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''.

Although we are trying to display pictures that are taken only in Malta, some species are difficult to photograph or rather very rare to sight. If you would like to display your photos of such missing and rare species please send us on birdsofmalta@gmail.com Contact us We are continuously updating this site and welcome all ideas and participation. While we aim to feature photos taken exclusively in Malta, some species are exceptionally rare or difficult to capture. If you possess high-quality photos of these missing or rare species, or any good shots you'd like to share, please send them to us via WeTransfer at the following email address*. E-mail: birdsofmalta @gmail.com Submit Thanks for submitting! *The photographer consents to 'Birds of Malta' displaying their submitted images on this website. Please note that the author reserves the final right to publish any photographs or content received. Photos should be taken personally and be of an acceptable quality. Photos can be sent as '.jpg' or '.png'. Find us on Facebook

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

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''.

Swans, Geese & Ducks Mute Swan Mute Swan Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Big and white waterfowl with orange bill and black knob at base of bill. Juveniles more greyish. Neck usually held more S-shaped than other swans when swimming. Long tail prominent when upending. Diet Swans eat aquatic vegetation, molluscs, small fish, frogs and worms. They will graze big grassy fields, and can survive quite successfully in a field of short-cropped grass. Longevity record 28 years (A dead bird found in the UK, Z 40808) Ċinju Cyngus olor Anseriformes Anatidae Very rare Usually seen in December - January Occasionally seen in March Click on the image to open slideshow Juv. Dirty look with juvenile brown feathers, a pinkish bill and a lighter lore. Juv. Dirty look with juvenile brown feathers, a pinkish bill and a lighter lore. Ad. All white body and dirty looking neck, orange-red bill and a black lore in adults. Juv. Dirty look with juvenile brown feathers, a pinkish bill and a lighter lore. 1/18 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 140 - 160 200 - 240 9.0 - 13.0 Back to Glossary Red-breasted goose Red-breasted Goose Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Chestnut-red breast and cheek. It has a short and thick neck and a rounded head with a very short dark beak. A very distinctive colorful pattern with a contrast of chestnut-red , white and black plumage. Diet Breeding Red-breasted Geese will usually feed on grass leaves and the shoots of cotton-grasses. In their wintering territories, they usually take winter wheat, barley, maize, and pasture grasses. Longevity record 15 years Wiżża Ħamra Branta ruficollis Anseriformes Anatidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/3 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 54 - 60 110 - 125 1.0 - 1.5 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Greylag Greylag Goose Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Large, pale grey goose with bulky body and thick neck. Thick pink to orange (carrot-like) bill, without any dark markings. Almost giving the impression of being "false". Uniform colour of body. Light grey forewing stands out in flight. Pink legs. Diet Grass, roots, cereal leaves and spilled grain. Longevity record 24 years 0 months (Ring read in the field in Denmark, 7775) Wiżża Griża Anser anser Anseriformes Anatidae Very rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in December Occasionally seen in October, November, January, April Click on the image to open slideshow 1/6 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 74 - 84 149 - 168 3.1 - 4.3 Some pictures taken abroad Bean goose Taiga Bean Goose Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Orange legs, black and orange bill. Differs from juvenile White-fronted Goose by less contrast between cheeks and base of bill and crown, more prominent pale edges on back feathers, and by bill colour. Has much darker back than Pink-footed Goose (and never greyish). Colour of legs and bill can be surprisingly difficult to judge in unfavourable light. 2 subspecies that may be considered separate species in near future: A.f.rossicus has shorter bill with more extensive black markings than A.f.fabalis. Diet Grass, roots, cereal leaves and spilled grain. Longevity record 25 years 7 months (Found dead in Germany, 210151) Wiżża tal-Ful Anser fabalis Anseriformes Anatidae Very rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in December - January Occasionally seen in November, February Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 68 - 88 140 - 174 3.0 - 3.6 Greater White fronted goose Greater White-fronted Goose Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Orange legs and all pink bill without markings. Adults with white bill base and black markings on belly. Juveniles lacking those characters. Body shape and head more angular than other geese. Could be confused with Lesser White-fronted Goose, but Lesser have an obvious yellow eye-ring, and much more white around bill base. Wings more narrow than other grey geese. Diet Grass, roots, cereal leaves and spilled grain. Longevity record 25 years 3 months (Shot in the Netherlands, 8008491) Wiżża tal-Maskra Bajda Anser albifrons Anseriformes Anatidae Very rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in November - January Occasionally seen in February Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 64 - 78 130 - 160 2.0 - 2.9 Common Goldeneye Common Goldeneye Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Small, stocky diving duck with short bill, big triangular head and yellow eyes (dark in juveniles). Male: dark metallic green head and white patch at base of bill. Black back and tail. Neck, breast and underparts white. Female with brown head, white collar and pale underparts. White, square wing panels and dark underwing in both sexes. Diet Feeds mainly on small fish, also crustaceans, aquatic insects, and sometimes frogs, tadpoles, or worms. Young ducklings eat mostly insects. Longevity record 16 years 11 months (Russian Federation, D18692) Brajmla tal-Għajna Bucephala clangula Anseriformes Anatidae Vagrant Back to Glossary Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in November - February Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. female Female with brown head, white collar and pale underparts. Ad. female Female with brown head, white collar and pale underparts. 1/1 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 40 - 48 62 - 77 800 - 1100 Pictures taken abroad Red-breasted Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Noticeably smaller and more slender than Goosander. Bill much thinner, especially at base. Both sexes with more shaggy crest than Goosander. Male: dark head, white collar. Only sawbill with (medium) dark chest. Female differs from Goosander by smooth transition from brown head to grey lower neck, and less contrasting white throat patch. Striking white wing-bars with crossing black stripe visible in flight. Diet Feeds mainly on small fish, also crustaceans, aquatic insects, and sometimes frogs, tadpoles, or worms. Young ducklings eat mostly insects. Longevity record 21 years 4 months (A shot bird in Sweden, W 107522) Serra Mergus serrator Anseriformes Anatidae Very scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in October - December Occasionally seen in January, March - April, September Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. female Brown head, white bars on the secondaries and greater secondary coverts, very pale brown chest and white belly. 1/15 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 52 - 58 69 - 82 800 - 1100 Goosander Goosander Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Largest sawbill. Male: white to pinkish white plumage with black back and dark green head. Female with grey body and brown head. Sharp division between brown head and whitish breast, together with contrasting white chin, distinguishes it from female Red-breasted Merganser. Both sexes with hook at tip of bill, dense crest and swollen base of bill. Wing-bars all white. Flight silhouette more diver-like than duck-like. Diet Feeds mainly on small fish, also crustaceans, aquatic insects, and sometimes frogs, tadpoles, or worms. Young ducklings eat mostly insects. Longevity record 14 years 10 months (A shot bird in Switzerland, Z 55000) Serra Prima Mergus merganser Anseriformes Anatidae Vagrant Back to Glossary Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in March Click on the image to open slideshow 1/1 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 58 - 66 82 - 97 900 - 2100 Common Shelduck Common Shelduck Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in flocks but also in smaller groups. A big sized duck which gives an overall white impression. Reddish breast-band, dark blackish green head and black flight-feathers. Tip of tail black and adults with dark belly-band. Bill red. Males with red knob at base of bill. Juveniles duller, with white chin and no breast-band. Diet Small molluscs, small crustacea, small fish and fish spawn, occasionally insects and their larvae and a small amount of plant material, mainly algae. Longevity record 24 years (Dead specimen found in the UK, GM 96505) Kuluvert tas-Salib Tadorna tadorna Anseriformes Anatidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in December - January Occasionally seen in February - April, September - November Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. male Completely black head, more contrasting rufous and black patterns on the white breast and belly feathers, thicker bill and older male adults will grow a knob on the upper part of the bill. 1/26 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 55 - 65 100 - 120 800 - 1130 Ruddy Shelduck Ruddy Shelduck Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* This shelduck has short, dark legs, dark bill, thick neck and a distinctive rufous belly. Black and white wings conspicuous in flight. Sexes quite similar. Male with ringed neck in breeding plumage, and female with more contrasting facial pattern. Immature similar to female, but with "dirty" white wing-patches. Less dependent on water than most other ducks. Diet It is omnivorous and feeds on grasses, the young shoots of plants, grain and water plants as well as both aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. Longevity record ---- Kuluvert Aħmar Tadorna ferruginea Anseriformes Anatidae Vagrant Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in May, September - March Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. female Note white face mask more prominent than in males and it does not have the black-neck collar such in males. Ad. female Note white face mask more prominent than in males and it does not have the black-neck collar such in males. Ad. female Note white face mask more prominent than in males and it does not have the black-neck collar such in males. Ad. female Note white face mask more prominent than in males and it does not have the black-neck collar such in males. 1/4 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 58 - 70 110 - 135 900 - 1500 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Red-crested Pochard Red-crested Pochard Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Big and plump-bodied diving duck with long neck, rounded head and long bill. Male unmistakable with it's red head, long deep-red bill, distinct white flank-patches and black belly. The contrasting light grey cheeks of the female recalls female Common Scooter, but note round head, pale body and much longer neck and bill. Both sexes with very broad and striking white wingbar clearly visible in flight. Diet Red-crested pochards feed mainly on the roots, seeds, and vegetative parts of aquatic plants, and sometimes supplement their diet with aquatic invertebrates, amphibians, mollusks, tadpoles, or small fish. Longevity record 8 years, 5 months (Ring number read in the field in the UK, 940448) Brajmla tat-Toppu Aħmar Netta rufina Anseriformes Anatidae Vagrant Back to Glossary Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in September - November Click on the image to open slideshow Adult male Rusty-orange rounded head with a lighter whitish crown and a coral-red bill. Black centre belly, rump and stern. White flank,underwings and broad wing-bars. Adult male Rusty-orange rounded head with a lighter whitish crown and a coral-red bill. Black centre belly, rump and stern. White flank,underwings and broad wing-bars. Adult male Rusty-orange rounded head with a lighter whitish crown and a coral-red bill. Black centre belly, rump and stern. White flank,underwings and broad wing-bars. 1/6 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 53 - 57 85 - 9 0 900 - 1400 Pictures taken abroad Common Pochard Common Pochard Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but occasionally in small groups. Medium sized diving duck. Male with rufous brown head and pale grey body. Female indistinctly coloured in grey and brown, with diffuse head markings. Easiest identified by fairly distinct head profile; long bill continuous with sloping forehead, ending in peaked crown (both sexes). Bulky body and short neck. Both sexes with long, pale grey wing-bars. Juveniles like female, except body warmer brown. Diet They feed by diving or dabbling, eating aquatic plants with some mollusks, aquatic insects and small fish. They often feed at night, and when diving for food may feed upside down during feeding. Longevity record 23 years (A shot specimen in the UK, GK 61258) Brajmla Aythya ferina Anseriformes Anatidae Scarce Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 42 - 49 67 - 75 770 - 970 Back to Glossary Usually seen in October - December Occasionally seen in January - May, July - September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/10 Ferruginous Duck Ferruginous Duck Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in flocks but occasionally also individually. Shape resembles both diving and dabbling ducks. Characteristic head profile with long bill, long sloping forehead and rather high rear crown (not unlike Pochard). White undertail usually visible also when on the water. Broad, white wing-bars and white underwing conspicous in flight. White undertail separated from white belly by brown band. Male with shining white eyes. Female with brown eye and less bright rufous tones to plumage. Immature similar to female, but with even less rufous. Immatures told from immature Pochard by by darker back, no facial markings and white (not grey) wing-bars. Diet They feed by diving or dabbling, eating aquatic plants with some molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. They often feed at night, and when diving for food may feed upside down during feeding. Longevity record 9 years (New Zealend, Z 5097) Brajmla t'Għajna Bajda Aythya nyroca Anseriformes Anatidae Scarce Usually seen in March, October Occasionally seen in all other months Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. male White iris, very dark back and contrasting chestnut head and neck. Ad. male White iris, very dark back and contrasting chestnut head and neck. Ad. male White iris, very dark back and contrasting chestnut head and neck. 1/17 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 38 - 42 60 - 67 450 - 700 Some pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Tufted Tufted Duck Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Small, compact diving duck with short neck and rounded head. Males with diagnostic tuft, white flanks and black back. Females with rudimentary tuft, mostly dark brown body, with varying white feathering at base of bill. Females in winter showing much white at base of bill are easily mistaken for Scaup, but note hint of small tuft, smaller head, broad black nail of bill and no white cheek spots. Both sexes show long, white wing stripes in flight. Diet They feed by diving or dabbling, eating aquatic plants with some molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. They often feed at night, and when diving for food may feed upside down during feeding. Longevity record 45 years 3 months (Shot in Denmark, 444967) Brajmla tat-Toppu Aythya fuligula Anseriformes Anatidae Very rare Usually seen in March, November - December Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow 1/5 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 40 - 47 65 - 72 550 - 820 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Garganey Garganey Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in large flocks and also in smaller groups. Small dabbling duck. Males unmistakable with broad white supercilium and high contrast between the dark mottled breast and the lighter flanks (visible at considerable distance). Female mottled in light brown colours with typical supercilium and contrasting eye-stripe. White spot at base of bill. Throat much lighter than in Teal. Both sexes with dark and fairly long bill. Head gives a square impression due to the flat crown. Speculum in flight shows narrow white edges, lacking Teal's broad front edge. Agile flight, but lacks the twists of Teals. Diet Garganeys are omnivores. Their diet includes aquatic invertebrates (worms, insects, crustaceans, molluscs), amphibians, small fish, seeds, roots, tubers and green parts of sedges, grasses and aquatic plants. Longevity record 14 years (A shot specimen in the UK, EC 74458) Sarsella Ħamra Spatula querquedula Anseriformes Anatidae Fairly common Usually seen in February - March, August - September Occasionally seen in April, October Click on the image to open slideshow Garganeys Males have a distinctive white crescent forming from just in front of the eye and diminishes right on the nape. The breast is darker brown and pale grey scapulars. Garganeys Males have a distinctive white crescent forming from just in front of the eye and diminishes right on the nape. The breast is darker brown and pale grey scapulars. Garganeys Males have a distinctive white crescent forming from just in front of the eye and diminishes right on the nape. The breast is darker brown and pale grey scapulars. 1/17 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 37 - 41 59 - 67 300 - 400 Back to Glossary Northern Shoveler Northern Shoveler Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in flocks but can be seen individually or in small groups. Medium sized dabbling duck. Noticeably big and wide bill, giving the whole bird a front-heavy look. Male with dark green head, rusty brown flanks and belly. Vent and lower back black, flight feathers dark. Female brown with dark speckles, but with similar huge bill. Speculum green, lacking white rear edge. In flight the darker belly separates it from female mallards. Conspicuous forewing in flight; grey in females and light blue in males. Diet Northern shovelers feed by dabbling and sifting in shallow water. Seeds of sedges, bulrushes, saw grass, smartweeds, pondweeds, algae and duckweeds, as well as aquatic insects, molluscs and crustaceans, are consumed by filtering water which is taken in at the bill tip and jetted out at the base. Longevity record 20 years (Russia E47327) Palettuna Spatula clypeata Anseriformes Anatidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in March, October - November Occasionally seen in August - September, December - February Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. female All rufous-tinged body especially on flanks and belly. Orange greenish bill. Ad. male Black bill. Green head. Bright yellow iris. White breast and chestnut coloured belly. White vetn and black undertail coverts. Ad. male Black bill. Green head. Bright yellow iris. White breast and chestnut coloured belly. White vetn and black undertail coverts. Ad. female All rufous-tinged body especially on flanks and belly. Orange greenish bill. 1/41 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 44 - 52 73 - 82 490 - 740 Gadwall Gadwall Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but sometimes seen in small groups. Medium sized dabbling duck. Male with grey plumage, mottled breast, black rump and vent lacking white framing. Female brown and easily overlooked and confused with female Mallards. Bill with dark center and evenly broad orange sides. Plumage more greyish than female mallard, with a more slender body and steeper forehead. Diagnostic white wingbars and contrasting white belly in all plumages. Diet Aquatic vegetation such as pondweed and algae, and invertebrates, such as crustaceans and midges. Longevity record 22 years (UK Shot specimen, AT83971) Kuluvert Griż Mareca strepera Anseriformes Anatidae Very scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in November Occasionally seen in October, December - April Click on the image to open slideshow 1/16 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 46 - 56 78 - 90 850 - 1000 Wigeon Eurasian Wigeon Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but sometimes seen in small groups. Recognized in all plumages by its rounded head, steep forehead, short neck and contrasting white belly. Males with brown head and light yellow forehead, pinkish breast and grey body. Adult males with big white patch on forewing. Female mostly brown with bluish bill. Tail rather long and pointed, and wings narrow. Quite pale underwings, but not completely white like American Wigeon. Diet Aquatic surface vegetation like roots, leaves, seeds and stems. It also grazes for food on land. It sometimes waits for diving ducks to bring plants up to the surface of the water and then snatches away their food! Longevity record 35 years (A shot bird in the UK, AT71365) Silfjun Ewropew Mareca penelope Anseriformes Anatidae Scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in October - January Occasionally seen in February - March Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. male Males have an orange forehead from the bill up to the head, chestnut head and neck, pink rosy breast, white belly and vent, grey saddle and flanks and black undertail coverts. 1/12 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 42 - 50 75 - 87 600 - 850 Mallard Mallard Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but sometimes seen in small groups. In all plumages distinguished by blue or purple speculum boldly framed in white. Male: metallic green head, brown breast, grey body and yellow bill. Female: brownish with dark speckles. Bill with variable, uneven orange markings on sides. Differs from Gadwall and Pintail by being noticeably more heavily built. Diet Majority of diet is plant material, including seeds, stems, and roots, especially sedges, grasses, pondweeds, smartweeds, many others; also acorns and other tree seeds, various kinds of waste grain. Also eat insects, crustaceans, molluscs, tadpoles, frogs, earthworms and small fish. Longevity record 23 years (A shot bird in Sweden, TA 5685) Kuluvert Anas platyrhynchos Anseriformes Anatidae Scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in November - January Occasionally seen in February - March, September - October Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. male The male has a yellow bill, green head, white collar, dark brown neck and breast, light grey belly, flanks and upperwings and a black undertail. 1/8 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 50 - 60 79 - 87 900 - 1300 Pintail Northern Pintail Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in small groups or large flocks but sometimes seen individually. Large dabbling duck. In all plumages distinguished from other dabbling ducks by its slim neck and elegancy. Male with dark brown head, white breast and lower neck, with white wedges extending upwards on side of neck. Long, pin-like tail. Female mostly brown, wattled plumage, with longer tail than other dabbling duck females. Both sexes with bluish bill. Speculum dark green with broad white rear edge. Front edge buff in males. Edges more prominent in flight than the actual speculum. Flight pattern closer to Wigeon than Mallard. Diet Northern Pintails eat seeds from aquatic plants, worms, snails, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and grains such as rice, wheat, corn, and barley. They pick at seeds and grains while walking or scoop up aquatic insects and seeds with their bills. Longevity record 27 years (A shot bird at the Netherlands, 5009767) Silfjun Anas acuta Anseriformes Anatidae Scarce Usually seen in February - March, September - November Occasionally seen in January, August, December Click on the image to open slideshow Top and 5th below are adult males. Others are adult females. Males have a distinctive brown head, white belly, longer pointed tail, black vent area and larger in size. Top and 5th below are adult males. Others are adult females. Males have a distinctive brown head, white belly, longer pointed tail, black vent area and larger in size. 1/23 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 51 - 62 79 - 87 900 - 1100 Back to Glossary Teal Eurasian Teal Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in small groups or large flocks but sometimes seen individually. The smallest dabbling duck. Agile, with quick and easy take-off. Male with brown and green head with yellow stripes, grey body with a white horizontal stripe, and a yellow patch by the tail. Female is mostly brown with slim bill with orange base and no cheek stripe (see Garganey). Both sexes with green speculum with broad, wedge-shaped, white front edge, and dark primaries clearly visible in flight. Easy and quick take-off from both water and land, with rapid and changing flight. Diet In the breeding season it eats mainly aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, insects and their larvae, molluscs and worms. In winter, it shifts to a largely granivorous diet, feeding on seeds of aquatic plants and grasses, including sedges and grains. Longevity record 21 years (A shot bird in France, ED 1418) Sarsella Anas crecca Anseriformes Anatidae Fairly common Usually seen in October - December Occasionally seen in January - March, August - September Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. male Male with chestnut brown and green head with narrow yellow stripes, grey body with a white horizontal stripe, and faint yellow undertail coverts. Ad. male Male with chestnut brown and green head with narrow yellow stripes, grey body with a white horizontal stripe, and faint yellow undertail coverts. 1/18 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 34 - 38 53 - 59 270 - 330 Back to Glossary Marbled duck Marbled Duck Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in pairs or small groups. Adults have a pale sandy-brown colour, diffusely blotched off-white, with a dark eye-patch and shaggy head. The female averages smaller than the male, but otherwise the sexes are alike. Juveniles are similar but with more off-white blotches. In flight, the wings look pale without a marked pattern, and no speculum on the secondaries. Diet These birds feed mainly in shallow water by dabbling or up-ending, occasionally diving. Adults feed mostly on seeds, but also take significant quantities of invertebrates (especially aquatic insect larvae and pupae, tiny crustaceans, and highly unusual for a duck, ants ) and green plants. Their gizzard allows them to break down seeds and the lamellae in their beak allow them to filter feed on zooplanktonic organisms. Young marbled ducks feed mostly on invertebrates. Although they may take tiny seeds, they lack the large gizzard necessary to break down the larger seeds commonly consumed by adults. Longevity record - Sarsella Mnaqqxa Marmaronetta angustirostris Anseriformes Anatidae Very rare Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in April - August, December Click on the image to open slideshow 22-12-20 22-12-20 18-12-20 22-12-20 1/12 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 39 - 42 63 - 70 450 - 590 Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Terns & Shearwaters Little Tern Little Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. White forehead with white wedge above eye in all plumages. Legs, and most of bill yellow in adult breeding plumage. Very small and longwinged tern. Back paler grey and belly whiter. First primaries form a dark front edge to wing. In winter the bill darkens, legs turn a dirty yellow and the white forehead expands. Juvenile resembles adult winter, but has yellowish bill base and scale patterned back. Flight fluttering with rapid wing-beats, which together with size, is usually sufficient to determine the species. Diet Fish, crustacean and invertebrates. Longevity record 23 years, 11 months (Germany, 80303320) Ċirlewwa Żgħira Sternula albifrons Charadriiformes Laridae Very rare Usually seen in April - June, September Occasionally seen in July - August, November Click on the image to open slideshow Juvenile 1st winter The image is not so clear but the nape looks white, the bill is dark and the upperwings are also dark and unclean which may indicate some immature feathers. So probably it is a 1st winter bird. 1/15 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 22 - 28 45 - 55 47 - 63 Some pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Gull-billed Tern Gull-billed Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in small groups or large flocks but sometimes seen individually. Easily confused with Sandwich Tern but choice of habitat usually different. Adults differs by noticeably shorter and deeper bill, lacking yellow tip. Wings are broader, tail is shorter and only slightly forked. Lacks crest. Primaries with dark trailing edge, especially underside. Rump pale grey, and there is no contrast between grey back and white tail as in Sandwich Tern. Loses the black cap in winter, but keeps a black mask (less black on head than Sandwich T). Immature birds also gives a paler impression. The back is almost uniform in colour, and the wings also have only diffuse markings. The dark trailing edge to the primaries is present though, together with dark eye mask. Rest of head is pale. Flight slightly front-heavy with shallow wing-beats. Catches insects in the air and from the ground in flight. Rarely plunge-dives. Prefers fresh water, and is often seen near wetlands, rivers and flooded fields, but also in salt water during migration. Diet Unlike most terns, the Gull-billed Tern has a broad diet and does not depend on fish. Instead it commonly feeds on insects, small crabs, and other prey snatched from the ground, air, or even bushes. It is also known to eat small chicks of other tern species. Longevity record 15 years (Denmark) Ċirlewwa Munqarha Oħxon Gelochelidon nilotica Charadriiformes Laridae Very scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - October Occasionally seen in February, November Click on the image to open slideshow Adult moulting to summer plumage Note dark trailing edge on the primaries and the stronger bill synonym with the Gull-billed tern. Forehead, crown and nape all black indicating an adult bird in a summer plumage. Adult moulting to summer plumage Note dark trailing edge on the primaries and the stronger bill synonym with the Gull-billed tern. Forehead, crown and nape all black indicating an adult bird in a summer plumage. Adult moulting to summer plumage Note dark trailing edge on the primaries and the stronger bill synonym with the Gull-billed tern. Forehead, crown and nape all black indicating an adult bird in a summer plumage. 1/24 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 33 - 43 85 - 103 130 - 320 Caspian Tern Caspian Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Very large tern, with deep, dagger-like, blood-red bill with dark tip. Large, black cap reaching well below the eyes. Grey upperparts and white underparts. Rather short tail. Outer primaries distinctly darker than the rest of upperwing, and outer underwing almost black. Unmistakable from the size alone, and leaves a gull-like impression, lacking the elegance of smaller terns. Immatures with paler bill and white forehead (as in adult winter), and markedly speckled back. Hovers and dives. Often rests on the surface, feeding like a gull. Diet Caspian terns eat mainly fish, with some crayfish and insects occasionally. They forage by flying above shallow water, usually along a shoreline. As most terns do, they fly with their heads down, peering into the water, when they see prey, they may hover for a moment before making a sharp dive Longevity record 30 years (Ring seen in the field in Sweden, U 22698) Ċirlewwa Prima Hydroprogne caspia Charadriiformes Laridae Very scarce Usually seen in March - June, August - November Occasionally seen in January, July, December Click on the image to open slideshow 2nd summer to adult winter Note very few dirty secondaries as in 2nd birds. Head is not completely black as it is moulting to its winter plumage. Tail is all white so this bird is a 2nd year bird moulting to a winter plumage. 1st winter Note dirty secondaries, median, upper coverts and tail all indicating a 1st winter bird. Crown and nape are nearly all black so it is probably moulting its 1st summer plumage. 2nd summer to adult winter Note very few dirty secondaries as in 2nd birds. Head is not completely black as it is moulting to its winter plumage. Tail is all white so this bird is a 2nd year bird moulting to a winter plumage. 2nd summer to adult winter Note very few dirty secondaries as in 2nd birds. Head is not completely black as it is moulting to its winter plumage. Tail is all white so this bird is a 2nd year bird moulting to a winter plumage. 1/7 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 48 - 56 127 - 140 574 - 782 Back to Glossary Whiskered Tern Whiskered Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Largest marsh tern. Liable to confusion with Sterna terns due to black cap, in addition to other marsh terns. All marsh terns (Chlidonias) differs from Sterna by lack of tail streamers, short tail with shallow fork, shorter wings and stiffer flight. Marsh terns don't plunge-dive for food but picks from surface (though Whiskered Tern may belly-plunge), mostly in fresh water. Adult Whiskered Tern easily told from other marsh terns by distinct black cap contrasting to white cheeks and throat. Underwing pale with diffuse dark trailing edge. Bill dark blood red. Adult winter: Very pale with no distinct markings except for ill-defined black mask stretching from eye to eye across nape. Forehead white and with crown white speckles. Bill black. Immature: Yellowish brown saddle with coarse dark pattern, though these are moulted in early autumn. Usually lacks dark carpal bar and cap ill-defined. Whiskered Tern generally stockier built than other marsh terns. Both immatures and adult winter show grey rump (different from Common, Arctic and White-Winged), and bill is dagger-shaped (most apparent in males). Diet Small fish, amphibians, insects and crustaceans. Longevity record - Ċirlewwa tal-Mustaċċi Chlidonias hybrida Charadriiformes Laridae Very rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in April - September Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. summer Dark grey body, yet darker belly, dark red bill and legs, black forehead, crown and nape as in summer adults. White face and vent. Ad. summer Dark grey body, yet darker belly, dark red bill and legs, black forehead, crown and nape as in summer adults. White face and vent. Adult summer Dark grey body, yet darker belly, dark red bill and legs, black forehead, crown and nape as in summer adults. White face and vent. Ad. summer Dark grey body, yet darker belly, dark red bill and legs, black forehead, crown and nape as in summer adults. White face and vent. 1/5 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 23 - 29 64 - 70 83 - 92 White -winged Tern White-winged Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in a very small group. Breeding adult easily identified by white tail/rump combined with jet black under wing coverts and silvery upper wing. Immature with brownish back contrasting with pale, silvery upper wings and pale rump. Broad white collar, and lacks dark breast patch of immature Black Tern. Adult winter most liable to confusion with other terns, but upperparts much paler than Black Tern. Contrasting dark outer primaries and secondaries to rest of wing. Often retains some black under coverts even in winter which is diagnostic if seen. Slightly more compact than Black Tern and often recalls Little gull in shape. Bill noticeably shorter and thinner than in Whiskered Tern. Diet Mostly feed on insects and small fish, as well as frogs and other aquatic critters. They usually fly slowly over water to pick prey off the surface of water or in flight, or they make take it from vegetation. Longevity record 21 years Ċirlewwa tal-Ġewnaħ Abjad Chlidonias leucopterus Charadriiformes Laridae Very rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in April - June, August - September Occasionally seen in October Click on the image to open slideshow Adult summer (01-05-2017) Black head, neck, breast and belly. Dark grey saddle. Black eyes and beak. Silver white upperwings under underwing primaries and secondaries. Black underwing coverts. All white tail, rump, undertail coverts and vent. Adult summer (01-05-2017) Black head, neck, breast and belly. Dark grey saddle. Black eyes and beak. Silver white upperwings under underwing primaries and secondaries. Black underwing coverts. All white tail, rump, undertail coverts and vent. Adult summer (01-05-2017) Black head, neck, breast and belly. Dark grey saddle. Black eyes and beak. Silver white upperwings under underwing primaries and secondaries. Black underwing coverts. All white tail, rump, undertail coverts and vent. Adult summer (01-05-2017) Black head, neck, breast and belly. Dark grey saddle. Black eyes and beak. Silver white upperwings under underwing primaries and secondaries. Black underwing coverts. All white tail, rump, undertail coverts and vent. 1/9 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 20 - 23 58 - 67 42 - 79 Black Tern Black Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in small groups. Unmistakable in breeding plumage, but otherwise easily confused with other marsh terns. Breeding plumage with black head and belly, but pale underwing and grey rump. When in immature and winter plumage it differs from marsh terns by slimmer body and wings (compared to White-winged tern), and relatively long, thin bill. Both immature and adult winter show dark front edge of wing, and characteristic dark shoulder patch at wing base. Back is dark in immature birds. Grey rump in all plumages. Flight usually different from Sterna-terns, with erratic dives for no apparent reason, and "aimless" change of direction. Note that when foraging over saltwater, flight becomes more Sterna-like. Diet Mostly feed on insects and small fish, as well as frogs, tadpoles, spiders, earthworms, crustaceans and leeches. In migration and winter at sea, eats mostly small fish, also some crustaceans and insects. They usually fly slowly over water to pick prey off the surface of water or in flight, or they make take it from vegetation. Longevity record 21 years (Found dead in Denmark, 8045639) Ċirlewwa Sewda Chlidonias niger Charadriiformes Laridae Fairly common Usually seen in August - September Occasionally seen in July, October Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. summer moulting to winter Grey saddle as in adults. Dark legs as in a summer plumage but forehead and nape are already moulting to white. So an adult summer bird moulting to a winter plumage. 1/13 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 23 - 28 57 - 65 60 - 86 Back to Glossary Common Tern Common Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in small groups. Differs from Arctic Tern in longer head, and more orangy red, rather than deep red, bill. Tip of bill usually black. Legs longer, but tail streamers shorter than Arctic Tern. Underparts of primaries with diffusely bordered dark trailing edge (sharply bordered in Arctic Tern). Upper side of primaries with dark wedge (less apparent in winter). Secondaries opaque. Crest more apparent than in Arctic Tern and underside whiter. Juveniles with buff back. Diet Like most terns, this species feeds by plunge-diving for fish, either in the sea or in freshwater, but molluscs , crustaceans and other invertebrate prey may form a significant part of the diet in some areas. Longevity record 33 years, 0 months (Read in the field in Ireland and the Great Britain, CK39045) Ċirlewwa tal-Baħar Sterna hirundo Charadriiformes Laridae Very rare Usually seen in June - September Occasionally seen in March - May, October - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/10 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 32 - 39 72 - 83 86 - 127 Some pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Lesser Cresed Tern Lesser Crested Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A vagrant bird with a very few records. The latest record seen on the 24th Aug 20 by Patrick Spiteri at Għadira s-Safra. This is a medium-large tern, very similar in size and general appearance to its very close relative, the Sandwich tern. The summer adult has a black cap, black legs and a long sharp orange bill. The upperwings, rump and central tail feathers are grey and the underparts white. The primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the forehead becomes white. The grey rump is a useful flight identification feature distinguishing it from the related species. Juvenile lesser crested terns resemble same-age Sandwich terns, but with a yellow-orange bill, and paler overall, with only faint dark crescents on the mantle feathers. Diet Mostly feed on insects and small fish, as well as frogs, tadpoles, spiders, earthworms, crustaceans and leeches. In migration and winter at sea, eats mostly small fish, also some crustaceans and insects. They usually fly slowly over water to pick prey off the surface of water or in flight, or they make take it from vegetation. Longevity record 31 years Ċirlewwa tal-Libja Thalasseus bengalensis Charadriiformes Laridae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in January, July - September Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. summer moulting to winter Clean upperwings and grey rump and uppertail as in adults. Forehead is moulting to white indicating a summer adult moulting to a winter plumage. Ad. summer moulting to winter Clean upperwings and grey rump and uppertail as in adults. Forehead is moulting to white indicating a summer adult moulting to a winter plumage. Ad. summer moulting to winter winter Clean upperwings and grey rump and uppertail as in adults. Forehead is moulting to white indicating a summer adult moulting to a winter plumage. Ad. summer moulting to winter Clean upperwings and grey rump and uppertail as in adults. Forehead is moulting to white indicating a summer adult moulting to a winter plumage. 1/3 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 35 - 43 88 - 105 185 - 242 Back to Glossary Sandwich Tern Sandwich Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in small number groups. Large tern with black bill, with yellow tip (adults). Bill all black in juveniles. Long black cap and shaggy crest. Generally leaves a much whiter impression than other terns in the region (except Roseate Tern). Adult summer: Yellow bill-tip. Tail pure white, and upperparts pale grey. Outer primaries darker than rest of wing, and contrast increases in worn plumage. Broad white trailing edge to inner wing. Underside of primaries with faint narrow dark trailing edge. Forehead white in adult winter and first winter plumage. Juveniles: scaly upperparts and dark bill. Less evenly coloured than juvenile Gull-billed Tern. First winter birds similar to juveniles, but back purer grey and bill shorter. Can be mistaken for Gull-billed Tern, but note different profile. Flight powerful with evenly narrow wings and a front-heavy appearance, due to the long head and bill. Often dives from high above the surface and stays under water longer than Common and Arctic T. Diet Mostly fish. Feeds mainly on smaller fish, such as sand lance and mullet; also eats shrimp, squid, marine worms, and many insects. Longevity record 31 years (Trapped in the UK, DS 61571) Ċirlewwa tax-Xitwa Thalasseus sandvicensus Charadriiformes Laridae Common Usually seen in September - April Occasionally seen in all other months Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. winter Clean grey upperwings indicative of adults. White forehead as in winter plumage. Ad. winter All white body and underwings as in adults. White forehead as in winter. Ad. winter Clean grey upperwings indicative of adults. White forehead as in winter plumage. 1/11 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 36 - 46 86 - 105 130 - 285 Back to Glossary Mediterrenean Storm Petrel European Storm Petrel Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. A small, square-tailed bird which is entirely black except for a broad, white rump and a white band on the under wings, and it has a fluttering, bat-like flight. The Mediterranean population is a subspecies on its own having its strongholds at Filfla Island (Malta), Sicily , and the Balearic Islands . The storm petrel cannot survive on islands where land mammals such as rats and cats have been introduced, and it suffers natural predation from gulls , skuas , owls , and falcons . Diet It feeds on small fish, squid, and zooplankton , while pattering on the sea's surface, and can find oily edible items by smell. Longevity record 32 years (Re-captured bird on Filfla) Kanġu ta' Filfla Hydrobates pelagicus Procellariiformes Hydrobatidae Common Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - August Occasionally seen in all other months, resident species Click on the image to open slideshow 1/17 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 14 - 18 32 - 39 22 - 43 Scopoli's Shearwater Scopoli's Shearwater Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in groups. This species is closely related to Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris borealis), with which it was considered conspecific for many years. A large shearwater with pale upperparts and heavy, yellowish bill. Large grey head. The grey neck forms a diagnostic, contrasting line from wing base to base of bill (most other shearwaters have white neck-sides). Armpits usually pure white. Underside of wings white, framed by black flight feathers. Flight action calm and distinct. Long glides alternates with 3-4 slow wingbeats. Wingtips always bent downwards, and wings slightly angled back. Often soars. Field identification between the Scopoli's and Cory's is usually impossible, and requires ideal conditions. In diomedea the white in the coverts extends in a white wedge into the hand, through the base of the primaries, i.e. the primary feathers (p6 – p9) on Cory’s are solidly dark or have variable (but always small) amounts of white on the primaries (from the primary coverts to the wingtip), but no white is visible on p10 at all (from the primary coverts to the wingtip), while Scopoli’s, however, shows distinct and long white tongues/inner webs on the primaries, including p10, eventually leading into dark wingtips and giving the impression of a much whiter underwing. Diet Primarily fish, but also takes squid and crustaceans, and zooplankton. It takes some offal around the fishing boats during the breeding season. Longevity record 24 years Ċiefa Calonectris diomedea Procellariiformes Procellariidae Common Usually seen in May - October Occasionally seen in all other months, resident species Click on the image to open slideshow 1/18 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 44 - 49 117 - 135 544 - 738 Back to Glossary Cory's Shearwater Cory's Shearwater Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* This species is closely related to Scopoli’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea), with which it was considered conspecific for many years. A large shearwater with pale upperparts and heavy, yellowish bill. Large grey head. The grey neck forms a diagnostic, contrasting line from wing base to base of bill (most other shearwaters have white neck-sides). Armpits usually pure white. Underside of wings white, framed by black flight feathers. Flight action calm and distinct. Long glides alternates with 3-4 slow wingbeats. Wingtips always bent downwards, and wings slightly angled back. Often soars. Field identification between the Scopoli's and Cory's is usually impossible, and requires ideal conditions. In diomedea the white in the coverts extends in a white wedge into the hand, through the base of the primaries, i.e. the primary feathers (p6 – p9) on Cory’s are solidly dark or have variable (but always small) amounts of white on the primaries (from the primary coverts to the wingtip), but no white is visible on p10 at all (from the primary coverts to the wingtip), while Scopoli’s, however, shows distinct and long white tongues/inner webs on the primaries, including p10, eventually leading into dark wingtips and giving the impression of a much whiter underwing. Diet Primarily fish, but also takes squid and crustaceans, and zooplankton. It takes some offal around the fishing boats during the breeding season. Longevity record 24 years (Found dead in Portugal, L 000366) Ċiefa Kbira Calonectris borealis Procellariiformes Procellariidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 48 - 56 113 - 126 605 - 1060 Back to Glossary Yelkouan Shearwater Mediterranean Shearwater Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in groups. Yelkouan shearwaters breed on islands and coastal cliffs in the eastern and central Mediterranean . Most winter in that sea, but small numbers enter the Atlantic in late summer. This species nests in burrows which are only visited at night to avoid predation by large gulls . It has the typically "shearing" flight of the genus, dipping from side to side on stiff wings with few wingbeats, the wingtips almost touching the water. This bird looks like a flying cross, with its wing held at right angles to the body, and it changes from very dark brown to white as the dark upperparts and paler undersides are alternately exposed as it travels low over the sea. Diet Primarily fish, but also takes squid and crustaceans. It takes some offal around the fishing boats. Longevity record 24 years Garnija tal-Mediterran Puffinus yelkouan Procellariiformes Procellariidae Common Back to Glossary Usually seen in November - August Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow Yelkouan Shearwater Note thinner darker bill, smaller size, dark undertail coverts and a lateral dark bar under the wing as opposed to Cory's and Scopoli's. 1/11 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 33 - 37 c.79 349 - 416 *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Kites Black kite page Black Kite Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A raptor seen singly or in few individuals but sometimes can be seen in flocks. One of the largest flocks ever recorded over Malta was seen on the 7th September 2016 with 58 birds that have roosted over Buskett (see flock in slide show). Diet It mostly feeds on small live prey like bats, rodents and birds but it can also hunt fish , scavenge household refuse and carrion. They have also been seen carrying nests of weavers for obtaining eggs or chicks. Longevity record 23 years (A bird found dead on wires in Switzerland, 829312) Astun Iswed Milvus migrans Accipitriformes Accipitridae Scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - April, August - October Occasionally seen in February, May Click on the image to open slideshow 1/20 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 54 - 60 130 - 150 630 - 950 Red kite page Red Kite Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A raptor usually seen in single individuals. Red Kites are rufous with black streaks on the chest, have a yellow bill, a pale head and a distinctive deep forked tail. Diet It mostly feeds on small live prey like such as rodents and rabbits. They can also take down small birds, reptiles and amphibians while can also feed on earthworms. Red kites are also scavengers and can be seen on carrion. They have also been seen carrying nests of weavers for obtaining eggs or chicks. Longevity record 25 years (A killed specimen in Germany, D 26437) Astun Aħmar Milvus milvus Accipitriformes Accipitridae Very rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in September - October Occasionally seen in April - May, December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/22 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 60 - 65 155 - 180 750 - 1300 Black shouldered kite Black-winged Kite Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A vagrant raptor usually seen individually. Small, stout, unmistakable raptor with pale grey plumage. Strikingly broad wings and short tail. Large, round, owl-like head with black "mascara" and short neck. Underside of wing-tips, and upper median and lesser coverts black. Immature birds often with rusty underparts and white fringes to flight feathers and scapulars. Glides with wings raised high like a harrier. Frequent and skilfull hovering. Diet A specialist predator of the introduced house mouse. It takes other suitably-sized creatures when available, including grasshoppers , rats, small reptiles, birds, and even (very rarely) rabbits, but mice and other mouse-sized mammals account for over 90% of its diet. Longevity record 6 years Astun Abjad Elanus caeruleus Accipitriformes Accipitridae Vagrant Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in March - May, September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/7 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 31 - 35 75 - 87 230 - 235 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

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

Owls, Hoopoes, Wrynecks, Bee-Eaters, Rollers, Kingfishers & Orioles Barn Owl Western Barn Owl Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. A beautiful, very pale owl with a diagnostic, heart-shaped face and black eyes. Underparts white to buff. Buff-bellied individuals most likely to be confused with other owls, but note lack of barring and streaking. Instead the underparts may be covered in small spots. Underwing almost white. Posture upright, both on ground and when perched. Flight-pattern variable, but often hunts from low above ground in slow and buoyant flight. Diet The natural diet of the Barn Owl in the wild comprises small mammals, mainly rodents. A Barn Owl will usually swallow small prey items whole. It is much better to provide small food items for Barn Owls rather than small parts of larger animals (such as pieces of meat). Longevity record 17 years 11 months (A bird found dead in the Netherlands, 102460) Barbaġann Tyto alba Strigiformes Tytonidae Rare Usually seen in May, October - December Occasionally seen in January - April, June, August 29-10-17 29-10-17 29-10-17 1/2 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 33 - 39 80 - 95 280 - 400 Back to Glossary Click on the image to open slideshow Cucumiau Little Owl Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Also known as 'Cucumiau'. A vagrant sighting seen individually. A small, tubby and compact owl with long legs, yellow eyes and stern expression. Upperparts greyish brown to buff, with boldest white spots of any small owl in the region. Underparts whitish with heavy, brown streaking. Flight characteristic, with alternating wing flapping and closed wings. Runs, or even hops along the ground. Posture mostly erect, but hunched when in alarm. Diet Diet consists primarily of crickets, grasshoppers and other invertebrates such as beetles and earthworms, as well as small mammals. Small birds are also taken during the breeding season. Little Owls are most active at dawn and dusk, and after dark when most hunting occurs. Longevity record 11 years 1 months (UK, ES 03970) Kokka tat-Tikki Athene noctua Strigiformes Strigidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in March, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/3 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 23 - 28 50 - 57 105 - 260 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Scops Owl Eurasian Scops Owl Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Small, starling sized owl. Smaller than Little Owl. Perches in upright position. Ear-tufts not prominent when relaxed, but gives angular shape to head. Plumage appears uniform, and colour varies from brown to rufous-brown. At closer range, whitish spots on shoulders and yellow eyes with dark surround, are visible. Appears long-winged in flight. Diet Scops owls hunt from perches in semi-open landscapes. They prefer areas which contain old trees with hollows; these are home to their prey which includes insects, reptiles, small mammals such as bats and mice and other small birds. The owls will also eat earthworms, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates. Longevity record 6 years 11 months (Hungary, 392864) Kokka / Kokka tas-Siġar Otus scops Strigiformes Strigidae Scarce Usually seen in April - May, September - November Occasionally seen in March, June, December Click on the image to open slideshow 29-09-18 1/8 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 16 - 20 47 - 54 60 - 135 Back to Glossary Long-eared Owl Long-eared Owl Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually and occasionally in pairs. A medium sized, brown and long-winged owl, with long ear-tufts and deep orange eyes. Only half the size of Eagle Owl. Differs from the more similar Short-eared Owl by darker (orange) eyes, longer ear-tufts and heavily streaked lower belly. In flight, note paler wing-tips (only finely barred, not tipped black). Diet Their principal prey are rodents and small hares. Long-eared owls also occasionally eat small birds, small snakes, and insects. Longevity record 17 years 11 months (A shot bird in Finland, H-7998) Qattus / Kukkun / Kokka tal-Qrun Asio otus Strigiformes Strigidae Very scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in September - November Occasionally seen in February - June, December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/4 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 35 - 37 84 - 95 210 - 370 Short-eared Owl Short-eared Owl Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually and in small groups. A medium sized owl, which can give a very pale impression in flight. Quite similar to a Long-eared Owl with folded tufts, but differs in bright yellow eyes, darker wing-tips and heavily streaked breast in contrast to pale belly. Diet Several owls may hunt over the same open area. Its food consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. Longevity record 20 years 9 months (Found dead in Germany, 3066160) Kokka tax-Xagħri Asio flammeus Strigiformes Strigidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - April, September - November Occasionally seen in August, December - February Click on the image to open slideshow 1/18 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 34 - 43 90 - 105 206 - 475 Hoopoe Eurasian Hoopoe Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Always unmistakable. Distinct, foldable, fan-like crest. Rounded, rectangular wings and long curved bill. Buff body, black wings and tail with conspicuous white barring. Catches the eye when flying by in undulating, butterfly-like motion. Diet The diet of the Eurasian hoopoe is mostly composed of insects, although small reptiles, frogs and plant matter such as seeds and berries are sometimes taken as well. It is a solitary forager which typically feeds on the ground Longevity record 5-10 years Daqquqa tat-Toppu Upupa epops Bucerotiformes Upupidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - April, August - September Occasionally seen in February, May - June, October - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/27 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 25 - 29 44 - 48 70 - 85 Wryneck Eurasian Wryneck Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. The Wryneck is the only type of Woodpecker that migrates regularly over Malta. Its plumage is a mix of rusty, creamy brown and grey, resembling a nightjar. A rather unmistakable bird, despite the lack of striking plumage features. Behaviour both passerine- and woodpecker-like, but with less woodpecker-like tree clinging. Often feeds on the ground. May give a reptile-like impression. Diet The diet of the Eurasian wryneck consists chiefly of ants but beetles and their larvae, moths, spiders and woodlice are also eaten. Longevity record 6 years 10 months, (Czech Republic, Z 735064) Bulebbiet / Sultan is-Summien Jynx torquilla Piciformes Picidae Fairly common Usually seen in March - April, September - November Occasionally seen in February, May, August Click on the image to open slideshow 16-04-2017 1/15 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 16 - 18 25 - 27 32 - 43 Back to Glossary Blue-cheeked Bee Eater Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually, in small groups or together with European Bee-eaters. Although the sighting occurrence is classified as very rare, these birds are being sighted nearly every year as of 2017. A predominantly green bee-eater having. Its face has blue sides with a black eye stripe, and a yellow and brown throat; the beak is black. Sexes are mostly alike but the tail-streamers of the female are shorter. Blue-cheeked bee-eaters may nest solitarily or in loose colonies of up to ten birds. They may also nest in colonies with European bee-eaters . The nests are located in sandy banks, embankments, low cliffs or on the shore of the Caspian Sea. They make a relatively long tunnel of 1 to 3 m in length in which the four to eight (usually six or seven), spherical white eggs are laid. Both the male and the female take care of the eggs, although the female alone incubates them at night. Diet Blue-cheeked Bee-Eaters are insectivorous, eating mainly flying insects. They can eat dangerous insects such as bees, wasps and hornets which are rendered harmless before being eaten: the tail (and sting) of the insects is rubbed against the perch to express the venom and often the sting itself. Longevity record - Qerd in-Naħal Aħdar Merops persicus Coraciiformes Meropidae Very rare Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in March - May, September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/8 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 28 - 32 35 - 39 38 - 56 Back to Glossary European Bee-eater European Bee-eater Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in groups or large flocks but rarely individually. Unmistakable if seen well. Stunning, bright yellow throat and turquoise underparts. Upperside of wings multicoloured with noticeable light buff shoulders. In flight the underwing shows a black trailing edge, which on the secondaries becomes broader closer to the body. Often flies high and then reveals itself only by its flight call. Diet European Bee-Eaters are insectivorous, eating mainly flying insects. They can eat dangerous insects such as bees, wasps and hornets which are rendered harmless before being eaten: the tail (and sting) of the insects is rubbed against the perch to express the venom and often the sting itself. Longevity record 5 years 11 months (Germany, NA 15042) Qerd in-Naħal Merops apiaster Coraciiformes Meropidae Fairly common Usually seen in April - June, August - September Occasionally seen in March, July, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/33 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 25 - 29 36 - 40 44 - 78 Back to Glossary Roller European Roller Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Unmistakable if seen well. Corvoid-like at a distance. Tail is however quite a bit shorter, and wings slightly longer. Flight-feathers dark, contrasting with turquois coverts, both below and above. Underparts especially striking in flight, being pale blue (sometimes seemingly white) all over, except dark flight-feathers and base of tail. Bill heavy. Immature duller than adults with faint streaked breast and slightly rufous coverts. Wing-beats deep and regular. Flies mostly in a straight line. Migrating birds move in characteristic procession-like formations. Diet European rollers are carnivores. Their diet includes large insects, small reptiles, rodents, and even frogs. The nestlings mostly eat grasshoppers and bush crickets. Longevity record 9 years 2 months (A shot bird in Poland, E 30905) Farruġ Coracias garrulus Coraciiformes Coraciidae Scarce Usually seen in April - May, September Occasionally seen in June - August, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/22 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 29 - 32 52 - 58 125 - 160 Back to Glossary Kingfisher Common Kingfisher Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Unmistakable bird in most situations. Azure blue above, and orangy brown below. Very short tail, and large head with long and heavy bill. Often overlooked despite it's bright colours, due to small size and obscuring habitat. Often one only catches a glimpse of the light blue back, when it flies away close to the water surface in a whirring, darting motion. Diet Kingfishers eat mainly fish but they also take aquatic insects, freshwater shrimps and tadpoles to top up their diet. Longevity record 21 years 0 months (Belgium, N 18630) Għasfur ta' San Marti Alcedo atthis Coraciiformes Alcedinidae Common Usually seen in August - September Occasionally seen in October - March, June - July Click on the image to open slideshow 18-08-18 1/16 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 17 - 20 24 - 26 16 - 23 Back to Glossary Golden Oriole Eurasian Golden Oriole Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually, in small groups and in small flocks. Adult male unmistakable if seen well. Body and head bright yellow, lores, wings and tail black. Females and young males less distinct, with lime-green back, pale, streaked underparts and black wings and tail. Bill quite strong with reddish colour in adults, and grey in young birds. Despite the bright plumage the bird is difficult to see due to skulking behaviour in foliage. Usually spotted when moving from tree to tree in undulating flight. Then resembles a large thrush or woodpecker, quickly darting upwards into the next tree-top. Diet Orioles feed on fruits, nectar and insects. They are capable of dispersing the seeds of many berry-bearing plants including the invasive Lantana camara. An oriole has been recorded preying on southern flying lizards. Longevity record 10 years 11 months (UK, RA 59406) Tajra Safra Oriolus oriolus Passeriformes Oriolidae Fairly common Usually seen in April - May, August - September Occasionally seen in June - July, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/25 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 22 - 25 44 - 47 68 - 84 Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Quails, T'Knees, Pratincoles, Cursors, Nightjars & Cuckoos Quail Common Quail Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in pairs during breeding. Multiple birds can be flushed simultaneously. Seldom seen, often heard. Very small, compact bird with secretive behaviour. Heavily striated brown upperparts and paler belly. Males with black throat or black throat-band. Only the male shows different pale or rufous morphs. Appears long-winged when flying, with a straight and low line of flight. Diet Quails are foraging birds that live in shrub/bush lands in the wild. Their diet consists of insects, grains, seeds and sometimes berries. Longevity record 14 years 7 months (A shot bird in Slovakia, K 261152) Summiena Coturnix coturnix Galliformes Phasianidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - April, September - October Occasionally seen in February, May, August, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/6 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 16 - 18 32 - 35 70 - 155 Little Bustard Little Bustard Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Small bustard about the seize of female pheasant. Stocky body, small head, slender neck and fairly long legs. Male: Grey head, black neck with two white rings, finely vermiculated upperparts and white underparts. Odd short p7 in male. Female lacks black neck and all upperparts are a vermiculated sandy brown. Young and non-breeding males similar to females, but often with a hint of white breast-band and more clearly defined white underparts. Flushed birds take off in noisy, grouse-like manner with rapid wing-beats and interspersed short glides on bowed wings. Longer flight with quick wing-beats mostly below level of back. Diet Seeds, insects, rodents and reptiles. Like other bustards, the male little bustard has a flamboyant display with foot stamping and leaping in the air. Longevity record 10 years (average) Pitarra Tetrax tetrax Galliformes Phasianidae Very rare Usually seen in October - November Occasionally seen in March - April, September, December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/6 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 40 - 45 83 - 91 680 - 975 Back to Glossary Tellerita Eurasian Stone-curlew Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. It is also found as the 'Eurasian Thick-knee'. Mostly nocturnal and easily overlooked at daytime when resting. Runs for cover with hunched posture if disturbed. Easily identified in flight by dark wing with white window, long tail and trailing toes. Betrays it's presence at dusk when groups of birds often starts calling and moving about. Diet Food consists of insects and other small invertebrates, and occasionally small reptiles, frogs and rodents. Longevity record 17 years 10 months (Found dead by car accident in the UK, ED 41923) Tellerita Burhinus oedicnemus Charadriiformes Burhinidae Scarce Usually seen in March - May, September - October Occasionally seen in June, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/22 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 38 - 45 76 - 88 290 - 535 Back to Glossary Cream-coloured courser Cream-coloured Courser Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in pairs. Around 30 known records as from 2010. These birds have long legs and long wings. They have slightly downcurved bills. The body plumage is sandy in colour, fading to whitish on the lower belly. The upperwing primary feathers and the underwings are black. The crown and nape are grey, and there is a black eyestripe and white supercilium. In flight, this species resembles a pratincole with its relaxed wingbeats, pointed wings and dark underwings. Diet Cream-coloured Coursers usually feeds on insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, ants and flies. It also consumes molluscs and isopods (a kind of crustacean with flat body and all similar legs). It also feeds on seeds. Longevity record - Nankina Cursorius cursor Charadriiformes Glareolidae Very rare Usually seen in March, June - July Occasionally seen in January - February, April - May, August - September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 24 - 27 51 - 57 93 - 156 Back to Glossary Collared Pratincole Collared Pratincole Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Slightly smaller than Golden Plover with much slender appearance. Only likely to be confused with other pratincoles, but diagnostic field marks often difficult to see. Tail streamers longer than wing-tips and base of bill with more red (in breeding plumage). Sexes alike. Lacks black necklace in winter plumage. Immature birds are similar to winter-plumaged adults, but with additional scaly upperparts. Often confusing at first glance when in flight, due to tern-like, acrobatic flight not resembling other waders. Diet Insects Longevity record - Perniċotta Glareola pratincola Charadriiformes Glareolidae Very rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - May, September Occasionally seen in July, October - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/7 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 24 - 28 60 - 70 60 - 100 European nightjar European Nightjar Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but multiple individuals can be seen flying simultaneously. Falcon or cuckoo-like, nocturnal bird with long tail and slender, pointed wings. Unmistakable when seen in areas where no other species of nightjars occur, or when singing. If plumage is seen clearly, note general tone (grey brown), dark front edge of arm, broader upper wing-bar and small white throat patch. Diet The Nightjar's diet is made up of invertebrates, including moths, flies and beetles. Longevity record 11 years 11 months (UK, XJ 86805) Buqrajq Caprimulgus europaeus Caprimulgiformes Caprimulgidae Fairly common Usually seen in April - May, September - October Occasionally seen in March, June, August, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/8 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 24 - 28 52 - 59 56 - 85 Back to Glossary Egyptian Nightjar Egyptian Nightjar Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Its plumage is much paler than the European Nightjar . The adult is sand-colours, barred and streaked with buff and brown. The under parts are sandy or whitish. It is smaller, but relatively longer-winged and longer-tailed than the more widespread species. Like other nightjars, it has a wide gape, long wings, soft downy plumage and nocturnal habits. The male has tiny white wing spots. Diet The Nightjar's diet is made up of invertebrates, including moths, flies and beetles. Longevity record 11 years Buqrajq Abjad / Buqrajq tal-Eġittu Caprimulgus aegyptius Caprimulgiformes Caprimulgidae Very rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in March - April, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 24 - 27 53 - 58 70 - 90 Great Spotted Cuckoo Great Spotted Cuckoo Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in pairs. This species is slightly larger than the common cuckoo in length, but looks much larger with its broad wings and long narrow tail. The adult is grey above with a slender body, long tail and strong legs. It has a grey cap, grey wings, a yellowish face and upper breast, and white underparts. Sexes are similar. The juveniles have blackish upperparts and cap, and chestnut primary wing feathers. This species has a magpie-like flight. It is a bird of warm open country with trees. Diet It feeds on insects, spiders, small reptiles and hairy caterpillars, which are distasteful to many birds. Longevity record - Sultan il-Gamiem tat-Toppu Clamator glandarius Cuculiformes Cuculidae Rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in February - April Occasionally seen in May - July, August - September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 35 - 39 58 - 66 140 - 210 Common Cuckoo Common Cuckoo Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Slate grey upperparts with barred white underparts. Female and juvenile sometimes rufous brown. Male with defined grey breast in contrast to barred white belly, female with diffusely barred chest and throat. Yellow iris and thin bill. Wings and tail long and slender, often giving the impression of a small falcon. Often perches with a more horizontal posture than hawks or falcons, i.e. tail pointing backwards and not towards the ground, and drooping wings. In flight wings are not raise above horizontal plane, and it seldom glides like raptors. Diet It feeds on insects, spiders, small reptiles and hairy caterpillars, which are distasteful to many birds. Longevity record 12 years 11 months (Found dead in Germany, 6023421) Sultan il-Gamiem Cuculus canorus Cuculiformes Cuculidae Fairly common Usually seen in March - May, August - October Occasionally seen in June - July, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/22 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 32 - 36 54 - 60 80 - 160 Back to Glossary *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''.

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)