Portugal offers a fantastic diversity of habitats, and consequently an equally diverse array of birds in a relatively small area, allowing us to visit several species rich areas without needing to travel long distances.
All this birding activity is combined with visits to some of the most important wine producers in the main wine regions of Portugal (including the Douro, for Port wine), giving an opportunity throughout the whole of our route to better understand the country’s rich wine heritage. At various times we’ll be joined by qualified wine makers who will help us learn to discern the subtle differences between the various regions, terroirs, wines and grapes. Besides the great wines, we’ll have numerous opportunities to sample Portugal’s many culinary delights.
Top Birds
Western Swamphen; Squacco Heron; Great & Little Bustards; Bluethroat; Dartford & Sardinian Warblers; Iberian Grey Shrike; Common Crane; Red & Black-winged Kites; Black-bellied Sandgrouse; Calandra Lark; Iberian Green Woodpecker; Cinereous, Griffon & Egyptian Vultures; Spanish Imperial, Bonelli’s & Golden Eagles; Western Black-eared Wheatear; Iberian Magpie; Red-billed Chough; Hawfinch; Cirl Bunting; as well as an excellent selection of ducks, waders and seabirds.
Habitats Covered
coastal wetlands, Cork and Holm Oak forests, deciduous woodlands, mountain crags, grasslands
Expected Climate
temperate, mainly mild
Max Group Size
7 with 1 Local leader
Tour Pace & Walking
mostly easy
Accommodation
comfortable guest houses & hotels
Ease of Birding
mostly easy
Other Attractions
Foz Côa Valley; Mértola archaeological site, excellent wine vineyards
Photographic Opportunities
good to very good