SONG OF THE SKY:
The 18 essential bird species in Las Villuercas
1. GOLDEN EAGLE (Aquila chrysaetos)
Symbol of majesty, the golden eagle rules the skies of Las Villuercas. With a wingspan that can reach up to 2 meters, its golden and chestnut plumage is a dazzling spectacle in the sun. It can be spotted in mountainous areas, where it hunts everything from small mammals to reptiles and other birds.
2. EURASIAN GRIFFON VULTURE (Gyps fulvus)
Its wingspan up to 2.65 meters and its light plumage make this bird unique. The griffon vulture feeds on carrion and can be found soaring over the high peaks of the Villuercas in search of food.
3. BLACK STORK (Ciconia nigra)
This elegant migratory bird is notable for its black plumage which contrasts with its long and pointed red beak. During the summer, they usually nest on high cliffs and trees, feeding primarily on fish, amphibians, and small mammals.
4. EUROPEAN BEE-EATER (Merops apiaster)
Its multicolored plumage and acrobatic flight make this species to watch when flying. Bee-eaters are common in the vast skies of the Villuercas, where they hunt bees and other flying insects.
5. EGYPTIAN VULTURE (Neophron percnopterus)
It is easily recognizable by its pale yellow bare head and neck. . Its nesting on high cliffs and its diet, mainly composed of carrion and waste, make this vulture a familiar figure in the Villuercas.
6. ALCEDO (Alcedo atthis)
With its bright blue and orange plumage, the Alcedo is a flying jewel. They are commonly seen on the banks of rivers, diving into the water to hunt fish and small aquatic invertebrates.
7. LESSER KESTREL (Falco naumanni)
This small falcon often appears on the cliffs and buildings of the Villuercas. Its bluish-gray plumage with black spots is a perfect camouflage in this environment. This bird mainly feeds on small mammals and insects. Something curious about this species is its preference for nesting in colonies, unlike many other falcons that are more solitary.
8. LITTLE OWL (Athene noctua)
This small owl distinguishes itself by its intense yellow eyes and its soft, melodious call that can be heard at dusk. Its habitat varies from open fields to forest edges. It feeds on a variety of prey, including rodents, insects, and worms.
9. EURASIAN GOSHAWK (Accipiter gentilis)
This robust bird of prey is recognizable by its grey back and barred chest. Despite its size and imposing appearance, the goshawk is incredibly agile in flight, especially in wooded areas. Its diet consists mainly of small mammals and birds.
10. WHITE-THROATED DIPPER (Cinclus cinclus)
Despite its name, this bird bears no resemblance to the common blackbird. Its plumage is a dark grey color, and its distinctive call can be an indication of its presence near the rivers and streams of the Villuercas. They are excellent divers, capable of plunging into the water in search of aquatic invertebrates.
11. EURASIAN JAY (Garrulus glandarius)
Famous for their piercing shriek and vibrant plumage, jays are omnivorous birds, feeding on fruits, insects, eggs, and nestlings of other birds. An interesting fact is their ability to collect and store acorns for the winter, inadvertently contributing to the spread of oak trees.
12. GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER (Dendrocopos major)
This brightly colored woodpecker is known for its habit of drumming on tree trunks in search of insects. Its distinctive call sounds like laughter, hence one of its common names, “laughing bird”.
13. CALANDRIA LARK (Melanocorypha calandra)
This bird is commonly seen in the open fields of Las Villuercas. Its melodious call is a common melody is often heard at both dawn and dusk. Their brown and spotted plumage helps them blend into the environment.
14. ROCK SPARROW (Petronia petronia)
Despite its small size, this bird is often noticed because of its piercing cry. It looks quite similar to a common sparrow, but can be distinguished by its lighter plumage and a small yellow patch on the throat. It inhabits rocky areas, where it feeds on seeds, insects, and fruits.
15. IBERIAN MAGPIE (Cyanopica cooki)
Native to the Iberian Peninsula, this brightly blue-colored bird with a long tail is a sight to behold. They tend to be quite social and noisy. They can easily be seen in open forests and shrubland areas, where they search for insects, fruits, and seeds.
16. HAWFINCH (Coccothraustes coccothraustes)
This robust bird, with its impressively large beak, is known for its ability to crack open the toughest seed shells. The males have bright yellow plumage, while the females are olive-green in color. They can be found in both coniferous and deciduous forests.
17. EUROPEAN GREEN WOODPECKER (Picus viridis)
This medium-sized woodpecker is notable for its green plumage and bright red head. They spend most of their time in trees, where they search for insects beneath the bark. Their call is a loud and distinctive sound that resonates in the forests of Las Villuercas.
18. EUROPEAN TURTLE DOVE (Streptopelia turtur)
With its distinctive “coo” and its soft pinkish-gray plumage, the turtledove is quite familiar in Las Villuercas. They are common in scrubland areas and cultivated fields, where they feed on seeds and grains.