Birds and Fauna of the Pyrenees
Birds of prey are regularly seen our walks. Griffon Vultures are spotted almost every day and Red Kite, Kestrels and Buzzards are common. Occasionally we get a sighting of the mighty Lammergeier - famous for dropping bones from a great height and sucking out the marrow - or a Golden Eagle. Mammals are slightly more elusive but we frequently spot marmots and sarrios (Pyrenean chamois).
Marmot
Marmots thrive in the Pyrenees and their high pitched warning cries are heard throughout the valleys
Griffon Vulture
A huge vulture with a wing span of up to 2m. Griffons are a daily sight on our walks
Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture)
This rare vulture is dinstictive with it's huge size, long diamond shaped tail and rusty coloured body
Perching Lammergeier
Several times we were lucky enough to see a lammergeier land on a cliff face and perch - a rare sight
Salamander
I was amazed to find salamanders at heights up to 2500m. Seen during or after heavy rainfall
Short-toed Eagle
A large, impressive eagle - this one seen close to Panticosa
Bush Cricket - Wart Biter
This large, pregnant female can be seen inserting her ovipositor into the ground to lay her eggs
Hoopai
Common in Mediterranean areas the Hoopai is an occasional vistor to the uplands in early summer
Southern Smooth Snake
Not often seen on our walks - this specimen looked injured on the side of the track
Alpine Accentor
Photographed right on the summit of Monte Perdido at over 3300m - he knows where people eat lunch!
Buzzard
Often seen circling in the lower hills
Sarrio (Pyrenean Chamois)
A small chamois only growing to 80cm and commonly seen - particlularly in Ordesa.
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Read our guides to:
Ordesa National Park
Flora of the Pyrenees
Loarre Castle
Valle de Tena
San Juan de la Peņa