The winter of 2026 in Andalucía has brought several unusual cold spells, surprising residents and visitors more accustomed to the region’s mild Mediterranean climate. Temperatures dropped close to freezing along inland areas and noticeably cooler conditions reached even coastal towns, with crisp mornings, frosty nights, and occasional strong winds making the season feel more like northern Europe than southern Spain. While the cooler weather has affected outdoor activities and agriculture in some areas, it has also brought clear skies and striking mountain views, reminding locals that even the sunniest parts of Spain can experience a true winter. During the cold season, I often get a lot of request for my winter birding tours in Gibraltar and Southern Spain. Options include my DAY TOURS IN GIBRALTAR, DAY TOURS IN SOUTHERN SPAIN, my BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS as well. as my THREE DAY TOURS IN THE STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR, and my FIVE DAY TOURS IN DOÑANA AND THE STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR. What follows is a write-up of wintering birds we have observed this season so far.
The Alpine accentor (prunella collaris), is a characteristic bird of the high mountains of southern Spain, where it inhabits rocky slopes and alpine meadows above the tree line. Well adapted to cold, exposed conditions, it feeds on insects and seeds among stones and sparse vegetation, often remaining active even in winter. In these southernmost European populations, Alpine accentors are usually resident rather than migratory but do make decents to lower levels, forming small, tame groups that forage close to hikers and mountaineers in the stark, windswept landscapes. I often come to my known locations to view and photograph this species, and this winter has been no exception.
This winter has been very productive, bringing along a few unusual species, such as the Pied crow (Corvius albus), Africa’s most widespread Corvus, occurs across sub-Saharan Africa. This species avoids equatorial rainforests and mainly inhabits open areas near villages and towns, and while usually close to humans, it is less urban-dependent than Asia’s house crow (Corvus splendens) and can also be found far from human settlements. The individual photographed below is an exceptional record for Gibraltar, and has been in Gibraltar throughout the autumn and winter 2025/26 feeding off rodents, reptiles and food scraps, affording great views and photographs.
During the cold season, I often get a lot of request for my winter birding tours in Gibraltar and Southern Spain. Options include my day tours in GIBRALTAR, day tours in SOUTHERN SPAIN, my BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS as well. as my THREE DAY TOURS in the Strait of Gibraltar, and my FIVE DAY TOURS in Doñana and the Strait of Gibraltar. THis winter has been very production, bring along a few unusual species, such as the Pied crow (Corvius albus). This species, Africa’s most widespread Corvus, occurs across sub-Saharan Africa, avoiding equatorial rainforests and mainly inhabits open areas near villages and towns. While usually close to humans, it is less urban-dependent than Asia’s house crow (Corvus splendens) and can also be found far from human settlements.
The white-spotted form of the beautiful Bluethroat (Luscinia svecicus) is one of the most eye-catching species wintering in wetlands in the area. In southern Spain, favouring wetlands, reedbeds, and marshy edges, often close to shallow water with dense low vegetation for cover. It is skulking but bold bird in song, often flicking its tail and showing its throat patch. Feeds on insects, spiders, and small invertebrates, and occasionally berries. The white-spotted form breeds in northern Europe and Asia and migrates south for winter. Southern Spain is a key stopover and wintering area. The video below as digiscoped with iPhone11 + Kowa Smartoscope Vario smartphone adapter on Kowa TSN-883 + TE-17W 30x WideAngle Eyepiece. Unfortunately, the vibration of the people walking on the wooden boardwalk caused a lot of unecessary vibration. Get in touch for a video / digiscoping birding / photography tour using the said setup which is suitable for any smartphone.
Another bird we encoutner during our winter tours in southern Spain is the beautiful Penduline tit (Remiz pendulinus), a small, acrobatic bird known for its delicate build and striking facial markings, including a black mask and pale head. It favors reedbeds, wetlands, and river margins, often seen flitting among reeds and shrubs in search of insects, spiders, and seeds. Famous for its elaborate, hanging nests, which hang from reed stems or tree branches like tiny silk pouches, it breeds mostly in late spring. While generally shy, its intricate nest-building and energetic foraging make it a fascinating species for birdwatchers in Andalusia and other wetland areas of southern Spain.
The Red-knobbed coot (Fulica cristata) is a striking waterbird found in southern Spain’s wetlands and freshwater lakes. It’s a plump, dark grey bird with a white frontal shield topped by distinctive red knobs, especially prominent during the breeding season. Highly territorial and aggressive, it swims gracefully but can also run across water to escape threats. Feeds mainly on aquatic plants, algae, and invertebrates, often diving or grazing at the water’s edge. Its loud, clattering calls and bold behavior make it hard to miss among reeds and open water in marshes and reservoirs. Given the amount of rain that has fallen the winter months, it has given closer opportunities to observe this rare and shy species which often prefers to keep close to the wetland edges amongst the reed-beds. I know very good locations for them.
Migration has started early in Gibraltar, with the arrival of good numbers of White and Black storks. The BLACK STORK (Ciconia nigra) is a regular migratory bird in southern Spain and can be seen passing through the region during its seasonal journeys between Europe and Africa. Although much rarer and more elusive than the White stork, the black stork is an important part of the spectacular bird migration that takes place each year across the Strait of Gibraltar. Black storks migrate between their wintering grounds in Africa and breeding areas across Europe and western Asia. During late winter and early spring (February to April), many birds pass through southern Spain on their northward journey. The Strait of Gibraltar is one of the shortest sea crossings between Africa and Europe, making it a key migration corridor for large soaring birds such as storks and raptors. A few individuals winter near Gibraltar, and the flock below was observed coming in at Gibraltar during strong winds after the worst gusts of the storm had subsided. You can see them struggling against the elements nearly touching the sea with their primaries.
If you want to spend quality and relaxed time viewing and photographing these natural phenomenons, get in touch with me to secure the best dates, or customise our tour and request your own dates for your own groups.