🐦 Birdwatching in Portugal

Discover the Birds of Quinta do Retiro

If you enjoy birdwatching in Portugal, Quinta do Retiro is a wonderful place to explore.

Surrounded by forests, olive groves, meadows, streams and traditional Portuguese countryside, our little valley attracts a surprising variety of birdlife throughout the year. Some species are regular residents, while others visit only occasionally, making every walk around the Quinta a new adventure.

Whether you are an experienced birder or simply enjoy watching nature from your terrace with a cup of coffee, bird spotting in Portugal rarely feels more relaxed than it does here.

---

Birds recorded at Quinta do Retiro

During the past years we have recorded many different bird species on and around the Quinta, including:

Common residents

European Robin • Common Blackbird • Short-toed Treecreeper • Common Chaffinch • Eurasian Blackcap • Eurasian Blue Tit • Great Tit • Long-tailed Tit • Eurasian Wren • European Greenfinch • House Sparrow • European Goldfinch • Song Thrush • Common Wood Pigeon • Common Swift • Barn Swallow • Common Cuckoo • Common Buzzard

Special visitors

Golden Oriole • European Serin • Common Waxbill (St. Helena Waxbill) • Common Nightingale • European Nightjar • Spotless Starling • Firecrest • Cetti’s Warbler • Woodlark • Skylark • European Stonechat • European Turtle Dove • Eurasian Hoopoe • Iberian Green Woodpecker • Cirl Bunting • Common Linnet • Western Orphean Warbler • Pallid Swift • Booted Eagle • Coal Tit • Black Redstart • Red-rumped Swallow

Sometimes heard before they are seen…

The Little Owl and Tawny Owl regularly make themselves heard during the evening and at night, even if they prefer to remain hidden.

---

Have you spotted another species?

One of the nicest things about birdwatching in Portugal is that there is always a chance of discovering something unexpected.

If you see a species that is not yet on our list, please let us know. A photograph, sound recording or good description is always appreciated and helps us expand the bird list of Quinta do Retiro.

---

Tips for bird spotting in Portugal

The best moments for bird spotting in Portugal are usually the early morning and the last hours before sunset.

Take your time, listen carefully and look beyond the obvious. Many birds are found in the hedgerows, olive trees, grasslands and along the small river that runs through the Quinta.

A pair of binoculars is useful…

…but patience is often even better.

---

😀 The Strange Bird

The management regularly spots a very special species known as The Strange Bird.

This remarkable creature is usually found near the Refresh Garden, sitting comfortably in front of a tent, caravan or holiday cottage. It often travels by camper or caravan and can easily be recognised by its binoculars, camera… or a glass of Portuguese wine.

Fortunately, this species is also protected at Quinta do Retiro, and strange birds usually feel perfectly at home here.