Birding hotspots in the Algarve

Ria Formosa is the largest wetland in the Algarve and it is very important for waterbirds throughout the year. From the birdwatcher's perspective, the area is very interesting because it offers the opportunity to see large numbers of waterbirds: ducks, herons, flamingos, waders, gulls and terns can all be plentiful here. In terms of habitat and birding hotspots, a distinction should be made between the barrier islands and the rest of the Ria. The barrier islands have little vegetation yet support their own typical birdlife. Breeding species include Kestrel, Stone Curlew, Kentish Plover, Crested, Short-toed and Lesser Short-toed Larks, Spectacled Warbler and Linnet, whereas winter visitors include Golden Plover, Short-eared Owl, Skylark and Meadow Pipit. However, it is during migration periods that barrier islands can be especially interesting, as they are the last stop before the North African coast is reached and are used as a stop-over by many small land birds. All barrier islands are bordered by beaches on their southern side and by tidal flats on the northern side, so they also attract many waterbirds. Behind the barrier islands lies the lagoon system, or Ria, which comprises mudflats, sandbanks and saltpans, as well as some smaller coastal lagoons. Breeding birds include Spoonbill, Purple Swamphen, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Kentish Plover, Little Tern and the Iberian race of Yellow Wagtail. As to passage and wintering waterbirds, the area is of outstanding importance for its populations of ducks, herons, waders and gulls. The surrounding areas also hold many land birds.