Alcudia, a great place for birdwatching
Alcudia in Mallorca is one of the most idyllic settings imaginable for anyone who enjoys a spot of birdwatching. Located in the north of the island, the town combines a large number of protected natural areas and a prime location in the middle of the Western European migratory route. The area provides shelter for more than 200 bird species (the island has more than 300) which thrive in the beautiful nature reserves, green areas, wetlands and beaches with sand dunes.
From purple herons, ospreys and flamingos to falcons, cranes, scops owls and bluethroats, along with native species such as the Balearic pipit, Balearic warbler or Balearic shearwater. The list is almost endless. Although you can never be entirely sure when they will show themselves, the possibility of seeing them are huge in areas such as the S'Albufereta Nature Reserve or the Talaia de la Victoria.
If you like combining some birdwatching with your holidays, make sure you take a look at our guide to birdwatching in Alcudia and Mallorca.
Albufereta Nature Reserve
This nature reserve is one of the most important wetlands on the island, allowing visitors to spot the largest number of different bird species in Mallorca. Located in Alcudia Bay, the reserve is home to many resident species and also provides a valuable ecosystem for migratory birds. Included in the Natura 2000 Network, it covers an area of 211 hectares of protected land with another 290 hectares in the surrounding areas.
It consists of two different sections named Sa Barcasa and Can Cullerassa, and has several birdwatching towers, bird blinds and bird hides to make it easier to observe the birds and take photos. And all located amid beautiful forests, lagoons, reed beds, canals, dune systems and farmland.
You will have a chance to see species such as:
- Balearic pipit
- Kentish and lesser plovers, Sandwich and common terns, ducks
- Osprey, red-backed hawk, black-winged stilt, black-tailed warblers
- Herons, coots, western swamphen, spotless starlings
- Eleonora's falcon, kestrels, pipits, wagtails, stonechats
La Talaia de la Victoria
At 445 metres, this is the highest peak in Alcudia and is perfect for birdwatching in a magnificent natural environment in Mallorca. It’s surrounded by forests, bushes and cliffs, offering a wide range of different safe and suitable habitats for many species.
In spring and autumn it's one of the most popular places for spotting migratory birds on their way to or from Africa.
The beautiful views from its paths and trails also make it one of the top locations for mountain climbers and cyclists in Mallorca.
You will have a chance to see species such as:
- Pheasant, booted eagle, peregrine falcon, common crow
- Balearic warbler, wood pigeon, European dove, wryneck
- Common firecrest, spotted flycatcher, red crossbill, Eurasian sparrowhawk
Alcanada coastal area
This area has a wide range of different coastal and marine habitats. It’s excellent for watching a large number of resident, migratory and sea birds. There is a huge number of species to see throughout the year.
In addition to the beautiful setting full of coastline, beaches, forests and bushes, there is also a lot to see from the islet with the Alcanada lighthouse, 5 km from Puerto de Alcudia. An area with only a gentle slope, making it easy to access, which is home to an interesting collection of seabirds that feed and nest in its surroundings.
You will have a chance to see species such as:
- Balearic shearwater, Scopoli's shearwater, greenfinches, serins
- Hoopoes, stonechats, flycatchers, pipits and wagtails
- European shag, yellow-legged gull, common firecrest, red crossbill
Prat d’Alcudia
This small wetland is only a 5-minute walk from Port d'Alcúdia Beach and is home to a huge variety of birdlife in its marshes and large forested areas. Also known as the Albufera de Cas Ferrer Nou or Maristany, it’s the ideal resting place for many water birds. It’s also a very important feeding and nesting area for both native and migratory species.
You will have a chance to see species such as:
- Ducks, little and black-necked grebes, great cormorant
- Purple and night herons, little egrets, barn swallows
- Osprey, sandpipers, black terns
Puig de Sant Martí
At 258 m, although this mountain is not that high, it offers a lovely view of the entire municipality of Alcudia and its surroundings, with the beautiful wetlands as a backdrop. The rocks and cliffs are especially attractive to birds of prey, while the pine and oak forests are the ideal habitat for both resident and migratory birds.
You will have a chance to see species such as:
- Peregrine falcon, booted eagle, black-headed warbler
- Goldfinch, nightingale, serin, great tit
- Hoopoe, Eurasian wryneck, common firecrest
- Common crossbill, wren, common kestrel
Other nearby areas for birdwatching
1. The S'Albufera nature reserve, 6 km from Alcudia, is the largest wetland area in Mallorca and one of the best places to take photos of every type of bird. With more than 2,000 hectares of marshes and dunes, it also has a large number of birdwatching facilities and trails for both expert and less experienced birdwatchers. Among many different species, it allows visitors to see herons, flamingos, ospreys, starlings and migratory birds such as swallows and cranes.
2. The Formentor peninsula, 10 km from Alcudia, is another of the top destinations for ornithologists. The sea, cliffs, forests and marshes in the area provide a rich and varied habitat for birds such as the peregrine falcon, vultures, Balearic shearwaters, storks and finches. It’s one of the most stunning areas and best viewing points in the Sierra Tramuntana Mountains, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
3. The coastal area and Son Real estate, 14 km from Alcudia, is also a hub for Mallorcan biodiversity. The area is home to many doves, partridges and warblers, including the Balearic warbler, the black-headed warbler and the long-tailed warbler.
Tips for birdwatching in Mallorca
Despite being a relatively small island, the different types of ecosystem in Mallorca allows the observation of birds of many different types: the sea, the coast, the wetlands, forests and mountains... Among the most striking are the red kite, Eleonora's falcon , the common flamingo, the osprey, the common kingfisher, the Atlantic gannet and the European storm-petrel.
Spring and autumn are the perfect times of year to observe and take photos of migratory birds making a stopover on the island, including pied flycatchers, common redstarts, willow warblers...
In general, the early morning and late afternoon are the best times for birdwatching as that is when birds are most active.
When you’re out birdwatching, it’s important that you respect the birds and keep your distance. Wear neutral-coloured clothing to avoid scaring them, comfortable shoes, insect repellent (especially in wetland areas) and sunscreen. Also make sure you have some binoculars and a bird guide of Mallorca or the Mediterranean.
Finally, we recommend you choose accommodation near the most important birdwatching areas in Mallorca. Alcudia is the top destinations for birdwatchers, and here you can choose our stunning 5-star Zafiro Palace Alcudia or the Zafiro Tropic, our 4-star hotel with a wide range of services and facilities.
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