In the mountain ranges above 700 m, the Mediterranean forest is replaced by deciduous and coniferous forests, composed mainly of Pyrenean oak or sweet chestnut. This is especially the case in northern Extremadura (Sierra de Gata, Las Hurdes, Jerte and La Vera), east of Cáceres (Villuercas) and in the south of the province of Badajoz […]

Many of the Extremaduran mountain ranges are crowned by large quartzite rocks, which emerge above the dense vegetation of the Mediterranean forest or dehesas. These crags are often inaccessible, with a dense barrier of vegetation on the slopes below them and are chosen by birds as nesting areas, safe from human disturbances or their natural […]

This is the final stage in the degradation of the Mediterranean forest, after most of the trees, bushes and scrub have disappeared. It occupies large areas of gently undulating terrain and is usually typified by the presence of rainfed cereal crops. The most representative breeding species is the Great Bustard, as well as Little Bustard, […]

Water courses can be very different depending on their width, depth of the channel, altitude at which they are located and associated vegetation. Alders, ash, poplars and willows appear in the permanent courses, while in the seasonal courses, almost always dry in the summer, species adapted to the lack of water such as oleander and […]

The elimination of trees from dehesas, together with the progressive abandonment of traditional agricultural crops and livestock, and the appearance of other factors such as forest fires, have favoured the consolidation of vegetation with a predominance of Mediterranean scrub and shrubs. The most common formations are rockroses, brooms, lavenders and wild olive groves, whilst in […]

Dehesa (wood pasture) is mainly dominated by holm oaks and cork oaks, although at higher altitudes also by Pyrenean and Portuguese oaks. It is the most representative landscape of Extremadura, occupying 35% of the surface area. Dehesas result from the progressive clearing of Mediterranean forest by people, who through periodic pruning and clearing have managed […]

Many towns and cities in Extremadura are excellent places for bird watching, as they offer ideal nesting places for birds and are close to their feeding areas. Historical buildings are usually the sites selected for nesting due to the abundance of cavities and supports as nest sites for species like White Storks in church bell […]

The Tagus and Guadiana rivers are largely dammed as they pass through Extremadura. Furthermore, the scarcity of water in the summer months has led to the construction of small reservoirs and ponds. In fact, Extremadura is the Spanish region with the most inland coastline. On the islands of these reservoirs there are breeding colonies of […]

In Extremadura there are more than 200,000 hectares dedicated to irrigated crops, thanks to the extensive network of dams and canals in the Guadiana River basin and to a lesser extent in the Tagus basin. From the birds’ point of view, the most interesting irrigated crops are maize and rice, especially in winter. Once these […]

This is the habitat most like that which originally covered Extremadura thousands of years ago. The best-preserved tracts can be found on the slopes and upper elevations of some mountain ranges, as well as in certain river valleys, composed of holm oaks, cork oaks or Pyrenean oaks, with a high density of trees creating a […]