BIRDS

Common Name

Barn swallow

Scientific Name

Hirundo rustica

Habitat

Villages, cities and cliffs.

diet

Insectivores, feeding on various small insects. 

Description

Small migratory birds that build nests made out of mud and saliva in the corners of buildings. They have a white chest, black head, red throat and black back. 

size

18cm

status (iucn)

Least concern.

further information

They can be differentiated from martins and swifts by their signature V-shaped tails.

Common Name

Black-winged Stilt

Scientific Name

Himantopus himantopus

Habitat

Frequently found in shallow fresh, brackish or salt water (lagoons, saltpans, estuaries). Migratory birds generally spend winter in Africa. Nests are lined with scrapes on an islet or near water. Occasionally, they will create a raised mound of vegetation in shallow water.

diet

Carnivorous, mainly feeding on insects and crustaceans but may also eat tadpoles, molluscs, worms, and spiders.

Description

Straight black bill, long reddish-pink legs, and black and white plumage. Known for their high-pitched, repetitive calls. 

size

33-36 cm

status (iucn)

Least concern.

further information

Nest in colonies, often with other wading birds, and build ground nests near water. They play a key role in maintaining wetland ecosystems by helping control insect populations.

Common Name

Common Chaffinch

Scientific Name

Fringilla coelebsa

Habitat

Breeds in all types of woodlands, parks and gardens. More commonly found in open woods than dense forests. They build nests in tree forks, camouflaged on the outside with lichens and moss.

diet

Ground feeders, preferring to forage for seeds, fruit, berries and insects in the grass.

Description

Has a slim build and has a longer tail (compared to the House Sparrow). Usually easily recognised by their double white wing-bar, white tail-sides and grey-green rump. Males have a rusty-red head and breast; their crown and nape are blue-grey. Females/Juveniles have a grey-green head with a faint brown tinge, and greyish-white lower bodies. 

size

14-16 cm

status (iucn)

Least concern.

further information

Named “coelebs” (Latin for bachelor) because males and females often migrate separately. They become very territorial during breeding; males sing to defend their territories.

Common Name

Common Swift

Scientific Name

Apus apus

Habitat

Cities, towns and cliffs.

diet

Insectivore, feeding on aerial insects and spiders, catching them mid-air.

Description

The Common Swift is recognisable in flight by its silhouette, its look and its dark plumage. The bird has a big head with a hunched neck, long scythe-like wings and a pointed tail. The plumage of the adult is generally sooty black with a lighter throat. At close and very good light, the underside of the body appears slightly mottled. The remiges and the rectrices have a glossy appearance, which makes them appear lighter in underside view, especially when the ground reflects strong light.

size

17 cm

status (iucn)

Near threatened.

further information

They are among the fastest flying birds, reaching speeds over 110 km/h in level flight. They migrate between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa, covering thousands of kilometres. They can stay airborne for up to 10 months straight without landing.

Common Name

Crested Lark

Scientific Name

Galerida cristata

Habitat

Lives in open areas, marshes, and in agricultural fields.

diet

Mostly grains and cereals but also some insects like beetles.

Description

Small bird with light brown feathers and a signature crest, easily identifiable by its song.

size

17 cm

status (iucn)

Least concern.

further information

Mostly sedentary, meaning it tends to stay in the same area all year-round.

Common Name

Eleonora’s Falcon

Scientific Name

Falco eleonorae

Habitat

Nests in cliffs near the Mediterranean Sea, spends the winter in Madagascar and 80% of the population breeds in Greece.

diet

This bird of prey eats insects most of the year, but switches to small migrating birds during the breeding season.

Description

Medium-sized bird of prey, with slim wings that appear curved backwards while in flight and a long tail. Most individuals are dark with a light spotted chest and a white face with black moustaches, but some individuals are completely black with just a yellow ring around the eye.

size

36-42 cm

status (iucn)

Least concern.

further information

Known to remove flight feathers from captured birds and store them alive in rock crevices for later consumption—a rare behaviour among birds of prey.

Common Name

Eurasian Hoopoe

Scientific Name

Upupa epops

Habitat

Nests in rock or tree cavities, requiring an open environment with barren soil.

diet

Solely insectivores, feeding on beetles, crickets, locusts, and antlions.

Description

The Eurasian Hoopoe is immediately recognisable by its orangeish plumage, black and white wings and tail, long erect crest and curved beak. The three species of hoopoe look very similar, and their differences are subtle. The Eurasian Hoopoe can be distinguished by its black wing bars crossed with white (wholly black in its South African counterpart), and the white subterminal zone of the crest feathers.

size

32 cm

status (iucn)

Least concern.

further information

Females and chicks produce a foul-smelling secretion to deter predators; chicks can also hiss and squirt faeces at potential predators.

Common Name

Eurasian Jay

Scientific Name

Garrulus glandarius

Habitat

Breeds in various types of woodlands, both coniferous and deciduous. Prefers areas with acorns, secondarily beech nuts and hornbeam seeds, which are stored in autumn as winter food. Mostly resident, but northern populations migrate south and southwest during autumn. 

diet

Omnivores, winter diet includes nuts and seeds, while the summer diet consists of eggs and other small infant birds.

Description

Plumage is pinkish-brown on the body, black tail, white rump, and a distinctive blue-and-black barred patch on the wings. A prominent crest on the head that is often raised when the bird is excited or alarmed.

size

32-35 cm

status (iucn)

Least concern.

further information

Known for hoarding acorns in the ground during autumn, which it retrieves in winter. This behaviour contributes to forest regeneration, as forgotten acorns can sprout into new trees.

Common Name

European Bee-eater

Scientific Name

Merops apiaster

Habitat

Nests in muddy cliffs or river banks, and hunt near water.

diet

Insectivores specialised in hunting various species of bees and wasps.

Description

The European Bee-eater is a striking migratory bird that journeys from Africa to Europe in spring and returns in autumn. Renowned as one of Europe’s most colourful birds, they boast vibrant blue, yellow, and orange feathers. It has a distinctive silhouette, marked by pointed wings and a curved beak. They have an iconic melodious sound when flying in flocks up in the sky.

size

28 cm

status (iucn)

Least concern.

further information

During the breeding season, the European Bee-eater is monogamous, with both parents feeding the chicks. They remove the stingers of bees and wasps by rubbing the insects against a perch to squeeze out venom before eating.

Common Name

Great Tit

Scientific Name

Parus major

Habitat

Widespread across Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa. Occupies a variety of environments, including deciduous and mixed woodlands, parks, gardens, and hedgerows. It is a common visitor to bird feeders and readily uses nest boxes.

diet

Omnivorous; primarily insectivorous during spring and summer, feeding on insects and spiders. In autumn and winter, diet shifts to include seeds, nuts, and berries.

Description

right yellow underparts with a distinctive black central stripe; glossy black head and throat; white cheeks; olive-green back; and bluish-grey wings and tail. Sexes are similar, males typically have a broader black stripe down the belly compared to females. Females are often somewhat paler yellow and has narrower and often broken black line.

size

4-15cm

status (iucn)

Least concern.

further information

Possesses a diverse repertoire of calls and songs, with up to 40 distinct vocalisations.

Common Name

Greater Flamingo

Scientific Name

Phoenicopterus roseus

Habitat

Found in salt marshes near the ocean. 

diet

Filter feeders that feed with their heads upside down, using specialised lamellae (comb-like structures) in their bills to filter out food from the water.

Description

Very peculiar and unmistakable bird, it gets its pink colour from its diet, mainly composed of shrimps. It is the largest flamingo species, although it might appear white sometimes, the pink colour is visible when in flight. 

size

120-145 cm

status (iucn)

Least concern. 

further information

Once they pair up, flamingos often stay with the same mate for a season and build mud mound nests to lay a single white egg.

Common Name

House Sparrow

Scientific Name

Passer domesticus

Habitat

Breeds in proximity to humans, both rural and urban areas. Prefers cavities in buildings, nest boxes, and other sheltered locations.

diet

Omnivorous; primarily consumes seeds and grains but also eats insects, especially during the breeding season.

Description

Males exhibit grey crowns, black bibs, and chestnut napes, while females and juveniles are more uniformly brown and grey.

size

14-16 cm

status (iucn)

Least concern.

further information

Originally from Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and much of Asia. Now found across the Americas, sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

Common Name

Little Owl

Scientific Name

Athene noctua

Habitat

Widespread across Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, extending east to Korea and south to North Africa. Prefers open landscapes such as farmland with hedgerows, orchards, woodland edges, and even urban areas. Often found in regions with scattered trees and structures suitable for nesting.

diet

Insects, small amphibians and snakes and other birds.

Description

Features a flat-topped head, bright yellow eyes, and a compact body. Its plumage is generally brown with white spots and streaks, providing excellent camouflage in its natural habitat.

size

Length 23-28cm, wingspan 50-57 cm

status (iucn)

Least concern.

further information

In ancient Greek mythology, the Little Owl was sacred to the goddess Athena, symbolizing wisdom. This association is reflected in its scientific name, Athene noctua.

Common Name

Ruddy Shelduck

Scientific Name

Tadorna ferruginea

Habitat

Found across southeastern Europe, Central Asia, and parts of North Africa. Breeding populations are present in countries such as Turkey, Iran, and India, with some wintering in the Indian subcontinent. Prefers inland freshwater, saline, and brackish lakes, rivers, and open country, particularly in open steppe and upland plateau regions.

diet

Omnivorous, primarily consuming plant material such as grasses, grains, young shoots of terrestrial plants, and aquatic plants. It also feeds on small terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, and occasionally small fish and amphibians.

Description

Features bright orange-brown plumage with a pale head and neck. The male has a narrow black collar at the base of the neck, while the female’s head is paler and lacks the collar. Both sexes display white wing-coverts and contrasting black flight feathers.

size

Length 58-70 cm, Wingspan 110-135 cm

status (iucn)

Least concern.

further information

Primarily nocturnal, often seen in pairs or small groups. It can be aggressive towards others during the breeding season. Produces a series of loud, nasal honking notes, with discernible differences between the male and female calls.

Common Name

Sardinian Warbler

Scientific Name

Sylvia melanocephala

Habitat

Found throughout the Mediterranean Basin, including southern Europe, North Africa, and the Canary Islands. Prefers dense scrubland, coastal scrub, open woodlands with gorse, olive and almond plantations, and gardens. 

diet

Omnivorous; feeding on insects such as beetles, caterpillars, moths, and spiders. But also fruits during autumn and winter.

Description

They often adopt a crouched posture with their head lowered. Males (from August) feature a black head, white throat, grey back, and red eye-ring. Female plumage is generally duller, with a grey head, white throat, and buff-colored underparts.

size

13-14cm

status (iucn)

Least concern.

further information

Builds nests in low shrubs or brambles. Eggs are variable in colour, ranging from pinkish to white with reddish or olive-brown speckles. 

Common Name

Scopoli’s Shearwater

Scientific Name

Calonectris d. diomedea

Habitat

Nests on rocky islands and steep coasts across the Mediterranean. After breeding, Scopoli’s Shearwaters migrate to the tropical eastern Atlantic.

diet

Primarily feeds on fish and squid, often foraging near the ocean surface. It is also known to scavenge behind fishing boats for scraps.

Description

It has a robust and rounded head. It exhibits a dull colouration, with grayish-brown colours in the upper areas that reach the lower part of the beak. The underparts are almost entirely white, except for the outer edge of the wings, which is dark. It has a yellowish beak with a blackish tip. There are no appreciable differences between sexes or ages.

size

Length 45-52 cm, Wingspan 112-122 cm

status (iucn)

Least concern.

further information

The species is nocturnal at its breeding sites, returning to nests under the cover of darkness to avoid predators.

Common Name

Short-toed Snake Eagle

Scientific Name

Circaetus gallicus

Habitat

European populations migrate to sub-Saharan Africa during the winter months, typically leaving in September and returning in April or May. Prefers open, arid landscapes with sparse vegetation, such as cultivated plains, semi-desert areas, and foothills. It requires tall trees for nesting and open habitats for foraging.

diet

Specialises in hunting reptiles, primarily snakes, but also consumes lizards and occasionally small mammals. 

Description

This eagle exhibits a predominantly white underside with greyish-brown upperparts. It has a broad, rounded head with yellow eyes and a distinctive owl-like appearance. The tail is banded with 3–4 dark bars.

size

Length 62-69 cm, Wingspan 162-178 cm

status (iucn)

Least concern.

further information

Builds nests in tall trees, often on slopes or hilltops. In Europe, breeding occurs from April to June. The female lays a single egg, which is incubated for about 40–47 days. The chick remains in the nest for 60–80 days before fledging.

Common Name

White wagtail

Scientific Name

Motacilla alba

Habitat

Found across most of Europe and Asia; winters in North Africa and southern Asia. Prefers open areas near water, including riverbanks, meadows, farms, and urban settings. Commonly seen walking or running on the ground.

diet

Feed mainly on flies, beetles, caterpillars, and other small invertebrates.

Description

Slender bird with a long, constantly wagging tail. Males in breeding plumage have a white face, black bib, grey back, and black cap. Females and juveniles are paler. 

size

18 cm

status (iucn)

Least concern.

further information

Northern populations are migratory; southern ones may be resident or partially migratory.