About 300 exotic bird species have been introduced into the wild in Spain in recent years.

Of the 408 introduced species in Spain (many of them to ameliorate threatened populations), 287 species correspond to exotic bird species, i.e. species. not found naturally in the country and existence exclusively human actionentering them intentionally or accidentallyfrom the escape of captive birds.

also recorded 71 species considered native or natural occurrence, which in some cases may belong to non-native subspecies or to which a significant number of specimens have been introduced. exhibit some degree of hybridization with other species or by artificial selection or domestication.

The environmental NGO points out that bringing samples is often due to conservation programs, which are sometimes required. benefit from individuals from other geographic regionswith some degree of genetic differentiation. At this point, among these native species, 21 found only in the Peninsula and introduced in the Canary Islandsand two other people in opposite situations.

On the other hand, a total of 51 species correspond to the listed bird species. rare things in the country, that is, species that occur very rarely or even exceptionally, and are observed only when some specimens cross the boundaries of their range of distribution, sometimes reaching the limits. However, the introduction of specimens of this species has been confirmed.

List of Exotic and Introduced Birds in Spain

As a result of this study, List of Exotic and Introduced Birds in SpainThe list is double as the two main zoogeographic regions of the country are considered separately: peninsula region Balearic Islands with Ceuta and Melilla and on the other hand, canary archipelago.

Besides mentioning the species introduced in it, the degree of establishment is indicated in each regiondistinguishing only existing species occasionally observedthose that have ever reproduced, those that are thought to be, or may be to be close to and others that already exist definitely established.

Birds introduced by humans, intentionally or accidentally, stabilize populations of normal breeding birds. self-sufficient, independent and stable. They behave like other native species, reproduce successfully, and increase their populations, often by exhibiting invasive features (increasing in dispersal and population and displacement of native species or affecting native ecosystems).

At this time it is considered There are 14 exotic bird species resident in Spain. and the other five are close to being established. It should be added to them Canary Islands, two resident species and two near-inhabited speciesonly in the case of Peninsular species.

Impact on local biodiversity

Exotic species that once inhabited Spain can manifest themselves as: invasive alien speciesrapidly increasing both its population and its distribution area. Invasive alien species great impact on biodiversity and ecosystemsto be able to influencing local species in many different ways, such as reducing their diversity and abundance, sometimes causing their extinction, influencing their genetic makeup, changing their behavior, altering trophic networks and even lle.willing to change the fundamental factors of ecosystemsSEO/BirdLife alert.

Among the exotic species resident in Spain, many already exhibit a clear invasive character; Argentine Budgerigar (Myiopsitta monachus), Kramer’s budgie (Psittacula krameri), Nile goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca), red-billed leiotrix (leiotrix lutea), nightingale orpheus (Pycnonotus jocosus), common conflict (astrid), red bengali (amandava), black-headed weaver (Ploceus melanocephaly) or Bishop Coronigualdo (Later euplectes).

All these types are included in this category. Spanish Invasive Alien Species Catalogue (Royal Decree 630/2013) and Legislation in force prohibits its possession, transport, trade and tradeas well as deliberate entry into the natural environment.

According to the SEO/BirdLife Exotic Bird Group, The impact of these species has not been properly studied until now, but in any case it should be taken into account that these are new populations and in constant growth and expansion, so their often unpredictable effects can only be observed and verified after a certain period of time.

Budgerigars killing native bats

For example, this is what was recently confirmed. Cramer parrot population in the city of Sevilleattacking a species of bat, killing them and removing them from their shelters in the trees giant nodule (Nyctalus lasiopterus), protected Y listed as ‘vulnerable’ In the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species.

In the case of the canaries, There are concerns about the expansion of the European capybara nightingale (pycnonotus cafeteria) on the island of Fuerteventura, A species recognized by the IUCN as one of the hundred most harmful species in the world..

“The worrying situation caused by the ever-increasing number” introduced, established and invasive species reveals the enormous freedom that exists in our country for the introduction of new exotic species. First of all, it is essential change existing legislationwhich in practice supports and encourages the introduction of these species, preventing the import and sale of such species. But it is also necessary change in mentality and culture in our country “To reject the import, possession and release of any exotic species from the outset,” says David Santos, SEO/BirdLife Exotic Birds Group coordinator.

Complete list of exotic and introduced birds in Spain: https://seo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Lista_ES_aves_exot_invent_2022_PDF.pdf

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Contact address of the environment department: crizclimatica@prensaiberica.es