List of birds of Spain
This is a list of the bird species recorded in Spain. The area covered by this list is mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, and three small Spanish enclaves on the North African shore. The avifauna of Spain included a total of 613 species recorded in the wild by 2019 according to Sociedad Española de Ornitología (SEO/BirdLife).[1] A pair of species resulting from a taxonomic "split" have replaced one of the species on the SEO list.[2] Of the 614 species included here, 329 are accidental and 23 have been introduced by humans. Six are endemic to Spanish islands, two have been extirpated, and one of the endemic species is extinct. Of the 614, 104 (88 of which are accidental) have been recorded only in the Canary Islands and/or the African enclaves.
This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (English and scientific names) are those of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 2019 edition.[3]
The following tags have been used to highlight some categories of occurrence.
- (A) Accidental – a species that rarely or accidentally occurs anywhere in Spain
- (A – xxx) Accidental in limited area – a species found regularly in mainland Spain but accidentally in the Canary Islands or the North African enclaves.
- (E – xxx) Endemic – a species found only in Spain, with the location appended
- (I) Introduced – a species introduced to Spain as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions
- (D) Category D – species for which there are reasonable doubts as to their wild origin per SEO/Birdlife.
An additional note such as (Canary Islands only) means that the species has been recorded solely in that locality. Species without a note of that type have been recorded at a minimum in mainland Spain. The notes of population status such as "endangered" apply to the world population and are from Bird Checklists of the World.[4]
Ducks, geese, and waterfowl
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.
- White-faced whistling-duck, Dendrocygna viduata (A) (D)
- Fulvous whistling-duck, Dendrocygna bicolor (A) (D)
- Bar-headed goose, Anser indicus (I)
- Snow goose, Anser caerulescens (A) (D)
- Graylag goose, Anser anser (A)
- Greater white-fronted goose, Anser albifrons (A – Canary Islands)
- Lesser white-fronted goose, Anser erythropus (D) vulnerable
- Taiga bean-goose, Anser fabalis (A)[2] (see note)[note 1]
- Tundra bean-goose, Anser serrirostris (A)[2]
- Pink-footed goose, Anser brachyrhynchus (A – Canary Islands)
- Brant, Branta bernicla (A – Canary Islands)
- Barnacle goose, Branta leucopsis (A)
- Cackling goose, Branta hutchinsii (A) (D)
- Canada goose, Branta canadensis (A)
- Red-breasted goose, Branta ruficollis (A) vulnerable
- Mute swan, Cygnus olor
- Black swan, Cygnus atratus (I)
- Tundra swan, Cygnus columbianus (A)
- Whooper swan, Cygnus cygnus (A)
- Egyptian goose, Alopochen aegyptiaca (I)
- Ruddy shelduck, Tadorna ferruginea (A – Canary Islands)
- Common shelduck, Tadorna tadorna
- Wood duck, Aix sponsa (A) (D)
- Mandarin duck, Aix galericulata (I) (Canary Islands only)
- Baikal teal, Sibirionetta formosa (A) (D) vulnerable
- Garganey, Spatula querquedula
- Blue-winged teal, Spatula discors (A)
- Cinnamon teal, Spatula cyanoptera (A) (D)
- Northern shoveler, Spatula clypeata
- Gadwall, Mareca strepera
- Falcated duck, Mareca falcata (A) (D) near-threatened
- Eurasian wigeon, Mareca penelope
- American wigeon, Mareca americana (A)
- Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos
- American black duck, Anas rubripes (A)
- Northern pintail, Anas acuta
- Green-winged teal, Anas crecca
- Marbled teal, Marmaronetta angustirostris vulnerable
- Red-crested pochard, Netta rufina
- Common pochard, Aythya ferina vulnerable
- Ring-necked duck, Aythya collaris (A)
- Ferruginous duck, Aythya nyroca (A – Canary Islands) near-threatened
- Tufted duck, Aythya fuligula
- Greater scaup, Aythya marila (A – Canary Islands)
- Lesser scaup, Aythya affinis (A)
- Common eider, Somateria mollissima near-threatened
- King eider, Somateria spectabilis (A)
- Surf scoter, Melanitta perspicillata (A)
- Velvet scoter, Melanitta fusca
- White-winged scoter, Melanitta deglandi (A)
- Common scoter, Melanitta nigra (A – Canary Islands)
- Black scoter, Melanitta americana (A) near-threatened
- Long-tailed duck, Clangula hyemalis (A – Canary Islands) vulnerable
- Bufflehead, Bucephala albeola (A)
- Common goldeneye, Bucephala clangula (A)
- Barrow's goldeneye, Bucephala islandica (A)
- Smew, Mergellus albellus (A)
- Hooded merganser, Lophodytes cucullatus (A) (D)
- Common merganser, Mergus merganser (A)
- Red-breasted merganser, Mergus serrator (A – Canary Islands)
- Ruddy duck, Oxyura jamaicensis (I)
- White-headed duck, Oxyura leucocephala endangered
Pheasants, grouse, and allies
Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings.
- Common quail, Coturnix coturnix
- Red-legged partridge, Alectoris rufa
- Barbary partridge, Alectoris barbara (I)
- Ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus (I)
- Gray partridge, Perdix perdix
- Western capercaillie, Tetrao urogallus
- Hazel grouse, Tetrastes bonasia (extirpated)
- Rock ptarmigan, Lagopus muta
Flamingos
Order: Phoenicopteriformes Family: Phoenicopteridae
Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) tall, found in both the Western and eastern Hemispheres. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume and, uniquely, are used upside-down.
- Greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus
- Lesser flamingo, Phoeniconaias minor (A) near-threatened
Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land.
- Little grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis (A – Canary Islands)
- Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps (A)
- Horned grebe, Podiceps auritus vulnerable
- Red-necked grebe, Podiceps grisegena (A)
- Great crested grebe, Podiceps cristatus
- Eared grebe, Podiceps nigricollis
Pigeons and doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.
- Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)
- Stock dove, Columba oenas
- Common wood-pigeon, Columba palumbus
- Bolle's pigeon, Columba bollii (E – Canary Islands)
- Laurel pigeon, Columba junoniae (E – Canary Islands) near-threatened
- European turtle-dove, Streptopelia turtur vulnerable
- Oriental turtle-dove, Streptopelia orientalis (A)
- Eurasian collared-dove, Streptopelia decaocto
- Laughing dove, Streptopelia senegalensis (A)
- Namaqua dove, Oena capensis (A) (D)
- Mourning dove, Zenaida macroura (I)
Sandgrouse
Order: Pterocliformes Family: Pteroclidae
Sandgrouse have small, pigeon like heads and necks, but sturdy compact bodies. They have long pointed wings and sometimes tails and a fast direct flight. Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn and dusk. Their legs are feathered down to the toes.
- Pallas's sandgrouse, Syrrhaptes paradoxus (A)
- Pin-tailed sandgrouse, Pterocles alchata
- Black-bellied sandgrouse, Pterocles orientalis
Bustards
Order: Otidiformes Family: Otididae
Bustards are large terrestrial birds mainly associated with dry open country and steppes in the Old World. They are omnivorous and nest on the ground. They walk steadily on strong legs and big toes, pecking for food as they go. They have long broad wings with "fingered" wingtips and striking patterns in flight. Many have interesting mating displays.
- Great bustard, Otis tarda vulnerable
- Houbara bustard, Chlamydotis undulata (Canary Islands only) vulnerable
- Little bustard, Tetrax tetrax near-threatened
Cuckoos
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. The Old World cuckoos are brood parasites.
- Great spotted cuckoo, Clamator glandarius
- Yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus (A)
- Common cuckoo, Cuculus canorus
Nightjars and allies
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves.
- Common nighthawk' Chordeiles minor (A)
- Red-necked nightjar, Caprimulgus ruficollis
- European nightjar, Caprimulgus europaeus
- Egyptian nightjar, Caprimulgus aegyptius (A) (Canary Islands only)
Swifts
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Apodidae
Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang.
- Chimney swift, Chaetura pelagica (A) vulnerable
- Alpine swift, Apus melba
- Common swift, Apus apus
- Plain swift, Apus unicolor
- Pallid swift, Apus pallidus
- Little swift, Apus affinis (A – Canary Islands)
- White-rumped swift, Apus caffer (A – Canary Islands)
Rails, gallinules, and coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers.
- Water rail, Rallus aquaticus
- African crake, Crex egregia (A)
- Corn crake, Crex crex (A)
- Sora, Porzana carolina (A)
- Spotted crake, Porzana porzana
- Eurasian moorhen, Gallinula chloropus
- Lesser moorhen, Gallinula angulata (A)
- Red-knobbed coot, Fulica cristata
- Eurasian coot, Fulica atra
- American coot, Fulica americana (A)
- Allen's gallinule, Porphyrio alleni (A)
- Purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinicus (A)
- Western swamphen, Porphyrio porphyrio
- Striped crake, Amaurornis marginalis (A)
- Little crake, Zapornia parva (A – Canary Islands)
- Baillon's crake, Zapornia pusilla (A – Canary Islands and African enclaves)
Cranes
Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae
Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances".
- Demoiselle crane, Anthropoides virgo (A)
- Sandhill crane, Antigone canadensis (A)
- Common crane, Grus grus (A – Canary Islands)
Thick-knees
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Burhinidae
The thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats.
- Eurasian thick-knee, Burhinus oedicnemus
Egyptian plover
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Pluvianidae
The Egyptian plover is found across equatorial Africa and along the Nile River.
- Egyptian plover, Pluvianus aegyptius (A) (D)
Stilts and avocets
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills.
- Black-winged stilt, Himantopus himantopus
- Pied avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta
Oystercatchers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae
The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs.
- Eurasian oystercatcher, Haematopus ostralegus
- Canarian oystercatcher, Haematopus meadewaldoi (E – Canary Islands) (extinct)
Plovers and lapwings
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water.
- Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- European golden-plover, Pluvialis apricaria
- American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica (A)
- Pacific golden-plover, Pluvialis fulva (A)
- Northern lapwing, Vanellus vanellus near-threatened
- Sociable lapwing, Vanellus gregarius (A) critically endangered
- Lesser sand-plover, Charadrius mongolus (A)
- Greater sand-plover, Charadrius leschenaultii (A)
- Kittlitz's plover, Charadrius pecuarius (A)
- Kentish plover, Charadrius alexandrinus
- Common ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula
- Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus (A)
- Little ringed plover, Charadrius dubius
- Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus (A)
- Eurasian dotterel, Charadrius morinellus
Sandpipers and allies
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food.
- Upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda (A)
- Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
- Slender-billed curlew, Numenius tenuirostris (A) critically endangered
- Eurasian curlew, Numenius arquata near-threatened
- Bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica near-threatened
- Black-tailed godwit, Limosa limosa near-threatened
- Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
- Great knot, Calidris tenuirostris (A) endangered
- Red knot, Calidris canutus near-threatened
- Ruff, Calidris pugnax
- Broad-billed sandpiper, Calidris falcinellus (A)
- Sharp-tailed sandpiper, Calidris acuminata (A)
- Stilt sandpiper, Calidris himantopus (A)
- Curlew sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea near-threatened
- Temminck's stint, Calidris temminckii (A – Canary Islands)
- Red-necked stint, Calidris ruficollis (A) near-threatened
- Sanderling, Calidris alba
- Dunlin, Calidris alpina
- Purple sandpiper, Calidris maritima (A – Canary Islands)
- Baird's sandpiper, Calidris bairdii (A)
- Little stint, Calidris minuta
- Least sandpiper, Calidris minutilla (A)
- White-rumped sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis (A)
- Buff-breasted sandpiper, Calidris subruficollis (A – Canary Islands) near-threatened
- Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos
- Semipalmated sandpiper, Calidris pusilla (A) near-threatened
- Western sandpiper, Calidris mauri (A)
- Short-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus griseus (A)
- Long-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus (A)
- Jack snipe, Lymnocryptes minimus
- Eurasian woodcock, Scolopax rusticola
- Great snipe, Gallinago media (A) near-threatened
- Common snipe, Gallinago gallinago
- Wilson's snipe, Gallinago delicata (A) (Canary Islands only)
- Terek sandpiper, Xenus cinereus (A)
- Wilson's phalarope, Phalaropus tricolor (A)
- Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus (A – Canary Islands)
- Red phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius
- Common sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos
- Spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularius (A)
- Green sandpiper, Tringa ochropus
- Solitary sandpiper, Tringa solitaria (A)
- Spotted redshank, Tringa erythropus
- Greater yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca (A)
- Common greenshank, Tringa nebularia
- Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes (A)
- Marsh sandpiper, Tringa stagnatilis (A – Canary Islands)
- Wood sandpiper, Tringa glareola
- Common redshank, Tringa totanus
Buttonquail
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Turnicidae
The buttonquail are small, drab, running birds which resemble the true quails. The female is the brighter of the sexes and initiates courtship. The male incubates the eggs and tends the young.
- Small buttonquail, Turnix sylvaticus
Pratincoles and coursers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Glareolidae
Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings and long, pointed bills which curve downwards.
- Cream-colored courser, Cursorius cursor (A)
- Collared pratincole, Glareola pratincola
- Black-winged pratincole, Glareola nordmanni (A) near-threatened
Skuas and jaegers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants.
- Great skua, Stercorarius skua
- South polar skua, Stercorarius maccormicki (A)
- Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
- Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
- Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus
Auks, murres, and puffins
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Alcidae
Auks are superficially similar to penguins due to their black-and-white colours, their upright posture and some of their habits, however they are not related to the penguins and differ in being able to fly. Auks live on the open sea, only deliberately coming ashore to nest.
- Dovekie, Alle alle (A)
- Common murre, Uria aalge (A – Canary Islands and African enclaves)
- Razorbill, Alca torda near-threatened
- Black guillemot, Cepphus grylle (A)
- Atlantic puffin, Fratercula arctica (A – Canary Islands) vulnerable
Gulls, terns, and skimmers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the gulls, terns, and skimmers. Gulls are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years.
- Black-legged kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla vulnerable
- Sabine's gull, Xema sabini (A)
- Slender-billed gull, Chroicocephalus genei (A – Canary Islands)
- Bonaparte's gull, Chroicocephalus philadelphia (A)
- Gray-hooded gull, Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus (A)
- Black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus
- Little gull, Hydrocoloeus minutus (A – Canary Islands)
- Ross's gull, Rhodostethia rosea (A)
- Laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla (A)
- Franklin's gull, Leucophaeus pipixcan (A)
- Mediterranean gull, Ichthyaetus melanocephalus
- Pallas's gull, Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus (A)
- Audouin's gull, Ichthyaetus audouinii
- Mew gull, Larus canus (A – Canary Islands)
- Ring-billed gull, Larus delawarensis (A – Canary Islands and African enclaves)
- Herring gull, Larus argentatus
- Yellow-legged gull, Larus michahellis
- Caspian gull, Larus cachinnans
- Iceland gull, Larus glaucoides (A – Canary Islands and African enclaves)
- Lesser black-backed gull, Larus fuscus
- Glaucous-winged gull, Larus glaucescens (A) (Canary Islands only)
- Glaucous gull, Larus hyperboreus (A – Canary Islands and African enclaves)
- Great black-backed gull, Larus marinus
- Kelp gull, Larus dominicanus (A)
- Sooty tern, Onychoprion fuscatus (A)
- Bridled tern, Onychoprion anaethetus (A)
- Little tern, Sternula albifrons (A – Canary Islands)
- Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica
- Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia (A – Canary Islands)
- Black tern, Chlidonias niger
- White-winged tern, Chlidonias leucopterus (A – Canary Islands)
- Whiskered tern, Chlidonias hybrida
- Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii
- Common tern, Sterna hirundo
- Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea (A)
- Forster's tern, Sterna forsteri (A)
- Royal tern, Thalasseus maximus (A)
- Sandwich tern, Thalasseus sandvicensis
- Elegant tern, Thalasseus elegans (A) near-threatened
- Lesser crested tern, Thalasseus bengalensis (A – Canary Islands)
Tropicbirds
Order: Phaethontiformes Family: Phaethontidae
Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their long wings have black markings, as does the head.
- Red-billed tropicbird, Phaeton aetherius (A)
Loons
Order: Gaviiformes Family: Gaviidae
Loons, known as divers in Europe, are a group of aquatic birds found in many parts of North America and northern Europe. They are the size of a large duck or small goose, which they somewhat resemble when swimming, but to which they are completely unrelated.
- Red-throated loon, Gavia stellata
- Arctic loon, Gavia arctica (A – Canary Islands)
- Pacific loon, Gavia pacifica (A)
- Common loon, Gavia immer (A – Canary Islands and African enclaves)
Albatrosses
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Diomedeidae
The albatrosses are among the largest flying birds, with long, narrow wings for gliding. The majority are found in the Southern Hemisphere with only vagrants occurring in the North Atlantic.
- Black-browed albatross, Thalassarche melanophris (A)
Southern storm-petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Oceanitidae
Southern storm petrels, are seabirds in the family Oceanitidae, part of the order Procellariiformes. These smallest of seabirds feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. Their flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like.
- Wilson's storm-petrel, Oceanites oceanicus
- White-faced storm-petrel, Pelagodroma marina (A)
- Black-bellied storm-petrel, Fregetta tropica (A) (Canary Islands only)
Northern storm-petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
The northern storm-petrels are relatives of the petrels and are the smallest seabirds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like.
- European storm-petrel, Hydrobates pelagicus
- Leach's storm-petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhea (A – African enclaves) vulnerable
- Swinhoe's storm-petrel, Oceanodroma monorhis (A) near-threatened
- Band-rumped storm-petrel, Oceanodroma castro (A)
Shearwaters and petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterised by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary.
- Northern fulmar, Fulmarus glacialis (A – Canary Islands)
- Cape petrel, Daption capense (A)
- Zino's petrel, Pterodroma madeira (A) endangered
- Fea's petrel, Pterodroma feae (A)
- Black-capped petrel, Pterodroma hasitata (A)
- Bulwer's petrel, Bulweria bulwerii (A)
- Cory's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea
- Cape Verde shearwater, Calonectris edwardsii (A) (Canary Islands only) near-threatened
- Great shearwater, Ardenna gravis
- Sooty shearwater, Ardenna griseus (A – Canary Islands) near-threatened
- Manx shearwater, Puffinus puffinus
- Yelkouan shearwater, Puffinus yelkouan vulnerable
- Balearic shearwater, Puffinus mauretanicus (A – Canary Islands) critically endangered
- Barolo shearwater, Puffinus baroli (A)
- Boyd's shearwater, Puffinus boydi (A) (Canary Islands only)
Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory.
- Black stork, Ciconia nigra
- White stork, Ciconia ciconia
- Marabou stork, Leptoptilos crumenifer (A) (D)
- Yellow-billed stork, Mycteria ibis (A) (D)
Frigatebirds
Order: Suliformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black, or black-and-white, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have colored inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week.
- Magnificent frigatebird, Fregata magnificens (A)
Boobies and gannets
Order: Suliformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish.
- Masked booby, Sula dactylatra (A)
- Brown booby, Sula leucogaster (A)
- Red-footed booby, Sula sula (A)
- Northern gannet, Morus bassanus
Cormorants and shags
Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colourful.
- Long-tailed cormorant, Microcarbo africanus (A) (D)
- Pygmy cormorant, Microcarbo pygmeus (A) near-threatened
- Great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo
- European shag, Phalacrocorax aristotelis
- Double-crested cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus (A) (Canary Islands only)
Pelicans
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes.
- Great white pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
- Pink-backed pelican, Pelecanus rufescens (A) (D)
- Dalmatian pelican, Pelecanus crispus (A) (D) near-threatened
Heron, egrets, and bitterns
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills.
- American bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus (A)
- Great bittern, Botaurus stellaris (A – Canary Islands)
- Little bittern, Ixobrychus minutus
- Dwarf bittern, Ixobrychus sturmii (A) (Canary Islands only)
- Great blue heron, Ardea herodias (A) (Canary Islands only)
- Gray heron, Ardea cinerea
- Purple heron, Ardea purpurea
- Great egret, Ardea alba (A – Canary Islands)
- Little egret, Egretta garzetta
- Western reef-heron, Egretta gularis (A)
- Tricolored heron, Egretta tricolor (A) (Canary Islands only)
- Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
- Squacco heron, Ardeola ralloides
- Green heron, Butorides virescens (A) (Canary Islands only)
- Black-crowned night-heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
Ibises and spoonbills
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers.
- Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus
- African sacred ibis, Threskiornis aethiopicus (I)
- Northern bald ibis, Geronticus eremita (A) endangered
- Eurasian spoonbill, Platalea leucorodia
- African spoonbill, Platalea alba (A) (D)
Osprey
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
The family Pandionidae contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.
- Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
Hawks, eagles, and kites
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight.
- Black-winged kite, Elanus caeruleus
- Bearded vulture, Gypaetus barbatus near-threatened
- Egyptian vulture, Neophron percnopterus endangered
- European honey-buzzard, Pernis apivorus (A – Canary Islands)
- Swallow-tailed kite, Elanoides forficatus (A) (Canary Islands only)
- Cinereous vulture, Aegypius monachus near-threatened
- Hooded vulture, Necrosyrtes monachus (A) (D)
- White-backed vulture, Gyps africanus (A) critically endangered
- Rüppell's griffon, Gyps rueppelli (A) critically endangered
- Eurasian griffon, Gyps fulvus
- Bateleur, Terathopius ecaudatus (A) near-threatened
- Short-toed snake-eagle, Circaetus gallicus (A – Canary Islands)
- Lesser spotted eagle, Clanga pomarina (A)
- Greater spotted eagle, Clanga clanga (A) vulnerable
- Booted eagle, Hieraaetus pennatus
- Steppe eagle, Aquila nipalensis (A) endangered
- Spanish eagle, Aquila adalberti vulnerable
- Imperial eagle, Aquila heliaca (A) vulnerable
- Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos
- Bonelli's eagle, Aquila fasciata (A – Canary Islands)
- Eurasian marsh-harrier, Circus aeruginosus
- Hen harrier, Circus cyaneus
- Pallid harrier, Circus macrourus (A – Canary Islands and African enclaves) near-threatened
- Montagu's harrier, Circus pygargus
- Eurasian sparrowhawk, Accipiter nisus
- Northern goshawk, Accipiter gentilis (A – Canary Islands)
- Red kite, Milvus milvus (A – Canary Islands) near-threatened
- Black kite, Milvus migrans
- White-tailed eagle, Haliaeetus albicilla (A)
- Rough-legged hawk, Buteo lagopus (A)
- Common buzzard, Buteo buteo
- Long-legged buzzard, Buteo rufinus (A)
Barn-owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.
- Barn owl, Tyto alba
Owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.
- Eurasian scops-owl, Otus scops (A – Canary Islands)
- Eurasian eagle-owl, Bubo bubo
- Snowy owl, Bubo scandiacus (A) (D)
- Northern hawk owl, Surnia ulula (A – Canary Islands)
- Little owl, Athene noctua
- Tawny owl, Strix aluco
- Long-eared owl, Asio otus
- Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
- Marsh owl, Asio capensis (A)
- Boreal owl, Aegolius funereus
Hoopoes
Order: Bucerotiformes Family: Upupidae
Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink colouring with a large erectile crest on their head.
- Eurasian hoopoe, Upupa epops
Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails.
- Common kingfisher, Alcedo atthis (A – Canary Islands)
- Belted kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon (A)
Bee-eaters
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Meropidae
The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colourful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar.
- Blue-cheeked bee-eater, Merops persicus (A)
- European bee-eater, Merops apiaster
Rollers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Coraciidae
Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not.
- European roller, Coracias garrulus
- Abyssinian roller, Coracias abyssinicus (A) (Canary Islands only)
Woodpeckers
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks.
- Eurasian wryneck, Jynx torquilla
- Middle spotted woodpecker, Dendrocoptes medius
- White-backed woodpecker, Dendrocopos leucotos
- Great spotted woodpecker, Dendrocopos major
- Lesser spotted woodpecker, Dryobates minor
- Levaillant's woodpecker, Picus vaillantii (A) (African enclaves only)
- Iberian green woodpecker, Picus sharpei
- Black woodpecker, Dryocopus martius
Falcons and caracaras
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons.
- Lesser kestrel, Falco naumanni (A – Canary Islands)
- Eurasian kestrel, Falco tinnunculus
- Red-footed falcon, Falco vespertinus (A – Canary Islands) near-threatened
- Eleonora's falcon, Falco eleonorae
- Merlin, Falco columbarius
- Eurasian hobby, Falco subbuteo (A – Canary Islands)
- Lanner falcon, Falco biarmicus (A)
- Saker falcon, Falco cherrug (A) endangered
- Gyrfalcon, Falco rusticolus (A)
- Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus (A – Canary Islands)
Old World parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittaculidae
Characteristic features of parrots include a strong curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed zygodactyl feet. Many parrots are vividly coloured, and some are multi-coloured. In size they range from 8 cm (3.1 in) to 1 m (3.3 ft) in length. Old World parrots are found from Africa east across south and southeast Asia and Oceania to Australia and New Zealand.
- Rose-ringed parakeet, Psittacula krameri (I)
African and New World parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae
These species have established itself after being introduced by humans.
- Monk parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus (I)
- Red-masked parakeet, Psittacara erythrogenys (I)
Vireos, shrike-babblers, and erpornis
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
The vireos are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World and Southeast Asia.
- Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus (A)
Old World orioles
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oriolidae
The Old World orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles.
- Eurasian golden oriole, Oriolus oriolus
Bushshrikes and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Malaconotidae
Bushshrikes are similar in habits to shrikes, hunting insects and other small prey from a perch on a bush. Although similar in build to the shrikes, these tend to be either colourful species or largely black; some species are quite secretive.
- Black-crowned tchagra, Tchagra senegalus (A)
Shrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae
Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A shrike's beak is hooked, like that of a typical bird of prey.
- Red-backed shrike, Lanius collurio (A – Canary Islands)
- Isabelline shrike, Lanius isabellinus (A)
- Brown shrike, Lanius cristatus (A)
- Great gray shrike, Lanius excubitor (A)
- Iberian gray shrike, Lanius meridionalis (A – African enclaves) vulnerable
- Lesser gray shrike, Lanius minor
- Masked shrike, Lanius nubicus (A)
- Woodchat shrike, Lanius senator
Crows, jays, and magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence.
- Eurasian jay, Garrulus glandarius
- Iberian magpie, Cyanopica cooki
- Maghreb magpie, Pica mauritanica (African enclaves only)
- Eurasian magpie, Pica pica
- Eurasian nutcracker, Nucifraga caryocatactes (A)
- Red-billed chough, Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
- Yellow-billed chough, Pyrrhocorax graculus
- Eurasian jackdaw, Corvus monedula (A – Canary Islands)
- Rook, Corvus frugilegus
- Carrion crow, Corvus corone (A – African enclaves)
- Hooded crow, Corvus cornix (A)
- Pied crow, Corvus albus (A) (D)
- Brown-necked raven, Corvus ruficollis (A) (D)
- Common raven, Corvus corax
Tits, chickadees, and titmice
Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae
The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects.
- Coal tit, Parus ater
- Crested tit, Parus cristatus (A – African enclaves)
- Marsh tit, Parus palustris
- Eurasian blue tit, Cyanistes caeruleus
- African blue tit, Cyanistes teneriffae (A) (D)
- Great tit, Parus major
Penduline-tits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Remizidae
The penduline-tits are a group of small passerine birds related to the true tits. They are insectivores.
- Eurasian penduline tit, Remiz pendulinus
Larks
Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds.
- Greater hoopoe-lark, Alaemon alaudipes (A) (Canary Islands and African enclaves only)
- Bar-tailed lark, Ammomanes cinctura (A)
- Horned lark, Eremophila alpestris (A)
- Greater short-toed lark, Calandrella brachydactyla
- Calandra lark, Melanocorypha calandra (A – Canary Islands)
- Dupont's lark, Chersophilus duponti near-threatened
- Lesser short-toed lark, Alaudala rufescens
- Wood lark, Lullula arborea
- Eurasian skylark, Alauda arvensis
- Thekla's lark, Galerida theklae
- Crested lark, Galerida cristata
Bearded reedling
Order: Passeriformes Family: Panuridae
This species, the only one in its family, is found in reed beds throughout temperate Europe and Asia.
- Bearded reedling, Panurus biarmicus
Cisticolas and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cisticolidae
The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub
- Zitting cisticola, Cisticola juncidis
Reed warblers and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Acrocephalidae
The members of this family are usually rather large for "warblers". Most are rather plain olivaceous brown above with much yellow to beige below. They are usually found in open woodland, reedbeds, or tall grass. The family occurs mostly in southern to western Eurasia and surroundings, but it also ranges far into the Pacific, with some species in Africa.
- Booted warbler, Iduna caligata (A)
- Eastern olivaceous warbler, Iduna pallida (A) (Canary Islands only)
- Western olivaceous warbler, Iduna opaca (A – Canary Islands)
- Melodious warbler, Hippolais polyglotta
- Icterine warbler, Hippolais icterina (A – Canary Islands and African enclaves)
- Aquatic warbler, Acrocephalus paludicola (A – Canary Islands) vulnerable
- Moustached warbler, Acrocephalus melanopogon
- Sedge warbler, Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
- Paddyfield warbler, Acrocephalus agricola (A)
- Blyth's reed warbler, Acrocephalus dumetorum (A)
- Marsh warbler, Acrocephalus palustris (A)
- Eurasian reed warbler, Acrocephalus scirpaceus
- Great reed warbler, Acrocephalus arundinaceus (A – Canary Islands)
Grassbirds and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Locustellidae
Locustellidae are a family of small insectivorous songbirds found mainly in Eurasia, Africa, and the Australian region. They are smallish birds with tails that are usually long and pointed, and tend to be drab brownish or buffy all over.
- River warbler, Locustella fluviatilis (A)
- Savi's warbler, Locustella luscinioides
- Common grasshopper-warbler, Locustella naevia
Swallows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base.
- Bank swallow, Riparia riparia
- Eurasian crag-martin, Ptyonoprogne rupestris (A – Canary Islands)
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
- Red-rumped swallow, Hirundo daurica
- Cliff swallow/cave swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota/Petrochelidon fulva (A – Canary Islands)
- Common house-martin, Delichon urbicum
Bulbuls
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pycnonotidae
Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colourful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throats or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive-brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests.
- Red-whiskered bulbul, Pycnonotus jocosus (I)
- Common bulbul, Pycnonotus barbatus (A)
Leaf warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Phylloscopidae
Leaf warblers are a family of small insectivorous birds found mostly in Eurasia and ranging into Wallacea and Africa. The species are of various sizes, often green-plumaged above and yellow below, or more subdued with greyish-green to greyish-brown colours.
- Wood warbler, Phylloscopus sibilatrix
- Western Bonelli's warbler, Phylloscopus bonelli
- Yellow-browed warbler, Phylloscopus inornatus (A – African enclaves)
- Hume's warbler, Phylloscopus humei (A)
- Pallas's leaf warbler, Phylloscopus proregulus (A)
- Radde's warbler, Phylloscopus schwarzi (A)
- Dusky warbler, Phylloscopus fuscatus (A)
- Willow warbler, Phylloscopus trochilus
- Common chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita
- Canary Islands chiffchaff, Phylloscopus canariensis (E – Canary Islands)
- Iberian chiffchaff, Phylloscopus brehmii
- Greenish warbler, Phylloscopus trochiloides (A)
- Arctic warbler, Phylloscopus borealis (A)
Bush warblers and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Scotocercidae
The members of this family are found throughout Africa, Asia, and Polynesia. Their taxonomy is in flux, and some authorities place some genera in other families.[5]
- Cetti's warbler, Cettia cetti
Long-tailed tits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Aegithalidae
Long-tailed tits are a group of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They make woven bag nests in trees. Most eat a mixed diet which includes insects.
- Long-tailed tit, Aegithalos longicaudus
Sylviid warblers, parrotbills, and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sylviidae
The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. They mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent, Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs.
- Eurasian blackcap, Sylvia atricapilla
- Garden warbler, Sylvia borin
- African desert warbler, Sylvia nana (A)
- Asian desert warbler, Sylvia nana (A)
- Barred warbler, Sylvia nisoria (A)
- Lesser whitethroat, Sylvia curruca (A)
- Western Orphean warbler, Sylvia hortensis (A – Canary Islands)
- Tristram's warbler, Sylvia deserticola (A)
- Rüppell's warbler, Sylvia ruppeli (A)
- Subalpine warbler, Sylvia cantillans
- Moltoni's warbler, Sylvia subalpina
- Sardinian warbler, Sylvia melanocephala
- Greater whitethroat, Sylvia communis
- Spectacled warbler, Sylvia conspicillata
- Marmora's warbler, Sylvia sarda (A)
- Dartford warbler, Sylvia undata near-threatened
- Balearic warbler, Sylvia balearica (E – Balearic Islands)
Laughingthrushes and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Leiothrichidae
The laughingthrushes are somewhat diverse in size and colouration, but are characterised by soft fluffy plumage.
- Red-billed leiothrix, Leiothrix lutea (I)
Kinglets
Order: Passeriformes Family: Regulidae
The kinglets, also called crests, are a small group of birds often included in the Old World warblers, but frequently given family status because they also resemble the titmice.
- Goldcrest, Regulus regulus
- Common firecrest, Regulus ignicapilla
Wallcreeper
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tichodromidae
The wallcreeper is a small bird related to the nuthatch family, which has stunning crimson, grey and black plumage.
- Wallcreeper, Tichodroma muraria
Nuthatches
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sittidae
Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails and powerful bills and feet.
- Eurasian nuthatch, Sitta europaea
Treecreepers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Certhiidae
Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees.
- Eurasian treecreeper, Certhia familiaris
- Short-toed treecreeper, Certhia brachydactyla
Wrens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous.
- Eurasian wren, Troglodytes troglodytes
Dippers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cinclidae
Dippers are a group of perching birds whose habitat includes aquatic environments in the Americas, Europe and Asia. They are named for their bobbing or dipping movements.
- White-throated dipper, Cinclus cinclus
Starlings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen.
- European starling, Sturnus vulgaris
- Spotless starling, Sturnus unicolor (A – Canary Islands)
- Rosy starling, Pastor roseus (A)
Mockingbirds and thrashers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Mimidae
The mimids are a family of passerine birds which includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers, and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalization, especially their remarkable ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. The species tend towards dull grays and browns in their appearance.
- Gray catbird, Dumetella carolinensis (A) (Canary Islands only)
- Tropical mockingbird, Mimus gilvus (A) (D)
- Northern mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos (A) (D) (Canary Islands only)
Thrushes and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.
- White's thrush, Zoothera dauma (A)
- Mistle thrush, Turdus viscivorus (A – Canary Islands)
- Song thrush, Turdus philomelos
- Redwing, Turdus iliacus near-threatened
- Eurasian blackbird, Turdus merula
- American robin, Turdus migratorius (A)
- Eyebrowed thrush, Turdus obscurus (A)
- Fieldfare, Turdus pilaris (A – Canary Islands)
- Ring ouzel, Turdus torquatus
- Naumann's thrush, Turdus naumanni (A)
Old World flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae
Old World flycatchers are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is highly varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls.
- Spotted flycatcher, Muscicapa striata
- Rufous-tailed scrub-robin, Cercotrichas galactotes (A – Canary Islands)
- European robin, Erithacus rubecula
- Siberian blue robin, Larvivora cyane (A)
- Common nightingale, Luscinia megarhynchos
- Bluethroat, Luscinia svecica (A – Canary Islands)
- Red-flanked bluetail, Tarsiger cyanurus (A)
- Red-breasted flycatcher, Ficedula parva (A)
- Semicollared flycatcher, Ficedula semitorquata (A)
- European pied flycatcher, Ficedula hypoleuca
- Collared flycatcher, Ficedula albicollis (A)
- Moussier's redstart, Phoenicurus moussieri (A)
- Common redstart, Phoenicurus phoenicurus
- Black redstart, Phoenicurus ochruros
- Rufous-tailed rock-thrush, Monticola saxatilis (A – Canary Islands)
- Blue rock-thrush, Monticola solitarius (A – Canary Islands)
- Whinchat, Saxicola rubetra
- Fuerteventura stonechat, Saxicola dacotiae (E – Canary Islands) near-threatened
- European stonechat, Saxicola rubicola
- Siberian stonechat, Saxicola maurus (A)
- Northern wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe
- Isabelline wheatear, Oenanthe isabellina (A)
- Desert wheatear, Oenanthe deserti (A)
- Black-eared wheatear, Oenanthe hispanica
- Black wheatear, Oenanthe leucura
- White-crowned wheatear, Oenanthe leucopyga (A)
Waxwings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Bombycillidae
The waxwings are a group of birds with soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and cedar waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter.
- Bohemian waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus (A)
Weavers and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Ploceidae
The weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills. The males of many species are brightly coloured, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in colour only in the breeding season.
- Black-headed weaver, Ploceus melanocephalus (I)
Waxbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Estrildidae
The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have wide variation in plumage colours and patterns.
- Orange-cheeked waxbill, Estrilda melpoda (I)
- Black-rumped waxbill, Estrilda troglodytes (I)
- Common waxbill, Estrilda astrild (I)
- Red avadavat, Amandava amandava (I)
Accentors
Order: Passeriformes Family: Prunellidae
The accentors are in the only bird family, Prunellidae, which is completely endemic to the Palearctic. They are small, fairly drab species superficially similar to sparrows.
- Alpine accentor, Prunella collaris
- Dunnock, Prunella modularis
Old World sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Old World sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects.
- House sparrow, Passer domesticus
- Italian sparrow, Passer italiae (A) (D) vulnerable
- Spanish sparrow, Passer hispaniolensis
- Eurasian tree sparrow, Passer montanus
- Sudan golden sparrow, Passer luteus (A) (D) (Canary Islands only)
- Rock sparrow, Petronia petronia
- White-winged snowfinch, Montifringilla nivalis
Wagtails and pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country.
- Gray wagtail, Motacilla cinerea
- Western yellow wagtail, Motacilla flava
- Citrine wagtail, Motacilla citreola (A – Canary Islands)
- White wagtail, Motacilla alba (A)
- Richard's pipit, Anthus richardi (A – Canary Islands)
- Blyth's pipit, Anthus godlewskii (A)
- Tawny pipit, Anthus campestris
- Berthelot's pipit, Anthus berthelotii
- Meadow pipit, Anthus pratensis near-threatened
- Tree pipit, Anthus trivialis
- Olive-backed pipit, Anthus hodgsoni (A)
- Red-throated pipit, Anthus cervinus
- Water pipit, Anthus spinoletta (A – Canary Islands)
- Rock pipit, Anthus petrosus (A – Canary Islands)
- American pipit, Anthus rubescens (A)
Finches, euphonias, and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well.
- Common chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs
- Tenerife blue chaffinch, Fringilla teydea (E- Canary Islands)
- Gran Canaria blue chaffinch, Fringilla polatzeki (E- Canary Islands)
- Brambling, Fringilla montifringilla (A – Canary Islands)
- Hawfinch, Coccothraustes coccothraustes (A – Canary Islands)
- Common rosefinch, Carpodacus erythrinus (A)
- Eurasian bullfinch, Pyrrhula pyrrhula (A – African enclaves)
- Trumpeter finch, Rhodopechys githaginea (A – African enclaves)
- Desert finch, Rhodospiza obsoleta (A) (D)
- European greenfinch, Chloris chloris
- Twite, Linaria flavirostris (A)
- Eurasian linnet, Linaria cannabina
- Common redpoll, Acanthis flammea (A)
- Red crossbill, Loxia curvirostra (A – Canary Islands)
- European goldfinch, Carduelis carduelis
- Citril finch, Carduelis citrinella (A – African enclaves)
- European serin, Serinus serinus
- Island canary, Serinus canaria (Canary Islands only)
- Eurasian siskin, Spinus spinus
Longspurs and snow buntings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Calcariidae
The Calcariidae are a group of passerine birds which had been traditionally grouped with the New World sparrows, but differ in a number of respects and are usually found in open grassy areas.
- Snow bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis (A – Canary Islands and African enclaves)
- Lapland bunting, Calcarius lapponicus (A)
Old World buntings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns.
- Black-headed bunting, Emberiza melanocephala (A)
- Red-headed bunting, Emberiza bruniceps (A)
- Corn bunting, Miliaria calandra
- Rock bunting, Emberiza cia
- Meadow bunting, Emberiza cioides (A) (D)
- Cirl bunting Emberiza cirlus
- Yellowhammer, Emberiza citrinella (A – African enclaves)
- Pine bunting, Emberiza leucocephalos (A)
- Ortolan bunting, Emberiza hortulana
- Cretzschmar's bunting, Emberiza caesia (A)
- House bunting, Emberiza sahari (A)
- Reed bunting, Emberiza schoeniclus (A – Canary Islands)
- Yellow-breasted bunting, Emberiza aureola (A) critically endangered
- Little bunting, Emberiza pusilla (A)
- Rustic bunting, Emberiza rustica (A) vulnerable
New World sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passerellidae
The New World sparrows (or American sparrows) are a large family of seed-eating passerine birds with distinctively finch-like bills.
- Song sparrow, Melospiza melodia (A)
Troupials and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae
Icterids make up a family of small- to medium-sized, often colorful, New-World passerine birds. Most species have black as a predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange or red. The species in the family vary widely in size, shape, behavior and coloration.
- Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus (A) (Canary Islands only)
New World warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Parulidae
The New World warblers are a group of small often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some are more terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores.
- Northern waterthrush, Parkesia noveboracensis (A) (Canary Islands only)
- Black-and-white warbler, Mniotilta varia (A) (Canary Islands only)
- Common yellowthroat, Geothlypis trichas (A)
- Yellow-rumped warbler, Setophaga coronata (A)
Notes
- The SEO/Birdlife list includes just "bean goose"; eBird records show both bean-goose species in Spain
References
- Rouco, Miguel; Copete, José Luis; de Juana, Eduardo; Gil-Velasco, Marcel; Lorenzo, Juan Antonio; Martín, Marce; Milá, Borja; Molina, Blas; Santos, David M. (2019). "Lista de las Aves de España". SEOBirdLife. Retrieved August 24, 2019.
- "Spain eBird Bar Chart". Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, S. M. Billerman, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2019. The eBird/Clements Checklist of Birds of the World: v2019. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/ Retrieved August 15, 2019
- Lepage, Denis (June 15, 2019). "Checklist of birds of Spain". Bird Checklists of the World. Avibase. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
- Gill, F. and D. Donsker (Eds). 2019. IOC World Bird List (v 9.2). doi:10.14344/IOC.ML.9.2. http://www.worldbirdnames.org/ retrieved 22 June 2019