This is a large area comprehending the plains located in the vicinity of the following towns:Elvas, Estremoz, Arronches, Campo Maior, Alter do Chão and Monforte. It is one of the most important areas in Portugal for open country species, although increasingly occupied by intense agriculture (especially Sunflower and Olive). Most of the habitat is open country with cultivated fields (both traditional and industrial), pastures and Holm Oak and Olive woods. Due to habitat loss caused by intensive agriculture, the open country species are not as common as in years before, but Great Bustard and Eurasian Thick-knee can still be found. Other interesting breeding birds are Montagu’s Harrier, Great Spotted Cuckoo, European Bee-eater, Calandra Lark, Short-toed Lark, Black-eared Wheatear, Golden Oriole or Azure-winged Magpie. European Roller has declined in recent years. Winter visitors include Common Crane, Black-winged Kite and Red-Kite. Little Bustards can form large flocks here in this time of year. West of Campo Maior, Caia Dam forms a large reservoir that hosts breeding species like Gull-billed Tern, Collared Pratincole and Black-winged Stilt. Municipalities: Elvas, Estremoz, Arronches, Campo Maior, Alter do Chão and Monforte |
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Hotspots
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