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This page includes a list of all known species recorded over the Maltese Islands. Back to top Bird Glossary This page presents a comprehensive inventory of all known species documented within the Maltese islands and its territorial waters.* BOM uses the Avilist checklist and taxonomy. Note that species may not be listed in consecutive Avilist order, but all bird species and subspecies are classified strictly according to the AVILIST standard. SWANS, GEESE & DUCKS LOONS AUKS, PUFFINS & MURRES BOOBIES & GANNETS CORMORANTS & SHAGS JAEGERS & SKUAS TERNS & GULLS PETRELS & SHEARWATERS FLAMINGOS PELICANS IBISES & SPOONBILLS GREBES OYSTERCATHERS AVOCETS & STILTS BITTERNS, HERONS & EGRETS CURLEWS, SANDPIPERS, SNIPES & ALLIES PLOVERS & LAPWINGS RAILS, GALLINULES & COOTS STONE-CURLEWS COURSERS & PRATINCOLES STORKS CRANES PARTRIDGES, GROUSE & ALLIES BUSTARDS SANDGROUSE DOVES & PIGEONS CUCKOOS NIGHTHAWKS & NIGHTJARS BARN OWLS & OWLS OSPREY KITES, VULTURES, EAGLES & HAWKS FALCONS HOOPOES, WOODPECKERS, BEE-EATERS, ROLLERS, KINGFISHERS & ORIOLES JAYS, CROWS & MAGPIES STARLINGS SHRIKES LARKS SWALLOWS SWIFTS THRUSHES CHATS & FLYCATCHERS VIREOS, TITS & CISTICOLAS WARBLERS & ALLIES WAXWINGS & KINGLETS WALLCREEPERS, WRENS, DIPPERS & ACCENTORS SNOWFINCHES & SPARROWS WAGTAILS & PIPITS FINCHES BUNTINGS NEW WORLD BLACKBIRDS CARDINALS & ALLIES Sightings classification Sightings are classified in the following occurrence categories and are subjective to the author of the page. However the description gives a very good indication of the occurrence related with each species. Hypothetical Introduced Vagrant Very rare Rare Very Scarce Scarce Fairly common Common no evidence to confirm if the bird was either a record or imported a species that was locally introduced into the wild appeared beyond the migrating/normal habitat range (<20 records) very few sightings that may be seen over a number of years >3 years very few sightings that may be seen over a number of years <3 years seen in very few sightings during the year or migration period seen in small quantities during the year or migration period seen in good quantities during the year or migration period seen in substantial quantities during the year or migration period Sighting occurrence *Sources x Source 1 x Source 2 x Source 3 BOTMI BLM BOM - Birds of the Maltese Islands [1] - Birdlife Malta [2] - Birds of Malta [3] [1] ''Nature Guide Series BIRDS of the Maltese Islands'' by Natalino Fenech, ISBN: 978-99957-67-36-5 & '' A Complete Guide to the Birds of Malta'' by Natalino Fenech, ISBN: 978-99932-7-310-3 [2] 'Birdlife Malta', "'https://birdlifemalta.org/information/birds-of-malta/ '' [3] 'Birds of Malta' facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/birdsofmaltagroup Note: The 'BOM' designation is applied only to species not covered in references [1] and [2] and to new species first documented by Birds of Malta. Start of list Loons Auks Gannet Cormorants Skuas Gulls & Terns Petrels and shearwater Flamingos Pelican Spoonbills Grebes Oysetrcatchers Avovets & stilts Bitterns Curlews,Sandpipers & snipes Plovers Rails Pigeons & doves Sandgrouse Pheasants Bustards Stone-Curlews Coursers & Pratincoles Nightjars Cuckoos Cranes Storks Osprey Kites, hawks, eagles & owls Falcons Barn Owls Owls Hoopoes Crows & Jays Starlings shrikes Larks Swallows, Martins & Swifts Thrushes Flycatchers Vireos, warblers & allies Wallcreepers Wrens & accentors Waxwing & Dippers Wagtails & Pipits Swans, Geese & Ducks English name Maltese name Scientific binomen Occurrence Source BOTMI BLM BOM Mute Swan Red-breasted Goose Barnacle Goose Bar-headed Goose Greylag Goose Greater White-fronted Goose Pink-footed Goose Taiga Bean Goose Egyptian Goose White-headed Duck Common Shelduck Ruddy Shelduck Common Eider Common Scoter Common Goldeneye Smew Red-breasted Merganser Goosander Marbled Duck Ferruginous Duck Red-crested Pochard Common Pochard Tufted Duck Greater Scaup Baikal Teal Garganey Blue-winged Teal Northern Shoveler Falcated Duck Gadwall Eurasian Wigeon Mallard Northern Pintail Eurasian Teal Ċinju Wiżża Ħamra Wiżża tal-Koċċli Wiżża tal-Indja Wiżża Griża Wiżża tal-Maskra Bajda Wiżża Saqajha Roża Wiżża tal-Ful Wiżża tal-Eġittu Brajmla Rasha Bajda Kuluvert tas-Salib Kuluvert Aħmar Ajder Borka Sewda Brajmla tal-Għajn Serra Bajda Serra Serra Prima Sarsella Mnaqqxa Brajmla t'Għajna Bajda Brajmla tat-Toppu Aħmar Brajmla Brajmla tat-Toppu Brajmla Rasha Sewda Brajmla tas-Siberja Sarsella Ħamra Sarsella tal-Ġewnaħ Ikħal Palettuna Silfjun Asjatiku Kuluvert Griż Silfjun Ewropew Kuluvert Silfjun Sarsella Cygnus olor Branta ruficollis Branta leucopsis Anser indicus Anser anser Anser albifrons Anser brachyrhynchus Anser fabalis Alopochen aegyptiaca Oxyura leucocephala Tadorna tadorna Tadorna ferruginea Somateria mollissima Melanitta nigra Bucephala clangula Mergellus albellus Mergus serrator Mergus merganser Marmaronetta angustirostris Aythya nyroca Netta rufina Aythya ferina Aythya fuligula Aythya marila Sibirionetta formosa Spatula querquedula Spatula discors Spatula clypeata Mareca falcata Mareca strepera Mareca penelope Anas platyrhynchos Anas acuta Anas crecca Very rare Vagrant Hypothetical Hypothetical Very rare Very rare Hypothetical Very rare Hypothetical Vagrant Fairly common Vagrant Hypothetical Vagrant Vagrant Vagrant Very scarce Vagrant Very rare Scarce Vagrant Scarce Very rare Vagrant Hypothetical Fairly common Hypothetical Fairly common Hypothetical Very Scarce Scarce Very scarce Scarce Fairly common x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Loons Red-throated Loon Black-throated Loon Bugħaddas tal-Maltemp Bugħaddas Iswed tal-Maltemp Gavia stellata Gavia arctica Vagrant Vagrant x x x Auks, Puffins & Murres Atlantic Puffin Razorbill Little Auk Common Murre Purċinell tal-Baħar Mus tal-Baħar Pulċinell Żgħir Mus Munqaru Rqiq Fratercula arctica Alca torda Alle alle Uria aalge Very rare Vagrant Vagrant Vagrant x x x x x x x x Boobies & Gannets Northern Gannet Brown Booby Sula Sula Kannellija Morus bassanus Sula leucogaster Scarce Vagrant x x x x Cormorants & Shags Pygmy Cormorant European Shag Great Cormorant Margun Żgħir Margun tat-Toppu Margun Microcarbo pygmaeus Gulosus aristotelis Phalacrocorax carbo Vagrant Vagrant Fairly common x x x x x x Jaegers & Skuas Parasitic Jaeger Long-tailed Jaegar Pomarine Jaeger Great Skua Skua tal-Artiku Skua Denbha Twil Skua ta' Denbha Skua Kbira Stercorarius parasiticus Stercorarius longicaudus Stercorarius pomarinus Stercorarius skua Very scarce Vagrant Very scarce Very scarce x x x x x x x x Terns & Gulls Little Tern Caspian Tern Gull-billed Tern Whiskered Tern White-winged Tern Black Tern Sandwich Tern Royal Tern Lesser Crested Tern Arctic Tern Common Tern Roseate Tern Little Gull Black-legged Kittiwake Sabine's Gull Slender-billed Gull Bonaparte's Gull Black-headed Gull Laughing Gull Franklin's Gull Pallas's Gull Audouin's Gull Mediterranean Gull Common Gull Caspian Gull European Herring Gull Yellow-legged Gull Great Black-backed Gull Glaucous Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Ċirlewwa Żgħira Ċirlewwa Prima Ċirlewwa Munqarha Oħxon Ċirlewwa bil-Mustaċċi Ċirlewwa tal-Ġewnaħ Abjad Ċirlewwa Sewda Ċirlewwa tax-Xitwa Ċirlewwa Rjali Ċirlewwa tal-Libja Ċirlewwa tal-Artiku Ċirlewwa tal-Baħar Ċirlewwa Roża Gawwija Żgħira Gawwija tal-Ingilterra Gawwija tat-Tandra Gawwija Munqarha Rqiq Gawwija ta' Bonaparti Gawwija Rasha Kannella Gawwija Amerikana Gawwija tal-Kanada Gawwija Imperjali Gawwija tal-Gżejjer Gawwija Rasha Sewda Gawwija Sekonda Gawwija tal-Kaspju Gawwija Prima Saqajha Roża Gawwija Prima Gawwija Baħrija Gawwija Bajda Gawwija Daharha Iswed Sternula albifrons Hydroprogne caspia Gelochelidon nilotica Chlidonias hybrida Chlidonias leucopterus Chlidonias niger Thalasseus sandvicensis Thalasseus maximus Thalasseus bengalensis Sterna paradisaea Sterna hirundo Sterna dougallii Hydrocoloeus minutus Rissa tridactyla Xema sabini Chroicocephalus genei Chroicocephalus philadelphia Chroicocephalus ridibundus Leucophaeus atricilla Leucophaeus pipixcan Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus Ichthyaetus audouinii Ichthyaetus melanocephalus Larus canus Larus cachinnans Larus argentatus Larus michahellis Larus marinus Larus hyperboreus Larus fuscus Very rare Very rare Very scarce Very rare Very rare Fairly common Common Hypothetical Vagrant Vagrant Very rare Vagrant Very scarce Rare Vagrant Scarce Vagrant Common Hypothetical Vagrant Vagrant Scarce Common Rare Very scarce Vagrant Common Hypothetical Vagrant Fairly common x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Northern Storm Petrels European Storm Petrel Swinhoe's Storm Petrel Leach's Storm Petrel Kanġu ta' Filfla Kanġu ta' Lvant Kanġu tal-Atlantiku Hydrobates pelagicus Hydrobates monorhis Hydrobates leucorhous Common Vagrant Vagrant x x x x x Shearwaters Scopoli's Shearwater Cory's Shearwater Sooty Shearwater Great Shearwater Manx Shearwater Mediterranean Shearwater Ċiefa Ċiefa Kbira Garnija Sewda Ċiefa tal-Atlantiku Garnija tal-Atlantiku Garnija tal-Mediterran Calonectris diomedea Calonectris borealis Ardenna grisea Ardenna gravis Puffinus puffinus Puffinus yelkouan Common Vagrant Vagrant Hypothetical Vagrant Common x x x x x x x x x x x Flamingos Greater Falmingo Fjamingu Phoenicopterus roseus Scarce x x Pelicans Ibises & Spoonbills Great White Pelican Pellikan Pelecanus onocrotalus Vagrant x x Glossy Ibis Northern Bald Ibis Eurasian Spoonbill Velleran Velleran Qargħi Paletta Plegadis falcinellus Geronticus eremita Platalea leucorodia Very scarce Vagrant Very scarce x x x x x Grebes Little Grebe Red-necked Grebe Great Crested Grebe Black-necked Grebe Blonġun Żgħir Blonġun Aħmar Blonġun Prim Blonġun Sekond Tachybaptus ruficollis Podiceps grisegena Podiceps cristatus Podiceps nigricollis Very scarce Hypothetical Scarce Fairly common x x x x x x x Oystercatchers Avocets & Stilts Eurasian Oystercatcher Gallina tal-Baħar Haematopus ostralegus Very scarce x x Pied Avocet Black-winged Stilt Xifa Fras-Servjent Recurvirostra avosetta Himantopus himantopus Very scarce Fairly common x x x x Bitterns, Herons & Egrets Eurasian Bittern Dwarf Bittern Little Bittern Western Reef Heron Little Egret Black-crowned Night Heron Squacco Heron Great Egret Western Cattle Egret Purple Heron Grey Heron Kappun Russett Nanu Russett tas-Siġar Agrett tax-Xatt Agrett Abjad Kwakka Agrett Isfar Russett Abjad Agrett tal-Bhejjem Russett Aħmar Russett Griż Botaurus stellaris Botaurus sturmii Botaurus minutus Egretta gularis Egretta garzetta Nycticorax nycticorax Ardeola ralloides Ardea alba Ardea ibis Ardea purpurea Ardea cinerea Very scarce Vagrant Scarce Vagrant Common Fairly common Scarce Very scarce Scarce Fairly common Common x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Sandpipers & allies Eurasian Whimbrel Slender-billed Curlew Eurasian Curlew Bar-tailed Godwit Black-tailed Godwit Long-billed Dowitcher Upland Sandpiper Terek Sandpiper Common Sandpiper Spotted Sandpiper Green Sandpiper Marsh Sandpiper Wood Sandpiper Common Redshank Lesser Yellowlegs Spotted Redshank Common Greenshank Greater Yellowlegs Ruddy Turnstone Red Knot Ruff Broad-billed Sandpiper Curlew Sandpiper Temminck's Stint Buff-breasted Sandpiper Sanderling Dunlin Purple Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Little Stint Red Phalarope Red-necked Phalarope Eurasian Woodcock Jack Snipe Great Snipe Common Snipe Gurlin Żgħir Gurlin Munqaru Rqiq Gurlin Girwiel Denbu bl-Istrixxi Girwiel Prim Girwiel Munqaru Twil Pluverott ta' Denbu Begazzina tax-Xifa Begazzina tar-Rokka Begazzina tal-Punent Swejda Ċewċewwa żgħira Pespus tal-Baħar Pluverott Ċewċewwa Amerikana Ċuvett Ċewċewwa Ċewċewwa Kbira Monakella Imperjali Girwiel Saqajha Qosra Girwiel Begazzina ta' Munqarha Begazzina Ħamra Tertuxa Griża Girwiel Amerikan Pispisella Bajda Begazzina tat-Tizz Begazzina tan-Nord Begazzina Amerikana Tertuxa Baruża Griża Baruża Gallina Ċinkonja Bekkaċċ ta' Mejju Bekkaċċ Numenius phaeopus Numenius tenuirostris Numenius arquata Limosa lapponica Limosa limosa Limnodromus scolopaceus Bartramia longicauda Xenus cinereus Actitis hypoleucos Actitis macularius Tringa ochropus Tringa stagnatilis Tringa glareola Tringa totanus Tringa flavipes Tringa erythropus Tringa nebularia Tringa melanoleuca Arenaria interpres Calidris canutus Calidris pugnax Calidris falcinellus Calidris ferruginea Calidris temminckii Calidris subruficollis Calidris alba Calidris alpina Calidris maritima Calidris melanotos Calidris minuta Phalaropus fulicarius Phalaropus lobatus Scolopax rusticola Lymnocryptes minimus Gallinago media Gallinago gallinago Scarce Extinct Very scarce Rare Very scarce Vagrant Vagrant Vagrant Common Vagrant Scarce Very scarce Fairly common Very scarce Hypothetical Rare Scarce Hypothetical Very Scarce Very rare Fairly common Vagrant Scarce Very scarce Vagrant Very scarce Fairly common Vagrant Vagrant Fairly common Vagrant Vagrant Fairly common Scarce Rare Fairly common x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Plovers & Lapwings Grey Plover Eurasian Golden Plover Pacific Golden Plover Eurasian Dotterel Common Ringed Plover Little Ringed Plover Caspian Plover Greater Sand Plover Kentish Plover Northern Lapwing Spur-winged Lapwing Sociable Lapwing White-tailed Lapwing Pluviera Griża Pluviera Pluviera Żgħira Birwina Monakella Prima Monakella Birwina tal-Asja Birwina tad-Deżert Monakella Saqajha Suwed Venewwa Venewwa tal-Ixpruni Venewwa tal-Qtajja' Venewwa Denbha Abjad Pluvialis squatarola Pluvialis apricaria Pluvialis fulva Eudromias morinellus Charadrius hiaticula Thinornis dubius Anarhynchus asiaticus Anarhynchus leschenaultii Anarhynchus alexandrinus Vanellus vanellus Vanellus spinosus Vanellus gregarius Vanellus leucurus Very scarce Fairly common Vagrant Scarce Fairly common Fairly common Vagrant Vagrant Very scarce Scarce Vagrant Vagrant Vagrant x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Rails, Gallinules & Coots Stone-Curlews Coursers & Pratincoles Storks Water Rail African Crake Corncrake Spotted Crake Striped Crake Little Crake Baillon's Crake Common Moorhen Eurasian Coot Red-knobbed Coot Allen's Gallinule Purple Gallinule Purple Swamphen Gallozz tax-Xitwa Gallozz Aħmar Gallozz tat-Tikki Gallozz Afrikan Gallozz Żgħir Gallozz tal-Faxxi Gallozz Iswed Tiġieġa tal-Baħar Tiġieġa tat-Toppu Faġan tal-Baħar Afrikan Faġan tal-Baħar Amerikan Faġan tal-Baħar Rallus aquaticus Crecopsis egregia Crex crex Porzana porzana Aenigmatolimnas marginalis Zapornia parva Zapornia pusilla Gallinula chloropus Fulica atra Fulica cristata Porphyrio alleni Porphyrio martinica Porphyrio porphyrio Scarce Vagrant Rare Scarce Vagrant Very scarce Rare Common Scarce Vagrant Very rare Hypothetical Vagrant x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Eurasian Stone-curlew Tellerita Burhinus oedicnemus Scarce x x Cream-coloured Courser Collared Pratincole Nankina Perniċotta Cursorius cursor Glareola pratincola Very rare Very rare x x x x Black Stork White Stork Ċikonja Sewda Ċikonja Bajda Ciconia nigra Ciconia ciconia Very scarce Rare x x x x Cranes Demoiselle Crane Common Crane Damiġella Grawwa Grus virgo Grus grus Vagrant Very scarce x x x x Partridges, Pheasants, Grouse & allies Bustards Common Quail Chukar Partridge Summiena Ċukar Coturnix coturnix Alectoris chukar Fairly common Introduced x x x x Great Bustard African Houbara Little Bustard Pitarrun Għubara Pitarra Otis tarda Chlamydotis undulata Tetrax tetrax Vagrant Vagrant Very rare x x x x x x Sandgrouse Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Spotted Sandgrouse Black-bellied Sandgrouse Ganga Ganga Mtektka Ganga ta' Spanja Pterocles alchata Pterocles senegallus Pterocles orientalis Vagrant Vagrant Vagrant x x x x x Doves & Pigeons Laughing dove Oriental Turtle Dove European Turtle Dove Eurasian Collared Dove African Collared Dove Common Woodpigeon Rock Dove Stock Dove Gamiema tal-Ilwien Gamiema tal-Orjent Gamiema Gamiema tal-Kullar Ħamiema tal-Barr Tudun Tudun tal-Ġebel Tudun tas-Siġar Spilopelia senegalensis Streptopelia orientalis Streptopelia turtur Streptopelia decaocto Streptopelia roseogrisea Columba palumbus Columba livia Columba oenas Rare Vagrant Fairly common Fairly common Introduced Scarce Fairly common Very scarce x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Cuckoos Clamator glandarius Coccyzus americanus Cuculus canorus Sultan il-Gamiem tat-Toppu Kuku' Munqaru Isfar Sultan il-Gamiem Great Spotted Cuckoo Yellow-billed Cuckoo Common Cuckoo Very scarce Vagrant Fairly common x x x x x Nighthawks & Nightjars Common Nighthawk Red-necked Nightjar European Nightjar Egyptian Nightjar Buqrajq Amerikan Buqrajq Aħmar Buqrajq Buqrajq Abjad Chordeiles minor Caprimulgus ruficollis Caprimulgus europaeus Caprimulgus aegyptius Vagrant Vagrant Fairly common Very rare x x x x x x x Barn Owls Owls Western Barn Owl Barbaġann Tyto alba Rare x x Little Owl Eurasian Scops Owl Short-eared Owl Long-eared Owl Eurasian Eagle Owl Kokka tat-Tikki Kokka tas-Siġar Kokka tax-Xagħri Kokka tal-Qrun Kokka Imperjali Athene noctua Otus scops Asio flammeus Asio otus Bubo bubo Vagrant Scarce Fairly common Very scarce Hypothetical x x x x x x x x x Osprey Osprey Arpa Pandion haliaetus Scarce x x Kites, Old World Vultures, Eagles & Hawks Falcons Hoopoes Woodpeckers Bee-Eaters Rollers Kingfishers Old World Orioles Black-winged Kite Swallow-tailed Kite Brahminy Kite Red Kite Black Kite Egyptian Vulture Hooded Vulture Griffon Vulture Short-toed Snake Eagle Greater Spotted Eagle Lesser Spotted Eagle Booted Eagle Steppe Eagle Eastern Imperial Eagle Golden Eagle Bonelli's Eagle White-tailed Eagle European Honey Buzzard Crested Honey Buzzard Rough-legged Buzzard Common Buzzard Long-legged Buzzard Pallid Harrier Hen Harrier Montagu's Harrier Western Marsh Harrier Levant Sparrowhawk Eurasian Sparrowhawk Astun Abjad Astun Amerikan Astun Rasu Bajda Astun Aħmar Astun Iswed Avultun Abjad Avultun tal-Barnuża Avultun Prim Ajkla Bajda Ajkla tar-Russja Ajkla tat-Tikki Ajkla tal-Kalzetti Ajkla tal-Isteppa Ajkla Imperjali Ajkla Rjali Ajkla tal-Mediterran Ajkla tad-Denb Abjad Kuċċarda Kuċċarda Orjentali Kuċċarda tal-Kalzetti Kuċċarda Prima Kuċċarda Saqajha Twal Bagħdan Abjad Bagħdan Ikħal Bagħdan Irmiedi Bagħdan Aħmar Sparvier tal-Lvant Sparvier Elanus caeruleus Elanoides forficatus Haliastur Indus Milvus milvus Milvus migrans Neophron percnopterus Necrosyrtes monachus Gyps fulvus Circaetus gallicus Clanga clanga Clanga pomarina Hieraaetus pennatus Aquila nipalensis Aquila heliaca Aquila chrysaetos Aquila fasciata Haliaeetus albicilla Pernis apivorus Pernis ptilorhynchus Buteo lagopus Buteo buteo Buteo rufinus Circus macrourus Circus cyaneus Circus pygargus Circus aeruginosus Tachyspiza brevipes Accipiter nisus Lesser Kestrel Common Kestrel American Kestrel Red-footed Falcon Amur Falcon Merlin Eleonora's Falcon Sooty Falcon Eurasian Hobby Peregrine Falcon Lanner Saker Spanjulett Sekond Spanjulett Spanjulett Amerikan Żumbrell Seqer t'Amur Seqer ta' Denbu Bies tar-Reġina Żumbrell Għarbi Seqer tal-Ħannieqa Bies Bies Rasu Qastnija Bies Rasu Bajda Falco naumanni Falco tinnunculus Falco sparverius Falco vespertinus Falco amurensis Falco columbarius Falco eleonorae Falco concolor Falco subbuteo Falco peregrinus Falco biarmicus Falco cherrug Vagrant Hypothetical Hypothetical Very rare Scarce Rare Hypothetical Vagrant Very scarce Vagrant Rare Very scarce Hypothetical Vagrant Vagrant Hypothetical Vagrant Fairly common Vagrant Vagrant Very scarce Vagrant Scarce Rare Fairly common Fairly common Rare Scarce Fairly common Fairly common Vagrant Scarce Vagrant Very scarce Scarce Vagrant Fairly common Very scarce Vagrant Very rare x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Common Hoopoe Daqquqa tat-Toppu Upopa epops Fairly common x x Eurasian Wryneck European Green Woodpecker Bulebbiet Bulebbiet Aħdar Jynx torquilla Picus viridis Fairly common Hypothetical x x x European Bee-eater Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Qerd in-Naħal Qerd in-Naħal Aħdar Merops apiaster Merops persicus Fairly common Rare x x x x European Roller Farruġ Coracias garrulus Scarce x x Common Kingfisher Għasfur ta' San Martin Alcedo atthis Common x x Eurasian Golden Oriole Tajra Safra Oriolus oriolus Fairly common x x x Crows, Jays & Magpies Red-billed Chough Eurasian Jay Eurasian Magpie Western Jackdaw Rook Northern Raven Carrion Crow Ċawla Munqarha Aħmar Sultan iċ-Ċawl Ċawla Dumnikana Ċawla Korvu Għarb Ċawlun Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Garrulus glandarius Pica pica Coloeus monedula Corvus frugilegus Corvus corax Corvus corone Vagrant Vagrant Vagrant Very rare Vagrant Vagrant Vagrant x x x x x x x x x x x Starlings Spotless Starling Common Starling Rosy Starling Brahminy Starling Superb Starling Sturnella Sewda Sturnella Sturnella Roża Sturnella tal-Parrokka Sturnell Afrikan Sturnus unicolor Sturnus vulgaris Pastor roseus Sturnia pagodarum Lamprotornis superbus Vagrant Fairly common Rare Hypothetical Hypothetical x x x x x x x x Shrikes Great Grey Shrike Iberian Grey Shrike Masked Shrike Lesser Grey Shrike Woodchat Shrike Isabelline Shrike Red-backed Shrike Red-tailed Shrike Brown Shrike Kaċċamendula Griża Kbira Kaċċamendula Balearika Kaċċamendula tal-Maskra Kaċċamendula Griża Kaċċamendula Kaċċamendula Iżabellina Kaċċamendula Ħamra Kaċċamendula Denbha Aħmar Kaċċamendula Kannellija Lanius excubitor Lanius meridionalis Lanius nubicus Lanius minor Lanius senator Lanius isabellinus Lanius collurio Lanius phoenicuroides Lanius cristatus Rare Vagrant Vagrant Rare Fairly common Vagrant Very scarce Vagrant Vagrant x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Larks Greater Hoopoe Lark Thick-billed Lark Bar-tailed Lark Woodlark White-winged Lark Eurasian Skylark Crested Lark Temminck's Lark Horned Lark Greater Short-toed Lark Bimaculated Lark Black Lark Calandra Lark Dupont's Lark Mediterranean Short-toed Lark Alwetta Bumunqar Kalandra Bumunqar Alwetta Qastnija Ċuqlajta Kalandra tal-Ġewnaħ Abjad Alwetta Ċuqlajta tat-Toppu Alwetta tal-Qrun Alwetta Safra Bilbla Kalandra tal-Lvant Kalandra Sewda Kalandra Kalandra tad-Deżert Bilbla Sekonda Alaemon alaudipes Rhamphocoris clotbey Ammomanes cinctura Lullula arborea Alauda leucoptera Alauda arvensis Galerida cristata Eremophila bilofa Eremophila alpestris Melanocorypha bimaculata Melanocorypha yeltoniensis Melanocorypha calandra Calandrella brachydactyla Chersophilus duponti Alaudala rufescens Very rare Vagrant Vagrant Scarce Vagrant Fairly common Vagrant Vagrant Vagrant Fairly common Vagrant Vagrant Rare Vagrant Very rare x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Swallows Collared Sand Martin Eurasian Crag Martin Pale Rock Martin Barn Swallow Northern House Martin European Red-rumped Swallow Ħawwiefa tax-Xtut Ħawwiefa tal-Blat Ħawwiefa Griża Ħuttafa Ħawwiefa Reġina tal-Ħuttaf Riparia riparia Ptyonoprogne rupestris Ptyonoprogne obsoleta Hirundo rustica Delichon urbicum Cecropis rufula Fairly common Very rare Vagrant Fairly common Fairly common Scarce x x x x x x x x x x x Swifts White-throated Needletail Alpine Swift White-rumped Swift Little Swift Common Swift Pallid Swift Rundun tal-Labar Rundun ta' Żaqqu Bajda Rundun tal-Ħawwief Rundun Żgħir Rundun Rundun Kannelli Hirundapus caudacutus Tachymarptis melba Apus Caffer Apus affinis Apus apus Apus pallidus Vagrant Scarce Vagrant Vagrant Fairly common Fairly common x x x x x x x x x x x x Thrushes White's Thrush Siberian Thrush Mistle Thrush Song Thrush Redwing Eurasian Blackbird Fieldfare Ring Ouzel Black-throated Thrush Naumann's Thrush Dusky Thrush Tickell's Thrush Eyebrowed Thrush Malvizzun Dehbi Malvizz tas-Siberja Malvizzun Prim Malvizz Żerżur Malvizz Iswed Malvizzun tal-Qtajja' Malvizz tas-Sidra Bajda Malvizzun tas-Sidra Sewda Malvizz Qastni Malvizz t'Għonqu Abjad Malvizz Irmiedi Malvizz tan-Nord Zoothera aurea Geokichla sibirica Turdus viscivorus Turdus philomelos Turdus iliacus Turdus merula Turdus pilaris Turdus torquatus Turdus atrogularis Turdus naumanni Turdus eunomus Turdus unicolor Turdus obscurus Vagrant Vagrant Very scarce Fairly common Scarce Fairly common Scarce Very scarce Vagrant Hypothetical Vagrant Hypothetical Vagrant x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Chats, Old World Flycatchers & allies Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush Blue Rock Thrush Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin European Robin Thrush Nightingale Common Nightingale Bluethroat Siberian Ruby Throat Red-flanked Bluetail Spotted Flycatcher Red-breasted Flycatcher Atlas Flycatcher Semi-collared Flycatcher Collared Flycatcher European Pied Flycatcher Western Black Redstart Moussier's Redstart Common Redstart Whinchat Siberian Stonechat European Stonechat Desert Wheatear Western Black-eared Wheatear Eastern Black-eared Wheatear Pied Wheatear Seebohm's Wheatear Northern Wheatear Isabelline Wheatear Black Wheatear White-crowned Wheatear Ġanbublu Merill Rożinjol tax-Xagħri Pitirross Rożinjol Skur Rożinjol Kudirross Blu Rożinjol tas-Siberja Ta' Denbu Ikħal Żanżarell tat-Tikki Żanżarell ta' Sidru Aħmar Żanżarell tal-Atlas Żanżarell tal-Lvant Żanżarell tal-Kullar Żanżarell Iswed Kudirross Iswed Kudirross Aħmar Kudirross Buċaqq tas-Silla Buċaqq tas-Lvant Buċaqq tax-Xitwa Kuda tad-Deżert Kuda Dumnikana tal-Punent Kuda Dumnikana Kuda tal-Lvant Kuda ta' Seebhom Kuda Kuda Iżabellina Kuda Sewda Kuda Rasha Bajda Monticola saxatilis Monticola solitarius Cercotrichas galactotes Erithacus rubecula Luscinia luscinia Luscinia megarhynchos Luscinia svecica Calliope calliope Tarsiger cyanurus Muscicapa striata Ficedula parva Ficedula speculigera Ficedula semitorquata Ficedula albicollis Ficedula hypoleuca Phoenicurus ochruros Phoenicurus moussieri Phoenicurus phoenicurus Saxicola rubetra Saxicola maurus Saxicola rubicola Oenanthe deserti Oenanthe hispanica Oenanthe melanoleuca Oenanthe pleschanka Oenanthe seebohmi Oenanthe oenanthe Oenanthe isabellina Oenanthe leucura Oenanthe leucopyga Very scarce Common Rare Common Vagrant Fairly common Rare Vagrant Vagrant Common Very scarce Vagrant Very rare Fairly common Fairly common Fairly common Rare Fairly common Fairly common Vagrant Fairly common Very rare Very rare Fairly common Vagrant Vagrant Fairly common Scarce Vagrant Vagrant x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Vireos Red-eyed Vireo Virju t'Għajnu Ħamra Vireo olivaceus Vagrant x x Penduline Tits Eurasian Penduline Tit Pendulin Remiz pendulinus Very rare x x Tits Cisticolas African Blue Tit Eurasian Blue Tit Great Tit Primavera tat-Tuneżija Primavera Fjorentin Cyanistes teneriffae Cyanistes caeruleus Parus major Vagrant Vagrant Vagrant x x x Zitting Cisticola Bagħal tal-Imrewħa Cisticola juncidis Common x x x x x Reed Warblers & allies Icterine Warbler Melodious Warbler Booted Warbler Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Western Olivaceous Warbler Sedge Warbler Aquatic Warbler Moustached Warbler Paddyfield Warbler Blyth's Reed Warbler Marsh Warbler Common Reed Warbler Great Reed Warbler Bekkafik Isfar Bekkafik tal-Għana Bekkafik tal-Kalzetti Bekkafik Griż Bekkafik Griż tal-Punent Bagħal tas-Simar Bagħal tal-Qamar Bagħal Qastni Bagħal tas-Saqwi Bagħal ta' Blyth Bagħal tal-Għadajjar Bagħal tal-Qasab Bagħal Prim Hippolais icterina Hippolais polyglotta Iduna caligata Iduna pallida Iduna opaca Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Acrocephalus paludicola Acrocephalus melanopogon Acrocephalus agricola Acrocephalus dumetorum Acrocephalus palustris Acrocephalus scirpaceus Acrocephalus Fairly common Vagrant Vagrant Rare Very rare Fairly common Vagrant Scarce Vagrant Vagrant Very rare Fairly common Scarce x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Grasshoppers Warblers Bush Warblers River Warbler Savi's Warbler Common Grasshopper Warbler Bagħal tax-Xmajjar Bagħal Aħmar Bagħal tal-Ġurati Locustella fluviatilis Locustella luscinioides Locustella naevia Vagrant Very scarce Vagrant Cetti's Warbler Bagħal tal-Għollieq Cettia cetti Common x x x x x x x x Leaf Warblers Wood Warbler Western Bonelli's Warbler Eastern Bonelli's Warbler Yellow-browed Warbler Hume's Leaf Warbler Pallas's Leaf Warbler Radde's Warbler Dusky Warbler Willow Warbler Mountain Chiffchaff Iberian Chiffchaff Common Chiffchaff Greenish Warbler Arctic Warbler Vjolin Ħadrani Vjolin Bajdani tal-Punent Vjolin Bajdani tal-Lvant Vjolin tal-Faxx Vjolin ta' Hume Vjolin ta' Pallas Vjolin ta' Radde Vjolin Skur Vjolin Pastard Vjolin tal-Muntanji Vjolin ta' Spanja Vjolin tax-Xitwa Vjolin tar-Russja Vjolin tal-Artiku Phylloscopus sibilatrix Phylloscopus bonelli Phylloscopus orientalis Phylloscopus inornatus Phylloscopus humei Phylloscopus proregulus Phylloscopus schwarzi Phylloscopus fuscatus Phylloscopus trochilus Phylloscopus sindianus Phylloscopus ibericus Phylloscopus collybita Phylloscopus trochiloides Phylloscopus borealis Fairly common Scarce Scarce Very scarce Vagrant Vagrant Vagrant Vagrant Fairly common Vagrant Vagrant Fairly common Vagrant Vagrant x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Sylviid Warblers & allies Garden Warbler Eurasian Blackcap Barred Warbler Lesser Whitethroat Western Orphean Warbler Eastern Orphean Warbler Asian Desert Warbler African Desert Warbler Tristram's Warbler Ménétrie's Warbler Common Whitethroat Spectacled Warbler Marmora's Warbler Dartford Warbler Rüppell's Warbler Sardinian Warbler Moltoni's Subalpine Warbler Eastern Subalpine Warbler Bekkafik Kapinera Bekkafik tal-Istrixxi Bekkafik Irmiedi Bekkafik t'Għajnu Bajda tal-Punent Bekkafik t'Għajnu Bajda tal-Lvant Bufula tad-Deżert Bufula tas-Saħara Bufula tat-Tuneżija Bufula ta' Ménétries Bekkafik Aħmar Bufula Ħamra Bufula Griża Bufula tax-Xagħri Bufula tal-Pavalor Bufula Sewda Bufula ta' Moltoni Bufula Passajra Sylvia borin Sylvia atricapilla Curruca nisoria Curruca curruca Curruca hortensis Curruca crassirostris Curruca nana Curruca deserti Curruca deserticola Curruca mystacea Curruca communis Curruca conspicillata Curruca sarda Curruca undata Curruca ruppeli Curruca melanocephala Curruca subalpina Curruca cantillans Fairly common Fairly common Vagrant Very scarce Vagrant Vagrant Vagrant Vagrant Vagrant Vagrant Fairly common Scarce Very rare Rare Very rare Common Vagrant Common x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Waxwings Kinglets Bohemian Waxwing Sultan l-Isponsuni Bombycilla garrulus Vagrant Firecrest Goldcrest Bufula tat-Toppu Aħmar Bufula tal-Qamar Regulus ignicapilla Regulus regulus Scarce Scarce x x x x x x Wallcreepers Wallcreeper Daqquqa tal-Ġebel Tichodroma muraria Vagrant x x Wrens Eurasian Wren Bumistur Troglodytes troglodytes Rare x x Dippers White-throated Dipper Għasfur tal-Ixmajjar Cinclus cinclus Vagrant x x Accentors Alpine Accentor Dunnock Żiemel tal-Alpi Żiemel Prunella collaris Prunella modularis Very rare Fairly common x x x x Snowfinches & Old World Sparrows New World Sparrows White-winged Snowfinch Rock Sparrow Yellow-throated Sparrow Eurasian Tree Sparrow Spanish Sparrow Għammiel tas-Silġ Għammiel tal-Blat Għasfur tal-Bejt Sidirtu Safra Ġaħġaħ Għasfur tal-Bejt Montrifingilla nivalis Petronia petronia Gymnoris xanthocollis Passer montanus Passer hispaniolensis Vagrant Vagrant Hypothetical Fairly common Common White-throated Sparrow Durrajsa Amerikana Zonotrichia albicollis Hypothetical x x x x x x x x x x Wagtails & Pipits Grey Wagtail Western Yellow Wagtail Eastern Yellow Wagtail Citrine Wagtail White Wagtail Blyth's Pipit Tawny Pipit Richard's Pipit Tree Pipit Olive-backed Pipit Red-throated Pipit Meadow Pipit Rock Pipit Water Pipit Zakak tad-Dell Isfar Isfar tal-Lvant Zakak Rasu Safra Zakak Abjad Bilblun ta' Blyth Bilblun Bilblun Prim Diżż Diżż tal-Lvant Diżż Aħmar Pespus Diżż tal-Blat Diżż tal-Ilma Motacilla cinerea Motacilla flava Motacilla tschutschensis Motacilla citreola Motacilla alba Anthus godlewskii Anthus campestris Anthus richardi Anthus trivialis Anthus hodgsoni Anthus cervinus Anthus pratensis Anthus petrosus Anthus spinoletta Scarce Fairly common Vagrant Rare Fairly Common Hypothetical Fairly common Rare Fairly common Rare Fairly common Fairly common Vagrant Rare x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Finches & allies Brambling Common Chaffinch Hawfinch Common Rosefinch Eurasian Bullfinch Mongolian Finch Trumpeter Finch European Greenfinch Twite Common Linnet Redpoll Red Crossbill European Goldfinch European Serin Eurasian Siskin Sponsun Selvaġġ Sponsun Għasfur taż-Żebbuġ Bumunqar Bugeddum Trumbettier tal-Mongolja Trumbettier Verdun Ġojjin tat-Tramuntana Ġojjin Bagħal ta' Ġojjin Kruċjat Gardell Apparell Ekru Fringilla montifringilla Fringilla coelebs Coccothraustes coccothraustes Carpodacus erythrina Pyrrhula pyrrhula Bucanetes mongolicus Bucanetes githagineus Chloris chloris Linaria flavirostris Linaria cannabina Acanthis flammea Loxia curvirostra Carduelis carduelis Serinus serinus Spinus spinus Very scarce Fairly common Fairly common Very rare Vagrant Vagrant Rare Fairly common Hypothetical Fairly common Vagrant Very rare Very scarce Scarce Fairly common x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Snow Buntings & Longspurs Snow Bunting Lapland Longspur Durrajsa Bajda Durrajsa tan-Nord Plectrophenax nivalis Calcarius lapponicus Very rare Vagrant x x x x Buntings New World Blackbirds Cardinals & allies Reed Bunting Chestnut Bunting Yellow-breasted Bunting Little Bunting Rustic Bunting Black-headed Bunting Red-headed Bunting Corn Bunting Rock Bunting Ortolan Bunting Cretzschmar's Bunting Cirl Bunting Pine Bunting Yellowhammer Bobolink Durrajsa tal-Qasab Durrajsa tal-Lvant Ortolan tal-Lvant Durrajsa Qerqnija Durrajsa Qastnija Durrajsa Rasha Sewda Durrajsa Rasha Ħamra Durrajsa Ortolan tal-Blat Ortolan Ortolan Rasu Blu Ortolan Iswed Durrajsa Rasha Bajda Durrajsa Safra Bumunqar Amerikan Emberiza schoeniclus Emberiza rutilus Emberiza aureola Emberiza pusilla Emberiza rustica Emberiza melanocephala Emberiza bruniceps Emberiza calandra Emberiza cia Emberiza hortulana Emberiza caesia Emberiza cirlus Emberiza leucocephalos Emberiza citrinella Pheucticus ludovicianus Very scarce Vagrant Vagrant Very scarce Very rare Vagrant Vagrant Scarce Vagrant Rare Vagrant Very rare Vagrant Very rare Vagrant Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus Rose-breasted Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Vagrant Vagrant Bumunqar Amerikan Durrajsa Kaħla Pheucticus ludovicianus Passerina cyanea x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Finches old world sparrows Buntings Bobolink Back to top x x x BOTMI BLM BOM - Birds of the Maltese Islands [1] - Birdlife Malta [2] - Birds of Malta [3]

The ultimate bird atlas for the Maltese Islands. All known bird records visiting Malta. Table of yearly sightings. Information on migrating birds. Links to distribution and bird calls. Local photography. Statistics. Birdsofmalta. Birds of malta. Birdsofmalta.com birds of malta birds of malta 1/8 Birds of Malta Species list >>> A passion for birds Contact us >>> Search table >>> Yearly sightings >>> DONATE >>> Press the 'Ctrl' button and rotate the mouse wheel to adjust the webpage resolution to your monitor's size

Buzzards Honey Buzzard European Honey Buzzard Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A raptor commonly seen in September with flocks that can tally hundreds of individuals usually migrating from early in the afternoon. The juveniles vary in their plumage with most having brownish bodies, some with white streaks and a few are mostly white with vertical brown streaks. All juveniles have a yellow base at the bill and grey/brown eyes. Adults have yellow eyes with distinctive white chests and a grey head on males whilst brownish on females. Diet It mostly feeds on insects such as bees, wasps, grasshoppers and loves eating honey. Longevity record 29 years (Found dead in Germany, C 52627) Kuċċarda Pernis apivorus Accipitriformes Accipitridae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in April - May, September Occasionally seen in March, June, August, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/49 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 51 - 60 119 - 145 515 - 1050 Crested Honey Buzzard Crested Honey Buzzard Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* The first and only record for Malta was on the 24th September 2024 over Buskett woodlands. An adult female of the orientalis ssp. Crested honey buzzards are residents to the Eastern Palearctic and migrate for breeding to Siberia and Japan during the summer. They then spend the winter in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. They differentiate from the European honey buzzard mainly by the lack of carpal patches, by the sixth primary feather, by a lookind=g shorter and broader tail and by broader wings. Thus, they look heavier in flight and bulkier resembling almost an eagle-like appearance. Although very similar in wingspan to a Honey buzzard, it looks larger in flight. Males are easier to identify as along with the features mentioned, they have a black tail with a white bar halfway and have a darker iris. The iris in females is yellow. Juveniles tend to have narrower wings similar to the European counterparts and the main different factors are the 6th primary feather and the flight action. Both species show considerable individual plumage variation, which seriously complicates the matter. The crest, giving orientalis its English name, is actually hardly developed or even absent in the subspecies orientalis, and therefore cannot be considered a reliable field mark (Forsman 1994, Shirihai 1994, Laine 1996, Beaman & Madge 1998, Forsman 1999, Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001). Diet It mostly feeds on insects such as bees, wasps, grasshoppers and loves eating honey. Longevity record --- Kuċċarda Orjentali Pernis ptilorhynchus Accipitriformes Accipitridae Vagrant Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/5 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 55 - 60 120 - 150 600 - 1150 Back to Glossary Common Buzzard Common Buzzard Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A medium sized raptor with a variation in plumage. There are usually three different plumages in Common Buzzards which can be divided as light, intermediate and dark and again these can on juveniles, sub-adults (sometimes there are two cycles) and adults. The most popular individuals seen locally have a white patch just under the neck. Common Buzzards have a small rounded head with a rather short neck and short tail. There are usually three different plumages in Common Buzzards which can be divided as light, intermediate and dark and again Diet Common Buzzards mostly feed on small prey and carrion. They can even feed on earthworms and other large insects when other prey is in short supply. Longevity record 28 years (found dead in Denmark, 313963) Kuċċarda Prima Buteo buteo Accipitriformes Accipitridae Very scarce Usually seen in September - October Occasionally seen in February - May, November - December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/13 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 48 - 59 110 - 138 650 - 1200 Back to Glossary Steppe Buzzard Steppe Buzzard Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* The Steppe Buzzard is a sub-species of the Common Buzzard which is very difficult to identify in juveniles. Adults can be identified more easily from the uniformly fox-red rufous (as in image) or by the rather darker black individuals as these do not correspond to the Common Buzzard nominate. Still, however the similar plumages of the Long-legged Buzzard should be eliminated first, in order for the individual to be a certain Steppe Buzzard. Steppe Buzzards have more white remiges than Common Buzzards, and have a finer distinct barring. Primaries 4-5 are unbarred, while the upperparts of adult birds are a pale greyish/brown shade. The underbody is more finely barred than the Common Buzzard. The Steppe Buzzard is slightly smaller than Common Buzzard, averaging 45-50 cm in length. It is also longer-winged and longer-tailed. The tail is also paler than the nominate form and often quite rufous. The upperwings have pale primary patches, and the primary flight feathers are also paler when viewed from below. Adults have a black trailing edge to the wings. There are two color morphs; the rufous form and a dark grey form. Both morphs often have plain underparts, lacking the breast band frequently seen in the nominate Common Buzzard. Diet Common Buzzards mostly feed on small prey and carrion. They can even feed on earthworms and other large insects when other prey is in short supply. Longevity record 12 years (average lifespan) Kuċċarda Prima Ħamranija Buteo buteo vulpinus Accipitriformes Accipitridae Very rare Usually seen in May Occasionally seen in September - October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/6 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 40 - 48 100 - 125 550 - 900 Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Rails, Crakes & Coots Water Rail Water Rail Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually. Fairly large rail with secretive behaviour. Distinguished by long red bill, brownish upperparts, slate grey underparts, and coarsely barred flanks. White and unmarked vent often visible due to frequently used posture with flirted tail. Long legs and toes visible in flight. Diet Water rails are omnivorous, although they mainly feed on animals. These include leeches, worms, gastropods, small crustaceans, spiders, and a wide range of both terrestrial and aquatic insects and their larvae. Small vertebrates such as amphibians, fish, birds and mammals may be killed or eaten as carrion. Longevity record 8 years, 11 months (A bird found dead in the UK, DA 56290) Gallozz tax-Xitwa Rallus aquaticus Gruiformes Rallidae Scarce Usually seen in October - February Occasionally seen in March - May, July - August Click on the image to open slideshow 1/21 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 23 - 26 38 - 45 75 - 190 Back to Glossary Corn Crake Corncrake Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually. The adult male has the crown of its head and all of its upperparts brown-black in colour, streaked with buff or grey. The wing coverts are a distinctive chestnut colour with some white bars. The face, neck and breast are blue-grey, apart from a pale brown streak from the base of the bill to behind the eye, the belly is white, and the flanks, and undertail are barred with chestnut and white. The strong bill is flesh-coloured, the iris is pale brown, and the legs and feet are pale grey. Compared to the male, the female has warmer-toned upperparts and a narrower duller eye streak. Outside the breeding season, the upperparts of both sexes become darker and the underparts less grey. The juvenile is like the adult in appearance, but has a yellow tone to its upperparts, and the grey of the underparts is replaced with buff-brown. The chicks have black down, as with all rails. Diet The corn crake is omnivorous, but mainly feeds on invertebrates, including earthworms, slugs and snails, spiders, beetles, dragonflies, grasshoppers and other insects. Longevity record - Gallozz Aħmar Crex crex Gruiformes Rallidae Rare Usually seen in September - October, April Occasionally seen in March, May, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 22 - 25 42 - 53 129 - 210 Back to Glossary Spotted Crake Spotted Crake Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually or in pairs. Small, secretive bird, usually only heard and not seen. Buff under tail-coverts and zigzag-patterned wings are diagnostic, and separates it from all other small rails in the region. Stocky build, with speckled underparts and short yellow bill with red spot at upper base. Spotted chest and neck. Diet Mainly insects and aquatic animals. Longevity record - Gallozz tat-Tikki Porzana porzana Gruiformes Rallidae Scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in April - May, September - November Occasionally seen in February - March, August Click on the image to open slideshow 1/15 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 19 - 22 37 - 42 57 - 147 Little Crake Little Crake Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually. The adult male has the crown of its head and all of its upperparts brown-black in colour, streaked with buff or grey. The wing coverts are a distinctive chestnut colour with some white bars. The face, neck and breast are blue-grey, apart from a pale brown streak from the base of the bill to behind the eye, the belly is white, and the flanks, and undertail are barred with chestnut and white. The strong bill is flesh-coloured, the iris is pale brown, and the legs and feet are pale grey. Compared to the male, the female has warmer-toned upperparts and a narrower duller eye streak. Outside the breeding season, the upperparts of both sexes become darker and the underparts less grey. The juvenile is like the adult in appearance, but has a yellow tone to its upperparts, and the grey of the underparts is replaced with buff-brown. The chicks have black down, as with all rails. Diet The corn crake is omnivorous, but mainly feeds on invertebrates, including earthworms, slugs and snails, spiders, beetles, dragonflies, grasshoppers and other insects. Longevity record - Gallozz Żgħir Zapornia parva Gruiformes Rallidae Very scarce Usually seen in April - May, September - October Occasionally seen in February - March, June, August Click on the image to open slideshow 1/26 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 17 - 19 34 - 39 35 - 60 Back to Glossary Baillons Crake Baillon's Crake Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually. Most likely to be confused with Little Crake. Most important field characters is the very short primary projection and lack of red base of bill. Some caution should be taken as missing or unorderly tertials can be confusing with regards to the projection, and immature Little Crake may sometimes also lack red base of bill. Flanks and belly more extensively barred than L. Crake. Upperparts richer brown with white spots. Sexes alike, but females often with paler throat. Brown cheeks occurs in both sexes. Legs dirty olive colour and bill greenish. Immature even more easily confused with L. Crake, but apart from the missing projection, note warmer brown upperparts and more heavily barred underparts, even on breast. Crown less evenly coloured than L. Crake, with blackish speckles. Baillon's crakes are very secretive in the breeding season, and are then mostly heard rather than seen. They are then noisy birds, with a rattling call like that of the edible frog, or perhaps garganey. Diet They mainly eat insects and aquatic animals. Longevity record - Gallozz tal-Faxxi Zapornia pusilla Gruiformes Rallidae Rare Usually seen in April Occasionally seen in March, May, October - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/18 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 16 - 18 30 - 41 30 - 55 Back to Glossary Allen's Gallinule Allen's Gallinule Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually but can be seen in small groups. They are similar in size to the only slightly larger water rail . The Allen's gallinule has a short red bill, greenish back and purple upperparts. They have red legs with long toes, and a short tail which is white with a dark central bar underneath. Breeding males have a blue frontal shield , which is green in the female. Immature Allen's gallinules are sandy brown with a buff undertail. The downy chicks are black, as with all rails . Allen's gallinules are very secretive in the breeding season, particularly in the dense swamps they favour, and are mostly heard rather than seen. They are then rather noisy birds, with a sharp nasal pruk call. They can be easier to see on migration or when wintering. Diet Omnivorous. Eats a wide variety of plant and animal matter, including seeds, fruits, and leaves of aquatic and terrestrial plants, also insects, frogs, snails, spiders, worms, fish. At times, eats the eggs and young of other birds. Longevity record - Faġan tal-Baħar Afrikan Porphyrio alleni Gruiformes Rallidae Very rare Usually seen in December - January Occasionally seen in February - March, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 20 - 26 48 - 52 120 - 160 Back to Glossary Moorhen Common Moorhen Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually or in small groups. Adults easily recognized by red frontal shield and red base of yellow bill. Both adults and juveniles show bold white/pale lateral stripe. Appears totally black at distance, but can be told apart from Coot by more slender build. Tail usually flirted, showing diagnostic white under tail-coverts. This also shows in juveniles, which are further distinguished by darker bill and neck than Coot. Diet The Common Moorhen is omnivorous and opportunistic with a diet that consists of earthworms, crustaceans, molluscs, adult and larval insects (especially flies, mayflies, bugs, beetles, and butterflies), spiders, small fish, tadpoles, and occasionally birds eggs, algae, moss, aquatic plants, seeds, flowers, berries, and fruit. Longevity record 18 years 7 months (Found dead in Denmark, 403675) Gallozz Iswed Gallinula chloropus Gruiformes Rallidae Common Usually seen in September - December Occasionally seen in all other months for resident birds Click on the image to open slideshow 22-12-20 22-12-20 1/18 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 27 - 31 50 - 55 190 - 490 Back to Glossary Eurasian Coot Eurasian Coot Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually or in pairs. Largely unmistakable. All black, with white frontal shield and pale bill. Very stocky build. Lacks the white lateral stripe and white under tail-coverts of Moorhen. White trailing edge of wings visible in flight. Juveniles paler and more grey than adults, often with whitish front and neck. Under tail-coverts are dark, unlike juvenile Moorhen. Diet The coot is an omnivore, and will take a variety of small live prey including the eggs of other water birds, as well as algae, vegetation, seeds and fruit. It shows considerable variation in its feeding techniques, grazing on land or in the water. Longevity record 20 years 7 months (A shot bird in Denmark, 316250) Tiġieġa tal-Baħar Fulica atra Gruiformes Rallidae Scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in September - March Occasionally seen in April, all other months for resident birds Click on the image to open slideshow 22-12-20 22-12-20 28-04-2017 22-12-20 1/13 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 36 - 42 70 - 80 600 - 1200 *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Crows, Jays & Starlings Red-billed Chough Red-billed Chough Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Only one record in 1975. All black plumage, red legs and long, curved, red bill. Bill of juveniles yellowish-brown and shorter. Though never as pure yellow as in Alpine Chough, and more curved. Easily confused with Alpine Chough at a distance where both species occur, but note broader, more fingered wings, shorter and squarer tail with broader base and different calls. Flight extremely acrobatic. Diet Choughs feed in pairs or flocks. A specialist feeder on invertebrates, they will take beetles and their larvae, fly larvae (especially leatherjackets), ants, their grubs and pupae, spiders, sand hoppers, and sometimes earthworms. Longevity record 17 years 5 months (EC 00074- Found dead in the GB) Ċawla Munqarha Aħmar Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in Only one record in November of 1975 Click on the image to open slideshow Adult Red bill indicating an adult bird. Adult Red bill indicating an adult bird. 1/1 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 37 - 41 68 - 80 260 - 350 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Eurasian Jay Eurasian Jay Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Largely unmistakable. Pale pinkish brown. Wings dark with white and blue patches. Tail black and rump white (conspicuous in flight). Crown speckled in black. Striking black moustache stripe. Flight pattern straight and fluttering like Nutcracker, but tail longer and bill shorter. Diet Feeding in both trees and on the ground, it takes a wide range of invertebrates including many pest insects, acorns (oak seeds, which it buries for use during winter), beech and other seeds, fruits such as blackberries and rowan berries, young birds and eggs, bats, and small rodents. Longevity record 17 years 0 months (DS 22102 - Found dead in the GB) Ċawla Dumnikana Garrulus glandarius Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in May, August, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/8 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 32 - 35 54 - 58 140 - 190 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Magpie Eurasian Magpie Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually. An unmistakable black and white passerine of it's size in Europe. Short rounded wings and exceptionally long tail. Wings fan-shaped and tail graded. Tail constitutes about half of the total length in adult birds. Compact body but relatively long legs. Flat crown. White wing patches/flight feathers very conspicuous in flight. Diet Food includes invertebrates and their larvae, seeds, nuts, fruit and carrion. Some young nestlings and fledgling of songbirds are also taken, but this is not a major food source. Longevity record 21 years 8 months (74564 - Shot in the GB) Ċawla Dumnikana Pica pica Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in September - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/5 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 40 - 51 52 - 60 175 - 295 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Western Jackdaw Western Jackdaw Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. The one in the pictures was photographed by Bernard Farrugia on the 24th April 2018 in the limits of Siġġiewi. Small, compact and energetic crow with black upperparts, dark grey underparts and short bill. Most visible plumage character is the pale grey hind neck contrasting with the dark face. Eye white in adults. Often recognized from its compact body and upright posture and gait alone. Flight quick and light. Diet Food includes invertebrates and their larvae, seeds, nuts, fruit and carrion. Some young nestlings and fledgling of songbirds are also taken, but this is not a major food source. Longevity record 20 years 4 months (Denmark) Ċawla Coloeus monedula Passeriformes Corvidae Very rare Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in January, March, April, November Click on the image to open slideshow 24-04-18 24-04-18 24-04-18 1/2 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 30 - 35 64 - 73 180 - 270 Back to Glossary Rook Rook Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* An all shiny black crow with diagnostic bare, pale grey base of bill, and "baggy trousers". Juveniles lacks bare bill base and are difficult to separate from Carrion Crow. Young Rooks however, has a steeper forehead and more conical bill with less curved culmen. Tail is more rounded and base of wings more narrow. Flight action includes less gliding than Carrion Crow, and individuals are more spread when a flock flies. Diet Rooks will eat almost anything, including worms, grain, nuts and insects, small mammals, birds (especially eggs and nestlings) and carrion. Longevity record 22 years 11 months (FV 55866, Found dead in GB) Korvu Corvus frugilegus Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in April Occasionally seen in February, March, May, October - December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/1 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 41 - 49 81 - 94 280 - 340 Back to Glossary Norther Raven Northern Raven Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Buzzard size and largest passerine in the family. All black with very heavy bill, flat crown and shaggy throat. Long, broad wings and wedge-shaped tail. Superb, powerful and often playful flight. Often soars like a raptor. Diet They are omnivorous and will feed on everything from small mammals to nesting birds, eggs and berries. They will also eat carrion, scavenge from other predators and even from human landfills. A group, or a flock, of ravens will raid seabird colonies, consuming the eggs and young of these colonies. Longevity record 23 years 3 months (NOS, Norway) Għarb Corvus corax Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in --- Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 54 - 67 115 - 130 800 - 1560 Back to Glossary Carrion Crow Carrion Crow Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Very similar to Hooded Crow, apart from the all-black plumage. Easily confused with young Rooks, since these lack the naked bill base and baggy trousers of adults. Carrion Crow differs from Rooks by deeper bill with a more curved upper mandible (bill of Rook conical). The wings are evenly broad, not more narrow closer to the body (difficult to judge). Carrion Crow shows no hint of crest, as is often seen in Rooks. Differs from Raven in less deep bill, no neck ruff and rounded, not wedge-shaped, tail. Diet They are omnivorous and will feed on everything from carrion, insects, worms, seeds, fruit, eggs and any scraps. Longevity record 19 years 2 months (Z 58565, Read from the field in Switzerland) Ċawlun Corvus corone Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/6 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 44 - 51 84 - 10 0 370 - 650 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Hooded Crow Hooded Crow Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. A recent record was photographed by Patrick Spiteri on the 16th March 2019 in the limits of Mellieħa. Unmistakable, if not in silhouette. In poor light or at a distance, when the grey plumage is not visible, confusion with other crows is possible. Bill is deeper than in Rook, and the upper mandible more curved towards the tip. Smaller than raven, and much less heavy bill. The wings are shorter and more rounded, and the tail is not wedge-shaped. Posture less upright than Rook. Diet Hooded crows are omnivores, eating a diet made up of carrion, insects, grain and eggs. They will steal eggs from other birds' nests and are also known to eat chicks on occasion. They can often be seen feeding together in groups. Longevity record 20 years Ċawlun Griż Corvus cornix Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in March - June, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/9 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 44 - 51 84 - 100 410 - 675 Some pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Rosy Starling Rosy Starling Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually, in small groups and can also be seen with other Common Starlings. Adults at close range unmistakable with their striking pink and shiny black plumage and crest. In flight note the pale back in contrast to the black head and wings. Head profile quite different from Starling. Bill considerably shorter and slightly down-curved. Forehead flatter and head more rounded when crest is not erect. Immature birds more anonymous, with brownish upperparts, pale belly and darker brown wings with pale fringed coverts and flight feathers. Bill yellowish with darker tip and legs flesh coloured. Very gregarious and immature vagrants usually seeks company with Common Starling. Then easily spotted as a much paler bird. Especially the rump stands out in flight. Common Starling sometimes show pale plumage but can then be identified by bill shape. Forages with less rapid head movements than Common Starling. Diet The Rosy Starling feeds primarily on flightless locusts and other grasshoppers. It also takes bugs, ants, beetles, moths and caterpillars. Spiders, woodlice and snails are eaten too. After the breeding season, it consumes fruits (wild and cultivated species), seeds of cereals and nectar from several flowers. Longevity record 15 years Sturnella Roża Pastor roseus Passeriformes Sturnidae Rare Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in March - April, July - December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 19 - 22 35 - 40 67 - 88 Back to Glossary Common Starling Common Starling Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in small groups or in larger flocks. Largely unmistakable where other species of starlings don't occur. Shiny, glossy black/dark-green plumage, speckled with white dots. Yellow bill, and pinkish legs. Juveniles brownish with light throat. As they age, winter plumage breaks through the juvenile feathers, creating large dark patches with white spots. These birds frequently puzzles new birders as they are commonly seen, but often not listed in bird guides. Starlings are easily recognized on the ground by their walking gait. Flight profile also characteristic with short sharp-cornered tail and short pointed wings. May be mistaken for a Waxwing when seen in silhouette. Diet Eats mostly insects when available, especially beetles, grasshoppers, flies, and caterpillars, also spiders, snails, earthworms, and other invertebrates. Especially in fall and winter, eats a wide variety of berries, fruits, and seeds. Longevity record 22 years 11 months (Found dead in Denmark,8552412) Sturnella Sturnus vulgaris Passeriformes Sturnidae Fairly common Usually seen in September - March Occasionally seen in August, April - May Click on the image to open slideshow 1/11 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 19 - 22 37 - 42 75 - 90 Back to Glossary Spotless starling Spotless Starling Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Similar to Starling, and may be difficult to tell apart in winter and immature plumages. Most birds are in breeding plumage from March on, completely lacking spots, and with a purple (not green) sheen. Flight feathers lacks pale fringes, and the overall look is much darker than Starling. Elongated head and throat feathers are slightly longer than in Starling. Winter and immature plumage birds difficult to identify, but has small and spearhead-shaped spots, and darker wings (due to lack of pale fringes). Leg colour generally paler pink, than Starling, but some overlap occurs. Diet Eats mostly insects when available, especially beetles, grasshoppers, flies, and caterpillars, also spiders, snails, earthworms, and other invertebrates. Especially in fall and winter, eats a wide variety of berries, fruits, and seeds. Longevity record 8 years 6 months (Controlled by ringer, 3173460) Sturnella sewda Sturnus unicolor Passeriformes Sturnidae Vagrant Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in March, April Click on the image to open slideshow 1/2 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 20 - 23 38 - 42 75 - 96 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Osprey Osprey Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Long, slender wings, dark brown upperparts and white underparts. Quite short tail. Distinct black carpal patches, finely barred flight-feathers and tail, and conspicuous broad dark eye-stripe. Soars with angled/bowed wings. Glides with wings bent at carpal joint. Diet It entirely feeds on fish but can occasionally prey on rodents , rabbits , hares , other birds , and small reptiles . Longevity record 26 years (A bird found dead in Finland, M-17858) Arpa Pandion haliaetus Accipitriformes Pandionidae Scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in April, August - October Occasionally seen in March, May-June, November - January Click on the image to open slideshow 1/26 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 50 - 55 150 - 170 1.3 - 2.1 *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Harriers Marsh Western Marsh Harrier Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Juvenile and female plumages are both brown. The yellowish crown, nape, marginal wing feathers and chest are lighter in juveniles whilst more dark rusty-yellowish in females. Both will have dark irises. Males have yellow eyes and a distinctive plumage with grey upperwings and lighter grey tail, black primaries and a rufous belly. In Malta, Marsh Harriers can be seen soaring and hunting in open areas, especially on wheat fields. Diet Feeds mostly on small mammals and birds. Longevity record 20 years (Found dead in Germany, D 16220) Bagħdan Aħmar / Bagħdan tax-Xemx Circus aeruginosus Accipitriformes Accipitridae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - May, August - October Occasionally seen in recorded in all other months except July Click on the image to open slideshow 1/40 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 47 - 56 115 - 130 400 - 800 Pallid Pallid Harrier Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A slender harrier with narrow wings. The adult male is a distinctive raptor with a white plumage pale, a grey head and a black wedge on the wing tips. The female has a whitish body with brown streaks heavier on the upper part, has a pale trailing edge of the hand and a white rump. Female and immature birds often difficult to tell from Montagu's Harrier and Hen Harrier. Adult female differs from Montagu's by lack of dark band on upper wing, and by diffuse, sooty inner underwing. Pale bands do not reach wingtip, and under coverts are darker. Differs from female Hen Harrier by noticeably slimmer wings (both hand and arm) and only 4 fingers (but beware moulting Hen Harriers). Immature similar to Montagu's with unstreaked, rufous underparts. Differs in pale tips of inner primaries, and dark half-collar and pale "boa". Diet Feeds mostly on small mammals and birds. Longevity record 13 years (France, FA 9410) Bagħdan Abjad Circus macrourus Accipitriformes Accipitridae Scarce Usually seen in March - April, September - October Occasionally seen in May, August, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/22 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 42 - 48 105 - 120 235 - 550 Back to Glossary Hen Hen Harrier Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* In all plumages: Glides with wings raised in shallow 'V'. Shows five primaries. This makes the wing tip broader than in Pallid and Montagu's harriers, and the wings seems shorter. Note that moulting individuals may show only four primaries. The males have grey with black primaries, white rump and underparts, and broad black trailing edge to underwing. Note that subadult males may show partly black primaries like Pallid. Females have a brown with white rump, barred tail and streaked underparts. Diet Feeds mostly on small mammals and birds. Longevity record 17 years (Hit by a car in the Netherlands, 3273552) Bagħdan Ikħal Circus cyaneus Accipitriformes Accipitridae Rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in October - November Occasionally seen in January, March - May, July, September, December Click on the image to open slideshow Five primaries for Hen Harrier. Iris is pale yellow indicating a juvenile male. Adult male Five primaries for Hen Harrier. Iris is pale yellow indicating a juvenile male. 1/12 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 42 - 52 100 - 120 300 - 600 Montagu's Montagu's Harrier Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* An elegant harrier with slender wings and four "fingers". Adult male easily recognized by single black band on upperwing, and double on underwing, and by rufous under wing-coverts. Chest is considerably darker grey than in Pallid Harrier, in contrast to white lower belly. Adult female differs from Hen- and Pallid Harrier by dark upper wing-band (not as prominent as in male). Broad, pale subterminal band on underwing reaching all the way to wing pit. Under wing coverts barred. Immature birds told from Hen Harrier by rufous, almost unstreaked underparts. From Pallid Harrier by dark wing tips and no marked, dark neck sides or pale collar. Very similar to moulting Hen Harriers, with four "fingers". Diet Feeds mostly on small mammals and birds, bird eggs, reptiles and insects. Longevity record 16 years (Found dead in Germany, D 178) Bagħdan Irmiedi Circus pygargus Accipitriformes Accipitridae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - May, September Occasionally seen in August, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/24 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 42 - 47 105 - 130 230 - 450 *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Although birds vary in size, flight and colours, the arrangement of feathers in birds is very similar across all species. The bird’s topography and the terms used will not only help you in understanding a bird's description, but will also help you describe any particular bird sighting to others. Bird Identification Intro Click for Wiki Glossary of Bird Terms Despite the diversity in avian size, flight style, and plumage, the basic structure and feather arrangement of birds are highly similar. Therefore, mastering bird topography (the specialized terms for a bird's body parts and feather groups) is fundamental for anyone seriously interested in birds. This universally accepted terminology is key to accurate identification and is used across all major field guides and publications. Familiarity with these terms will significantly improve your ability to understand a species description and enable you to clearly and accurately report specific bird sightings. Head Orbital Ring: Unfeathered ring or skin around the eye. Some birds have brightly color Orbital Rings while others do not have one at all. Orbital ring can change color over time. Iris: Refers to the coloured part of the eye surrounding the pupil, which is always black. In some birds the iris colour change with age. Culmen: Refer to the ridge along the top of the upper mandible. Nostril: Equivalent to a channel of the nose of a bird. Nail: Tip of upper mandible. In ducks the size and coloration of the nail can be an important identification feature. Tomia : is the cutting edge of bill. Gonydeal Angle: Shallow angle near the tip of the lower mandible. The gonys spot is found in some adult breeding birds and is the contrastingly coloured spot that the chick pecks at when it is soliciting food. Gape: Fleshy edges at corners or the base of the beak. In most birds the gape are obvious in young individuals. Nape: Refers to the area behind the neck. Supraorbital Ridge: Is the boney protuberance above the eye socket; this ridge helps shade and protect the eye and gives raptors their fierce look. Cere: Is the bare area surrounding the nostrils and can be different colours according to species, age and sex of the bird. Chin: Is a very small area at the base of the lower mandible and can often be a good clue for the identification of certain birds. Facial disc/Facial ruff: Facial disc is the concave collection of feathers surrounding the eyes on the face of some birds; particularly owls. The concavity of the facial disc forms a circular paraboloid that collects sound waves and directs those waves towards the ears. Harriers have less prominent facial discs and are often called Facial ruffs and refer to feathers around the neck that are raised in response to noise. Essentially enlarging the facial disc and improving hearing. Crown: Refers to the top area of the head. Forehead: Area between the bill and the crown. Post Ocular Spot: Feathered or skin spot found behind the eye. Body Median Crown stripe: Area that runs along the middle of the crown generally beginning at the base of the upper mandible. Lateral crown stripes, when present, run along the median crown stripe. Eyeline: Stripe that extends from behind the eye towards the nape. Eye-ring or Orbital feathers: Refers to the very small feathers circling the eye. Mantle: Area below the nape. A distinctive group of feathers that cover the upper back and are flanked by the scapular feathers. Scapulars: Feathers that cover the base of the wing. Scapulars flank the mantle and generally cover the bend of the wing. Breast: Refers to the area surrounded by the bottom of the throat, the sides or bend of wing area, and the top of the belly. Sides: Generally the area around the bend of the wing. Flanks: Refers to the side areas below the folded wing. Rump: Refers to the area below the mantle down to the uppertail coverts. The mantle, rump, and uppertail coverts are loosely referred as back. The rump is generally under the folded wings of a perched bird. Vent: Refers to the area between belly and undertail coverts. Undertail Coverts: Feathers that overlap the bottom base of the tail. Uppertail Coverts: Feathers that cover the upper base of the tail. Supercilium: Refers to the feathers that generally run from the base of the bill, above the eye, and back to varying lengths. These feathers are also known as the eyebrow. Auriculars or Ear-patch: Refers to the feathers that cover the ear area. This area is also known as cheeks. Throat: Refers to the area below the lower mandible. Malar: Refers to the area along the sides of lower mandible, between the throat and the Auricular Feathers. The malar area is also referred to as Mustachial Streak. Belly: The area surrounded by the breast, the flanks, and the Vent. Tibial Feathering: Feathers that cover tibia; above the tarsus. Undertail Coverts: Feathers that overlap the bottom base of the tail. Uppertail Coverts: Feathers that cover the upper base of the tail. Rump: Refers to the area below the mantle down to the uppertail coverts. The mantle, rump, and uppertail coverts are loosely referred as back. The rump is generally under the folded wings of a perched bird. Lesser Coverts: Feathers near the leading edge of a wing that overlap the bases of the Median Coverts. These feathers are rarely visible in passerines, and are usually concealed by Scapular and Side Feathers when the wing is folded. Median Coverts: Feathers that overlap the bases of the Greater Coverts. The coloured tips of the Median Coverts make the upper wing-bars in some birds. Greater Coverts: Overlap the bases of the Secondaries. Coloured tips of the Greater Coverts often conform the lower wing bars in some birds. Flight feathers or Remiges: Refers to the wing feathers (Primaries, Secondaries, and tertials). Primaries: Long flight feathers growing from the hand of a wing. Primaries form the bottom of a folded wing. Most birds have ten primaries, but some sub-oscine passerines have nine. Secondaries: Long flight feathers growing from the forearm of wing. The outer Secondaries abut the Primaries. In some ducks, the Secondaries can be brightly coloured and conform the speculum. Tail or Rectrices: Refers to the feathers that conform the tail. Tail feathers occur in even numbers with the central pair on top in the folded tail, and the outer pair positioned at the bottom of the pile. Tertials: Refers to the feathers closest to the body and loosely cover the space between the body and the wing. Alula: Three feathers on the thumb. Primary Coverts: Cover the base of the Primaries. Lesser Underwing Coverts: Feathers near the leading edge of a wing that overlap the bases of the Median Underwing Coverts. Median underwing coverts: Cover the base of the Greater underwing coverts. Greater Underwing Coverts: Overlap the bases of the Secondaries. Axilars: Feathers located in the bird’s arm pit. These feathers are basically the underwing version of the tertial feathers. Primary Underwing Coverts: Cover the base of the Primaries. Tail Tail Feathers The tail feathers are called rectrices (singular: rectrix), and occur in an even number on birds. The central pair of rectrices are on top (towards the back of the bird) in the folded tail, while the outer pair will be positioned at the bottom of the pile. There are three basic tail shapes, square, forked, and rounded. Other tail shapes derive from these three types. Square Tail: Tail feathers of the same length. Fork tailed: Outer tail feathers are longer than the middle pair. Feathers increase in length from the central pair to the outer pair. Rounded Tail: Outer tail feathers are shorter than the middle pair. Feathers increase in length from the outer pair to the middle pair. Source: Begazo, A. (Ed.) (2020). Peru Aves. CORBIDI, Lima, Peru. Available at http://www.peruaves.org/ (Accessed: 2020)

Pipits Yellow wagtail Richard's pipit Richard's Pipit Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually and sometimes in pairs. This is a large pipit , 17–20 cm in length and a wingspan of 29 to 33 cm. It is a slender bird which often stands very upright. It has long yellow-brown legs, a long tail with white outer-feathers and a long dark bill with a yellowish base to the lower mandible. The hindclaw is long and fairly straight. It is an undistinguished-looking species on the ground, mainly brown above and pale below. There are dark streaks on the upperparts and breast while the belly and flanks are plain. The face is strongly marked with pale lores and supercilium and dark eyestripe, moustachial stripe and malar stripe. There are two wingbars formed by pale tips to the wing-coverts. The song is a repeated series of monotonous buzzy notes given in an undulating song-flight. Diet Like other pipits, this species is insectivorous . It mainly feeds on the ground and will also make short flights to catch flying insects. A few seeds are also eaten. Longevity record - Bilblun Prim Anthus richardi Passeriformes Motacillidae Rare Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in September - May Click on the image to open slideshow 15-03-19 1/20 Length (cm): Weight (g): 17 - 20 27 - 37 Back to Glossary Tawny Pipit Tawny Pipit Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually and sometimes in pairs and in small groups. Large, but slender and long-legged pipit recalling wagtail in build. Easily confused with Richard's Pipit, but differs in dark lores, almost unstreaked breast, short hind-claw, slender body and thinner bill. The thin moustache-stripe combined with the dark lores stands out from the otherwise pale head. Greater coverts with dark centres and pale fringes are the most contrasting part of the body. Tertials are fringed warm brown. Tail with broad white edges. Immatures are more streaked above and on breast and sometimes flanks, but lore dark as in adults. Flight wagtail-like and less powerful than Richard's Pipit. Stance less upright, with wagtail-like gait. Diet Like other pipits, this species is insectivorous . It mainly feeds on the ground and will also make short flights to catch flying insects. A few seeds are also eaten. Longevity record - Bilblun Anthus campestris Passeriformes Motacillidae Fairly common Usually seen in April - May Occasionally seen in March, June - October Click on the image to open slideshow 08-05-19 1/11 Length (cm): Weight (g): 15.5 - 18 26 - 32 Back to Glossary Olive-backed Pipit Olive-backed Pipit Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. A fairly characteristic pipit due to the fresh plumage tones, defined facial pattern and marked breast streaking. Back olive-coloured with only faint streaking. Rump lacks streaking. Usually shows a pale and a black spot on rear cheeks. Legs pinkish, with short hind-claw, similar to Tree Pipit. Similar behaviour as Tree Pipit. Readily enters trees, and will also walk along branches. Flight also similar to Tree Pipit, lacking the stuttering motion of Meadow Pipit. Diet Like other pipits, this species is insectivorous . It mainly feeds on the ground and will also make short flights to catch flying insects. A few seeds are also eaten. Longevity record - Diżż tal-Lvant / Diżżu tal-Lvant Anthus hodgsoni Passeriformes Motacillidae Very rare Usually seen in October - November Occasionally seen in December - February Click on the image to open slideshow 1/7 Length (cm): Weight (g): 14 - 15.5 21 - 24 Back to Glossary Tree Pipit Tree Pipit Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually, in small groups or in larger flocks. Very similar to Meadow Pipit, but streaking on flanks noticeably finer than on breast. Bill heavier, with pinkish base. Legs pinkish. Short and curved hind claw. Plain rump. Slightly more elongated shape than Meadow Pipit. Diet Like other pipits, this species is insectivorous . It mainly feeds on the ground and will also make short flights to catch flying insects. A few seeds are also eaten. Longevity record 8 years 9 months (Found dead in the Czech Republic, Z 347042) Diżż / Diżżu Anthus trivialis Passeriformes Motacillidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - May Occasionally seen in August - November Click on the image to open slideshow 06/04/20 26/04/19 06/04/20 1/4 Length (cm): Weight (g): 14 - 16 19 - 25 Meadow Pipit Meadow Pipit Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually, in small groups or in larger flocks. Streaking on flanks just as heavy as that on chest (see Tree Pipit). Legs pinkish. Hind toe long and almost straight. Bill slender with yellowish base. Rump unstreaked. Jerky flight pattern. Generally a featureless bird, and is easily confused with other pipits. Best identified by sound. Diet Like other pipits, this species is insectivorous . It mainly feeds on the ground and will also make short flights to catch flying insects. A few seeds are also eaten. Longevity record 13 years 1 month (Found dead in Poland, KX 21880) Pespus Anthus pratensis Passeriformes Motacillidae Fairly common Usually seen in October - March Occasionally seen in April - May, September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/4 Length (cm): Weight (g): 14 - 15.5 15 - 23 Back to Glossary Red-throated pipit Red-throated Pipit Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Pipit with distinctly streaked breast and flanks. Adults with rich rusty red coloured throat, breast and supercilium. Males usually more red than females. Easily confused with other pipits when in winter- and juvenile plumage. Characterised by two whitish stripes on back, heavily streaked rump and flight call. Diet Like other pipits, this species is insectivorous . It mainly feeds on the ground and will also make short flights to catch flying insects. A few seeds are also eaten. Longevity record - Diżż Aħmar / Diżżu Aħmar Anthus cervinus Passeriformes Motacillidae Fairly common Usually seen in March - May Occasionally seen in October - January Click on the image to open slideshow 1/15 Length (cm): Weight (g): 14 - 15 19 - 23 Back to Glossary Water Pipit Water Pipit Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Contrasting, double wing-bars, unstreaked belly (and only modestly streaked flanks), brownish rump, broad supercilium, paler underwing and pure white outer tail feathers. Summer plumage with more strongly coloured buff or pinkish underparts and greyer upperparts, but difficult to identify when plumage wo Diet Like other pipits, this species is insectivorous . It mainly feeds on the ground and will also make short flights to catch flying insects. A few seeds are also eaten. Longevity record - Back to Glossary Diżż tal-Ilma / Diżżu tal-Ilma Anthus spinoletta Passeriformes Motacillidae Very scarce Usually seen in November - December Occasionally seen in October, February - April Click on the image to open slideshow 1/5 Length (cm): Weight (g): 15.5 - 18 18 - 23 *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Pigeons & Doves Rock Dove Click on the image to open slideshow Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon) Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually or in small groups. Clearly smaller than Wood Pigeon. Plumage highly variable, and some morphs quite similar to Stock Dove. Differs from latter in complete dark wingbars on secondary coverts (not only inner coverts). Back light grey, contrasting with darker grey neck and head. Often with white patch at lower back, but not always. Underside of wings very pale, and dark trailing edge of tail fairly narrow. Lacks Wood Pigeon's white wing-patches. Feral Pigeon is the same species as Rock Dove. The existence of a population of pure wild Rock Doves without any mixed genes from feral populations anywhere in the world is debateable. There are many traits that can determine a bird as feral (like asymmetrical pigmentation), but birds with "classic" wild Rock Dove plumage also exists in the feral populations. Diet Mainly seeds including corn, oats, cherry, and barley. In cities, feral pigeons also eat popcorn, cake, peanuts, bread, and currants. Longevity record 8 years 1 month (Fiound dead in the UK, EK 12066ands, 167353) Tudun tal-Ġebel Columbia livia Columbiformes Columbidae Fairly common Usually seen in All months / resident birds Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow 1/1 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 30 - 35 62 - 68 230 - 370 Back to Glossary Stock Dove Stock Dove Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually. Clearly smaller than Wood Pigeon, and lacks white wing-patches. Most susceptible to confusion with Feral Pigeon. Differs from latter in incomplete dark wing-bars, covering only inner secondary coverts. Colour of back same grey tone as neck and head. Never with white patch at lower back. Underside of wings grey, with clearly defined dark frame. Black trailing edge of tail fairly broad. Dark eyes not as in Wood Pigeon or Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon. Diet Stock Doves eat seed, leaves, buds, berries and grain Longevity record 12 years 7 months (Killed in Switzerland, 930722) Tudun tas-Siġar Columbia oenas Columbiformes Columbidae Very rare Usually seen in October Occasionally seen in March, May, September, November - December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/1 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 28 - 32 60 - 66 250 - 300 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Wood pigeon Common Woodpigeon Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in small groups of a few individuals. A large, grey pigeon with white patches on side of neck (adults) and conspicuous white wing-bands. Broad, dark terminal tail-band, and dark grey primaries. Underside of wings with little contrast between coverts and primaries/secondaries. Juveniles lacks white neck patches. Diet Mainly seeds and leaves. Occasionally vegetables. Longevity record 17 years 8 months (A ringed bird in the UK, FV 67324) Tudun Columba palumbus Columbiformes Columbidae Very scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - April, September - November Occasionally seen in January - February, May, June - July Click on the image to open slideshow 1/4 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 38 - 43 68 - 77 400 - 600 Turtle Dove European Turtle Dove Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually or in small groups but sometimes in large flocks. A small pigeon with barred neck-patch. Coverts and scapulars are dark with orangy-brown edges, giving the back a distinct scaly pattern. Neck and chest pink-grey, and belly white. In flight, the dark tail with contrasting, broad white band, is conspicuous in all plumages. Underside of wings grey, as opposed to Collared Dove. Upperside tri-coloured in black, grey and orangy-brown. Juveniles are drab, pale buff, and lacks the neck-patch. Diet Their diet is usually seeds, grains, berries, and fruits. Occasionally, they also eat worms, insects, spiders , snails, and fungi. They are opportunistic, and eat just about any type of food they can find. Longevity record 13 years 2 months (A shot bird in the Netherlands, 167353) Gamiema Streptopelia turtur Columbiformes Columbidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in April - May, August - October Occasionally seen in March, June - July, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/17 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 25 - 27 49 - 55 107 - 140 Eurasian Collared Dove Eurasian Collared Dove Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually for migrating individuals. Seen in small numbers for resident individuals. A small, long-winged and pale buff-grey pigeon, with characteristic black half-collar stretching from the hind-neck to the sides. Most likely to be confused with the African Collared Dove, but the primaries are darker making a contrast with the other wing feathers and have a grey undertail. Diet Mainly seeds but occasionally feeds on insects. Longevity record 17 years (A bird found dead in the UK, ED 04205) Gamiema tal-Kullar Streptopelia decaocto Columbiformes Columbidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in April - May, September Occasionally seen in June, August, October, all other months for resident birds Click on the image to open slideshow 1/6 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 31 - 34 48 - 56 125 - 195 African Collared Dove African Collared Dove Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A feral species that has been introduced in some localities and is breeding regularly in the wild such as in Pembroke, Mqabba, Buskett and Attard. A small, long-winged and pale buff-grey pigeon, with characteristic black half-collar stretching from the hind-neck to the sides. Most likely to be confused with the Eurasian Collared Dove, but the primaries are lighter making it paler with no contrast with the other wing feathers. The undertail is paler whereas in the Eurasian Collared Dove this is grey. Diet Mainly seeds and other plants, including cultivated grains. They will also eat berries, insects and snails. Longevity record 10 years Ħamiema tal-Barr Streptopelia roseogrisea Columbiformes Columbidae Introduced Back to Glossary Usually seen in all months for resident birds Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 26 - 27 45 - 50 130 - 166 Palm dove Laughing Dove Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Formerly known as the 'Palm Dove'. The laughing dove is a long-tailed slim pigeon. It is pinkish brown on the underside with a lilac tinged head and neck. The head and underparts are pinkish, shading to buff on the lower abdomen . A chequered rufous and grey patch is found on the sides of the neck and are made up of split feathers. The upper parts are brownish with a bluish-grey band along the wing. The sexes are indistinguishable in the field. Young birds lack the chequered neck markings. The legs are red. Diet Laughing doves eat the fallen seeds, mainly of grasses, other vegetable matter and small ground insects such as termites and beetles. They are fairly terrestrial, foraging on the ground in grasslands and cultivation. Longevity record 10 years Gamiema tal-Ilwien Spilopelia senegalensis Columbiformes Columbidae Rare Usually seen in September - October Occasionally seen in April - May, July Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 23 - 26 40 - 45 125 - 196 Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Sparrows & Buntings Spanis Sparrow Spanish Sparrow Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* The most widespread bird of the Maltese Islands. The Spanish Sparrow is a rather large sparrow, slightly larger and heavier than Tree Sparrows, and also has a slightly longer and stouter bill. The male is similar to the Tree Sparrow in plumage, but differs in that its underparts are heavily streaked with black, has a chestnut crown and has white cheeks. Diet Like other sparrows, it feeds principally on the seeds of grains and other grasses, also eating leaves, fruits, and other plant materials. Young birds are fed mostly on insects, and adults also feed on insects and other animals during and before the breeding season. Longevity record 7 years 9 months (Spain, 2718667) Għammiel tal-Bejt / Għasfur tal-Bejt Passer hispaniolensis Passeriformes Passeridae Common Usually seen in All months Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow 1/10 Length (cm): Weight (g): 14 - 16 24 - 33 Back to Glossary Tree Sparrow Eurasian Tree Sparrow Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in small groups, larger flocks but can be seen individually. Differs from Spanish Sparrow by cheek patch, and lack of black breast markings. Brown and streaked rump. The black bib does not expand towards the chest. Head profile rounder and neater than Spanish Sparrow, with slightly smaller bill. Identification by profile alone is possible with practice. Sexes and ages alike. Diet Like other sparrows, it feeds principally on the seeds of grains and other grasses, also eating leaves, fruits, and other plant materials. Young birds are fed mostly on insects, and adults also feed on insects and other animals during and before the breeding season. Longevity record 13 years 1 month (Found dead in France, 417586) Ġaħġaħ Passer montanus Passeriformes Passeridae Fairly common Usually seen in October - November Occasionally seen in March - May, September, December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/8 Length (cm): Weight (g): 12.5 - 14 22 - 24 Back to Glossary Snow Bunting Snow Bunting Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Easily recognized bunting with highly contrasting plumage. Tail with black center, boldly framed by white edges and white rump in all plumages. Males with white wings with black hand. Adult females with most inner parts of wings white, juveniles with white wing-bars only. A flock usually has a few adult males which gives away the species with their flashing white wings. Summer plumage of male white with black back, bill and legs. Female less pure white, with buffish head and cheeks. Juveniles mostly grey. Though most of adults white on wing is missing, the tail-pattern is diagnostic in flight also in young birds. In winter plumage the black parts of the plumage turn more brown and buff in both sexes. Diet Snow Buntings eat grass and flowering-plant seeds as well as insects and spiders. They pick seeds and insects from the ground or leap up from the ground to grab a seed or other prey. Longevity record 10 years 2 month (Found dead in Iceland, 946781) Durrajsa Bajda Plectrophenax nivalis Passeriformes Calcariidae Very rare Usually seen in November - December Occasionally seen in June Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 17 - 19 29 - 42 Back to Glossary Corn Bunting Corn Bunting Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. A featureless, bulky bunting. Larger than Yellowhammer, but with a shorter tail. Combination of size, build, flight-pattern and sound important for identification. Recalls the bigger larks in build. Takes off with a loose and surging flight, often with legs dangling underneath. Undulations particularly strong just before landing. Wings dark, and tail without white feathers or markings. "Tooth" in upper mandible visible at close range when singing. Bill and legs yellowish pink. Often shows an indistinct, dark breast patch. Diet Its natural food consists mainly of seeds but also includes insects such as crickets, especially when feeding young. Longevity record 10 years 7 months (Czech Republic, Z 289597) Durrajsa Emberiza calandra Passeriformes Emberizidae Scarce Usually seen in March, October Occasionally seen in February, April, September, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/7 Length (cm): Weight (g): 16 - 19 35 - 56 Back to Glossary Ortolan Bunting Ortolan Bunting Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Medium sized bunting, resembling a compact Yellowhammer in shape. Head green with yellow markings and underparts orange-brown. Distinct and characteristic, yellow eye-ring and earth-brown (not rufous) rump in all plumages. Female like male, but duller coloured, with streaked head and chest. Diet Its natural food consists mainly of seeds but also includes insects such as crickets, especially when feeding young. Longevity record 6 years 10 months (Hit by vehicle in Switzerland, E 966705) Ortolan Emberiza hotulana Passeriformes Emberizidae Rare Usually seen in April Occasionally seen in March, May, August - October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/1 Length (cm): Weight (g): 15 - 16.5 21 - 27 Back to Glossary Cirl Bunting Cirl Bunting Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Slightly more compact than Yellowhammer, with shorter wings and heavier bill. In all plumages note; olive to grey rump, greyish lesser coverts and finely streaked flanks. Male unmistakable with black throat and eye-stripe. Female and immature lacks black throat, but have more contrasting eye- and moustache-stripe than Yellowhammer. Diet Its natural food consists mainly of seeds but also includes insects such as crickets, especially when feeding young. Longevity record - Ortolan Iswed Emberiza cirlus Passeriformes Emberizidae Very rare Usually seen in November - December Occasionally seen in August - September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 15 - 16.5 22 - 31 Back to Glossary Yellowhammer Yellowhammer Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Large and long-tailed bunting with rufous rump. Mainly yellow and brown plumage. Head bright yellow with dark markings in breeding male. Female darker, with streaked head, yellow throat and supercilium. Back greyish and streaked. Rufous rump distinguishes it from Ortolan and Cirl Bunting. Underparts pale yellow, with relatively coarse streaking. Diet The diet of the Yellowhammer is rather varied, and consists of seeds, grain, some small fruits such as blackberries, insects and spiders. Longevity record 13 years 3 months (Found dead in the UK, JC 97236) Durrajsa Safra Emberiza citrinella Passeriformes Emberizidae Very rare Usually seen in October - December Occasionally seen in January, August - September Click on the image to open slideshow A15A9586 A15A9586 1/1 Length (cm): Weight (g): 15.5 - 17 24 - 37 Back to Glossary Common Reed Bunting Common Reed Bunting Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Breeding male easily recognized by all black head, prominent white moustache stripe and white collar. Rufous greater coverts in young birds. Females and juveniles otherwise plain and rather characterless, and are easily confused with other rare buntings. Reed bunting however, lacks the pale eye-ring and plain cheeks of Little Bunting, and the rufous rump of Rustic Bunting. Diet Its diet consists of seeds, grain, small fruits, insects and spiders. Longevity record 12 years 3 months (Switzerland, A 220452) Durrajsa tal-Qasab Emberiza schoeniclus Passeriformes Emberizidae Very scarce Usually seen in November - December Occasionally seen in January - May, July Click on the image to open slideshow 18-12-20 1/8 Length (cm): Weight (g): 13.5 - 15.5 15 - 24 Back to Glossary Little Bunting Little Bunting Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Small bunting with warm rufous cheeks framed in black. Often with a pale spot hind-cheek, towards the neck. Pale eyering, pale wing-bar, rufous median and black lateral crown-stripe . Bill grey with straight culmen. Easily confused with female Reed Bunting. In addition to mentioned criteria, also note pinkish legs and much paler lores. Sexes more or less alike, but birds with rufous throat and contrasting crown-stripes are usually males. Diet Its diet consists of seeds, grain, small fruits, insects and spiders. Longevity record - Durrajsa Qerqnija Emberiza pusilla Passeriformes Emberizidae Very scarce Usually seen in October - November Occasionally seen in December, April Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 12 - 13.5 12 - 13 Back to Glossary Rustic bunting Rustic Bunting Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. All plumages differs from Reed Bunting, and most other buntings by; white belly, pale cheek-patch, flanks coarsely spotted in rufous red, rufous rump with no streaking, pale pinkish legs and lower mandible. Summer plumage male easily recognized by boldly rufous breast and contrasting black and white head pattern. Young male resembles females, and may breed before adult plumage is fully developed. Posture often erect when moving around on the ground. Crown feathers often erect. Flight pattern light and fluttering, and more even than in Reed Bunting. Diet Its diet consists of seeds, grain, small fruits, insects and spiders. Longevity record - Durrajsa Qastnija Emberiza rustica Passeriformes Emberizidae Very rare Usually seen in October - November Occasionally seen in February, September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 13 - 14.5 16.5 - 23 Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Auks, Gannets & Cormorants Puffin Atlantic Puffin Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* One of the recent records is of a single individual seen near the shores of Marsascala in September 2010. A small bird, white bellied, black back, orange feet and a large orange to greenish bill. Bill in juveniles almost black, and much less deep than in adults. Adults in winter plumage also show much darker bill and cheeks than in summer. At a distance head gives an all dark impression, with characteristic dark "shadow " in front of the eye. Wings rounded with dark undersides. "Thighs" dark. Flight fluttering and energic, with shifting weight and angle. Diet Small fish but occasionally crustaceans. Longevity record 45 years (A shot bird at Iceland, 56309) Purċinell tal-Baħar Fratercula arctica Charadriiformes Alcidae Very rare Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in January, March, October, December Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. summer Ad. summer Ad. summer 1/2 Pictures taken abroad Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 28 - 34 50 - 60 320 - 480 Back to Glossary Razorbill Razorbill Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Last record of a single individual seen in the Maltese - Gozo channel on January 2022. At a distance quite similar to Guillemot. Bill deep, rectangular and with white markings. Flanks unstreaked and armpits white. Tail longer than in Guillemot, with legs not protruding behind tail in flight. Tail often held clear of the surface when swimming. Cheeks white in winter, with broad, short and black eye stripe. Neck collar short and wide. Upperparts blacker, and underparts whiter than Guillemot. Heavy neck, head and bill, in combination with the long tail, gives it a front heavy, and different profile from Guillemot, whether perched, swimming or flying. Top of head in line with tip of uptilted bill when swimming. Diet Small fish but occasionally crustaceans. Longevity record 42 years 0 months (Controlled by a ringer in the UK, AT 73954) Mus tal-Baħar Alca Torda Charadriiformes Alcidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in January, November, December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/1 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 38 - 43 60 - 69 600 - 840 Back to Glossary Northen Gannet Northern Gannet Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in small groups. White with black wing tips and yellow-buff at back of head. Juveniles brown with small pale speckles, white u-shaped rump patch and pale underparts. Fully coloured only after 5 years, and patchy, intermediate plumages often seen. Unmistakable bird at close range or with favorable light, but can be confused with shearwaters at a distance and/or in strong wind. Differs from those by long tail and much longer neck and head. Alternates between powerful, even and shallow wing-beats and glides. Flight becomes more shearwater-like in strong winds. Diet Mostly fish and squid. Longevity record 37 years (Found dead in the UK, 1010527) Sula Morus bassanus Suliformes Sulidae Scarce Usually seen in October - March Occasionally seen in April, September Click on the image to open slideshow Immature (3rd/4th-cal.-yr) Yellowish head so 3rd yr+. Secondaries are still dark so this bird is still not in its full adult plumage. the back cannot be seen so it should either be a 3rd or 4th-cal. yr. Ad. Yellowish head and white secondaries indicative of an adult. Ad. Yellowish head and white secondaries indicative of an adult. Immature (3rd/4th-cal.-yr) Yellowish head so 3rd yr+. Secondaries are still dark so this bird is still not in its full adult plumage. the back cannot be seen so it should either be a 3rd or 4th-cal. yr. 1/7 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 85 - 97 170 - 192 2.9 - 3.2 Back to Glossary Brown Booby Brown Booby Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A vagrant for our islands with the first recorded sighting along the coast of Gozo on the 13th February 2024. The pictures on this site were taken by Mr. Claudio Cini. A large seabird with a fairly long neck, heavy pointed bill, long wings, and a rather long, pointed tail. It has stout, short legs with large webbed feet. Adults are rich chocolate brown with starkly contrasting white bellies and central underwings. They have pale bills and bright yellow feet. Juveniles are dark-billed and mostly brown overall. Subadults are intermediate between juveniles and adults, with dirty white bellies and underwings. Diet Mostly fish and squid. Longevity record 28.5 years (Australia, ABBBS-1305) Sula Kannellija Sula leucogaster Suliformes Sulidae Vagrant Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in February Click on the image to open slideshow 1/6 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 64 - 85 132 - 155 0.95 - 1.7 Back to Glossary Great Cormorant Great Cormorant Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in small groups but can be seen in flocks and single individuals. A large, heavy built with a thick neck blackish bird. Head diagnostically wedge-shape, with the back of the head as the highest point. Bill never yellow (but yellow naked area at base of bill). Often dives without jumping, more common in brackish water, often flies high, and often chooses high ground or objects when perching. Diet Mostly fish and occasionally crustaceans. Longevity record 32 years (Found dead in Iceland, 623) Margun Phalacrocorax carbo Suliformes Phalacrocoracidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in September - March Occasionally seen in April - May Click on the image to open slideshow Juv. 1/24 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 77 - 94 121 - 149 2.2 - 3.6 *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.