Majorca, the largest island in the Spanish Balearic Islands, is home to a wide variety of bird species. However, due to habitat loss, pollution, climate change and other factors, some birds that were once common on the island have become quite rare. Birders visiting Majorca hope to catch a glimpse of some of these elusive avian species. In this article, we will look at some of the rarest birds that can still be found in Majorca if you know where to look and get lucky.
Eleonora’s Falcon
The Eleonora’s Falcon (Falco eleonorae) is a medium-sized falcon that breeds on islands in the Mediterranean. Its name comes from the fact that it times its breeding season to coincide with the autumn migration of small birds headed to Africa, which provide ample food for the falcons and their young. Eleonora’s Falcons used to nest throughout the Balearic Islands, but now their numbers have dwindled to just 100-120 breeding pairs, most of which are found on Cabrera. Sightings of these graceful hunters are rare treats for birders in Majorca.
Balearic Shearwater
Endemic to the Balearic Islands, the Balearic Shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus) spends most of its life out at sea, only returning to land to breed. Pollution, predation by rats and feral cats, and entanglement in fishing gear have led to scary declines in this seabird’s population – as few as 3,000 breeding pairs may remain. Look for these medium-sized shearwaters with dark caps hunting over coastal waters off southern Majorca.
Audouin’s Gull
With its bright red bill and black head, Audouin’s Gull (Larus audouinii) is hard to miss. It breeds in isolated coastal areas in scattered colonies in the western Mediterranean, including around 100 pairs in the Balearics. Seeing one of these noisy but elegant gulls in Majorca means you’ve stumbled upon one of their few breeding sites. Pay attention for them near coastal wetlands and beaches.
Moltoni’s Warbler
This small, plain warbler was only recognized as a distinct species in the late 1990s. Named for Italian ornithologist Guido Moltoni, Moltoni’s Warbler (Sylvia subalpina) can be found breeding in isolated patches of Mediterranean scrub and maquis vegetation. Look and listen for these shy warblers in garrigue habitats in northwestern Majorca. Their melodious song is the best way to detect them.
Balearic Woodchat Shrike
This subspecies of the Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator badius) is found only in the Balearic Islands. It prefers open forests and scrublands. Once severely threatened, conservation efforts have helped populations rebound to around 1,000 pairs. However, habitat loss is still a concern. Search for these striking black, white and chestnut-colored shrikes perching prominently on shrubs and treetops in rural areas of northern and western Majorca.
European Storm Petrel
These tiny seabirds breed on rocky islands and remote sea cliffs across the North Atlantic and Mediterranean. In the Balearics, they are restricted to a few locations including Dragonera Island off western Majorca. Pelagic trips off Majorca’s west coast may offer a chance to find European Storm Petrels (Hydrobates pelagicus) fluttering low over the waves. Look for their distinctively squared-off tails.
Scopoli’s Shearwater
Similar to other shearwaters but smaller, Scopoli’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) breeds on cliffs and remote islands in the Mediterranean. Poorly-understood declines have made this species rare and range-restricted. In the Balearics, tiny populations cling to existence on Cabrera and other islets off Majorca. Target this species on summer pelagic trips to offshore islets.
Red-necked Nightjar
Most active at dawn and dusk, the cryptic Red-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus ruficollis) nests in dry, open habitats across southern Europe. Loss of breeding areas has made it a localized, uncommon breeder in the Balearics with estimated totals of just 50-100 pairs. Seek out its rattling, mechanical call at dawn in rural areas of eastern Majorca to detect this crepuscular species.
Little Swift
A tiny cousin of the Common Swift, the Little Swift (Apus affinis) breeds locally in the western Mediterranean including parts of eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands. Urban nesters, they utilize buildings, dams and other manmade structures. However, modern renovations have shrunk nesting opportunities. Look for these feathered rockets hunting insects at speed over towns near Majorca’s eastern coasts.
Where and When to Search for Rare Birds in Majorca
Now that we’ve covered some of Majorca’s rarest avian gems, where and when should you plan your birding trip to try and see them? Here are some top tips:
Coastal Habitats
Habitats like sea cliffs, offshore islets, shorelines and coastal wetlands offer the best opportunities to find rare seabirds and waterfowl. Target sites like s’Albufera wetlands, Cap de Formentor, Dragonera Island and Cabrera Island. Joining pelagic birding trips offshore is also highly recommended.
Mountainous Areas
Search mountain slopes covered in oak and pine forests as well as open scrublands in the northwestern and northern Serra de Tramuntana range to seek out rare songbirds like warblers, shrikes and nightjars.
Eastern and Southern Coasts
Rural farmlands, grasslands and scrub dotted with stone walls and isolated buildings provide habitat for crepuscular nightjars and diurnal shrikes and swifts along Majorca’s eastern and southern coasts.
April Through June
Spring migration falls in April and May while most breeding activity peaks in May and June. This prime breeding season increases your odds of finding territorial rare species singing and nesting.
September Through October
Autumn migration ramps up in September and October, bringing concentrations of migratory species through Balearic waters and over land. Late breeders may still be feeding young as well.
Notable Hotspots for Rare Birds
To maximize your birding time, concentrate efforts at these productive birding sites and areas:
s’Albufera Wetlands
This protected coastal wetland complex in northern Majorca offers the island’s best birding. Scout for wetland species like herons, ducks and shorebirds along with migrants in the surrounding scrub.
Cap de Formentor
The rugged peninsula at Majorca’s northeast tip is excellent for migrant passerines in spring and fall. Also scan for Eleonora’s Falcons and seabirds offshore.
Tamuntana Mountains
Forests and scrublands in these northwestern mountains provide nesting habitat for unique Balearic endemics like Moltoni’s Warbler and Balearic Woodchat Shrike.
Dragonera Island
Pelagic trips to this rugged islet off Majorca’s west coast offer sightings of Storm Petrels and other pelagic seabirds.
Salobrar de Campos
Varied habitats like saltpans, fields and scrub around this inland wetland complex in central Majorca attract an array of birds.
Tips for Birding Majorca
To maximize your birding success while visiting Majorca, keep these tips in mind:
Hire Local Guides
Don’t miss hard-to-find species and the best sites. Hire knowledgeable local guides with expertise in Balearic birds.
Pack Optics
Bring quality binoculars and spotting scopes. You’ll need magnifying power to observe distant seabirds and shorebirds.
Focus on Bird Sounds
Tune your ears to bird songs and calls to detect secretive species like warblers even when hidden by vegetation.
Be Patient
Finding the island’s rarest species takes time and perseverance. Don’t rush while birding. Spend time scanning carefully.
Follow Ethical Practices
When observing nesting birds, watch from a distance. Limit your disturbance to birds and their habitats.
Conclusion
For birders up for a challenge, seeking out Majorca’s rarest breeding and visiting bird species provides exciting rewards. By exploring the island’s remaining coastal, mountain and wetland habitats at optimal times of year, you stand the best chance of crossing some of these scarce birds off your list. Just be sure to come prepared with the necessary time, gear and knowledge to make the most of your birding opportunities on this Mediterranean jewel. If you put in the effort, a sighting of a majestic Eleonora’s Falcon or tiny Storm Petrel could make your trip unforgettable. Good luck birding and happy travels!
