The mountainous habitats of the mountains of Estrela and Açor are the chosen areas for observing several bird species with a very limited distribution and population in Portugal. During spring the Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana) and the wheatear (Oenanhe oenanthe) appear in practically all bushy ridge areas and rocky outcrops above 700 / 800 metres in altitude. The rock thrush (Monticola saxatilis) is even more selective, only appearing in higher altitudes where rocky outcrops are dominant. During the winter in the same areas, the ring ouzel (Turdus torquatos), the fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) and the alpine accentor (Prunella collaris) are regular visitors.

Throughout the year, griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus), peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) can be observed in areas like Alto da Pedrice, or Covão do Ferro and Penhas da Saúde. The water blackbird (Cinclus cinclus) is another emblematic bird of southern Estrela, whose mountain streams have the highest density of this species in Portugal.