Spain; Southern Costa Blanca in winter (1st November > 31st March) - species list
Original list December 2011 with subsequent updates
Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius) Cartagena
Southern Costa Blanca in WINTER - GALLERY
(WINTER; 1/11 > 31/3) BIRDS - 208 (+1 hybrid, +1 Escape/Introduced) species. Order follows Collins Bird Guide 2nd edn. (2009)
'Common', scarce', etc, refers to our observations in winter; it may or may not reflect the true status/abundance throughout the year – see reference sources.
El Hondo normally refers to the reserve and surrounding area, i.e. southern fields, Vistabella Road, etc
At least one site, El Hondo rubbish tip, ceases to exist now
Mute Swan - Cygnus olor
1 adult in flight San Pedro salinas 27/12/12 - not refound. Origin?
Greylag Goose - Anser anser
3 El Hondo 14/12/13
Common Shelduck - Tadorna tadorna
Fairly common La Manga, San Pedro salinas, Mar Menor, also El Hondo, reservoirs, etc
Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos
Common throughout, including the Mar Menor
Gadwall - Anas strepera
Fairly common El Hondo, can be scarce elsewhere
Northern Pintail - Anas acuta
Scarce. 4 m/4 f San Pedro 25/12/11. El Hondo; c10 21/12/13, 1 26/11/21. Los Camachos res. 3 19/11/21, 1m 28/1/23
Northern Shoveler - Anas clypeata
Common El Hondo, 1000+ 19/12/12. Common on most freshwater sites
Eurasian Wigeon - Anas penelope
Scarce. 1 m/2f San Pedro 19/12/11. El Hondo; 10+ 14/12/13, 1 26/11/21. 1 f Los Camachos res. 19/11/21. 2 EDAR Consum 17/2/25
Marbled Duck - Marmaronetta angustirostris
3 with yellow plastic rings El Hondo visitor centre 26/1/19 (reintroduction scheme). Common visitor centre thereafter following progressive reintroductions. Reintroductions also at El Clot recently.
Common Teal - Anas crecca
Common in all suitable habitat, El Hondo, etc
Common Pochard - Aythya ferina
Common in all suitable habitat, El Hondo, etc
Red-crested Pochard - Netta rufina
Common El Hondo, frequent elsewhere, Lo Monte, Los Camachos etc
Ferruginous Duck - Aythya nyroca
Increasing in Murcia, thanks to the EDAR sites. Max. counts; Los Nietos 2-5 25/1 to 19/2/23, 6 9/11/23. 6 Alahama de Murcia EDAR 2/2/24. 3 El Clot 20/2/24
Pochard x Ferruginous Duck hybrid - Los Alcazares EDAR; 1m 3/12/21, 1m 28/1/23
Tufted Duck - Aythya fuligula
El Hondo; 15 19/12/12, 6 29/12/14, 4 4/2/19. 1m Alahama EDAR 2/2/24. Occasional Lo Monte. 1m Roldan res. 12/2/25
RING-NECKED DUCK - Aythya collaris
1f EDAR Alhama 28/2/22
COMMON EIDER - Somateria mollissima
1M (1w) Sta Pola harbour 16/1/25
Common Scoter - Melanitta nigra
Scarce. San Pedro (offshore); 11 f/imms. 16/12/12, 4 f/imms. 22/12/12
SURF SCOTER - Melanitta perspicillata
1m (1w) Faro de Guardamar 9/1/24 - 14/2/24; 1f Los Alcazares 16/1/25
Red-breasted Merganser - Mergus serrator
Scarce. 1m San Pedro 25/12/11, 9 14/1/25. Los Alcazares; 1 22/12/13, 3 4/2/22. 1 Los Urrutias 22/12/13
White-headed Duck - Oxyura leucocephala
Fairly common El Hondo and other suitable freshwater sites. Numbers vary with water levels
Red-legged Partridge - Alectoris rufa
Common on wasteland, scrub and farm land, common Guadalentin, etc
GREAT NORTHERN DIVER - Gavia immer
1 juv/1w San Pedro 14/1/25
Black-necked Grebe - Podiceps nigricollis
Common Mar Menor. San Pedro; c180 12/2011, c180 15-28/12/14. Common El Hondo and most freshwater sites. c450 La Mata 29/12/14
Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis
Common El Hondo, etc and most freshwater sites
Great Crested Grebe - Podiceps cristatus
Common on the Mar Menor and most freshwater sites
Yelkouan Shearwater - Puffinus yelkouan
17 Mirador Puerto de Mazarron 10/3/22 (by photo). Most of these appeared very pale underneath.
2021; The IOC has proposed 're-lumping' Balearic and Yelkouan Shearwaters, previously named Mediterranean Shearwater
Balearic Shearwater - Puffinus mauretanicus
Cabo de Palos; max. 50+ 6/2/19. 120+ (Balearic/Yelkouan) Faro de Guardamar 31/1/24. 149 (Balearic/Yelkouan) Cabo de Palos 6/2/24, 13 (Balearic/Yelkouan) Cabo de Palos 7/2/24, 66 (Balearic/Yelkouan) Cabo de Palos 12/2/24; 18 31/1/25
2021; The IOC has proposed 're-lumping' Balearic and Yelkouan Shearwaters, previously named Mediterranean Shearwater
Northern Gannet - Morus bassanus
Fairly common offshore throughout
Great Cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo
Common, often large flocks on the Mar Menor
European Shag - Phalacrocorax aristotelis ssp. desmarestii
Seen Cabo de Palos only; 1-5 usually present
Little Bittern - Ixobrychus minutus
El Hondo; 1-3 usually seen or heard there, Lo Monte 1-2
Black-crowned Night Heron - Nycticorax nycticorax
Often on EDAR sites, occasional elsewhere
Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis
Common throughout. Often large numbers on rubbish tips.
Squacco Heron - Ardeola ralloides
1 EDAR Los Alcazares 25/1/23
Little Egret - Egretta garzetta
Common throughout
Great Egret - Egretta alba
Fairly common and widespread throughout
Grey Heron - Ardea cinerea
Common throughout
White Stork - Ciconia ciconia
El Hondo rubbish tip; 2 17/12/12, 2 19/12/14. 2 Vistabella Rd 17/2/22. 8 EDAR Consum 17/2/25
Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus
Common El Hondo. Apparently increasing in numbers Murcia, where now fairly common.
Eurasian Spoonbill - Platalea leucorodia
San Pedro, Los Nietos, La Manga; small groups. c35 San Pedro 11/11/23
Greater Flamingo - Phoenicopterus roseus
Common in suitable habitat, saltwater and fresh
LESSER FLAMINGO – Phoenicopterus minor
1 Vistabella Rd (hide) El Hondo 17/2/22
Eurasian Griffon Vulture - Gyps fulvus
Espuna; 2 17/2/23, 24 22/2/24; Inazares 31 29/1/24, 13 10/2/25
Osprey - Pandion haliaetus
Occasional El Hondo, Sta Pola, etc
Golden Eagle - Aquila chrysaetos
Guadalentin; 1 imm 5/2/19, 1 (1w) + 1 (3-yr, ringed) 2/2/22, 1 ad 5/2/25; Espuna 1 imm 27/1/19, 1 ad 11/2/22, 1 ad 22/2/24
Greater Spotted Eagle - Aquila clanga
Rare/Scarce. El Hondo only; 1 sub-ad 28/12/11 (Tonn, with the satellite antenna). 1 ad 14/12/13, 2 21/12/13. 1 ad 13/12/14, 19/12/14. 1 ad (Tonn) 27/12/17. 1 ad (Tonn) 26/1/19 (with new transmitter/solar panel), 4/2/19
Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatus
Frequent around the Mar Menor, fairly common El Hondo most winters
Bonelli's Eagle - Hieraaetus fasciatus
Scarce but increasing, especially El Hondo area. 2 (pair) Crevillent 27/12/12. El Hondo 1 juv 13/12/14, 1 juv 14/2/22. Bateria de Cenizas; 2 (1 ad, 1 imm) 17/12/14, 2 Portman 24/11/21. 1 El Hondo 11/1/24, 1 juv 24/1/25
Red Kite - Milvus milvus
1 El Hondo 14/12/13, 5 El Carmoli 20/12/13
Western Marsh Harrier - Circus aeruginosus
Common over all reedbeds, especially El Hondo. Also agricultural land, abandoned military zones and reservoirs
Hen Harrier - Circus cyaneus
El Hondo, Guadalentin, Los Alcazares military zone; usually singles
PALLID HARRIER - Circus macrourus
1 1w El Hondo 23-31/1/24
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo
Numerous in both provinces, El Hondo, Mar Menor etc
Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus
Occasional, most habitats
BLACK-WINGED KITE - Elanus caeruleus
1 ad El Hondo 23/1/24
Common Kestrel - Falco tinnunculus
Common throughout
Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus
Scarce. 1 ad eating a Golden Plover, Vistabella Rd/CV 855, 26/12/13. 1 Los Camachos res. 31/1/19. 1 Guadalentin 2/2/22, 1 Espuna 11/2/22. 1 Cabeza Gordi 3/3/22
Merlin - Falco columbarius
Scarce. 1f El Hondo 13/12/14. 1f El Hondo 11/1/24, 1m El Hondo 31/1/24
Water Rail - Rallus aquaticus
Frequently heard/seen El Hondo and all suitable habitat
Common Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus
Common El Hondo etc. Occasional sightings around the coastal salinas. 40-50 seen along canal, San Pedro 16/12/13. Common in habitat
Eurasian Coot - Fulica atra
Small flocks on the Mar Menor, very common El Hondo, etc, and all other freshwater sites
Red-knobbed Coot - Fulica cristata
Restricted to the reintroduction zone, El Hondo, where common and spreading to outer zones, e.g. Vistabella Road
Purple Swamp-Hen - Porphyrio porphyrio
Common El Hondo and most other freshwater sites
Common Crane - Grus grus
Scarce. El Hondo southern fields; 12 and 9 27/12/12, 32 26/12/13, 11 6/1/14, 14 13/12/14, 16 and 21 19/12/14, 5 13/12/17; 36 Puerto Alto (on migration) 10/2/25
Great Bustard - Otis tarda
Rare/Scarce. 24 Yecla ZEPA 13/1/23
Little Bustard - Tetrax tetrax
Scarce. Guadalentin; 9 18/12/11, 42 27/12/11, 18 on cabbage fields 21/12/12, 7 23/1/23. 3 southern fields El Hondo 22/12/17
Eurasian Oystercatcher - Haematopus Ostralegus
Scarce. 1 ad-s Los Nietos/Los Urrutias 8/2/23
Pied Avocet - Recurvirostra avosetta
Common San Pedro and La Manga salinas, also Salinas del Rasall and El Hondo.
Black-winged Stilt - Himantopus himantopus
Common San Pedro and La Manga salinas, also the Mar Menor, Guadalentin, El Hondo and La Mata. Swiftly finds ephemeral water bodies after rain
Stone Curlew - Burhinus oedicnemus
Small groups around the Mar Menor, La Manga and San Pedro salinas, a group of c120 Guadalentin 18/12/11 and 27/12/11. Can be difficult to find in dry conditions
Little Ringed Plover - Charadrius dubius
All suitable inland sites and the Mar Menor in low numbers. Some large falls in Feb/March, e.g. Los Camachos 23 1/3/22
Common Ringed Plover - Charadrius hiaticula
Common on the salinas and around the Mar Menor. Inland, occasional. 70+ La Mata 29/12/14
Kentish Plover - Charadrius alexandrinus
Fairly common on the coast throughout, occasional inland
Grey Plover - Pluvialis squatarola
Fairly common, especially around the Mar Menor, usually singles
European Golden Plover - Pluvialis apricaria
El Hondo; frequent, max. c180 21/12/13, c160 19/12/14. La Manga salinas; frequent, emax. 74 4/1/14. 120+ El Pinet 31/1/24. Occasional flocks elsewhere
Northern Lapwing - Vanellus vanellus
El Hondo; max. c250 21/12/13, c120 29/12/14. Occasional around the Mar Menor etc
Red Knot - Calidris canutus
Scarce. 1 juv Estrella de Mar 23/11/21
Sanderling - Calidris alba
Very common San Pedro, Mar Menor and all beaches etc
Ruddy Turnstone - Arenaria interpres
Very common on salinas and beaches etc
Dunlin - Calidris alpina
Common San Pedro, La Manga salinas, max. c300 San Pedro saltings 19/12/11. 50+ La Mata 29/12/14. Common around the Mar Menor
Temminck's Stint - Calidris temminckii
El Hondo; 1 ad-w 22/12/17, 2 4/2/19, 1 ad-w 26/1/23, 3 ad-w 6/11/23. 1 Los Camachos 26/1/24 - 5/2/24. Becoming more frequent in both Murcia and Alicante
Little Stint - Calidris minuta
Very common San Pedro, La Manga salinas and around the Mar Menor. c150 San Pedro 19/12/11. Inland, El Hondo; c20 26/1/19, 150+ La Mata 29/12/14
Wood Sandpiper - Tringa glareola
El Hondo (flooded fields), occasional Los Camachos res, El Algar etc
Green Sandpiper - Tringa ochropus
Common throughout in suitable habitat
Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos
Fairly common in suitable habitat
Common Redshank - Tringa totanus
Small groups on salinas, also around the Mar Menor. Occasional El Hondo. 10+ San Pedro canal 16/12/13
Spotted Redshank - Tringa erythropus
Fairly common San Pedro salinas, Salinas del Rasall. Occasional El hondo, the Mar Menor, etc
Common Greenshank - Tringa nebularia
Common throughout in suitable habitat
Black-tailed Godwit - Limosa limosa
San Pedro; common, max. 20 31/12/12. El Pinet; common, max. 18 2/3/22
Bar-tailed Godwit - Limosa lapponica
San Pedro saltings c15 25/12/11, 3+ 25/12/12
Eurasian Curlew - Numenius arquata
San Pedro saltings; max. c30 25/12/11; Small groups often around the Mar Menor
Whimbrel - Numenius phaeopus
Scarce. 1 San Pedro 25/12/11
Common Snipe - Gallinago gallinago
Common throughout in suitable habitat
Jack Snipe - Lymnocryptes minimus
Rare/Scarce. 1 Albujon (Los Alcazares) 7/1/14. El Hondo; 1 13/12/17, 4 22/12/17. Lo Monte; 1 12/12/17, 1 26/12/17
GREY PHALAROPE - Phalaropus fulicarius
1 (1w) San Pedro 11/11/23
Ruff - Philomachus pugnax
Low numbers always San Pedro, El Hondo etc
Great Skua - Stercorarius skua
Cabo de Palos only; 1 24/12/11, 1 27/12/17, 1 6/2/24
Black-headed Gull - Larus ridibundus
Very common throughout
Slender-billed Gull - Larus genei
Common on coastal salinas and the Mar Menor, sometimes more frequent than L. ridibundus
Common Gull - Larus canus
1 1w Portman 30/1/23 - 9/2/23
Mediterranean Gull - Larus melanocephalus
Frequent Mar Menor, more frequent San Pedro salinas, etc. 23 EDAR Consum 17/2/25
Yellow-legged Gull - Larus michahellis
Very common throughout, some large evening gatherings on the Mar Menor
Audouin's Gull - Larus audouinii
Small numbers on all three salinas. Salinas del Rasall max. 40+ 20/12/11; La Manga max. c30 15/12/12. Frequently seen around the Mar Menor, the vast majority adults
Lesser Black-backed Gull - Larus fuscus
Fairly scarce throughout; 30+ San Pedro saltings 25/12/11. 10+ Santa Pola salinas 24/12/14. 14 EDAR Consum 17/2/25. Occasionally seen elsewhere
Little Gull - Hydrocoloeus minutus
1 ad-w El Clot 29/2/24
Black-legged Kittiwake - Rissa tridactyla
Scarce. 5+ Cabo de Palos 24/12/11 on strong north-easterlies
LAUGHING GULL - Larus atricilla
1 2w res. near Sta-Anna, Cartagena 25/11/21
Sandwich Tern - Sterna sandvicensis
Common offshore and on the Mar Menor
Caspian Tern - Hydroprogne caspia
Scarce. 1 ad-w Guardamar 31/1/24, 1 (probably the same) El Pinet 31/1/24
LESSER CRESTED TERN - Thalasseus bengalensis
1 ad-w Torrevieja lighthouse 14/3/22, 16/1/23
White-winged Tern - Chlidonias leucopterus
1 1w El Hondo 4/12/21
Whiskered Tern - Chlidonias hybridus
4 La Raja (El Hondo) 26/12/13, probably adults
Razorbill - Alca torda
Normally scarce. 7+ Cabo de Palos 16/12/11, c20 24/12/11. 5 Torrevieja 16/1/23. 1 1w Portman 30/1/23. 6 Guardamar 9/1/24, 1 Guardamar 31/1/24. 23 Cabo de Palos 6/2/24, 108 Cabo de Palos 7/2/24, 25 Cabo de Palos 12/2/24; 1 ad Sta Pola harbour 7/2/25
Black-bellied Sandgrouse - Pterocles orientalis
Guadalentin, often on newly sown fields; max. c40 21/12/12. 4 Yecla ZEPA 13/1/23
Pin-tailed Sandgrouse - Pterocles alchata
Scarce. 27 Yecla ZEPA 13/1/23
Feral Pigeon - Columba livia domestica
Common throughout. Occasional flocks of (domestic) 'painted pigeons' - a Murcian speciality. Unlikely to exist in the 'pure' state, i.e. Rock Dove
Stock Dove - Columba oenas
Scarce. 6 + 3 Corvera 16/2/23. 1 El Hondo 25/1/24
Common Wood Pigeon - Columba palumbus
Very common throughout
Eurasian Collared Dove - Streptopelia decaocto
Very Common throughout
Monk Parakeet - Myiopsitta monachus (Naturalized)
Frequently seen in small numbers anywhere with (or near) trees
(Yellow-collared Lovebird - Agapornis-personatus)
4 Los Balcones 14/2/24. Escaped/Introduced
Great Spotted Cuckoo - Clamator glandarius
1 ad Guadalentin 2/2/22. 1 Rambla Salada 17/2/25
Tawny Owl - Strix aluco
1 heard early morning, entrance to Red trail, El Hondo 28/12/11
Little Owl - Athene noctua
Localised; Guadalentin, Escalona, Los Camachos, etc. Los Urrutias; 2 7/1/14, 2 12/2014
Common Swift - Apus apus
1 Los Camachos res. 15/3/22
Alpine Swift - Tachymarptis melba
1 El Carmoli 7/3/22
Eurasian Hoopoe - Upupa epops
Fairly common
Common Kingfisher - Alcedo atthis
Fairly common El Hondo, salinas etc
(Iberian) Green Woodpecker - Picus viridis sharpei
Seen in most habitat types, including wasteland and urbanizations. Often seen in places with few or no trees. Subspecies sharpei
Great Spotted Woodpecker - Dendrocopos major
1 Espuna 5/2/19. 1f Caravaca 29/1/24, Puerto Alto; 2 29/1/24, 1 10/2/25
Eurasian Skylark - Alauda arvensis
Can be numerous El Hondo (southern fields), Guadalentin max. 20+ 5/2/19, etc
Crested Lark - Galerida cristata
Very common throughout, mostly in built-up zones but also rural (cultivated) areas
Thekla Lark - Galerida theklae
Common on rocky coasts and coastal dunes, upland areas
Woodlark - Lullula arborea
Espuna, upland areas, Puerto Alto etc
Lesser Short-toed Lark - Calandrella rufescens
Guadalentin; max. 200+ 21/12/12, often found on the newly sown fields. Also southern fields (El Hondo), Yecla, etc
Calandra Lark - Melanocorypha calandra
Guadalentin only; 3 23/12/13. 2+ 27/1/19, 10+ 5/2/19, 2 2/2/22
Sand Martin - Riparia riparia
1 El Hondo 2/3/22
Eurasian Crag Martin - Ptyonoprogne rupestris
Common over all reedbeds, salinas and rocky coastlines, also rocky outcrops and Espuna etc
Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica
2 Los Nietos 16/11/21, 4 El Hondo 4/12/21. Numerous 2-3/2022, 1-2/2023. 8+ El Clot 20/2/24
Red-rumped Swallow - Hirundo daurica
El Hondo; 1 26/1/19, 1 4/2/19, 1 4/12/21. 2 El Carmoli 7/3/22. 2 El Clot 20/2/24
Common House Martin - Delichon urbicum
El Hondo; 8 26/1/19, 10 4/2/19, 2 2/3/22, 1 26/1/23. 10+ Los Camachos res. 7/3/22. 2 El Carmoli 7/3/22. 4 El Clot 20/2/24
Richard's Pipit - Anthus richardi
Scarce. Los Nietos only; 2 7/1/14, 2 27/12/14, 2 6/2/19, 2 16/2/22, 2-3 31/1/23, 1 8/2/23
Water Pipit - Anthus spinoletta
Fairly common on salinas, El Hondo, etc. Occasional on rivers and canals
Meadow Pipit - Anthus pratensis
Common in suitable habitat. Max. count 100+ military zone, Los Alcazares 14/12/11
White Wagtail - Motacilla alba alba
Very common throughout
Yellow Wagtail - Motacilla flava
El Hondo 1 14/12/13, 2+ 6/1/14, 1 21/12/13, 2 13/12/14, 1 19/12/14. 1 La Serena golf course, Los Alcazares 22/12/13. 1 Los Camachos res. 7/3/22
Grey Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea
Frequent in suitable habitat
Dunnock - Prunella modularis
Scarce. 2 El Mojon (San Pedro) 18/12/13, in very cold weather, perhaps retreating from the mountainous interior
European Robin - Erithacus rubecula
Small numbers throughout, all altitudes. Max. 8+ on fruiting tree, Cartagena cemetery 23/12/11. Some winters common
Bluethroat - Luscinia svecica
Fairly common all suitable habitat, e.g. El Hondo
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros
Very common throughout
Black Wheatear - Oenanthe leucura
Often one or two pairs in suitable habitat, including rocky shorelines and cliffs
Common Stonechat - Saxicola torquatus
Common throughout
Song Thrush - Turdus philomelos
Fairly frequent. Max. 10+ Guadalentin 21/12/12
Redwing - Turdus iliacus
Scarce. Espuna; 20+ 27/1/19, 30+ 5/2/19; Caravaca; 21 29/1/24, 2 22/1/25; Puerto Alto 4 10/2/25
Mistle Thrush - Turdus viscivorus
Frequent, more so on upland areas, Espuna, etc
Fieldfare - Turdus pilaris
Scarce. c12 Puerto Alto 10/2/25
Common Blackbird - Turdus merula
Common throughout, lowlands and at altitude
Ring Ouzel - Turdus torquatus ssp. alpestris
Scarce. Espuna and Puerto Alto. Max. counts 15+ Espuna 27/1/19, 30+ Espuna 5/2/19. 29/1/24. 12-15 Espuna 22/2/24
Blue Rock Thrush - Monticola solitarius
Occasional in suitable habitat, including rocky shorelines and cliffs
Blackcap - Sylvia atricapilla
Fairly frequent throughout. 30+ Caravaca 29/1/24
Sardinian Warbler - Sylvia melanocephala
Very common throughout
Spectacled Warbler - Sylvia conspicillata
Scarce. Guadalentin only, a scarce wintering species; 1 m 21/12/12, 1 m 27/1/19, 1 m 5/2/19, 1+ 2/2/22, 1 28/2/22, 5+ 5/2/25
Dartford Warbler - Sylvia undata
Frequent salinas, Guadalentin and Calblanque, El Hondo. 3+ Espuna 5/2/19
Sedge Warbler - Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
1 singing Lo Monte 8/3/22
Moustached Warbler - Acrocephalus melanopogon
2 singing Vistabella Rd (hide) El Hondo 17/2/22. 2 Lo Monte 8/3/22. 1 El Hondo 24/1/25
Zitting Cisticola - Cisticola juncidis
Fairly common throughout
Cetti's Warbler - Cettia cetti
Fairly common in suitable habitat. Common El Hondo
Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita
Large wintering population throughout the area
HUME'S LEAF WARBLER - Phylloscopus humei
1 Cartagena 20/1/25
Firecrest - Regulus ignicapilla
In conifers regardless of elevation, fairly common.
Wren - Troglodytes troglodytes
Scarce. 1 El Hondo 26/1/23. 1 (h) Calasparra 22/1/24. 1 Puerto Alto 10/2/25
Great Tit - Parus major
Fairly common, all elevations
Coal Tit - Parus ater
Frequent Espuna and all upland sites
Eurasian Blue Tit - Cyanistes caeruleus
Scarce. 4+ Calasparra 22/1/24. 6+ Caravaca 29/1/24. 1 Puerto Alto 10/2/25
Crested Tit - Parus cristatus
Frequent Espuna and all upland sites
Long-tailed Tit - Aegithalos caudatus
Fairly common on coastal plain, also Espuna and upland sites
Bearded Reedling - Panurus biarmicus
Rare/scarce. 1 m Vistabella Rd (hide) El Hondo 17/2/22
Penduline Tit - Remiz pendulinus
Scarce to fairly common El Hondo and most other reedbed sites
Eurasian nuthatch - Sitta europaea
Scarce. Puerto Alto 2 29/1/24, 2 22/1/25, 2 10/2/25. 2 Caravaca 22/1/25
Short-toed Treecreeper - Certhia brachydactyla
Frequent Espuna and all upland sites
Southern Grey Shrike - Lanius meridionalis
Fairly common throughout, including wasteland in urban areas. c6 Guadalentin 18/12/11, c6 El Hondo 21/12/11
Iberian magpie - Cyanopica cooki (Naturalized)
c30 Los Balcones 14/2/24
Common Magpie - Pica pica
Common throughout
Eurasian Jay - Garrulus glandarius
Low density, most sightings Espuna and upland sites
Jackdaw - Corvus monedula
Common, large numbers at rubbish tips, etc
Red-billed Chough - Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
Fairly common Espuna, Guadalentin. 2 Los Camachos res. 1/3/22. Increasing in Murcia
Carrion Crow - Corvus corone
Inland only, mostly at altitude. Max. 10+ Yecla 13/1/23
Northern Raven - Corvus corax
Frequent Espuna, Guadalentin and upland areas
BROWN-NECKED RAVEN - Corvus ruficollis
The long-staying bird of winter 2018/19, seen several times. An adult
Common Starling - Sturnus vulgaris
Common around the Mar Menor. Large flocks of roosting birds El Hondo
Spotless Starling - Sturnus unicolor
Common throughout
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus
Very common throughout
Spanish Sparrow - Passer hispaniolensis
Rare/scarce. 1 m Santa Pola 22/12/17
Eurasian Tree Sparrow - Passer montanus
El Hondo (southern fields); c20 21/12/13, c50 26/1/19, c20 14/2/22. 2 near El Hondo visitor centre 13/12/14, frequent around El Hondo
Rock Sparrow - Petronia petronia
Scarce. 7 Inazares 29/1/24
Common Chaffinch - Fringilla coelebs
Fairly common, seen throughout. 100+ southern fields El Hondo 17/12/12, 80+ there 27/12/12
Common Linnet - Carduelis cannabina
Common throughout
European Goldfinch - Carduelis carduelis
Common throughout
European Greenfinch - Carduelis chloris
Common throughout
Eurasian Siskin - Spinus spinus
Scarce. 16+ Estrella de Mar 23/11/21. 2 Espuna 11/2/22. 2 EDAR Alhama 28/2/22. 1m Caravaca 29/1/24. 2 Puerto Alto 22/1/25
European Serin - Serinus serinus
Common throughout, with large numbers feeding/roosting in reedbeds
Hawfinch - Coccothraustes coccothraustes
Scarce. 1 Espuna 11/2/22. 2 Cararvaca 29/1/24, 5+ 22/1/25
Common Crossbill - Loxia curvirostra
Espuna, max. count 17+ 11/2/22, also Puerto Alto. Occasional on coastal plain
Common Reed Bunting - Emberiza schoeniclus
Fairly common in reedbeds, numbers vary yearly
Cirl Bunting - Emberiza cirlus
Scarce. Espuna; 3+ 17/2/23, 1m 22/2/24; Puerto Alto 1 22/1/25, 4 10/2/25
Corn Bunting - Emberiza calandra
Guadalentin; max. 10+ 18/12/11; 10+ 21/12/12
Rock Bunting - Emberiza cia
Scarce. 3 Espuna 22/2/24, 1 Puerto Alto 10/2/25
Common Waxbill - Estrilda astrild
Increasing (introduced). c20 River Segura, Rojales 4/12/21
BIRDS seen Southern Costa Blanca ALL SEASONS - here
ODONATA - 8 species
Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans) - Coastal plains and lowlands, e.g. El Hondo, Campo de Cartagena etc
Red-veined Darter - Sympetrum fonscolombii - Common throughout winter
Common Darter - Sympetrum striolatum - Occasional. 5-6 La Serena golf course 22/12/13. 4+ Lo Monte 22/11/21
Migrant Hawker - Aeshna mixta
Lesser Emperor - Anax parthenope - 2 males San Pedro 15/11/23
Vagrant Emperor - Anax ephippiger - Occasional Vistabella Rd (El Hondo), 1 male Lo Monte 8/3/22. 3 El Hondo 10/11/23
Violet Dropwing - Trithemis annulata - 1 male Lo Monte 22/11/21, 1 male Los Narejos 3/12/21
Orange-winged Dropwing - Trithemis kirbyi
BUTTERFLIES - 14 species (Order follows Lanfranchis)
Mallow Skipper - Carcharodus alceae
(Common) Swallowtail - Papilio machaon
Clouded Yellow - Colias crocea - Quite common throughout - most visits
Large White - Pieris brassicae - 1 El Carmoli 18/2/22
Small White - Pieris rapae - Max. 20+ southern fields El Hondo 22/12/17
Green-striped White - Euchloe belemia - Common on flowery meadows 12/2014
Bath White - Pontia daplidice
Provencal Hairstreak - Tomares ballus - Campo de Cartgena 26/2/25
Lang's Short-tailed Blue - Leptotes pirithous - 5+ Guardamar 10/11/23
Black-eyed Blue - Glaucopsyche melanops - 2 Calblanque 24/2/22
Plain Tiger (African Monarch) - Danaus chrysippus
Painted Lady - Vanessa cardui - Occasional throughout the winter
Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta - Quite common throughout - most visits
Wall Brown - Lasiommata megera - Frequent throughout
Hummingbird Hawk-moth - Macroglossum stellatarum - Frequent throughout
OTHER INSECTS - (order alphabetical, within classification order)
Acrotylus patruelis - Slender Digging Grasshopper - 1+ Calblanque 24/2/22
Anacridium aegyptium - Egyptian Grasshopper
Heteracris littoralis - Mediterranean Splendid Grasshopper
Pyrgomorpha conica - 1 female Lo Monte 8/3/22
Tropidopola cylindrica - Common Cylindric Grasshopper - 1 El Hondo 17/2/22
(?)Sphingonotus rubescens (Acrididae) - 5+ Calblanque 24/2/22
Mantis religiosa - Praying Mantis - 1 Los Alcazares 27/11/21
Lophyra flexuosa - (Cicindelidae, Tiger Beetles) - 1 Los Nietos 14/11/23
Chrysotoxum vernale - Straight-barred Spearhorn (Syrphidae) - 1 Calblanque 24/2/22
Bembix oculata (Crabronidae) - 3+ Los Nietos 14/11/23
Rhodanthidium sticticum (Megachilidae) - 5+ Calblanque 24/2/22
Eucera nigrilabris (Apidae) - 2m El Clot 20/2/24
Eucera sp. (Apidae) - various
Xylocopa violacea - Violet Carpenter Bee - 1 Los Alcazares 6/2/23
Apis mellifera - Western Honey Bee
Araneus quadratus - Four-spot Orb-weaver (spider sp.) - 1 San Pedro 8/1/14
OTHER FAUNA
Red Fox - Vulpes vulpes - 1 El Hondo 26/1/19
Weasel - Mustela nivalis - 1 El Hondo 21/12/11; 1 El Hondo 19/12/12
Mouflon - Ovis orientalis musimon - c30 Espuna 27/12/11
Barbary sheep/Aoudad - Ammotragus lervia - 5+ Espuna 17/2/23
Red Squirrel - Sciurus vulgaris - 1 Los Alcazares 5/1/14, 1 Espuna 5/2/19
Brown Rat - Rattus norvegicus - 1 Guadalentin 28/2/22
Southern Water Vole - Arvicola sapidus - Vistabella Rd (El Hondo), 1 19/12/14; 1 24/1/25
Brown Hare - Lepus europaeus
Rabbit - Oryctolagus cuniculus
Moorish Gecko (Tarentola mauritanica) - 1 Lo Monte 10/11/23
Grass Snake - Natrix natrix - 1 El Hondo 26/11/21
Common Bottlenose Dolphin - Tursiops truncatus - 1 Cabo de Palos 6/2/19
FLORA
Orchids (Orchidaceae)
Finding orchids in this part of Spain has been hard work. The season starts as early as January, ends in late May on the coast, and continues with a few other species inland through the summer. Hence the total is low compared with temperate Europe. And we don’t visit in high summer as it’s too hot and busy.
Order alphabetical, scientific names.
Anacamptis collina (Orchidaceae), Fan-lipped Orchid - Atamaria 20/2/25 - 3/3/25
Anacamptis papilionacea (Orchidaceae), Pink Butterfly Orchid - Las Cenizas 3/3/25
Anacamptis pyramidalis (Orchidaceae), Pyramidal Orchid - Las Cenizas 30/4/25
Limodorum abortivum (Orchidaceae), Violet Limodore – Espuna
Ophrys lutea (Orchidaceae), Yellow Bee Orchid – Espuna
Ophrys speculum (Orchidaceae), Mirror Orchid - Las Cenizas 28/2/25 - 3/3/25
Ophrys tenthredinifera (Orchidaceae), Sawfly Orchid - Atamaria 20/2/25 – 3/3/25
Serapias lingua (Orchidaceae), Tongue Orchid - Las Cenizas 30/4/25
Other flora
Spain; Flora of the southern Costa Blanca (Murcia, Alicante) - list of species identified, all seasons
Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius) Cartagena
Southern Costa Blanca in WINTER - GALLERY
(WINTER; 1/11 > 31/3) BIRDS - 208 (+1 hybrid, +1 Escape/Introduced) species. Order follows Collins Bird Guide 2nd edn. (2009)
'Common', scarce', etc, refers to our observations in winter; it may or may not reflect the true status/abundance throughout the year – see reference sources.
El Hondo normally refers to the reserve and surrounding area, i.e. southern fields, Vistabella Road, etc
At least one site, El Hondo rubbish tip, ceases to exist now
Mute Swan - Cygnus olor
1 adult in flight San Pedro salinas 27/12/12 - not refound. Origin?
Greylag Goose - Anser anser
3 El Hondo 14/12/13
Common Shelduck - Tadorna tadorna
Fairly common La Manga, San Pedro salinas, Mar Menor, also El Hondo, reservoirs, etc
Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos
Common throughout, including the Mar Menor
Gadwall - Anas strepera
Fairly common El Hondo, can be scarce elsewhere
Northern Pintail - Anas acuta
Scarce. 4 m/4 f San Pedro 25/12/11. El Hondo; c10 21/12/13, 1 26/11/21. Los Camachos res. 3 19/11/21, 1m 28/1/23
Northern Shoveler - Anas clypeata
Common El Hondo, 1000+ 19/12/12. Common on most freshwater sites
Eurasian Wigeon - Anas penelope
Scarce. 1 m/2f San Pedro 19/12/11. El Hondo; 10+ 14/12/13, 1 26/11/21. 1 f Los Camachos res. 19/11/21. 2 EDAR Consum 17/2/25
Marbled Duck - Marmaronetta angustirostris
3 with yellow plastic rings El Hondo visitor centre 26/1/19 (reintroduction scheme). Common visitor centre thereafter following progressive reintroductions. Reintroductions also at El Clot recently.
Common Teal - Anas crecca
Common in all suitable habitat, El Hondo, etc
Common Pochard - Aythya ferina
Common in all suitable habitat, El Hondo, etc
Red-crested Pochard - Netta rufina
Common El Hondo, frequent elsewhere, Lo Monte, Los Camachos etc
Ferruginous Duck - Aythya nyroca
Increasing in Murcia, thanks to the EDAR sites. Max. counts; Los Nietos 2-5 25/1 to 19/2/23, 6 9/11/23. 6 Alahama de Murcia EDAR 2/2/24. 3 El Clot 20/2/24
Pochard x Ferruginous Duck hybrid - Los Alcazares EDAR; 1m 3/12/21, 1m 28/1/23
Tufted Duck - Aythya fuligula
El Hondo; 15 19/12/12, 6 29/12/14, 4 4/2/19. 1m Alahama EDAR 2/2/24. Occasional Lo Monte. 1m Roldan res. 12/2/25
RING-NECKED DUCK - Aythya collaris
1f EDAR Alhama 28/2/22
COMMON EIDER - Somateria mollissima
1M (1w) Sta Pola harbour 16/1/25
Common Scoter - Melanitta nigra
Scarce. San Pedro (offshore); 11 f/imms. 16/12/12, 4 f/imms. 22/12/12
SURF SCOTER - Melanitta perspicillata
1m (1w) Faro de Guardamar 9/1/24 - 14/2/24; 1f Los Alcazares 16/1/25
Red-breasted Merganser - Mergus serrator
Scarce. 1m San Pedro 25/12/11, 9 14/1/25. Los Alcazares; 1 22/12/13, 3 4/2/22. 1 Los Urrutias 22/12/13
White-headed Duck - Oxyura leucocephala
Fairly common El Hondo and other suitable freshwater sites. Numbers vary with water levels
Red-legged Partridge - Alectoris rufa
Common on wasteland, scrub and farm land, common Guadalentin, etc
GREAT NORTHERN DIVER - Gavia immer
1 juv/1w San Pedro 14/1/25
Black-necked Grebe - Podiceps nigricollis
Common Mar Menor. San Pedro; c180 12/2011, c180 15-28/12/14. Common El Hondo and most freshwater sites. c450 La Mata 29/12/14
Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis
Common El Hondo, etc and most freshwater sites
Great Crested Grebe - Podiceps cristatus
Common on the Mar Menor and most freshwater sites
Yelkouan Shearwater - Puffinus yelkouan
17 Mirador Puerto de Mazarron 10/3/22 (by photo). Most of these appeared very pale underneath.
2021; The IOC has proposed 're-lumping' Balearic and Yelkouan Shearwaters, previously named Mediterranean Shearwater
Balearic Shearwater - Puffinus mauretanicus
Cabo de Palos; max. 50+ 6/2/19. 120+ (Balearic/Yelkouan) Faro de Guardamar 31/1/24. 149 (Balearic/Yelkouan) Cabo de Palos 6/2/24, 13 (Balearic/Yelkouan) Cabo de Palos 7/2/24, 66 (Balearic/Yelkouan) Cabo de Palos 12/2/24; 18 31/1/25
2021; The IOC has proposed 're-lumping' Balearic and Yelkouan Shearwaters, previously named Mediterranean Shearwater
Northern Gannet - Morus bassanus
Fairly common offshore throughout
Great Cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo
Common, often large flocks on the Mar Menor
European Shag - Phalacrocorax aristotelis ssp. desmarestii
Seen Cabo de Palos only; 1-5 usually present
Little Bittern - Ixobrychus minutus
El Hondo; 1-3 usually seen or heard there, Lo Monte 1-2
Black-crowned Night Heron - Nycticorax nycticorax
Often on EDAR sites, occasional elsewhere
Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis
Common throughout. Often large numbers on rubbish tips.
Squacco Heron - Ardeola ralloides
1 EDAR Los Alcazares 25/1/23
Little Egret - Egretta garzetta
Common throughout
Great Egret - Egretta alba
Fairly common and widespread throughout
Grey Heron - Ardea cinerea
Common throughout
White Stork - Ciconia ciconia
El Hondo rubbish tip; 2 17/12/12, 2 19/12/14. 2 Vistabella Rd 17/2/22. 8 EDAR Consum 17/2/25
Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus
Common El Hondo. Apparently increasing in numbers Murcia, where now fairly common.
Eurasian Spoonbill - Platalea leucorodia
San Pedro, Los Nietos, La Manga; small groups. c35 San Pedro 11/11/23
Greater Flamingo - Phoenicopterus roseus
Common in suitable habitat, saltwater and fresh
LESSER FLAMINGO – Phoenicopterus minor
1 Vistabella Rd (hide) El Hondo 17/2/22
Eurasian Griffon Vulture - Gyps fulvus
Espuna; 2 17/2/23, 24 22/2/24; Inazares 31 29/1/24, 13 10/2/25
Osprey - Pandion haliaetus
Occasional El Hondo, Sta Pola, etc
Golden Eagle - Aquila chrysaetos
Guadalentin; 1 imm 5/2/19, 1 (1w) + 1 (3-yr, ringed) 2/2/22, 1 ad 5/2/25; Espuna 1 imm 27/1/19, 1 ad 11/2/22, 1 ad 22/2/24
Greater Spotted Eagle - Aquila clanga
Rare/Scarce. El Hondo only; 1 sub-ad 28/12/11 (Tonn, with the satellite antenna). 1 ad 14/12/13, 2 21/12/13. 1 ad 13/12/14, 19/12/14. 1 ad (Tonn) 27/12/17. 1 ad (Tonn) 26/1/19 (with new transmitter/solar panel), 4/2/19
Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatus
Frequent around the Mar Menor, fairly common El Hondo most winters
Bonelli's Eagle - Hieraaetus fasciatus
Scarce but increasing, especially El Hondo area. 2 (pair) Crevillent 27/12/12. El Hondo 1 juv 13/12/14, 1 juv 14/2/22. Bateria de Cenizas; 2 (1 ad, 1 imm) 17/12/14, 2 Portman 24/11/21. 1 El Hondo 11/1/24, 1 juv 24/1/25
Red Kite - Milvus milvus
1 El Hondo 14/12/13, 5 El Carmoli 20/12/13
Western Marsh Harrier - Circus aeruginosus
Common over all reedbeds, especially El Hondo. Also agricultural land, abandoned military zones and reservoirs
Hen Harrier - Circus cyaneus
El Hondo, Guadalentin, Los Alcazares military zone; usually singles
PALLID HARRIER - Circus macrourus
1 1w El Hondo 23-31/1/24
Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo
Numerous in both provinces, El Hondo, Mar Menor etc
Eurasian Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus
Occasional, most habitats
BLACK-WINGED KITE - Elanus caeruleus
1 ad El Hondo 23/1/24
Common Kestrel - Falco tinnunculus
Common throughout
Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus
Scarce. 1 ad eating a Golden Plover, Vistabella Rd/CV 855, 26/12/13. 1 Los Camachos res. 31/1/19. 1 Guadalentin 2/2/22, 1 Espuna 11/2/22. 1 Cabeza Gordi 3/3/22
Merlin - Falco columbarius
Scarce. 1f El Hondo 13/12/14. 1f El Hondo 11/1/24, 1m El Hondo 31/1/24
Water Rail - Rallus aquaticus
Frequently heard/seen El Hondo and all suitable habitat
Common Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus
Common El Hondo etc. Occasional sightings around the coastal salinas. 40-50 seen along canal, San Pedro 16/12/13. Common in habitat
Eurasian Coot - Fulica atra
Small flocks on the Mar Menor, very common El Hondo, etc, and all other freshwater sites
Red-knobbed Coot - Fulica cristata
Restricted to the reintroduction zone, El Hondo, where common and spreading to outer zones, e.g. Vistabella Road
Purple Swamp-Hen - Porphyrio porphyrio
Common El Hondo and most other freshwater sites
Common Crane - Grus grus
Scarce. El Hondo southern fields; 12 and 9 27/12/12, 32 26/12/13, 11 6/1/14, 14 13/12/14, 16 and 21 19/12/14, 5 13/12/17; 36 Puerto Alto (on migration) 10/2/25
Great Bustard - Otis tarda
Rare/Scarce. 24 Yecla ZEPA 13/1/23
Little Bustard - Tetrax tetrax
Scarce. Guadalentin; 9 18/12/11, 42 27/12/11, 18 on cabbage fields 21/12/12, 7 23/1/23. 3 southern fields El Hondo 22/12/17
Eurasian Oystercatcher - Haematopus Ostralegus
Scarce. 1 ad-s Los Nietos/Los Urrutias 8/2/23
Pied Avocet - Recurvirostra avosetta
Common San Pedro and La Manga salinas, also Salinas del Rasall and El Hondo.
Black-winged Stilt - Himantopus himantopus
Common San Pedro and La Manga salinas, also the Mar Menor, Guadalentin, El Hondo and La Mata. Swiftly finds ephemeral water bodies after rain
Stone Curlew - Burhinus oedicnemus
Small groups around the Mar Menor, La Manga and San Pedro salinas, a group of c120 Guadalentin 18/12/11 and 27/12/11. Can be difficult to find in dry conditions
Little Ringed Plover - Charadrius dubius
All suitable inland sites and the Mar Menor in low numbers. Some large falls in Feb/March, e.g. Los Camachos 23 1/3/22
Common Ringed Plover - Charadrius hiaticula
Common on the salinas and around the Mar Menor. Inland, occasional. 70+ La Mata 29/12/14
Kentish Plover - Charadrius alexandrinus
Fairly common on the coast throughout, occasional inland
Grey Plover - Pluvialis squatarola
Fairly common, especially around the Mar Menor, usually singles
European Golden Plover - Pluvialis apricaria
El Hondo; frequent, max. c180 21/12/13, c160 19/12/14. La Manga salinas; frequent, emax. 74 4/1/14. 120+ El Pinet 31/1/24. Occasional flocks elsewhere
Northern Lapwing - Vanellus vanellus
El Hondo; max. c250 21/12/13, c120 29/12/14. Occasional around the Mar Menor etc
Red Knot - Calidris canutus
Scarce. 1 juv Estrella de Mar 23/11/21
Sanderling - Calidris alba
Very common San Pedro, Mar Menor and all beaches etc
Ruddy Turnstone - Arenaria interpres
Very common on salinas and beaches etc
Dunlin - Calidris alpina
Common San Pedro, La Manga salinas, max. c300 San Pedro saltings 19/12/11. 50+ La Mata 29/12/14. Common around the Mar Menor
Temminck's Stint - Calidris temminckii
El Hondo; 1 ad-w 22/12/17, 2 4/2/19, 1 ad-w 26/1/23, 3 ad-w 6/11/23. 1 Los Camachos 26/1/24 - 5/2/24. Becoming more frequent in both Murcia and Alicante
Little Stint - Calidris minuta
Very common San Pedro, La Manga salinas and around the Mar Menor. c150 San Pedro 19/12/11. Inland, El Hondo; c20 26/1/19, 150+ La Mata 29/12/14
Wood Sandpiper - Tringa glareola
El Hondo (flooded fields), occasional Los Camachos res, El Algar etc
Green Sandpiper - Tringa ochropus
Common throughout in suitable habitat
Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos
Fairly common in suitable habitat
Common Redshank - Tringa totanus
Small groups on salinas, also around the Mar Menor. Occasional El Hondo. 10+ San Pedro canal 16/12/13
Spotted Redshank - Tringa erythropus
Fairly common San Pedro salinas, Salinas del Rasall. Occasional El hondo, the Mar Menor, etc
Common Greenshank - Tringa nebularia
Common throughout in suitable habitat
Black-tailed Godwit - Limosa limosa
San Pedro; common, max. 20 31/12/12. El Pinet; common, max. 18 2/3/22
Bar-tailed Godwit - Limosa lapponica
San Pedro saltings c15 25/12/11, 3+ 25/12/12
Eurasian Curlew - Numenius arquata
San Pedro saltings; max. c30 25/12/11; Small groups often around the Mar Menor
Whimbrel - Numenius phaeopus
Scarce. 1 San Pedro 25/12/11
Common Snipe - Gallinago gallinago
Common throughout in suitable habitat
Jack Snipe - Lymnocryptes minimus
Rare/Scarce. 1 Albujon (Los Alcazares) 7/1/14. El Hondo; 1 13/12/17, 4 22/12/17. Lo Monte; 1 12/12/17, 1 26/12/17
GREY PHALAROPE - Phalaropus fulicarius
1 (1w) San Pedro 11/11/23
Ruff - Philomachus pugnax
Low numbers always San Pedro, El Hondo etc
Great Skua - Stercorarius skua
Cabo de Palos only; 1 24/12/11, 1 27/12/17, 1 6/2/24
Black-headed Gull - Larus ridibundus
Very common throughout
Slender-billed Gull - Larus genei
Common on coastal salinas and the Mar Menor, sometimes more frequent than L. ridibundus
Common Gull - Larus canus
1 1w Portman 30/1/23 - 9/2/23
Mediterranean Gull - Larus melanocephalus
Frequent Mar Menor, more frequent San Pedro salinas, etc. 23 EDAR Consum 17/2/25
Yellow-legged Gull - Larus michahellis
Very common throughout, some large evening gatherings on the Mar Menor
Audouin's Gull - Larus audouinii
Small numbers on all three salinas. Salinas del Rasall max. 40+ 20/12/11; La Manga max. c30 15/12/12. Frequently seen around the Mar Menor, the vast majority adults
Lesser Black-backed Gull - Larus fuscus
Fairly scarce throughout; 30+ San Pedro saltings 25/12/11. 10+ Santa Pola salinas 24/12/14. 14 EDAR Consum 17/2/25. Occasionally seen elsewhere
Little Gull - Hydrocoloeus minutus
1 ad-w El Clot 29/2/24
Black-legged Kittiwake - Rissa tridactyla
Scarce. 5+ Cabo de Palos 24/12/11 on strong north-easterlies
LAUGHING GULL - Larus atricilla
1 2w res. near Sta-Anna, Cartagena 25/11/21
Sandwich Tern - Sterna sandvicensis
Common offshore and on the Mar Menor
Caspian Tern - Hydroprogne caspia
Scarce. 1 ad-w Guardamar 31/1/24, 1 (probably the same) El Pinet 31/1/24
LESSER CRESTED TERN - Thalasseus bengalensis
1 ad-w Torrevieja lighthouse 14/3/22, 16/1/23
White-winged Tern - Chlidonias leucopterus
1 1w El Hondo 4/12/21
Whiskered Tern - Chlidonias hybridus
4 La Raja (El Hondo) 26/12/13, probably adults
Razorbill - Alca torda
Normally scarce. 7+ Cabo de Palos 16/12/11, c20 24/12/11. 5 Torrevieja 16/1/23. 1 1w Portman 30/1/23. 6 Guardamar 9/1/24, 1 Guardamar 31/1/24. 23 Cabo de Palos 6/2/24, 108 Cabo de Palos 7/2/24, 25 Cabo de Palos 12/2/24; 1 ad Sta Pola harbour 7/2/25
Black-bellied Sandgrouse - Pterocles orientalis
Guadalentin, often on newly sown fields; max. c40 21/12/12. 4 Yecla ZEPA 13/1/23
Pin-tailed Sandgrouse - Pterocles alchata
Scarce. 27 Yecla ZEPA 13/1/23
Feral Pigeon - Columba livia domestica
Common throughout. Occasional flocks of (domestic) 'painted pigeons' - a Murcian speciality. Unlikely to exist in the 'pure' state, i.e. Rock Dove
Stock Dove - Columba oenas
Scarce. 6 + 3 Corvera 16/2/23. 1 El Hondo 25/1/24
Common Wood Pigeon - Columba palumbus
Very common throughout
Eurasian Collared Dove - Streptopelia decaocto
Very Common throughout
Monk Parakeet - Myiopsitta monachus (Naturalized)
Frequently seen in small numbers anywhere with (or near) trees
(Yellow-collared Lovebird - Agapornis-personatus)
4 Los Balcones 14/2/24. Escaped/Introduced
Great Spotted Cuckoo - Clamator glandarius
1 ad Guadalentin 2/2/22. 1 Rambla Salada 17/2/25
Tawny Owl - Strix aluco
1 heard early morning, entrance to Red trail, El Hondo 28/12/11
Little Owl - Athene noctua
Localised; Guadalentin, Escalona, Los Camachos, etc. Los Urrutias; 2 7/1/14, 2 12/2014
Common Swift - Apus apus
1 Los Camachos res. 15/3/22
Alpine Swift - Tachymarptis melba
1 El Carmoli 7/3/22
Eurasian Hoopoe - Upupa epops
Fairly common
Common Kingfisher - Alcedo atthis
Fairly common El Hondo, salinas etc
(Iberian) Green Woodpecker - Picus viridis sharpei
Seen in most habitat types, including wasteland and urbanizations. Often seen in places with few or no trees. Subspecies sharpei
Great Spotted Woodpecker - Dendrocopos major
1 Espuna 5/2/19. 1f Caravaca 29/1/24, Puerto Alto; 2 29/1/24, 1 10/2/25
Eurasian Skylark - Alauda arvensis
Can be numerous El Hondo (southern fields), Guadalentin max. 20+ 5/2/19, etc
Crested Lark - Galerida cristata
Very common throughout, mostly in built-up zones but also rural (cultivated) areas
Thekla Lark - Galerida theklae
Common on rocky coasts and coastal dunes, upland areas
Woodlark - Lullula arborea
Espuna, upland areas, Puerto Alto etc
Lesser Short-toed Lark - Calandrella rufescens
Guadalentin; max. 200+ 21/12/12, often found on the newly sown fields. Also southern fields (El Hondo), Yecla, etc
Calandra Lark - Melanocorypha calandra
Guadalentin only; 3 23/12/13. 2+ 27/1/19, 10+ 5/2/19, 2 2/2/22
Sand Martin - Riparia riparia
1 El Hondo 2/3/22
Eurasian Crag Martin - Ptyonoprogne rupestris
Common over all reedbeds, salinas and rocky coastlines, also rocky outcrops and Espuna etc
Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica
2 Los Nietos 16/11/21, 4 El Hondo 4/12/21. Numerous 2-3/2022, 1-2/2023. 8+ El Clot 20/2/24
Red-rumped Swallow - Hirundo daurica
El Hondo; 1 26/1/19, 1 4/2/19, 1 4/12/21. 2 El Carmoli 7/3/22. 2 El Clot 20/2/24
Common House Martin - Delichon urbicum
El Hondo; 8 26/1/19, 10 4/2/19, 2 2/3/22, 1 26/1/23. 10+ Los Camachos res. 7/3/22. 2 El Carmoli 7/3/22. 4 El Clot 20/2/24
Richard's Pipit - Anthus richardi
Scarce. Los Nietos only; 2 7/1/14, 2 27/12/14, 2 6/2/19, 2 16/2/22, 2-3 31/1/23, 1 8/2/23
Water Pipit - Anthus spinoletta
Fairly common on salinas, El Hondo, etc. Occasional on rivers and canals
Meadow Pipit - Anthus pratensis
Common in suitable habitat. Max. count 100+ military zone, Los Alcazares 14/12/11
White Wagtail - Motacilla alba alba
Very common throughout
Yellow Wagtail - Motacilla flava
El Hondo 1 14/12/13, 2+ 6/1/14, 1 21/12/13, 2 13/12/14, 1 19/12/14. 1 La Serena golf course, Los Alcazares 22/12/13. 1 Los Camachos res. 7/3/22
Grey Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea
Frequent in suitable habitat
Dunnock - Prunella modularis
Scarce. 2 El Mojon (San Pedro) 18/12/13, in very cold weather, perhaps retreating from the mountainous interior
European Robin - Erithacus rubecula
Small numbers throughout, all altitudes. Max. 8+ on fruiting tree, Cartagena cemetery 23/12/11. Some winters common
Bluethroat - Luscinia svecica
Fairly common all suitable habitat, e.g. El Hondo
Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros
Very common throughout
Black Wheatear - Oenanthe leucura
Often one or two pairs in suitable habitat, including rocky shorelines and cliffs
Common Stonechat - Saxicola torquatus
Common throughout
Song Thrush - Turdus philomelos
Fairly frequent. Max. 10+ Guadalentin 21/12/12
Redwing - Turdus iliacus
Scarce. Espuna; 20+ 27/1/19, 30+ 5/2/19; Caravaca; 21 29/1/24, 2 22/1/25; Puerto Alto 4 10/2/25
Mistle Thrush - Turdus viscivorus
Frequent, more so on upland areas, Espuna, etc
Fieldfare - Turdus pilaris
Scarce. c12 Puerto Alto 10/2/25
Common Blackbird - Turdus merula
Common throughout, lowlands and at altitude
Ring Ouzel - Turdus torquatus ssp. alpestris
Scarce. Espuna and Puerto Alto. Max. counts 15+ Espuna 27/1/19, 30+ Espuna 5/2/19. 29/1/24. 12-15 Espuna 22/2/24
Blue Rock Thrush - Monticola solitarius
Occasional in suitable habitat, including rocky shorelines and cliffs
Blackcap - Sylvia atricapilla
Fairly frequent throughout. 30+ Caravaca 29/1/24
Sardinian Warbler - Sylvia melanocephala
Very common throughout
Spectacled Warbler - Sylvia conspicillata
Scarce. Guadalentin only, a scarce wintering species; 1 m 21/12/12, 1 m 27/1/19, 1 m 5/2/19, 1+ 2/2/22, 1 28/2/22, 5+ 5/2/25
Dartford Warbler - Sylvia undata
Frequent salinas, Guadalentin and Calblanque, El Hondo. 3+ Espuna 5/2/19
Sedge Warbler - Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
1 singing Lo Monte 8/3/22
Moustached Warbler - Acrocephalus melanopogon
2 singing Vistabella Rd (hide) El Hondo 17/2/22. 2 Lo Monte 8/3/22. 1 El Hondo 24/1/25
Zitting Cisticola - Cisticola juncidis
Fairly common throughout
Cetti's Warbler - Cettia cetti
Fairly common in suitable habitat. Common El Hondo
Common Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita
Large wintering population throughout the area
HUME'S LEAF WARBLER - Phylloscopus humei
1 Cartagena 20/1/25
Firecrest - Regulus ignicapilla
In conifers regardless of elevation, fairly common.
Wren - Troglodytes troglodytes
Scarce. 1 El Hondo 26/1/23. 1 (h) Calasparra 22/1/24. 1 Puerto Alto 10/2/25
Great Tit - Parus major
Fairly common, all elevations
Coal Tit - Parus ater
Frequent Espuna and all upland sites
Eurasian Blue Tit - Cyanistes caeruleus
Scarce. 4+ Calasparra 22/1/24. 6+ Caravaca 29/1/24. 1 Puerto Alto 10/2/25
Crested Tit - Parus cristatus
Frequent Espuna and all upland sites
Long-tailed Tit - Aegithalos caudatus
Fairly common on coastal plain, also Espuna and upland sites
Bearded Reedling - Panurus biarmicus
Rare/scarce. 1 m Vistabella Rd (hide) El Hondo 17/2/22
Penduline Tit - Remiz pendulinus
Scarce to fairly common El Hondo and most other reedbed sites
Eurasian nuthatch - Sitta europaea
Scarce. Puerto Alto 2 29/1/24, 2 22/1/25, 2 10/2/25. 2 Caravaca 22/1/25
Short-toed Treecreeper - Certhia brachydactyla
Frequent Espuna and all upland sites
Southern Grey Shrike - Lanius meridionalis
Fairly common throughout, including wasteland in urban areas. c6 Guadalentin 18/12/11, c6 El Hondo 21/12/11
Iberian magpie - Cyanopica cooki (Naturalized)
c30 Los Balcones 14/2/24
Common Magpie - Pica pica
Common throughout
Eurasian Jay - Garrulus glandarius
Low density, most sightings Espuna and upland sites
Jackdaw - Corvus monedula
Common, large numbers at rubbish tips, etc
Red-billed Chough - Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
Fairly common Espuna, Guadalentin. 2 Los Camachos res. 1/3/22. Increasing in Murcia
Carrion Crow - Corvus corone
Inland only, mostly at altitude. Max. 10+ Yecla 13/1/23
Northern Raven - Corvus corax
Frequent Espuna, Guadalentin and upland areas
BROWN-NECKED RAVEN - Corvus ruficollis
The long-staying bird of winter 2018/19, seen several times. An adult
Common Starling - Sturnus vulgaris
Common around the Mar Menor. Large flocks of roosting birds El Hondo
Spotless Starling - Sturnus unicolor
Common throughout
House Sparrow - Passer domesticus
Very common throughout
Spanish Sparrow - Passer hispaniolensis
Rare/scarce. 1 m Santa Pola 22/12/17
Eurasian Tree Sparrow - Passer montanus
El Hondo (southern fields); c20 21/12/13, c50 26/1/19, c20 14/2/22. 2 near El Hondo visitor centre 13/12/14, frequent around El Hondo
Rock Sparrow - Petronia petronia
Scarce. 7 Inazares 29/1/24
Common Chaffinch - Fringilla coelebs
Fairly common, seen throughout. 100+ southern fields El Hondo 17/12/12, 80+ there 27/12/12
Common Linnet - Carduelis cannabina
Common throughout
European Goldfinch - Carduelis carduelis
Common throughout
European Greenfinch - Carduelis chloris
Common throughout
Eurasian Siskin - Spinus spinus
Scarce. 16+ Estrella de Mar 23/11/21. 2 Espuna 11/2/22. 2 EDAR Alhama 28/2/22. 1m Caravaca 29/1/24. 2 Puerto Alto 22/1/25
European Serin - Serinus serinus
Common throughout, with large numbers feeding/roosting in reedbeds
Hawfinch - Coccothraustes coccothraustes
Scarce. 1 Espuna 11/2/22. 2 Cararvaca 29/1/24, 5+ 22/1/25
Common Crossbill - Loxia curvirostra
Espuna, max. count 17+ 11/2/22, also Puerto Alto. Occasional on coastal plain
Common Reed Bunting - Emberiza schoeniclus
Fairly common in reedbeds, numbers vary yearly
Cirl Bunting - Emberiza cirlus
Scarce. Espuna; 3+ 17/2/23, 1m 22/2/24; Puerto Alto 1 22/1/25, 4 10/2/25
Corn Bunting - Emberiza calandra
Guadalentin; max. 10+ 18/12/11; 10+ 21/12/12
Rock Bunting - Emberiza cia
Scarce. 3 Espuna 22/2/24, 1 Puerto Alto 10/2/25
Common Waxbill - Estrilda astrild
Increasing (introduced). c20 River Segura, Rojales 4/12/21
BIRDS seen Southern Costa Blanca ALL SEASONS - here
ODONATA - 8 species
Blue-tailed Damselfly (Ischnura elegans) - Coastal plains and lowlands, e.g. El Hondo, Campo de Cartagena etc
Red-veined Darter - Sympetrum fonscolombii - Common throughout winter
Common Darter - Sympetrum striolatum - Occasional. 5-6 La Serena golf course 22/12/13. 4+ Lo Monte 22/11/21
Migrant Hawker - Aeshna mixta
Lesser Emperor - Anax parthenope - 2 males San Pedro 15/11/23
Vagrant Emperor - Anax ephippiger - Occasional Vistabella Rd (El Hondo), 1 male Lo Monte 8/3/22. 3 El Hondo 10/11/23
Violet Dropwing - Trithemis annulata - 1 male Lo Monte 22/11/21, 1 male Los Narejos 3/12/21
Orange-winged Dropwing - Trithemis kirbyi
BUTTERFLIES - 14 species (Order follows Lanfranchis)
Mallow Skipper - Carcharodus alceae
(Common) Swallowtail - Papilio machaon
Clouded Yellow - Colias crocea - Quite common throughout - most visits
Large White - Pieris brassicae - 1 El Carmoli 18/2/22
Small White - Pieris rapae - Max. 20+ southern fields El Hondo 22/12/17
Green-striped White - Euchloe belemia - Common on flowery meadows 12/2014
Bath White - Pontia daplidice
Provencal Hairstreak - Tomares ballus - Campo de Cartgena 26/2/25
Lang's Short-tailed Blue - Leptotes pirithous - 5+ Guardamar 10/11/23
Black-eyed Blue - Glaucopsyche melanops - 2 Calblanque 24/2/22
Plain Tiger (African Monarch) - Danaus chrysippus
Painted Lady - Vanessa cardui - Occasional throughout the winter
Red Admiral - Vanessa atalanta - Quite common throughout - most visits
Wall Brown - Lasiommata megera - Frequent throughout
Hummingbird Hawk-moth - Macroglossum stellatarum - Frequent throughout
OTHER INSECTS - (order alphabetical, within classification order)
Acrotylus patruelis - Slender Digging Grasshopper - 1+ Calblanque 24/2/22
Anacridium aegyptium - Egyptian Grasshopper
Heteracris littoralis - Mediterranean Splendid Grasshopper
Pyrgomorpha conica - 1 female Lo Monte 8/3/22
Tropidopola cylindrica - Common Cylindric Grasshopper - 1 El Hondo 17/2/22
(?)Sphingonotus rubescens (Acrididae) - 5+ Calblanque 24/2/22
Mantis religiosa - Praying Mantis - 1 Los Alcazares 27/11/21
Lophyra flexuosa - (Cicindelidae, Tiger Beetles) - 1 Los Nietos 14/11/23
Chrysotoxum vernale - Straight-barred Spearhorn (Syrphidae) - 1 Calblanque 24/2/22
Bembix oculata (Crabronidae) - 3+ Los Nietos 14/11/23
Rhodanthidium sticticum (Megachilidae) - 5+ Calblanque 24/2/22
Eucera nigrilabris (Apidae) - 2m El Clot 20/2/24
Eucera sp. (Apidae) - various
Xylocopa violacea - Violet Carpenter Bee - 1 Los Alcazares 6/2/23
Apis mellifera - Western Honey Bee
Araneus quadratus - Four-spot Orb-weaver (spider sp.) - 1 San Pedro 8/1/14
OTHER FAUNA
Red Fox - Vulpes vulpes - 1 El Hondo 26/1/19
Weasel - Mustela nivalis - 1 El Hondo 21/12/11; 1 El Hondo 19/12/12
Mouflon - Ovis orientalis musimon - c30 Espuna 27/12/11
Barbary sheep/Aoudad - Ammotragus lervia - 5+ Espuna 17/2/23
Red Squirrel - Sciurus vulgaris - 1 Los Alcazares 5/1/14, 1 Espuna 5/2/19
Brown Rat - Rattus norvegicus - 1 Guadalentin 28/2/22
Southern Water Vole - Arvicola sapidus - Vistabella Rd (El Hondo), 1 19/12/14; 1 24/1/25
Brown Hare - Lepus europaeus
Rabbit - Oryctolagus cuniculus
Moorish Gecko (Tarentola mauritanica) - 1 Lo Monte 10/11/23
Grass Snake - Natrix natrix - 1 El Hondo 26/11/21
Common Bottlenose Dolphin - Tursiops truncatus - 1 Cabo de Palos 6/2/19
FLORA
Orchids (Orchidaceae)
Finding orchids in this part of Spain has been hard work. The season starts as early as January, ends in late May on the coast, and continues with a few other species inland through the summer. Hence the total is low compared with temperate Europe. And we don’t visit in high summer as it’s too hot and busy.
Order alphabetical, scientific names.
Anacamptis collina (Orchidaceae), Fan-lipped Orchid - Atamaria 20/2/25 - 3/3/25
Anacamptis papilionacea (Orchidaceae), Pink Butterfly Orchid - Las Cenizas 3/3/25
Anacamptis pyramidalis (Orchidaceae), Pyramidal Orchid - Las Cenizas 30/4/25
Limodorum abortivum (Orchidaceae), Violet Limodore – Espuna
Ophrys lutea (Orchidaceae), Yellow Bee Orchid – Espuna
Ophrys speculum (Orchidaceae), Mirror Orchid - Las Cenizas 28/2/25 - 3/3/25
Ophrys tenthredinifera (Orchidaceae), Sawfly Orchid - Atamaria 20/2/25 – 3/3/25
Serapias lingua (Orchidaceae), Tongue Orchid - Las Cenizas 30/4/25
Other flora
Spain; Flora of the southern Costa Blanca (Murcia, Alicante) - list of species identified, all seasons