Wild Portugal: Birds, Alpine Flora & Prehistoric

Wild Portugal: Birds, Alpine Flora & Prehistoric Art

Naturetrek Tour Report 14 – 21 July 2015

Ocellated Lizard Marsh Gentian

White-rumped Swift Purple Shot Copper

Report compiled by Philip Thompson Images by Tom Mabbett

Naturetrek Mingledown Barn Wolf's Lane Chawton Alton Hampshire GU34 3HJ UK T: +44 (0)1962 733051 E: [email protected] W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Wild Portugal: Birds, Alpine Flora & Prehistoric Art Tour Report

Tour Participants: Philip Thompson & Tom Mabbett (leaders) with 15 Naturetrek clients

Day 1 Tuesday 14th July

With our safe mid-afternoon arrival into Porto airport, the formalities of collecting the minibuses were completed and, eventually, we were on our way for a direct transfer to our first hotel, based in the historic town of Castelo Rodrigo. A refreshment stop on the way was taken; it was something of a shock to the system as we stepped out of the air-conditioned vehicles into 38˚C! Fortunately, this was a very dry heat with non-existent humidity and not too taxing.

Having arrived at the hotel, we were soon assigned our various rooms, spread among the three houses that make up the comfortable accommodation. After a pleasant dinner, we retired to rest up and prepare for an early start the next day.

Day 2 Wednesday 15th July

An early start was taken today in order to make the best use of the cooler conditions at the start of the day, and to enable a return to the hotel in the heat of the late afternoon for a swim and relax.

We began with a drive to an area of arable cultivation where a small population of Little Bustards are known to occur. After our arrival and some patient scanning, a bird was very briefly spotted in flight by some of the group. Other birds present included large numbers of Spanish Sparrows, in flocks, mixed with several Corn Buntings, and Southern Grey Shrike. A Hawfinch was calling from a group of pines nearby, and was eventually seen, though rather poorly since it remained in deep cover before flying off.

We then moved on to our main objective of the day with a visit to the private reserve of Faia Brava. Here the work and objectives of the reserve were explained to us during our tour of the area. This tour by 4x4 vehicles was quite an adventure, over very rough and stony tracks, as we bounced and swayed along! A number of stops were taken, allowing the group to view and enjoy this wild environment, the first of which comprised a short walk towards a rocky overhang where we were hoping to view one of the only rock art paintings in the Coa valley. This was prevented, however, by the sighting of two pairs of very rare White-rumped Swifts that were still present, breeding in the same spot! After enjoying some excellent views of these recently discovered birds (making them the most northerly breeding pairs in Europe) we moved back to the vehicles. Our next stop was overlooking the Coa valley towards the reserve’s vulture feeding station. After the meat had been left, we relaxed in the shade of some oaks, hopefully to await the descent of the many Griffon Vultures that had gathered, circling overhead. Among the numerous Griffons, a couple of Egyptian Vultures were also present; they are the main reason for the feeding site as they are a declining species in Europe. However, despite the many vultures gathering, they seemed reluctant to settle and begin feeding, so after some excellent, close, overhead views, we moved on to the simple visitor area for our picnic lunch.

Once we continued our tour, we were fortunate to encounter a number of the Garrano Horses that have been introduced to the reserve as part of the Rewilding Project that is being initiated in the reserve. We had earlier caught a brief glimpse of the Maronesa Cattle bull, which is also part of this project; the cattle are far fewer in number and not so easily seen.

Wild Portugal: Birds, Alpine Flora & Prehistoric Art Tour Report

A stop and walk to a pigeon house, with a commanding view into the Coa valley, was taken next, from where we could see, in the far distance, that the vultures had finally deemed it safe to descend and feed on the previously deposited carcasses and scraps. After enjoying the views, we deemed it apt to return to the vehicles and onward to the hotel, as the temperatures were by now pretty stifling!

After a spell at the hotel, the majority of the group then chose to take a further late afternoon excursion, visiting a different area with a visit to the Chapel of Santo Andre. This was reached after driving down a lengthy rough dirt track. A fantastic vista was available from the chapel as we looked across the River Agueda into Spain on the opposite shore. Vultures were again much in evidence in this rocky river valley but were also joined by the brief sighting of a Golden Eagle.

Day 3 Thursday 16th July

We travelled north to visit the famous Douro valley, for a number of stops and walks. We began with a roadside viewpoint overlooking the Agueda valley and nearby cliffs, where a colony of Griffon Vultures breed. In the rapidly warming morning air, several Griffons were already aloft and rising effortlessly. Other raptors seen included Booted Eagle and a Peregrine.

We next moved on to cross the Douro River at Barca D’Alva and on to the walking route of Calcada de Alpajares that runs alongside a spectacular gorge of a tributary stream feeding into the Douro. Within the gorge several Griffon and Egyptian Vultures were seen overhead with a Blue Rock Thrush on the nearby rocks. The route began with a descent to the river, which at this time was reduced to a few isolated pools, where we crossed and began a gentle ascent. Several interesting tree species were seen along the way, although most of the herbaceous plants had finished flowering and were drying rapidly. After the initial gentle climb, the route then took a downward direction following the river gorge. Several Rock Buntings were seen as we went through the wilder areas. As we reached the lower cultivated orchards, we came upon numerous hawking Bee-eaters, which showed beautifully. Back at the vehicles, we took a well-earned drink before we drove on along the Douro, and then took a side road that climbed steeply to the cliffs above. We travelled on to reach a spectacular viewpoint set on top of the cliffs, with a view into Spain and of the hydroelectric dam below. Here we had lunch under some shady trees before spending some time at the viewpoint enjoying the passing vultures. Also seen distantly among the many Common Swifts were a couple of Alpine Swifts. A final stop was taken on the return journey down the steep road to try for Black Wheatear but with no luck.

After another successful but hot day, we then returned to the hotel in good time for refreshments and an earlier evening meal, in readiness for our evening excursion to the open air Paleolithic rock art engravings in the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Coa valley. This was a wonderful experience, travelling there as dusk descended into night to then walk by torchlight to view these amazing engravings. During the visit, we were led by one of the local guides who explained and interpreted the images of horses, cattle, goats and deer. The night sky was a reminder of the truly dark skies that we no longer see in the more built-up, urban parts of the UK. Seeing the Milky Way was all very special and atmospheric, surrounded as we were by art made by our very earliest ancestors.

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Wild Portugal: Birds, Alpine Flora & Prehistoric Art Tour Report

Day 4 Friday 17th July

Today we left Castelo Rodrigo to undertake the transfer into the Serra da Estrela. We took a route that passed through some lovely open Montado habitat. We took an early stop at the historic fortified town of Almeida, where we spent an hour exploring this fascinating town with its moats and defensive walls. Numerous Black Redstarts and Northern Wheatears flitted about the grassy outer walls, joined by a feeding party of Bee-eaters.

Continuing on our journey, the roadside wires periodically held a mix of Woodchat and Southern Grey Shrikes, Bee-eaters and Corn Buntings. Several Black Kites were seen drifting over this attractive area. The sighting of a vulture in this flat wooded habitat brought about a stop to check its identity, which turned out to be a Black Vulture. A total of six individuals were then picked up as they cruised close by.

We stopped for a picnic at a pleasant riverside spot at Aldeia da Ponte. On the rushes in the water, a couple of Viperine Snakes were spotted, coiled above the water and basking in the sun.

From here, the habitat changed to a more wooded environment and we continued without further stops, via Sabugal and Belmonte, to pass through Manteigas and climb to our hotel at Penhas Douradas.

Day 5 Saturday 18th July

Now in the mountains, our focus shifted to include the rich diversity of butterflies and flowers, present alongside the special mountain birds. Our first excursion dwelt on the richly forested lower slopes above the town of Manteigas, with a walk culminating in the popular spot of the Poço do Inferno where we had our picnic lunch. As we made our way slowly along the forested road, we encountered a number of woodland birds not previously seen on the trip, such as Western Bonelli’s Warbler, Firecrest and Nuthatch. Butterfly diversity increased with numerous Rock Graylings joined by several species of Fritillary, most notably a Lesser Spotted Fritillary. The roadsides held a number of interesting plant species such as Linaria triornithophora, Malva tournefortiana and Hypericum undulatum and H. linariifolium. Once we reached the Poço do Inferno, the waterfall was unfortunately reduced to a slow trickle at this time of year. Plants here included several localized and endemic species on the steep rock faces and slopes, such as Teucrium salviastrum, Silene foetida, Saxifraga fragosoi and Phalacrocarpum oppositifolium. We then enjoyed a pleasant lunch in these attractive surroundings.

After lunch, we drove up a narrow side road, which led into the upper regions of the park just above the tree line. The scenery and flora changed dramatically here with an attractive mix of low shrubby vegetation overshadowed by the distinctive large granite tors and boulders. A large number of Bee-eaters were present here, actively hawking for food, undoubtedly migrants beginning their southward journey. Notable and characteristic plants here were Halimium alyssoides and Echinospartum ibericum/lusitanicum that covered large areas alongside a mix of Ericas. After a short walk to a large koppie (hill) to take in the views and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this beautiful area, we made our way back to the hotel.

Day 6 Sunday 19th July

Today was spent at the highest southern end of the Serra da Estrela. We began with a walk across the high plateau, to the steep cliffs found in this area. We were soon encountering further special localized and endemic

Wild Portugal: Birds, Alpine Flora & Prehistoric Art Tour Report

plants, tucked away in crevices and overhangs. Our initial attention was directed towards the birds of this area. A number of Tawny Pipits were present, but these were overshadowed by a pair of Common Rock Thrushes, showing well on the surrounding boulders. Northern Wheatears were also present, flitting around the rocky terrain to complete a handsome trio of mountain birds. A notable sighting was of a few Black Satyr butterflies, found nowhere else in Portugal.

The notable plants present included Campanula herminii and Marsh Gentian Gentiana pneumonanthe in the open damp grassy areas, with both Silene foetida and Silene ciliata joined by Sedum brevifolium and Sedum pedicillatum subsp. lusitanicum among the rocks. Overhead numerous Crag Martins darted by, joined by abundant passage Common Swifts.

Retracing our steps, we then drove on to pay a brief visit to Torre which, at 1993m, is the highest point on mainland Portugal. This area is rather a tourist destination, with its accompanying facilities and litter. We did take a short walk to scan the nearby upland pastures in the hope of finding some of the isolated Red-billed Chough population, with no luck other than Ravens and Carrion Crows.

We drove on to stop at our picnic site, opposite a large carved statue of the Madonna, set among some impressive granite columns. A small stream flowed beneath the statue and, along its banks, we found Ivy-leaved Bellflower Wahlenbergia hederacea, and Ranunculus ololeucos. Among the moist rocky overhangs and seepages, two notable Saxifrages occurred. Firstly Saxifraga stellaris in its only locality in Portugal, and secondly, Saxifraga spathularis, an interesting member of Ireland’s Lusitanian Flora, hence its common name of St Patrick’s Cabbage; this species is found here in these high Portuguese mountains and in the Burren of Ireland, and nowhere in between.

After lunch, we dropped down to a lower plateau area for a short walk. Nothing of note was seen so we began our return journey. A short roadside stop was taken near a short road tunnel, very popular with the local Crag Martins. Here, the shady rocks held a good range of many of the special plants of the Serra. New discoveries included Angelica major and Senecio pyrenaicus subsp. caespitosus, a subspecies endemic to these mountains.

Day 7 Monday 20th July

We began our day with a circular walk from near the hotel. Starting at the local lake of Vale do Rossim, we took the tarmac route back among the pinewoods. Around us several Bonelli’s Warblers sang and gave fleeting views. As we joined a forest track, we encountered a number of Grayling butterflies, soon followed by a Common Redstart. The route led into an open glade dominated by an impressive granite outcrop, around which numerous male Black Satyrs were patrolling looking for mates. We next passed into thicker woodland cover full of Rock Graylings, periodically spaced in their territories. Reaching a high vantage point, we paused for a while before descending back to the lake. Here, whilst we noisily prepared to board the vehicles, a couple of unconcerned Crossbills were spotted stripping pine cones and feeding avidly. We were able to watch them intimately through the scope. On the opposite roadside, a large Ocellated Lizard was discovered, peering from beneath its sheltering rock.

We drove on to take a quick coffee break at the lakeside café, before we moved on to a shady lunch stop on the lakeshore. Whilst here, we found further interesting reptiles and amphibians in the shape of an abundance of

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Wild Portugal: Birds, Alpine Flora & Prehistoric Art Tour Report

froglet Iberian Frogs and a couple of handsome localized Schreiber’s Green Lizards. A rather puzzling drab bunting coming to drink was indentified as a juvenile female Yellowhammer.

We returned to the hotel where a few of the group took the opportunity to remain and relax, enjoying the facilities, whilst the remainder drove on to visit a large dam with a pleasant walk along its western side. A fine colony of Marsh Gentian Gentiana pneumonanthe was found, whilst around the vegetation flew a number of Silver- studded Blues. Birds spotted included a fine Montagu’s Harrier, Dartford Warbler and Common Whitethroat. The day was becoming pretty warm by now, so our exertions were kept brief before our eventual return.

Day 8 Tuesday 21st July

In contrast to the activities of the preceding week, today we undertook a visit to the local factory that has been reopened, making the Burel woollen fabric. This lies in Manteigas, below the hotel so, after a short drive, we arrived for a morning guided tour. This explained and showed the entire process, starting with local wool fleeces, which are cleaned and carded before ultimately being woven into yarn. We were then shown the ‘antique’ original looms that are still being used to then weave the yarn into the many different patterns for cloth used in various end products, most famously the felted Burel. After a fascinating and enlightening tour, we had a little remaining time to spend some money in the factory shop, before we had to return to the hotel and load our luggage. The remaining journey back to Porto and our return flights then passed uneventfully and safely.

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Wild Portugal: Birds, Alpine Flora & Prehistoric Art Tour Report

Species Lists

Birds (= recorded but not counted; H = heard only) July Common name Scientific name 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 1 Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa 2 4 1 1 2 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 3 3 White Stork Ciconia ciconia 2 4 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea 1 5 Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus 6 6 1 6 European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus 2 2 1 3 7 Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus 60 100 12 8 Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus 6 9 Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus 1 10 Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus 3 3 3 6 1 11 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos 1 12 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 1 2 1 13 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus 1 1 3 1 14 Red Kite Milvus milvus 1 15 Black Kite Milvus migrans 2 10   1 16 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo 3 2 2 2 4 17 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 1 2 1 2 18 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 2 19 Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax 1 20 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 1 21 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra 1 22 Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahelis  23 Rock Dove Columba livia     24 Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus 2 6   2 2 25 European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur 6 H 26 Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto     27 Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus 1 28 European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus 1 1 2 29 Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba 1 2 30 Common Swift Apus apus        31 Pallid Swift Apus pallidus 1 32 White-rumped Swift Apus caffer 3 33 European Bee-eater Merops apiaster 2 8 30 50 100 34 Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops 1 2 2 3 35 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major 1 H 1 36 Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis 1 2 6 10 37 Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator 1 4 6 8 38 Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus 1 2 5 6 39 Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius 1     2 40 Iberian Magpie Cyanopica cooki 2 2   41 Eurasian Magpie Pica pica   42 Western Jackdaw Coloeus monedula 2 43 Carrion Crow Corvus corone 6 44 Northern Raven Corvus corax 2 45 Coal Tit Periparus ater    46 European Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus 10  H 47 Eurasian Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus 1 2  

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Wild Portugal: Birds, Alpine Flora & Prehistoric Art Tour Report

July Common name Scientific name 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 48 Great Tit Parus major 3   49 Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus 12 50 Woodlark Lullula arborea 3 1 51 Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis 2 52 Thekla Lark Galerida theklae  53 Crested Lark Galerida cristata    54 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica      55 Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris 8 30 6    56 Common House Martin Delichon urbicum        57 Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica 6 6 6 58 Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti 1 59 Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita H 60 Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli 1  61 Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla H   H H H 62 Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis 1 63 Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata 1 1 2 64 Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala H 2 H H 65 Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla 1 4 H 66 Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H H 67 Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea 3 68 Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla 3 3 H H 69 Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor     70 Common Blackbird Turdus merula     71 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus  72 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros 2 3   5   73 Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus 1 74 Common Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis 4 1 75 Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius 1 2 2 76 European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola 1 1 77 Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe 2 6 78 White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus 1 79 House Sparrow Passer domesticus      80 Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis 50 81 Dunnock Prunella modularis 1 1 3 82 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 2 1 83 White Wagtail Motacilla alba 2      84 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris 4 1 85 Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs  1    86 Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes 1 1 87 European Greenfinch Chloris chloris   88 Common Linnet Linaria cannabina       89 Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra 2 90 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis       91 European Serin Serinus serinus       92 Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra  93 Rock Bunting Emberiza cia 2 1 3 1 3 94 Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana 1 95 Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella 1

Wild Portugal: Birds, Alpine Flora & Prehistoric Art Tour Report

Plants (* = Iberian Endemic** = Portuguese Endemic) Scientific Name Common Name

Class Gymnosperms Pinaceae Pine Family Pinus pinaster Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine

Cupressaceae Cypress Family Juniperus communis subsp. alpina Common Juniper Juniperus oxycedrus Prickly Juniper

Class Angiosperms Order Dicotyledons

Anacardiaceae Pistacio Family Pistacio terebinthus Turpentine Tree

Apiaceae Carrot Family Angelica major * Daucus carota Wild Carrot Eryngium campestre Field Eryngo Eryngium tenue Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed Oenanthe crocata Hemlock Water Dropwort Thapsia villosa Torillis arvensis Spreading Hedge Parsley

Boraginaceae Borage Family Echium plantagineum Purple Viper's Bugloss Echium rosulatum Heliotropium europaeum Heliotrope Myosotis stolonifera * Pentaglottis sempervirens Alkanet

Brassicaceae Cress Family Barbarea intermedia Erysimum merxmuelleri *

Campanulaceae Bellflower Family Campanula herminii * Campanula lusitanica Jasione crispa ** Dwarf Sheepsbit Jasione montana Mountain Sheepsbit Wahlenbergia hederacea Ivy-leaved Bellflower Caprifoliaceae Honeysuckle Family Lonicera periclymenum Woodbine Sambucus nigra Common Elder

Caryophyllaceae Pink Family Arenaria montana Arenaria querioides ssp. querioides * Corrigiola telephiifolia

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Wild Portugal: Birds, Alpine Flora & Prehistoric Art Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name

Dianthus laricifolius ssp. laricifolius * Dianthus lusitanus Herniaria scabrida Minuartia recurva Sickle-leaved Sandwort Paronychia polygonifolia Petrorhagia nantuellii Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort Saponaria officinalis Soapwort Scleranthus polycarpos Silene acutifolia Silene ciliata Silene foetida ssp. foetida ** Silene latifolia White Campion Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Spergularia capillacea * Spergularia purpurea Stellaria alsine Bog Stitchwort Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort Stellaria holostea Greater Stitchwort

Cistaceae Rockrose Family Cistus ladanifer Gum Cistus Cistus psilosepalus Cistus salvifolius Sage-leaved Cistus Halimium alyssoides

Convolvulaceae Bindweed Family Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed

Crassulaceae Stonecrop Family Sedum anglicum English Stonecrop Sedum arenarium * Sedum brevifolium Sedum hirsutum Sedum pedicellatum ssp. lusitanicum*

Ericaceae Heath Family Calluna vulgaris Ling Erica arborea Tree Heath Erica ciliaris Dorset Heath Erica lusitanica Lusitanian Heath Erica umbellata Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry Vaccinium uliginosum Bog Whortleberry

Fagaceae Oak Family Castinea sativa Sweet Chestnut Quercus faginea Quercus pyrenaica Pyrenean Oak Quercus robur Pedunculate Oak Quercus rotundifolia Quercus suber Cork Oak

Wild Portugal: Birds, Alpine Flora & Prehistoric Art Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name

Fabaceae Pea Family Adenocarpus argyrophyllus * Adenocarpus complicatus Cytisus multiflorus * White Broom Cytisus striatus Yellow Broom Cytisus oromediterraneus Echinospartum lusitanicum (ibericum )* Genista cinerascens * Genista florida Lathyrus sylvestris Narrow-leaved Everlasting Pea Lotus corniculatus ssp. carpetanus * Common Bird's-foot Trefoil Lotus pedunculatus Medicago lupulina Ononis spinosa Spiny Restharrow Retama sphaerocarpa Trifolium pratense Red Clover Trifolium repens White Clover Trifolium augustifolium Narrow-Leaved Crimson Clover Ulex minor Dwarf Gorse Vicia angustifolia

Gentianaceae Gentian Family Blackstonia perfoliata Yellow-Wort Centaurium erythraea ssp. grandiflorum Common Centaury Gentiana lutea ssp. lutea Great Yellow Gentian Gentiana pneumonanthe Marsh Gentian

Geraniaceae Geranium Family Geranium lucidum Shiny Cranesbill Geranium pyrenaicum Geranium robertianum Herb Robert

Hypericaceae St. John's-wort Family Hypericum linariifolium Hypericum perforatum Perforate St. John's Wort Hypericum undulatum

Lamiaceae Mint Family Calamintha nepeta Lesser Calamint Clinopodium vulgare Wild Basil Lamium maculatum Spotted Deadnettle Lavandula pedunculata Lycopus europaeus Gypsywort Mentha suaveolens Apple Mint Origanum vulgare Marjoram Prunella vulgaris Self-heal Teucrium salviastrum ** Teucrium scorodonia Wood Sage

Lythraceae Loosestrife Family Lythrum portula Water Purslane Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife

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Wild Portugal: Birds, Alpine Flora & Prehistoric Art Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name

Malvaceae Mallow Family Malva sylvestris Common Mallow Malva tournefortiana

Oleaceae Olive Family Fraxinus angustifolia Olea europaea Olive

Orobanchaceae Broomrape Family Orobanche rapum-genistae Greater Broomrape

Plantaginaceae Plantain Family Plantago alpina Alpine Plantain Plantago coronopus Buck's-horn Plantain Plantago holosteum Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain

Plumbaginaceae Thrift Family Armeria beirana * Armeria sampaioi ** Armeria transmontana *

Polygonaceae Dock Family Fallopia convolvulus Black Bindweed Polygonum arenastrum Polygonum persicaria Persicaria Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel Rumex acetosella Sheep's Sorrel Rumex conglomeratus Clustered Dock

Portulaceae Purslane Family Montia fontana Blinks

Primulaceae Primrose Family Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel

Ranunculaceae Buttercup Family Delphinium halteratum. ssp. verdunense Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup Ranunculus nigrescens * Ranunculus ololeucos

Resedaceae Mignonette Family Reseda gredensis * Sesamoides purpurascens Sesamoides suffruticosa

Rhamnaceae Buckthorn Family Frangula alnus Alder Buckthorn

Rosaceae Rose Family Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony Fragaria vesca Wild Strawberry

Wild Portugal: Birds, Alpine Flora & Prehistoric Art Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name

Geum sylvatica Potentilla erecta Common Tormentil Rosa canina Dog Rose Rubus ulmifolius

Rubiaceae Bedstraw Family Galium broterianum* Galium saxatile Heath Bedstraw Galium verum Lady's Bedstraw

Rutaceae Rue Family Ruta montana

Santalaceae Sandalwood Family Osyris alba

Saxifragaceae Saxifrage Family Saxifraga fragosoi Saxifraga spathularis Saxifraga stellaris Starry Saxifrage

Scrophulariaceae Figwort Family Anarrhinum bellidifolium Antirrhinum graniticum * Cymbalaria muralis Ivy-leaved Toadflax Digitalis purpurea Foxglove Digitalis thapsi * Linaria saxatilis * Linaria triornithophora * Pedicularis sylvatica ssp lusitanica Common Lousewort Scrophularia auriculata Water Figwort Scrophularia herminii * Verbascum pulverulentum Hoary Mullein Verbascum simplex Verbascum thapsus Aaron's Rod Veronica arvensis Wall Speedwell Veronica nevadensis * Veronica officinalis Common Speedwell

Solanaceae Nightshade Family Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade

Thymelaeaceae Daphne Family Daphne gnidium Mediterranean Mezereon

Asteraceae Daisy Family Achillea millefolium Yarrow Andryala integrifolia Anthemis arvensis Corn Chamomile Carduus lusitanicus Carlina hispanica Carthamus lanatus

Wild Portugal: Birds, Alpine Flora & Prehistoric Art Tour Report

Scientific Name Common Name

Centaurea melitensis Centaurea nigra Lesser Knapweed Centaurea paniculata ssp. rothmalerana * Cladanthus (Chamaemelum) mixtus Chondrilla juncea Cichorium intybus Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Cnicus benedictus Blessed Thistle Crepis capilliaris Smooth Hawksbeard Erigeron karvinskianus Helichrysum stoechas Hypochaeris radicata Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce Lactuca viminea Pliant Lettuce Lactuca virosa Lapsana communis Leontodon taraxacoides Hairy Hawkbit Logfia minima Small Cudweed Phalacrocarpum oppositifolium * Picris hieracioides Hawkweed Ox-tongue Pilosella castellana Sonchus asper Prickly Sowthistle Sonchus oleraceus Common Sowthistle Senecio pyrenaicus ssp. caespitosus ** Senecio sylvaticus Wood Groundsel Solidago virgaurea

Ulmaceae Elm Family Ulmus minor

Urticaceae Nettle Family Parietaria judaica Pellitory-of-the-wall Urtica dioica Common Nettle

Verbenaceae Verbena Family Verbena officinalis Vervain

Order Monocotyledons Alismataceae Water-plantain Family Alisma lanceolatum

Amaryllidaceae Daffodil Family Allium sphaerocephalon Round-headed Leek

Orchidaceae Orchid Family Dactylorhiza maculata Heath Spotted Orchid

Xanthorrhoeaceae Asphodel Family Asphodelus macrocarpus an Asphodel

Wild Portugal: Birds, Alpine Flora & Prehistoric Art Tour Report

Mammals

Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes Egyptian Mongoose, Herpestes ichneumon Wild' Garrano Horse, Equus ferus caballus Wild' Maronesa Cattle, Bos taurus brachycerus/primigenius? Rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculis Southern Water Vole, Arvicola sapidus

Reptiles and Amphibians

Common Toad, Bufo bufo Iberian Frog, Rana iberica Iberian Water Frog, Rana perezi Moorish Gecko, Tarentola mauritanica Large Psammadromus , Psammodromus algirus Spiny-footed Lizard, Acanthodactylus erythrurus Ocellated Lizard, Lacerta lepida Schreiber's Green Lizard, Lacerta schreiberi Iberian Wall Lizard, Podarcis hispanica Iberian Rock Lizard, Lacerta monticola Viperine Water Snake, Natrix maura

Butterflies

Swallowtail, Papilio alexanor Spanish Swallowtail, Iphiclides feisthamelii Brimstone, Gonepteryx rhamni Cleopatra, Gonepteryx cleopatra Clouded Yellow, Colias crocea Green-veined White, Artogeia napi Bath White, Pontia daplidice Wood White, Leptidea sinapis Small Copper, Lycaena phlaeas Purple-shot Copper, Lycaena alciphron gordius Long-tailed Blue, Lampides boeticus Lang's Short-tailed Blue, Leptotes pirithous Brown Argus, Aricia agestis Holly Blue, Celastrina argiolus Silver-studded Blue, Plebejus argus Common Blue, Polyommatus icarus Camberwell Beauty, Nymphalis antiopa Large Tortoiseshell, Nymphalis polychloros Queen of Spain Fritillary, Issoria lathonia Cardinal Fritillary, Argynnis pandora Silver-washed Fritillary, Argynnis paphia Dark Green Fritillary, Argynnis aglaja Lesser-spotted Fritillary, Melitaea trivia Provençal Fritillary, Mellicta deione Iberian Marbled White, Melanargia lachesis Rock Grayling, Hipparchia alcyone Grayling, Hipparchia semele Tree Grayling, Neohipparchia statilinus Black Satyr, Satyrus actaea Great Banded Grayling, Kanetsia circe Dusky Meadow Brown, Hyponephele lycaon Southern Gatekeeper, Pyronia cecilia Spanish Gatekeeper, Pyronia bathseba Small Heath, Coenonympha pamphilus lyllus Speckled Wood, Pararge aegeria Wall Brown, Lasiommata megera Large Wall Brown, Lasiommata maera Red-underwing Skipper, Spialia sertorius Essex Skipper, Thmelicus lineola Small Skipper, Thymelicus sylvestris Silver-spotted Skipper, Hesperia comma