Nature areas
Urban SPAs in Extremadura
The Autonomous Community of Extremadura is a veritable ornithological paradise, so no wonder that numerous areas have been declared SPAs throughout the region. Extremadura's environmental and ornithological value is particularly obvious in many towns in the region, which have become excellent places in which to observe birds.
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- Urban SPAs in Extremadura
Extremadura is the only region in Europe with SPAs in buildings in town centres.
The Autonomous Community of Extremadura is a veritable ornithological paradise, so no wonder that numerous areas have been declared SPAs throughout the region. Extremadura's environmental and ornithological value is particularly obvious in many towns in the region, which have become excellent places in which to observe birds.
Extremadura is one of the few regions of Europe with Special Protection Areas for birds in its town centres, and the only European region to have SPAs exclusively in buildings in urban areas. Indeed 23 urban and periurban SPAs have been declared in the region, because many of the historical, emblematic sites in the towns of Extremadura are chosen by hundreds of birds to nest in. One clear example of this is the lesser kestrel: of the 3750 pairs registered in the region, 67% live in colonies located in towns and villages.
Cáceres, Trujillo, Almendralejo, Brozas, Belvís de Monroy, Fuente de Cantos, Garrovillas, Guareña, Ribera del Fresno, San Vicente de Alcántara, Saucedilla and Jaraíz de La Vera are some of the municipalities inhabited by colonies of lesser kestrels. Ornithology and heritage go hand in hand in Extremadura, you need only look up at the beautiful sky of the region's towns to observe the flight of highly valuable species such as the lesser kestrel or the white stork, whose huge nests on top of the belltowers of the churches of Extremadura are one of the most representative images of the region, revealing the intimacy with which birds and man live together in this territory.
Llerena, Zafra and the urban stretches of the River Guadiana as it passes through Mérida are also Special Protection Areas for birds.
All of these spaces make Extremadura a paradise for ornithology enthusiasts.
More information at www.birdinginextremadura.com
