1. Red-rumped Swallow (Cecropis Daurica)

• Between March and October

A small, nimble passerine bird, the Red-rumped Swallow has a glossy, blue-black upper body and a pale, buff-orange underbody. Its most distinguishing feature is the reddish-orange rump, which contrasts with the rest of its plumage. It has a forked tail, a pale throat, and a dark eye mask. Red-rumped Swallows prefer open habitats with access to water, such as grasslands, farmlands, marshes, and river valleys, often near cliffs or other natural or man-made structures suitable for nesting. Their aerial acrobatics and graceful appearance make them an especially attractive sight for nature enthusiasts. In the Algarve, this species is more abundant in the hilly countryside. However, it also occurs along the coast in places like Carrapateira, Lagos (Ponta da Piedade), Dunas Douradas, Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura and Castro Marim.

2. Woodchat Shrike (Lanius Senator)

• Between March and September

Males have a striking plumage, featuring a chestnut brown crown and nape, a black mask around the eyes, a gray back, and a white underbody. Females have a duller coloration, with a brownish back and a paler, less distinct facial mask. Woodchat Shrikes prefer habitats with a mixture of open areas and scattered trees or shrubs, such as woodland edges, orchards, and farmlands. These birds have a diverse diet, feeding on a variety of insects (mainly), but they also capture small mammals and reptiles. They often employ a “sit-and-wait” hunting strategy, perching on a high vantage point and scanning the surroundings for prey before swooping down to catch it. In the Algarve, this beautiful shrike can be found both in the countryside and along the coast (namely in places such as Rocha da Pena, Fonte Benémola, Lagos and Alvor, among many others).

3. Bee-eater (Merops Apiaster)

• Between April and September

Among the most colorful birds of Algarve, this is a medium-sized species with slender body, a slightly curved beak, and long, pointed wings. Their stunning plumage is a vibrant mix of colors, including a turquoise-blue belly, a chestnut-colored crown, a black eye stripe, and a bright yellow throat. Bee-eaters prefer habitats with open spaces, such as grasslands, savannas, and farmlands, often near water bodies like rivers or lakes. As their name suggests, Bee-eaters primarily feed on bees and wasps, which they catch skillfully in mid-air. Bee-eaters are social birds and are often seen in small flocks. They nest colonially, digging tunnels into sandy banks or cliffs, which can extend up to several feet in length. These agile birds are known for their acrobatic flight, often swooping and diving to catch insects, making them a delight to watch. Bee-eaters are a common sight in the Algarve, particularly along the coast in locations such as Castro Marim, Alvor, and Ria Formosa (Pontal and Ludo).

4. Pallid Swift (Apus Pallidus)

• Between March and October

This small swift’s overall plumage is a pale brownish-grey color, with a white throat patch, a short, forked tail, and long, slender wings that contribute to its aerodynamic flight. Pallid Swifts prefer habitats near coastal cliffs, mountain ranges, and open landscapes with scattered trees and buildings for nesting. They can be found across the Mediterranean region, southern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East, with some populations migrating to sub-Saharan Africa during the non-breeding season. These birds have a highly aerial lifestyle, spending most of their time in the air, and are adept at catching insects on the wing. In the Algarve, the Pallid Swift is easily observable in places such as Cape St. Vincent, Carrapateira, Ponta da Piedade, Alvor, and Castro Marim.

5. Golden Oriole (Oriolus Oriolus)

• Between April and September

This is a medium-sized, brightly colored bird. Males exhibit striking yellow plumage with black wings and a black tail, while females have a more subdued greenish-yellow coloration with dark wings and tail. Golden Orioles prefer habitats with a mix of deciduous trees and open spaces, such as woodlands, orchards, parks, and riverine forests. These birds primarily feed on insects like beetles, caterpillars, and ants, as well as fruits and berries. They forage at various levels in the trees, moving nimbly among the branches in search of food. During the breeding season, Golden Orioles are known to be shy and elusive, often remaining hidden among the foliage. In the Algarve, this bird is easier to find in the countryside, particularly around Alcoutim and in Serra do Caldeirão. It also occurs in Alvor.

6. Melodious Warbler (Hippolais Polyglotta)

• Between April and September

The plumage of the Melodious Warbler is predominantly olive-green on the upperparts and pale yellowish-white on the underparts. This bird has a short, rounded tail, and relatively long legs. The species prefers habitats with a mix of shrubs, bushes, and trees, such as woodland edges, hedgerows, and scrublands. The Melodious Warbler is primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects such as flies, beetles, and caterpillars. This species is abundant in the algarvian countryside in places such as Fonte Benémola and Rocha da Pena, but is also present around the Alvor estuary.

7. Collared Pratincole (Glareola Pratincola)

• Between March and September

This bird has a unique appearance, combining features of waders and terns. The species has a slender body, long pointed wings, and a short, slightly curved bill. Its plumage is mainly brownish-gray on the upperparts and pale on the underparts, with a distinctive black collar on the neck and a forked tail. The Collared Pratincole prefers open habitats such as grasslands, wetlands, marshes, and riverbanks, often with sandy or gravelly substrates. The species feeds on insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, and flying ants, which it catches on the ground or in the air, using its agile flight and sharp beak. The Collared Pratincole is known for its distinctive hunting behavior, which combines terrestrial foraging with aerial pursuits, resembling the feeding styles of both waders and terns. It occurs in Castro Marim during the breeding season, and as a passage migrant in Alvor.

8. Alpine Swift (Tachymarptis Melba)

• Between March and September

A large, fast-flying swift, its plumage is characterized by a dark brownish-black upper body, contrasting with a white throat and belly. It has a short, slightly forked tail and long, narrow, swept-back wings that enable its swift and agile flight. Alpine Swifts prefer habitats near cliffs, gorges, and mountains. These birds are highly aerial and feed almost exclusively on flying insects. They are known for their remarkable ability to stay airborne for extended periods, even sleeping and mating in flight. In the Algarve, this remarkable species can be found mainly along the rocky shores to the west of Albufeira, as well as along the Vicentine Coast Natural Park (particularly in the vicinity of Cape St. Vincent).

9. Ring Ouzel (Turdus Torquatus)

• Winter

The Ring Ouzel is a medium-sized songbird belonging to the thrush family. Males exhibit a dark, slate-grey plumage with a distinctive white crescent-shaped band across the breast, while females are generally browner with a less prominent breast band. This bird prefers upland habitats with a mix of grassland, heath, and moorland, usually at elevations between 300 and 1.000 meters (1.000-3.300 feet) above sea level. They can also be found in steep-sided valleys with scattered trees, bushes, and rocky outcrops. This species is primarily insectivorous during the breeding season, consuming invertebrates like beetles, ants, and caterpillars. However, they also feed on fruits and berries, particularly during migration and wintering periods. In winter, this species can be seen in Cape St. Vincent, Monchique and Rocha da Pena.

10. Western Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe Hispanica)

• Between March and September

Males have a predominantly pale sandy-gray upper body, a black eye mask, and a black patch on their ear coverts, which gives them the “black-eared” name. Their underparts are white or pale buff, with black wings and tail. Females have a more muted coloration, with a gray-brown upper body, buff underparts, and a less distinct facial pattern. This species prefers open, dry habitats such as grasslands, heathlands, and scrublands, often with scattered trees, rocks, or slopes. These birds mainly feed on insects, such as beetles, ants, and grasshoppers, which they catch on the ground or in low vegetation. They are also known to consume seeds and fruits occasionally. In the Algarve, this bird is more abundant in the northeast, particularly in Alcoutim and Castro Marim, as well as in the countryside to the north of Tavira.

Source: https://www.walkalgarve.com/