The natural architecture of stone and rock is the dominant feature of the landscape in the northern expanse of Somontano.

The majestic Lammergeyer (Gypaetus barbatus), is one of the rarest European birds of prey and the Guara National park protects 10 breeding pairs; one of the highest concentrations of lammergeyers to be found anywhere. It picks up bones abandoned by other carrion-eaters, and hurls them against rocks to break them up for eating.

The cliff edges also provide shelter to another bird of prey; the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus). They live in colonies where breeding pairs, young adults and venerable old birds, with their white collars, live side-by-side. There is an abundance of breeding colonies in Somontano, in and around the canyons of Balced, Los Fornazos de Morrano, Mascún in Rodellar and Olvena. The Carrodilla mountain range is a popular location for groups of birds to sleep in safety.

The final addition to the list of carnivorous birds is the Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus). These birds appear in pairs from the north of Africa during the first few weeks of March and settle down in the same nesting spots, year after year.

There is also an abundance of red and black kites (Milvus milvus, Milvus nigrans) and distinct species of corvids. The fast and agile Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) are still thriving on the cliff edges and canyon shelves, sharing space with the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus).

The queen of the birds is the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), which is raised from young in the precarious niches of the rocky walls, as is the Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo).

Colonies of Alpine Swifts (Apus melba) and Crag Martins (Ptyonoprogne rupestris) are also present in this rocky environment, and in the colder months, Wall Creepers (Tichodroma muraria) and Alpine Accentor (Prunella collarlis) are also known to frequent the cliffs of Somontano.