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

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 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''.

Martins, Swallows & Swifts House Martin Northern House Martin Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in groups or in flocks. A small, compact martin with short, forked tail and pure white rump. Underparts shiny white (including throat and vent). Upperparts dark with shiny metallic glow to head and back. Juveniles overall more dull, with white tips to tertials and dusky, brownish upperparts. Flight determined and steady. Glides more than Sand Martin, with less frequent change of direction. Diet Insects, including flies, beetles and aphids. Longevity record 15 years 0 months (Sweden, 1519863) Ħawwiefa Delichon urbicum Passeriformes Hirundinidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - May, September - October Occasionally seen in all other months 1/7 Click on the image to open slideshow Red-rumped European Red-rumped Swallow Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in small groups but can be seen singly. Differs from Barn Swallow in all plumages by pale throat and black under tail coverts, which are visible at greater distance than the red rump. Rufous cheeks and collar. Underparts finely streaked, giving the bird a slightly "dirty" look from a distance, with less contrast to the upperparts than in Barn Swallow. Immature birds with short streamers and buff cheeks and rump. Build more compact than Barn Swallow, with shorter bill, rounded wings and slightly shorter streamers. Flight slower and with more frequent gliding. Diet The Red-rumped Swallow feeds almost entirely on flying insects all year round. The diet includes a wide variety of species caught by aerial pursuit, sometimes up to 100 metres or more. Longevity record 5 years Reġina tal-Ħuttaf Cecropis rufula Passeriformes Hirundinidae Scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - May Occasionally seen in February, June, August - November Click on the image to open slideshow 23-03-19 1/16 Barn Swallow Barn Swallow Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in small groups and larger flocks but occasionally can be seen singly. Dark blue metallic upperparts, deep red forehead and throat and light underparts. Long tail-streamers in adults and deeply forked tail. Both the metallic blue and the deep red appears black at a distance. Combination of dark throat/breast and light underparts and vent is diagnostic, and distinguishes it both from Red-rumped Swallow and the smaller martins. Juveniles are less brightly coloured with a dull red throat, and short streamers. Diet Feeds on a wide variety of flying insects, especially flies (including house flies and horse flies), beetles, wasps, wild bees, winged ants, and true bugs. Also eats some moths, damselflies, grasshoppers, and other insects, and a few spiders and snails. Only occasionally eats a few berries or seeds. Longevity record 11 years 1 month (Found dead in the UK, LK 620) Ħuttafa Hirundo rustica Passeriformes Hirundinidae Fairly common Usually seen in February - June, August - November Occasionally seen in December - January, all year for resident breeders Click on the image to open slideshow 1/9 Back to Glossary Crag Martin Eurasian Crag Martin Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in small groups. Stocky martin with broad (but pointed) wings, broad tail and broad head. Mostly dusky brown with paler underparts, except almost black under wing-coverts, and fairly dark vent. Most tail-feathers with small, white "window" visible from below. Immature similar to adults, but with pale fringes to coverts. Flight less acrobatic than other martins, with frequent, long glides. Strays less away from breeding grounds than congeners. Diet The Eurasian Crag Martin feeds mainly on insects caught in its beak in flight, although it will occasionally take prey items off rocks, the ground, or a water surface. When breeding, birds often fly back and forth near to a rock face hunting for insects, feeding both inside and outside the nesting territory. Longevity record - Ħawwiefa tal-Blat Ptyonoprogne rupestris Passeriformes Hirundinidae Very rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in October Occasionally seen in September, November - April Click on the image to open slideshow 1/6 Sand Martin Collared Sand Martin Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in small groups or larger flocks. Small martin with dark brown chest-band and white throat. Upperparts dark brown, underparts white. Underside of wings dark. Juveniles with light fringes to brown feathers, and buff throat. Flight more elegant than Barn Swallow and House Martin. Often changes direction but keeps altitude. More fluttering flight than House Martin, with less gliding. The sand martin is sociable in its nesting habits; from a dozen to many hundred pairs will nest close together, according to available space. Diet The food consists of small insects, mostly gnats and other flies whose early stages are aquatic. Longevity record 10 years 1 month (Found dead through a car accident in Sweden, AR 45926) Ħawwiefa tax-Xtut Riparia riparia Passeriformes Hirundinidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - June Occasionally seen in all the other months Click on the image to open slideshow 1/5 Alpine swift Alpine Swift Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in small groups or individually. Only swift in the region with white underparts divided by breast-band. Upperparts brown. Distinctly bigger than Swift, with robust build and powerful flight. Tail short with rather shallow fork. Wing-action slower than Swift, with each beat discernible. May give Hobby-like impression at a distance. Diet They are opportunistic feeders, and exploit swarms and hatchings wherever possible. They avoid stinging insects. Insects are collected in the back of the throat in a special food pouch and bound together with saliva into a ball called a bolus, which is periodically eaten or taken to the nest. These food balls can contain thousands of insects. Longevity record 26 years 0 month (Found sick in Switzerland, 900438) Rundunu ta' Żaqqu Bajda / Rundunu Abjad Tachymarptis melba Apodiformes Apodidae Scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - May Occasionally seen in June - November Click on the image to open slideshow 26-04-20 1/7 Little swift Little Swift Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Little swifts are readily identified by their small size. Their wingspan is only 33 cm compared to 42 cm in the case of Common Swift . Their plumage is black except for a white throat and rump, the white rump patch extending onto the flanks. They have a short square tail, with all rectrices round-tipped. The flight is fluttering like that of a House Martin , and the call is a high twittering. Like other swifts they are very short-legged. The legs are used for clinging to vertical surfaces only. Diet They are opportunistic feeders, and exploit swarms and hatchings wherever possible. They avoid stinging insects. Insects are collected in the back of the throat in a special food pouch and bound together with saliva into a ball called a bolus, which is periodically eaten or taken to the nest. These food balls can contain thousands of insects. Longevity record - Rundunu Żgħir Apus affinis Apodiformes Apodidae Vagrant Back to Glossary Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in March - July, September, November, December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/10 Pallid Swift Pallid Swift Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually, in small groups or small flocks. Very similar to Common Swift, and often difficult to identify in the field. Seeing the birds against a darker background, as opposed to the sky, brings out some of the characters more clearly. Generally paler and more sandy brown than Common Swift. Differs further from C. Swift by: Rounder wing tip (outermost primary shorter than the next), slightly broader wings, broader and flatter head. White throat patch bigger and more prominent. The face seems paler, which brings out the dark eye-mask. Back slightly darker than upper part of wings. More contrast between outer and inner primaries. Underparts with more pronounced scaly pattern. Flight less acrobatic, with slightly slower wing-beats, more frequent gliding and much less twinkling turns. Diet They are opportunistic feeders, and exploit swarms and hatchings wherever possible. They avoid stinging insects. Insects are collected in the back of the throat in a special food pouch and bound together with saliva into a ball called a bolus, which is periodically eaten or taken to the nest. These food balls can contain thousands of insects. Longevity record - Rundunu Kannelli Apus pallidus Apodiformes Apodidae Fairly common Usually seen in May - August Occasionally seen in April, September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/2 Back to Glossary Common swift Common Swift Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually, in small groups or larger flocks. All black swift with small white throat patch. Very difficult to separate from Pallid swift. Pallid Swift; brownish plumage tone (best seen against darker background), bigger throat-patch than swift, scale pattern on body more prominent, wing-tips slightly rounded, "saddle" darker than wings, and more contrast between darker outer primaries and inner. Diet They are opportunistic feeders, and exploit swarms and hatchings wherever possible. They avoid stinging insects. Insects are collected in the back of the throat in a special food pouch and bound together with saliva into a ball called a bolus, which is periodically eaten or taken to the nest. These food balls can contain thousands of insects. Longevity record 21 years 1 month (Found sick in Sweden, ZB 84?) Rundunu Apus apus Apodiformes Apodidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in May - September Occasionally seen in February - April, October - December Click on the image to open slideshow 07-05-19 07-05-19 07-05-19 07-05-19 1/5 *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Crows, Jays & Starlings Red-billed Chough Red-billed Chough Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Only one record in 1975. All black plumage, red legs and long, curved, red bill. Bill of juveniles yellowish-brown and shorter. Though never as pure yellow as in Alpine Chough, and more curved. Easily confused with Alpine Chough at a distance where both species occur, but note broader, more fingered wings, shorter and squarer tail with broader base and different calls. Flight extremely acrobatic. Diet Choughs feed in pairs or flocks. A specialist feeder on invertebrates, they will take beetles and their larvae, fly larvae (especially leatherjackets), ants, their grubs and pupae, spiders, sand hoppers, and sometimes earthworms. Longevity record 17 years 5 months (EC 00074- Found dead in the GB) Ċawla Munqarha Aħmar Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in Only one record in November of 1975 Click on the image to open slideshow Adult Red bill indicating an adult bird. Adult Red bill indicating an adult bird. 1/1 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 37 - 41 68 - 80 260 - 350 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Eurasian Jay Eurasian Jay Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Largely unmistakable. Pale pinkish brown. Wings dark with white and blue patches. Tail black and rump white (conspicuous in flight). Crown speckled in black. Striking black moustache stripe. Flight pattern straight and fluttering like Nutcracker, but tail longer and bill shorter. Diet Feeding in both trees and on the ground, it takes a wide range of invertebrates including many pest insects, acorns (oak seeds, which it buries for use during winter), beech and other seeds, fruits such as blackberries and rowan berries, young birds and eggs, bats, and small rodents. Longevity record 17 years 0 months (DS 22102 - Found dead in the GB) Ċawla Dumnikana Garrulus glandarius Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in May, August, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/8 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 32 - 35 54 - 58 140 - 190 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Magpie Eurasian Magpie Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually. An unmistakable black and white passerine of it's size in Europe. Short rounded wings and exceptionally long tail. Wings fan-shaped and tail graded. Tail constitutes about half of the total length in adult birds. Compact body but relatively long legs. Flat crown. White wing patches/flight feathers very conspicuous in flight. Diet Food includes invertebrates and their larvae, seeds, nuts, fruit and carrion. Some young nestlings and fledgling of songbirds are also taken, but this is not a major food source. Longevity record 21 years 8 months (74564 - Shot in the GB) Ċawla Dumnikana Pica pica Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in September - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/5 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 40 - 51 52 - 60 175 - 295 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Western Jackdaw Western Jackdaw Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. The one in the pictures was photographed by Bernard Farrugia on the 24th April 2018 in the limits of Siġġiewi. Small, compact and energetic crow with black upperparts, dark grey underparts and short bill. Most visible plumage character is the pale grey hind neck contrasting with the dark face. Eye white in adults. Often recognized from its compact body and upright posture and gait alone. Flight quick and light. Diet Food includes invertebrates and their larvae, seeds, nuts, fruit and carrion. Some young nestlings and fledgling of songbirds are also taken, but this is not a major food source. Longevity record 20 years 4 months (Denmark) Ċawla Coloeus monedula Passeriformes Corvidae Very rare Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in January, March, April, November Click on the image to open slideshow 24-04-18 24-04-18 24-04-18 1/2 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 30 - 35 64 - 73 180 - 270 Back to Glossary Rook Rook Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* An all shiny black crow with diagnostic bare, pale grey base of bill, and "baggy trousers". Juveniles lacks bare bill base and are difficult to separate from Carrion Crow. Young Rooks however, has a steeper forehead and more conical bill with less curved culmen. Tail is more rounded and base of wings more narrow. Flight action includes less gliding than Carrion Crow, and individuals are more spread when a flock flies. Diet Rooks will eat almost anything, including worms, grain, nuts and insects, small mammals, birds (especially eggs and nestlings) and carrion. Longevity record 22 years 11 months (FV 55866, Found dead in GB) Korvu Corvus frugilegus Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in April Occasionally seen in February, March, May, October - December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/1 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 41 - 49 81 - 94 280 - 340 Back to Glossary Norther Raven Northern Raven Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Buzzard size and largest passerine in the family. All black with very heavy bill, flat crown and shaggy throat. Long, broad wings and wedge-shaped tail. Superb, powerful and often playful flight. Often soars like a raptor. Diet They are omnivorous and will feed on everything from small mammals to nesting birds, eggs and berries. They will also eat carrion, scavenge from other predators and even from human landfills. A group, or a flock, of ravens will raid seabird colonies, consuming the eggs and young of these colonies. Longevity record 23 years 3 months (NOS, Norway) Għarb Corvus corax Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in --- Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 54 - 67 115 - 130 800 - 1560 Back to Glossary Carrion Crow Carrion Crow Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Very similar to Hooded Crow, apart from the all-black plumage. Easily confused with young Rooks, since these lack the naked bill base and baggy trousers of adults. Carrion Crow differs from Rooks by deeper bill with a more curved upper mandible (bill of Rook conical). The wings are evenly broad, not more narrow closer to the body (difficult to judge). Carrion Crow shows no hint of crest, as is often seen in Rooks. Differs from Raven in less deep bill, no neck ruff and rounded, not wedge-shaped, tail. Diet They are omnivorous and will feed on everything from carrion, insects, worms, seeds, fruit, eggs and any scraps. Longevity record 19 years 2 months (Z 58565, Read from the field in Switzerland) Ċawlun Corvus corone Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/6 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 44 - 51 84 - 10 0 370 - 650 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Hooded Crow Hooded Crow Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* It is a sub-species of the Carrion Crow according to AVILIST. 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 corone 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''.

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

Plovers, Lapwings & Dottorel Grey Plover Grey Plover Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Summer plumage unmistakable, with black underparts framed in white, with white and grey-speckled upperparts. Diagnostic in all plumages are the black armpits, which are clearly visible in flying birds. Also shows white wing-bars and very pale tail, with some barring. Winter-plumaged and juvenile birds speckled in grey with white underparts. Can be mistaken for Golden Plover. Especially the juveniles, which may have faint golden tone to plumage. Note instead heavier bill with swollen tip and bulkier body. Diet Small crustaceans, marine worms and molluscs, occasionally insects and earthworms, obtained by probing and gleaning. During the breeding season the diet is predominantly adult and larval insects. They feed during the day, and also at night. Longevity record 25 years 7 months (Found dead in the UK, DS 08723) Pluviera Griża Pluvialis squatarola Charadriiformes Charadriidae Very scarce Usually seen in March - May, August - November Occasionally seen in December - January Click on the image to open slideshow 1/29 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 26 - 29 56 - 63 135 - 227 Back to Glossary Eurasian Golde plover Eurasian Golden Plover Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in groups, flocks or sometimes individually. Unmistakable in breeding plumage with golden, speckled upperparts and white-bordered black throat and belly. Male generally blacker than female, but due to regional differences, some females may be darker than males from other areas. Juveniles and birds in winter plumage, lacks the black underparts, and could be mistaken for Grey Plover. Differs from that species in more golden coloured back, less heavy bill and neck and by being slightly smaller. In flight easily told apart from Grey Plover and Pacific Golden Plover by white axillaries. Diet Golden plover mainly eat insects and their larvae, worms and spiders, and a small amount of grass seeds and berries. Longevity record 13 years 9 months (Found dead in Iceland, 624564) Pluviera Pluvialis apricaria Charadriiformes Charadriidae Fairly common Usually seen in October - March Occasionally seen in April - May, August - September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/21 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 25 - 28 53 - 59 160 - 220 Back to Glossary Pacific Golden Plover Pacific Golden Plover Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. The Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) is very similar in colour as the Eurasian Golden Plover, but is smaller, slimmer and relatively longer-legged than, and has grey rather than white axillary feathers (only properly visible in flight). Diet On breeding grounds, feeds mostly on insects, including beetles, flies, and others, also some berries. In migration in open fields, eats wide variety of insects, including grasshoppers, caterpillars. On shores, also feeds on small crustaceans and mollusks. During migration seasons, may eat many berries. Longevity record 21 years 3 months (Euring) Pluviera Żgħira Pluvialis fulva Charadriiformes Charadriidae Vagrant Back to Glossary Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in September - January Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 21 - 25 53 - 59 100 - 230 Dotterel Eurasian Dotterel Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Clearly smaller than Golden plover. Easily identified by broad white supercilium, white breast band and rusty brown underparts. Female more richly coloured than male. Winter plumage and juveniles pale, with scaled back and light underparts. Short, broad, rounded tail and slightly rounded wings visible in flight. Reversed sexual roles. Diet Insects and other small invertebrates such as snails and worms and shellfish. These are obtained by a run-and-pause technique, rather than the steady probing used by other waders. Longevity record 11 years 9 months (Found dead in the UK, XR 45242) Birwina Eudromias morinellus Charadriiformes Charadriidae Scarce Usually seen in August - November Occasionally seen in December - January, March - April Click on the image to open slideshow Adult summer The dark crown, broader white contrasting supercilium and rufous edges on scapulars indicate an adult in summer plumage. Adult summer Grey unstreaked throat, broad white stripe on chest, orange rufous breast and flanks, black belly and white rump in summer adults. Adult summer Grey unstreaked throat, broad white stripe on chest, orange rufous breast and flanks, black belly and white rump in summer adults. Adult summer The dark crown, broader white contrasting supercilium and rufous edges on scapulars indicate an adult in summer plumage. 1/10 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 20 - 24 57 - 64 110 - 155 Back to Glossary Common Ringed Plover Common Ringed Plover Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Marked black breast-band and mask. Olive-brown upperparts and white underparts. Easily confused with Little Ringed Plover (especially juveniles). Diagnostic characters in adults are; striking white wing-bars (only faint in Little Ringed Plover), orange base of bill and legs, and no yellow eye-ring. Juveniles also show characteristic wing-bars, white supercilium extends behind the eye, lower part of "mask" is rounded and bill is stouter. Tertials do not cover tips of primaries. Diet Small invertebrates, insects, spiders, slugs and snails. Longevity record 20 years 10 months (Ring read in the field in the UK, BV 85945) Monakella Prima Charadrius hiaticula Charadriiformes Charadriidae Fairly common Usually seen in April - May, August - September Occasionally seen in March, June - July, October - November Click on the image to open slideshow 28-08-20 1/10 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 17 - 20 35 - 41 49 - 64 Back to Glossary Little Ringed Plover Little Ringed Plover Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Differs from Ringed Plover by bright yellow eyering (adults),only faint wing-bars, long tertials (covering the primaries) and slimmer more elongated body shape. Apart from the diagnostic eyering, adults show white band across crown, brown-grey legs (not orange) and dark bill. Juveniles also show only faint wing-bars, supercilium is faint, especially behind the eye, lower part of "mask" is pointed and bill is slimmer. Diet Insects, crustaceans and worms. Longevity record 13 years (Finland, KT-453) Monakella Thinornis dubius Charadriiformes Charadriidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - May, September - October Occasionally seen in January, all other months for resident birds Click on the image to open slideshow 19-03-20 17-03-18 1/9 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 15 - 18 32 - 35 33 - 44 Lapwing Northern Lapwing Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually, in small groups but also in flocks. Unmistakable. Dark green (appears black at a distance) above and white below. Wings also dark above and white below, with diagnostic rounded and broad tips. Squarish head profile with striking crest. Winter and juvenile plumage with scaled back, and less contrasting breast band. Diet Northern lapwing feeds on invertebrates such as earth worms and insects. It also consumes beetles (larvae and adults), ants, flies, moths, crickets, and also spiders and snails. They usually feed in cultivated areas and both during day and night Longevity record 24 years 6 months (Denmark) Venewwa Vanellus vanellus Charadriiformes Charadriidae Scarce Usually seen in November - February Occasionally seen in March, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/14 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 28 - 31 67 - 72 170 - 230 Back to Glossary Caspian Plover Caspian Plover Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. This plover is slightly larger than ringed plover. Summer males have grey-brown backs and a white face and belly. The breast is chestnut, bordered black below. Other plumages have a grey-brown breast band, although the summer female may show a hint of chestnut. The call is a sharp chip. Diet It feeds in a similar way to other plovers picking beetles, termites, ants, grasshoppers, small snails and other small prey mainly from the ground. It sometimes eats the seeds of grasses. Longevity record - Birwina tal-Asja Anarhynchus asiaticus Charadriiformes Charadriidae Vagrant Back to Glossary Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in March - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 19 - 21 55 - 61 60 - 91 Kentish Plover Kentish Plover Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in pairs. Long-legged and compact plover with short rear-end and thin, black bill. Breast-band (or rather breast patches) usually incomplete and broken, and narrow. Leaves an overall pale impression compared to congeners. The white forehead in adults reaches all the way to the bill. Breeding male with rufous neck patch, distinct black facial markings and black breast-band. Female more diffusely coloured in brown, with slightly darker breast-band. Immature even duller. Tal shorter than Ringed Plover with substantially more white on edges. Legs darker than congeners (blackish when breeding), but may be greenish in immature birds. Can be identified by profile alone with some experience, by combination of long legs, short and compact body and flat forehead. Lifts legs well clear of ground when running, giving it's rapid gait a bicycling feel. Diet Their main source of food consists of miniature aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates such as insects and their larvae (e.g. beetles, grasshoppers or flies), molluscs, crustaceans, spiders and marine worms. They are obligate visual foragers and often feed at the shoreline of lakes, lagoons or ponds in invertebrate-rich moist-soil areas. Longevity record 19 years (Read in the field in Sweden, 3247244) Monakella Saqajha Suwed Anarhynchus alexandrinus Charadriiformes Charadriidae Very scarce Usually seen in March - May Occasionally seen in July - December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/10 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 15 - 18 40 - 45 32 - 56 Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Sightings Occurrence Classification Our strength lies in our extensive community of local birdwatchers, hunters, and trappers, whose reporting covers the entire Maltese archipelago and its surrounding waters. Sightings are rigorously reviewed and then organized into the following categories. Though the final classification is determined by the page author, the detailed descriptions provided offer a clear and accurate picture of each species' occurrence. Hypothetical Introduced Vagrant Very rare Rare Very Scarce Scarce Fairly common Common no evidence to confirm if the bird was either a record or imported a species that was locally introduced into the wild appeared beyond the migrating/normal habitat range (<20 records) very few sightings that may be seen over a number of years >3 years very few sightings that may be seen over a number of years <3 years seen in very few sightings during the year or migration period seen in small quantities during the year or migration period seen in good quantities during the year or migration period seen in substantial quantities during the year or migration period Back to Glossary

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

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 Bird observation has grown in popularity among both the hunting community and the general public over the last few decades. This increase coincided with technological advances that made high-quality photographic equipment more affordable. As a result, social media platforms have become a valuable source for collecting statistical data on bird sightings. These platforms frequently record new species, document taxonomic splits, and share genuine sightings—often confirmed by multiple hunters while in the field. The official checklist for the Maltese Islands currently documents 434 bird species (excluding hypothetical records) as of 2025. These species are categorized according to their 'Sighting occurrences' table , as detailed below. 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 are documented by their known record count and the most recent observation year. It is important to note that the actual incidence of vagrancy is presumed to exceed the official records. However, these recorded figures remain a valuable metric for quantifying and comparing the observation frequency across various vagrant species. No. of recorded species as of 2026 434 Sighting Occurrence Common Fairly common Scarce Very scarce Rare Very rare Vagrant Hypothetical Introduced Extinct No. of species 20 79 48 47 29 42 166 32 2 1 Click for 'Yearly Sightings 2020+' 'o' - Mostly seen in those months 'x' - Can be seen/was recorded, in those months Search LIST OF RECORDS (Jan 2026)

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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 1/12 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 1/12 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. 1/22 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''.

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''.