Aiguestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park

Birds

Aigüestortes is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with its diverse landscapes providing ideal habitats for a wide range of bird species. From soaring raptors to small songbirds, these birds contribute to the park’s vibrant ecosystem.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of the top predators in the park, the golden eagle soars over mountain peaks in search of prey such as rabbits, marmots, and even young chamois. Its sharp talons and keen eyesight make it a formidable hunter.

Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)
These large, social scavengers are commonly seen gliding over the park’s cliffs. They help clean up the ecosystem by feeding on carrion, playing a crucial role in nature’s recycling process.

Western Bonelli’s Warbler (Phylloscopus bonelli)
A small, inconspicuous songbird, the Bonelli’s warbler is a summer visitor to the park’s woodlands. It has a melodious call and primarily feeds on insects.

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
With its striking black plumage and bright red crown, this large woodpecker is easy to recognize. It uses its powerful beak to drill into tree trunks in search of insects.

Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria)
A unique and striking bird, the wallcreeper has bright red and gray wings and is often seen scaling sheer rock faces in search of insects.

White-winged Snowfinch (Montifringilla nivalis)
This high-altitude bird is well adapted to life in the mountains. Its white and brown plumage provides excellent camouflage among the rocks and snow.

Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum)
The smallest owl in Europe, this tiny predator is active during the day and preys on small birds and mammals. It often perches motionless, blending into tree bark.

Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)
Known for its unusual crossed bill, which helps it extract seeds from pine cones, this finch-like bird is frequently seen in the park’s coniferous forests.

Alpine Accentor (Prunella collaris)
This mountain-dwelling bird is often spotted at high elevations. It has a subtle brown and gray plumage with a distinctive orange-tinged breast.

Eurasian Dipper (Cinclus cinclus)
Often seen along mountain streams, the dipper is a fascinating bird that dives underwater to catch insects and small fish. Its ability to walk along the riverbed sets it apart from other songbirds.

Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park is a haven for wildlife, offering a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the Pyrenees. Whether trekking through alpine meadows or scanning the skies for raptors, visitors are sure to encounter some of these remarkable species.

Nestled in the Spanish Pyrenees, Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park is a pristine alpine landscape with rugged peaks, glacial lakes, and dense forests. The park is home to a variety of fascinating wildlife, from elusive predators to sturdy herbivores that thrive in its mountainous terrain.

Pyrenean Chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica)
This agile mountain goat is a common sight in the park, expertly navigating steep rocky slopes. It has a slender body with short, curved horns and thick fur that changes color with the seasons—reddish-brown in summer and darker in winter.

Iberian Ibex (Capra pyrenaica)
Another skilled climber, the Iberian ibex is known for its large, curved horns and sturdy build. Males have particularly impressive, spiral-shaped horns, while females have smaller, less pronounced ones. They graze on grasses and shrubs found in the park’s higher elevations.

Eurasian Brown Bear (Ursus arctos arctos)
Although rare, some brown bears roam the Pyrenees, including areas near the park. These large mammals are primarily nocturnal and feed on a mix of berries, insects, and small mammals.

European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
This small, reddish-brown deer is commonly seen in the park’s meadows and woodlands. It has short antlers and a distinctive white rump patch. Roe deer are shy and often flee at the first sign of human presence.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
One of the most adaptable predators in the park, the red fox hunts small mammals and birds and scavenges for food. With its bushy tail and keen senses, it thrives in the diverse habitats of Aigüestortes.

European Wildcat (Felis silvestris)
Often mistaken for a large domestic cat, the European wildcat has a thicker, striped coat and a bushy, ringed tail. These elusive felines primarily hunt rodents and birds and are rarely seen by visitors.

Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
Although a bird, the capercaillie is worth mentioning due to its size and presence in the park’s dense pine forests. Males are large and dark-feathered with a distinctive fan-shaped tail used during courtship displays.

Alpine Marmot (Marmota marmota)
These burrowing rodents are often seen sunbathing on rocky outcrops. They emit high-pitched warning whistles when danger approaches and hibernate during the harsh Pyrenean winters.

European Badger (Meles meles)
This nocturnal mammal is recognized by its black-and-white striped face. It digs extensive underground burrow systems and forages for insects, fruits, and small animals.

Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)
This massive scavenger, also known as the lammergeier, specializes in feeding on bones. Its striking appearance, with a wingspan of nearly 3 meters and orange-tinged feathers, makes it a spectacular sight in the park’s rugged cliffs.