La Maddalena Archipelago National Park

Birds

La Maddalena Archipelago National Park is a haven for seabirds, raptors, and migratory species, offering an incredible birdwatching experience. Here are some of the most notable avian species found in the park:

Audouin’s Gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii)
This rare and elegant gull, once endangered, is a conservation success story. It has a striking red beak and is often seen resting on rocky shores or soaring over the sea in search of fish.

European Shag (Gulosus aristotelis desmarestii)
A sleek black seabird with a distinctive greenish sheen, the European shag is an expert diver that hunts fish beneath the waves. It nests on steep coastal cliffs and rocky islands.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
One of the fastest birds in the world, the peregrine falcon nests on the park’s rugged cliffs. It hunts smaller birds mid-air, using its incredible speed and precision.

Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala)
This small passerine bird is commonly found in the park’s Mediterranean scrublands. Males have a distinctive black head and red eye-ring, while females are a softer gray-brown color.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
This fish-eating raptor has returned to the archipelago thanks to conservation efforts. It can be seen hovering over the water before plunging in to catch fish with its powerful talons.

Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)
A common but impressive sight, the yellow-legged gull is larger than most other gulls in the region. It often scavenges along the coast and follows fishing boats in search of food.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
This graceful white wading bird is often seen foraging along the park’s shallow coastal waters. It has elegant plumes and a distinctive hunting technique that involves stirring up prey with its feet.

Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea)
A true ocean wanderer, this seabird spends most of its life at sea, only returning to the archipelago’s rocky islands to breed. It glides effortlessly over the waves using dynamic soaring.

Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
A majestic bird of prey, the marsh harrier patrols the coastal wetlands and open landscapes of the park, hunting small mammals and birds with its slow, gliding flight.

European Bee-Eater (Merops apiaster)
One of the most colorful birds in the region, the bee-eater is known for its brilliant plumage and acrobatic hunting style. It catches insects mid-air, often seen in open areas near the park’s scrubland and meadows.

With its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, La Maddalena Archipelago National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Popular

La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, located in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean off the coast of Sardinia, is home to a diverse array of marine and terrestrial wildlife. The park, consisting of over 60 islands and islets, provides a sanctuary for unique and fascinating species. Here are some of the more popular non-avian species found in the park:

Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)
One of the rarest marine mammals in the world, the Mediterranean monk seal occasionally visits the remote beaches and caves of the archipelago. This critically endangered species is characterized by its sleek, dark fur and playful yet elusive nature.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
These large sea turtles are commonly spotted in the waters surrounding the archipelago. They are known for their powerful, strong jaws and their long migrations between feeding and nesting grounds.

Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus & Stenella coeruleoalba)
Both the common bottlenose dolphin and the striped dolphin thrive in the waters of La Maddalena. They can often be seen swimming alongside boats, leaping out of the water, and socializing in pods.

Mediterranean Moray Eel (Muraena helena)
This elongated, snake-like fish hides in rocky crevices and coral reefs, emerging at night to hunt. Despite its fierce appearance, it generally avoids humans unless provoked.

Red Coral (Corallium rubrum)
While not an animal in the traditional sense, red coral is an essential species in the archipelago’s marine ecosystem. It forms vibrant underwater structures that provide shelter for many fish and invertebrates.

Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)
A master of disguise, the common octopus uses its ability to change color and texture to blend into its surroundings. It is an intelligent and curious species often found in rocky seabeds and coral reefs.

Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus)
This large, slow-moving fish is an important predator in the archipelago’s waters. It inhabits rocky reefs and is known for its impressive size and distinctive markings.

European Leaf-Toed Gecko (Euleptes europaea)
A tiny but agile reptile, this gecko is well adapted to the rocky terrain of the islands. It is nocturnal and feeds on small insects found in crevices and under rocks.

Sardinian Brook Salamander (Euproctus platycephalus)
Endemic to Sardinia, this amphibian can be found in freshwater streams and pools on the larger islands. It has a flattened head and is well-adapted to its aquatic environment.

Mediterranean Spiny Lobster (Palinurus elephas)
A prized species among divers and fishermen, this large crustacean is known for its long, spiny antennae and bright red coloration. It hides among rocky crevices and is an important part of the marine food web.

Birds

La Maddalena Archipelago National Park is a haven for seabirds, raptors, and migratory species, offering an incredible birdwatching experience. Here are some of the most notable avian species found in the park:

Audouin’s Gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii)
This rare and elegant gull, once endangered, is a conservation success story. It has a striking red beak and is often seen resting on rocky shores or soaring over the sea in search of fish.

European Shag (Gulosus aristotelis desmarestii)
A sleek black seabird with a distinctive greenish sheen, the European shag is an expert diver that hunts fish beneath the waves. It nests on steep coastal cliffs and rocky islands.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
One of the fastest birds in the world, the peregrine falcon nests on the park’s rugged cliffs. It hunts smaller birds mid-air, using its incredible speed and precision.

Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala)
This small passerine bird is commonly found in the park’s Mediterranean scrublands. Males have a distinctive black head and red eye-ring, while females are a softer gray-brown color.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
This fish-eating raptor has returned to the archipelago thanks to conservation efforts. It can be seen hovering over the water before plunging in to catch fish with its powerful talons.

Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)
A common but impressive sight, the yellow-legged gull is larger than most other gulls in the region. It often scavenges along the coast and follows fishing boats in search of food.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
This graceful white wading bird is often seen foraging along the park’s shallow coastal waters. It has elegant plumes and a distinctive hunting technique that involves stirring up prey with its feet.

Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea)
A true ocean wanderer, this seabird spends most of its life at sea, only returning to the archipelago’s rocky islands to breed. It glides effortlessly over the waves using dynamic soaring.

Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
A majestic bird of prey, the marsh harrier patrols the coastal wetlands and open landscapes of the park, hunting small mammals and birds with its slow, gliding flight.

European Bee-Eater (Merops apiaster)
One of the most colorful birds in the region, the bee-eater is known for its brilliant plumage and acrobatic hunting style. It catches insects mid-air, often seen in open areas near the park’s scrubland and meadows.

With its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, La Maddalena Archipelago National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.