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As of end 2020, there are 469 bird species recorded in the Maltese Islands. These are split in 'Sighting occurrences' and identified as per hereunder.  In this page we have included a table of all the recorded bird species, their occurrence and the months in ​ Social media have thus became sources Statistics & Records The interest for bird observation from the hunting community and the general public had increased in the last few years, whilst the technological progress had lowered the prices to purchase photographic equipment which makes good quality pictures affordable. Social media have thus became sources that are being used to take statistical data of sightings. Every so often, new bird species are recorded from social media platforms, splits in the taxonomy order and genuine sightings recorded from the hunting community, which sightings are usually seen by a number of hunters whilst being out in the countryside. As of 2024, there are 435 bird species recorded in the Maltese Islands, excluding hypothetical records. These are split in 'Sighting occurrences' and identified as per hereunder. In this page we have included a table of all the recorded bird species, their occurrence and the months in which it is best to encounter (denoted by 'o ') and those other months that a species can be seen occasionally or have been recorded in the past (denoted by 'x '). Vagrant species have the number of known records listed in the 5th column, which also includes the latest date of known sighting. It should be assumed that the number of vagrants is far larger than what is denoted. However, the number of known records can be used for comparison between one vagrant and another. Sighting Occurrence Common Fairly common Scarce Very scarce Rare Very rare Vagrant Hypothetical Introduced Extinct No. of species 20 79 48 47 29 43 166 35 2 1 No. of recorded species as of 2024 435 Click for 'Yearly Sightings 2020+' 'o' - Mostly seen in those months 'x' - Can be seen/was recorded, in those months Search LIST OF RECORDS (May 2025)

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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 1/0 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 1/2 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''.

Whimbrels, Curlews, Sandpipers & Snipes Whimbrel Eurasian Whimbrel Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups but can be seen in larger flocks. Notably smaller than Curlew. Bill is shorter and curves more closer to the tip. Markings on head much more prominent than in Curlew, with double dark lateral crown-stripes (light stripe on top of crown) and dark eye-stripe. Note that young Curlews have noticeably shorter bill than adults! Gives an overall darker impression than Curlew, especially underwing and flanks. Diet The whimbrel uses its long, curved bill to probe deep in the sand and mud for food. It wades in shallow water in search of crabs, fish, worms and molluscs. It also eats insects, seeds, berries, and leaves. Longevity record 16 years (A shot bird in the UK, EH 49697) Gurlin Żgħir Numenius phaeopus Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Scarce Usually seen in March - April, July - September Occasionally seen in November - December Click on the image to open slideshow Flock of Whimbrels (29-03-18) Flock of Whimbrels (29-03-18) 1/7 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 37 - 45 78 - 88 305 - 425 Back to Glossary Curlew Eurasian Curlew Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Biggest wader in area. Differs from Whimbrel in longer bill with a more even curve, only diffuse head markings without crown stripes or marked eye-stripe. Note that young Curlews have much shorter bill than adults. Base of bill pinkish. Plumage gives a paler impression than Whimbrel, with paler underwings and flanks. Diet Feeds by probing soft mud for small invertebrates, but will also pick small crabs and earthworms off the surface. Longevity record 31 years (Ring read in the field in the UK, FS 40887) Gurlin Numenius arquata Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Very scarce Usually seen in March - April, October - November Occasionally seen in August - September Eurasian Curlews (19-03-19) Note a very long bill which is just around three times the length of the Whimbrel's head in juveniles and males. An adult female will have its bill four times its head length as a rule of thumb. Eurasian Curlew Note a very long bill which is just around three times the length of the Whimbrel's head in juveniles and males. An adult female will have its bill four times its head length as a rule of thumb. Eurasian Curlew Note the very long bill which is just around three times the length of the Whimbrel's head in juveniles and males. An adult female will have its bill four times its head length as a rule of thumb. Also note the the eye-stripe does not go beyond the eye and the crown is striped and not dark as in the Whimbrel. Eurasian Curlews (19-03-19) Note a very long bill which is just around three times the length of the Whimbrel's head in juveniles and males. An adult female will have its bill four times its head length as a rule of thumb. 1/4 Click on the image to open slideshow Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 48 - 57 89 - 106 415 - 980 Back to Glossary Bar-tailed Godwit Bar-tailed Godwit Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Most likely to be confused with Black-tailed Godwit, but easily recognized in flight by plain dark wings, white wedge on back and barred tail. More difficult to identify when not flying. Generally more compact, heavier built and less upright than Black-tailed, and with clearly upcurved bill and shorter legs. Belly always unmarked. Base of bill dark in summer and pinkish in winter and in juveniles. Back with arrow-shaped streaking. Adult winter also streaked, and the pale supercilium reaches behind the eye. Diet The bar-tailed godwit eats insects in the summer. Occasionally, it eats seeds and berries. In the winter and during migration, it wades in the water, probing in the mud with its long, thin bill for molluscs, crustaceans, snails, worms, and other aquatic invertebrates. Longevity record 33 years (UK, DS 66532) Girwiel Denbu bl-Istrixxi Limosa lapponica Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Rare Usually seen in September - October Occasionally seen in March - July Click on the image to open slideshow 1/9 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 33 - 41 62 - 72 190 - 400 Back to Glossary Black-tailed Godwit Black-tailed Godwit Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Most likely to be confused with Bar-tailed Godwit, but easily recognized in flight by its contrasting black and white wings and tail. More difficult to identify when not flying. Generally much leggier, more elegant and upright than Bar-tailed, and with straighter bill. Tibia especially long. Summer plumage with barred/spotted belly (never in Bar-tailed), and orange base of bill. Juveniles with scaled back, not arrow-shaped streaking. Adult winter with mainly uniformly grey plumage, and short supercilium not reaching behind the eye. Diet The bar-tailed godwit eats insects in the summer. Occasionally, it eats seeds and berries. In the winter and during migration, it wades in the water, probing in the mud with its long, thin bill for mollusks, crustaceans, snails, worms, and other aquatic invertebrates. Longevity record 23 years (Ring read in the field in the UK, EF 90838) Girwiel Denbu bl-Istrixxi Limosa limosa Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Very scarce Usually seen in February - April Occasionally seen in January, July - November 1/21 Click on the image to open slideshow Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 37 - 42 63 - 74 160 - 440 Back to Glossary Turnstone Ruddy Turnstone Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Adults unmistakable. White head with bold black markings and orangely brown back. Even more striking in flight, with white wedge on back, large white patches at base of wings, white wing-bars and black and white tail. Juvenile and winter plumage birds with similar white patches, but with darker head and greyish, dark brown back. Underside always pure white. Leaves a robust and compact impression, with heavy bill and square head. Diet Ruddy Turnstones feed primarily on adult and larval flies and midges during the breeding season. They uncover their prey by flipping over rocks, pebbles, shells, or seaweed with their stout, slightly upturned bills. They also eat spiders, beetles, bees, and wasps. Longevity record 21 years (UK, XS 56243) Monakella Imperjali Arenaria interpres Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Very scarce Usually seen in April - May, August - September Occasionally seen in June - July, October - December Adult summe White crown but few darker streaks, white nape and collar, rufous back feathers and contrasting black breast indicate an adult in its breeding/summer plumage. But the white on the face and some feathers on the back and upperwings are turning black indicating that this bird is moulting in its winter plumage. In winter all the rufous feathers and the white feathers on its head will turn to darker brown. 1/23 Click on the image to open slideshow Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 21 - 24 43 - 49 90 - 130 Back to Glossary Red Knot Red Knot Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in pairs. Large, stocky Calidris. Easily identified when direct size-comparison with congeners possible. Elongated body shape and short legs. Bill robust, short and straight. Summer plumage: Upperparts speckled in brown and grey, underparts warm rufous brown, like Curlew Sandpiper. Legs dark. Winter- and juvenile plumage: Pale grey upperparts (scaly pattern in juveniles), and white belly. Legs greenish in both juveniles and winter-plumaged adults. Note pale grey rump and uniformly grey tail in flight. Wing-bars less prominent than in Sanderling. Diet Crab eggs, molluscs, insects, vegetation and seeds. During their migration and in the winter, the bird feeds on small invertebrates that live in mud, such as small molluscs, marine worms and crustaceans. Longevity record 26 years , 8 months (Read in the field in the UK, CE 25745) Girwiela Saqajha Qosra Calidris canutus Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Very rare Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in May, August - September 1/13 Click on the image to open slideshow Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 23 - 26 47 - 53 98 - 122 Back to Glossary Ruff Ruff Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. A relatively large wader with long orange or greenish (juveniles) legs. Scaly back and medium long, slightly curved and heavy bill. Male in breeding plumage unmistakable with ruff in various colours and patterns. Characteristic upright posture and body shape with long neck, small head and humped back. Conspicuous white oval patches at upper base of tail. Notable difference in size between sexes (male largest). Often seen feeding in meadows and fields when away from breeding ground. Diet Mostly eats insects, especially flies, beetles, caddisflies. Also eats small molluscs, crustaceans, spiders, worms, small fish and frogs. Longevity record 13 years , 11 months (Accident trapped in a fishnet in Finland,AT-8167) Girwiela Calidris pugnax Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Fairly common Usually seen in March - June, August - October Occasionally seen in July, December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/13 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 25 - 34 46 - 60 85 - 242 Back to Glossary Broad-billed sandpiper Broad-billed Sandpiper Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A vagrant species which was always seen individually. Can be mistaken for a Dunlin but differs in characteristic double supercilium, unmarked belly and shorter legs. Bill is thicker, almost swollen at base, and more distinctly bent at tip. Overall impression much more contrasty than Dunlin. Winter plumage with dark centres of tertials, and finely striped crown. Juveniles with white V-shaped markings on back, similar to Little Stint. Wing bars and tail markings resembles Dunlin in flight. Moves relatively slow when feeding. Distinct contact call. A trilling "drrroiiit" with a peculiar timbre, ending with a rapid rise of pitch. Song often preceded by the contact call, which then fuses into a continuous vibrating trill. Diet Mostly eats insects, especially flies, beetles, caddisflies. Also eats small molluscs, crustaceans and worms. Longevity record >6 years , 10 months (Controlled by ringer in Sweden, 3386241) Begazzina ta' Munqarha Calidris falcinellus Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Vagrant Usually seen in August Occasionally seen in January, March, May, June Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 16 - 17 37 - 39 40 - 59 Back to Glossary Curlew Sandpiper Curlew Sandpiper Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Summer plumage: Warm, rufous brown below like Knot, but much smaller. Bill curved and much longer, and appearance more long-legged. Winter and juvenile plumage grey above and pale below. Differs from Dunlin in slightly longer legs and bill, more pronounced supercilium, no black patches on belly (some rufous summer feathers may show when moulting) and more upright stance. Juveniles with buff-pinkish tone to breast, and scaly upperparts. Always distinct in all plumages when flying, due to bright white and crescent-shaped rump-patch. Diet Feeds on crustaceans (amphipods and shrimps), molluscs, marine worms and insects (mainly flies and beetles). Insects are the main part of the diet during the breeding season. Longevity record 19 years 8 months (A shot bird in Finland, PT-30356) Begazzina Ħamra Calidris ferruginea Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Scarce Usually seen in April - May Occasionally seen in July - October Click on the image to open slideshow Adult moulting to a summer plumage (11-05-19) Neck, breast and belly turning into purple brown as in the summer/breeding plumage. 1/15 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 19 - 22 38 - 41 43 - 67 Back to Glossary Temminck's Stint Temminck's Stint Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. A small wader with yellowish legs and short, almost straight, dark bill with pale base. Noticeably smaller than Dunlin, and with shorter and straighter bill. Similar in size to Little Stint, but legs light yellowish, tail longer with white edges and markings on back quite plain. Clear divide between markings of breast and white underparts. Juveniles with prominent scale-pattern on back. Upperparts of adults in winter plumage more evenly grey, lacking the star shaped spots of summer. Prefers fresh or brackish waters, even on migration. Diet They mostly eat insects and other small invertebrates. Longevity record 14 years 11 months (Read in the field in Finland, X-509990) Tertuxa Griża Calidris temminckii Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Very scarce Usually seen in May - September Occasionally seen in April, October Click on the image to open slideshow Adult summer Rufous brown edges on some feathers on the back indicate an adult in summer plumage. 1/11 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 13 - 15 34 - 37 20 - 31 Back to Glossary Sanderling Sanderling Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in very small groups. An energetic, stocky and robust wader. Black legs and bill. Black wing-bend (not always visible), and broad white wing-bars framed in black. Summer plumage with rufous head and back. Winter and juvenile plumaged birds gives a much whiter impression than all congeners, with light grey upperparts and pure white underside. Juveniles with star-shaped, black markings on back. Lacks hind toe. Diet Feeds on a wide variety of small creatures on beach, including sand crabs, amphipods, isopods, insects, marine worms, small molluscs; also may eat some carrion. Wintering birds on southern coasts may eat corn chips and other junk food left by people. Longevity record 18 years 7 months (UK, BB 52147) Pispisella Bajda Calidris alba Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Very scarce Usually seen in May Occasionally seen in April, August - October Click on the image to open slideshow Adult in summer plumage moulting to winter (20-08-19) Note the few rufous feathers on the head and neck are moulting away and fresh grey feathers on the saddle and upperwings are emerging. Since this photo was taken in August it means that the bird is moulting to its winter plumage. Winter birds will have a pale grey crown and saddle. 1/14 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 18 - 21 35 - 39 50 - 60 Back to Glossary Dunlin Dunlin Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in very small groups. Only small wader in the region with a dark or spotted belly. Bill quite long with slightly curved tip. Legs dark. Summer plumage with unmistakable large black patch on belly, and variable warm, rufous brown back. Juveniles and moulting adults usually shows at least some diagnostic dark spots on belly in contrast to white flanks. White V-shaped markings on back, but not as striking as in juvenile Little Stint. Only adults in winter plumage shows completely white underparts (and uniformly grey back). Diet The Dunlin eats insects and larvae, marine worms, small crustaceans, snails and small fish. Sometimes it is called the "sewing machine" because of the way it bobs its head up and down and pokes into the ground when it probes for food. Longevity record 28 years 10 months (Denmark, 807017) Begazzina tat-Tizz Calidris alpina Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Fairly common Usually seen in March - May, July - October Occasionally seen in June Click on the image to open slideshow Adult winter In winter plumage the saddle, crown and upperwings are grey. The breast will be full white and no black streaks are present on the head and chest. 1/13 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 17 - 21 32 - 36 35 - 62 Back to Glossary Purple Sandpiper Purple Sandpiper Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A vagrant species which was always seen individually. Robust, compact and dark wader, with relatively long and slightly curved bill. Mostly seen at the coast where it prefers rocky surfaces as opposed to most other waders. In winter plumage the base of bill and legs are yellow, and the upperparts grey with dark markings. Breeds in high Arctic and mountains. Summer plumage darker than winter, with brown fringes/spots on back, and darker bill and legs. Similar wing and rump pattern to Dunlin, but appears overall darker. Tail extends beyond wing tips of resting birds. Flight patterns at wintering grounds straight and low. Contact call a hoarse and hard "weet". Sometimes in chattering series. Song quite varied with series of short, nasal, vibrating sounds, interspersed with drawn out, slower calls. Diet These birds forage on rocky coasts, picking up food by sight. They mainly eat arthropods and molluscs, mainly littorinids and mussels , also some plant material. One of the main staples are seaweed flies of the Coelopa genera. Longevity record 20 years 9 months (Controlled by ringer in Sweden, 4235212) Begazzina tan-Nord Calidris maritima Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in May - June, November - December Click on the image to open slideshow Winter plumage Winter plumage 1/1 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 20 - 22 42 - 46 52 - 80 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Little Stint Little Stint Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in very small groups. A small compact wader with dark legs and short, almost straight dark bill. Noticeably smaller than Dunlin, and with shorter, and straighter bill. Similar in size to Temminck's Stint, but legs dark, tail shorter (and grey) and markings on back less plain. Juveniles with prominent white V on back, and split white supercilium. Upperparts of adults rufous brown in summer, and light grey in winter. Diet Mainly insects but also crustaceans and molluscs. Longevity record 14 years 8 months (Found dead in the Czech Republic, RX 17327) Tertuxa Calidris minuta Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Fairly common Usually seen in March - November Occasionally seen in December Click on the image to open slideshow Juvenile Pale hind neck, white stripes on back, white chin and breast with no black streakes and pale broad edges on upperwing feathers typical in juveniles. Adult summer moulting to winter (23-08-20) Buff on chest with black streaks indicative in adults. Head and back not so much rufous meaning that it is moulting to a winter plumage. Juvenile Pale hind neck, white stripes on back, white chin and breast with no black streakes and pale broad edges on upperwing feathers typical in juveniles. 1/10 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 14 - 15.5 27 - 30 20 - 30 Back to Glossary Terek Sandpiper Terek Sandpiper Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Slightly larger than the common sandpiper in length, its long upcurved bill – somewhat reminiscent of an avocet 's, but not as strongly curved – makes it very distinctive. As the scientific specific name implies, this wader has a grey back, face and breast in all plumages ; a white supercilium may appear more or less distinct. The belly is whitish and the feet yellow; the bill has a yellowish base, with the rest being black Diet Terek Sandpipers feed busily, walking briskly pecking at the surface or probing in shallow water, on soft wet intertidal mudflats. They eat crustaceans and insects, adding seeds, molluscs and spiders in their breeding grounds. Longevity record 16 years (Finland, AT-73914) Bgazzina tax-Xifa Xenus cinereus Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in May - June, August Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 22 - 25 57 - 59 60 - 78 Back to Glossary Common Sandpiper Common Sandpiper Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually and in small groups. A small, active and quick wader. Most easily identified in the field by it's behaviour and sound. Most distinct plumage feature is the white wedge in front of the wings at the sides of the breast. Body is elongated and legs fairly short and greenish. Constantly bobs body and head. In flight the dark rump and white wing-bars are obvious. Often flickers its wings when flying low above water, especially just before landing. In flight, common sandpipers have a stiff-winged style and typically stay close to the water or ground. Sex cannot be distinguished from the plumage but only from the body size. Birds with a wing shorter than 111 mm are males and those with a wing longer than 117 mm are females. Anything in between can either be a male or a female. In order to have a 95% probably right guess of a bird's sex, one has also to take into consideration the tarsus and toe together with the wing measurements. Diet Sandpipers are ground feeders that dine on crustaceans, insects, worms, and other coastal creatures. They retrieve them by meticulously pecking and probing with their short bills. Longevity record 14 years 6 months (Found dead in Sweden, 3189307) Begazzina tar-Rokka / Pispisella Actitis hypoleucos Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Common Usually seen in March - May, July - October Occasionally seen in all other months Click on the image to open slideshow Juvenile Note pale feather tips and chest side buff without black streaks in juveniles. Juvenile Note the pale feather tips on the upperwings forming a yellowish stripe. Also side of chest buff is without black streaks in juveniles. 1/13 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 18 - 20.5 32 - 35 41 - 56 Back to Glossary Green Sandpiper Green Sandpiper Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually and in small groups but occasionally in larger flocks A dark, often secretive, wader. Quite similar to Wood Sandpiper, but differs in dark underwings, only small white spots on back, defined border between speckled chest and white belly, broad dark markings on tail and a supercilium that does not reach behind eye. Leaves an overall much darker impression than Wood Sandpiper. Particularly in flight. Diet Nymphs, bugs and larva of caddis-flies and true-flies. Longevity record 11 years 6 months (UK, CR 63312) Swejda Tringa ochropus Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Scarce Usually seen in February - May, July - October Occasionally seen in January, June Click on the image to open slideshow 1/10 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 20 - 24 39 - 44 75 - 85 Back to Glossary Spotted Redshank Spotted Redshank Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Unmistakable in breeding plumage, with all dark/blackish body unique among Tringas. Most birds seen in Europe will probably be in winter- or juvenile plumage, and can then be mistaken for Redshanks. Spotted Redshanks are slimmer, longer legged and more elegant than Redshanks. The supercilium is much more prominent, the bill is slimmer and longer. Most diagnostic is the lack of white wing-bars, and the white cigar-shaped patch on the back. The barring in juveniles reaches from the belly and all the way back to the vent. Often feeds in deeper water than Redshanks, even by swimming and upending. Diet Insect larvae, shrimps, small fish and worms. Longevity record 8 years 7 months (Shot bird in Finland, B-70005) Ċuvett Tringa erythropus Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Rare Usually seen in April - May, July - September Occasionally seen in March, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/6 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 29 - 33 59 - 66 125 - 160 Back to Glossary Common Greenshank Common Greenshank Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Large Tringa with upcurved bill. The mainly white and pale grey plumage (and head) gives it a pale appearance. Upper parts speckled in black in summer plumage. Upper side of wings rather dark, back lighter grey with conspicuous long white wedge. Tail white, with diffuse grey barring. Back of juveniles with v-shaped scales/fringes. Legs greenish to grey-green. Wing beats quite deep and sometimes with "slow motion" like quality. Diet Greenshanks eat insects, worms, molluscs, small fish and crustaceans, feeding both by day and night. They feed by picking from the surface, probing, sweeping and lunging at the edges of mudflats or shallows. They may walk along the shoreline and even chase small fish in the shallow water. Longevity record 24 years 5 months (Netherlands, 2040963) Ċewċewwa Tringa nebularia Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Scarce Usually seen in March , August - October Occasionally seen in April - June, November Click on the image to open slideshow Adult winter Grey/green legs and back pattern is more uniform in winter adults. 1/21 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 30 - 34 55 - 62 155 - 210 Back to Glossary Common Redshank Common Redshank Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Adults differ from most other waders by bright red legs. Large white rectangular patches on secondaries conspicuous in flight in all plumages. Spotted redshanks in winter- or juvenile plumage lacks white wing bars, are more elegant with a more slender bill, and shows a stronger dark eye-stripe and white supercilium. Juvenile Redshanks are unevenly, and sparsely spotted below from the legs to the vent, as opposed to the barring of juvenile Spotted Redshanks. Leg colour in juveniles often dull yellowish. Flanks evenly spotted. Winter plumage with brownish upperparts. Diet The Common Redshank feeds mainly on insects, spiders and worms. Outside the breeding season, the bird feeds on molluscs and crustaceans, but also on small fish and tadpoles. Its feeding behaviour depends on the season. Longevity record 26 years 11 months (Found dead in Denmark, 721125) Pluverott / Pluvirott Tringa totanus Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Very scarce Usually seen in June - August Occasionally seen in November - December Click on the image to open slideshow Adult summer (11-05-19) Heavy black streaks on neck, breast and belly in adults. In juveniles these streaks will form parallel stripes. Adults also have an orange base on the bill. The back and upperwings are non-uniform (dirty) having black broad streaks on grey feathers. Adult summer (11-05-19) Heavy black streaks on neck, breast and belly in adults. In juveniles these streaks will form parallel stripes. Adults also have an orange base on the bill. The back and upperwings are non-uniform (dirty) having black broad streaks on grey feathers. 1/9 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 24 - 27 47 - 53 92 - 127 Back to Glossary Wood Sandpiper Wood Sandpiper Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small flocks. An energetic, small tringa wader. Most similar to Green Sandpiper. Differs by light underwings, larger white spots on back, diffuse border between speckled chest and white belly, narrower dark markings on tail and a supercilium that reaches behind eye. Plumage leaves an overall much paler impression than Green Sandpiper, particularly in flight. Diet Wood Sandpipers feed mainly on aquatic insects and their larvae and molluscs in moist or dry mud. They high-step daintily through shallow water, probing in mud or picking at the surface. They also swim well and may feed by sweeping their bill from side to side under water. Longevity record 11 years 8 months (Shot in Sweden, 4035425) Pespus tal-Baħar Tringa glareola Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Fairly common Usually seen in March - May, July - October Occasionally seen in June, November - December Click on the image to open slideshow Adult Prominent white spots on back and heavily streaked crown, neck and breast in adults. Flanks are also barred in adults. 1/16 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 18.5 - 21 35 - 39 50 - 70 Back to Glossary Marsh Sandpiper Marsh Sandpiper Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in small groups. Small, but tall and elegant Tringa. Body the size of Wood Sandpiper, but stands as tall as Greenshank. Tibia especially long. The needle-like, straight bill adds to the elegance. Pale face, especially at base of bill. Back grey in adults, with star-shaped speckles in summer and narrow, pale fringes in winter. Immatures with broader fringes and overall darker upperparts. In flight the long legs trails far behind the tail, and the narrow white wedge on the back is conspicuous. Wings are dark with no bars, and shows as the darkest part of the bird also when on ground (especially in adults). Surprisingly quick and easy take-off. Posture generally erect and tall, particularly when nervous. Diet Marsh Sandpipers eat aquatic insects, larvae, molluscs and crustaceans. They feed by wading briskly in shallow water, pecking from the surface or sometimes sweeping the bill from side to side. They may wade deeper and feel for prey. Longevity record 7 years 1 months (A shot bird in France, GA 84137) Ċewċewwa Żgħira Tringa stagnatilis Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Very scarce Usually seen in March - May Occasionally seen in June - September Click on the image to open slideshow Adult summer (19-03-20) The black streaks on the upperwings are moulted during the summer plumage of adult birds. Summer birds will also have dark streaks on the crown, chin, neck and flanks. 1/10 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 22 - 25 55 - 59 43 - 120 Back to Glossary Woodcock Eurasian Woodcock Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in groups of two or even three birds. Large and stocky wader, which is flushed from undergrowth in very close proximity. More often seen in display flight than on ground. Crown crossed with diagnostic broad bars, unlike any snipe. Base of tail warm, rufous brown. Wings rounded and broad. Flies with bill pointed downwards in an angle. Usually lands quickly after being flushed with characteristic abrupt and sudden drop into undergrowth Diet Eurasian woodcock forage in soft soil in thickets, usually well hidden from sight. They mainly eat earthworms, but also insects and their larvae, freshwater molluscs and some plant seeds. Longevity record 15 years 8 months (A shot bird in the UK, R 4516) Gallina Scolopax rusticola Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Fairly common Usually seen in October - December Occasionally seen in September, January - April Click on the image to open slideshow 1/3 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 33 - 38 55 - 65 225 - 370 Back to Glossary Great Snipe Great Snipe Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in groups of two. Underparts almost completely barred. Prominent white edges to primary and secondary coverts. Shorter bill than Common Snipe, with stockier body, but slightly longer wings and legs. Less obvious trailing white edge to secondaries in flight. Corners of tail white (obvious when landing). Usually flies only a short distance and in a straight line after being flushed. Bill held in straighter angle than Snipe in flight. Diet A specially adapted bill enables this bird to efficiently grasp and consume small creatures, such as worms, insects, crustaceans, molluscs, and small amphibians without stopping to remove its bill from the mud. It also eats berries, seeds, and plant fibers. Longevity record 5 years 11 months (Sweden, 5127024) Bekkaċċ ta' Mejju / Bukkaċċ Kbir Gallinago media Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Rare Usually seen in May Occasionally seen in April Click on the image to open slideshow 1/6 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 26 - 30 43 - 50 140 - 260 Back to Glossary Common Snipe Common Snipe Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in small groups. By far the most common snipe in most areas. Bill longer than congeners. Belly white, in contrast to barred flanks. Upperparts of wings with white trailing edge, underparts with white wingbars. Longitudinal crown stripe. Diagnostic escape flight when flushed, with zig-zag change of direction, characteristic call and long period of circling the area before landing (or leaving altogether). Diet A specially adapted bill enables this bird to efficiently grasp and consume small creatures, such as worms, insects, crustaceans, molluscs, and small amphibians without stopping to remove its bill from the mud. It also eats berries, seeds, and plant fibers. Longevity record 16 years 3 months (A shot bird in Sweden, 4104395) Bekkaċċ / Bukkaċċ tan-Nofs Gallinago gallinago Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Fairly common Usually seen in April - May, September - December Occasionally seen in January - March Click on the image to open slideshow 28-04-2017 1/11 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 23 - 28 39 - 45 78 - 105 Back to Glossary Jack Snipe Jack Snipe Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Notably smaller, darker and with shorter bill than Common Snipe. Two prominent yellowish back-stripes. Dark wedge-shaped tail, and slightly rounded wings. Lacks median crown-stripe. Flanks spotted, not barred. Usually flushed only at close range. Takes off silently, then quickly lands nearby. Whole body bounces rhythmically when feeding. Diet They mainly eat insects and earthworms, also plant material. Longevity record 12 years 4 months (A shot bird in Germany, 7170838) Ċinkonja / Bukkaċċ miż-Żagħar Lymnocryptes minimus Charadriiformes Scolopacidae Scarce Usually seen in October - December Occasionally seen in January - April Click on the image to open slideshow 1/1 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 18 - 20 33 - 36 50 - 85 Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

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Eagles & Vultures Short toed Short-toed Snake Eagle Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* The Short-toed Eagle is one of the largest raptors that visit our islands. Although it is a very scarce visitor, sizeable flocks have been recorded since the early 90's. This eagle will take four years in order to moult to its adult plumage. Adults will have heavily barred flight feathers. Whitish underparts and dark hood and chest. Underparts variably barred with 2-3 tail-bands, but leaves an overall pale impression. Primaries have six distinctive fingers. Pale individuals may show pale throat and chest. Soars on flat or marginally raised wings, with hand stretched slightly forward. Tail slender with straight cut end and sharp corners. Diet Its prey is mostly reptiles, mainly snakes , but also some lizards . Occasionally, they prey on small mammals up to the size of a rabbit, and rarely birds and large insects. Longevity record 15 years Ajkla Bajda Circaetus gallicus Accipitriformes Accipitridae Very scarce Usually seen in September - November Occasionally seen in April - June, December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/18 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 62 - 69 162 - 178 1.2 - 2.3 Back to Glossary Lesser Spotted Lesser Spotted Eagle Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* The Lesser Spotted Eagle is one of the largest raptors that visit our islands. It is a rare visitor which is usually seen individually. It has evenly broad wings and relatively short tail. Its flight-feathers are darker than the pale brown coverts, both on upper and underwing. Head and body distinctly paler than flight feathers. Conspicuous pale patch at base of inner primaries on upperwing. U-shaped white patch at base of tail. Immature birds with white tipped greater and median coverts, forming two narrow wing-bands. Primaries showing 6 protruded "fingers", with a 7th shorter finger. Sours and glides with wings held horizontally, but with characteristic drooping hand. Diet Mainly mammals (90%) and a little of fish and birds (10%) Longevity record 20-25 years Ajkla tat-Tikki Clanga pomarina Accipitriformes Accipitridae Rare Usually seen in September - November Occasionally seen in March - April Click on the image to open slideshow 2935-240920 2956-240920 2935-240920 1/6 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 55 - 65 143 - 168 1.0 - 2.2 Back to Glossary Booted Booted Eagle Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* The Booted Eagle is a very small eagle which is usually smaller than a normally sized Honey Buzzard. It has a long tailed, slender build and have white ''indicator'' patches at base of wings. Occurs in pale and dark morph. Six ''6'' distinct ''fingers'' i.e. 6 feathers protruding from the primaries that are typical with eagles. Diet It hunts small mammals, reptiles and birds. Longevity record 12 years Ajkla tal-Kalzetti Hieraaetus pennatus Accipitriformes Accipitridae Very scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in September - October Occasionally seen in November - May Click on the image to open slideshow 20160834 1/34 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 42 - 51 110 - 135 630 - 1145 Egyptian Egyptian Vulture Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A small vulture with a characteristic flight profile and distinct plumage with a white body, white coverts and black flight feathers (in adults). Long, wedge-shaped tail, but not longer than wings are broad. Wings square and broad, full hand. Small head with thin bill and a yellow face in adults. Immature birds are dark brown with paler coverts. Despite the less distinct plumage, the silhouette is similar to adults. Noticeably more active wing flapping and quicker wing-beats than in the large vultures. Diet Egyptian vultures are carnivorous, feeding mostly on carrion, but they are also known to eat insects, small reptiles and mammals, crustaceans, snails, bird eggs, nestlings, and the dung of larger animals. Longevity record 17 years (Found dead, electrocuted in Spain, G 09545) Avultun Abjad Neophron percnopterus Accipitriformes Accipitridae Rare Usually seen in September - October, March - April Occasionally seen in May - June, August Click on the image to open slideshow 1/6 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 59 - 70 156 - 170 1.8 - 2.4 Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

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''.

Flycatchers Rufous tailed scrub robin Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Adult male and female Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin look alike and measure about 15 cm long with relatively long legs and a large rounded tail. The upper parts are a rich brownish chestnut, with the rump and uppertail coverts rather more rufous. There is a distinct curved, creamy-white broad streak from the nostrils to behind the eye and a dark brown line through the eye. The under-eye area is whitish and the ear coverts pale brown. The eye and the beak are both brown but the lower mandible of the beak has a greyish base. The underparts are buffish white, with the chin, central belly and undertail coverts paler than the other parts. The feathers of the wing are dark brown, fringed on the leading edge with buff and on the trailing edge with pale chestnut-brown and with the secondaries tipped with white. The central pair of feathers on the tail are bright rufous-chestnut with narrow black tips and the rest a similar colour with white tips and adjacent broad black bands. The legs and feet are pale brown. Juveniles are similar in appearance but generally a paler sandy-brown colour. Diet It feeds mainly on the ground on insects such as beetles, grasshoppers and the larvae of butterflies and moths, and on earthworms, turning over the leaf litter to find its prey. Longevity record 7 years Rożinjol tax-Xagħri Cercotrichas galactotes Passeriformes Muscicapidae Rare Usually seen in April - May Occasionally seen in October - December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 15 - 17 20 - 27 Back to Glossary European Robin European Robin Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen fighting for territory. Rufous red face, throat and chest, framed in slate grey in adults of both sexes. Olive brown to grey upperparts and dull white underparts. Head rather large, and body rather stocky when plumage puffed, despite thin bill and slender legs. Juveniles lack the red front and are heavily spotted in buff on a dark brown body with barred chest. Adults pretty unmistakable when seen well. Flight usually low and darting, with quick changes of directions before disappearing in thick bushes. Posture usually erect with frequent flicking of tail and wings. Diet European robins are insectivorous and eat a wide range of insects, including spiders. Worms are also part of their diet, and in autumn and winter, these birds will eat more fruit and berries when insects are difficult to find. Longevity record 19 years 4 months (Found dead in the Chech Republic, Z 364896) Pitirross Erithacus rubecula Passeriformes Muscicapidae Common Usually seen in September - March Occasionally seen in all other months Click on the image to open slideshow 1/15 Length (cm): Weight (g): 12.5 - 14 13 - 21 Back to Glossary Comon Nightingale Common Nightingale Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Anonymous, indistinct plumage and secretive behaviour makes it an easily overlooked bird (except when singing). Tail rufous brown, upperparts warm brown. Underparts buff and white. Throat without streaking. Tail more rufous, and contrasts less with the warm brown back, than in Thrush Nightingale. Overall a more smooth and clean appearance. Behaviour with jumping gait, erect posture, raised tail and drooping wings. Diet Nightingales feed mainly on insects, mainly through foraging on the ground, and in particular are partial to ants and beetles. Longevity record 10 years 11 months (Spain, 2498771) Rożinjol Luscinia megarhynchos Passeriformes Muscicapidae Fairly common Usually seen in March - May, August - October Occasionally seen in June, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/10 Length (cm): Weight (g): 15 - 16.5 18 - 27 Back to Glossary Bluethroat Bluethroat Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Male unmistakable. Blue throat with rufous red or white center (both sub-species occur in Malta), white supercilium and rufous base of outer tail feathers. Female lacking, or having just a partially blue throat. Female and juveniles could be confused with Redstart because of the rufous tail, but note its dark, bold trailing edge and center. An elegant and fairly long-legged chat that often flicks its wings and cocks its tail. The Bluethroat with a white chest spot is usually seen only in Spring, whereas the Red-spotted Bluethroat can be seen in both Autumn and Spring. Diet Primarily invertebrates, mainly insects, with some seeds and fruit. Longevity record 11 years 5 months (Spain, N 0074112) Rożinjol Ikħal Luscinia svecica Passeriformes Muscicapidae Rare Usually seen in March - April, October - November Occasionally seen in January, February, May, September Click on the image to open slideshow 1st winter plumage Svecica (N. Europe) sub-species due to the rusty patch just being seen on the top part of the blue throat. Eventually once the birds moults into its full plumage, the rusty spot will be in the middle of its blueish throat. 1st winter plumage Svecica (N. Europe) sub-species due to the rusty patch just being seen on the top part of the blue throat. Eventually once the birds moults into its full plumage, the rusty spot will be in the middle of its blueish throat. 1st winter plumage Svecica (N. Europe) sub-species due to the rusty patch just being seen on the top part of the blue throat. Eventually once the birds moults into its full plumage, the rusty spot will be in the middle of its blueish throat. 1/15 Length (cm): Weight (g): 13 - 14 15 - 21 Back to Glossary Western Black Redstart Western Black Redstart Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or multiple individuals fighting over territory or within the same area. Male: Charcoal to black plumage, with rufous red tail, pale belly and pale wing-panel (south-eastern subspecies with rufous belly and no wing-panel). Female: Grey brown overall, except rufous tail. Lacks the orange tinge to breast and belly of female Common Redstart. Juveniles resembles the adult female, and lacks the buff speckles of congeners. May jump around on the ground like Common Redstart, but are more prone to run. Also shows a more erect posture. Diet Black Redstart feeds mainly on invertebrates such as grasshoppers, bugs, lepidopteran insects, flies, ants, bees, wasps, beetles, spiders, small molluscs and earth worms. It also feeds on berries, fruits and seeds. Longevity record 10 years 2 months (Killed in the Netherlands, S 128312) Kudirross Iswed / Fjammu Iswed / Ta' Denbu Aħmar Phoenicurus ochruros gibraltariensis Passeriformes Muscicapidae Fairly common Usually seen in October - March Occasionally seen in April Click on the image to open slideshow 29-10-17 1/11 Length (cm): Weight (g): 13 - 14.5 12 - 20 Back to Glossary Redstart Common Redstart Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or multiple individuals fighting over territory or within the same area. Rufous tail with dark brown center in all plumages. Most noticeable in flight when tail is spread. Male unmistakable with black face and throat, white band across forehead, orange-red breast and grey back. Female relatively featureless, except for the characteristic rufous tail. Other characters are brown-grey upperparts, pale eye-ring, and orange tinge to breast. Erect posture with frequent tail flicking. Diet The Common Redstart feeds mainly on invertebrates such as grasshoppers, bugs, lepidopteran insects, flies, ants, bees, wasps, beetles, spiders, small molluscs and earth worms. It also feeds on berries, fruits and seeds. Longevity record 10 years 3 months (Killed in Denmark, 9H 40474) Kudirross / Fjammu / Ta' Denbu Aħmar Phoenicurus phoenicurus Passeriformes Muscicapidae Fairly common Usually seen in March - May, August - November Occasionally seen in June, December Click on the image to open slideshow 06-04-19 22-04-20 02-05-20 06-04-19 1/14 Length (cm): Weight (g): 13 - 14.5 12 - 18 Back to Glossary Moussier's Redstart Moussier's Redstart Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. It is an endemic resident breeder in the Atlas Mountains of northwest Africa . Its habitat is open woodland in rocky areas from sea level up to 3000 m altitude in the mountains. The male has a black head with a broad white stripe running above each eye and down the side of the neck. The upperparts are black other than a white wing patch, and the rich chestnut tail, from which it and other redstarts get their names ('start' is an old word for 'tail'). The underparts are a rich orange-red. The female has a pale brown head and upperparts, and the underparts are a paler orange than the male, although generally redder than the underparts of the similar but larger female Common Redstart Diet This Redstart feeds mainly on invertebrates such as grasshoppers, bugs, lepidopteran insects, flies, ants, bees, wasps, beetles, spiders, small molluscs and earth worms. It also feeds on berries, fruits and seeds. Longevity record - Kudirross Aħmar Phoenicurus moussieri Passeriformes Muscicapidae Rare Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in February - April, October - December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/16 Length (cm): Weight (g): 12 - 13 12 - 15 Back to Glossary Whinchat Whinchat Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but multiple birds can be seen in the same area. An erect posture and large head. Distinct white or buff supercilium in all plumages. Base of primaries shiny white in adults, especially adult male. Coarsely spotted buff rump. Base of tail with white triangular patches. Juveniles with white speckles on upperparts and whitish throat. Lacks the white base of primaries, but supercilium bold. Diet Whinchats are insectivorous, feeding largely (about 80–90%) on insects, but also consume a wide range of other invertebrates including spiders, small snails and worms. They also eat small amounts of fruit such as blackberries, primarily in autumn. Longevity record 6 years 11 months (Czech Republic, T 389922) Buċaqq tas-Silla / Buċaqċaq Saxicola rubetra Passeriformes Muscicapidae Fairly common Usually seen in March - May, August - October Occasionally seen in February, November - December Click on the image to open slideshow 20-04-18 26-04-19 20-04-18 1/12 Length (cm): Weight (g): 12 - 14 14 - 18 Back to Glossary European Stonechat European Stonechat Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but multiple birds can be seen in the same area. Quite similar to Whinchat all plumages lack the strong pale supercilium. Male easily identified by its mainly black and white plumage, black throat and white half-collar. Other plumages seem much more evenly coloured than the Whinchat's, with its more pronounced streaking. Adult females also with diffuse black throat, but this becomes paler as the plumage is worn. All plumages show white patch at base of wing in flight. Rump usually streaked, but sometimes has a white center, or can even be completely white. Juveniles like female, but with streaked underparts. Always restlessly on the move with frequent dipping of tail. Diet Almost entirely invertebrates, mainly small or medium-sized insects and their larvae; occasionally small vertebrates, seeds and fruit. Longevity record 8 years 10 months (Germany, 9X 36806) Buċaqq tax-Xitwa / Buċaqċaq Saxicola rubicola Passeriformes Muscicapidae Fairly common Usually seen in September - April Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow 30-10-20 1/8 Length (cm): Weight (g): 11.5 - 13 13 - 17 Back to Glossary Northern Wheatear Northern Wheatear Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but multiple birds can be seen in the same area. Epitome of wheatears. Male with grey back, white supercilium, black mask and dark wings. Females have less contrast, are more brownish than grey, the supercilium is fainter and the black mask is missing. Rump white and tail white with black "T" in all plumages. The black in the middle tail-feathers is always at least as long as the width of the black terminal tail-band. Pale individuals can be mistaken for Isabelline Wheatear, but note that the supercilium is buff between eye and base of bill. Diet It feeds on adults and larvae of numerous insects' species, large insects, spiders, small snails and earthworms. In autumn, it feeds on berries from several plant species. The Northern Wheatear has similar diet on the wintering grounds where it is often attracted by burnt areas with ants and termites. Longevity record 10 years 1 months (Sweden, 1EE42448) Kuda Oenanthe oenanthe Passeriformes Muscicapidae Fairly common Usually seen in March - May, August - November Occasionally seen in February, June Click on the image to open slideshow 15-04-17 24-04-20 15-04-17 15-04-17 1/12 Length (cm): Weight (g): 14 - 16.5 19 - 29 Back to Glossary Isabelline Wheatear Isabelline Wheatear Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Male and female isabelline wheatear are similar in appearance. The upper-parts are a pale sandy brown with an isabelline tinge (isabelline is a pale grey-yellow, fawn, cream-brown or parchment colour). The lower back is isabelline and the rump and upper tail-coverts are white. The tail feathers are brownish-black with a narrow edge and tip of buff and a large white base. In the outer tail feathers this occupies more than half the length of the feather but in the central feathers it is about one third. There is an over-eye streak of creamy white and the ear-coverts are pale brown. The chin is pale cream and the throat pale buff. The breast is sandy or isabelline buff and the belly creamy white. The under tail-coverts are pale buff and the under wing-coverts and axilliaries white with dark bases. The wing feathers are brownish-black, tipped and edged with creamy buff. The beak, legs and feet are black and the irises are brown. Diet Its diet includes ants, grasshoppers, moths, flies, mites, spiders and insect larvae, and it sometimes eats seeds as well. Isabelline Wheatears are solitary birds in their winter quarters and may associate with other Oenanthe species during migration. Longevity record - Kuda Iżabellina Oenanthe isabellina Passeriformes Muscicapidae Scarce Usually seen in March - April Occasionally seen in May, October - November Click on the image to open slideshow 30-03-18 30-03-18 30-03-18 1/9 Length (cm): Weight (g): 15 - 16.5 25 - 35 Back to Glossary Desert Wheatear Desert Wheatear Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. The head and nape of the adult male Desert Wheatear are a pale sandy-grey colour with the feathers tipped grey. The mantle, scapulars and back are a similar but rather richer colour. The rump and upper tail-coverts are pale buff. The basal third of the tail feathers are white and the rest black with a pale buff tip. A curved stripe over the eye is pale buff and extends backwards. The feathers of the chin, throat, lores and ear-coverts are black tipped with white. The breast and flanks are sandy-buff and the belly and under tail-coverts are creamy-white tinged with buff. The axillaries and under wing-coverts are black tipped with white. The primaries have black outer webs, tipped and edged with white and inner webs pale brown edged with white. The secondaries are similar but have broader white edges to both webs. The female has similar plumage but the rump and upper tail-coverts are more sandy brown, the lores, chin and throat pale buff and the dark parts of the tail brownish-black. Diet Its diet includes ants, grasshoppers, moths, flies, mites, spiders and insect larvae, and it sometimes eats seeds as well. Longevity record - Kuda tad-Deżert Oenanthe deserti Passeriformes Muscicapidae Vagrant Usually seen in March, October - November Occasionally seen in April, December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 14.5 - 15.5 21 - 27 Back to Glossary Western Black-eared Wheatear Western Black-eared Wheatear Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. The breeding male has the forehead and crown white or nearly white, the mantle buff, and the wings blacker than those of the Northern Wheatear . The underparts are white tinged with buff. The back, upper tail coverts and most of the tail are white. A black mask extends from the ear coverts to the bill. The throat can be either black (black-throated) or white (pale-throated). In autumn and winter the head and mantle are distinctly buff, as are the underparts (including the throat in pale-throated individuals), but the buff varies in intensity. Except for the central pair, the tail feathers are much whiter than in the Northern Wheatear, the white on the inner web often extending to the tip. The female is a browner bird, but has the characteristic white lower back, and her seasonal changes are less marked. The male Western Black-eared Wheatear can be distinguished from the male Eastern Black-eared Wheatear by its more buff-tinged upperparts, giving it a less distinctly black-and-white appearance than the latter species, as well as having the black of the mask stopping at the base of the bill rather than extending slightly above. Also the black mask of the Eastern type goes above the eye whilst that of the Western does not or is very slightly surpassed. Black-throated individuals of this species have less black on the throat and face than on the eastern birds, and the black generally terminates less abruptly. Females of this species differ from their eastern counterparts in being warmer brown overall. Diet Its diet includes ants, grasshoppers, moths, flies, mites, spiders and insect larvae, and it sometimes eats seeds as well. Longevity record 10 years Kuda Dumnikana tal-Punent Oenanthe hispanica Passeriformes Muscicapidae Very rare Usually seen in April Occasionally seen in March, May Click on the image to open slideshow 01-05-19 01-05-19 01-05-19 01-05-19 1/5 Length (cm): Weight (g): 13.5 - 15.5 15 - 22 Back to Glossary Eastern Black-eared Wheatear Eastern Black-eared Wheatear Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but multiple individuals can be seen within the same area. The breeding male has the forehead, crown, and mantle white or nearly white with a buff tinge, and the wings blacker than those of the Northern Wheatear . The underparts are white tinged with buff. The back, upper tail coverts and most of the tail are white. A black mask extends from the ear coverts to the bill. The throat can be either black or white. The female is a more gray-brown bird, but has the characteristic white lower back, and her seasonal changes are less marked. The male Eastern Black-eared Wheatear can be distinguished from the male Western Black-eared Wheatear by its whiter, less buff-tinted upperparts than the latter species, giving it a more distinctly black-and-white appearance, as well as by having the black of the mask reaching just above the base of the bill. Black-throated individuals of this species have a greater amount of black on the throat and face than on the western birds, and the black generally terminates more abruptly or in a straighter line. Females of this species differ from their western counterparts in being overall colder-colored and duller. It is found breeding in the eastern Mediterranean , Southeast Europe to the Caspian Sea and Iran and migrates to winter quarters in the Sudan . Diet Its diet includes ants, grasshoppers, moths, flies, mites, spiders and insect larvae, and it sometimes eats seeds as well. Longevity record 10 years Kuda Dumnikana Oenanthe melanoleuca Passeriformes Muscicapidae Fairly common Usually seen in March - May Occasionally seen in June, August - October Click on the image to open slideshow 31-03-20 1/32 Length (cm): Weight (g): 13.5 - 15.5 15 - 22 Back to Glossary White-crowned Wheatear White-crowned Wheatear Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Large and powerful for a wheatear with glossy black plumage; found in rocky deserts. Only adults have a white cap. Sexes similar. In all plumages lacks a black terminal tail band; its mostly white tail separates it from other similar black wheatears. Inhabits rocky slopes and steep desert wadis. The male sings a clear series of whistles and trills; often given during a display flight. Diet Its diet includes ants, grasshoppers, moths, flies, mites, spiders and insect larvae, and it sometimes eats seeds as well. Longevity record n/a Kuda Rasha Bajda Oenanthe leucopyga Passeriformes Muscicapidae Vagrant Back to Glossary Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in March - April Click on the image to open slideshow 1/11 Length (cm): Weight (g): 13.5 - 15.5 23 - 32 Red-breasted flycatcher Red-breasted Flycatcher Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. A small and elegant flycatcher with deep chest, slender vent and fairly long tail. Head rounded and bill thin. Best field mark is the dark tail with white edges at the base (Wheatear-like) shown in all plumages. Often flirts tail, showing the diagnostic markings. Male recognized by Robin-like throat-patch and slate grey head. The red is restricted to the upper throat, and does not extend to the cheeks like in Robin. Very acrobatic flight when hunting. More pronounced flicking of tail than in other flycatchers, with tail sometimes even pointing forward over back, before being let down slowly. Diet The Red-breasted Flycatcher feeds primarily on insects of several species, and also takes worms, snails and woodlice Longevity record 10 years Żanżarell ta' Sidru Aħmar Ficedula parva Passeriformes Muscicapidae Very scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in October Occasionally seen in April - May, September, December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/3 Length (cm): Weight (g): 11 - 12 10 - 12 Spotted flycatcher Spotted Flycatcher Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but are seen in good quantities within the same area. Seen in pairs in Spring and Summer and some reside and breed. Easily overlooked bird with greyish brown upperparts and pale underparts. Crown and chest speckled. Bill and legs black. Slim white fringes to flight feathers and greater coverts. Body, wings and bill longer than in Pied Flycatcher, leaving a more elongated impression. Erect posture. Behaviour similar to congeners, with rapid darts and frequent hovering when hunting insects. Flicks tail and wings while perched. Diet The Spotted Flycatcher feeds primarily on flying insects of several species, and also spiders, snails and earthworms, and some small fruits and berries. It hunts by performing sallies from perch, at 1-2 metres above the ground. It catches the prey while flying, and returns to the perch to eat the insect. Longevity record 11 years (Killed by a cat in Finland, J-978561) Żanżarell tat-Tikki Muscicapa striata Passeriformes Muscicapidae Common Usually seen in March - May, August - November Occasionally seen in all other months for resident birds Click on the image to open slideshow 16-06-18 16-06-18 1/10 Length (cm): Weight (g): 13.5 - 15 13 - 19 Back to Glossary Semi-collared Flycatcher Semi-collared Flycatcher Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. The breeding male is mainly black above and white below, with a white half-collar, extending further back than in pied, large white wing patch, extensively white tail sides and a large white forehead patch. It has a pale grey rump. The bill is black and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. It mainly takes insects in flight, rarely hunting caterpillars amongst the tree foliage like Pied Flycatcher. Non-breeding male, females and juvenile semi-collared flycatchers have the black replaced by a pale brown, and may be very difficult to distinguish from other Ficedula flycatchers, particularly the Collared Flycatcher. A distinction is that Semi-collared may show a white second wing bar, but many individuals are not separable in the field. Diet t mainly takes insects in flight, rarely hunting caterpillars amongst the tree foliage like pied flycatcher Longevity record 9 years Żanżarell tal-Lvant Ficedula semitorquata Passeriformes Muscicapidae Very rare Usually seen in March - April Occasionally seen in May, September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/1 Length (cm): Weight (g): 12 - 13.5 10 - 17 Back to Glossary Collared flycatcher Collared Flycatcher Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but are seen in multiple numbers within the same area. The breeding male is mainly black above and white below, with a white collar, large white wing patch, black tail (although some males have white tail sides) and a large white forehead patch. It has a pale rump. The bill is black and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown, and may be very difficult to distinguish from other Ficedula flycatchers, particularly the European Pied Flycatcher and the Semi-collared Flycatcher , with which this species hybridizes to a limited extent. Diet As well as taking insects in flight, this species hunts caterpillars amongst the foliage, and will take berries. Longevity record 9 years 10 months (Hungary, T 06103) Żanżarell tal-Kullar / Għasfur tal-Gamiem Ficedula albicollis Passeriformes Muscicapidae Fairly common Usually seen in April - May Occasionally seen in March, June, August - October Click on the image to open slideshow 18/04/20 1/13 Length (cm): Weight (g): 12 - 13.5 10 - 17 Back to Glossary Pied flycatcher European Pied Flycatcher Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but are seen in multiple numbers within the same area. Male with shiny black upperparts and pure white underparts. Female grey-brown with pale underparts. Both sexes with broad white edges to tertials and greater coverts, forming a broad white patch (largest in males). Fairly compact body compared to Spotted Flycatcher, with shorter tail and bill. Easily confused with Collared and Semi-collared Flycatcher where these occur. Both sexes differs from Semi-collared in no white edges to end of tail and less white at base. Distinguished from Collared in white patch beneath alula being narrow and not reaching edge of wing (both sexes), white base of tail (black in Collared males) and no collar (males). Diet As well as taking insects in flight, this species hunts caterpillars amongst the oak foliage, and will take berries Longevity record 10 years 11 months (A shot bird in Finland, J-574662) Żanżarell Iswed / Għasfur tal-Gamiem Ficedula hypoleuca Passeriformes Muscicapidae Fairly common Usually seen in April - May Occasionally seen in March, June, August - November Click on the image to open slideshow 25-04-18 25-04-18 1/8 Length (cm): Weight (g): 12 - 13.5 10 - 17 Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Warblers & Allies Cetti's Cetti's Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. It is heard more than seen as it is a very shy bird and loves to hide in dense vegetation. Small, warm buff warbler with skulking behaviour, but conspicuous song. Similar in size to Reed Warbler, but with short, rounded wings and rounded tail. Build fairly compact, but bill thin and slender. Supercilium thin and dull. Cheeks and underparts greyish white, lacking the purer white belly of confusion species. Pale eye-ring. Under tail-coverts usually brown with pale fringes. Often flicks tail or holds it raised. Usually hides among undergrowth, and shows itself only when moving from one shrub to another. Diet Insects and larvae. Longevity record 7 years 6 months (UK, KV 98586) Bagħal tal-Għollieq Cettia cetti Passeriformes Cettiidae Common Usually seen in All year round for resident breeding birds. Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow 1/8 Length (cm): Weight (g): 13 - 14 9 - 17 Back to Glossary Zitting cisticola Zitting Cisticola Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in pairs. However a number of individuals can be seen in the same area. Formerly known as the 'Fan-tailed Warbler'. Small, short winged warbler. Tail fan-shaped with black and white tips. Heavily streaked back, buff underparts and pale throat and vent. Pale area around eye. Flight diagnostic, with whirring wings and short, slightly spread, fan-like tail. Song flight even more distinct, with long undulations synchronised with voice. Diet It forages among grasses and gleans preys from bases of clumps of grasses. It occasionally hawks flying insects. It forages by walking and hopping on the ground. Its diet includes insects and small invertebrates such as grasshoppers, mantids, dragonflies, moths, caterpillars and insect larvae, mayflies and flies, spiders and snails. Some grass seeds are taken too. Longevity record - Bagħal tal-Imrewħa / Zippu Cisticola juncidis Passeriformes Cisticolidae Common Usually seen in All year round for resident breeding birds. Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow 22-04-20 1/7 Length (cm): Weight (g): 10 - 11 8 - 12 Back to Glossary Savi's Warbler Savi's Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Reedbed-living, dull coloured warbler with fan-shaped tail. Under tail coverts lacking pale fringes or markings. Vague and short supercilium. Differs from other locustella by unstreaked chest, back and under tail coverts. From Reed Warbler and Marsh Warbler by very long and buff under tail coverts, smaller head and pinkish legs. Diet They feed on insects such as flies, beetles, moths, grubs and damselflies. Longevity record 9 years 9 months (Hungary, P 45251) Bagħal Aħmar Locustella luscinioides Passeriformes Locustellidae Very scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in April, October Occasionally seen in February - March, June, August - September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 13.5 - 15 14 - 17 Yellow-browed Warbler Yellow-browed Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Small and secretive warbler, usually discovered by the contact call. Broad, yellow/whitish wing-bars framed in black, and dark tertials with pale fringes gives the species a contrasting plumage. Long and strong yellow supercilium (lacking the orange base of Pallas' Leaf Warbler). No central crown-stripe. Slightly smaller than a Chiffchaff, with smaller bill and shorter tail. Rump same colour as back (as opposed to Pallas'), and overall greener and more strikingly coloured than Hume's Leaf Warbler (but beware individual variation). Diet They feed on insects such as flies, beetles, moths, grubs and damselflies. Longevity record - Vjolin tal-Faxx Phylloscopus inornatus Passeriformes Phylloscopidae Very scarce Usually seen in April, October - November Occasionally seen in February - March, May, September, December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/8 Length (cm): Weight (g): 9 - 10.5 5 - 8 Back to Glossary Eastern's Bonelli Warbler Eastern Bonelli's Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. The adult has a plain grey-green back, green-toned rump and wings and whitish underparts. The bill is small and pointed and the legs brown. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers. The Eastern Bonelli's warbler lacks the browner tinge to the upperparts that Western Bonelli's warbler has; it sometimes has a greenish tinge instead. The song is a fast monotone trill, only slightly different from Western Bonelli's, and also some similarity to Wood Warbler . The call of the Eastern Bonelli's warbler is a hard chup, and completely different from the disyllabic hu-it of Western Bonelli's The genus name Phylloscopus is from Ancient Greek phullon, "leaf", and skopos, "seeker" (from skopeo, "to watch"). The specific orientalis is Latin for "eastern". Diet Like most warblers, the Eastern Bonelli's is insectivorous. Longevity record - Vjolin Bajdani tal-Lvant Phylloscopus orientalis Passeriformes Phylloscopidae Scarce Usually seen in March - May Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 9 - 10.5 7 - 9 Back to Glossary Western Bonelli's Warbler Western Bonelli's Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. The adult has a plain grey-green back, green-toned rump and wings and whitish underparts. The bill is small and pointed and the legs brown. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers. The Western Bonelli's warbler has a browner tinge to the upperparts than Eastern Bonelli's warbler; the latter sometimes has a greenish tinge instead. The song is a fast monotone trill, only slightly different from Eastern Bonelli's, and also some similarity to Wood Warbler . The call of the Western Bonelli's warbler is a disyllabic hu-it, differing from that of Eastern which is a completely different hard chup. Diet Like most warblers, the Western Bonelli's is insectivorous. Longevity record - Vjolin Bajdani tal-Punent Phylloscopus bonelli Passeriformes Phylloscopidae Scarce Usually seen in March - May Occasionally seen in August - October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 9 - 10.5 7 - 9 Back to Glossary Wood warbler Wood Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but multiple numbers can be within the same area. Most distinct species of the genus. Most similar to Willow Warbler, but with much more contrasting plumage. Upperparts pure green. Throat and upper chest yellow, contrasting with pure white underparts. Distinct and strong yellow supercilium and black eye-stripe. Long primary projection, with primaries reaching middle of relatively short tail. Tertials with pale green fringes. Legs pale yellowish brown. Posture often horizontal with drooping wings. Diet Wood Warblers' diet seems to be quite diverse. Caterpillars (17–81%) appear to be a predominant prey, but also spiders (5–21%) and various winged insects. Longevity record 10 years 3 months (Germany, AL 5318) Vjolin Ħadrani / Tal-Maltemp Phylloscopus sibilatrix Passeriformes Phylloscopidae Fairly common Usually seen in April - May Occasionally seen in March, June, August - November Click on the image to open slideshow DSC_0799 1/8 Length (cm): Weight (g): 11 - 12.5 8 - 12 Back to Glossary Common Chiffchaff Common Chifchaff Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but multiple numbers can be within the same area. Olive green upperparts, yellowish chest with gradual transition to off-white belly. Very similar to Willow Warbler, and most field characters are subtle and often hard to see. Distinguished by (usually) black, or dark-brown legs, only faint dark framing to ear-coverts, less marked supercilium. Shorter primary projection (1/2 to 2/3'rds the lenght of tertials), with regularly spaced tips (visible when wing folded). Wings more fan-shaped and less pointed than in Willow Warbler. Juveniles much less yellow below than in W.Warbler. Generally leaves a duller and greyer impression than W. Warbler, but plumage very variable. Frequently flicks tail, even sideways. Generally also more active when moving among the foliage. Diet The chiffchaff feeds on insects and invertebrates. Flies, gnats, midges and caterpillars form a large part of its diet. Seeds and berries may be taken in winter. Longevity record 8 years (Hungary, T 109177) Vjolin tax-Xitwa Phylloscopus collybita Passeriformes Phylloscopidae Fairly common Usually seen in October - April Occasionally seen in June - July Click on the image to open slideshow 1/5 Length (cm): Weight (g): 10 - 12 6 - 9 Back to Glossary Siberian Chiffchaf Siberian Chifchaff Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. It has been split as a different species from the Common Chiffchaff very recently and it is difficult to identify with precision. The key features for the Siberian Chiffchaff are, (1) absence of olive in the crown and mantle (2) presence of a grey-brown or pale brown hue in the upperparts (3) absence of yellow away from the underwing (4) presence of warm buff in the supercilium and tobacco ear-coverts (5) supercilium standing out more than the white eye ring (6) presence of whitish buff/ lack of yellow hints at the breast-sides/flanks (7) very black-looking bill and legs (8) a thin, piping monosyllabic Dunnock-like call (9) a song markedly different from Common Chiffchaff’s Diet The chiffchaff feeds on insects and invertebrates. Flies, gnats, midges and caterpillars form a large part of its diet. Seeds and berries may be taken in winter. Longevity record 8 years (Hungary, T 109177) Vjolin tas-Siberja Phylloscopus tristis Passeriformes Phylloscopidae Very rare Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in October - July Click on the image to open slideshow siberian chif siberian chif 1/1 Length (cm): Weight (g): 11 - 12 6 - 11 Back to Glossary Willow warbler Willow Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but multiple numbers can be within the same area. Olive green upperparts, yellowish chest with gradual transition to off-white belly. Very similar to Chiff-chaff, and most field characters are subtle and often hard to see. Distinguished by (usually) pale, yellow-brown legs, dark framing to ear-coverts, stronger supercilium. Long primary projection (often 3/4ths the length of tertials) with irregularly spaced tips (visible when wing folded). Wings slightly more pointed than in Chiff-chaff, and not so fan-shaped. Juveniles often with whole underparts yellow. Frequently flicks tail, but not sideways (unlike Chiff-chaff). Generally also more calm when moving among the foliage. Diet Willow warblers are active during the day, feeding on a variety of small insects and spiders, as well as fruits and berries in the autumn. Longevity record 10 years 10 months (UK, 9J 1321) Vjolin Pastard Phylloscopus trochilus Passeriformes Phylloscopidae Fairly common Usually seen in March - May, August - October Occasionally seen in June, November Click on the image to open slideshow 20-04-20 20-04-20 1/3 Length (cm): Weight (g): 11 - 12.5 7 - 12 Back to Glossary Blackcap Eurasian Blackcap Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in pairs. Large and robust warbler with plain plumage, except for the characteristic cap (black in males, rufous in females and juveniles). Upperparts greyish brown and underparts pale grey. Vent white. No white in tail, as opposed to all other black-capped Sylvias in the region. Easily confused with Garden Warbler if the cap is not seen. Diet Blackcaps will pick insects, caterpillars and spiders from among the shrubs. In winter they will eat fruit such as berries. Longevity record 13 years 10 months (Czech Republic, T 274613) Kapinera Sylvia atricapilla Passeriformes Sylviidae Fairly common Usually seen in September - March Occasionally seen in April - May, July Click on the image to open slideshow 06-04-17 1/15 Length (cm): Weight (g): 13.5 - 15 15 - 24 Back to Glossary Garden Warbler Garden Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in small groups. An almost featureless, large warbler with greyish brown upperparts and buff underparts. Lack of distinct characters is a character! Most distinct character is probably the faint, slate grey half-collar. Vent has no markings, eye is dark and bill is relatively short. Body quite plump, and facial expression gentle and mild. Usually stays hidden in foliage. Lacks nervous behaviour of other Sylvia, and does not normally flick its tail and wings. Diet The garden warbler feeds mainly on insects in the breeding season, although other small invertebrates such as spiders are also eaten. It picks its prey off leaves and twigs, sometimes hovering to do so. It is also found in fig and loquat trees picking on fruit. Longevity record 14 years 2 months (Shot in Germany, 393985) Bekkafik Sylvia borin Passeriformes Sylviidae Fairly common Usually seen in April - June, August - October Occasionally seen in November - December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/8 Length (cm): Weight (g): 13 - 14.5 15 - 27 Back to Glossary Ruppell's Warbler Rüppell's Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in pairs. Adult male easily recognized by black throat and strong white moustache stripes. Female often also with black spotted throat which, together with the moustache stripe and pale chest/belly, makes it easy to distinguish from other Sylvia. Females and immatures with pure white throat may be confused with female Sardinian Warbler, but show darker front half of head, paler and purer coloured belly and flanks (lacking brownish tinge) and white fringes to greater coverts and tertials (less obvious in worn plumage). For all plumages look for curved culmen, pointed bill and longer and squarer tail than Sardinian Warbler. Build more similar to Whitethroat than Sardinian Warbler, and also less agile than smaller Sylvia. Diet Like most "warblers", it is insectivorous, but will also take soft fruit Longevity record - Bufula tal-Pavalor Sylvia ruppeli Passeriformes Sylviidae Very rare Usually seen in March - April Occasionally seen in May, September - October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 12.5 - 13.5 9 - 15 Back to Glossary Sardinian Warbler Sardinian Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually, in pairs and in smaller groups. Slender warbler with long tail, short wings and pointed bill. Restless and alert with frequently raised crown feathers and dark eye framed in red. Male with black head, white throat, greyish upperparts and off-white underparts. Female less striking, with grey head grey-brown upperparts, distinct buff flanks and paler belly. Both sexes with white sides and corners to tail. Rarely sits exposed, and usually betrays itself by it's frequently used scolding call. Often just glimpsed when it dives into a bush, spreading it's tail and showing the white markings. Diet Like most "warblers", it is insectivorous, but will also take soft fruit Longevity record 8 years 4 months (Spain, 146809) Bufula Sewda Sylvia melanocephala Passeriformes Sylviidae Common Usually seen in All months of the year. Resident bird. Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow 1/13 Length (cm): Weight (g): 13 - 14 10 - 15 Back to Glossary Eastern Subalpine Warbler Eastern Subalpine Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually, in pairs and in smaller groups. Medium small Sylvia with short tail, slender body and steep forehead. Bill slim,fairly short and pointed. Male with rufous breast and conspicuous, broad, white moustache stripes. Upperparts lead grey. Female with slightly more brownish upperparts and buff white below. Immature birds has greyish brown upperparts, and are prone to confusion with Spectacled Warbler due to broad, brown fringes of tertials. The colour is however less rufous, and the dark centre ends in a rounded, not pointed tip. Pale legs in all sexes and ages, but some variation. Eye-ring colour variable, but generally red in male and very pale in female and immature (rules out other Sylvia except Tristram and Sardinian). Colour of upperparts more uniform than in confusion species in both male and female. May cock tail, but does not keep it raised like Dartford Warbler. Diet Like most "warblers", it is insectivorous, but will also take soft fruit. Longevity record - Bufula Passajra Sylvia cantillan Passeriformes Sylviidae Common Usually seen in March - May, July - October Occasionally seen in February, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/9 Length (cm): Weight (g): 12 - 13 9 - 13 Back to Glossary Common Whitethroat Common Whitethroat Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Fairly large warbler with long tail, giving the whole bird an elongated look. Tertials, secondaries and coverts with rufous fringes in contrast to greyish brown back. Underparts pale with buff flanks. Outer tail feathers white. Steep forehead and white throat. Males with slate grey head. Diet It is insectivorous, but will also take soft fruit. Longevity record 9 years (Sweden, 2KK72878) Bekkafik Aħmar Sylvia communis Passeriformes Sylviidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - May Occasionally seen in August - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/14 Length (cm): Weight (g): 13 - 15 13 - 21 Lesser Whitethroat Lesser Whitethroat Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Similar to Common Whitethroat but, with greyish fringes on secondaries and shorter tail and wings. Forehead less steep than in Common Whitethroat. Upperparts evenly dark brown with no contrast between shoulders and back. Head grey with slightly darker ear-coverts. Throat and belly white. Legs dark. Tail dark with white edges. Diet It is insectivorous, but will also take soft fruit. Longevity record 7 years 11 months (UK,N 439903) Bekkafik Irmiedi Sylvia curruca Passeriformes Sylviidae Very scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in September - October Occasionally seen in March - May Click on the image to open slideshow 12-09-20 12-09-20 1/1 Length (cm): Weight (g): 11.5 - 13.5 11 - 16 Spectacled Warbler Spectacled Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Small and short-winged Sylvia with large head and high crown. In all plumages; evenly warm rufous wing-panel (lacking dark centered greater coverts of Whitethroat), very short primary projection, dark tail, thin pointed bill, narrow dark centres to tertials, pure white chin and (incomplete) white eye-ring. Adult male with lead-grey head, dark/black lore and often grey lower throat. Female and immature differs from Whitethroat by short primary projection, smaller size, slender build and thinner bill. Told from immature Subalpine Warbler by warmer rufous wings with only narrow dark centres to tertials. Diet It is insectivorous, but will also take soft fruit. Longevity record - Bufula Ħamra Sylvia conspicillata Passeriformes Sylviidae Scarce Usually seen in All months. Resident bird. Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow 1/12 Length (cm): Weight (g): 12 - 13 8 - 11 Back to Glossary Datford Warbler Dartford Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Small and slender Sylvia about the size of Lesser Whitethroat. The short wings, steep forehead and striking long tail alone is often enough for positive id. Upperparts dark slate grey, and underparts of male vinous red with finely white spotted throat. Female less brightly coloured with more brownish tones and less red underparts. Immature duller still, with brownish underparts rather than red. Yellow base of lower mandible in all ages and sex. Lacks the white moustache-stripe of Subalpine Warbler. Tail frequently held raised. Skulking behaviour. Prefers scrubs and is usually only glimpsed when moving low from bush to bush, or when singing from more exposed perch. Diet It is insectivorous, but will also take soft fruit. Longevity record - Bufula tax-Xagħri Sylvia undata Passeriformes Sylviidae Rare Usually seen in October - March Occasionally seen in April, September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 13 - 14 9 - 12 Back to Glossary Goldcrest Goldcrest Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but multiple birds can be seen roaming the same area. This not just the smallest bird visiting the Maltese islands but also the smallest bird of the Western Palaearctic . Crown stripe yellow in female, orange in male. Since bird is often viewed from below, the crown stripe is often not visible. The dark eye with the large, pale grey eye-ring is a better character. Pale wingbars and pale tips of tertials. No supercilium. Behaviour essentially tit-like. Restlessly moving among branches in treetops, with frequent hovering to get at insects. Diet Mostly insects and spiders. Longevity record 5 years 5 months (Found dead in Denmark, 8A 46230) Bufula tal-Qamar Regulus regulus Passeriformes Regulidae Scarce Usually seen in November - March Occasionally seen in April, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/9 Length (cm): Weight (g): 8.5 - 9.5 4.5 - 7 Back to Glossary Firecrest Firecrest Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but multiple birds can be seen roaming the same area. This not the second smallest bird visiting the Maltese islands but also one of the smallest birds in the Western Palaearctic . Distinct head markings, with black eye-stripe contrasting with broad, white supercilium. Top of head yellow (female), or orange (male), framed by black crown stripes. Characteristic orange shoulder patch, lacking in all confusion species. Immature is distinguished by present supercilium, other head markings absent. Diet Mostly insects and spiders. Longevity record 5 years Bufula tax-Xemx / Bufula tat-Toppu Aħmar Regulus ignicapilla Passeriformes Regulidae Scarce Usually seen in October - March Occasionally seen in April, September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/9 Length (cm): Weight (g): 9 - 10 5 - 7 Back to Glossary Western Olivaceous Western Olivaceous Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. It is a medium-sized warbler looking more like a very pale Reed Warbler . The adults have a plain pale brown back and whitish underparts. The bill is strong and pointed and the legs grey. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds are more buff on the belly. It has a characteristic downward tail flick. Western Olivaceous Warbler breeds in Iberia and North Africa . It is migratory , wintering in sub-Saharan Africa . It is larger and has a browner tinge to the upperparts than the Eastern Olivaceous Warbler. It also has a larger bill. The song is a fast nasal babbling. Diet It is insectivorous, but will also take soft fruit. Longevity record - Bekkafik Griż tal-Punent Iduna opaca Passeriformes Acrocephalidae Very rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in May Occasionally seen in March - April, June - September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 12 - 13.5 10 - 15 Eastern Olivaceous Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. It is a medium-sized warbler resembling a very pale Reed Warbler. The adult has a plain pale brown back and whitish underparts. The bill is strong and pointed and the legs grey. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds are more buff on the belly. It has a characteristic downward tail flick. Western Olivaceous Warbler differs from this species in being larger and having a browner tinge to the upperparts; it also has a larger bill. Eastern Olivaceous Warbler sometimes has a greenish tinge to its upperparts. The song is a fast nasal babbling. Diet It is insectivorous, but will also take soft fruit. Longevity record - Bekkafik Griż Iduna pallida Passeriformes Acrocephalidae Rare Usually seen in May Occasionally seen in April, July, September - October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 12 - 13.5 10 - 15 Back to Glossary Icterine Warbler Icterine Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but occasionally multiple numbers are recorded in the same area. Green upperparts and yellow underparts. Sides of bill yellowish, legs slate grey. Short yellow supercilium which connects to yellow lore. Long wings and relatively short tail. The flat crown and long bill gives it a different head profile from Sylvia warblers. Often raises crown feathers. Very similar to Melodious Warbler, but differs from this in pale wing-panel and longer wings. Folded wings reaches tip of under tail coverts, and primary projection is as long as tertials. Juveniles paler than adults, with whitish supercilium. The pale wing-panel extends to fringes of greater coverts in addition to secondaries. Alert and agile bird. Usually hidden in foliage, also when singing Diet It is insectivorous, but will also take soft fruit. Longevity record 10 years 10 months (Shot in Germany, 9G 77549) Bekkafik Isfar Hippolais icterina Passeriformes Acrocephalidae Fairly common Usually seen in April - June Occasionally seen in August - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/2 Length (cm): Weight (g): 12 - 13.5 11 - 15 Back to Glossary Great Reed Warbler Great Reed Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Large and bulky warbler with long tail, heavy, thrush-like bill and relatively strong facial markings. Supercilium broad and strong and continues behind eye. Lores dark. Primary projection same length as tertials. Flanks warm beige. Crest often raised. Flight heavy and jerky, and birds are also much more detectable by moving reeds when foraging about in vegetation than congeners. Diet It is insectivorous, but will also take invertebrates, like small tadpoles, and also soft fruit. Longevity record 10 years 1 month (Hungary, A 94706) Bagħal Prim / Bagħal tal-Qasab Kbir Acrocephalus arundinaceus Passeriformes Acrocephalidae Scarce Usually seen in April - May, September - October Occasionally seen in March, June, August, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/3 Length (cm): Weight (g): 16 - 20 29 - 36 Back to Glossary Marsh Warbler Marsh Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Plain and characterless plumage, but conspicuous song. Larger than Sedge Warbler, with larger wings, broader tail and tail-base. Very similar to Reed Warbler, and very hard to distinguish by plumage alone. The Marsh Warbler can be distinguished from the Reed Warbler only by biometric examination. Rump of Marsh warbler shows less contrast to back, and flanks have a yellowish tinge. Bill slightly shorter and less pointed. Differs from Blyth's Reed Warbler by longer primary projection, yellowish lower mandible and paler legs. Juveniles especially hard to identify because of even fainter plumage field marks. Less common in reed beds than Reed Warblers, and more attached to bushes with lush undergrowth. Diet The Marsh Warbler is mostly insectivorous, also taking some spiders and small numbers of snails. Longevity record 8 years 11 months (Sweden, AX 18398) Bagħal tal-Għadajjar Acrocephalus palustris Passeriformes Acrocephalidae Very rare Usually seen in August - October Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 13 - 15 11 - 15 Back to Glossary Eurasian Reed Warbler Eurasian Reed Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Plain and characterless warbler with secretive behaviour. Larger than Sedge Warbler, with larger wings, broader tail and tail-base. Very similar to Marsh Warbler, and very hard to distinguish by plumage alone. Rump of Reed warbler warm rufous brown, warm buff flanks (yellowish tinge in Marsh Warbler), and slightly longer and more pointed bill. Differs from Blyth's Reed Warbler by longer primary projection, yellowish lower mandible and paler legs. Juveniles especially hard to identify, because of even fainter plumage field marks. Attached to reed beds. Diet The Eurasian Reed W arbler is mostly insectivorous, also taking some spiders and small numbers of snails. Longevity record 16 years 11 months (Belgium, 5544265) Bagħal tal-Qasab Acrocephalus scirpaceus Passeriformes Acrocephalidae Fairly common Usually seen in August - October Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow 1/9 Length (cm): Weight (g): 16 - 20 10 - 15 Back to Glossary Sedge Warbler Sedge Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Small and compact, brown warbler with strong supercilium and streaked back. Crown dark with faint streaking, contrasting with broad supercilium. Rump unstreaked and warmer brown than back and tail. Juveniles with faintly streaked chest. Long primary projection. Body shorter and more compact than Reed Warbler. Easiest. Often sings from exposed branch or reed, is inquisitive and not very shy. Diet They are mainly insectivorous, feeding on aphids, dragonflies and damselflies, grasshoppers, lacewings, moths, beetles and flies. Longevity record 11 years 10 months (Denmark) Bagħal tas-Simar Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Passeriformes Acrocephalidae Fairly common Usually seen in April - May, September - October Occasionally seen in March, June, August, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/3 Length (cm): Weight (g): 11.5 - 13 11 - 15 Back to Glossary Moustached Warbler Moustached Warbler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but more individuals can be seen in the same area. Small and restless species easily confused with Sedge Warbler, but showing both plumage and structural differences. Plumage differs from Sedge Warbler in; broad, white supercilium ending without narrowing, dark crown (usually appears black), pure white throat, grey ear-coverts, dark legs and warm-rufous flanks, rump and neck. Facial markings recalling firecrest. Very short primary projection and longer, more evenly rounded tail recalling Wren when raised. Bill thinner than Sedge Warbler. Skulky behaviour, forages low in vegetation, on ground or near water surface. Some variation in both size and plumage between western and eastern subspecies. Diet They are mainly insectivorous, feeding on aphids, dragonflies and damselflies, grasshoppers, lacewings, moths, beetles and flies. Longevity record 11 years 3 months (Hungary, Y 13562) Bagħal Qastni Acrocephalus melanopogon Passeriformes Acrocephalidae Scarce Usually seen in November - December Occasionally seen in October, January - March Click on the image to open slideshow 1/5 Length (cm): Weight (g): 12 - 13.5 10 - 14 Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Flamingoes, Spoonbills, Ibises, Grebes, O'Catchers, Avocets & Stilts Flamingo Greater Flamingo Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in large flocks, in small groups and also individually. Unmistakable, a great sized bird, with pink plumage and a pink bill with black tip and yellow eyes in adults. They also have long, lean, curved necks and black-tipped bills with a distinctive downward bend. Their bent bills allow them to feed on small organisms—plankton, tiny fish, fly larvae, and the like. Immature birds first brown with white belly. Later dirty white with coverts tipped black. Diet Flamingos eat larva, small insects, blue-green and red algae, molluscs, crustaceans and small fish, according to Sea World. Their tendency to eat both vegetation and meat makes them omnivores. Longevity record 27 years (Ring read in the field in France, FA 5233) Fjamingu Phoenicopterus roseus Phoenicopteriformes Phoenicopteridae Scarce Usually seen in August - November Occasionally seen in all the other months Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. Pink body and bill with black tip. Rosy-red upperwings with black primaries and secondaries. Yellow iris. Juvenile to immature Note all brown plumage in juveniles. Bill is grey with less contrasting tip. Dark iris. 1/31 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 125 - 145 140 - 170 1.8 - 3.6 Back to Glossary Great white pelican Great White Pelican Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* The Great White pelican that lives in the shallow swamps in Africa is one of the largest flying birds in the world. It has the abilities of multiple birds, such as long flights and swimming. Its unique characteristic is the “gular pouch” inside its beak. Its legs are short and strong with fully webbed toes that allow it to propel itself in water and to take off from the surface of the water. They are powerful fliers and often travel in flocks in a V-formation to reduce drag for the group. Diet Great White pelicans are carnivores (piscivores), they eat fish and also small invertebrates. Longevity record 51 years Pellikan Pelecanus onocrotalus Pelecaniformes Pelicanidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in September - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/2 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 140 - 175 245 - 295 6.9 - 11.5 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Eurasian Spoonbill Eurasian Spoonbill Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Occasionally in flocks. Largely unmistakable, but might be mistaken for an egret when at a distance. Differs from these in bill-shape and in neck held straight (not retracted) in flight. Plumage white with yellowish half collar and neck tuft in breeding season. Bill and legs dark. Immature birds with black tips to primaries and pinkish bill. Characteristic feeding behavior with sweeping bill-motions from side to side. Wing-beats slower than Glossy Ibis, and flocks generally fly in single file. Diet Water bugs adults and larvae, dragonflies, caddisflies, locusts, flies and other insect species. It also takes crustaceans, molluscs, worms, leeches, frogs, tadpoles and small fish, and occasionally some algae. Longevity record 25-30 years Paletta Platalea leucorodia Pelecaniformes Threskiornithidae Very scarce Usually seen in February - May, September - October Occasionally seen in June - August, November - January Click on the image to open slideshow 1/29 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 80 - 93 120 - 135 1.2 - 1.7 Back to Glossary Bald Ibis Northern Bald Ibis Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen singly on the 15th October 2017. From the ring details it was known that it was part of a reintroduction program in Fagnana, Udine in the North of Italy. A largely unmistakable, even at a distance when bald head is not apparent. Note short legs and short, thick neck without bulbous head. In flight note that the legs are not protruding behind tail, and that the wings usually show 3-4 "fingers". Frequent soaring flight, as opposed to Glossy Ibis. This ibis is listed as 'Endangered' under IUCN's list and several programs are being implemented for its reintroduction. Diet Northern bald ibis eat a wide variety of foods, especially grasshoppers, locusts, mole-crickets, crickets, beetles and small reptiles. They will also eat most other invertebrates and small vertebrates they can find, including scorpions, snails, worms, frogs and fish. Longevity record 24-32 years Velleran Qargħi / Velleran Eremita Geronticus eremita Pelecaniformes Threskiornithidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in One single record on 15th Oct 2017 Click on the image to open slideshow Adult Red bill. Elongated nape feathers. Yellow to orange iris. 1/7 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 70 - 80 120 - 135 1.0 - 1.3 Back to Glossary Picture taken abroad Glossy Ibis Glossy Ibis Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Occasionally in larger groups >10 individuals. Resembles a big, black Curlew, but can only be confused with Bald Ibis. Differs from this by longer, slender neck, rounded and feathered head, long legs (trailing in flight) and heavier bill. Bare parts greyish, not red. Adults with glossy green wings. Immatures and birds in winter plumage with white-speckled head and neck. Head and legs droops slightly below horizontal plane in flight, leaving a "hunched" impression. Wing beats faster than herons of same size. May glide longer distances, but does not soar like Bald Ibis. Flight formation loose, diagonal or in single file with undulating movements. Diet Insects, small fish and aquatic invertebrates, including molluscs and crabs. It uses its long bill to probe through mud and shallow water to find prey. Longevity record 9 years (Shot in Hungary, 27530) Velleran / Veneral Plegadis falcinellus Pelecaniformes Threskiornithidae Very scarce Usually seen in March - April Occasionally seen in May-June, August - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/15 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 55 - 65 88 - 105 530 - 768 Back to Glossary Little Grebe Little Grebe Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in pairs. Small, dark grebe with bright yellow gape, short neck and bill. Winter plumage paler than summer, with chestnut flanks, neck and cheeks, giving less contrast between upper- and underparts. Fluffy, pale stern. No crest or tufts/tippets and no white markings on wings. Diet Insects, small fish, molluscs, crustaceans and amphibians. Longevity record 17 years (Switzerland, 929838) Blonġun Żgħir Tachybaptus ruficollis Podicipediformes Podicipedidae Very scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in September - February Occasionally seen in March, July - August, all other months for resident individuals at Simar Click on the image to open slideshow Juvenile Bright yellow bill, gape still not formed, broader white in chin and white side feathers indicating a juvenile. Adult summer Distinctive yellow gape, chestnut cheeks and foreneck in spring adults. Black bill with paler yellowish end tip. Juvenile Bright yellow bill, gape still not formed, broader white in chin and white side feathers indicating a juvenile. Juvenile Bright yellow bill, gape still not formed, broader white in chin and white side feathers indicating a juvenile. 1/15 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 23 - 29 40 - 45 140 - 193 Great Crested Grebe Great Crested Grebe Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but occasionally in groups. Unmistakable in summer plumage with black crest, and black and chestnut tippets. Paler coloured (pinkish) bill than other grebes (also in winter). Gives a slender and more elegant impression. Swims with body low and a stretched slender neck, or with head rested on back. Winter; very pale. Pale, pinkish bill. White area above lores. Front of neck white. Shows white lesser- and median coverts in flight together with white wing-bar. Diet The great crested grebe feeds mainly on fish, but also small crustaceans, insects small frogs and newts. Longevity record 19 years (Shot in Russia, C 111277) Blonġun Prim Podiceps cristatus Podicipediformes Podicipedidae Scarce Usually seen in October - March Occasionally seen in April, August - September Click on the image to open slideshow Adult summer Long head plumes, chestnut face feathers and a darker back and sides in summer plumage. Adult summer Long head plumes, chestnut face feathers and a darker back and sides in summer plumage. Adult summer Long head plumes, chestnut face feathers and a darker back and sides in summer plumage. Adult summer Long head plumes, chestnut face feathers and a darker back and sides in summer plumage. 1/12 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 46 - 51 59 - 73 0.8 - 2.0 Back to Glossary Black-necked Grebe Black-necked Grebe Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Small and dark grebe, with squarish head and thin, uptilted bill. Adult breeding plumage distinct, with unique combination of black head and neck, and a spray of golden, fan-like feathers from eye to nape. Head profile distinct, with its steep forehead. In winter plumage highest point is above the eye. Much more contrasting plumage than Little Grebe. Avoids to take wing if possible. Diet This grebe eats mostly insects, of both adult and larval stages, as well as crustaceans, molluscs, tadpoles, and small frogs and fish. When moulting at lakes with high salinity, although, this bird feeds mostly on brine shrimp. Longevity record 13 years (Shot in the Czech Republic, D 43196) Blonġun Sekond Podiceps nigricollis Podicipediformes Podicipedidae Fairly common Usually seen in October - December Occasionally seen in January - April, August - September Click on the image to open slideshow Adult moulting to summer plumage Adult moulting to summer plumage Adult summer Bright red iris, black head, neck and back. Peak on head. Chestnut side feathers. Yellow ear-tufts. Adult moulting to summer plumage 1/22 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 28 - 34 56 - 60 250 - 350 Back to Glossary Oystercatcher Eurasian Oystercatcher Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in small groups but can be seen individually. Unmistakable shorebird. Large wader with black and white plumage, striking orange-red, straight bill and red orbital ring. Legs pinkish in adults and grey in juveniles. Broad white wing-bars. Stocky build, with fairly short legs and broad chest. Flight pattern straight and level. Winter plumage with white half-collar on chin. Juveniles with browner tone to upperparts than adults, and black tip of bill. Diet In muddy coasts, worms are the most important part of the diet, whereas rocky shore oystercatchers prey upon limpets, mussels, gastropods, and chitons. Longevity record 43 years (Killed by a bird of prey in Germany, 5022926) Gallina tal-Baħar Haematopus ostralegus Charadriiformes Haematopodidae Very scarce Usually seen in August Occasionally seen in March - July, September - December Click on the image to open slideshow Adult summer Red bill showing an adult. Lack of white collar indicating a summer plumage. 1st summer birds have a dark tip on the end of the bill. Interesting to note that all photos taken are all of adult birds. 1/27 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 39 - 44 72 - 83 380 - 520 Back to Glossary Pied Avocet Pied Avocet Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in small groups but can be seen individually and in large flocks. An elegant, long-legged, black and white wader with a long, upcurved bill. Plumage mainly white, with black wing-tips, coverts, crown and hind-neck. Pretty unmistakable. Confusion with Juvenile Shelduck possible at very long range. Flight pattern even and mostly without glides. Females have a shorter but more sharply curved bills than males. Diet Pied Avocets mostly feed on crustaceans and insects. They typically forage in shallow brackish water or on mud flats, often moving their bills from side to side in water as they search for food. Pied Avocets breed near shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed bare mud. Longevity record 27 years (Ring read in the field in the Netherlands, 3047434) Xifa Recurvirostra avosetta Recurvirostridae Charadriiformes Very scarce Usually seen in March - April, August - September Occasionally seen in May, October - December Click on the image to open slideshow Adult female Shorter and more sharply curved bill indicative of a female. 1/17 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 42 - 46 67 - 77 225 - 400 Back to Glossary Black-Winged Stilt Black-winged Stilt Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in small groups but can be seen individually and in large flocks. Unmistakable due to the extremely long, red legs. High contrast plumage with pointed, black wings (both upper and under-side) and white underparts. Tail white, with white wedge extending up back. Back of adult male sooty black, while brownish black in female and immature. Head all white or with black markings independent of sex (males more often have black markings than females though). Immature with faint, pale fringes to coverts, and white trailing edge to secondaries visible in flight. Diet Black-winged Stilts feed mainly on aquatic insects, but will also take molluscs and crustaceans. They rarely swim for food, preferring instead to wade in shallow water, and seize prey on or near the surface. Occasionally, birds plunge their heads below the surface to catch sub-aquatic prey. Longevity record 10 years (Ring read in the field in Spain, 4037768) Fra Servjent / Passarvjent Himantopus himantopus Recurvirostridae Charadriiformes Fairly common Usually seen in March - May, July - August Occasionally seen in February, June, September - October Click on the image to open slideshow Adults Males - dark black backs Females - brown tinged backs Black on head patterns varies between males and females but males tend to have more black on the head. Adults Males - dark black backs Females - brown tinged backs Black on head patterns varies between males and females but males tend to have more black on the head. 1/38 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 33 - 36 71 - 83 150 - 210 Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

We are a group of bird enthusiasts that have teamed up to collect, photograph and showcase the different species of birds that had visited and that visit the Maltese archipelago.  This web page classifies birds in categories and gives some more details of any specific species. Who are we? Birds of Malta We are a group of bird enthusiasts, mostly from the local hunting community, that have teamed up to collect, photograph and showcase the different species of birds that had visited and that visit the Maltese archipelago. This web page classifies birds in categories and gives some more details of any specific species. Most of the photos used in this site are taken in Malta by our collaborators. Some photos that are taken abroad are marked and credited.

Gulls & Skuas Kittiwake Black-legged Kittiwake Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Takes two/three years to reach maturity. A small and agile gull with all black wing-tips, black legs (adults) and yellow bill. Area close to wing-tips much paler than rest of wings, and often visible at surprisingly long range (more so than the black tips). Adult winter with grey neck and black half-collar. Juveniles with black zig-zag pattern to wings, resembling pattern seen in Little Gull, Ross's Gull and Sabine's Gull. Differs from those in; no dark bar on secondaries, underparts of wing white, back grey, black on primaries reaches wing-tip. Flight action different from larger gulls; fast, stiff wing-beats and elegant manoeuvring even in strong winds. Diet The black-legged kittiwake eats marine invertebrates, plankton, and fish. It feeds in flocks and catches food at the surface of the water. It also dives just below the surface of the water to catch its prey, in fact, it is the only gull that dives and swims underwater! Longevity record 28 years (Found dead in the UK, EC 26662) Gawwija tal-Ingilterra Rissa tridactyla Charadriiformes Laridae Rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in January - February Occasionally seen in March, October - December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/28 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 38 - 40 93 - 120 305 - 525 Slender-billed Gull Slender-billed Gull Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but occasionally in small groups. Takes two/three years to reach maturity. This scarce gull breeds in colonies, nesting on the ground and laying up to three eggs. Like most gulls, it is gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species, and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts. The head and dark red bill have an elongated tapering appearance, and this bird also appears long-necked. The legs are dark red, and the iris is yellow. In summer, the breast has a pink coloration. This bird takes two years to reach maturity. First year birds have a black terminal tail band, and dark areas in the wings. Diet Mainly feeds on fish. Occasionally feeds on marine invertebrates and catches insects in flight. Longevity record 16 years (Russia, E 271491) Gawwija Munqhara Irqiq Chroicocephalus genei Charadriiformes Laridae Scarce Usually seen in March, October Occasionally seen in all other months Click on the image to open slideshow Adult summer The dark bill indicates an adult in summer plumage. 1st winter Light orange bill and legs characteristics of 1st winter gull. Ad. 3rd winter Note a more pink tinge on breast, belly, tail and primaries and a small ear spot in the ear coverts. Bill and legs are redder. This is considered as a complete winter moult. In summer the beak and legs will be darker. Adult summer The dark bill indicates an adult in summer plumage. 1/14 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 40 - 44 100 - 112 223 - 375 Back to Glossary Bonaparte's Gull Bonaparte's Gull Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A small gull that is a North American resident and breeder. A vagrant to see in Europe. The Bonaparte's gull takes two years to reach maturity. It is slightly larger than the Little Gull and resembles also a similar flight although it has a jizz more likely of a Black-headed gull but with narrower wings. At all ages, it has whitish translucent primaries with a black trailing edge, a slender body, pale pinkish legs a nd a shortly slender dark bill. Diet Mainly feeds on fish. Occasionally feeds on marine invertebrates and catches insects in flight. Longevity record 18 years Gawwija ta' Bonaparti Chroicocephalus philadelphia Charadriiformes Laridae Vagrant Usu ally seen in --- Occasionally seen in November, January Click on the image to open slideshow 1st year gull Whitish head with broad dark ear spot. Pale pinkish legs. Dark markings on back indicate a 1st year bird. 1st year gull Whitish head with broad dark ear spot. Pale pinkish legs. White outer primaries with black trailing edge. Dark markings on back indicate a 1st year bird. 1st year gull Whitish head with broad dark ear spot. Pale pinkish legs. White outer primaries with black trailing edge. Dark markings on back indicate a 1st year bird. 1st year gull Whitish head with broad dark ear spot. Pale pinkish legs. Dark markings on back indicate a 1st year bird. 1/19 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 28 - 30 75 -90 170 - 235 Back to Glossary Black-headed Gull Black-headed Gull Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in flocks, small groups or individually. Takes two years to reach maturity. Chocolate-brown hood in adult plumage (seemingly black at a distance), but head only with dark markings in winter and juvenile plumages. Underparts of inner primaries dark grey. First few primaries white with black tip, both on upper side of wing and under. Last character conspicuous in all plumages, but slightly less obvious in juveniles due to larger dark area of wing-tip. . Diet This gull is omnivorous. It eats mostly animal material, including wide variety of insects, also earthworms, marine worms, molluscs, crustaceans, small fish, carrion. During summer may eat many seeds and small fruits. Longevity record 32 years (Ring read in the field in the Netherlands, 3275396) Gawwija Rasha Kannella Chroicocephalus ridibundus Charadriiformes Laridae Common Usually seen in November - February Occasionally seen in March - April, September - October Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. winter transitioning to Summer plumage Clean grey upperwings, black head. The white eye rings are still not complete and the bill and legs are yet to get darker for a Summer plumage. Ad. winter transitioning to Summer plumage Clean grey upperwings, black head. The white eye rings are still not complete and the bill and legs are yet to get darker for a Summer plumage. Ad. winter moulting to summer Ad. winter transitioning to Summer plumage Clean grey upperwings, black head. The white eye rings are still not complete and the bill and legs are yet to get darker for a Summer plumage. 1/42 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 34 - 39 100 - 110 161 - 400 Back to Glossary Little Gull Little Gull Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but may be seen in very small groups. Takes three years to reach maturity. Very small gull with rounded wings and almost tern-like appearance. Underwing black, with broad white trailing edge. Lacks Black-headed Gull's conspicuous white outer primaries. Adult summer plumage with black (not chocolate) hood, that reaches far down on hind-neck. Winter plumage without hood, but with dark cheek-patch and dark cap. Juveniles differs from juvenile Kittiwake in slender body, dark cap, dark patch at trailing base of underwing, faint dark wing-bar and shorter wings. Can, with experience, be identified by fluttering, butterfly-like flight at long distance. Diet Mostly insects. During summer and migration feeds mostly on insects. Also eats brine shrimp and other crustaceans, small molluscs, spiders, marine worms, and some small fish. Longevity record 20 years (Ring read in the field in Finland, AT-35319) Gawwija Żgħira Hydrocoloeus minutus Charadriiformes Laridae Very scarce Usually seen in December - February Occasionally seen in March - April, September - November Click on the image to open slideshow 2nd. winter Similar to the 1st winter but tail is completely white, upperwings are grey and have a two-toned underwing with pale axillaries and coverts against dark primaries. Ad. winter Similar to the 1st winter but tail is completely white, upperwings are grey and have a two-toned underwing with pale axillaries and coverts against dark primaries. 1st winter Greyish back indicative of a juvenile in its first winter. Wings still show dark feathers on the outer wings and at the end of the tail which shall turn into grey and white in a 2nd winter bird. 2nd. winter Similar to the 1st winter but tail is completely white, upperwings are grey and have a two-toned underwing with pale axillaries and coverts against dark primaries. 1/27 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 25 - 27 75 - 80 66 - 133 Back to Glossary Franklin's Gull Franklin's Gull Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* There is only one record of an adult gull transitioning to its summer plumage which was seen at Għadira Nature Reserve and later on at Salini Nature Reserve on the 9th May 2024. Click link for Facebook post by Mario V. Gauci. A true long-distance migrant, Franklin's breeds at freshwater marshes on the prairies of North America and winters along the Pacific coast of South America from Peru to southern Chile. It was previously much more abundant, with a decline of up to 90% noted between 1950 and 2000. Its world population now stands at around 350,000 pairs. This epic annual migration cycle seems to make it more susceptible to spectacular vagrancy, and it has been recorded in locations as diverse as Australasia, inland Africa and central and eastern Asia. Franklin's is superficially similar to Laughing Gull at all ages, particularly at rest. However, it is a smaller bird, falling between Bonaparte's and Black-headed Gulls in size, and its upperparts average slightly paler (Kodak Scale 6-9). Unusually, it also undertakes two complete moults each year – once after breeding and another on reaching its wintering grounds. At all ages, structure can be a good clue as to the identification: it tends to look 'cuter' than Laughing, with a smaller, rounder head, daintier bill and bigger eye. The white eyelids are even more pronounced than in its larger cousin. Adults are largely similar in appearance to adult Laughing, with the greatest differences seen in flight – Franklin's has a broader-looking wing-tip that is accentuated by a striking primary pattern. The primaries are essentially white tipped, albeit with a variable amount of black subterminal markings from p6-10. This is easily discernible both at rest and in flight, with the wing-tip looking distinctly whitish. As in Laughing, breeding-plumaged Franklin's show a glossy black hood, although the bill tends to be noticeably redder and so contrasts more. It may also retain the hood well into autumn. Winter birds show an extensive 'half-hood'. Second-winter Franklin's shows much more black in the wing-tip and thus can be trickier to separate from Laughing. Diet Mostly insects. During summer and migration feeds mostly on insects. Also eats brine shrimp and other crustaceans, small molluscs, spiders, marine worms, and some small fish. Longevity record --- Gawwija tal-Kanada Leucophaeus pipixcan Charadriiformes Laridae Vagrant Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in --- Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 32 - 38 85 - 92 230 - 300 Back to Glossary Mediterrenean Gull Mediterrenean Gull Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in flocks but can be seen individually or in small groups. Takes three years to reach maturity. Small, but bulky gull. Black hood with white crescents above and below eye, blood-red bill and legs in breeding plumage. The rest of the body seems all white at a distance. Wingtips pure white in adult birds. Chest deeper than in Black-headed gull, and wings fairly broad and rounded. In winter the black hood is largely lost, but dark streaking around, and at the back of the eye remains. Second year birds are similar to adult winter, but varying degrees of black markings remains on wing-tips. Diet An opportunistic omnivore, eating fish, worms, scraps, insects, offal and carrion. Longevity record 22 years (Ring read in the field in Greece, E 000958) Gawwija Rasha Sewda Larus melanocephalus Charadriiformes Laridae Common Usually seen in September - March Occasionally seen in April, August Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. summer Note white body and very pale grey back with no dark tips on the primaries indicating an adult gull. Velvety black hood with distintive white crescents above and below the eye and coral red bill and legs. The second gull is at a more advanced stage - head nearly completely black and legs are coral red. The first gull although adult still lacks a black head and feet are darker. Ad. summer Note white body and very pale grey back with no dark tips on the primaries indicating an adult gull. Velvety black hood with distintive white crescents above and below the eye and coral red bill and legs. The second gull is at a more advanced stage - head nearly completely black and legs are coral red. The first gull although adult still lacks a black head and feet are darker. Ad. summer Note white body and very pale grey back with no dark tips on the primaries indicating an adult gull. Velvety black hood with distintive white crescents above and below the eye and coral red bill and legs. The second gull is at a more advanced stage - head nearly completely black and legs are coral red. The first gull although adult still lacks a black head and feet are darker. Ad. summer Note white body and very pale grey back with no dark tips on the primaries indicating an adult gull. Velvety black hood with distintive white crescents above and below the eye and coral red bill and legs. The second gull is at a more advanced stage - head nearly completely black and legs are coral red. The first gull although adult still lacks a black head and feet are darker. 1/18 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 36 - 40 92 - 100 217 - 348 Back to Glossary Audouin's Gull Audouin's Gull Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but sometimes seen in very small groups. Takes four years to reach maturity. A large gull found only in the Mediterranean and the western coast of Saharan Africa. It was considered one of the rarest gulls in the 1960's being said that the population was a mere 1,000 pairs. Today it had increased to an established 10,000 pairs. Slightly smaller and more elegant than the Yellow-legged Gull with a slender bill, more elongated, sloping forehead, and longer, narrower wings. It can be distinguished from the Yellow-legged gull by its blood-red bill with black and yellow tip (sometimes hard to appreciate), very dark iris, dark grey or greenish legs (often visible in flight), much paler grey upper-wing with only a tiny white patch at the wing-tip and small white tips to the wing feathers (appears like a ‘string of pearls'). Juveniles have a paler face, a smooth unstreaked chest, unstreaked greyish neck feathers, a 'U' shaped rump patch on the tail and a strongly patterned underwing. Diet Mostly fish and cephalopods (squids, octopii, etc.), but small mammals, arthropods, birds and plant material are also taken. Longevity record 25 years (Spain, 6005620) Gawwija tal-Gżejjer Larus audouinii Charadriiformes Laridae Scarce Usually seen in August Occasionally seen in all other months Click on the image to open slideshow Adults (Jan 21) Note coral red bills, white head and body, pale grey upperparts and white patches on black primaries indicative of a full adult moult. Third summer gulls are similar but lack the white patches on the primaries. Adults (Jan 21) Note coral red bills, white head and body, pale grey upperparts and white patches on black primaries indicative of a full adult moult. Third summer gulls are similar but lack the white patches on the primaries. Adult Note coral red bill, white head and body, pale grey upperparts and white patches on black primaries indicative of a full adult moult. Third summer gulls are similar but lack the white patches on the primaries. Adults (Jan 21) Note coral red bills, white head and body, pale grey upperparts and white patches on black primaries indicative of a full adult moult. Third summer gulls are similar but lack the white patches on the primaries. 1/22 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 48 - 52 115 - 140 460 - 625 Back to Glossary Pallas Gull Pallas's Gull Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A vagrant bird that is seen individually. A very large gull, listed as the third largest species of gull in the world, after the Great black-backed gull and the Glaucous gull . It measures 55–72 cm in length with a 142 to 170 cm wingspan. Summer adults are unmistakable since no other gull of this size has a black hood. The adults have grey wings and back, with conspicuous white "mirrors" at the wing tips. The legs are yellow and the bill is orangey-yellow with a red tip. Diet These birds are predatory, taking fish, crustaceans, insects and even small mammals. Longevity record 29 years 2 months (Found dead in FInland, DT-13489) Gawwija Imperjali Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus Charadriiformes Laridae Vagrant Usually seen in ---- Occasionally seen in January, March, October, December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/16 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 57 - 61 149 - 170 900 - 2000 Back to Glossary Mew Gull Common Gull Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Takes three years to reach maturity. A gull in smaller size, having a lighter bill and light flight. Head profile rounded, and the small bill lacks the red spot of the larger gulls. Told apart from Kittiwake by greenish legs and large white spot on wing tips. Diet Mostly fish, worms, insects, fish, carrion and rubbish. Longevity record 33 years, 8 months (Ring read in the field in Denmark, 5003247) Gawwija Sekonda Larus canus Charadriiformes Laridae Rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in December - January Occasionally seen in February, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1st winter Head and body white with brown markings. Also scaly tail. Pale bill with black tip. Heavy brown upperwing and grey saddle. 1st winter Head and body white with brown markings. Also scaly tail. Pale bill with black tip. Heavy brown upperwing and grey saddle. 1st winter Head and body white with brown markings. Also scaly tail. Pale bill with black tip. Heavy brown upperwing and grey saddle. 1st winter Head and body white with brown markings. Also scaly tail. Pale bill with black tip. Heavy brown upperwing and grey saddle. 1/29 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 40 - 45 100 - 130 290 - 548 Lesser Black-backed Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Takes four years to reach maturity. Yellow legs, black to dark grey back (regional variations) and black primaries with only small white spots. Winter plumage with streaked head and neck. Underside of flight feathers smoky grey. Juveniles very variable, but with completely dark inner primaries and broad terminal band to tail. There are basically four sub species in the European region, being --> L.f. graellsi which has a slate grey back --> L.f. intermedius which has a much darker back than 'graellsi' --> L.f. fuscus aka 'BALTIC GULL' which has a black back --> L.f. heuglini aka 'HEUGLIN'S GULL' which is similar to 'graellsi' but larger in proportion Klaus Malling Olsen, author of ''Gulls of the World: A Photographic Guide'', describes the L.f. fuscus i.e. the 'Baltic Gull' and the L.f. heuglini i.e. the 'Heuglin's Gull' separately from the 'graellsi' and ' intermediate' ssp. Diet Feed on fish, but can also feed on invertebrates such as crustaceans, molluscs and terrestrial prey. Longevity record 34 years, 10 months (A shot bird in the UK, GM 21509) Gawwija Daharha Iswed Larus fuscus Charadriiformes Laridae Fairly common Usually seen in September - March Occasionally seen in April, July - August Click on the image to open slideshow Baltic Gull (L.f.fuscus) 2nd winter bird. Bill still with black marking indicating that this gull had not reached the adult stage. However the few head streaks and already all white tail are indicative that it is moulting to an adult summer plumage. Ad. winter (L.f.intermedius) Bill neat yellow with red gonys spot features an adult. White head with few black streaks in winter plumage. The back of ssp. intermedius may in some individuals be much more grey than normal and sometimes can be as nearly as black such as in this individual. Adult summer. Clean white head and yellow bill with red gonys spot. Baltic Gull (L.f.fuscus) 2nd winter bird. Bill still with black marking indicating that this gull had not reached the adult stage. However the few head streaks and already all white tail are indicative that it is moulting to an adult summer plumage. 1/21 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 49 - 57 118 - 150 452 - 1100 Back to Glossary Herring gull European Herring Gull Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Large gull with deep chest, light grey back and heavy yellow bill with red spot (adult). Pinkish legs and black tipped primaries with white windows. Winter plumage with streaked head and neck. Develops grey mantle in 2.nd winter. Young birds may be difficult to distinguish from juvenile Greater- or Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and the species shows notable variation in both plumage and size. Juveniles generally shows darker head and less contrasting markings than Greater Black-back, and pale inner primaries (window), as opposed to the all black hand of young Lesser Black-backs. Diet Herring Gulls feeds primarily on fish and crustaceans, and destroys the clutches of terns, petrels and ducks. It also frequents rubbish dumps. It also consumes invertebrates, small mammals, molluscs, lizards and large insects. Longevity record 34 years 9 months (Accidentally trapped in fishnet in Norway, 5020154) Gawwija Prima Saqajha Roża Larus argentatus Charadriiformes Laridae Vagrant Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in November -Jan uary Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. summer Note the pinkish legs. Yellow-legged Gulls are very similar but have yellow legs. Ad. summer Note the pinkish legs. Yellow-legged Gulls are very similar but have yellow legs. Ad. summer Note the pinkish legs. Yellow-legged Gulls are very similar but have yellow legs. 1/2 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 55 - 67 125 - 155 717 - 1495 Back to Glossary Yellow-legged Gull Yellow-legged Gull Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually, in groups and in flocks. Takes four years to reach maturity. Silvery upperparts, bright yellow legs and more black and less white in wing-tips. Orbital ring red, not orange. Big, red gonys spot, often extending to upper mandible. Marked gonys angle. Primary feather P5 (counted from innermost feather in gulls) usually with broad, black band. In winter plumage head is less streaked and often completely white. Immatures first winter: Pale belly and head. Dark underwings with blotchy markings. Only vague pale window of inner primaries, and well defined, wedge-shaped tail-band. Dark base of bill. Diet Yellow-legged Gull feeds primarily on fish and crustaceans, and destroys the clutches of terns, petrels and ducks. It also frequents rubbish dumps. It also consumes invertebrates, small mammals, molluscs, lizards and large insects. Longevity record 20 years (Ring read in the field in Portugal, 16678) Gawwija Prima Larus michahellis Charadriiformes Laridae Common Usually seen in November - February Occasionally seen in all other months for residents Click on the image to open slideshow Juvenile/1st winter Contrasting white and brown plumage. Dark eye mask on whitish head. Bill is black and have a pronounced gonydeal angle. 1st winter moulting to 1st summer A strongly worn plumage. Bill is getting lighter. 2nd summer The combination of brown and grey patterned coverts and the extensive black mark on the bill indicates a 2nd year gull. Some brown feathers near the eye and a bright white head, breast and belly indicating the gull is moulting to a summer plumage. Juvenile/1st winter Contrasting white and brown plumage. Dark eye mask on whitish head. Bill is black and have a pronounced gonydeal angle. 1/14 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 52 - 58 120 - 140 550 - 1600 Back to Glossary Caspian Gull Caspian Gull Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Takes four years to reach maturity. The Caspian Gull has a long, slender bill with lacking pronounced gonys angle, accentuated by the sloping forehead. One has to note that most individuals with a narrower bill will probably be females. Males may have a somehow stronger bill but still slightly drooping and a less pronounce gonys- angle than in Yellow-legged Gulls. The legs, wings, and neck are longer than those of the Yellow-legged Gull . The eye is small and often dark (in circa 75% of adult individual). However 1st and 2nd year gulls have a black iris, possibly brownish in 3rd years (in 25% probability) and a mid-yellow iris in adults (25% probability), and the legs vary from pale pink to a pale yellowish colour. The back and wings are a slightly paler than the Yellow-legged Gull. The outermost primary feather has a large white tip and a white tongue running up the inner web. First-winter birds have a pale head with dark streaking on the back of the neck. The underparts are pale and the back is greyish. The greater and median wing coverts have whitish tips forming two pale lines across the wing. Diet They are scavengers and predators with a very varied diet. During the breeding season, they often eat rodents such as ground squirrels , flying some distance into the steppes to find them. Longevity record - Gawwija tal-Kaspju Larus cachinnans Charadriiformes Laridae Very scarce Usually seen in November - February Occasionally seen in September, March - April Click on the image to open slideshow 1st winter (26-12-20) Small clean rectangular shaped white head with a very narrow darker eye mask. Black eye and pale grey saddle. Bill is narrower and gonydeal is less protruding. Slender look. The greater coverts have dark bases with a greyish tip that form a light wing-bar pattern. Mottled pattern in the greater coverts. 1st winter Small clean rectangular shaped white head with a very narrow darker eye mask. Black eye and pale grey saddle. Bill is narrower and gonydeal is less protruding. Slender look. The greater coverts have dark bases with a greyish tip that form a light wing-bar pattern. Mottled pattern in the greater coverts. 1st winter Small clean rectangular shaped white head and breast with a very narrow darker eye mask. Black eye and pale grey saddle. Bill is narrower and gonydeal is less protruding. Slender look. Worn coverts with watered and out-washed pattern. 1st winter (26-12-20) Small clean rectangular shaped white head with a very narrow darker eye mask. Black eye and pale grey saddle. Bill is narrower and gonydeal is less protruding. Slender look. The greater coverts have dark bases with a greyish tip that form a light wing-bar pattern. Mottled pattern in the greater coverts. 1/5 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 56 - 58 137 - 145 680 - 1590 Back to Glossary Long-tailed Jaeger Long-tailed Jaeger Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually and off the coast in open waters. Formerly known as the 'Long-tailed Skua'. Breeding plumaged adults with streamers unmistakable (streamers comprising two thirds of total tail length). Adult plumage shows less variation than in other skuas. No hint of breast band, and transition between pale belly and darker vent very diffuse. No white patches at base of primaries of underwing in adults. Juveniles easily confused with juvenile Arctic Skua, but are more slender. Wings narrower and primaries and tail longer. Juvenile Arctic Skua shows white patches at base of primaries on both sides of wings, juvenile Long-tailed only on underwing, and on first few primaries of upper. Barred rump and tail coverts in juveniles. Flight elegant and buoyant. Diet Small mammals and when at sea, small fish, offal and carrion. Longevity record 17 years 11 months (Sweden,6164551) Skua Denbha Twil Stercorarius longicaudus Charadriiformes Stercorariidae Very rare Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in September - January, March Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 51 - 62 94 - 104 230 - 350 Back to Glossary Parasitic Jaeger Parasitic Jaeger Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually and off the coast in open waters. Formerly known as the 'Arctic Skua'. Dark, pale and intermediate morphs. Elongated middle tail feathers (projection comprising about half the total tail length), but not as long as in adult Long-tailed skua. White patches at base of primaries, both on upper and underside of wings. Dark morph chocolate brown with darker hood. Pale morph with white throat and belly and incomplete breast band. Relatively marked transition from pale belly to dark vent (as opposed to Long-tailed). Size close to Common Gull. Flight powerful, elegant and falcon-like. Juveniles with short but pointed middle tail-feathers. Confusion with other juvenile skuas very likely. Differs from Long-tailed in prominent white base of most primaries on upper side of wing (not just the first few feathers). Lacks the double white patch of Pomarine Skua's underwing, and shows less contrast between back and rump. Wings broader than Long-tailed but narrower than Pomarine. Approximately equal to distance from wing rear edge to tail-tip (projections excluded). Diet This bird will feed on rodents, insects, eggs, chicks and small birds in the breeding season, but the majority of its diet (especially in winter and on migration) is made up of food that it acquires by robbing other birds (primarily gulls and terns) of their catches in an act called kleptoparasitism . Longevity record 31 years 1 months (Found dead in Finland, ST-24110) Skua tal-Artiku Stercorarius parasiticus Charadriiformes Stercorariidae Very scarce Usually seen in September, November - February Occasionally seen in April, July, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 41 - 54 110 - 125 330 - 610 Back to Glossary Pomarine Jaeger Pomarine Jaeger Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually and off the coast in open waters. Identification of this jaeger is complicated by its similarities to Parasitic Jaeger and the existence of three morphs . Pomarine Jaegers are much bulkier, broader-winged and less falcon -like than the Parasitic Jaeger, but show the same wide range of plumage variation. The flight is more measured than that of the smaller species. Light-morph adult Pomarine Jaegers have a brown back, mainly white underparts and dark primary wing feathers with a white "flash". The head and neck are yellowish-white with a black cap. Dark morph adults are dark brown, and intermediate morph birds are dark with somewhat paler underparts, head and neck. All morphs have the white wing flash, which appears as a diagnostic double flash on the underwing. In breeding adults of all morphs, the two central tail feathers are much longer than the others, spoon-shaped, and twisted from the horizontal. Juveniles are even more problematic to identify, and are difficult to separate from parasitic jaegers at a distance on plumage alone. Diet During breeding, Pomarine Jaegers specialize on eating brown lemmings, with smaller numbers of other rodents like tundra voles and collared lemmings. They catch shorebirds, ducks, and ptarmigan infrequently during summer, but the constant threat of predation seems to lower shorebird nest success when jaegers are around. During the nonbreeding season the diet is much more varied, including lemmings, birds, eggs, carrion, insects, fish, squid, and crabs. At sea, they harry kittiwakes, shearwaters, petrels, puffins, terns, boobies, gulls, and other seabirds to steal their catches. Longevity record 30 years Skua ta' Denbha Stercorarius pomarinus Charadriiformes Stercorariidae Very scarce Usually seen in March - April, October - December Occasionally seen in February, May, July - September Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. summer plumage Long tail spoon shaped as in Summer. White collar and belly. Ad. summer plumage Long tail spoon shaped as in Summer. White collar and belly. Ad. summer plumage Long tail spoon shaped as in Summer. White collar and belly. Ad. summer plumage Long tail spoon shaped as in Summer. White collar and belly. 1/3 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 46 - 51 125 - 138 550 - 850 Back to Glossary Great Skua Great Skua Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually and off the coast in open waters. Large and heavy skua with broad wings and short tail. The white patches at base of primaries are more striking than in the other skuas, and are visible both on upper and underside of wings. Size comparable to Yellow Legged Gull, but build more compact. Seemingly black at a distance, but white wing-patches usually visible. Confusion with juvenile Pomarine Skua possible, but body is heavier (not just the chest), wings rounder, bill longer, neck thicker and tail shorter. Diet They eat mainly fish, birds, eggs, carrion, offal, rodents, rabbits, and occasionally berries. Longevity record 35 years 11 months (Iceland, 215553) Skua Kbira Stercorarius skua Charadriiformes Stercorariidae Very scarce Usually seen in February - March, October - December Occasionally seen in January, April Click on the image to open slideshow Immature/Adult Colour is pale, barrel shaped body and pale underwing secondaries to primaries bar. Immature/Adult Colour is pale, barrel shaped body and pale underwing secondaries to primaries bar. 1/9 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 53 - 61 127 - 146 1.1 - 1.7 Back to Glossary Little Gull Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but may be seen in very small groups. Takes three years to reach maturity. Very small gull with rounded wings and almost tern-like appearance. Underwing black, with broad white trailing edge. Lacks Black-headed Gull's conspicuous white outer primaries. Adult summer plumage with black (not chocolate) hood, that reaches far down on hind-neck. Winter plumage without hood, but with dark cheek-patch and dark cap. Juveniles differs from juvenile Kittiwake in slender body, dark cap, dark patch at trailing base of underwing, faint dark wing-bar and shorter wings. Can, with experience, be identified by fluttering, butterfly-like flight at long distance. Diet Mostly insects. During summer and migration feeds mostly on insects. Also eats brine shrimp and other crustaceans, small molluscs, spiders, marine worms, and some small fish. Longevity record 20 years (Ring read in the field in Finland, AT-35319) Gawwija Żgħira Hydrocoloeus minutus Charadriiformes Laridae Very scarce Usually seen in December - February Occasionally seen in March - April, September - November Click on the image to open slideshow 2nd. winter Similar to the 1st winter but tail is completely white, upperwings are grey and have a two-toned underwing with pale axillaries and coverts against dark primaries. Ad. winter Similar to the 1st winter but tail is completely white, upperwings are grey and have a two-toned underwing with pale axillaries and coverts against dark primaries. 1st winter Greyish back indicative of a juvenile in its first winter. Wings still show dark feathers on the outer wings and at the end of the tail which shall turn into grey and white in a 2nd winter bird. 2nd. winter Similar to the 1st winter but tail is completely white, upperwings are grey and have a two-toned underwing with pale axillaries and coverts against dark primaries. 1/27 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 25 - 27 75 - 80 66 - 133 Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.