Welcome to Cáceres, a region of Spain renowned for its rich and varied avian wildlife. From the colorful songbirds of the Mediterranean lowlands to the majestic raptors of the mountains, the skies of Cáceres are home to a wide variety of birds.
The diversity of habitats in Cáceres, ranging from river valleys to wetlands to grasslands and forests, attract birds of all shapes and sizes. Birdwatchers and photographers can explore the region and observe many different species of birds in their natural environment.
9 Birds to Watch in Cáceres
Cáceres is a city in western Spain that boasts a rich cultural and natural heritage. It is also a paradise for birdwatchers, as it hosts a variety of avian species that can be observed in different habitats.
Here are 9 birds that you should not miss if you visit Cáceres.
1. Spanish Sparrow
The Spanish Sparrow, also known as the willow sparrow, is a small bird that belongs to the sparrow family Passeridae. It is mainly found in the Mediterranean and southwest and central Asia.
The Spanish Sparrow is characterized by its small size and black or greyish-brown plumage. Its upperparts are usually darker than its underparts, and it has a short, conical beak and a short tail.
It feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates, as well as on grains and seeds. These birds typically nest in trees, shrubs, or on buildings, often in pairs or small groups.
The breeding season typically occurs between March and June, and the birds are very vocal during this time. The female Spanish Sparrow typically lays three to four eggs in a small cup-shaped nest.
The eggs are incubated for about two weeks, and after hatching, the young birds are ready to leave the nest within two weeks. The Spanish Sparrow is quite common throughout its range, and its population is believed to be stable.
Despite this, some threats to its survival have been identified, such as habitat destruction, climate change, and predation by domestic cats.
Conservation measures, such as habitat protection, captive breeding programs, and education campaigns, have been implemented to help protect this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passeridae |
| Genus | Passer |
| Species | P. hispaniolensis |
2. Calandra Lark
The Calandra lark, also known as the European calandra-lark, is a lark species native to warm temperate regions around the Mediterranean Sea. Its range extends eastward through Turkey, northern Iran, and southern Russia.
Beyond this point, the calandra lark is replaced by its relative, the bi-maculated lark. The two lark species are very similar in appearance but can be distinguished by a few physical features.
The calandra lark has a more patterned and streaked back, while the bi-maculated lark has a plainer back and a distinctive white patch on either side of its head. Both species are found in open grasslands and other open habitats, and they are generally found in small flocks.
They feed on insects, seeds, and other small invertebrates, and their songs are often heard during the breeding season.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Alaudidae |
| Genus | Melanocorypha |
| Species | M. calandra |
3. Crested Lark
The crested lark is a species found across many areas in Eurasia and Africa. This type of lark is non-migratory, meaning it does not have the instinct to migrate over long distances.
However, it has occasionally been spotted as a vagrant in Great Britain, indicating that it can move more considerable distances. The crested lark is a small bird, typically measuring around 16 cm long.
It has a distinctive crest on its head, which is usually colored a light brown or gray. This lark species is a ground-dwelling bird and prefers open grasslands or scrubland.
It eats small insects, as well as occasionally seeds and berries. The crested lark is quite a widespread species and is found in a variety of different habitats. It has an extensive range, covering much of Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
It is a relatively common bird and is not considered threatened or endangered.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Alaudidae |
| Genus | Galerida |
| Species | G. cristata |
4. Corn Bunting
The corn bunting is a type of bird belonging to the Emberizidae family, a group not classified as part of the finch family, Fringillidae. It is a large bird with a buff-brown plumage and many streaks.
The male and female corn bunting are similar, but the male is slightly bigger than the female. Its size and color make it stand out from its surroundings, making it easily recognizable.
Corn bunting can be found in open habitats such as grasslands, meadows, and agricultural fields. It often perches on fences and wires while singing its melodic song. It is a ground feeder, mainly eating seeds and insects, and will visit bird feeders for additional food.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Emberizidae |
| Genus | Emberiza |
| Species | E. calandra |
5. Pallid Swift
The pallid swift is a species of swift, which is a type of bird. They are characterized by having very short legs, which they only use for holding onto vertical surfaces like tree trunks or cliff faces.
The scientific name for this species, Apus pallidus, is derived from the Latin words ‘swift’ and ‘pale,’ respectively. This aptly describes the pallid swift, a rather drab species with a dull, grayish-brown coloration.
They are also unique among swifts in that they never settle on the ground voluntarily, preferring to remain in the air. This is likely due to their weak legs not being designed for walking on the ground.
The pallid swift is an interesting species, and its unique adaptations have allowed it to thrive in its preferred habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | A. pallidus |
6. Spotless Starling
The spotless starling is a small bird belonging to the Sturnidae family, which also contains the common starling. It is native to a minimal area, which includes the Iberian Peninsula, Northwest Africa, south France, and the islands of Sicily, Corsica, and Sardinia.
Unlike its relative, the common starling, the spotless starling is a non-migratory species and rarely leaves its native range.
This species has an unmistakable appearance; it is slightly larger than the common starling with a very glossy black plumage that lacks any white spots or streaks, joint among its cousins. Its bill is also more significant, and its feathers are sleeker and shinier.
Although their range is limited, spotless starlings are common in their native habitats and can often be seen in large flocks. They are omnivorous, feeding various insects, fruits, seeds, and grains.
They are also quite vocal and can often be heard making loud, musical calls.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. unicolor |
7. Sardinian Warbler
The Sardinian warbler is a type of bird found in the Mediterranean region. It is pretty widespread and belongs to the Curruca species. The adult male has a grey back, whitish underparts, and a black head with a white throat.
Its distinguishing feature is its red eyes. The female has a different plumage, making it easier to distinguish the two sexes. The Sardinian warbler is a medium-sized bird with a short tail and a black bill. Its diet consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates.
It can be observed in open woodlands, shrubby areas, and grasslands. The species is not endangered and is considered relatively common in its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sylviidae |
| Genus | Curruca |
| Species | C. melanocephala |
8. Western Black-eared Wheatear
The western black-eared wheatear is a species of bird belonging to the wheatear family. It is a small migratory passerine bird that travels from one place to another in search of food and shelter.
It was traditionally classified as a member of the thrush family Turdidae but is now considered an Old World flycatcher. This is because its behavior and physical characteristics resemble a flycatcher’s.
The western black-eared wheatear was also formerly considered the same species as the eastern black-eared wheatear. However, after further study, the two have been determined to be distinct species.
The western black-eared wheatear is found in western and central Europe, while the eastern black-eared wheatear is found in east Europe and Asia. They both have black ear patches, which is how they got their name.
In addition, they both have brown backs, white underparts, and a reddish-brown tail.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Oenanthe |
| Species | O. hispanica |
9. Western Subalpine Warbler
The western subalpine warbler (Curruca species) is a small songbird found in the southernmost regions of Europe and northwestern Africa.
It has distinct male and female plumages, with the adult male having a grey back and head, brick-red underparts, and white malar streaks. The female is similar in coloration, but her underparts are a lighter shade of red.
This warbler breeds in summer and is known to migrate during winter. The western subalpine warbler is a ground-dwelling species that prefers open areas with plenty of vegetation.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, other invertebrates, and some seeds, berries, and other plant material. It is known to form small flocks while foraging and is often seen in the company of different warbler species.
The western subalpine warbler builds its nest in the ground or low shrubs, with the female laying up to four eggs per clutch. The young are born altricial (helpless and without feathers) and are fed by their parents until they are old enough to fly.
During the breeding season, the male will sing to attract a mate and defend its territory from other males. The western subalpine warbler is an essential species in its range as it helps to control insect populations and aids in pollination.
It is also an essential food source for other animals, such as birds of prey and small mammals. Despite its importance, this species is threatened by habitat destruction and fragmentation, which have caused a decline in its population.
Conservation efforts must be undertaken to protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sylviidae |
| Genus | Curruca |
| Species | C. iberiae |
Conclusion
The birds of Cáceres are a fascinating and diverse species, each bringing their unique beauty and charm to the region.
From the majestic eagles to the small finches, Cáceres provides a home to many birds that everyone can appreciate.
Whether through bird watching or simply admiring them from a distance, these feathered friends can bring joy and enrichment to all who live in or visit Cáceres.