The Cranes and Extremadura (Spain)

Extremadura is the main wintering area for European Common Cranes that follow the westerly migration route. Some 80,000 individuals choose our region to spend the winter, making up 30-40% of the Western European population, and more than half of the Spanish population, or, slightly more than 150,000 individuals.

An abundant food supply, numerous wetlands to provide shelter, and mild winter temperatures all combine to make Extremadura an ideal winter habitat for these birds.

Taking the foraging, feeding and roosting areas as a whole, it is estimated that the surface area occupied by this species is around 1,835,000 ha, which represents 44% of the region's surface area. It is therefore, a species which can be easily spotted over a large part of Extremadura's territory.

Watching the cranes’ daily movements, from feeding areas to nocturnal gathering sites, is an incredible experience for those seeing it for the first time. In flight they move in groups adopting a characteristic "V" formation while emitting their characteristic loud trumpeting call. It is that it is one of the most thrilling spectacles in the world of ornithology.

The Festival de las Grullas in Extremadura (Extremadura Crane Festival) December 1st, was created with the aim of promoting Extremadura's exceptional natural resources and its unique position in the European continent, while at the same time conserving this species, as well as educating people about these majestic birds. Culture, tradition, nature, environment, and tourism go hand in hand and create an entire program of activities, which offer something for all ages. During this event more than 2000 birder have been in Navalvillar de Pela (Badajoz) watching the Cranes arriving.