Teide National Park

Birds

Teide National Park is home to a variety of bird species, many of which are endemic to the Canary Islands. The park’s diverse landscapes, ranging from pine forests to barren lava fields, provide habitats for numerous avian species.

Blue Chaffinch (Fringilla teydea)
This striking blue songbird is endemic to Tenerife and primarily found in the park’s high-altitude pine forests. Its diet consists mostly of pine seeds and small insects.

Berthelot’s Pipit (Anthus berthelotii)
A small, brownish bird that blends well with the park’s rocky terrain, Berthelot’s pipit is a common sight in open areas. It feeds on insects and small seeds.

Canary Islands Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major canariensis)
A subspecies of the great spotted woodpecker, this bird has adapted to the park’s pine forests, using its strong beak to extract insects from tree bark.

Canary (Serinus canaria)
The wild ancestor of the domesticated canary, this small finch has a bright yellow-green plumage and a melodious song. It can be found in various habitats, from lowland shrubs to high-altitude forests.

Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus canariensis)
A skilled hunter, this small falcon can often be seen hovering in search of prey such as lizards and insects. It has adapted well to the park’s rugged landscapes.

Barbary Partridge (Alectoris barbara)
Introduced to the Canary Islands, this ground-dwelling bird is often seen in rocky and scrubby areas. It has a distinctive red beak and legs, along with intricate plumage patterns.

Common Raven (Corvus corax tingitanus)
A highly intelligent bird, the common raven is a frequent presence in Teide National Park. It is known for its adaptability and complex vocalizations.

Tenerife Goldcrest (Regulus regulus teneriffae)
This tiny bird is a subspecies of the goldcrest, one of Europe’s smallest birds. It thrives in the park’s pine forests, flitting through branches in search of insects.

Rock Dove (Columba livia)
The wild ancestor of the domestic pigeon, the rock dove is commonly found around rocky cliffs and ledges in the park. It has adapted well to the rugged terrain.

Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea canariensis)
A slender bird with a long tail, the grey wagtail is often seen near streams or damp areas, where it hunts for insects. It has a distinctive bobbing motion when walking.

Teide National Park offers a remarkable variety of wildlife, from its endemic reptiles to its diverse birdlife, making it an exceptional location for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers.

Popular

Teide National Park, located on Tenerife in the Canary Islands, is a stunning landscape dominated by Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain. The park’s volcanic terrain creates a unique habitat for a variety of wildlife, including reptiles, invertebrates, and mammals that have adapted to its harsh conditions.

Canary Island Lizard (Gallotia galloti)
This endemic lizard is one of the most commonly seen species in the park. Males have striking blue patches on their sides, while females and juveniles are more subdued in color. They are highly adaptable and can often be spotted basking on rocks or foraging for food.

Canary Island Skink (Chalcides viridanus)
A sleek, small reptile with a shiny, smooth body, the Canary Island skink is a secretive species that often hides under rocks and within crevices. It primarily feeds on insects and small invertebrates.

Barbary Sheep (Ammotragus lervia)
Though not native to the Canary Islands, this species was introduced and has established small populations in Teide National Park. It has a thick, reddish-brown coat and distinctive curved horns, making it well-suited for the rugged volcanic terrain.

Canary Shrew (Crocidura canariensis)
This tiny, nocturnal mammal is endemic to the Canary Islands. It primarily feeds on insects and small invertebrates, using its keen sense of smell to navigate through rocky and arid landscapes.

Canary Big-eared Bat (Plecotus teneriffae)
A rare species, this bat is notable for its exceptionally large ears, which help it detect prey through echolocation. It roosts in caves and volcanic tunnels, emerging at night to hunt for moths and other insects.

Ocellated Lizard (Timon lepidus)
Although not as common as the Canary Island lizard, this large and colorful species can sometimes be found in the park. It has a striking pattern of bright green and black spots, which provide excellent camouflage in rocky environments.

Tenerife Gecko (Tarentola delalandii)
A nocturnal reptile, the Tenerife gecko is well adapted to the park’s volcanic terrain. It has specialized toe pads that allow it to climb smooth surfaces and is often found hiding in crevices during the day.

Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus majorensis)
While primarily a scavenger, this vulture plays an important role in the park’s ecosystem by cleaning up carrion. It is easily recognizable due to its white and black plumage and distinctive yellow face.

European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
Although not native, some hedgehogs have been introduced to Tenerife. They are primarily nocturnal and can be found foraging for insects, snails, and other small prey in the park’s lower elevations.

Tenerife Wolf Spider (Hogna ingens)
One of the largest spiders in the Canary Islands, this species is a skilled predator that hunts insects and other small arthropods. It prefers dry, rocky areas where it can blend in with the volcanic soil.

Birds

Teide National Park is home to a variety of bird species, many of which are endemic to the Canary Islands. The park’s diverse landscapes, ranging from pine forests to barren lava fields, provide habitats for numerous avian species.

Blue Chaffinch (Fringilla teydea)
This striking blue songbird is endemic to Tenerife and primarily found in the park’s high-altitude pine forests. Its diet consists mostly of pine seeds and small insects.

Berthelot’s Pipit (Anthus berthelotii)
A small, brownish bird that blends well with the park’s rocky terrain, Berthelot’s pipit is a common sight in open areas. It feeds on insects and small seeds.

Canary Islands Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major canariensis)
A subspecies of the great spotted woodpecker, this bird has adapted to the park’s pine forests, using its strong beak to extract insects from tree bark.

Canary (Serinus canaria)
The wild ancestor of the domesticated canary, this small finch has a bright yellow-green plumage and a melodious song. It can be found in various habitats, from lowland shrubs to high-altitude forests.

Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus canariensis)
A skilled hunter, this small falcon can often be seen hovering in search of prey such as lizards and insects. It has adapted well to the park’s rugged landscapes.

Barbary Partridge (Alectoris barbara)
Introduced to the Canary Islands, this ground-dwelling bird is often seen in rocky and scrubby areas. It has a distinctive red beak and legs, along with intricate plumage patterns.

Common Raven (Corvus corax tingitanus)
A highly intelligent bird, the common raven is a frequent presence in Teide National Park. It is known for its adaptability and complex vocalizations.

Tenerife Goldcrest (Regulus regulus teneriffae)
This tiny bird is a subspecies of the goldcrest, one of Europe’s smallest birds. It thrives in the park’s pine forests, flitting through branches in search of insects.

Rock Dove (Columba livia)
The wild ancestor of the domestic pigeon, the rock dove is commonly found around rocky cliffs and ledges in the park. It has adapted well to the rugged terrain.

Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea canariensis)
A slender bird with a long tail, the grey wagtail is often seen near streams or damp areas, where it hunts for insects. It has a distinctive bobbing motion when walking.

Teide National Park offers a remarkable variety of wildlife, from its endemic reptiles to its diverse birdlife, making it an exceptional location for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers.