Where to see the bearded vulture in Spain

The bad reputation of vultures is neither deserved nor justified. These large scavenger birds are still viewed with suspicion; despite the fact that they have also had numerous defenders in Spain for some time now. Among all of them, the bearded vulture is especially curious because of its eating habits.

And its name leaves no room for the imagination. This species of vulture feeds by dropping the bones it finds onto the rocks from a great height, in order to break them and ingest their interior.

Until just over half a century ago, observe the bearded vulture in Spain It was possible in various parts of our geography. Recognizing it was easy if you paid attention. With a wingspan of almost three meters, a diamond-shaped tail and plumage that is all brown. It stands out, above all, for the black “mask” on its face that ends in a beard under the beak.

Nowadays, seeing it is not so easy, but it is not impossible either; taking into account that Spain is its main population stronghold. Numerous associations and recovery projects address the main threats of the bearded vulture (hunting, above all) so that bird lovers ecotourism activities We can continue enjoying your flight in the Spanish mountains.

Do you want to know where? We'll tell you then.

The bearded vulture in the Pyrenees

Despite efforts to ensure their conservation, the number of bearded vultures in Europe is still low. Of them, the vast majority live in Spain, mainly in the Pyrenees. The sight of its silhouette flying over the great cliffs of this mountain range is one of the most overwhelming images of fauna in Spain.

The largest population center is located in the Central Pyrenees, in the province of Huesca. There, you can see it in various parks and protected spaces such as the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, the Cañones and Sierra de Guara Natural Park, or in the Los Valles area. To have the best chance of spotting it, it is best to join a local guide who will take you through the best areas for the observation of the bearded vulture in the Pyrenees of Huesca.

Furthermore, from the central area of the Pyrenees, recolonization processes took place in the Basque-Navarrean mountains and in the Catalan Pyrenees. Nowadays, it is even possible to see the bearded vulture in the Sierra de Boumort, located in the Pre-Pyrenees.

The bearded vulture in the Cantabrian Mountains

These same reintroduction processes also occurred in the Cantabrian Mountains, where the bearded vulture had been extinct since the mid-20th century. Sixty years later, the species once again established itself in the Picos de Europa, in the central area of the mountain range.

In early February of this year (2018), it was reported that a breeding pair had laid eggs and was incubating them. The female, called Deva, had been donated by the Aragonese government and released in 2011 as part of the European Project Life + Quebrantahuesos Network.

Until now, the project's success had been low. But with luck, from now on you will be able to see a new specimen flying over the area. Curiously, in the same year that the Picos de Europa celebrates its centenary as a National Park. Coincidence or could it have been a birthday gift from Mother Nature?

The bearded vulture in Cazorla, Segura and las Villas

The bearded vulture in Andalusia also became extinct due to poaching, the plundering of its eggs or the use of poison. If you were lucky enough to see one years ago it had to be before 1986. Ten years later the reintroduction plans began; although, again, it was difficult to achieve success.

The bearded vulture was not successfully introduced into the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Natural Park until 2006. And in 2015, hopeful news was obtained: the bearded vulture was once again reproducing in the wild in Andalusia.

Today, it is the Gypaetus foundation which is in charge of captive breeding of this species in the Natural Park. And lately things are going well. In 2017 they managed to raise seven chicks. At 90 days, the chicks are ready to fly on their own and are released in these mountains, as well as in other European areas.

Now you can enjoy this species in freedom again by doing a day of birdwatching to see the bearded vulture in Cazorla, Segura and las Villas.

The bearded vulture in the Sierra de Alcaraz and del Segura

The bearded vultures that live in Albacete arrive there from the mountains of Jaén; since the point at which the specimens are released from the reintroduction program in Andalusia is very close to the neighboring province.

Since the project began, about 50 bearded vultures have been released. Thanks to the GPS with which they are equipped, the movements of the birds can be known. Therefore, it is known that some individuals move through these mountains. Although there is still no evidence that any have reproduced there, it is only a matter of time.

In February 2018, for example, 10 specimens were counted flying over Albacete. Although taking into account that some GPS stop working, there may be more. This makes the Sierra de Alcaraz and Segura the fourth enclave for observe the bearded vulture in Spain.

Within this mountain range, one of the favorite spaces for the species is the Calares del Mundo and La Sima Natural Park. So it is easy for you to see the bearded vulture during a day of birding in the Hueco de Tus, in Yeste.

The work of associations like Gypaetus has greatly improved the situation of the bearded vultures in Spain. Although there is still work to do. At least, you can now see the dark silhouette of the “dragon bird” flying over your head in various parts of our geography. Do you still dislike vultures? I don't believe it. As always, the key to loving a species is knowing it. We are glad to have introduced you.