Monfrague National Park

Birds

Monfragüe National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, renowned for its spectacular birdlife, especially birds of prey. The park’s cliffs, forests, and riverbanks provide crucial habitats for a diverse range of avian species.

Spanish Imperial Eagle
As one of the rarest eagles in the world, the Spanish imperial eagle is a key conservation success story. Monfragüe offers one of the best chances to observe this powerful raptor in its natural environment.

Griffon Vulture
With its massive wingspan and soaring flight, the Griffon vulture is one of the most commonly spotted birds in the park. These social scavengers nest in large colonies along the park’s cliffs.

Black Vulture
Europe’s largest bird of prey, the black vulture, is an impressive sight as it glides effortlessly through the sky. Unlike Griffon vultures, they often feed alone or in small groups.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
One of the largest owls in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl is a nocturnal predator with striking orange eyes and powerful talons. It preys on rodents, birds, and even small mammals.

Bonelli’s Eagle
This agile hunter is often seen in Monfragüe’s rocky landscapes. With its sharp eyesight and powerful flight, Bonelli’s eagle is a formidable predator, feeding on pigeons, rabbits, and other small prey.

Black Stork
Unlike its more common white relative, the black stork is a rarer and shyer bird. It nests on cliffs and along riverbanks, feeding on fish and amphibians in the park’s waterways.

White Stork
A symbol of good luck in Spanish folklore, the white stork is commonly seen soaring over the park or nesting on tall structures. These birds migrate seasonally between Europe and Africa.

Short-toed Snake Eagle
A specialist reptile hunter, the short-toed snake eagle is often seen hovering or perched on trees scanning for snakes and lizards. It has a distinctive pale underside and piercing yellow eyes.

Peregrine Falcon
Known as the fastest bird in the world, the peregrine falcon is a breathtaking sight as it dives at incredible speeds to catch its prey. It nests on cliffs and preys on other birds.

Common Kingfisher
A small but strikingly colorful bird, the common kingfisher can be found along Monfragüe’s rivers. It has brilliant blue and orange plumage and catches fish by diving swiftly into the water.

Iberian Lynx
One of the rarest and most endangered feline species in the world, the Iberian lynx can sometimes be spotted in Monfragüe. It is recognizable by its tufted ears, short tail, and distinctive spotted coat. Conservation efforts have been crucial in preserving its declining population.

Spanish Imperial Eagle
This majestic raptor, endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, is one of the most iconic species in the park. With its dark brown plumage and striking white shoulders, the Spanish imperial eagle is a top predator, feeding on rabbits and other small mammals.

Eurasian Otter
The park’s rivers and wetlands provide an ideal habitat for Eurasian otters. These playful mammals are excellent swimmers, with webbed feet and dense fur that helps them stay warm while diving for fish and crustaceans.

Wild Boar
A common sight in the Mediterranean forests of Monfragüe, wild boars are sturdy, adaptable animals with a keen sense of smell. They forage for roots, nuts, and small animals, playing an important role in the park’s ecosystem.

Red Deer
Monfragüe’s woodlands and open areas are home to thriving populations of red deer. Males, or stags, are particularly striking with their large, branched antlers, especially during the rutting season in autumn.

Iberian Wolf
Though elusive, the Iberian wolf occasionally roams the more remote areas of Monfragüe. This subspecies of the grey wolf is smaller than its northern relatives and preys on deer, rabbits, and livestock.

Egyptian Mongoose
A fascinating carnivore often seen darting through the underbrush, the Egyptian mongoose is known for its long, slender body and sharp hunting skills. It preys on small mammals, reptiles, and even birds.

Griffon Vulture
One of the most emblematic species of Monfragüe, the Griffon vulture is frequently seen soaring over cliffs and gorges. These large scavengers help keep the ecosystem clean by feeding on carrion.

Black Vulture
Another massive scavenger, the black vulture has a more solitary nature compared to the Griffon vulture. With its dark plumage and impressive wingspan, it is one of Europe’s largest birds of prey.

Common Genet
A nocturnal hunter, the common genet is a sleek and agile mammal with a long, ringed tail. It primarily feeds on small rodents, birds, and insects and is often seen near rocky outcrops and wooded areas.