Why Tenerife is a unique destination for birdwatching

Tenerife is a prime spot for birdwatching thanks to its geographical location, climate, and diverse habitats. Situated on a key migration route between Europe and Africa, the island welcomes many species of migratory birds and boasts fascinating native fauna.

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Variety of ecosystems on a single island

One of the great attractions for birdwatchers in Tenerife is the opportunity to observe birds in very different environments without traveling great distances. In a single day, you can explore:

Laurel forests in the north, home to endemic species such as the European pigeon (Columba bollii) and the European pigeon (Columba junoniae). These birds are only found in the Canary Islands and Madeira.
Cliffs and rocky coasts are ideal for watching seabirds such as the Cory’s shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) or the common tern (Sterna hirundo).
High mountain areas in Teide National Park, home to birds such as the Tenerife blue finch (Fringilla teydea), a species that only lives in the island’s pine forests.

The variety of habitats allows enthusiasts to observe both resident birds and migratory species that stop over on the island.

A refuge for endemic and migratory species

Tenerife is not only home to birds that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world, but also welcomes migratory species each year that find refuge on its coasts and wetlands. During the winter, it is possible to spot birds from Europe that spend the season in warmer climates, such as the whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) and the grey heron (Ardea cinerea).

For those interested in learning more about the Canary Islands’ birdlife, the Spanish Ornithological Society (SEO/BirdLife) has a section dedicated to the species found on the islands. You can find more information on its official website: SEO/BirdLife – Birds of the Canary Islands

An accessible destination with perfect weather all year round

Another advantage that makes Tenerife an ideal destination for birdwatching is its subtropical climate. Unlike other European destinations, where birdwatching is highly influenced by the seasons, in Tenerife you can see birds year-round.

Furthermore, the island has well-marked infrastructure and trails to facilitate birdwatching without disturbing the ecosystem. Places like Monte del Agua in Teno Rural Park or the coast of Punta del Hidalgo offer easily accessible areas where even if you’re an expert, you can enjoy birdwatching.

What you need to enjoy bird watching in Tenerife

Birdwatching is an activity that anyone can enjoy, even without prior experience. Tenerife, with its diverse habitats and temperate climate, is an ideal destination for beginners without the need for sophisticated equipment. Below, we explain what you need to get started and how to enhance your experience on the island.

Basic equipment for beginners

While birdwatching can be enjoyed with nothing more than patience and observation, having the right equipment can make all the difference.

🔹 Binoculars: These are essential for seeing bird details without disturbing them. For beginners, an 8×42 or 10×42 model is recommended, as they offer a good balance between magnification and field of view. Brands like Nikon, Celestron, and Bushnell have affordable, quality options.

🔹 Bird Guide: Having an illustrated guide will help you identify the most common species on the island. A good resource is the book “Birds of the Canary Islands” by Eduardo García-del-Rey, which offers detailed descriptions of local species.

🔹 Appropriate clothing: It’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing in neutral or green tones to avoid attracting the birds’ attention. In mountainous areas, such as Teide National Park, it’s important to bring a jacket, as temperatures can be low even in summer.

🔹 Notebook or mobile app: Carrying a small notebook to record the species you observe is a great idea. There are also apps like Merlin Bird ID or eBird, developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (see more information here), that allow you to identify birds with artificial intelligence and record sightings.

Tips for responsible viewing

Respecting wildlife and the environment is key to a sustainable activity. Here are some basic recommendations:

✅ Avoid excessive noise: Birds are sensitive to loud sounds. Speaking softly and moving gently will help prevent them from being scared.

✅ Keep your distance: Never try to get too close to a bird, especially if it’s nesting. For the best experience, use binoculars or a telephoto lens instead of getting physically close.

✅ Don’t feed birds: Although it may seem harmless, giving food to birds alters their natural behavior and can affect their health.

✅ Choose appropriate routes and times: The best time for birdwatching is early morning or late afternoon, when birds are most active. Places like Monte del Agua, Punta del Hidalgo, or Barranco del Infierno offer good birdwatching opportunities with easy access.

How to improve your experience in Tenerife

If you’d like to explore birdwatching in more depth during your stay on the island, you can join organized activities:

🔹 Guided tours: Specialized companies, such as Birding Canarias, organize guided tours with expert ornithologists who help identify rare species. More information on their official website: Birding Canarias

🔹 Collaboration with citizen science: Platforms like eBird allow you to record sightings and contribute to scientific studies. You can check out the latest sightings in Tenerife here: eBird Tenerife

What is the best time of year for bird watching in Tenerife?

Tenerife is a prime birdwatching destination year-round, thanks to its mild climate and the presence of resident and migratory species. However, there are certain seasons that offer better opportunities to observe certain birds.

Birdwatching in winter and autumn

📅 From October to March

During the winter months, many migratory birds arrive in Tenerife seeking warmer temperatures. This is an excellent time to visit wetland areas and coasts, where you may see species that are not present the rest of the year.

🔹 Featured birds in winter:

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), visible on shores and in pools
Grey heron (Ardea cinerea), common in reservoirs and wetlands
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), which appears on rocky coasts and in small waterways

💡 Recommendations:

To observe migratory birds during this time, visit places like Charco de San Lorenzo or the coast of Punta del Hidalgo.
Bring long-range binoculars, as many seabirds can be seen from the shore without a boat.

Birdwatching in spring and summer

📅 From April to September

Spring is one of the best times for birdwatching in Tenerife, as many species enter their breeding and active periods. It’s the ideal time to visit laurel and pine forests, where you can see endemic birds in full swing.

🔹 Featured birds in spring and summer:

The jungo pigeon (Columba junoniae) and the tufted pigeon (Columba bollii), which are most active in laurel forests
Tenerife blue chaffinch (Fringilla teydea), which can be easily seen in the pine forests of Teide National Park
Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea), which returns to the island to nest on the cliffs

💡 Recommendations:

To observe endemic birds, visit Monte del Agua in Teno Rural Park or the Anaga Nature Reserve.
During the summer months, early morning hours are best to avoid the heat and see more bird activity.

Best time of day for birdwatching in Tenerife

Regardless of the time of year, the time of day you make your observation is key to success:

🌅 Early morning (6:00 – 10:00): The best time slot, as birds are most active in foraging.
🌞 Midday (12:00 – 16:00): Less recommended, as many birds seek shade and rest.
🌄 Afternoon (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Good time to see seabirds returning to their nests, especially on the cliffs.

To plan your observations with up-to-date data on the species sighted in Tenerife, you can consult the eBird platform, which compiles sightings in real time.

Birdwatching experience near the Casablanca Rural Hotel

If you stay at the Casablanca Rural Hotel, you have the advantage of being surrounded by nature, with several key birdwatching spots within walking distance. From trails through laurel forests to rocky coasts where you can see seabirds, this area in northern Tenerife is perfect for combining a relaxing stay with birdwatching in their natural habitat.

Hiking trails with bird watching near the hotel

One of the best aspects of birdwatching in Tenerife is that many of the observation areas are integrated into hiking trails. Here are some of the best options near the hotel:

📍 Monte del Agua – 20 minutes by car

Featured species: Eurasian dove, European pigeon, Canary blue tit
Habitat type: Laurel forest
Recommendation: Bring 8×42 binoculars to spot birds in the dense vegetation.

💡 More info: Monte del Agua is one of the best areas in Tenerife to observe endemic birds in a quiet and uncrowded environment. Check out the route on Tenerife Tourism.

📍 Los Silos Cliffs – 15-minute drive

Notable species: Cory’s shearwater, yellow-legged gull, common kestrel
Habitat type: Coast and cliffs
Recommendation: Go at dusk to see shearwaters returning to their nests

💡 More info: In this area, especially in spring and summer, you can see seabirds nesting on the cliffs. It’s ideal for bird photography enthusiasts.

📍 Ruiz Ravine – 10 minutes by car

Featured species: Canary Warbler, White-capped Blackbird, Hoopoe
Habitat type: Ravine with native vegetation
Recommendation: Ideal for beginners, as many birds are visible to the naked eye.

💡 More info: This is a short trail with varying heights and vegetation, making it easy to see birds in different areas of the ravine.

Birdwatching without leaving the hotel

If you prefer a more relaxing experience, you can enjoy birdwatching right on the hotel grounds. The Hotel Rural Casablanca’s privileged location, surrounded by nature, allows for birdwatching without having to travel.

🔹 Common birds that can be seen around the hotel:

Blue finch (especially in nearby wooded areas)
Common Kestrel, which often flies over the property
Canary Blue Tit, very active in the early hours of the morning
Hoopoe, which can sometimes be seen in the hotel gardens

💡 Tip: If you want to birdwatch directly from your hotel, bring lightweight binoculars and choose a quiet time, such as sunrise or sunset, when bird activity is highest.

Why choose Hotel Rural Casablanca for a birdwatching getaway?

If your goal is to combine relaxation and birdwatching, the Casablanca Rural Hotel is an excellent choice because:

✔️ It’s located in an area with diverse natural environments where you can see different species.
✔️ It offers easy access to hiking trails where you can observe birds in different habitats.
✔️ It’s a quiet accommodation away from mass tourism, which facilitates connecting with nature.

If you’re planning a birdwatching getaway to Tenerife, this hotel is an ideal starting point for exploring the island’s best areas.

How to enjoy bird watching in Tenerife