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Tavira Saltpans

Algarve  >  Portugal

The saltpans are excellently adapted to the landscape of the Ria Formosa natural reserve. Its a humanized environment for birds and a good place for birding.

Added* by Quintamar Algarve
Most recent update 16 April 2025

Description

The large Tavira saltpans are a great place to see several species of seagulls and waders. The saltpans enclose three distinct birding areas: Arraial Ferreira Neto, Santa Luzia and Sítio das Quatro Águas. They are especially good for Audouin's Gull, Caspian Tern, Greater Flamingo, Little Stint, Eurasian Spoonbill and Bluethroat. Autumn, winter and spring are the best seasons to visit. The areas are best seen on foot. Other birds you can see are White Stork, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet and European Bee-eater. Loads of them!

Details

Access

You can park at Quatros Aguas near the ferry to Tavira Island. Press P on the map for directions.

Terrain and Habitat

Sea , Lake , Wetland , River

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Winter , Summer , Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration

Route

Wide path , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Car , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Black-winged Stilt
1. Black-winged Stilt
(Himantopus himantopus)
Audouin's Gull
2. Audouin's Gull
(Ichthyaetus audouinii)
Greater Flamingo
3. Greater Flamingo
(Phoenicopterus roseus)
European Bee-eater
4. European Bee-eater
(Merops apiaster)
Caspian Tern
5. Caspian Tern
(Hydroprogne caspia)

Other birds you can see here

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