Located in the Alentejo coast, north of the town of Sines, Lagoa de Santo André is one of largest costal lagoons in the country. The habitats surrounding the lagoon are mostly reedbeds, dunes and pine woods. In the wintertime the lagoon gets crowded with wildfowl, and some of the most abundant species are Mallard, Common Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall, Pochard and Tufted Duck. One of the local specialities is Red-crested Pochard, which can be present in high numbers. Other interesting wintering species are Black-necked Grebe, Greater Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbil, Short-eared Owl and the scarcer Richard’s Pipit. In the breeding season a wide variety of reed nesting birds occur, including Little Bittern, Savi’s Warbler and Reed Warbler. Some resident species are Eurasian Thick-knee, Crested Tit, Azure-winged Magpie and Spotless Starling. The lagoon is definitely worth a visit also in Spring and Autumn migration seasons, when a great diversity of migrants can use the lagoon area, like waders, terns and passerines. The area is classified as a Natural Reserve (PT). There are marked footpaths in the areas of Monte do Paio environmental center, and Casa do Peixe. IBA: learn more |
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Hotspots
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