the raptor paradise
Occupying the entire northern part of the province of Seville, is located the Sierra Norte de Sevilla. It is part of a much larger mountain range, Sierra Morena, which crosses virtually all of Andalusia from Jaén to Huelva, and separates the Guadalquivir Valley from the Meseta.
The main use of the land is extensive livestock and hunting grounds, so the landscape remains mostly wild and unaltered.
These are smooth rounded hills, mostly occupied by open forest, mediterranean scrubland and large reservoirs.
This is undoubtedly one of the best places all over Andalusia to observe birds of prey. In a single day, you can observe the 5 Iberian eagles: Spanish Imperial Eagle, Golden Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Booted and Short-toed Snake Eagle. The list of raptors can be completed, among others, with the Eurasian Black Vulture and Griffon Vulture and not all days with the Black-shouldered Kite and Egyptian Vulture.
There are also chances to observe many of the endemic or near-endemic Iberian birds: Southern Grey Shrike, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Iberian Magpie and Iberian Chiffchaff.
You can also find the 5 species of Spanish Swifts: Alpine, Common, Pallid, White-rumped and Little Swift (the last one very located in Spain).
Other highlights of this area are the endangered Black Stork and the iconic Eurasian Eagle Owl, both with healthy nesting populations here.
Abundance and diversity of birds of prey.
Presence of most endemic and near-endemic Iberian bird species.
Presence of the 5 Spanish Swifts.
Attractive landscape.
This is a large area with many possibilities, so depending on the time of year, your targets, and the pick-up point we will visit different areas.
We will mainly observe birds from the vehicle and its surroundings and we will use the car to reach the different areas.
We can take short walks if you wish, and they may be necessary to observe some of the species (especially passerines).
Some of the hotspots of Sierra Norte are: Guditoca plains, Cerro del Hierro, Huéznar riverbank and Guadalbacar Valley.
Blog: Top 10 birds of Sierra Norte
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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Egyptian Vulture
Red-necked Nightjar
Great Spotted Cuckoo
European Scops Owl
Alpine Swift
Pallid Swift
European Bee-eater
Woodchat Shrike
Red-rumped Swallow
Subalpine Warbler
Black-eared Wheatear
Black-shouldered Kite
Eurasian Griffon Vulture
Southern Grey Shrike
Iberian Magpie
Thekla Lark
Calandra Lark
Spotless Starling
Blue Rock Trush
Spanish Sparrow
Rock Sparrow
Rock Bunting
MAIN HABITATS
TOP BIRDS
Eurasian Black Vulture, Spanish Eagle, White-rumped Swift
LOCATION
DURATION
From Seville full day: ≈ 10 hours.
From Seville half day: ≈ 5 hours.
From Sierra Norte full day: ≈ 8 hours.
AVAILABILITY
All year round.