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

Storks & Cranes White Stork White Stork Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually or in small groups but sometimes in large flocks. Largely unmistakable. Huge, almost all white, bird with black flight feathers, long red legs and bill. Juveniles with dark bill tip and pale legs. Easily told from Black Stork in flight by all white underparts, including wing coverts. Only flight feathers black. Often soars high in flocks like raptors. Diet Their diet varies according to season, locality and prey availability. Common food items include insects (primarily beetles, grasshoppers, locusts and crickets), earthworms, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals such as voles, moles and shrews. Less commonly, they also eat bird eggs and young birds, fish, molluscs, crustaceans and scorpions. Longevity record 39 years (Bird found dead in Switzerland, S 127) Ċikonja Bajda Ciconia ciconia Ciconiiformes Ciconiidae Very scarce Usually seen in March - April, August - September Occasionally seen in May, July, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/17 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 95 - 110 180 - 218 2.3 - 4.4 Back to Glossary Black Stork Black Stork Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually or in small groups. Similar to White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), but with dark brown, metallic neck, head, breast and back. Only belly and innermost, under wing coverts are white. Legs, eye-ring and bill deep red. Flies with neck extended like White Stork, but contrasting white belly is visible at great distance. Immature birds duller brown than adults, with grey-green bill and legs. Diet The black stork mainly eats fish , small reptiles, amphibians , mammals, birds , invertebrates (such as snails , molluscs , earthworms) and insects like water beetles and their larvae . Longevity record 18 years (A shot bird in Poland, A 995853) Ċikonja Sewda Ciconia nigra Ciconiiformes Ciconiidae Very scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in September - October Occasionally seen in March - June, August, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/14 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 90 - 105 173 - 205 2.0 - 4.0 Common Crane Common Crane Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually or in groups and also in large flocks. A very large, long and slender bird. Bigger than Grey Heron. Plumage grey, with contrasting black throat and flight-feathers. White sides of neck. Tertials forms fluffed, ostrich-like rear end. Red crown visible at close range. Easily told from herons in flight by the straight neck. Juveniles with rufous head, lacking the marked pattern of adults. Diet It largely eats plant matter, including roots, rhizomes, tubers, stems, leaves, fruits and seeds. They also commonly eat, when available, pond-weeds, heath berries, peas, potatoes, olives, acorns and pods of peanuts. Notably amongst the berries consumed, the cranberry, is possibly named after the species. Longevity record 24 years 3 months (Markers in the field in Sweden, 9237782) Grawwa Grus grus Gruiformes Gruidae Scarce Usually seen in October - December, March - April Occasionally seen in January - February Click on the image to open slideshow 1/6 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (kg): 96 - 119 180 - 222 4.1 - 6.0 Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Thrushes White's Thrush White's Thrush Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A very rare bird that is seen individually. Although the sightings are rare it has been recorded from one up to four records in 2018, 2019 and 2020. This thrush is similar to a Mistle Thrush but it has a black scaling on a paler white or yellowish background. The most striking identification feature in flight is the black band on the white underwings. The male has a song which is a loud, far-carrying mechanical whistle, with 5–10 second pauses between each one second long phrase twee...tuuu....tuuu....tuuu. It breeds in the Himalayas and Siberia but is recorded in Europe each year. Diet This thrush mainly feeds on invertebrates, fruit and berries. Animal prey include earthworms, insects and other arthropods, slugs and snails. Longevity record - Malvizzun Dehbi Zoothera aurea Passeriformes Turdidae Vagrant Back to Glossary Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in October - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 27 - 31 100 - 140 Ring Ouzel Ring Ouzel 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 ring ouzel is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, small rodents, reptiles and berries. Longevity record 9 years 1 month (Found dead in Spain, 3015231) Malvizz tas-Sidra Bajda / Malvizzun tal-Ħannieqa Turdus torquatus Passeriformes Turdidae Very scarce Usually seen in October - December Occasionally seen in January, March - April, September Click on the image to open slideshow 07-11-18 07-11-18 1/1 Length (cm): Weight (g): 24 - 27 85 - 120 Back to Glossary Blackbird Common Blackbird Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen singly. Male shiny black with bright yellow bill and yellow eye-ring. Female dark brown above. Throat and chest in slightly paler tones with diffuse dark spots. Juveniles similar to females, but with fine buff streaking all over. More long-tailed than Redwing and Song Thrush. Flight action with alternating bursts of wing-beats and with little undulation (see Fieldfare). Diet The Common Blackbird eats insects, earthworms, snails, spiders and a range of seeds and fruit. It mainly forages on the ground, probing and scratching at leaf litter, lawns and soil. Longevity record 21 years 10 month (Germany, 7561680) Malvizz Iswed / Malvizzun Iswed Turdus merula Passeriformes Turdidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in October - December Occasionally seen in January - May, July, September Click on the image to open slideshow Common Blackbird (leucistic) Common Blackbird (leucistic) Male Common Blackbird (leucistic) 1/8 Length (cm): Weight (g): 23 - 29 80 - 135 Eyebrowed Thrush Eyebrowed Thrush Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A very rare bird that is seen individually. Upperparts are olive-brown, with contrasting gray on the head and upper breast. The face is prominently marked with a white supercilium, white eye crescents, and a bold black eye line. The bill is yellow at the base with a dark culmen and tip. The sides and flanks are pale orange, and the belly and undertail coverts are white. The legs are pale yellowish to pinkish. Female: Similar to male, but lighter and browner overall, with more extensive white on the malar and throat areas. It breeds in the Siberia, Mongolia and Japan. Diet Insects, snails and berries. Longevity record 5 years Malvizz tan-Nord Turdus obscurus Passeriformes Turdidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in October - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 20 - 23 61 - 88 Back to Glossary Fieldfare Fieldfare Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen singly or in pairs but can be seen occasionally in small groups. A large and long-tailed thrush. Slate grey lower back, rump and head. Brown upper back and yellow buff breast with dark spots. The all dark tail contrasts with the grey rump. Tail colour combined with white underwing distinguishes it from all other thrushes when flying. Flight undulated in long waves, with alternating glides and bursts of wing-beats. Diet Its diet consists of snails and slugs, earthworms, spiders and insects such as beetles and their larvae, flies and grasshoppers. Later in the winter windfall apples are eaten, swedes attacked in the field and grain and seeds eaten. When these are exhausted, or in particularly harsh weather, the birds may move to marshes or even the foreshore where molluscs are to be found. Longevity record 18 years 1 month (Shot in Finland, A-44583) Malvizzun tal-Qtajja' Turdus pilaris Passeriformes Turdidae Scarce Usually seen in November - February Occasionally seen in October, March Click on the image to open slideshow 1/6 Length (cm): Weight (g): 22 - 27 82 - 138 Back to Glossary Song Thrush Song Thrush Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen singly or in small groups. A medium sized thrush with evenly brown to olive-brown upperparts. Underparts boldly covered with arrow-shaped spots. Chest with buff tones. Faint face patterns and buff underwing coverts distinguishes it from all other thrushes in the region. Lacks the white cheek-spot of Mistle Thrush, and the colour of the back of the head is not paler than the back. Sexes alike. Juveniles with buff-spotted upperparts. Quite short-tailed and compact, with rounded wings. Jerky, and not very undulated, flight pattern. Diet The Song Thrush's diet is largely earthworms and snails, with the latter broken open by the bird smashing the shell against a hard object such a stone. Other food incudes insects and spiders, plus fruit and berries in the colder months. Longevity record 17 years 8 months (Found dead in the UK, CP 71448) Malvizz Turdus philomelos Passeriformes Turdidae Fairly common Usually seen in March, October - December Occasionally seen in January, April, September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/14 Length (cm): Weight (g): 20 - 22 53 - 79 Back to Glossary Redwing Redwing Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen singly or in small groups. Small thrush with rufous flanks, strong white supercilium and whitish moustache stripe. Upperparts evenly brown, underparts white with dark spots on chest and sides. Underwing coverts rufous. Fairly compact build, with slightly more pointed wings and shorter tail than Song Thrush. Juveniles less brightly coloured, with buff spots on upperparts. Behaviour less secretive than Song Thrush. Diet The diet is varied and includes snails, earthworms, slugs and insects, then progressively more berries and fallen fruit in the winter months. Hawthorn, holly and rowan berries are the native species which are eaten, but in gardens, parks and shopping centre car parks etc. Longevity record 17 years 4 months (Shot in Finland, P-337619) Żerżur / Malvizz Aħmar Turdus iliacus Passeriformes Turdidae Scarce Usually seen in December - February Occasionally seen in March, October - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/4 Length (cm): Weight (g): 19 - 23 49 - 79 Back to Glossary Mistle thrush Mistle Thrush Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen singly or in pairs. A large, and often shy, thrush. Most similar to Song Thrush. Other than size, it is distinguished by a long tail with white corners, white under wing-coverts and a pale, vertical cheek patch. Underparts are boldly covered in round (not arrow-shaped) spots that forms a dark patch on each side of upper chest. Rump slightly paler than the olive back. Noticeably bulkier than Fieldfare, with a heavier bill. Posture upright when foraging on ground, and head seems paler than the back. Flight non-undulating, but with alternating bursts of wing-beats and glides with folded wings. Often flies high. Diet Mistle thrushes feed mainly on invertebrates, fruit and berries. Animal prey include earthworms, insects and other arthropods, slugs and snails. Snails are sometimes smashed on a stone "anvil", a technique also used by the song thrush. Longevity record 21 years 3 months (Shot in Switxerland, 768038) Malvizzun Prim Turdus viscivorus Passeriformes Turdidae Very scarce Usually seen in October - December Occasionally seen in January - April Click on the image to open slideshow 1/7 Length (cm): Weight (g): 26 - 29 100 - 126 Back to Glossary Rock Thrush Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen singly or in small groups. Up to five individuals had been seen. Compact built bird attached to rocky habitat. Differs in all plumages from Blue Rock-thrush, by short, rufous tail and shorter bill. Primary projection very long, and wing-tips almost reaches end of tail in perching birds. Male in breeding plumage unmistakable with blue-grey head, orange-buff underparts and white patch on back (variable). Male resembles female and immature birds when not in breeding plumage, but can sometimes be sexed by partly grey head and hints of white on back. General characteristics of non-breeding plumage are greyish brown and speckled upperparts, and orange-buff, vermiculated underparts. Then told from female Blue Rock-thrush by aforementioned different build, bill and tail, and also by paler throat-sides/breast and warmer rufous flanks. Posture usually upright with giss resembling more a wheatear than a thrush. Diet It is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, berries and small reptiles. Longevity record - Ġanbublu Monticola saxatilis Passeriformes Muscicapidae Very scarce Usually seen in March - May Occasionally seen in August - October Click on the image to open slideshow 31-03-20 12-04-17 31-03-20 1/18 Length (cm): Weight (g): 17 - 20 43 - 63 Back to Glossary Blue rock thrush Blue Rock Thrush Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* The Blue Rock Thrush is the national bird of Malta and the emblem of 'Birds of Malta'. It is usually seen singly or in small groups. A slim, medium large thrush attached to rocky terrain, mountains or concrete buildings. Differs from Common Rock Thrush, in all plumages by long bill, and long, dark tail (not rufous). Bill and tail gives the bird an elongated appearance and profile. The tail reaches far behind the primaries when perched. Male unmistakable if seen well, but note that the bluish tones appears dark grey in unfavorable light. First winter males are barred underneath but gradually turns bluer and more evenly coloured. Immatures and females look alike with grey-brown upperparts and barred underparts, and are generally darker in throat and breast than the Common Rock Thrush. Diet It is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, berries, seed and small reptiles. Longevity record - Merill Monticola solitarius Passeriformes Muscicapidae Common Usually seen in All year round. Residential bird. Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow CF7607 1/18 Length (cm): Weight (g): 21 - 23 57 - 64 Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

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

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

Martins, Swallows & Swifts House Martin Common 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 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 daurica 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 1/2 Sand Martin 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 15-09-17 26-04-20 1/5 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 1/0 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''.

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

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