Silence to discover
Found in the northern part of Teruel Province, the Andorra and Sierra de Arcos county is the smallest and one of the least well-known of the province.
This is a transition landscape between the last foothills of the Iberian mountain system and the Ebro valley. As a result there is a wide range of habitats – from the escarpments of the Arcos and Ejulve sierras, from which the Majalinos peak rises, to the riparian forests of the Escuriza, Estercuel and Martín rivers, through the cereal plains of Andorra and Alloza, scattered with olive trees, up to the limestone rocky gorges like those at Mortero de Alacón, a natural sanctuary which was once a prehistoric ceremonial site.
Such varied topography and the wealth of the plant life found here, combined with streams and other wetland areas provide ideal conditions for a wide representation of Mediterranean fauna.
Come and enjoy the beauty and diversity of our birdlife. Our region awaits you with open arms and a sky full of life!
Types of birds
Steppe birds
The vast, open cultivated areas are home to steppe birds such as Larks, Crested Larks, Calandria Larks and the rare Lesser Kestrel. Among the olive groves and fruit trees, you can spot Partridges, Wood Pigeons, Bee-eaters, Hoopoes and, occasionally, the beautiful Golden Oriole.
Shrubland birds
The vast scrublands are home to species such as the Thekla Lark, the Meadow Pipit, and Subalpine and Dartford Warblers. You can also find Wheatears, Robins, Melodious Warblers and Nightingales.
Woodland birds
When the scrubland turns into woodland, birds such as the Long-tailed Tit, Woodchat Shrike, Treecreeper, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Jay, Wryneck, Crossbill and forest specialists such as Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker appear.
Wetland birds
Around the wetlands there are Reed Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, Penduline Tit and Kingfisher to be seen, as well as Common Sandpiper, Cirl Bunting in the gallery trees, Moorhen, Common Pochard and the majestic Marsh Harrier.
Daytime birds of prey
The Golden Eagle flies over the depressions of Oliete and Alacón, where the Goshawk and Sparrowhawk can also be seen, while Buzzards are common throughout the area. The Escuriza valley is a hunting and nesting territory for the Peregrine Falcon, which shares the airspace with the Hobby and the Common Kestrel. Throughout the region, Griffon Vultures soar majestically in the ascending thermal currents, competing for carrion with the rare Egyptian Vulture.
Nocturnal birds of prey
Nocturnal birds of prey are also present: Tawny Owl, Barn Owl, Scops Owl, Eagle Owl, Short-eared Owl and Little Owl have all been reported in our fields and forests.