Santiago Island is the largest island in Cape Verde, with an area of 991 square kilometers, 75 km long and 35 km wide with a record of more than 170 bird species, including 41 nesting species, 14 of which are endemic. Thanks to its natural features, it is an ideal place: its valleys, parks, mountains, and waterways create a unique environment and many interesting hotspots. The most interesting places We mention some of them: the Serra Malagueta Natural Park, the Pedra Badejo wetland, the Baia de Inferno Natural Park, and the Serra de Pico Antonio Natural Park. Species to admire The island’s most illustrious winged host is the Cape Verde Purple Heron (or Bourne’s Heron), a subspecies of the common Purple Heron: the only colony in Santiago is located in Liberão, a locality situated in the Ribeira Montanha valley, and consists of such a small number of individuals that this (sub)species is highly endangered and is subject to a special conservation program by Wetlands International and the government of Cape Verde. Another interesting species in Santiago is one of the few endemics of the archipelago: the Cape Verde Reed Warbler, which you will look for in the island’s reed beds and groves. It will be easier to find the far more common Cape Verde Flounder. Praia, special place The city of Praia itself and its suburbs are interesting for birdwatching: flocks of endemic Alexander’s Swifts dart over houses, along with far more indolent Collared Crows; in the city parks it is possible to find Common Kingfishers and Common Estrilde (African species), along with more common Sardinian Blackcap and Sterpazzole; along the coast and on inland lagoons you may encounter Grey Herons, Common Egrets, Little Sandpipers, Eurasian Sandpipers, Little Curlews, and sometimes rarer species such as Little Egrets and Sula fosca; the Herring Gulls that cross the island’s coasts belong to the Atlanticis subspecies. For any information and insights please write to us. Contact Us
