urban areas, making it a familiar sight in many cities across the Mediterranean region.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sylviidae |
| Genus | Curruca |
| Species | C. melanocephala |
Conclusion
Barcelona is a great place to observe a wide variety of birds, both native and migratory. With its rich diversity of habitats, ranging from wetlands and coastal areas to high mountain passes, Barcelona is home to some of the world’s most remarkable and unique birds.
From the shy little wrens of the city’s parks to the majestic raptors of its mountains, the birds of Barcelona provide a unique and unforgettable experience for all nature lovers.