Wildlife and Birds of Berlenga Island: Nature Guide

The Berlenga Island is one of the most important seabird sanctuaries in Portugal. Classified as a Nature Reserve and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Berlenga Grande and its sea shelter a unique wildlife — the very reason the island is so protected. In this guide we get to know the main birds and fauna of the Berlenga and how to observe them with respect.

The seabirds of the Berlenga

The archipelago is, above all, a seabird paradise, where they find cliffs and burrows to nest.

• Cory’s shearwater (Calonectris borealis) — the symbol bird of the Berlenga. It nests in burrows and crevices and is most active at the end of the day and at night.
• Common guillemot (Uria aalge) — the Berlenga was the species’ southern breeding limit in Europe. The population suffered a dramatic decline and became a symbol of the importance of protecting the reserve.
• Yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) — the most abundant and visible bird on the island, with a large colony that dominates the cliffs.
• European storm petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus) — a small seabird with nocturnal habits that also breeds in the archipelago.
• European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) — often seen drying its wings on the rocks and diving close to the shore.

Marine life: one of Portugal’s best diving destinations

The crystal-clear waters around the Berlenga are among the richest on the Portuguese coast. The protected marine zone is home to octopuses, moray eels, sea bass, sea breams, colourful nudibranchs and dense seaweed gardens. This biodiversity makes the Berlenga a top destination for snorkelling and diving, with exceptional visibility and seabeds full of life.

Other species of the island

On land, you’ll commonly come across the wall lizard that inhabits the rocks and the rabbits introduced centuries ago. The flora, resistant to wind and salt, completes a fragile and singular ecosystem, adapted to the extreme conditions of the Atlantic.

Why it’s so important to protect this fauna

Because it’s such a sensitive area, the number of visitors to the Berlenga is limited per day. That’s why, to land, you need to book the BerlengaPass — the official ICNF fee that helps preserve this natural heritage. Visiting responsibly ensures these species continue to thrive.

Ornithology guide: species, seasons and observation spots

The Berlenga is a benchmark destination for birdwatching in Portugal. The combination of breeding colonies, migratory species and oceanic rarities attracts ornithologists from all over Europe. This detailed guide helps you know what to observe, when and where.

Cory’s shearwater (Calonectris borealis) — the queen of the Berlenga

Cory’s shearwater is the most emblematic bird of the Berlenga and one of the largest breeding colonies in Europe. This large greyish-brown shearwater — with a wingspan of up to 125 cm — spends the winter in the Atlantic and returns to nest. The population is monitored annually by SPEA (the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds) and numbers several thousand pairs. Best season: April to August, with peak activity at sunset and after dusk. Best spot: the north cliffs and the lighthouse area.

Common guillemot (Uria aalge) — the Berlenga’s Arctic diver

The common guillemot is one of the most spectacular birds of the Berlenga and a rarity in the Iberian context. This thin-billed auk with black-and-white plumage nests on the ledges of the vertical cliffs of the island’s north coast, in colonies reaching hundreds of pairs. The guillemot is an extraordinary diver — capable of descending more than 100 metres while holding its breath to catch fish. Its low flight over the ocean and vertical dives on the cliffs make it one of the most coveted photographic subjects of the Berlenga. Best season: March to July, during the nesting season. Best spot: the north cliffs — visible from the coast or by boat on the cave tours.

Roseate tern (Sterna dougallii)

One of the rarest seabirds in Europe, classified as a priority species by the EU Birds Directive. Smaller and more elegant than the common tern, it is distinguished by its dark-red bill with a black tip and the pinkish tones on its breast during the breeding season. The Berlenga colony is under constant monitoring by SPEA. Best season: May to August. Best spot: Carreiro do Mosteiro beach and sheltered coves.

Yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis)

Gulls are omnipresent on the Berlenga and easy to observe throughout the day. The largest gull on the island occupies the highest points of the cliffs and the top of the fort. Although common, they are magnificently photogenic in the low light of late afternoon and excellent for practising birds-in-flight photography.

Migratory species and rarities

The Berlenga’s position in the Atlantic makes it a natural trap for migratory species and oceanic rarities. During September and October, ornithologists regularly record species such as:

• Black-capped petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) — an Atlantic rarity
• European storm petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus) — small and discreet, visible at dusk
• Rock dove (Columba livia) — in its original wild form, not domestic
• Terrestrial migrating species: shrikes, golden orioles and northern European rarities that use the island as a stopover

Recommended equipment for birdwatching on the Berlenga

• 🔭 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars — essential for observing the cliffs and the ocean
• 📷 400-600mm telephoto lens — for photographing birds in flight and on the ledges
• 📖 Bird guide of Portugal (FAPAS or Lynx Edicions) — for field identification
• 📱 Merlin Bird ID app (Cornell Lab) — identification by sound and image
• 📋 Field notebook — for recording observations and contributing to eBird Portugal

Ethics and birdwatching rules on the Berlenga

The Berlenga is a Nature Reserve with strict regulations. For a responsible visit:

• Stay on the marked trails — nesting areas are sensitive from March to August
• Don’t use playback (playing bird calls) — it’s forbidden in the reserve and disturbing for the colonies
• Don’t approach closer than 10 metres to the Cory’s shearwater and guillemot colonies
• Record your observations on eBird Portugal — contribute to citizen science

How to observe wildlife on your visit

Beyond the fauna, there’s much more to discover. See our complete guide on what to do on the Berlenga Island.

• The boat tours to the caves and around the island are ideal for seeing birds on the cliffs and the shag diving.
• Spring and early summer coincide with the nesting season — the best time to observe birds.
• Keep your distance from the nests and always follow the indications of the reserve and the crew.
• For the underwater world, choose a tour with snorkelling and discover marine life up close.

Frequently asked questions

Are there puffins on the Berlenga? No. The emblematic birds of the Berlenga are Cory’s shearwater and the common guillemot; the puffin is a northern European species and does not nest in the archipelago.

What is the best time to see birds? Between spring and early summer, during the nesting season.

Come discover the Berlenga’s wildlife

The best way to get to know the Berlenga’s fauna is from the sea. BerlengaTur takes you from Peniche to the island with cave tours and snorkelling, accompanied by those who know the reserve. See our packs and prices and prepare your adventure — and don’t forget to book your BerlengaPass.