Birds of Doñana: 7 beautiful species that will surprise you

The birds of Doñana are one of the greatest attractions of this important Spanish geographical area. According to the portal Discovering Doñana, a total of 271 species plus another 23 are collected in the nearby counties. Among this rich variety of species, we can find the characteristic pink flamingos, the hoopoe or the black dove.

Doñana is listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco (1994) and is considered the largest ecological reserve in Europe. It is a  natural gem that welcomes 200,000 birds from all over the world every year.

Therefore, to make a selection of the most special Doñana birds is daring. However, we will cite some of the most beautiful and current birds that nest and cross the skies of this natural landscape.

 Top 7 birds of Doñana and their features

 1- Flamenco (Phoenicopterus roseus)

Group of flamencos. Picture: @mariavillavet.

It is a slender animal with long craws which is one of the main symbols of Doñana. It likes to live near the wetlands, so the marshes of this natural park are perfect for them. Its pink tone and the peculiarity of its bill are other main features of this gregarious bird.

2 European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)

European Bee-eater. Picture: @ajortizfoto.

Its name comes from his fondness for eating bees and other flying insects. It is one of the most striking species because of its colors and the feathers of its head, which give it some distinction. It usually spends the spring and summer months in Doñana, it takes advantage of these seasons to reproduce.

 3- Common Canastera (Glareola pratincola)

Common Canastera. Picture: @wilddonana.

 This bird has the appearance of a swallow, but the attitude of swift by the way it hunts. It feels comfortable near wet areas, such as salt marshes or marshes where it takes advantage to install its nest. It has an elegant and unique flight because of the silhouette it draws in the sky.

4- Black Milano (Milvus migrates)

Black Milano. Picture: @italo9471.

It is one of the most impressive raptors you can find in Doñana. Its size when it opens its wings can be up two meters. It is characterized for being a very resolute bird with the capacity to adapt to any medium and with an extraordinary ability to move through the air.

5 Common Spatula (Platalea leucorodia)

Common Spatula. Picture: @diaconaru.

 It is a bird that lives in marshy areas, shallow lakes and marshes where it usually nests. Its name is due to its particular peak, which is fully recognizable by its long and flattened shape. It also stands out for being a stilt and large species. It feeds on small aquatic animals such as crustaceans, fish or seaweed.

6 Storks

Stork. Picture: @sintiendo.la.tierra.

In the Doñana National Park, it is possible to find black and white shears (Ciconia nigra). The black one has the peculiarity that is less seen than the white one because it does not like to live close to man. Both are elegant and are unique in flight because of their particular way of stretching their craws and lengthening their necks.

 7 Hoop (Upupa eops)

Hoop. Picture: Pixabay

Its name varies according to the different regions of Spain. It measures between 25 and 30 centimeters, being a great part of its size its peculiar crest. They have an erratic flight and usually nest in old trees, especially pine trees. It likes so many larvae and insects so it takes advantage of the number of beetles in Doñana.

Remember that at BBI Laboratories we are specialists in DNA sexing of birds and detection of bird diseases. You can also follow us on our main social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) where we share relevant information about our activity and the world of birds.