Where to find the key birds near Ronda

A simple non-exhaustive pack of hints to find your target birds near in -and near- the Serranía de Ronda:

Ronda's El Tajo cliff

A perfect place to see Chough, even from up the town. Booted Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Eagle Owl and Lesser Kestrel can be found at the right time of the year. Red-necked Nightjar, Golden Oriole and Rock Sparrow breed. Grey Wagtail and Greater Spotted Woodpecker frequent the Guadalevín river banks.

The Sierra de las Nieves Nat. Park

It is a very big area. The woods offer lots of passerines, such as Firecrest, Crested Tit and Cirl Bunting. Further up, Ring Ouzels winter in the shrub valleys. Up in the alpine level, Rock Thrush breeds, whereas Alpine Accentor visit in winter. Golden Eagle and Griffon Vulture live in the area year round. Woodlark, Crossbill and Sparrowhawk frequent the pine and Spanish Fir (pinsapo) forests.

The Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park

Perhaps the most productive area to visit if looking for general wildlife, not only birds but also orchids and Iberian Ibex. This area is big and there are several accesible spots to visit, whereas some others require a permit. One can find here Bonelli's, Booted and Short-toed Eagles within a summer day! Chough, Black Wheatear and Eagle Owl can be seen (and heard!) year round. Egyptian Vulture has a small and unstable breeding population in the area next to Los Alcornocales Natural Park. Within this wide area, the Llanos de Líbar is a renown path to bird along near Montejaque.

The Guadiaro Valley

Many of the birds described on this chapter can be found here. But also iconic species such as Western Olivaceous Warbler, Alpine Swift, Dipper and Kingfisher. This valley can be walked easily, providing itself a bunch of amusement for the visiting ornithologist that prefers walking.

The Genal Valley

Again, this is a big area, so it is hard to resume what is best to find. Perhaps Bonelli's and Golden Eagles. Thekla Lark, Bee-eater and both Rock Thrushes can be very well observed on these peaceful hills.

The Ventilla and Abanico gorges

Our favourite spots for Golden Oriole, Little Owl, Iberian Green Woodpecker and Wryneck. Both gorges are a good idea within the warmer hours of the summer days.

The farmlands

At the right time of the year, specially in spring, the fields and rolling hills are plenty of singing passerines. The Corn Bunting sings constantly, while Serin, Greenfinch and Linnet accompany them. Red-legged Partridge and Quails can be found near Acinipo, whereas a variety of sylvia warblers can be found at the broom and gorse areas. Among them: Sardinian, Orphean, Spectacled, Western Bonelli's and Subalpine Warblers are the perfect chorus, only interrumpted by the Black-eared Wheatear, Lesser and Common Kestrel calls.