Habitats

Irrigated plains
Since the 1950's a number of large dams have been built on the major rivers of the region, mainly to provide irrigation during the long, hot summer months. As it flows through Extremadura, the water of the Guadiana is restrained by three large dams. Other river systems have their own dams, and these bodies of water and the fields under irrigation have modified the ecology of the region in very profound ways, so there is now a much greater diversity of species. There are extensive rice fields in the Guadiana valley as a consequence of the availability of water for irrigation.

Open woodland (dehesa)
This is a very characteristic landscape throughout the region, with gently undulating pasture scattered with cork oaks (alcornoques) or holm oaks (encinas). The acorns provide food for the renowned black pigs of the region, producing Spain's most sought-after and expensive jamón serrano.

River valleys
The valleys of the Guadiana and the Tagus (Tajo) form natural routes for migrating birds. The riverside vegetation of alder, willow, eucalyptus, poplar and abundant scrub provide habitats for numerous birds.

Reservoirs
There are hundreds of miles of shoreline round the huge reservoirs which have been developed over the past 50 years.

Mediterranean scrub
Cistus, broom, wild olive, strawberry trees, rosemary scrub covers many hillsides.

Rolling grassland or steppe

Along with the dehesa, the steppe grassland is very characteristic of this area. The largest area in Europe is the steppe of La Serena. By the end of summer the landscape is parched and baked, but in spring the steppe is a riot of flowers. The steppe is used for extensive grazing and also for growing cereals. A unique ecosystem has developed through this combination of agricultural practice over many centuries.

Mountains
There are high mountains in the north of the region, reaching over 2,400 metres in the Sierra de Gredos. A more representative type of mountain are the extensive rocky outcrops of 500 to 700 metres which cross the region running roughly from west to east. They are made up of quartz outcrops with their lower slopes by Mediterranean scrub.

Urban areas
Not to be overlooked are numerous urban areas with significant bird populations. Trujillo, Cáceres and Mérida are excellent examples of towns with fascinating birds - Lesser kestrel, White Stork, Crag Martin, Cattle Egrets and Night Herons.