Bird-watching in Navarre

Steppe Landscape

In some parts of the far south of Navarre where deforestation has proved severe over the years and rainfall is scarce, fields can be found with thin vegetation, at the most bushes. In these areas, the effect of erosion is significant, continually creating and modifying the gullies formed in the clays of the plain.

The sparse vegetation consists of Kermes oak, rosemary and esparto with very little coverage. Many of these steppe areas are combined with dry-land cereal crops.

The birds which inhabit this environment are adapted to its demanding conditions and many are practically exclusive to habitats of this kind. Densities are low and the discreet nature and cryptic plumage of the birds in the area make observation hard.

The characteristic species include the Little Bustard, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Stone-curlew, Little Owl, Tawny Pipit, Dupont?s Lark, Short-toed Lark, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Thekla Lark, Crested Lark, Calandra Lark, Black Wheatear, Northern Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Common Stonechat, Spectacled Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Red-billed Chough, Rock Sparrow, Linnet and Corn Bunting.

The spectacular Great Bustard is very rare.