the kingdom of rock birds
Grazalema and Ronda mountains form a set of limestone ranges between the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga.
They present a varied mountainous geography, with an attractive blend of cliffs and dense oak groves and even Spanish Fir trees (a near-endemic of this area), dotted with white villages that climb the slopes.
This rich vegetation grows easily due to this is one of the areas with the highest instance of rainfall in the whole Iberian Peninsula.
These mountains are a stronghold for the Spanish Ibex, which can easily be seen moving smoothly on the rocks.
Grazalema and Ronda Mountains are very important because of the cliff raptors population: Egyptian Vulture, Golden Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Peregrine Falcon and Griffon Vulture (here one of the biggest colonies in Europe can be found).
It is also an excellent place for scrubland birds and Mediterranean forest birds such as the Iberian Chiffchaff and some Sylvia Warblers species.
We can also spot mountain birds like the Red-billed Chough, Black Wheatear, Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush or Alpine Accentor.
The mountain pass offers good places to observe the soaring birds during their migration.
High density and variety of rock birds.
Abundance of birds of prey.
Great scenic and botanical interest.
Easy observation of the Spanish Ibex.
Cultural interest of white villages.
Depending on where we pick you up and your targets, we will visit different areas to be as successful as possible.
We will use the sinuous network of mountain roads (in good condition) to reach the different birding hotspots. Short walks may be necessary to see some of the species.
But if you’re looking to spend most of your day birding on foot and using the vehicle as little as possible, this area is also suitable for that.
Blog: Top 10 birds of Grazalema & Ronda Mountains
Due to the size of the area and the many possibilities, a visit of more than one day is also recommended.
Most wanted birds
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Lesser Kestrel
European Scops Owl
Red-necked Nightjar
Pallid Swift
Alpine Swift
White-rumped Swift
Woodchat Shrike
Red-rumped Swallow
Black-eared Wheatear
Golden Eagle
Eurasian Eagle Owl
Iberian Green Woodpecker
Southern Grey Shrike
Thekla Lark
Spotless Starling
Rock Bunting
MAIN HABITATS
TOP BIRDS
Black Wheatear, Egyptian Vulture, Iberian Chiffchaff
LOCATION
DURATION
From Seville: ≈ 10 hours.
From Grazalema/Ronda: ≈ 8 hours.
AVAILABILITY
All year round.