Huelva is a Spanish province located in the country’s southwestern corner with a rich variety of bird species. It is home to over 270 species of bird, both native and migratory, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
From the majestic Spanish Imperial Eagle to the delicate Azure-Winged Magpie, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the skies and landscape of Huelva.
The province also provides an important resting spot for many migratory species, making it a perfect spot to observe and appreciate the wonders of migration.
With its diverse habitats, such as wetlands, meadows, and forests, Huelva is an ideal destination to spot some of Europe’s most beautiful and exciting bird species.
16 Birds to Watch in Huelva
Huelva is a province in southwestern Spain that offers a rich diversity of birdlife. With over 270 species of birds, both resident and migratory, Huelva is a paradise for birdwatchers.
Whether you are looking for flamingos, vultures, eagles, or nightjars, you will find something to delight you in the skies and landscapes of Huelva.
Here are 16 of the most amazing birds that you can watch in Huelva.
1. Greater Flamingo
The greater flamingo is the most significant and widespread species of the family. This species of flamingo is commonly found in the Old World, inhabiting areas in Africa from the sub-Saharan region to the northern regions.
Additionally, they can be found in the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, Levant, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, and Mediterranean countries of Southern Europe. The greater flamingo is a conspicuous bird with unmistakable bright pink and white plumage.
They tend to live in shallow wetlands and can be seen in large flocks in coastal lagoons, mud flats, and other wetland areas. This species of flamingo is highly sociable and is found in large flocks ranging from tens to thousands of birds.
Their diet mainly consists of small aquatic invertebrates, but they also consume algae, parasites, and small crustaceans.
The greater flamingo is a species of conservation concern, as their population size is decreasing due to human-induced activities such as habitat destruction and hunting.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Species | P. roseus |
2. Eurasian Griffon Vulture
The Eurasian griffon vulture is a large species of vulture that is found in the Old World. It is a member of the Accipitridae bird of prey family and is sometimes called the Griffon vulture.
It should not be confused with two other related species, the Rüppell’s griffon vulture and the Himalayan griffon vulture. The Eurasian griffon vulture is one of the larger species of vultures, with a wingspan of up to two and a half meters.
It is typically found in open grasslands and dry woodlands, where it can easily spot carrion to feed on. The Eurasian griffon vulture has a distinctive yellow to orange-colored head and neck and a white to gray-colored body.
Its wings are black with white tips, and its tail is squared. The Rüppell’s griffon vulture is a much smaller species in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of India. It has a white head, neck, and brown body with white wing tips.
Its tail is forked, unlike the Eurasian griffon vulture’s squared tail. The Himalayan griffon vulture is another related species found in the Himalayas. It has a white head and neck and a light brown to dark brown-colored body.
Its wings are black with white tips, and its tail is forked like the Rüppell’s griffon vulture. Though the Eurasian griffon vulture, Rüppell’s griffon vulture, and Himalayan griffon vulture are related species, they have enough distinct features to be easily identified.
It is important to remember that they should not be confused with one another, as the Eurasian griffon vulture has a squared tail, whereas the other two species have forked tails.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Gyps |
| Species | G. fulvus |
3. White-headed Duck
The white-headed duck is a small diving duck that grows about 45 cm long. Males of this species have distinctive white heads with black crowns, bluebills, and reddish-grey plumage.
The females, on the other hand, are characterized by their dark bills and duller coloring. During the breeding season, white-headed ducks generally inhabit lakes with open water and dense vegetation at the lake margins.
They tend to prefer areas of dense vegetation to find food and adequately hide from potential predators. Furthermore, the vegetation at lake margins can also provide them nesting sites.
Thus, the presence of open water and dense vegetation is essential for the survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Oxyura |
| Species | O. leucocephala |
4. Bonelli’s Eagle
The Bonelli’s eagle is a species of giant prey bird inhabiting parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Its common name was given in honor of the Italian ornithologist and collector Franco Andrea Bonelli.
Bonelli is credited with having collected the first specimen of the species, most likely while exploring the island of Sardinia. The Bonelli’s eagle is a large bird with a six-foot wingspan. It has a dark brown head, wings, white tail, and breasts.
It is mainly found in mountainous areas, where it can soar and hunt for small animals such as rabbits, lizards, and rodents. The Bonelli’s eagle is an essential species for conservation, as it is threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and illegal trapping.
It is also threatened by competition from other larger birds of prey. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Aquila |
| Species | A. fasciata |
5. Marbled Teal
The marbled duck, also known as the marbled teal, is a species of duck found in the southern regions of Europe, the northern parts of Africa, and the western and central areas of Asia.
Its scientific name is Marmaronetta angustirostris, derived from the Greek words Marmaris, meaning “marbled,” and Netta, meaning “duck.” The Latin phrases angustus and -rostris also feature in the scientific name and refer to the ducks’ narrow or small billed features.
The marbled duck is a medium-sized species, approximately 15 to 18 inches long. Generally, the feathers of this species are predominantly brown, with a few white spots and stripes. Its name is derived from this: the marbled pattern of its feathers.
The marbled duck can be found in shallow lakes, ponds, and marshes. It typically feeds on aquatic invertebrates, seeds, insects, and other small marine creatures. In the wild, the marbled duck is quite shy and elusive.
It is also known to migrate seasonally between its breeding and wintering grounds. Breeding usually occurs in the summer, with the female laying eggs in a shallow depression in the ground, typically close to water.
The female will then incubate the eggs for 18 to 24 days before they hatch. The chicks are then able to fly within a few weeks.
The marbled duck is classified as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and destruction of its wetlands and breeding grounds. Despite this, its population is still relatively stable and is not declining at a rapid rate.
Conservation efforts are being made to ensure its safe survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Marmaronetta |
| Species | M. angustirostris |
6. Bearded Vulture
The bearded vulture is a massive bird of prey known as the lammergeier and ossifrage. It is the only member of the genus Gypaetus and is considered an Old World vulture.
Its closest living relative is the Egyptian vulture, and both form a separate minor lineage of Accipitridae. Bearded vultures are large birds with up to 3 meters of wingspans and sharp, hooked beaks for tearing apart their prey.
They are scavengers and feed on carrion, but they also feed on bones and bone marrow.
They have a distinctive black or brown beard-like feature on their chests, which is why they are called bearded vultures. Bearded vultures are found in the mountains of Europe, North Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
They are monogamous and mate for life, building large nests in cliffs or trees.
They are long-lived birds, with some individuals living up to 30 years. Bearded vultures are considered an endangered species, with their population declining due to habitat loss, hunting, and poisoning from livestock.
Conservation efforts such as captive breeding, habitat protection, and education have been implemented to protect this unique species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Gypaetus |
| Species | G. barbatus |
7. Black-necked Grebe
The black-necked grebe, also known as eared grebe, is a water bird from the grebe family. It was first described by Christian Ludwig Brehm in 1831, and three subspecies are recognized today.
The nominate subspecies is the most common of the three and has the most comprehensive range.
The other two are the American subspecies (Aechmophorus occidentalis californicus) found in western North America and the South American subspecies (Aechmophorus occidentalis occidentalis) found in South America.
The black-necked grebe is a medium-sized water bird, typically 20 to 25 cm long. They have a thick black neck, a white face, and a black cap. The eyes are yellow-orange, and the bill is black.
The wings are short and rounded, and the long toes are webbed for swimming. The black-necked grebe is a moderately gregarious bird, usually found in small flocks near freshwater wetlands. They feed by diving underwater, using their wings to propel themselves.
They mainly eat aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish. During the breeding season, the males perform courtship displays, such as head-shaking and stretching their necks. The nest is a floating platform of vegetation, usually anchored to a reed bed.
The eggs are incubated for around three weeks, and the chicks can leave the nest within 48 hours of hatching. The black-necked grebe is widespread and locally common in its range.
However, it is threatened by habitat destruction and pollution, and its population is declining. Conservation measures have been taken, such as protecting wetlands and establishing bird sanctuaries, to help protect this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. nigricollis |
8. Red-necked Nightjar
The red-necked nightjar is a species of bird found in Europe. It is the largest of the nightjar birds in Europe and has a distinct red neck. The red-necked nightjar breeds in Iberia and North Africa, while it winters in tropical West Africa.
This nightjar species is found in various habitats, including woodlands, scrub, and open terrain. They feed on a wide range of insects, from moths to beetles. The red-necked nightjar is a pretty solitary species, usually only found in pairs or family groups.
It is an active bird during the day, and at night, it can be seen perched on low branches, listening for insects. Its call is a distinctive, drawn-out trill, which can be heard in the evening and early morning.
The red-necked nightjar is an essential species in Europe and indicates healthy ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. ruficollis |
9. Cinereous Vulture
The cinereous vulture is a large bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family, including eagles, hawks, and kites. It is native to temperate areas of Eurasia and can be found across large portions of the continent.
Several other names include the black vulture, monk vulture, and Eurasian black vulture, also known as the cinereous vulture. These alternate names are derived from its distinctive black color, making it stand out among other raptor species.
The cinereous vulture is an opportunistic feeder that mainly feeds on carrion but will also hunt small mammals and birds.
It typically nests in large tree cavities or on rocky cliffs and is an essential species in its native range for helping to keep the environment clean by consuming carrion.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Aegypius |
| Species | A. monachus |
10. Spotless Starling
The spotless starling is a passerine bird in the starling family, Sturnidae. It is a type of bird that is found in various parts of Europe and Africa.
It is closely related to the common starling; still, its range is much more restricted as it is only found in the Iberian Peninsula, Northwest Africa, southernmost France, and Sicily, Corsica, and Sardinia islands.
Unlike common starling, spotless starling is mainly non-migratory, which means it does not migrate to other areas during different seasons. The spotless starling is found in open woodlands, scrub, and orchards.
It is a medium-sized bird with a dark bill, yellow eyes, and grey legs. The male is iridescent black with a blue-green sheen, and the female is brownish-black with white spots on its wings and tail.
Its diet is mainly composed of invertebrates such as insects, spiders, earthworms, snails, and some fruits. The spotless starling is currently classed as a near-threatened species due to its limited range and habitat destruction.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect the species and its habitat. These include the creation of protected areas, the promotion of sustainable agriculture, and the control of invasive plant species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. unicolor |
11. Ferruginous Duck
The ferruginous duck is a unique species of duck found in Eurosiberia. It is a medium-sized diving duck, also referred to as the ferruginous pochard, common white-eye, or white-eyed pochard.
Its scientific name, Aythya nyroca, comes from Greek references to an unidentified seabird found in the works of authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle.
Nyroca is the Russian word for duck, and when put together, the scientific name of the ferruginous duck is derived from these two sources. The ferruginous duck is characterized by its rusty brown coloring, which gives it its name.
It has a white head and throat and a black tail. Its back and sides are patterned with black and white bars. The ferruginous duck is also known for its distinctive call, a series of whistles and grunts.
The ferruginous duck is a fascinating species with a wide range of habitats. It can be found in shallow wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes, rivers, and even the open sea. It feeds mainly on aquatic plants and eats mollusks, crustaceans, and insects.
The ferruginous duck is an essential species in Eurosiberia. It has a vital role in the local ecosystem, helping to maintain the health of wetlands and rivers. Furthermore, it is hunted for its meat and eggs, and its feathers are used for fly-fishing lures.
As such, it is essential to ensure its habitats are protected and its populations remain healthy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. nyroca |
12. Little Bustard
The little bustard is a unique species of bird belonging to the bustard family. This species is the only member of its genus, Tetrax.
The genus name is derived from Ancient Greek and is thought to reference a specific type of gamebird mentioned in the works of writers such as Aristophanes. This particular game bird is believed to have been hunted for its meat, feathers, and eggs.
As such, the little bustard is an important species to consider when studying the historical context of hunting and gathering practices in the ancient world.
Today, the little bustard is considered a vulnerable species, and its population is declining due to habitat loss and hunting pressures. This species is found throughout Europe, North Africa, and Asia, but its most significant numbers are in Spain.
Conservation efforts are underway to ensure this species population can recover and thrive in its natural environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes |
| Family | Otididae |
| Genus | Tetrax |
| Species | T. tetrax |
13. Calandra Lark
The Calandra lark, or European calandra-lark, is a bird native to warm temperate climates. It is found in countries around the Mediterranean, east of Turkey, northern Iran, and southern Russia.
It is a close relative of the maculated lark, which can be found further east in these regions. The calandra lark is a small, ground-dwelling bird typically found in open grasslands, agricultural fields, and shrublands.
It feeds on a variety of insects, seeds, and grains. Its habitat is typically low-lying, such as grasslands, meadows, and pastures.
Its primary breeding season is from March to July, and it lays its eggs in a shallow cup-like nest on the ground. The calandra lark is a vocal species that sings from early morning until late afternoon.
The song is a harmonious combination of warbling and chirping notes. This species has a variety of conservation statuses, ranging from locally joint to vulnerable or endangered in some areas due to habitat destruction and degradation.
Therefore, it is essential to protect its habitats to ensure the species’ survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Alaudidae |
| Genus | Melanocorypha |
| Species | M. calandra |
14. Lesser kestrel
The lesser kestrel is a small falcon found in many countries across the Mediterranean, Asia, and even Africa.
It is an intrepid traveler, migrating from its summer breeding grounds in the Mediterranean and Central Asia to its wintering grounds in Africa, Pakistan, India, and Iraq.
The species is rarer in the northern areas of its breeding range, and its European population is unfortunately in decline. This is likely due to a combination of factors such as habitat destruction and the increased use of pesticides in agricultural areas.
Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the continued survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Species | F. naumanni |
15. Gull-billed Tern
The gull-billed tern, formerly known as Sterna nilotica, is a species of bird that belongs to the family Laridae. This species is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Northwest Africa, and the Americas.
It breeds in scattered areas in its range, with the Australian gull-billed tern previously classified as a subspecies. The gull-billed tern has a unique appearance and is easily distinguishable from other tern species.
It has a short, wedge-shaped bill, long wings, and a black cap on its head. Its body is white, with gray or black wings and tail. Its legs and feet are yellow.
This bird feeds mainly on small fish, crustaceans, and insects. In the breeding season, the gull-billed tern builds its nest in colonies near water, often on islands or the banks of rivers and lakes. The nest is a shallow cup of grass, twigs, and other vegetation.
It lays one to three eggs incubated for approximately three weeks.
After the chicks hatch, both parents take turns feeding and protecting them. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the gull-billed tern as a species of most minor concern.
Though its population is believed to be declining, it is still found in many parts of the world in adequate numbers. Its decline is primarily due to the destruction of its habitat due to human activities such as pollution and coastal development.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Gelochelidon |
| Species | G. nilotica |
16. Black-winged kite
The black-winged kite, also known as the black-shouldered kite, is an impressive bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family. It is a small bird, usually no more giant than a crow, but it is distinguished by its distinctive black wings and unique hovering flight.
The black-winged kite is most commonly found in open grasslands, where it spends much of its time hovering in the air, similar to the much smaller kestrels.
This behavior is not seen in any other species of bird of prey, and it gives the black-winged kite a unique presence in the sky. The black-winged kite is a diurnal bird that is active during the day.
During the day, it hunts for small prey such as insects, rodents, and reptiles. It can also be seen gliding over the grasslands and has an impressive ability to spot and capture its prey from the air.
The black-winged kite is an impressive bird and an excellent environmental asset. It helps to keep the populations of small prey species in check, thus preventing them from overpopulating and damaging the local habitat.
In addition, its unique hovering behavior adds an exciting element to the environment, making it an enjoyable sight to watch.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Elanus |
| Species | E. caeruleus |
Conclusion
Huelva is home to various birds, from large raptors to small passerines. The wetlands and marshes provide an excellent habitat for these birds, making Huelva a superb place for birders and birdwatchers.
With its diverse bird population, Huelva is a great place to observe, study, and enjoy these beautiful birds.