The Pateira
Enchanted Lagoon
Biodiversity
Pateira de Fermentelos is the largest natural lake in the Iberian Peninsula and a symbol of the Aveiro Region and the country. It is a highly important space for its biodiversity and, in addition to the great sociocultural and economic value it represents, it permeates the municipalities of Águeda, Aveiro and Oliveira do Bairro with its beauty. See moreTo visit
The Pateira Lagoon
Immersed in nature
In this region of magnificent lowlands and greenery where curtains of trees make up beautiful landscapes, there are several activities that can be carried out in contact with nature, local traditions and typical cultural dynamics. Alone or with the family, by bike or on foot, in addition to Pateira, there are some points of reference to visit. See more
To discover
Flavors and experiences
Bairrada gastronomy
Hospitality, gastronomy and entertainment also mark a positive characteristic of the region where Pateira is located. There are several spaces in its surroundings that invite you to stay overnight, to taste dishes and regional sweets. The lampantana, the leitão à bairrada, or the fuzis and the Águeda pastries are delicacies that stand out and demarcate this territory. Music, historical recreation, traditional festivals and pilgrimages complete this magical atmosphere, bringing animation and culture to the riverbanks. See more
Kingfisher
Alcedo atthisA bird 17 to 19 cm long. Stocky in appearance, large head and long beak. With short red legs. Vibrant colored plumage. Blue-green head and wings. Bright light blue back and tail. Ventral and pectoral face orange. Resident species, it is dispersed throughout the country, frequenting water courses. Avoid mountainous and elevated areas, which are very rough and humanized. Builds the nest in a barrier near water. This is a narrow gallery, about 1 m long, excavated mainly by the male. It is often seen perched on branches, over the water, from where it observes its prey before launching a quick dive over them. They are mostly small fish, but sometimes aquatic invertebrates. attachment I of the Birds Directive, attachment II of the Berne Convention. VU (Vulnerable - IUCN)Back
Iberian tree frog
Hyla molleriSmall amphibian, between 3 and 6 cm long. Smooth and shiny skin, bright green in color and with a dark side band from the nasal orifice to the ends of the hind limbs. Fingers in the form of suction cups, being a good climber. It is active throughout the year, but especially in spring. With climbing habits, it can be found on top of tall grasses, shrubs or small trees, in places with some humidity and close to water, where it reproduces. Their diet includes different types of invertebrates such as insects (ants, bedbugs) and spiders. attachment II of the Berne Convention and attachment B-IV of the Habitats Directive. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
scarlet dragonfly
Crocothemis erythraeaA very common species, of African origin, which has spread throughout the Mediterranean and other southern European countries. The male has red eyes with a bluish underside. Bright red body, robust and with red legs. Wings with basal spot and red coast veins. The face is also red. Females and immature males are sandy or golden in color. They have a body size of 3.6 to 4.5 cm. They are observed from April to October, occurring in all types of still or slow waters. In the adult (terrestrial) stage, they feed on small insects that they capture in flight. LC (Least Concern - IUCN)Back
common kestrel
Falco tinnunculusMedium-sized falcon, 31 to 37 cm long and 68 to 78 cm in wingspan. Pointed wings and long tail, short and strong beak. Male and female show clear sexual dimorphism, the latter being larger and less colorful. Both have a rust colored back, heavily speckled with black, with dark wing tips. The female's tail is striped, while the male has a smooth, bluish-gray tail and nape, which contrasts greatly with the color of the back. The male's chest is less speckled, appearing smoother than the female's. Common and resident species, more frequent in agricultural areas and in the vicinity of urban areas. It builds its nest in trees or in holes in buildings. Their diet consists of rodents and insects. attachment II of CITES, attachment II of the Bonn Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Purple Heron
Ardea purpureaLarge bird, with a wingspan of almost 1.5 m and 70 to 90 cm in length, with dark gray plumage with pink and purple tones. Long yellow beak, which it uses to “harpoon” prey. Long yellowish legs and long neck. It is a migrator that visits us from March to August, and most of the breeding colonies in Portugal are located in the region of Aveiro. It frequents areas with a high density of sugarcane plantations, creating colonies at the water level. It feeds on fish, frogs and insects. attachment I of the Birds Directive, attachment II of the Berne Convention and attachment II of the Bonn Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Northern banded groundling
Brachythemis impartitaMainly African species that, in recent decades, has occupied parts of the Iberian Peninsula and some parts of the Mediterranean. It has a size that varies from 2.5 to 3.4 cm. The male is dark, easily recognized by the wide black bands in the middle of the wings. The female is pale, light brown, with dark abdominal lines and no black wing bands. It occurs at low altitudes, in lakes and dams, with shores devoid of vegetation, sandy or grassy. It is observed from May to September. It flies at ground or water level, along the banks, also landing on the ground or on low plants. It has a habit of following cattle or people to catch disturbed insects. LC (Least Concern - IUCN)Back
yellow-spotted salamander
Salamandra salamandraWith an unmistakable appearance, large and black and yellow in color, it reaches a length of 15 to 17 cm. Widely distributed, it avoids the most arid areas. It is mainly active at night and mainly in spring and autumn, on warm and humid nights. The larval stage is aquatic, but in the adult stage they are mostly terrestrial. It secretes a toxic substance in its salivary glands, being its main means of defense against predators. They feed on various invertebrates, snails and slugs, earthworms, beetle larvae, harvestmen and spiders. attachment III of the Berne Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpesIt is one of the most common carnivores in Portugal and in the rest of the world. Unmistakable with its reddish-brown fur, pointed snout, long ears and equally long and bushy tail, with a white tip. The throat and belly are clear. Eyes with vertical pupil. The males, larger than the females, can exceed 8 kg. It occurs in a wide variety of habitats, raising its young in a burrow. It is active mainly at night, but also has some activity during the day. Its usual method of hunting is by jumping and ambushing, relying on its extremely keen sense of smell and hearing. It is an opportunistic and omnivorous predator, demonstrating great adaptability to circumstances, being able to consume seasonal fruits, rodents, birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, dead animals, etc. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
European badger
Meles melesIt is a somewhat burly carnivore, reaching 1 m in length and 16 kg in weight. The legs are short, as are the tail and ears. The body has a grayish coloration. The head is white, but with two black stripes on the sides that cover the eyes and extend beyond the ears. The claws are robust and long. It is a relatively common species, but little observable due to its nocturnal habits. Usually solitary, but can form family groups. It occurs in different types of forests and open areas, whether of Atlantic or Mediterranean influence. It also appears in agricultural areas. It uses its long claws to dig holes where it lives or to look for food, also using its keen sense of smell and hearing, as its eyesight is quite poor. It feeds on wild fruits, acorns, mushrooms, rhizomes, tubers, snails and slugs, earthworms, reptiles and amphibians. He has a particular preference for honey, digging up the hive combs he discovers. It can also consume rodent hatchlings. attachment III of the Berne Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Algerian sand racer
Psammodromus algirusMedium in size, it reaches 25 to 30 cm in total length. Brownish body, with an orange color near the hind legs. It is usually active from spring to autumn. Their diet consists of different types of invertebrates. In case of danger, it resorts to escape, applying its climbing and tail release skills. They feed on adult insects and their larvae, as well as spiders. With limited distribution to Southwest Europe and North Africa, it occurs in a great diversity of habitats. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Comma butterfly
Polygonia c-albumButterfly with a wingspan of 4 to 5 cm. Unmistakable wing cutout. It has a white "c" on the underside of the hindwing. Orange on the upper surface, with small black spots. Uniformly browned on the underside. The caterpillar feeds on nettles, blackthorn, elm, poplar, hazel, etc. Adults are observed from June to September. Hibernate, reappearing in March/April. Occurs in forest clearings, often in damp places. LC (Least Concern - IUCN)Back
Perez's frog
Pelophylax pereziLarge frog, can reach 10 cm in length. Its coloration is variable, green and brown, with a light green dorsal stripe. Smooth or wrinkled skin. Large, prominent eyes with a horizontal pupil. Distribution limited to the Iberian Peninsula and southern France. It is observed throughout most of the year, except for the coldest months, occurring in all types of freshwater, from reservoirs, ponds, water courses, small temporary ponds and tanks or wells. Their diet includes arthropods (insects, arachnids, freshwater crustaceans) and molluscs, among others. attachment III of the Berne Convention and attachment V of the Habitats Directive. LC (Least Concern - IUCN)Back
viperine water snake
Natrix mauraMedium-sized snake, measuring from 60 to 130 cm in length. Variable in color, brown, gray, green or yellowish. Dark back with spots that sometimes line up in a zig-zag pattern. The flanks may have round, yellow or green spots. Belly yellow or orange. Round pupil. Of diurnal activity, from spring to early autumn, hibernating in the cold season. A good swimmer, it occurs near the water, where it captures part of its prey, invertebrates, amphibians, fish and micromammals. attachment III of the Berne Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
white wagtail
Motacilla albaThis is a small bird that usually measures 19 cm in length. Easy to identify, with a typical dark pattern on the head, throat and back, which contrasts with the white on the chest and abdomen, as well as on the cheeks. The tail and legs are long and evident. It spends a lot of time on the ground, swinging its tail, a very typical behavior for the species. Resident, observed throughout the year, especially in open spaces, cultivated land, urban areas, gardens, roads, etc. It builds its nest on stone walls, under tiles, in the midst of vines, under rocks, etc. It feeds on insects. attachment II of the Berne Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Eurasian otter
Lutra lutraThis emblematic carnivorous mammal with aquatic habits is present in most of the country's aquatic resources and can be observed during the day, despite its activity being predominantly nocturnal. With a size that can exceed 1 m in length (with the tail) and weigh between 5 and 14 kg. Its body is perfectly adapted to swimming, with a dense, waterproof and brownish coat, webbed feet, nose and vision adapted to submersion and a propulsive tail. The throat and part of the chest have a lighter colored coat. The snout is equipped with “whiskers” (vibrissae), which help it to capture prey in murky or dark waters. It feeds mainly on fish, but can also capture crayfish, amphibians and water snakes, rodents and insects. It builds a den on the banks of water courses, which it uses to rest during the day and to give birth to one to five young. attachment I A of CITES, attachment II of the Berne Convention, attachment B-II and B-IV of the Habitats Directive, attachment I of the Bonn Convention. NT (Near Threatened – IUCN)Back
Iberian emerald lizard
Lacerta schreiberiMedium-sized lizard, with a length between 25 and 40 cm. Greenish body, but with evident sexual dimorphism. The male is distinguished by having a bluish head during the breeding season, while the female's is gray in color. Endemism of the NW of the Iberian Peninsula and the Central System. It inhabits cooler and wetter areas, in habitats associated with watercourses and dense vegetation cover. It feeds on small invertebrates such as flies, grasshoppers, beetles and spiders. As the name suggests, this lizard does not hesitate to jump into the water and swim in case of danger. attachment B-II and B-IV of the Habitats Directive and attachment II of the Berne Convention. NT (Near Threatened – IUCN)Back
southern scarce swallowtail
Iphiclides feisthameliiIt is a large butterfly, with a wingspan of 5.5 to 8 cm. Grayish-white background color, linear black markings along the wings. The inner edges of the hind wings still show a small bicolor stain (blue/black) decorated with an orange hue. Exclusive to southwestern Europe, it occurs in shrubby areas, forest clearings, meadows, rocky slopes, pear orchards, peach trees, blackthorn, species on which its caterpillars feed. Adults fly from February to December. LC (Least Concern - IUCN)Back
black-winged stilt
Himantopus himantopusElegant bird, white plumage with black wings (black in the male and with brown tones in the female), black nape, long and pointed black beak. The very long pink or reddish paws are an identifying feature. It has a total length of 33 to 36 cm (from the tip of the beak to the tip of the tail). It is a resident species. It feeds on insects and other aquatic invertebrates, which it captures on the surface or under water, in estuaries and lagoons. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Common genet
Genetta genettaThis is a medium-sized carnivore, with an elongated and slender body (46 to 52 cm), a small head with a pointed snout, large ears and a long (40 to 52 cm) thick tail. The coat is greyish, with dark spots distributed over the body. The tail is decorated with alternating dark and light rings. The front legs are much shorter than the hind legs, being a clear adaptation to jumping, its main hunting technique. Exclusively nocturnal and of arboreal and solitary habits, it preferentially occupies forests where there is also a lot of shrubby vegetation. Its diet is generalist, capturing mainly small rodents, sometimes birds, reptiles and amphibians, fish and crayfish. It also does not despise some invertebrates and can even adopt a plant-based diet in case of shortage of usual prey. It nests in tree trunks, rock crevices or in burrows. attachment III of the Berne Convention, attachment B-V of the Habitats Directive. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Eurasian jay
Garrulus glandariusA medium-sized bird, it measures 35 cm in length and the wings reach a wingspan of 54 to 58 cm. Its plumage is colorful, with salmon tones, white throat, black “mustache”, black tail and somewhat long, dark wings with bluish shoulders. Dark and strong beak. It is a suspicious and attentive bird, releasing a hoarse cry when it detects an intruder or a predator. Its vocal faculties give it the ability to reproduce the sounds of other birds. It breeds in trees of different types of forests, even in large urban parks. It is a resident species and its diet is omnivorous, consisting of fruits, such as acorns, which it stores (hides) in a wide area during autumn, to consume during winter. However, despite having a good memory, part of these acorns are not found, giving rise, many of them, to new trees. Attachment II of the Birds Directive. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Red squirrel
Sciurus vulgarisUnmistakable arboreal rodent, with a reddish-brown or dark-brown coat, with a white abdomen and chest. It also shows a long, bushy tail (about 20 cm), long and furry ears. With a body length that can reach 25 cm, it can weigh between 200 and 400 grams. It occurs in pine or oak forests, which provide the nuts on which it feeds. Like the Eurasian jay, it stores or hides part of these fruits and seeds in the soil, causing the germination of some of them, contributing to the regeneration of the forest. But it also consumes mushrooms, fresh fruits, insects, snails, eggs or young birds that they plunder from their nests. Builds a nest in trees, similar to those of birds. Of diurnal habits, they spend most of the day in activity. In our territory they do not hibernate. Attachment III of the Berne Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
European hedgehog
Erinaceus europaeusIt is an insectivore that can weigh 1 kg and reach a length of 20 to 30 cm. The snout is pointed and ends in a dark nose. The tail is very short. The body is covered by long and sharp spines, which can reach 3 cm in length and which it uses as a defense, curling itself into a ball and bristling these needles. It occurs in a great diversity of habitats, preferably in the vicinity of humanized areas close to forests, pastures and brambles. It has a generalist diet, which consists essentially of invertebrates. But it also captures small frogs and lizards, young rodents. Likewise, it does not despise wild fruits, seeds and mushrooms. It is a solitary animal. Builds a nest of grasses and leaves at ground level, but also takes advantage of abandoned burrows. Attachment III of the Berne Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Little egret
Egretta garzettaIt is a medium-sized heron, 55 to 65 cm long and with a wingspan of 88 to 106 cm. The neck is long, shrunk when flying. The plumage is completely white and sometimes long feathers can be seen on the back of the head. The beak and paws are black, but the toes are yellow. Resident, can be observed throughout the year. It breeds in colonies, building its nests in trees, near wetlands and rivers. When it feeds it is usually a solitary bird, although occasionally it forms sparse flocks. Consumes fish, frogs, insects, etc. Attachment I of the Birds Directive and attachment II of the Berne Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
western marsh harrier
Circus aeruginosusWith long wings and legs, short head. The female is noticeably different from the male. Both have paler shoulders and neck than the rest of their bodies. The male, however, has grayish wings with a dark tip, as well as the tail is also grey, while the female has a more uniformly dark brown pattern. It has a size of 43 to 55 cm in length and a wingspan of 115 to 140 cm. The flight is characteristic, wavy and at low altitude, over flooded areas and dense undergrowth. It is a resident species that breeds in wetlands, shallow freshwater, building its nest in developed sugarcane fields. It captures small mammals, birds and insects. Attachment I of the Birds Directive, attachment II of the Berne Convention, attachment II of CITES, attachment II of the Bonn Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Grey heron
Ardea cinereaIt is the largest of the herons that occur in Portugal, reaching 1 m in length and a wingspan of 155 to 175 cm. The plumage is grey. It stands out for its long neck, yellow beak, yellowish paws. Very similar to the Red Heron, but differs from it by the absence of brown or reddish tones. In flight the neck is retracted and the beating of the wings is heavy and arched. It is a common species, occurring in Portugal throughout the year and associated with all types of aquatic environments. It nests in colonies, building its nest in tall or smaller trees and in cane fields, depending on the safety of the place. It feeds on fish, amphibians, insects, among others. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
The little owl
Athene noctuaSmall owl, characteristic for its rounded silhouette. Its dimensions range from 23 to 27 cm in length. The head is broad and rounded. It presents a brownish plumage above and with small white spots. Underneath it is whitish, but with brown spots. Yellow-eyed. Their vocalizations are reminiscent of a bark. It is a relatively common bird and resident throughout the year. It is found on agricultural land with some scattered trees and in olive groves. It builds its nest in holes in trees or buildings, often in ruins, or in piles of rocks. It feeds on insects, birds, small amphibians and snakes. Attachment II of CITES, attachment II of the Berne Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
Common toad
Bufo spinosusThe largest frog that occurs in Portugal, reaching up to 22 cm in length. It's quite common. Variable in color, but dominantly brown. Salivary glands well developed. Large eyes with horizontal pupil and orange iris. Robust in appearance, warty skin with spicules. The female is much larger than the male. Of mainly nocturnal habits and active from autumn to spring, it occurs in agricultural areas, vegetable gardens, forests, gardens and meadows. Returns to lakes, ponds and backwaters of watercourses to breed. Their diet is varied, consisting of adult insects (beetles, ants, grasshoppers, butterflies), larvae and spiders, complemented with snails and slugs. Attachment II of the Berne Convention. VU (Vulnerable - IUCN)Back
white stork
Ciconia ciconiaIt is one of the most emblematic birds of our fauna, recognized by its white and black plumage, the characteristic red beak, neck and long legs. Large, with 95 to 110 cm in length and 180 to 218 cm in wingspan. Although most birds are migratory, there is currently a considerable number of birds that remain throughout the year in national territory. It breeds in colonies, building its nest in trees and human structures. It feeds on agricultural land, pastures and meadows, banks of ponds and water courses, capturing frogs, insects, snakes, small birds, etc. Attachment I of the Birds Directive, attachment II of the Berne Convention and attachment II of the Bonn Convention. LC (Least Concern – IUCN)Back
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ExplorAPPateira
A Winning Project
O projeto ExplorAPPateira, foi uma iniciativa idealizado por um grupo de cidadãos, em resposta à necessidade de conservar, proteger e dinamizar um património natural bastante conhecido e estimado localmente: a Pateira de Fermentelos.Este projeto foi apresentado ao Orçamento Participativo de Portugal, tornando-se um dos seus vencedores na edição de 2018.