Guadarrama National Park

Birds

Guadarrama National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with its varied landscapes providing a home for many species, including birds of prey, forest dwellers, and high-altitude specialists.

Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti)
A rare and endangered species, the Spanish imperial eagle is a conservation success story, with populations recovering in the park. These large, majestic raptors prey on rabbits, birds, and small mammals.

Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)
One of the most common large birds in the park, the Griffon vulture is a scavenger that plays a vital role in the ecosystem by feeding on carrion. With its impressive wingspan, it soars effortlessly on thermal currents.

Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus)
Slightly less common than the Griffon vulture, the Black vulture is one of the largest birds of prey in Europe. It has dark plumage, a powerful beak, and prefers nesting in old trees or rocky outcrops.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
This iconic bird of prey is a top predator in the park’s mountains and forests. With keen eyesight and powerful talons, it hunts mammals and birds, often spotted soaring high above the peaks.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Known for being the fastest bird in the world, the peregrine falcon inhabits the cliffs and rocky outcrops of the park. It preys on other birds, using spectacular aerial dives to catch them in mid-flight.

European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
This migratory raptor feeds primarily on wasps and bees, using its specialized beak to extract larvae from nests. It is often seen gliding over forests in search of food.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
One of Europe’s largest owls, the Eurasian eagle-owl is a nocturnal predator that hunts small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Its deep, resonant hoot can often be heard at night in the park.

Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)
A unique bird adapted to coniferous forests, the common crossbill has a distinctive beak that allows it to extract seeds from pine cones. Its presence is closely tied to the park’s extensive pine woodlands.

Western Orphean Warbler (Curruca hortensis)
A medium-sized warbler with a melodious song, this species breeds in the park’s scrublands and open woodlands, feeding on insects and berries.

Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia)
Often found in rocky and mountainous areas, the rock bunting has a striking striped head pattern and a melodious song. It is commonly seen foraging on the ground for seeds and insects.

Guadarrama National Park, located in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range of central Spain, is home to a diverse range of wildlife adapted to its rugged terrain, dense forests, and high-altitude conditions. This protected area provides a habitat for various mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, some of which are unique to the Iberian Peninsula.

Iberian Ibex (Capra pyrenaica victoriae)
One of the most emblematic species of the park, the Iberian ibex is a wild goat that thrives in the rocky cliffs and steep slopes of Guadarrama. Males are easily recognizable by their large, curved horns, which they use for combat during the mating season.

European Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
A highly adaptable omnivore, the European wild boar roams the forests and scrublands of the park. They play an important role in the ecosystem by aerating the soil while foraging for roots, insects, and fallen fruits.

Iberian Wolf (Canis lupus signatus)
Though elusive and rare, the Iberian wolf occasionally appears in the park’s more remote areas. This subspecies of the gray wolf is smaller than its northern relatives and is an apex predator, maintaining balance in the local ecosystem.

Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
A majestic species often seen in meadows and open woodlands, the red deer is the largest herbivore in the park. Males, known as stags, grow impressive antlers, which they use in dominance battles during the rutting season.

European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Smaller and more discreet than the red deer, the roe deer is a common inhabitant of the park’s woodlands and open clearings. They are most active at dawn and dusk, feeding on shrubs, grasses, and young tree shoots.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
This semi-aquatic mammal is occasionally spotted in the park’s rivers and streams, where it hunts for fish, amphibians, and crustaceans. The European otter’s presence is an indicator of healthy water ecosystems.

Wildcat (Felis silvestris)
A secretive and rarely seen predator, the European wildcat closely resembles a large domestic cat but is more robust with a bushy tail and distinct markings. It preys primarily on rodents and small birds.

Granada Lizard (Timon lepidus nevadensis)
A subspecies of the large and striking ocellated lizard, this reptile is known for its bright green scales with blue spots. It inhabits rocky and shrubby areas of the park, feeding on insects, small vertebrates, and even plant material.

Montpellier Snake (Malpolon monspessulanus)
One of the largest snakes in the region, the Montpellier snake can grow over two meters in length. Although it possesses mild venom, it is not dangerous to humans and helps control rodent populations.

Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra)
Recognizable by its black body with bright yellow markings, the fire salamander is often found in humid forests and near streams. It has a fascinating defense mechanism, secreting toxins from its skin to deter predators.