Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park

Birds

The park is home to a rich variety of seabirds and migratory birds, making it an important sanctuary for avian life. Here are some of the most notable bird species found in the park.

Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)
One of the most common birds in the park, the yellow-legged gull is a large and opportunistic species that thrives in coastal environments. It is often seen scavenging along the shorelines and nesting on cliffs.

Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica)
Though not as common as in other regions, puffins occasionally visit the park’s rocky shores. These small seabirds are instantly recognizable by their colorful beaks and comical, upright stance.

Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)
With a striking white body and black-tipped wings, the northern gannet is one of the largest seabirds in the region. It is known for its spectacular high-speed dives into the ocean to catch fish.

European Storm Petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus)
A tiny seabird with an agile flight, the European storm petrel spends much of its life out at sea, only coming to land for breeding. It is known for its ability to hover just above the water’s surface while feeding.

Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus)
This medium-sized seabird is known for its distinctive gliding flight pattern and nocturnal nesting habits. It migrates vast distances across the Atlantic but returns to the park’s cliffs for breeding.

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
A large black seabird that frequently perches on rocks with its wings spread out to dry. The great cormorant is a proficient diver, using its webbed feet to chase fish underwater.

Balearic Shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus)
This critically endangered seabird migrates through the park’s waters, making conservation efforts in the region crucial for its survival. It is a fast and agile flier, often seen skimming low over the waves.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
A graceful white heron with long black legs and yellow feet, the little egret is often spotted wading in the shallow waters of the park’s estuaries and coastal lagoons.

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
A migratory shorebird with a distinctively long, down-curved bill, the whimbrel is commonly seen foraging along the beaches and rocky shores during its seasonal movements.

Razorbill (Alca torda)
A close relative of the puffin, the razorbill has a striking black-and-white plumage and a thick, blunt beak. It nests in the cliffs of the park’s islands and is an excellent diver, catching fish underwater with ease.

The Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, located off the coast of Galicia, Spain, is a unique marine-terrestrial ecosystem. The park consists of several islands, including Cíes, Ons, Sálvora, and Cortegada, and is known for its diverse marine and terrestrial wildlife. Below are some of the most popular species found in the park.

Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis)
A frequent visitor to the waters surrounding the park, the common dolphin is known for its playful nature and high-speed swimming. They can often be seen in pods, leaping through the waves and riding the bow of boats.

Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Larger than the common dolphin, the bottlenose dolphin is a highly intelligent and social species. These dolphins are often spotted hunting in groups or engaging in acrobatic displays in the park’s waters.

Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
This elusive and shy marine mammal is one of the smallest cetaceans found in the region. Unlike dolphins, they are less likely to leap out of the water, preferring to stay close to the surface in a more discreet manner.

European Shag (Gulosus aristotelis)
A close relative of cormorants, the European shag is a striking seabird with a distinctive greenish-black plumage and a hooked beak. It is a skilled diver, using its webbed feet to propel itself underwater while hunting for fish.

Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus)
Although rare, sightings of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal have been recorded in the park’s waters. These seals are one of the world’s most threatened marine mammals, relying on quiet coastal caves for rest and breeding.

Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)
A master of camouflage, the common octopus is one of the most intelligent invertebrates. Found in the rocky seabed of the park, it uses its ability to change color and texture to evade predators and capture prey.

Spider Crab (Maja brachydactyla)
Recognizable by its spiny shell and long legs, the spider crab is a commercially important species in Galicia. These crabs migrate to deeper waters for breeding but can often be found in the park’s shallow, rocky areas.

European Conger (Conger conger)
This large eel-like fish is a nocturnal predator that hides in crevices and rocky shelters during the day. It is one of the largest eels found in European waters, growing to significant lengths.

Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus)
A highly migratory and powerful fish, the bluefin tuna is a prized species in the Atlantic. It is known for its incredible speed and endurance, as well as its role as a top predator in the marine ecosystem.

John Dory (Zeus faber)
Easily recognizable by its laterally compressed body and large, dark eye-spot on its side, the John Dory is a fascinating fish found in the park’s waters. It is an ambush predator, using its thin body to sneak up on prey before striking.