Birdwatching in Douro

Experience one of the wildest and most breathtaking landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula with our guided birdwatching tour. In the heart of the Douro International Natural Park, where deep river valleys, dramatic cliffs and sun-drenched woodlands shape a truly unique ecosystem, we will guide you through prime habitats to discover the remarkable birdlife that thrives here.

This is a region where more than a hundred species breed, including some of Europe’s most iconic and elusive raptors. With the support of an experienced local guide, we’ll search for Black Storks soaring along the cliffs, scan for Golden and Bonelli’s Eagles, and observe vultures gliding effortlessly above the rugged landscape.

Throughout the tour, your guide will share insights about the ecology, behaviour and conservation of the species you encounter, while ensuring a safe, respectful and rewarding wildlife-watching experience. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply curious about nature, this guided journey offers the perfect opportunity to explore a stunning protected area while discovering the Douro’s extraordinary bird diversity.

 

Douro International Natural Park

This activity, Birdwatching in Douro, takes place in the Natural Park. This includes the natural border between Portugal and Spain, through the valleys of the Douro and Águeda rivers, along 130km and within an area of 85.150ha. The river valleys shapes a deep canyon with steep slopes, mainly cliffs. The region is included in an even larger area created by UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere program, known as the Meseta Ibérica Biosphere Reserve.

Mosteiro Stream valley
Mosteiro Stream valley
Águeda River Valley
Águeda River Valley
Douro International Natural Park
Douro International Natural Park

Birdwatching in Douro

In terms of fauna and especially birds, the Natural Park is one of the most important areas in the national and even Iberian context. The bird fauna is the most representative group in this area, due to the great diversity and the occurrence of several endangered species, which hold here an important percentage of their nesting populations, at national and Iberian level. Of the 170 species recorded, 126 do nest here. Here’s a list of the bird highlights:

  • Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
  • Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus)
  • Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)
  • Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus)
  • Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
  • Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata)
  • Short-toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus)
  • Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus)
  • Eagle Owl (Bubo Bubo)
  • Red-rumped Swallow (Cecropis daurica)
  • Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris)
  • Alpine Swift (Apus melba)
  • Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
  • Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)
  • Red-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus ruficollis)
  • European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)
  • Black Wheatear (Oenanthe leucura)
  • Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius)
  • Orphean Warbler (Sylvia hortensis)
  • Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala)
  • Subalpine Warbler (Sylvia cantillans)
  • Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator)
  • Thekla Lark (Galerida theklae)
  • Iberian Magpie (Cyanopica cooki)
  • Spotless Starling (Sturnus unicolor)
  • Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis)
  • Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia)

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Photo gallery

more information

Meeting point: to be agreed

Duration: half-day, full-day

Type: on vehicle, but with several stops for short walks

Extra: the activity may include a picnic, representing an additional cost

location

price

FULL DAY: up to 4 participants – 245,00 € (group price)

HALF DAY: up to 4 participants – 185,00 € (group price)

For larger groups other conditions apply. Please contact us. 

The price of the activity includes specialized guide, local transportation, fee for nature conservation, insurance, use of optic equipment.

Booking a place is only guaranteed if 50% of the registration fee is paid.

A discount equal to VAT is available for private clients.
VAT will be added to the indicated prices for companies and other entities.

how to book

The reservation is only guaranteed upon payment of 50% of the registration fee.

For inquiries please use the following methods:

contact form

Email: info@wildlifeportugal.pt

Mobile/WhatsApp: +351 918 068 872

(call to the national mobile network) 

environmental commitment

In the course of our activities, we are committed to safeguarding the environment, minimising environmental impacts and reducing pollution.

By carrying out this activity, we support the management and conservation actions that promote

the coexistence and return of wild species to the Greater Côa Valley,

under the management of Rewilding Portugal, through a financial contribution.

 

 

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