Garajonay National Park

Birds

Garajonay National Park is a sanctuary for many bird species, especially those adapted to its lush laurel forests. The dense canopy and abundant food sources make it an ideal habitat for several endemic and migratory birds.

Bolle’s Pigeon (Columba bollii)
This endemic pigeon is a symbol of the Canary Islands’ laurel forests. It has a deep purplish-gray plumage and prefers high-altitude woodlands.

Laurel Pigeon (Columba junoniae)
Closely related to Bolle’s pigeon, the laurel pigeon is another endemic species of the Canary Islands, distinguished by its darker plumage and preference for undisturbed forested cliffs.

Canary Islands Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus canariensis)
A small, active songbird with olive-brown feathers and a distinctive, melodious call, this bird is commonly seen flitting through the trees in search of insects.

Blue Chaffinch (Fringilla teydea)
Native to the Canary Islands, the blue chaffinch is a striking species with blue plumage and a strong beak for cracking seeds. It prefers pine and laurel forests.

Berthelot’s Pipit (Anthus berthelotii)
A small, ground-dwelling bird with brown-streaked plumage, this pipit is commonly found in open areas within the park.

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus canariensis)
This resident subspecies of kestrel is often seen hovering over the park’s clearings and cliffs, hunting for small mammals, reptiles, and large insects.

European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
Though widespread in Europe, the European robin is also a common sight in Garajonay, particularly in dense undergrowth where it sings its sweet, warbling song.

African Blue Tit (Cyanistes teneriffae)
A beautifully colored small bird with blue and yellow plumage, this species is an active forager, often found in mixed flocks with other songbirds.

Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
Easily recognizable by its long tail and bright yellow underside, the grey wagtail is often seen near streams and waterfalls in the park.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus granti)
A powerful predator, this subspecies of sparrowhawk specializes in hunting smaller birds within the laurel forests, using its speed and agility to surprise its prey.

Garajonay National Park is a true birdwatcher’s paradise, offering the chance to observe both rare endemic species and more widespread European birds in a stunning natural setting.

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Garajonay National Park, located on La Gomera in Spain’s Canary Islands, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its lush laurel forests, deep ravines, and unique biodiversity. The park’s humid, subtropical ecosystem provides a habitat for a variety of fascinating wildlife, including reptiles and mammals adapted to its misty woodlands and rocky terrain.

Gomeran Lizard (Gallotia gomerana)
A native species of lizard found only on La Gomera, the Gomeran lizard is known for its sturdy body, dark coloration, and quick movements. These reptiles play a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations.

La Gomera Skink (Chalcides coeruleopunctatus)
This elusive skink is well adapted to the forest floor and rocky outcrops. It has a smooth, elongated body with glossy scales and a preference for warm, sheltered areas.

Canary Island Shrew (Crocidura canariensis)
A tiny, nocturnal mammal that inhabits the dense undergrowth, the Canary Island shrew feeds primarily on insects and small invertebrates. It has a keen sense of smell and is essential in maintaining ecological balance.

Barbary Hedgehog (Atelerix algirus)
Although not exclusive to La Gomera, this hedgehog species is frequently spotted in Garajonay’s lowland areas. It has a spiky coat for protection and forages at night for insects and small vertebrates.

European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Introduced to the Canary Islands, the European rabbit thrives in the park’s open clearings. It plays a role in the food chain but is also known for impacting native vegetation.

Canary Island Wall Gecko (Tarentola delalandii)
An agile climber, this gecko is commonly found on tree trunks, rocks, and even buildings. It has large, lidless eyes and is active mainly at night.

Algerian Hedgehog (Erinaceus algirus)
Similar to the Barbary hedgehog, this species is another nocturnal insectivore found in the park. It has a distinctive pointed snout and prefers dry, rocky habitats.

West Canary Lizard (Gallotia galloti gomerae)
A subspecies of the Gallotia lizards, the West Canary lizard is slightly smaller and more adaptable, often found in a variety of habitats within the park.

Moorish Gecko (Tarentola mauritanica)
A robust and widespread gecko species, the Moorish gecko is a nocturnal hunter that thrives in rocky crevices and forested areas.

Canary Islands Bat (Pipistrellus maderensis)
A rare bat species that inhabits caves and tree hollows, it plays a key role in insect population control. This small bat is often seen darting through the twilight in search of prey.

Birds

Garajonay National Park is a sanctuary for many bird species, especially those adapted to its lush laurel forests. The dense canopy and abundant food sources make it an ideal habitat for several endemic and migratory birds.

Bolle’s Pigeon (Columba bollii)
This endemic pigeon is a symbol of the Canary Islands’ laurel forests. It has a deep purplish-gray plumage and prefers high-altitude woodlands.

Laurel Pigeon (Columba junoniae)
Closely related to Bolle’s pigeon, the laurel pigeon is another endemic species of the Canary Islands, distinguished by its darker plumage and preference for undisturbed forested cliffs.

Canary Islands Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus canariensis)
A small, active songbird with olive-brown feathers and a distinctive, melodious call, this bird is commonly seen flitting through the trees in search of insects.

Blue Chaffinch (Fringilla teydea)
Native to the Canary Islands, the blue chaffinch is a striking species with blue plumage and a strong beak for cracking seeds. It prefers pine and laurel forests.

Berthelot’s Pipit (Anthus berthelotii)
A small, ground-dwelling bird with brown-streaked plumage, this pipit is commonly found in open areas within the park.

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus canariensis)
This resident subspecies of kestrel is often seen hovering over the park’s clearings and cliffs, hunting for small mammals, reptiles, and large insects.

European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
Though widespread in Europe, the European robin is also a common sight in Garajonay, particularly in dense undergrowth where it sings its sweet, warbling song.

African Blue Tit (Cyanistes teneriffae)
A beautifully colored small bird with blue and yellow plumage, this species is an active forager, often found in mixed flocks with other songbirds.

Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
Easily recognizable by its long tail and bright yellow underside, the grey wagtail is often seen near streams and waterfalls in the park.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus granti)
A powerful predator, this subspecies of sparrowhawk specializes in hunting smaller birds within the laurel forests, using its speed and agility to surprise its prey.

Garajonay National Park is a true birdwatcher’s paradise, offering the chance to observe both rare endemic species and more widespread European birds in a stunning natural setting.