Welcome to the land of birds. The southern Alentejo is known for its flat landscapes and cereal crops, home to many steppe birds. It is also a place for Iberian endemic species, such as the blue-azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cooki) or the Green Woodpecker (Picus sharpei).

In the steppes of Castro Verde, Almodôvar and Mértola, you have good chances to find Great Bustards (Otis tarda), Little Bustard (Tetrax tetrax), Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus) and Black-belied Sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis). Spring is the most recommended time to see these species in their breeding rituals.

Throughout the year, it is possible to spot birds of prey such as the Iberian Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti), the Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata) and less often, the Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), or smaller ones, like the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). Booted eagle and buzzard are also very common to spot. In summer, the raptors family is completed by the Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni), the Black Kite (Milvus migrans) and the Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus), whilst in winter, you will mainly find the Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) and the Red-Kite (Milvus milvus).

Come along and visit us! We always recommend to book a tour with a professional birding guide, but if you are coming in autonomy, take a look at the trail we created, between Mértola and Castro Verde, or find your next stop in the HotSpots.