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This space, located in the Axarquia, combines a final stretch of river, a coastal lagoon, a riparian forest and a wide beach, creating a mosaic of habitats of high productivity. It is a hot spot for the observation of coastal waders<\/strong>, highlighting the Kentish Plover<\/strong>(Charadrius alexandrinus<\/em>), which nests on the beach, and the Grey Plover<\/strong>(Pluvialis squatarola<\/em>) during wintering. The lagoon attracts ducks<\/strong> such as the Red-crested Pochard<\/strong>(Netta rufina<\/em>) and ardeids<\/strong> such as the Squacco Heron<\/strong>(Ardeola ralloides<\/em>), a summer species with a restricted distribution. The Great Reed Warbler<\/strong>(Acrocephalus arundinaceus<\/em>) is common in the riparian vegetation. Its proximity to the sea also makes it a good place to detect seabirds<\/strong> such as the Atlantic Northern Gannet<\/strong>(Morus bassanus<\/em>) or the Great Skua<\/strong> (Stercorarius skua<\/em>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
4. LAGUNAS DE CAMPILLOS<\/span>+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
In the countryside of Malaga, the wetland complex of Campillos<\/strong> stands as an indispensable sanctuary for waterfowl and steppe birds<\/strong> of the Mediterranean hinterland. This archipelago of lagoons of different salinity is not only a landscape of serene beauty; it is a functional ecosystem of the highest ornithological value<\/strong>, where the presence or absence of species acts as a precise indicator of the health of the water and the seasonal cycles<\/strong>. The avifauna here are specialists: from the common cranes<\/strong>(Crane grus grus<\/em>) that winter on its shores, to the Greater Flamingoes<\/strong>(Phoenicopterus roseus<\/em>) that use the more saline lagoons as a feeding area, and the common Collared Pratincole<\/strong> (Glareola pratincola<\/em>) that nest on its islets. The presence of birds in these temporary lagoons varies greatly depending on rainfall. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
5. JUNTA DE LOS R\u00cdOS (GUADIARO GENAL)<\/span>+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
This mountain corner, where the rivers Genal and Guadiaro meet, is characterized by a gallery forest of poplars, ash and willows<\/strong>, surrounded by scrubland and Mediterranean forest. It is the ideal habitat for specialized forest species and birds linked to water courses. Also noteworthy are the common Kingfisher<\/strong>(Alcedo atthis<\/em>), the European Golden Oriole<\/strong>(Oriolus oriolus<\/em>) and the Great Sp. Woodpecker<\/strong>(Dendrocopos major<\/em>). Among the birds of prey, the Booted Eagle<\/strong>(Hieraaetus pennatus<\/em>) and the Sparrowhawk<\/strong>(Accipiter nisus<\/em>) patrol the skies. It is an excellent place to listen and observe the varied community of forest passerines<\/strong> in an environment of great tranquility and scenic beauty. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
6. CASARES–CASTILLO<\/span>+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Dominating the coast from the foothills of the Serran\u00eda de Ronda, the cliffs and crags around Casares Castle are a stronghold for rock birds<\/strong>. This is one of the best places in the province to observe the Griffon Vulture<\/strong>(Gyps fulvus<\/em>), which has a breeding colony here, and the Egyptian Vulture<\/strong>(Neophron percnopterus<\/em>), which uses the area during migration and summer. The rocky wall is also the domain of the Peregrine Falcon<\/strong>(Falco peregrinus<\/em>) and the Black Wheatear<\/strong>(Oenanthe leucura<\/em>), a muscciapidae endemic to the Iberian southwest and North Africa. The thermophilic scrublands on the slopes are home to Mediterranean specialists such as the Sardinian Warbler<\/strong>(Sylvia melanocephala<\/em>) and the Dartford-winged Magpie<\/strong>(Sylvia undata<\/em>). The panoramic views also allow censusing of migratory gliding birds<\/strong> on the days of passage through the nearby Strait of Gibraltar. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
7. CAMPI\u00d1A DE NAVAHERMOSA<\/span>+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
This extensive landscape of cereal crops and olive groves, with some patches of low scrubland, represents the traditional steppe and agricultural habitat<\/strong> of the interior of M\u00e1laga, although it is in full decline due to agricultural intensification. It is the area par excellence to look for some of the most endangered birds in Europe. The Little Bustard<\/strong>(Tetrax tetrax<\/em>) and Montagu<\/strong> ‘ s Harrier<\/strong>(Circus pygargus<\/em>) breed here, both species in steep decline. Other characteristic species are the Roller<\/strong>(Coracias garrulus<\/em>), which nests in the hollows of old trees, the Stone Curlew<\/strong>(Burhinus oedicnemus<\/em>) and the Lesser Kestrel<\/strong>(Falco naumanni<\/em>). The conservation of this agricultural landscape is essential for the survival of this unique avian community. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
8. SIERRA DE GRAZALEMA–LLANOS DE L\u00cdBAR<\/span>+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
The Mediterranean mountain combines high mountain pastures (the “plains”), dense forests and spectacular karst formations. Its avifauna is of great value and uniqueness. The grasslands are the kingdom of the Black-eared Wheatear<\/strong>(Oenanthe hispanica<\/em>). The pinsapo forests are home to a specific forest community, with species such as the Blue Tit (<\/strong>Cyanistes caeruleus<\/em>), the Great Tit<\/strong>(Periparus ater<\/em>) and the Tree Creeper<\/strong>(Certhia brachydactyla<\/em>). In the rocky cliffs nest the Griffon vulture<\/strong>(Gyps fulvus<\/em>), the GoldenEagle (Aquila chrysaetos<\/em>) and the Eurasian Eagle-Owl<\/strong>(Bubo bubo<\/em>). It is also one of the few places where, with luck, you can observe the Common Rock Thrush<\/strong>(Monticola saxatilis<\/em>) during the summer period. The combination of habitats and its excellent state of conservation make it a first class ornithological destination. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
Bird diversity in Malaga<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nThe diversity is not random, but responds to an altitudinal and humidity gradient that ranges from coastal and coastal wetlands to mountain systems above 1,500 meters. <\/p>\n\n
Each of these environments-marine, coastal, inland wetlands, riverbanks, agricultural areas, shrublands, Mediterranean forests and rocky areas-supports a distinctive and specialized avian community, with species indicative of the health of each ecosystem.<\/p>\n\nWhite-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala<\/em>).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\nThe result is a territory that acts as a microcosm of the Mediterranean avifauna and as a biological corridor of continental importance, offering a field of study and observation of the first order for both scientists and ornithological enthusiasts.<\/p>\n\n
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Diversity of bird species broken down by main habitat. The wetlands and associated habitats, as well as the ecosystems of the Mediterranean Mountains, stand out above all. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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1. MARINE HABITAT (OPEN SEA)<\/span>+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
The deep waters off the coast of M\u00e1laga are a vital corridor for pelagic birds that rarely approach land. Observing them requires boat trips, although stormy days can drag some species close to the coast, offering exceptional opportunities from coastal viewpoints. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Procellariiformes (Shearwaters and European Storm Petrels)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nBalearic Shearwater<\/strong>(Puffinus mauretanicus<\/em>) CRITICAL<\/strong> – Migratory passage<\/li>\n\n\n\nYelkouan Shearwater<\/strong>(Puffinus yelkouan<\/em>) – Resident\/Passover<\/li>\n\n\n\nScopoli’s Shearwater<\/strong>(Calonectris diomedea<\/em>) – Summer\/Nesting<\/li>\n\n\n\nEuropean Storm Petrel<\/strong>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/flamencos-en-Fuente-de-Piedra-800x533.jpg\")
![\"Mountain](\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Birdwatching-Ronda-Grazalema-800x580.jpg\")
![\"Fuente](\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Fuente-de-Piedras-800x600.jpg\")
![\"Tour](\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Aves-en-la-Costa-del-Sol-800x583.jpg\")
![\"Map](\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/8-best-sites-for-birwatching-in-Malaga-800x529.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Oxyura-leucocephala-male-800x533.jpg\")
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