Iconic Flamingos of the Tavira Salt Pans

For current hours, prices, and announcements, start with Tavira travel info.

You can find the latest updates on Tavira travel info.

Flamingos use their curved beaks to filter food from the mud in the salt pans. They mainly eat small shrimp and algae found in the salty waters of the lagoon. These birds are present throughout most of the year in the Tavira salt pan area. However, their numbers peak during the cooler winter months in this part of southern Portugal.

Watching a flock of flamingos take flight is a truly magical sight for any visitor. Their long necks and legs stretch out as they glide over the calm water surface. You should bring binoculars to see their intricate details from the designated walking path.

Bird Species Found on Tavira Salt Pan Walks

Black-winged Stilts are very common bird species found on Tavira salt pan walks during the spring. These birds have incredibly long, thin red legs and striking black and white wing feathers. They often nest near the edges of the salt pans during the warmer months of May. You can hear their sharp, piping calls as you walk along the flat and easy trails.

Avocets are another elegant species you will likely encounter while exploring the salt pan area. They have distinctive black and white plumage and very thin, upturned beaks for feeding. They sweep their bills through the water to catch small insects and tiny crustacean life. To find them, check the how to see flamingos in Tavira pans guide for helpful location tips.

You might also spot the Kentish Plover running along the dry and sandy banks today. These small birds blend in perfectly with the dry mud and the broken white shells. They are very fast and can be difficult to see at first for many visitors.

Terns and Gulls of the Ria Formosa

The Little Tern visits the salt pans during the warm summer months of July and August. These small, agile birds dive into the water to catch tiny fish for their young chicks. They have a bright yellow bill with a black tip and a very fast flight. You can see them hovering before they plunge into the shallow pans with great speed.

Audouin's Gulls are a rare treat for many birdwatchers visiting the salt pans in Tavira. This species has a dark red bill and greyish-green legs which helps with their identification. They prefer the coastal areas but often visit the salt pans to rest and preen. They are much rarer than the common Yellow-legged Gulls found throughout the entire Algarve region.

Caspian Terns are the largest terns in the world and visit the salt pans often. You can identify them by their massive orange bills and their very loud, harsh calls. They often sit on the wooden posts near the water channels to rest and watch.

Best Times for Birdwatching in Tavira

Timing is very important for seeing the most bird species in the Tavira salt pans. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for migratory bird sightings in the Ria Formosa. Many birds stop here to rest during their long journeys across the globe each year. Check the best time of year for salt pan walks for more specific details.

Winter is also a great time to visit the salt pans for a quiet walk. Many ducks and waders from northern Europe spend the winter in the mild Portuguese climate. The weather remains mild, making it comfortable for long walks outside during your 2026 trip. You can see large numbers of birds without the intense heat of the summer sun.

Early morning is the best time of day to see birds in their active state. The light is soft and the birds are most active during the first few hours. You will also avoid the crowds that arrive later in the day to see the sights.