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Birdwatching in Ibiza – Flamingos at Ses Salines
When most people think of Ibiza, they picture beaches, nightlife, and sunshine—not wildlife. The island isn’t widely known for its fauna, yet it offers surprising opportunities for birdwatching in Ibiza. From migratory species to rare residents, bird lovers will find more here than expected. (You can check the full bird list at the bottom of this page.)
I planned my trip in October, the perfect time when summer crowds are gone and migratory birds pass through the island. One of the main attractions for birdwatchers during this season is the Greater Flamingo in Ibiza.
While you may spot flamingos in Formentera or scattered across the island, the largest flocks are found at Ses Salines Nature Park. Every September and October, hundreds—and sometimes thousands—of these elegant pink birds arrive here on their way to Africa. Watching them gather creates an unforgettable “pink ocean” of birds, making Ses Salines Ibiza one of the best birdwatching spots on the island.
Ses Salines is located at the southern tip of Ibiza, right next to the airport, and is easy to reach. Unfortunately, during my visit, I couldn’t get very close. Armed only with a Canon 100–500mm lens—great for travel but a little short for long distances—I had to admire the flamingos from afar. Still, I counted around 500 flamingos, and the view was spectacular.
If you’re a bird lover, a wildlife photographer, or simply looking for a different side of the island, make sure to include flamingo watching in Ibiza on your itinerary. Visiting Ses Salines Nature Reserve in the autumn is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Ibiza—a true hidden gem, set apart from the beaches and nightlife.
Other Birds you can find when visiting Ibiza:
Cory’s Shearwater, Balearic Shearwater, European Storm Petrel, Mediterranean Shag, Little Egret, Greater Flamingo, Common Shelduck, European Honey Buzzard, Black Kite, Osprey, Common Kestrel, Eleonora’s Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Black-winged Stilt, Stone-curlew, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Little Stint, Dunlin, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Common Redshank, Common Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Audouin’s Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Dove, Common Woodpigeon, European Turtle Dove, Eurasian Scops Owl, Common Swift, Pallid Swift, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Eurasian Hoopoe, Eurasian Wryneck, Greater Short-toed Lark, Thekla Lark, Eurasian Crag Martin, Barn Swallow, Northern House Martin, Tawny Pipit, Tree Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Iberian Yellow Wagtail, Common Wren, Black Redstart, Whinchat, European Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Eurasian Blackbird, Cetti’s Warbler, Zitting Cisticola, Balearic Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Common Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Common Firecrest, Spotted Flycatcher, Great Tit, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Woodchat Shrike, Northern Raven, House Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, European Serin, European Greenfinch, European Goldfinch, Eurasian Linnet, Balearic Crossbill
Picture courtesy: White Ibiza. Featured Image borrowed from White Ibiza website
