Portugal is a beautiful and diverse country located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. Its mild climate and diverse landscapes make it a hub for migratory birds from all over the world.
Portugal is home to an abundance of bird species, and birdwatching is a popular activity for nature lovers and tourists alike. From the Atlantic coast to the lush forests of the interior, Portugal hosts an impressive variety of species throughout the year.
Whether you are an experienced birdwatcher or a beginner, Portugal offers a unique and rewarding experience to all.
This article will explore the various bird species found in Portugal and the best places to observe them.
1. Bustard
Bustards are large, terrestrial birds that inhabit dry grassland areas and the steppes of the Old World. They range from 40-150 cm in length and belong to the family Otididae.
Bustards have an omnivorous diet consisting of leaves, buds, seeds, fruit as well as small vertebrates and invertebrates.
These birds usually live a solitary life but can be seen gathering around water sources or food during certain times of year such as mating season.
Due to their large size they are vulnerable to predation by foxes or other animals which is why they tend to remain alert at all times.
When in open spaces while relying on camouflage for protection against predators when out in tall vegetation coverings.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Otidimorphae |
| Order | Otidiformes Wagler, 1830 |
| Family | Otididae Rafinesque, 1815 |
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2. Shorebirds
Shorebirds, a diverse group of birds in the Charadriiformes order, are found near water on every continent except Antarctica.
These small to medium-sized birds feed mainly on invertebrates and other small animals but can also be pelagic seabirds or inhabit deserts.
Shorebirds use their long bills to probe mudflats for food like worms and mollusks while some species plunge into the ocean’s depths in search of crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp.
They have strong legs equipped with webbed feet which allow them to move quickly when searching for prey across wetlands, sandbars, beaches and swamps.
Their feathers make them well adapted to life by land or sea due to its hydrophobic nature which helps reduce drag during swimming or flying through windy conditions making it easier for shorebirds survive tough environments around the world.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Infraclass | Neognathae |
| Clade | Neoaves |
| Clade | Gruimorphae |
| Order | Charadriiformes Huxley, 1867 |
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3. Collared Pratincole
The Collared Pratincole is a small wader bird native to the Old World. It has distinctive long wings that are reddish-brown in color and have white tips, which give it its name.
Its body is mostly dark brown with some lighter spots along its back and sides. The bill of this species is short and pointed, making it a specialist for eating insects from mudflats or shallow waters.
During breeding season, they form loud flocks that can be heard from miles away when calling out their distinct song; during non-breeding time they disperse into smaller groups while searching for food sources in drier regions such as grasslands or fields.
This species relies heavily on open habitats where there are plenty of places to hunt for food throughout the year.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Glareolidae |
| Genus | Glareola |
| Species | G. pratincola |
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4. Great Skua
The Great Skua is a large sea bird belonging to the family Stercorariidae, found in areas such as Faroe Islands and Iceland.
It has a size similar to that of herring gulls, with its diet consisting mainly of fish caught at the surface or taken from other birds.
This species was first described by Danish zoologist Morten Thrane Brünnich in 1764 under the name Cath.
They are powerful predators who will sometimes use mobbing tactics against larger prey like gannets and eiders until they give up their catch.
These birds mate for life but may build nests near colonies if there aren’t enough suitable territories available on their own island range.
Although these skuas might seem intimidating due to their fierce nature when protecting young, they can be quite timid around humans so should not be approached too closely.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Stercorariidae |
| Genus | Stercorarius |
| Species | S. skua |
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5. Bar-Tailed Godwit
The bar-tailed godwit is a remarkable bird, both in its appearance and behavior. Its striking red breeding plumage stands out amongst the typical browns of other waders.
Long legs help it traverse coastal mudflats and estuaries where it forages on bristle-worms and shellfish.
It has an upturned bill that gives it further distinction from other shorebirds.
Bar-tailed godwits breed on Arctic coasts stretching all the way to Alaska during summer months before migrating south towards warmer temperate or tropical regions for wintering each year – quite incredible.
Despite their long migratory journeys they are still considered a common species due to large numbers making these arduous trips annually, although some populations have experienced declines recently.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Limosa |
| Species | L. lapponica |
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6. Eurasian Collared Dove
The Eurasian collared dove is a species of bird native to Europe and Asia, with its range expanding through introduction in Japan, North America, and islands in the Caribbean.
It has become so widespread that it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The scientific name for this bird was proposed by Hungarian naturalist Imre Frivaldsz – Columba decaocto.
This beautiful creature typically measures between 33-37 cm from tip to tail feathers, displaying an overall greyish brown plumage; they also have distinctive black half collar around their neck which gives them their common name.
These birds are mainly found inhabiting open woodlands or agricultural lands near human settlements where there’s plenty of food available such as grain fields or gardens where fruits can be eaten off trees.
With a vast global population trend increasing steadily each year these birds make great additions to many backyards throughout the world.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. decaocto |
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7. Little Ringed Plover
The Little ringed plover is a small species of bird from the genus Charadrius. It has been given its scientific name due to an uncertain origin and yellowish colouring, which was first noted in the fourth century Vulgate Bible.
Native to river valleys across Europe and parts of Asia, this wader prefers areas with soft ground where it can feed on insects or worms.
Its plumage consists mainly of brown tones but during breeding season males will develop a black breast band for courtship displays.
These birds construct shallow nests near waterbodies using pebbles found nearby as well as vegetation such as grasses and mosses to provide camouflage from predators.
The female typically lays three eggs at one time that are incubated by both parents until they hatch after around three weeks before fledging shortly afterwards.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. dubius |
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8. Common Ringed Plover
The Common Ringed Plover is a small migratory bird found in Arctic Eurasia. It has yellowish feathers and its Latin name, Charadrius hiaticula, means ‘bird of ravines’.
This species breeds on beaches and tundra during northern summer months before flying south when winter arrives.
Its diet consists mostly of insects which it catches by running along the shoreline or through shallow water with wings spread open to create a shadow that helps catch prey.
The common ringed plover nests in short grasses near water’s edge where they lay two eggs per clutch which hatch within three weeks.
These birds are highly territorial so will often defend their patch fiercely against competitors.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. hiaticula |
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9. Gull-Billed Tern
The Gull-billed Tern is a species of seabird from the Laridae family. It has an extensive range, breeding in parts of Europe, Asia, Northwest Africa and North America.
It was formally described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789 as Sterna nilotica before being reclassified to Gelochelidon nilotica.
The Australian subspecies was previously considered separate but now included with this species.
They are quite small birds measuring around 24 cm long with greyish brown upperparts throughout their body and white underneaths along with black legs and feet.
Their head also features a distinctive yellow bill which they use to hunt for fish on rivers or coasts near shallow waters where they tend to nest during summer months on ground level instead of trees like other terns do usually.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Gelochelidon |
| Species | G. nilotica |
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10. Eurasian Spoonbill
The Eurasian spoonbill is a unique and remarkable wading bird, belonging to the ibis and spoonbill family. It has an unmistakable bill which is broad in shape, giving it its Latin name Platalea “broad”.
Its scientific name ‘leucorodia’ comes from Ancient Greek meaning literally ‘white heron’ due to its predominantly white plumage.
In England this beautiful bird was traditionally known as the ‘shoveler’ because of its distinctive beak.
This rare species can often be found near wetlands or coastal areas where they feed on fish, crustaceans, insects and aquatic invertebrates.
The Eurasian Spoonbill is truly an incredible creature that deserves our protection.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Platalea |
| Species | P. leucorodia |
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11. White Stork
The White Stork is a majestic bird found in Europe, with white plumage and black wings. It has long slender legs and beaks that are usually bright red in color.
The average adult stands around 100 – 115 cm tall from beak to tail tip, while its wing span can reach up to 155-215 cm wide. There are two subspecies of the White Stork which differ slightly by size.
They feed on small animals such as frogs, fish or insects and nest near human dwellings due to the abundance of food available there; they also build nests atop chimneys or roofs when given the chance.
These birds have been revered for centuries as symbols of fertility because their return each spring often coincides with an increase in births among humans living nearby – something superstitious people take great note of.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae |
| Genus | Ciconia |
| Species | C. ciconia |
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12. Little Owl
The Little Owl is a fascinating bird that inhabits much of the temperate and warmer parts of Europe, East Asia and North Africa. It’s also known as the “Owl of Athena” or “Owl of Minerva”.
This species was introduced to Britain in late 19th century and New Zealand’s South Island during early 20th century.
They belong to Strigidae family which are true owls with small bodies but large heads along with big eyes that helps them spot prey at night.
These birds feed on insects, earthworms, rodents like mice etc., making them beneficial for controlling pests around agricultural lands.
Besides these benefits they have become an important part in folklore associated with wisdom and knowledge over years due their silent presence near human dwellings after dark hours.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Athene |
| Species | A. noctua |
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13. European Goldfinch
The European Goldfinch is a small passerine bird belonging to the finch family. It inhabits Europe, North Africa, western and central Asia but has been introduced in other places such as Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay.
The breeding male of this species can be easily identified by its red face with black markings around the eyes and black-and-white head.
Its back and flanks are buff or yellowish in color while it has white underparts which contrast well with its dark wings edged in white feathers.
This bird feeds on grains from plants like millet or sunflower seeds along with insects occasionally when available during summer months for food source.
In winter they flock together near sources of water where they find their food among weeds growing there at that time of year.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily | Carduelinae |
| Genus | Carduelis |
| Species | C. carduelis |
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14. Red Kite
The Red Kite is a magnificent bird of prey, belonging to the family Accipitridae. It can be found in western Europe and northwest Africa where it breeds, while also occurring occasionally in northern Iran.
These birds are medium-large size with wingspans ranging from 125 – 170 cm wide. They have reddish brown plumage on their upperparts and pale gray underneath.
The Red Kite feeds mainly on small mammals, carrion and insects which they hunt for by soaring through the air using thermals to gain altitude before diving down onto its prey.
Furthermore, this species has adapted well to human presence since it often scavenges near roadsides or rubbish dumps as an easy source of food.
All things considered, these majestic creatures make up a beautiful part of our natural environment that should definitely not go unnoticed.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Milvus |
| Species | M. milvus |
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15. Eurasian Wryneck
The Eurasian Wryneck is a species of woodpecker found in temperate regions of Europe and Asia. They breed during the summer months, but migrate south to tropical Africa or southern Asia for winter.
These birds are quite adaptable when it comes to their habitat, as they can be seen in open countryside, woodland, orchards and gardens alike.
To identify them you should look out for their distinctive brownish-grey feathers with black bars on the wings and tail; males also have red markings around their neck too.
Their diet consists mainly of insects which they find by probing into loose bark on trees or digging through soil with its sharp bill.
All in all an amazing bird that deserves more attention.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Jynx |
| Species | J. torquilla |
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16. Common Blackbird
The Common Blackbird is a species of true thrush with the scientific name Turdus merula. Found in Europe, Asiatic Russia and North Africa it has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand.
The male bird has glossy black plumage while the female’s coloration is more brownish gray.
It is known for its melodious song that can be heard throughout much of the year; typically they are seen alone or in pairs but occasionally form large flocks when food sources become available or during migration periods.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, worms, berries and other fruits as well as some human-provided foods such as bread crumbs or garbage scraps when available.
With its wide distribution range along with ease of adaptation to different habitats this species will likely remain one our most common birds around us.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. merula |
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17. Dunnock
The Dunnock, also known as the Hedge Accentor, Hedge Sparrow and Hedge Warbler, is a small passerine bird found in temperate climates of Europe and Asia.
It has even been successfully introduced to New Zealand. The Dunnock stands out amongst its family members as it can thrive in many different habitats beyond just mountainous areas – making it more widespread than other birds of its kind.
With greyish-brown upper parts and whitish underparts with brown streaks on them; they are easily distinguished from their fellow species by their distinctive saucy call.
Often seen searching for food on the ground or darting around bushes looking for insects and worms; these lively little birds make an attractive addition to any garden or parkland setting.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Prunellidae |
| Genus | Prunella |
| Species | P. modularis |
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18. Common Chaffinch
The Common Chaffinch is a beautifully coloured small passerine bird belonging to the finch family.
The males have striking blue-grey caps and rust-red underparts, while the females are more subtle in their colouring but both possess two distinct white wing bars and white sides on their tails.
This gorgeous bird has an incredibly strong voice which can be heard for miles as it sings from exposed perches during mating season.
It lives mainly throughout Europe but also in parts of North Africa and Asia too, favouring woodland areas with plenty of shrubs or trees nearby where they find shelter amongst foliage when needed.
They feed predominantly on seeds from weeds or grains found within grasslands making them particularly useful birds for farmers who rely heavily upon pest control that these little ones provide.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily | Fringillinae |
| Genus | Fringilla |
| Species | F. coelebs |
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19. Black-Headed Gull
The Black-headed Gull is a small, migratory bird found in much of the Palearctic. It breeds mainly in Europe and coastal eastern Canada but can also be found further west in milder areas.
In North America it’s known as the Common Black-headed Gull.
Its plumage consists of grey on top with white underneath, while its head has a distinctive black cap during breeding season which fades to brown outside of this period.
They are often seen by coastlines or near inland waters where they feed off fish, insects and crustaceans caught either from the surface or underwater depending on their preference at that time.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. ridibundus |
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20. Parasitic Jaeger
The Parasitic Jaeger is a migratory bird that breeds in cold climates of Northern Scandinavia, Scotland, Iceland, Greenland and parts of Canada, Alaska and Siberia.
During the breeding season it feeds primarily on kleptoparasitism – stealing food from other birds.
In winter they migrate to warmer regions across the southern hemisphere where they feed mainly by scavenging off fish or carrion left behind by fishing boats or whales.
This species is easily identified by its brownish-gray plumage with white patches on its wings and tail feathers as well as yellow eyes which are quite distinctive among skuas.
The parasitic jaeger has adapted to many different habitats ranging from coastal areas to inland lakes making them an interesting species to watch out for while exploring nature.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Stercorariidae |
| Genus | Stercorarius |
| Species | S. parasiticus |
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21. Little Bustard
The Little Bustard (Tetrax tetrax) is a bird belonging to the bustard family. It can be found in Southern Europe and Western/Central Asia, with some populations migrating south during wintertime.
This species has an ancient Greek genus name meaning ‘gamebird’, which was mentioned by Aristophanes and other authors of antiquity.
Physically, this bird features mottled feathers that range from greyish-brown on its upperparts to light sandy colors underneath.
Moreover, it also showcases black stripes above each eye as well as dark barring on its wings and tailfeathers.
The little bustard typically feeds off insects while walking or running through open plains but will occasionally nest near cultivated fields too.
All things considered, we should definitely appreciate these birds for their beauty and resilience.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes |
| Family | Otididae |
| Genus | Tetrax T. Forster, 1817 |
| Species | T. tetrax |
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22. Whiskered Tern
The whiskered tern (Chlidonias hybrida) is a small, graceful bird belonging to the family Laridae, which includes gulls, terns, and skimmers.
This bird is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and Africa, where it breeds in colonies in freshwater marshes, ponds, and lakeshores.
The whiskered tern has a distinctive appearance, resembling a swallow, with a short, forked tail, black cap, and white cheeks.
One of the most distinctive features of the whiskered tern is its bill, which is strong and pointed. This adaptation allows it to catch insects and small fish, which make up the bulk of its diet.
During the breeding season, the whiskered tern’s bill and legs turn bright red, adding to its striking appearance.
The whiskered tern is a highly adaptable bird, and as such, it is found in various races across its range. For example, in Europe, it breeds mainly in western and southern countries, while in Asia, it breeds from the Middle East to the Russian Far East.
The whiskered tern is also a migrant bird, with populations wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Breeding season for the whiskered tern is between May and August, and the birds form colonies with hundreds or thousands of individuals. They build their nests on floating vegetation or on the ground, and both sexes share incubation duties.
The chicks hatch after about three weeks, and the parents feed them insects and small fish until they are ready to fly after about three more weeks.
Although the whiskered tern is not considered threatened, its populations have declined in some areas, primarily due to habitat loss and degradation.
The destruction of wetlands, pollution, and changes in water levels and quality have all had an impact on the bird’s breeding and feeding grounds.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chlidonias |
| Species | C. hybrida |
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23. Black-Necked Grebe
The Black-necked Grebe is a beautiful water bird belonging to the grebe family. It has an ochre coloured plumage with distinctive features which include extending behind its eyes and over its ear coverts.
The upper parts of this species are black, while their underparts and neck are white in colour.
During breeding season, males develop a dark grey crown on top of their head along with bright yellow facial stripes that run from the beak down to it’s chest area.
These birds feed mainly by diving underwater for insects, crustaceans, larvae, molluscs as well as small fish that they find in shallow waters or wetlands near freshwater lakes or streams.
They can often be spotted swimming alone but during winter months gather together creating large flocks due to mating activity taking place at these times.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. nigricollis |
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24. Spanish Imperial Eagle
The Spanish imperial eagle is a majestic species of bird native to the Iberian Peninsula. Also known as Adalbert’s Eagle, it was named after Prince Adalbert of Bavaria and can be identified by its distinct white-shouldered “epaulettes”.
This stunning raptor typically features dark brown plumage with light golden feathers on their chest and wings, along with bright yellow eyes and legs.
Measuring up to 75 cm in length with a wingspan of around 1.8 m, these birds are powerful predators equipped for hunting small mammals or carrion found within their forest habitat.
Although formerly considered a subspecies of the Golden eagle due to similarities in size and appearance, research has since proven that this unique species deserves full recognition on its own merits.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Aquila |
| Species | A. adalberti |
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25. Glossy Ibis
The Glossy Ibis is a water bird that belongs to the family Threskiornithidae. It has an unique bill in the shape of a sickle, which gave it its scientific name – Plegadis falcinellus.
It can be found widely across Europe, Asia and Africa, with scattered nesting sites in warm regions.
Its feathers are black-brown on top and chestnut brown from below; their wings have glossy greenish-purple sheen when seen from afar.
They mainly feed on small insects like grasshoppers, spiders or earthworms as well as crustaceans or amphibians caught while wading through shallow waters.
During breeding season they also consume plant material such as rice grains or corn kernels provided by humans near habitat areas where they nest.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Plegadis |
| Species | P. falcinellus |
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26. Slender-Billed Gull
The Slender-billed Gull is a medium sized, migratory bird. It breeds in coastal lagoons and islands around the Mediterranean Sea and North Indian Ocean regions such as Pakistan.
During winter it travels further south to areas like Africa and India, but some individuals have been known to wander off towards western Europe too.
Its long slender bill gives this species its name; an unmistakable feature for identifying these birds among other gulls.
They are generally greyish-brown or white with black wingtips when seen from afar; although up close you can also make out their yellow legs and beak which contrasts nicely against its colouration.
Despite being classified as Least Concern by IUCN they still suffer threats of habitat destruction due to development projects that target their nesting sites along coastlines.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. genei |
27. Western Swamphen
The Western Swamphen is a species of swamphen belonging to the Rallidae family. It has an impressive appearance: its bright plumage, long legs and large red bill make it easily recognizable.
Its French name ‘talève sultane’ gives it the nickname of ‘Sultana Bird’. It is typically chicken-sized but can be slightly larger in some areas.
The Western Swamphen’s diet consists mainly of aquatic vegetation such as pondweeds, watercress and rushes, along with small invertebrates like snails, insects and larvae.
Breeding usually occurs between spring and summer when mating pairs construct nests made from reed stems near shallow waters or marshlands which they defend fiercely against intruders.
The male also performs courtship displays by raising his feathers while bobbing up and down in front of potential mates to attract them into their territories for breeding purposes.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Porphyrio |
| Species | P. porphyrio |
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28. Black-Winged Kite
The Black-winged Kite is a small, diurnal bird of prey in the Accipitridae family. It can be found throughout Palearctic and Afrotropical regions.
This species stands out from other birds of prey due to its unique ability to hover over open grasslands like kestrels do.
Its wings are black with white patches on them while its body has gray feathers, giving it a distinct look from the rest of the accipiters.
The underside is mostly white with some barring near the tail area that helps distinguish this species from others.
They feed mainly on insects but will also eat rodents, lizards and even snakes if they come across one.
Because these birds hunt during daylight hours, their diet changes as time passes by – making them quite adaptive hunters.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Elanus |
| Species | E. caeruleus |
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29. Kentish Plover
The Kentish plover is an elegant shorebird found around the world in coastal areas, saline lakes and lagoons. Both males and females have pale plumages with a white underside, grey/brown back, dark legs and a black bill.
The male birds however feature one extra distinction; they sport chestnut crowns on their heads.
During mating season the males are known to perform elaborate courtship displays – flying up high into the air before diving rapidly towards its partner while singing loudly.
They can be seen nesting among rocks or sand dunes close to water bodies where they use broken shells as building material for their nests.
This species of bird provides many benefits including controlling insect populations near coasts as well as providing food sources for larger predators such as raptors during migration times when prey is scarce.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. alexandrinus |
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30. Sandwich Tern
The Sandwich Tern is a medium-sized tern species belonging to the family Laridae. It has close relationships with four other crested terns, and is known to interbreed with the lesser crested.
These birds are distributed throughout Europe and as far east as Caspian Sea in summer, while they migrate south during winter season up to South Africa and India.
They have long wings which help them fly over vast distances effortlessly.
The plumage of these birds consists mainly of greyish tones on its body combined with white head and neck area; whereas it also sports an orange beak along black markings near their eyes – giving them a distinct look from other related species.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Thalasseus |
| Species | T. sandvicensis |
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31. Grey Plover
The Grey Plover is a large plover bird which breeds in the Arctic regions. It then migrates over long distances, and can be found on coastlines around the world when not breeding.
The species was first described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758 under its binomial name “Tringa squatarola”.
In addition to being known as grey plovers or black-bellied plovers, they are also sometimes referred to as “black-breasted lapwings” due to their distinctive plumage that features white underneath with dark greys above.
These birds inhabit beaches, mudflats and saltmarshes where they feed mainly on small invertebrates such as worms and insects.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. squatarola |
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32. Black-Winged Stilt
The Black-winged Stilt is a wading bird that belongs to the avocet and stilt family. It has very long legs, making it well adapted for standing in shallow water while searching for food like small fish and insects.
Its scientific name Himantopus himantopus can be applied either to one cosmopolitan species or the form found across Europe, Asia and Africa which equals its nominate group.
Generally this species is black on top with an all white underside but it also features red eyes with a thin white ring around each one as well as black wings flecked with white feathers towards the tips of their wings.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. himantopus |
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33. Eurasian Scops Owl
The Eurasian scops owl is a small bird in the Strigidae family. It’s breeding range stretches from southern Europe to Southern Siberia and into western Himalayas.
During winter, it migrates south of the Sahara Desert in Africa. This species was formally described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus back in 1758.
They have ear tufts on their head which are actually feathers used for camouflage among tree branches; they also provide visual communication between other owls nearby – an important part of survival.
The Eurasian Scops Owl typically eats insects such as crickets, beetles and moths found around its habitat.
These birds make sure that our environment stays balanced with nature by keeping insect populations down.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Otus |
| Species | O. scops |
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34. Purple Heron
The Purple Heron is a majestic wading bird from the heron family which can be found in Africa, central and southern Europe, as well as southern and eastern Asia.
It has an impressive wingspan of up to 1.2 meters and its plumage usually ranges from grey-blue to purple on its back with brown streaks on it’s chest.
This species breeds during summer months before migrating for winter habitats where they feed mainly on fish or frogs near wetlands or rivers.
The scientific name Ardea purpureus originates from Latin words meaning ‘heron’ and ‘coloured purple’ respectively – referring to this bird’s beautiful colouration.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. purpurea |
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35. Black Tern
The black tern is a small, yet distinctive bird found in or near inland water habitats throughout Europe, Western Asia and North America.
Its plumage appears darkly coloured from a distance but can shine with an iridescent blue hue up close when breeding season arrives.
It’s name is believed to come from Old English words ‘blue darr’ which references the colour of its feathers in certain lights.
The genus name Chlidonias derives from Greek meaning ‘swallow-like’ due to its similar appearance and behaviour to these birds while fishing for food over shallow waters.
An interesting species, it has made appearances in artwork dating back centuries as well as more recently inspiring music compositions.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chlidonias |
| Species | C. niger |
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36. Hen Harrier
The Hen Harrier is a majestic bird of prey that breeds across Eurasia. It has the distinction of being one of the few birds to hunt free-roaming poultry, hence its name.
During winter months it migrates southwards towards Southern Europe and temperate Asia in search for more favourable climates than what can be found in its northern nesting grounds.
In milder regions like Great Britain and France, these raptors may remain year round where they are often spotted hunting over higher ground areas such as meadows or moorlands.
The hen harrier is an incredible sight with its dark wingspan soaring through the air while searching for small mammals or reptiles on which it feeds upon.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Circus |
| Species | C. cyaneus |
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37. Red-Legged Partridge
The Red-legged Partridge is a small gamebird belonging to the pheasant family. It has an oval shape with its back being light brown and breast grey in color.
Its Latin name, Alectoris rufa, translates as “red farmyard chicken”. These birds are found throughout Europe and parts of western Asia where they inhabit open grasslands or cultivated fields.
They feed primarily on seeds but also consume insects which they find while scratching through soil for food.
The male red-legged partridges are slightly larger than females and have distinctive black patches on their faces along with white spotting across their wings and tail feathers during breeding season.
Despite having no legal protection, these birds remain popular among hunters due to their attractive plumage combined with elusive nature making them challenging prey animals for sporting pursuitsScientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Alectoris |
| Species | A. rufa |
38. Eurasian Griffon Vulture
The Eurasian griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) is an impressive Old World bird of prey. It has a wingspan that can reach up to 4.8 meters and is usually between 93-122 cm in length.
Its body feathers are dark brown with lighter areas on its head, chest and wings while the underside of its tail and flight feathers are white.
This species feeds primarily on carrion but will also scavenge for food when necessary; they have been known to form large groups in order to increase their chances of finding a meal or being able to steal one from another group member.
The Griffon Vulture’s natural habitat ranges across Europe, Asia Minor, North Africa into parts of India as well as some islands off the coast such as Crete and Cyprus.
They nest fairly high up either alone or in small colonies – often using old nests built by other birds like eagles or storks to save time.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Gyps |
| Species | G. fulvus |
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39. Montagu’s Harrier
Montagu’s harrier is a migratory bird of prey belonging to the Harrier family. Named after British naturalist George Montagu, it was first formally described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758 under its binomial name Falco pygargus.
The genus Circus was introduced by French naturalis later on for this species. It has dark brown upper parts and white underside with yellow legs and bill.
During breeding season the male shows grey-blue back while female displays more streaked patterned plumage which helps them camouflage well into grasslands environment where they usually hunt rodents, reptiles and small birds as food source during migration period when they are not restricted to nesting areas only.
They are mostly found in Europe but also occasionally seen over North Africa due to their long distance travelling nature making them an interesting part of wildlife diversity around the world.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Circus |
| Species | C. pygargus |
40. Bonelli’s Eagle
Bonelli’s eagle is a majestic bird of prey, named after the Italian ornithologist and collector Franco Andrea Bonelli. It can be found in parts of Europe, Africa and Asia where it inhabits wooded hillsides or open mountain ranges.
The species has an impressive wingspan that reaches up to 6 feet across. They use their sharp talons to catch small animals such as lizards and rabbits which they hunt from high above the ground.
With its distinctive crestless head, streaked chestnut feathers on its back and white underparts this stunning raptor makes for quite a sight when soaring through the sky.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Aquila |
| Species | A. fasciata |
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41. Short-Toed Snake Eagle
The Short-toed Snake Eagle is a medium sized bird of prey that belongs to the Accipitridae family. It has a wide distribution across Europe, Asia and Africa.
The species name ‘gallicus’ refers to Gallia, which was an ancient region in Western Europe corresponding mostly to what is now France.
This raptor feeds mainly on snakes but also preys upon lizards and small mammals like rodents and bats.
Its diet allows it to thrive even in areas with limited food resources as its main source of nourishment are easily found reptiles.
The short-toed eagle prefers open habitats such as grasslands or steppes where they can hunt more efficiently using their sharp vision combined with agile flight manoeuvres which allow them to quickly snatch up their prey from long distances away.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Circaetus |
| Species | C. gallicus |
42. Little Bittern
The Little Bittern is a wading bird in the heron family, Ardeidae. Its scientific name Ixobrychus minutus comes from Ancient Greek ixias and Latin for “small” respectively.
It breeds across Africa, central and southern Europe, western and southern Asia as well as Madagascar.
The Little bittern has an orange-brown back with streaks of black while its underside is white with dark stripes running down it sides giving it excellent camouflage to hide amongst reeds or tall grasses near shallow water bodies such as wetlands where they search for food like fish, frogs etc..
They are usually very shy birds but during mating season males make loud croaking calls that can be heard up to 400m away.
These beautiful little creatures have sadly been classified by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species due their declining population caused mainly by habitat destruction through agricultural practices or draining of wetland areas which leads to loss if nesting sites putting them at risk.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ixobrychus |
| Species | I. minutus |
43. Red-Necked Nightjar
The Red-necked Nightjar is the largest of all nightjars found in Europe. It breeds in Iberia and North Africa, then migrates to tropical West Africa for wintering.
The bird was named based on an old myth that it can suck milk from goats as its scientific name Caprimulgus derived from Latin words ‘capra’ meaning nanny goat and ‘mulgere’ means to milk.
Furthermore, ruficollis refers to its red neck which comes from the Latin word ‘rufus’ meaning red and collum meaning neck respectively.
This nocturnal species has a greyish color body with black barring across wings while white spots located at their primaries make them easy to identify even during daytime flight activities when they search for food such as insects or fruit bats by hovering few feet above ground level before swoop down on prey.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. ruficollis |
44. European Shag
The European shag, or common shag, is a species of cormorant found in western and southern Europe, southwest Asia and north Africa. It usually winters in its breeding range except for the northernmost birds.
The bird has an unmistakable look with it’s greenish blue feathers on top of its head while having white underparts along with some black stripes over them.
Its long neck helps distinguish it from other cormorants as well as provide great sight while searching for food beneath the sea surface.
This seabird mainly feeds off fish but also eats crustaceans occasionally when available near their nesting grounds which are usually located around rocky coastlines close to open water bodies like seas and oceans.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Gulosus Montagu, 1813 |
| Species | G. aristotelis |
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45. Pallid Swift
The Pallid Swift is a small bird that looks similar to the barn swallow or house martin, but it belongs to an entirely different order of birds.
This similarity in appearance is due to convergent evolution, which reflects their shared lifestyles.
These swifts have very short legs used only for clinging onto vertical surfaces such as walls and trees.
They are mostly found flying over open countryside during migration season and they feed on insects while in flight.
The feathers of this species range from greyish-brown above with white patches along its wings and tail, while beneath the body usually appears pale yellowish-white.
While these birds can be quite noisy when around roosting sites, they tend to remain silent when migrating through areas where humans live.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | A. pallidus |
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46. Lesser Black-Backed Gull
The lesser black-backed gull is a large, migratory bird found along the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America.
During winter months they are commonly spotted along the British Isles to West Africa while in summer many birds can be seen year-round on both east and west coastlines.
In recent years numbers of these birds have risen dramatically with some winters having great abundances present throughout their range.
They measure around 48cm long with wingspans reaching up to 110 cm across when fully grown – making them larger than most other common gull species.
These hardy seabirds feed mainly on small fish, crustaceans, molluscs as well as carrion or scraps from human activities that occur near coastal areas such as fishing ports or refuse dumpsites.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. fuscus |
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47. Eurasian Dotterel
The Eurasian Dotterel is a small wader bird in the plover family. In breeding plumage, it has brown and black streaking with a broad white eye-stripe and an orange-red chest band.
The female is more colourful than the male. It’s surprisingly tame and unsuspecting, often leading to its contemptuous nickname of dotterel.
These birds can be found across Europe up into parts of Asia as well as North America during migration season when they fly south for winter months.
They inhabit open plains or grasslands near water sources such as lakes, rivers or coasts where they feed on insects like beetles, flies, spiders etc., along with some seeds too.
Overall these beautiful little birds are an important part of their environment so let’s appreciate them while we can.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. morinellus |
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48. Little Stint
The Little Stint is an incredibly small wader that can be found in arctic Europe and Asia. During the winter it migrates to Africa and South Asia, but on rare occasions has been known to travel as far as North America and Australia.
The genus name comes from a term used by Aristotle for grey-coloured waterside birds. It’s scientific name “minuta” reflects its minuscule size when compared with other species of bird within this family.
Its feathers are mainly brownish-grey along the neck, chest and back while its belly features white streaks made up of black markings running along them horizontally.
Aside from its size, one of the most impressive traits about these birds is their ability to migrate such long distances every year.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. minuta |
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49. Yellow-Legged Gull
The Yellow-legged Gull is a large bird found mainly in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
It was previously considered to be either a subspecies of the Caspian gull or Herring Gull but has recently been identified as its own species.
The name Larus comes from Latin and likely refers to seabirds in general.
This species has yellow legs, white head with dark eyespots on each side, gray wings with black tips and pinkish legs.
They have curved bills that are yellow at the base which turn red near the tip during breeding season.
These birds feed mainly on fish but also scavenge for food when necessary such as insects, crustaceans etc.. The Yellow-legged Gull can often be seen along coastlines soaring high above fishing boats searching for their next meal.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. michahellis |
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50. European Nightjar
The European nightjar is a nocturnal bird that can be found in Europe, the Palearctic region, Mongolia, and Northwestern China.
It belongs to the nightjar family and is known by several names, including the common goatsucker and Eurasian nightjar.
There are six subspecies of this bird. The nightjar is crepuscular, meaning it is most active during dawn and dusk.
Its Latin generic name comes from an old myth that the bird suckled from goats, causing them to stop giving milk.
The European nightjar is well-adapted to its nocturnal lifestyle with large eyes and wide gape that help it catch flying insects in the dark.
Its plumage is cryptic, blending in with its surroundings, making it difficult to spot. The bird usually nests on the ground, and the male performs aerial displays during breeding season.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. europaeus |
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51. Wood Sandpiper
The wood sandpiper is a small wading bird found in Eurasia. It is the smallest of the shanks, which are mid-sized long-legged waders.
The bird’s scientific name is Tringa glareola, with Tringa being a New Latin name given to the green sandpiper and glareola meaning “shining” or “gleaming.” It is a thrush-sized bird with a white-rumped and tail-bobbing appearance.
Aristotle, an Ancient Greek philosopher, mentioned a similar bird that inspired the genus name Tringa.
The wood sandpiper is a migratory species, breeding in northern Europe and Asia and wintering in Africa, southern Asia, and Australia.
It inhabits marshes, wet meadows, and forest edges, feeding on insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this bird species.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Tringa |
| Species | T. glareola |
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