Welcome to Tarragona, a city renowned for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. Here, you can observe a wide variety of birds, from the iconic flamingos of the Ebro Delta to the majestic golden eagles of the Pyrenees.
With its wide array of habitats, ranging from coastal wetlands to mountain forests, Tarragona is home to more than 300 different species of birds, including rare and endemic species such as the Spanish Imperial Eagle, the Cinereous Vulture, and the Black Vulture.
Whether you’re a bird-watcher, a nature enthusiast, or just someone looking to enjoy the beautiful sights of the region, Tarragona is the perfect place to observe some of nature’s most beautiful creatures.
So come explore the wonders of Tarragona’s avian world and make some unforgettable memories.
1. Greater Flamingo
The greater flamingo is a magnificent species of the flamingo family, and it is the most widespread and largest of its kind. It is native to the Old World, where it can be found in many different regions. In Africa, greater flamingos inhabit both Northern and Sub-Saharan areas.
They are also present in the Indian Subcontinent, as well as the Middle East, the Levant, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean countries of Southern Europe. The greater flamingo is a beautiful bird, with a long neck, a curved beak, and pink feathers.
They have a strong preference for shallow lagoons and salt pans, and they can be seen foraging for food in these areas.
They mainly feed on aquatic invertebrates and small aquatic species, such as shrimp, mollusks, and algae. The greater flamingo has a fascinating social structure, and it is known to congregate in large flocks.
These flocks can number up to several thousand birds, and they are often seen wading in the shallow waters to find food.
The greater flamingo is also highly territorial, and they will fiercely protect their nesting sites from intruders. Overall, the greater flamingo is an impressive species, and it is a very important part of many local ecosystems.
It is an important source of food for other species, and it contributes to the overall health of the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Species | P. roseus |
2. Black-headed Gull
The black-headed gull is a small, migratory species of gull that can be found in many parts of the Palearctic region, such as Europe, as well as in coastal eastern Canada.
This species usually migrates to more southern regions during the winter, but some birds have adapted to living in the milder climates of the westernmost areas of Europe.
This adaptation has enabled them to reside in these regions year-round and has allowed them to establish permanent populations.
The black-headed gull is an important species in the Palearctic region, as it serves many ecological roles, such as providing food for other animals and promoting healthy populations of other species in the area.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. ridibundus |
3. Cuculus Canorus
The common cuckoo is a species of bird that belongs to the Cuculiformes order, which is comprised of other species such as roadrunners, anis, and coucals. This species is a migratory bird, meaning it moves between different areas when the seasons change.
It spends its summers in parts of Europe and Asia and travels to Africa in the winter. The common cuckoo is a very adaptable bird, able to adjust to changing environments and climates. Its migratory habits also enable it to search for food year-round.
During the summer months, the common cuckoo can be spotted in forests, meadows, and farmland, where it feeds mainly on insects, worms, and fruit.
In the winter, it can be found in grasslands searching for seeds, berries, and other fruits. The common cuckoo is also a vocal bird, and its signature “cuckoo” call is recognizable to many.
The male’s call is louder and more energetic than the female’s and is used to attract mates and to defend its territory.
The common cuckoo is a solitary bird, and it is usually only seen in pairs during the breeding season. Overall, the common cuckoo is a fascinating species of bird that is well-adapted to its environment.
Its migratory habits make it a successful species, and its unique call makes it a recognizable presence in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | C. canorus |
4. Red-crested Pochard
The red-crested pochard is a species of large diving duck native to Central and South America. It has a reddish-brown head and neck, a white body, and a black tail.
Its scientific name, Netta rufina, comes from the Greek word for “duck” (Netta) and the Latin word for “golden-red” (rufina). This name accurately describes the bird’s distinctive coloring. The red-crested pochard is a popular game bird and is hunted in many areas.
It is also a popular sight in many wetland habitats, as it feeds by diving and swimming underwater. Its diet consists of aquatic plants, fish, mollusks, and insects.
The red-crested pochard is considered to be a near-threatened species due to habitat destruction and hunting pressure.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Netta |
| Species | N. rufina |
5. White-headed Duck
The white-headed duck is a small diving duck that measures approximately 45 cm in length. The male has a distinctive white head with a black crown, a blue bill, and reddish-grey plumage. The female has a dark bill and is a bit duller in coloration.
This species prefers to breed in lakes that have open water as well as dense vegetation along the shoreline. This vegetation provides them with shelter and food, as well as a safe place for their young to hide.
The white-headed duck is considered an endangered species due to the destruction of its natural habitat. Conservation efforts have been made to protect and restore its breeding grounds, helping to ensure its continued existence.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Oxyura |
| Species | O. leucocephala |
6. Black-winged Stilt
The black-winged stilt is a species of wading bird belonging to the avocet and stilt family. It is widely distributed across many parts of the world and is well-known for its very long legs. Its scientific name is H.
himantopus, and it is sometimes referred to as a single, almost cosmopolitan species. This means that it can be found in many different areas and is not restricted to any one region. The black-winged stilt is an elegant bird with a long, slender black-and-white body and wings.
Its legs are extremely long, sometimes measuring up to 32 centimeters in length. This enables it to wade through shallow water and mudflats in search of food.
It mainly feeds on insects, crustaceans, and other small aquatic creatures. The black-winged stilt is usually found in large, shallow wetlands, such as lagoons, marshes, and estuaries. It is an excellent flier and can travel great distances between different habitats.
It is also very social, often forming flocks with other birds of the same species. The black-winged stilt is a beautiful bird, and it plays an important role in its ecosystem. It helps to keep wetland areas clean by scavenging for food, and it helps regulate insect populations.
It is also an indicator species, meaning that its presence or absence can be used to measure the health of a particular habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. himantopus |
7. Red-rumped Swallow
The red-rumped swallow is a species of passerine bird that belongs to the swallow family. This species of bird is found in temperate southern Europe and Asia, ranging from Portugal and Spain in the west to Japan, India, Sri Lanka, and tropical Africa in the east.
In areas such as India and Africa, the red-rumped swallow is a resident species, meaning that they remain in the same area throughout the year.
However, in Europe and other parts of Asia, the red-rumped swallow is a migratory bird, meaning that they travel to other areas to breed and live. This species of bird is known to inhabit open, hilly areas as they are able to find food and shelter in these types of areas.
The red-rumped swallow is an important part of the ecosystem, helping to control the insect population as well as providing a source of food for other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Cecropis |
| Species | C. daurica |
8. Lesser Kestrel
The lesser kestrel is a species of small falcon found in a wide range of habitats across the world. Its breeding range stretches from the Mediterranean in the west to Afghanistan, Central Asia, China, and Mongolia in the East.
It is a summer migrant species, leaving its breeding grounds to winter in Africa, Pakistan, and occasionally India and Iraq. Outside of its breeding range, the lesser kestrel is rare, and its population in its European range is declining.
This is likely due to habitat loss and degradation, as well as persecution from humans. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the long-term survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Species | F. naumanni |
9. Great Bustard
The great bustard is a species of bird belonging to the bustard family, and it is the last remaining bird of its genus. It is a large bird, with males measuring up to 1.2 meters in length and weighing up to 15 kg.
It is found in various open habitats, such as grasslands and farmland, across a large geographical range. This range stretches from northern Morocco in the west, to parts of Central and East Asia in the east, with populations also found in South and Central Europe.
It prefers to feed on the ground, and its diet consists of insects, seeds, and other vegetation. It is a shy and solitary bird and is listed as endangered or vulnerable in many parts of its range.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect the species, and to ensure that it is not lost forever.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes |
| Family | Otididae |
| Genus | Otis |
| Species | O. tarda |
Conclusion
Tarragona is a great destination for bird watching, as it offers a variety of unique species and habitats to explore. Birders of all levels can find something to appreciate here, whether it’s a rare find or simply a beautiful view.
With its diverse landscapes and varied bird populations, Tarragona is a perfect place to observe birds in their natural habitats.