Lleida is an ideal place to observe birds. With its wide variety of habitats, including marshlands, woodlands, and wetlands, it is a paradise for bird watchers.
The region is home to over 250 species of birds, including some rare species that can be found in no other part of the world. Lleida is teeming with bird life, from the majestic raptors soaring high in the sky to the delicate warblers flitting through the trees.
Lleida has something to offer you whether you are a novice or an experienced birdwatcher. From the impressive Montsec mountain range to the wetlands of the Ebro Delta, this region of Spain is a haven for birds of all shapes and sizes.
5 Birds to Watch in Lleida
Lleida is a province in Catalonia, Spain that offers a rich diversity of birdlife. From the dry steppes to the wetlands, from the mountains to the plains, you can find over 250 species of birds in Lleida, including some rare and endangered ones.
Here are five birds that you should not miss if you visit Lleida.
1. Thekla’s Lark
The Thekla lark, also known as Thekla’s lark, is a species found in many habitats across the Iberian Peninsula and northern and sub-Saharan Africa. It is a sedentary species, meaning it does not migrate and typically stays in the same area throughout the year.
The Thekla lark is a common bird of dry open country, often found in more elevated locations. It is a ground-nesting species, preferring to build its nest directly on the ground instead of in trees or shrubs.
Its diet consists mainly of insects and other invertebrates, with some seeds or grains also being eaten. The Thekla lark is an essential species that helps maintain a healthy ecosystem in its range, as it is an important food source for predators, such as birds of prey.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Alaudidae |
| Genus | Galerida |
| Species | G. theklae |
2. Black-bellied Sandgrouse
The black-bellied sandgrouse is a species of bird that belongs to the sandgrouse family. It has two distinct forms, the nominate race, and the eastern form, found in different parts of the world.
The nominate race is found in Iberia, northwest Africa, the Canary Islands, Turkey, Iran, Cyprus, and Israel. On the other hand, the eastern form, scientifically known as P. o.
Irenaeus is found in Kazakhstan, western China, and northern Pakistan. The black-bellied sandgrouse is usually medium-large and is characterized by its distinctive black belly.
Its habitats usually include dry, open plains and stony steppes, where it feeds on plant material, grasses, and seeds.
Breeding usually occurs in the spring and summer months, and the female typically lays two to four eggs in a shallow scrape on the ground. The black-bellied sandgrouse is listed as a species of most minor concern by the IUCN, as its population is believed to be stable and widespread.
Despite this, the species is still vulnerable to habitat destruction, hunting, and poisoning, and therefore requires conservation efforts to ensure its survival in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pterocliformes |
| Family | Pteroclidae |
| Genus | Pterocles |
| Species | P. orientalis |
3. Greater Short-toed Lark
The greater short-toed lark is a small passerine bird scientifically known by its Ancient Greek name of Calandrella brachydactyly. The genus Calandrella derives from the word kalandros, a Greek name for the Calandra lark.
The species name, brachydactyly, is derived from the Ancient Greek words brakes, which means “short”, and daktulos, which means “toe”. This is due to the shorter toes that the greater short-toed lark has compared to other larks.
The greater short-toed lark is found in Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia and is typically found on arid land or open grassland, where they can find food to eat. They mainly feed on seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates.
They are typically seen in flocks of up to 20 birds and are often perched on low vegetation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Alaudidae |
| Genus | Calandrella |
| Species | C. brachydactyla |
4. Mediterranean Short-toed Lark
The Mediterranean short-toed lark is a small passerine bird that inhabits the Mediterranean Basin.
It is a widespread species with an extensive range that stretches from the Canary Islands in the north to the Iberian Peninsula and throughout North Africa and parts of the Middle East in the east.
This ground-dwelling bird prefers dry, open habitats, such as steppes, grasslands, and scrublands. It feeds mainly on insects but also eats seeds and grains. It is an active forager, often seen on the ground, searching for food.
During breeding, the male will display and sing from a perch, typically on a low bush or fence. The nest is a cup-shaped structure made of grass and other plant material and is usually built on the ground or in a shallow depression.
The female will lay two to four eggs, which are incubated for around two weeks. The parents feed the chicks for around a month before they are ready to leave the nest and begin to forage on their own.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Alaudidae |
| Genus | Alaudala |
| Species | A. rufescens |
5. Red-necked Nightjar
The red-necked nightjar is a species of nightjar native to Europe. It is the largest nightjar in Europe, distinguished by its reddish neck and throat.
This species breeds in Iberia and North Africa during the summer months and migrates south to tropical West Africa for the winter. Its migration pattern allows the species to follow food availability and avoid the cold winter months.
The red-necked nightjar is a nocturnal species most active around dawn and dusk. It can often be found perched on branches or the ground, waiting to catch passing insects.
This species is an integral part of the ecosystem, as it helps to control the insect population.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. ruficollis |
Conclusion
Birds in Lleida are an important part of the local ecosystem, providing essential ecological services such as pest control and pollination.
They also contribute to the beauty of the local landscape and significantly contribute to the local economy through bird-watching and related activities.
With the increasing pressures of human activities on the environment, it is essential to protect the habitats of birds in Lleida to ensure their conservation for future generations.