The bustling city of Lisbon, steeped in history and culture, offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Nestled on the scenic shores of the Tagus River, Lisbon boasts a vibrant atmosphere and a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored.

The Tagus Estuary is a sanctuary of ecological significance, ranging over 14,000 hectares of wetlands, wooded slopes, and expansive pastures. It is a haven for a diverse range of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. From the elegant Greater Flamingo to the majestic Bonelli’s Eagle and the elusive Bluethroat, the estuary is home to over 250 bird species. Visitors can witness the spectacular sight of over 150,000 waders and waterfowl during winter, while migratory seasons bring a flurry of avian activity, showcasing nature’s beauty at its peak.

What sets the Tagus Estuary apart is its harmonious coexistence of agriculture and wildlife. The age-old relationship between the land and its inhabitants has created a delicate balance, fostering a wide biodiversity. Enormous black bulls graze lazily under the shade of Cork Oaks, while families of Egyptian Mangoose roam freely, adding to the area’s natural allure.

Exploring the Tagus Estuary is a year-round delight. In winter, the estuary teems with migratory birds seeking refuge, offering a captivating sight for birdwatchers. During the summer, the landscape transforms into a Mediterranean oasis, bustling with breeding species. Guided tours by Portugal Birding provide a unique opportunity to witness this natural spectacle up close.

Just a short 30 minute drive from Lisbon, bird enthusiasts can embark on a full-day guided tour to explore the diverse habitats of the Tagus Estuary. From open water and mudflats to salt marshes and reedbeds, these tour offer a glimpse into the rich avian life that calls this estuary home.

Rare and elusive species, such as the White-fronted Goose and the Sociable Lapwing, have also been spotted in recent years, adding an element of excitement for avid birdwatchers. The Tagus Estuary stands as a testament to the beauty of nature, inviting visitors to connect with the wild heart of Portugal, right on the doorstep of its capital city.

Anseriformes (Ducks, Geese, and Swans): Greylag Goose, Common Shelduck
Galliformes (Gamefowl), Red-legged Partridge
Podicipediformes (Grebes): Black-necked Grebe
Phoenicopteriformes (Flamingos): Greater Flamingo
Ciconiiformes (Storks and Herons): White Stork, Glossy Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Eurasian Bittern, Little Bittern, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Great Egret
Accipitriformes (Birds of Prey): Western Osprey, Black-winged Kite, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Booted Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, Western Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Black Kite
Otidiformes (Bustards): Little Bustard
Gruiformes (Rails, Cranes, and Allies): Water Rail, Western Swamphen, Eurasian Stone-curlew
Charadriiformes (Shorebirds and Gulls): Black-winged Stilt, Pied Avocet, European Golden Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Eurasian Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Red Knot, Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, Temminck’s Stint, Little Stint, Green Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Common Greenshank, Collared Pratincole, Mediterranean Gull
Columbiformes (Pigeons and Doves): European Turtle Dove
Cuculiformes (Cuckoos): Great Spotted Cuckoo, Common Cuckoo
Strigiformes (Owls): Western Barn Owl, Little Owl, Short-eared Owl, Red-necked Nightjar
Caprimulgiformes (Nightjars):Pallid Swift
Coraciiformes (Kingfishers): Common Kingfisher
Piciformes (Woodpeckers): Eurasian Hoopoe, Eurasian Wryneck, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Falconiformes (Falcons and Caracaras):Common Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon
Passeriformes (Perching Birds): Iberian Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Iberian Magpie, European Crested Tit, Eurasian Penduline Tit, Woodlark, Eurasian Skylark, Crested Lark, Greater Short-toed Lark, Red-rumped Swallow, Cetti’s Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Iberian Chiffchaff, Western Bonelli’s Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Dartford Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Short-toed Treecreeper, Crested Myna, Spotless Starling, Bluethroat, Common Nightingale, Spanish Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Black-headed Weaver, Yellow-crowned Bishop, Common Waxbill, Scaly-breasted Munia, Western Yellow Wagtail, Water Pipit, Hawfinch, European Serin, Cirl Bunting, Common Reed Bunting

Not so common but seen in recent years, and depending on the time of the year, we coil see:

Anseriformes (Ducks, Geese, and Swans): Barnacle Goose, Pink-footed Goose, White-fronted Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, American Wigeon, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Marbled Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Long-tailed Duck, Common Goldeneye
Phoenicopteriformes (Flamingos): Lesser Flamingo
Pelecaniformes (Pelicans): White Pelican
Gruiformes (Rails, Cranes, and Allies): Red-knobbed Coot
Charadriiformes (Shorebirds and Gulls): Sociable Lapwing,American Golden Plover, Buff-breasted Sandpiper,Pectoral Sandpiper ,Long-billed Dowitcher, Terek Sandpiper, Red-necked Phalarope, Lesser Yellowlegs, Marsh Sandpiper, Franklin’s Gull, Ring-billed Gull
Charadriiformes (Terns): White-winged Tern