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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''.

Rails, Crakes & Coots Water Rail Water Rail Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually. Fairly large rail with secretive behaviour. Distinguished by long red bill, brownish upperparts, slate grey underparts, and coarsely barred flanks. White and unmarked vent often visible due to frequently used posture with flirted tail. Long legs and toes visible in flight. Diet Water rails are omnivorous, although they mainly feed on animals. These include leeches, worms, gastropods, small crustaceans, spiders, and a wide range of both terrestrial and aquatic insects and their larvae. Small vertebrates such as amphibians, fish, birds and mammals may be killed or eaten as carrion. Longevity record 8 years, 11 months (A bird found dead in the UK, DA 56290) Gallozz tax-Xitwa Rallus aquaticus Gruiformes Rallidae Scarce Usually seen in October - February Occasionally seen in March - May, July - August Click on the image to open slideshow 1/19 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 23 - 26 38 - 45 75 - 190 Back to Glossary Corn Crake Corncrake Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually. The adult male has the crown of its head and all of its upperparts brown-black in colour, streaked with buff or grey. The wing coverts are a distinctive chestnut colour with some white bars. The face, neck and breast are blue-grey, apart from a pale brown streak from the base of the bill to behind the eye, the belly is white, and the flanks, and undertail are barred with chestnut and white. The strong bill is flesh-coloured, the iris is pale brown, and the legs and feet are pale grey. Compared to the male, the female has warmer-toned upperparts and a narrower duller eye streak. Outside the breeding season, the upperparts of both sexes become darker and the underparts less grey. The juvenile is like the adult in appearance, but has a yellow tone to its upperparts, and the grey of the underparts is replaced with buff-brown. The chicks have black down, as with all rails. Diet The corn crake is omnivorous, but mainly feeds on invertebrates, including earthworms, slugs and snails, spiders, beetles, dragonflies, grasshoppers and other insects. Longevity record - Gallozz Aħmar Crex crex Gruiformes Rallidae Rare Usually seen in September - October, April Occasionally seen in March, May, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 22 - 25 42 - 53 129 - 210 Back to Glossary Spotted Crake Spotted Crake Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually or in pairs. Small, secretive bird, usually only heard and not seen. Buff under tail-coverts and zigzag-patterned wings are diagnostic, and separates it from all other small rails in the region. Stocky build, with speckled underparts and short yellow bill with red spot at upper base. Spotted chest and neck. Diet Mainly insects and aquatic animals. Longevity record - Gallozz tat-Tikki Porzana porzana Gruiformes Rallidae Scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in April - May, September - November Occasionally seen in February - March, August Click on the image to open slideshow 1/15 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 19 - 22 37 - 42 57 - 147 Little Crake Little Crake Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually. The adult male has the crown of its head and all of its upperparts brown-black in colour, streaked with buff or grey. The wing coverts are a distinctive chestnut colour with some white bars. The face, neck and breast are blue-grey, apart from a pale brown streak from the base of the bill to behind the eye, the belly is white, and the flanks, and undertail are barred with chestnut and white. The strong bill is flesh-coloured, the iris is pale brown, and the legs and feet are pale grey. Compared to the male, the female has warmer-toned upperparts and a narrower duller eye streak. Outside the breeding season, the upperparts of both sexes become darker and the underparts less grey. The juvenile is like the adult in appearance, but has a yellow tone to its upperparts, and the grey of the underparts is replaced with buff-brown. The chicks have black down, as with all rails. Diet The corn crake is omnivorous, but mainly feeds on invertebrates, including earthworms, slugs and snails, spiders, beetles, dragonflies, grasshoppers and other insects. Longevity record - Gallozz Żgħir Zapornia parva Gruiformes Rallidae Very scarce Usually seen in April - May, September - October Occasionally seen in February - March, June, August Click on the image to open slideshow 1/26 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 17 - 19 34 - 39 35 - 60 Back to Glossary Baillons Crake Baillon's Crake Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually. Most likely to be confused with Little Crake. Most important field characters is the very short primary projection and lack of red base of bill. Some caution should be taken as missing or unorderly tertials can be confusing with regards to the projection, and immature Little Crake may sometimes also lack red base of bill. Flanks and belly more extensively barred than L. Crake. Upperparts richer brown with white spots. Sexes alike, but females often with paler throat. Brown cheeks occurs in both sexes. Legs dirty olive colour and bill greenish. Immature even more easily confused with L. Crake, but apart from the missing projection, note warmer brown upperparts and more heavily barred underparts, even on breast. Crown less evenly coloured than L. Crake, with blackish speckles. Baillon's crakes are very secretive in the breeding season, and are then mostly heard rather than seen. They are then noisy birds, with a rattling call like that of the edible frog, or perhaps garganey. Diet They mainly eat insects and aquatic animals. Longevity record - Gallozz tal-Faxxi Zapornia pusilla Gruiformes Rallidae Rare Usually seen in April Occasionally seen in March, May, October - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/18 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 16 - 18 30 - 41 30 - 55 Back to Glossary Allen's Gallinule Allen's Gallinule Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually but can be seen in small groups. They are similar in size to the only slightly larger water rail . The Allen's gallinule has a short red bill, greenish back and purple upperparts. They have red legs with long toes, and a short tail which is white with a dark central bar underneath. Breeding males have a blue frontal shield , which is green in the female. Immature Allen's gallinules are sandy brown with a buff undertail. The downy chicks are black, as with all rails . Allen's gallinules are very secretive in the breeding season, particularly in the dense swamps they favour, and are mostly heard rather than seen. They are then rather noisy birds, with a sharp nasal pruk call. They can be easier to see on migration or when wintering. Diet Omnivorous. Eats a wide variety of plant and animal matter, including seeds, fruits, and leaves of aquatic and terrestrial plants, also insects, frogs, snails, spiders, worms, fish. At times, eats the eggs and young of other birds. Longevity record - Faġan tal-Baħar Afrikan Porphyrio alleni Gruiformes Rallidae Very rare Usually seen in December - January Occasionally seen in February - March, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 20 - 26 48 - 52 120 - 160 Back to Glossary Moorhen Common Moorhen Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually or in small groups. Adults easily recognized by red frontal shield and red base of yellow bill. Both adults and juveniles show bold white/pale lateral stripe. Appears totally black at distance, but can be told apart from Coot by more slender build. Tail usually flirted, showing diagnostic white under tail-coverts. This also shows in juveniles, which are further distinguished by darker bill and neck than Coot. Diet The Common Moorhen is omnivorous and opportunistic with a diet that consists of earthworms, crustaceans, molluscs, adult and larval insects (especially flies, mayflies, bugs, beetles, and butterflies), spiders, small fish, tadpoles, and occasionally birds eggs, algae, moss, aquatic plants, seeds, flowers, berries, and fruit. Longevity record 18 years 7 months (Found dead in Denmark, 403675) Gallozz Iswed Gallinula chloropus Gruiformes Rallidae Common Usually seen in September - December Occasionally seen in all other months for resident birds Click on the image to open slideshow 22-12-20 22-12-20 1/18 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 27 - 31 50 - 55 190 - 490 Back to Glossary Eurasian Coot Eurasian Coot Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually or in pairs. Largely unmistakable. All black, with white frontal shield and pale bill. Very stocky build. Lacks the white lateral stripe and white under tail-coverts of Moorhen. White trailing edge of wings visible in flight. Juveniles paler and more grey than adults, often with whitish front and neck. Under tail-coverts are dark, unlike juvenile Moorhen. Diet The coot is an omnivore, and will take a variety of small live prey including the eggs of other water birds, as well as algae, vegetation, seeds and fruit. It shows considerable variation in its feeding techniques, grazing on land or in the water. Longevity record 20 years 7 months (A shot bird in Denmark, 316250) Tiġieġa tal-Baħar Fulica atra Gruiformes Rallidae Scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in September - March Occasionally seen in April, all other months for resident birds Click on the image to open slideshow 22-12-20 22-12-20 28-04-2017 22-12-20 1/13 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 36 - 42 70 - 80 600 - 1200 *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Contact us This site is continuously being updated and any ideas or participation are welcome. Although we are trying to display pictures that are taken only in Malta, some species are difficult to photograph or rather very rare to sight. If you would like to display your photos of such missing and rare species or even if you have good quality photos, you can send them over via 'WeTransfer' on the following e-mail address*. E-mail: birdsofmalta @gmail.com Submit Thanks for submitting! *The author reserves the right to publish any photographs or otherwise. The photographer is consenting 'Birds of Malta' to display his photographs on this website. Photographs should be taken personally, be of a very good quality, possibly watermarked and information on when and where are taken is mandatory. Photos can be sent as '.jpg' or '.png'. Find us on Facebook

Yearly Sightings 'x' - recorded 'number' - number of birds for vagrant/very rare sightings Last updated on 19th November 2024

Finches Brambling Brambling Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Can also be in groups with Common Chaffinches. White rump and orange buff chest in all plumages. Breeding males with shiny black head and back. Females and winter plumage appears very speckled/mottled, especially in flight. Tail slightly shorter than Chaffinch, more deeply forked and almost black. Flight undulated and bouncing. Diet The main food is insects, caterpillars, seeds, berries and nuts. Longevity record 14 years 9 months (Sweden, 2197911) Sponsun Selvaġġ Fringilla montifringilla Passeriformes Fringillidae Very scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in October - December Occasionally seen in January Click on the image to open slideshow 27-10-17 27-10-17 1/6 Length (cm): Weight (g): 14 - 16 19 - 28 Common Chaffinch Common Chaffinch Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Distinguished in all plumages by double wing-bars and white outer tail feathers. Male easily recognized by slate grey crown and nape, and pinkish face and underparts. Female with greyish green upperparts and whitish underparts. A long-tailed finch with peaked head. Appears more elegant in flight than other finches. Tripping gait when on ground. Diet Seeds, fruit, buds and shoots, insects, spiders, earthworms and snails eggs. Longevity record 16 years 4 months (Italy, L 442566) Sponsun Fringilla coelebs Passeriformes Fringillidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in October - December Occasionally seen in January - May, September Click on the image to open slideshow 11-4-19 11-4-19 1/13 Length (cm): Weight (g): 14 - 16 16 - 30 Hawfinch Hawfinch Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups but can be seen in larger flocks. Very deep and heavy, conical bill. Large head and bull-neck, gives the bird a front-heavy appearance, especially in flight. The short tail adds to the impression. Wings with broad, white bars and tail with white terminal band. Bill grey in breeding plumage, and yellowish in winter. Largely unmistakable, but easily overlooked when hiding high in foliage. Often flies high, even for short distances. Flight heavily undulated. Diet Hard seeds from trees, together with fruit seeds which they can easily break with their tough beak. It can even break through the seeds of plums, cherries and even olive seeds. In winter, they commonly eat berries, pine seeds, sprouts and the occasional caterpillar. Longevity record 12 years 7 months (Found dead in Germany, 7241335) Għasfur taż-Żebbuġ Coccothraustes coccothraustes Passeriformes Fringillidae Fairly common Usually seen in March, October - November Occasionally seen in December - February, April Click on the image to open slideshow 18-10-17 31-10-17 18-10-17 1/18 Length (cm): Weight (g): 16.5 - 18 50 - 55 Back to Glossary Common Rosefinch Common Rosefinch Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Adult male easily recognized by its red head, chest and rump. Females and juvenile males may be mistaken for House Sparrow or Corn Bunting, but are slimmer with shorter and deeper bill. Juvenile plumage olive-brown with dark streaking and buff double wing-bars. Posture often erect, but with short neck, making the bird seem long-tailed. Heavily undulated flight. Diet Feeds heavily on seeds but can also feed on fledglings insects, fresh buds, nectar, and small fruits. Longevity record 8 years 11 months (Ring number read in the field in Finland, P-81988) Bumunqar Carpodacus erythrinus Passeriformes Fringillidae Very rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in October - November Occasionally seen in March, June, September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 13.5 - 15 21 - 26 Trumpeter Finch Trumpeter Finch Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Resident bird in Tunisia and West Africa. and occurs in semi-desert areas. The Trumpeter Finch is a small, long-winged bird. It has a large head and short, very thick bill. The summer male has a red bill, grey head and neck, and pale brown upper parts. The breast, rump and tail are pink, the last having dark terminal feathers. Winter males, females and young birds are a very washed-out version of the breeding male. The song of this bird is a buzzing nasal trill, like a tin trumpet. Diet They are mainly vegetarian and their diet consists of small seeds, shoots and buds of grasses and low ground-loving plants. They will eat some insects as well, mainly grasshoppers . Longevity record - Trumbettier Bucanetes githagineus Passeriformes Fringillidae Rare Usually seen in Any month Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 11.5 - 13 20 - 23 Back to Glossary Greenfinch European Greenfinch Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in groups, larger flocks but can also be seen individually. Plumage green, grey and yellow. Note bright, yellow base of primaries and sides of tail in all ages and plumages. Deep and heavy conical bill. Tail forked and quite short. Plump build. Female more grey than male, with back diffusely streaked in brown and underparts greyish. Juveniles similar to females, with even more drab colours and heavier streaking (also on underparts). Strongly undulated flight. Often appears somewhat clumsy when trying to perch on feeders etc. Diet Their primary food is seeds. In the breeding season insects, including beetles, are eaten and fed to the young birds. Buds and shoots are also eaten. Longevity record 13 years 7 months (Czech Republic, Z 1852) Verdun Chloris chloris Passeriformes Fringillidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in October - November Occasionally seen in December - April Click on the image to open slideshow 1/5 Length (cm): Weight (g): 14 - 16 25 - 35 Common Linnet Common Linnet Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in groups, larger flocks but can also be seen individually. In all plumages: Brown, unstreaked (or faintly streaked) back, grey bill, only faint wing-bars (or none), distinct white base to primaries and streaked throat. Both sexes with pale eye-ring and pale cheek patch. Breeding male distinct with slate grey head, cinnamon back, red chest and red forehead. Females and juveniles easily confused with Twite or Redpoll (both vagrants to the Maltese Islands) but note back and face pattern. Diet Their primary food is seeds. In the breeding season insects, including beetles, are eaten and fed to the young birds. Buds and shoots are also eaten. Longevity record 9 years 5 months (Found dead in France, 1192972) Ġojjin Linaria cannabina Passeriformes Fringillidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in October - December Occasionally seen in all other months Click on the image to open slideshow 1/9 Length (cm): Weight (g): 12.5 - 14 15 - 21 Red Crossbill Red Crossbill Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually, in groups but can be seen in larger flocks. In October 2018, a flock of more than 60 birds had been seen passing from the West of Malta. As mentioned in the name, the upper and lower mandibles are crossed. The tip of the lower mandible protrudes from behind the upper (tips of mandibles visibly crossing). The chest is less deep, and birds are not so front heavy. Dark wings and tail. Males with rufous red head and body, females green. Juveniles greyish green with streaking. They have an erect posture especially when foraging on ground. Diet Red Crossbills eat seeds of spruce, pine, hemlock or larch. To obtain these seeds, they first grasp the cone with one foot (normally, the foot that is on the side opposite to which the lower mandible crosses). Longevity record 14 years 3 months (Czech Republic, RX 2233) Kruċjat Loxia curvirostra Passeriformes Fringillidae Very rare Usually seen in June - November Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Weight (g): 15 - 17 35 - 53 Back to Glossary Goldfinch European Goldfinch Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually and occasionally in small groups. Plumage stunningly colourful. Adults easily recognized by red face boldly framed in black and white. In all plumages; black wings with broad yellow panels, forked tail with white patches, and flashing white rump. Bill fairly long and pointed. Juveniles lack the red, black and white head, and are best identified by the contrasting wing-panel and white rump/tail patches. Light and bouncing flight, with bursts of wing-beats and variable acceleration. Diet Their diet in the wild is small seeds such as thistles and teasels, but insects are also taken when feeding young. Longevity record 14 years 1 month (Found dead in the Czech Republic, T 104726) Gardell Carduelis carduelis Passeriformes Fringillidae Very scarce Usually seen in October - November Occasionally seen in all other months Click on the image to open slideshow 1/5 Length (cm): Weight (g): 12 - 13.5 15 - 19.5 Back to Glossary Serin European Serin Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small parties. Small and compact, green and yellow bird. Smaller than Linnet and Siskin, with heavily streaked flanks, and stubby, deep and grey bill. Rump yellow in adults, but immature birds lack yellow tones in plumage altogether. Wing-bars narrow and much less marked than in Siskin, forehead in males bright yellow. Fairly long-winged with deeply forked tail. Flight light and bouncing. Song-flight of male characteristic, with butterfly-like gliding and slow-motion wing-beats. Diet Their diet in the wild is small seeds but insects are also taken when feeding young. Longevity record 13 years 4 months (Found dead in the Czech Republic, N 13903) Apparell Serinus serinus Passeriformes Fringillidae Scarce Usually seen in October - January Occasionally seen in February - June Click on the image to open slideshow 1/1 Length (cm): Weight (g): 11 - 12 10 - 13 Back to Glossary Siskin Eurasian Siskin Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually, in small parties and occasionally in larger flocks. In 2019 there was a record passage of Eurasian Siskins. Small green and yellow finch with contrasting dark wings and tail. Underparts whitish with grey streaking. Secondaries, inner primaries and outer tail feathers with yellow base. Relatively long and pointed bill as opposed to Serin. Male distinct with black crown and bib, bright yellow chest, throat and hind-cheeks. Female less contrasty, with more prominent streaking. Juveniles paler and duller than adults, with even heavier streaking than females. Diet Their diet in the wild is small seeds but insects are also taken when feeding young. Longevity record 13 years 6 months (Russia, S 730968) Ekru Spinus spinus Passeriformes Fringillidae Fairly common Usually seen in October - January Occasionally seen in September, February - March Click on the image to open slideshow 25-11-17 15-10-17 25-11-17 1/5 Length (cm): Weight (g): 11 - 12.5 10 - 15 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''.

Owls, Hoopoes, Wrynecks, Bee-Eaters, Rollers, Kingfishers & Orioles Barn Owl Western Barn Owl Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. A beautiful, very pale owl with a diagnostic, heart-shaped face and black eyes. Underparts white to buff. Buff-bellied individuals most likely to be confused with other owls, but note lack of barring and streaking. Instead the underparts may be covered in small spots. Underwing almost white. Posture upright, both on ground and when perched. Flight-pattern variable, but often hunts from low above ground in slow and buoyant flight. Diet The natural diet of the Barn Owl in the wild comprises small mammals, mainly rodents. A Barn Owl will usually swallow small prey items whole. It is much better to provide small food items for Barn Owls rather than small parts of larger animals (such as pieces of meat). Longevity record 17 years 11 months (A bird found dead in the Netherlands, 102460) Barbaġann Tyto alba Strigiformes Tytonidae Rare Usually seen in May, October - December Occasionally seen in January - April, June, August 29-10-17 29-10-17 29-10-17 1/2 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 33 - 39 80 - 95 280 - 400 Back to Glossary Click on the image to open slideshow Cucumiau Little Owl Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Also known as 'Cucumiau'. A small, tubby and compact owl with long legs, yellow eyes and stern expression. Upperparts greyish brown to buff, with boldest white spots of any small owl in the region. Underparts whitish with heavy, brown streaking. Flight characteristic, with alternating wing flapping and closed wings. Runs, or even hops along the ground. Posture mostly erect, but hunched when in alarm. Diet Diet consists primarily of crickets, grasshoppers and other invertebrates such as beetles and earthworms, as well as small mammals. Small birds are also taken during the breeding season. Little Owls are most active at dawn and dusk, and after dark when most hunting occurs. Longevity record 11 years 1 months (UK, ES 03970) Kokka tat-Tikki Athene noctua Strigiformes Strigidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in March, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 23 - 28 50 - 57 105 - 260 Back to Glossary Scops Owl Eurasian Scops Owl Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Small, starling sized owl. Smaller than Little Owl. Perches in upright position. Ear-tufts not prominent when relaxed, but gives angular shape to head. Plumage appears uniform, and colour varies from brown to rufous-brown. At closer range, whitish spots on shoulders and yellow eyes with dark surround, are visible. Appears long-winged in flight. Diet Scops owls hunt from perches in semi-open landscapes. They prefer areas which contain old trees with hollows; these are home to their prey which includes insects, reptiles, small mammals such as bats and mice and other small birds. The owls will also eat earthworms, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates. Longevity record 6 years 11 months (Hungary, 392864) Kokka / Kokka tas-Siġar Otus scops Strigiformes Strigidae Scarce Usually seen in April - May, September - November Occasionally seen in March, June, December Click on the image to open slideshow 15-10-17 29-09-18 1/6 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 16 - 20 47 - 54 60 - 135 Back to Glossary Long-eared Owl Long-eared Owl Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually and occasionally in pairs. A medium sized, brown and long-winged owl, with long ear-tufts and deep orange eyes. Only half the size of Eagle Owl. Differs from the more similar Short-eared Owl by darker (orange) eyes, longer ear-tufts and heavily streaked lower belly. In flight, note paler wing-tips (only finely barred, not tipped black). Diet Their principal prey are rodents and small hares. Long-eared owls also occasionally eat small birds, small snakes, and insects. Longevity record 17 years 11 months (A shot bird in Finland, H-7998) Qattus / Kukkun / Kokka tal-Qrun Asio otus Strigiformes Strigidae Very scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in September - November Occasionally seen in February - June, December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 35 - 37 84 - 95 210 - 370 Short-eared Owl Short-eared Owl Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually and in small groups. A medium sized owl, which can give a very pale impression in flight. Quite similar to a Long-eared Owl with folded tufts, but differs in bright yellow eyes, darker wing-tips and heavily streaked breast in contrast to pale belly. Diet Several owls may hunt over the same open area. Its food consists mainly of rodents, especially voles, but it will eat other small mammals such as mice, ground squirrels, shrews, rats, bats, muskrats and moles. Longevity record 20 years 9 months (Found dead in Germany, 3066160) Kokka tax-Xagħri Asio flammeus Strigiformes Strigidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - April, September - November Occasionally seen in August, December - February Click on the image to open slideshow 1/18 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 34 - 43 90 - 105 206 - 475 Hoopoe Eurasian Hoopoe Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Always unmistakable. Distinct, foldable, fan-like crest. Rounded, rectangular wings and long curved bill. Buff body, black wings and tail with conspicuous white barring. Catches the eye when flying by in undulating, butterfly-like motion. Diet The diet of the Eurasian hoopoe is mostly composed of insects, although small reptiles, frogs and plant matter such as seeds and berries are sometimes taken as well. It is a solitary forager which typically feeds on the ground Longevity record 5-10 years Daqquqa tat-Toppu Upupa epops Bucerotiformes Upupidae Fairly common Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - April, August - September Occasionally seen in February, May - June, October - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/25 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 25 - 29 44 - 48 70 - 85 Wryneck Eurasian Wryneck Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. The Wryneck is the only type of Woodpecker that migrates regularly over Malta. Its plumage is a mix of rusty, creamy brown and grey, resembling a nightjar. A rather unmistakable bird, despite the lack of striking plumage features. Behaviour both passerine- and woodpecker-like, but with less woodpecker-like tree clinging. Often feeds on the ground. May give a reptile-like impression. Diet The diet of the Eurasian wryneck consists chiefly of ants but beetles and their larvae, moths, spiders and woodlice are also eaten. Longevity record 6 years 10 months, (Czech Republic, Z 735064) Bulebbiet / Sultan is-Summien Jynx torquilla Piciformes Picidae Fairly common Usually seen in March - April, September - November Occasionally seen in February, May, August Click on the image to open slideshow 16-04-2017 1/15 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 16 - 18 25 - 27 32 - 43 Back to Glossary Blue-cheeked Bee Eater Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually, in small groups or together with European Bee-eaters. Although the sighting occurrence is classified as very rare, these birds are being sighted nearly every year as of 2017. A predominantly green bee-eater having. Its face has blue sides with a black eye stripe, and a yellow and brown throat; the beak is black. Sexes are mostly alike but the tail-streamers of the female are shorter. Blue-cheeked bee-eaters may nest solitarily or in loose colonies of up to ten birds. They may also nest in colonies with European bee-eaters . The nests are located in sandy banks, embankments, low cliffs or on the shore of the Caspian Sea. They make a relatively long tunnel of 1 to 3 m in length in which the four to eight (usually six or seven), spherical white eggs are laid. Both the male and the female take care of the eggs, although the female alone incubates them at night. Diet Blue-cheeked Bee-Eaters are insectivorous, eating mainly flying insects. They can eat dangerous insects such as bees, wasps and hornets which are rendered harmless before being eaten: the tail (and sting) of the insects is rubbed against the perch to express the venom and often the sting itself. Longevity record - Qerd in-Naħal Aħdar Merops persicus Coraciiformes Meropidae Very rare Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in March - May, September Click on the image to open slideshow 1/8 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 28 - 32 35 - 39 38 - 56 Back to Glossary European Bee-eater European Bee-eater Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in groups or large flocks but rarely individually. Unmistakable if seen well. Stunning, bright yellow throat and turquoise underparts. Upperside of wings multicoloured with noticeable light buff shoulders. In flight the underwing shows a black trailing edge, which on the secondaries becomes broader closer to the body. Often flies high and then reveals itself only by its flight call. Diet European Bee-Eaters are insectivorous, eating mainly flying insects. They can eat dangerous insects such as bees, wasps and hornets which are rendered harmless before being eaten: the tail (and sting) of the insects is rubbed against the perch to express the venom and often the sting itself. Longevity record 5 years 11 months (Germany, NA 15042) Qerd in-Naħal Merops apiaster Coraciiformes Meropidae Fairly common Usually seen in April - June, August - September Occasionally seen in March, July, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/31 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 25 - 29 36 - 40 44 - 78 Back to Glossary Roller European Roller Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Unmistakable if seen well. Corvoid-like at a distance. Tail is however quite a bit shorter, and wings slightly longer. Flight-feathers dark, contrasting with turquois coverts, both below and above. Underparts especially striking in flight, being pale blue (sometimes seemingly white) all over, except dark flight-feathers and base of tail. Bill heavy. Immature duller than adults with faint streaked breast and slightly rufous coverts. Wing-beats deep and regular. Flies mostly in a straight line. Migrating birds move in characteristic procession-like formations. Diet European rollers are carnivores. Their diet includes large insects, small reptiles, rodents, and even frogs. The nestlings mostly eat grasshoppers and bush crickets. Longevity record 9 years 2 months (A shot bird in Poland, E 30905) Farruġ Coracias garrulus Coraciiformes Coraciidae Scarce Usually seen in April - May, September Occasionally seen in June - August, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/18 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 29 - 32 52 - 58 125 - 160 Back to Glossary Kingfisher Common Kingfisher Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Unmistakable bird in most situations. Azure blue above, and orangy brown below. Very short tail, and large head with long and heavy bill. Often overlooked despite it's bright colours, due to small size and obscuring habitat. Often one only catches a glimpse of the light blue back, when it flies away close to the water surface in a whirring, darting motion. Diet Kingfishers eat mainly fish but they also take aquatic insects, freshwater shrimps and tadpoles to top up their diet. Longevity record 21 years 0 months (Belgium, N 18630) Għasfur ta' San Marti Alcedo atthis Coraciiformes Alcedinidae Common Usually seen in August - September Occasionally seen in October - March, June - July Click on the image to open slideshow 18-08-18 1/16 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 17 - 20 24 - 26 16 - 23 Back to Glossary Golden Oriole Eurasian Golden Oriole Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually, in small groups and in small flocks. Adult male unmistakable if seen well. Body and head bright yellow, lores, wings and tail black. Females and young males less distinct, with lime-green back, pale, streaked underparts and black wings and tail. Bill quite strong with reddish colour in adults, and grey in young birds. Despite the bright plumage the bird is difficult to see due to skulking behaviour in foliage. Usually spotted when moving from tree to tree in undulating flight. Then resembles a large thrush or woodpecker, quickly darting upwards into the next tree-top. Diet Orioles feed on fruits, nectar and insects. They are capable of dispersing the seeds of many berry-bearing plants including the invasive Lantana camara. An oriole has been recorded preying on southern flying lizards. Longevity record 10 years 11 months (UK, RA 59406) Tajra Safra Oriolus oriolus Passeriformes Oriolidae Fairly common Usually seen in April - May, August - September Occasionally seen in June - July, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/25 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 22 - 25 44 - 47 68 - 84 Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Terns & Shearwaters Little Tern Little Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. White forehead with white wedge above eye in all plumages. Legs, and most of bill yellow in adult breeding plumage. Very small and longwinged tern. Back paler grey and belly whiter. First primaries form a dark front edge to wing. In winter the bill darkens, legs turn a dirty yellow and the white forehead expands. Juvenile resembles adult winter, but has yellowish bill base and scale patterned back. Flight fluttering with rapid wing-beats, which together with size, is usually sufficient to determine the species. Diet Fish, crustacean and invertebrates. Longevity record 23 years, 11 months (Germany, 80303320) Ċirlewwa Żgħira Sternula albifrons Charadriiformes Laridae Very rare Usually seen in April - June, September Occasionally seen in July - August, November Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. summer Yellow bill with black end, black crown and nape with a white forehead as in a summer plumage. Upperwings and saddle grey in adults. Ad. summer Yellow bill with black end, black crown and nape with a white forehead as in a summer plumage. Upperwings and saddle grey in adults. 1st winter The image is not so clear but the nape looks white, the bill is dark and the upperwings are also dark and unclean which may indicate some immature feathers. So probably it is a 1st winter bird. Ad. summer Yellow bill with black end, black crown and nape with a white forehead as in a summer plumage. Upperwings and saddle grey in adults. 1/12 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 22 - 28 45 - 55 47 - 63 Some pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Gull-billed Tern Gull-billed Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in small groups or large flocks but sometimes seen individually. Easily confused with Sandwich Tern but choice of habitat usually different. Adults differs by noticeably shorter and deeper bill, lacking yellow tip. Wings are broader, tail is shorter and only slightly forked. Lacks crest. Primaries with dark trailing edge, especially underside. Rump pale grey, and there is no contrast between grey back and white tail as in Sandwich Tern. Loses the black cap in winter, but keeps a black mask (less black on head than Sandwich T). Immature birds also gives a paler impression. The back is almost uniform in colour, and the wings also have only diffuse markings. The dark trailing edge to the primaries is present though, together with dark eye mask. Rest of head is pale. Flight slightly front-heavy with shallow wing-beats. Catches insects in the air and from the ground in flight. Rarely plunge-dives. Prefers fresh water, and is often seen near wetlands, rivers and flooded fields, but also in salt water during migration. Diet Unlike most terns, the Gull-billed Tern has a broad diet and does not depend on fish. Instead it commonly feeds on insects, small crabs, and other prey snatched from the ground, air, or even bushes. It is also known to eat small chicks of other tern species. Longevity record 15 years (Denmark) Ċirlewwa Munqarha Oħxon Gelochelidon nilotica Charadriiformes Laridae Very scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - October Occasionally seen in February, November Click on the image to open slideshow Adult moulting to summer plumage Note dark trailing edge on the primaries and the stronger bill synonym with the Gull-billed tern. Forehead, crown and nape all black indicating an adult bird in a summer plumage. Adult moulting to summer plumage Note dark trailing edge on the primaries and the stronger bill synonym with the Gull-billed tern. Forehead, crown and nape all black indicating an adult bird in a summer plumage. Adult moulting to summer plumage Note dark trailing edge on the primaries and the stronger bill synonym with the Gull-billed tern. Forehead, crown and nape all black indicating an adult bird in a summer plumage. 1/24 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 33 - 43 85 - 103 130 - 320 Caspian Tern Caspian Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Very large tern, with deep, dagger-like, blood-red bill with dark tip. Large, black cap reaching well below the eyes. Grey upperparts and white underparts. Rather short tail. Outer primaries distinctly darker than the rest of upperwing, and outer underwing almost black. Unmistakable from the size alone, and leaves a gull-like impression, lacking the elegance of smaller terns. Immatures with paler bill and white forehead (as in adult winter), and markedly speckled back. Hovers and dives. Often rests on the surface, feeding like a gull. Diet Caspian terns eat mainly fish, with some crayfish and insects occasionally. They forage by flying above shallow water, usually along a shoreline. As most terns do, they fly with their heads down, peering into the water, when they see prey, they may hover for a moment before making a sharp dive Longevity record 30 years (Ring seen in the field in Sweden, U 22698) Ċirlewwa Prima Hydroprogne caspia Charadriiformes Laridae Very scarce Usually seen in March - June, August - November Occasionally seen in January, July, December Click on the image to open slideshow 2nd summer to adult winter Note very few dirty secondaries as in 2nd birds. Head is not completely black as it is moulting to its winter plumage. Tail is all white so this bird is a 2nd year bird moulting to a winter plumage. 1st winter Note dirty secondaries, median, upper coverts and tail all indicating a 1st winter bird. Crown and nape are nearly all black so it is probably moulting its 1st summer plumage. 2nd summer to adult winter Note very few dirty secondaries as in 2nd birds. Head is not completely black as it is moulting to its winter plumage. Tail is all white so this bird is a 2nd year bird moulting to a winter plumage. 2nd summer to adult winter Note very few dirty secondaries as in 2nd birds. Head is not completely black as it is moulting to its winter plumage. Tail is all white so this bird is a 2nd year bird moulting to a winter plumage. 1/7 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 48 - 56 127 - 140 574 - 782 Back to Glossary Whiskered Tern Whiskered Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Largest marsh tern. Liable to confusion with Sterna terns due to black cap, in addition to other marsh terns. All marsh terns (Chlidonias) differs from Sterna by lack of tail streamers, short tail with shallow fork, shorter wings and stiffer flight. Marsh terns don't plunge-dive for food but picks from surface (though Whiskered Tern may belly-plunge), mostly in fresh water. Adult Whiskered Tern easily told from other marsh terns by distinct black cap contrasting to white cheeks and throat. Underwing pale with diffuse dark trailing edge. Bill dark blood red. Adult winter: Very pale with no distinct markings except for ill-defined black mask stretching from eye to eye across nape. Forehead white and with crown white speckles. Bill black. Immature: Yellowish brown saddle with coarse dark pattern, though these are moulted in early autumn. Usually lacks dark carpal bar and cap ill-defined. Whiskered Tern generally stockier built than other marsh terns. Both immatures and adult winter show grey rump (different from Common, Arctic and White-Winged), and bill is dagger-shaped (most apparent in males). Diet Small fish, amphibians, insects and crustaceans. Longevity record - Ċirlewwa tal-Mustaċċi Chlidonias hybrida Charadriiformes Laridae Very rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in April - September Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. summer Dark grey body, yet darker belly, dark red bill and legs, black forehead, crown and nape as in summer adults. White face and vent. Ad. summer Dark grey body, yet darker belly, dark red bill and legs, black forehead, crown and nape as in summer adults. White face and vent. Adult summer Dark grey body, yet darker belly, dark red bill and legs, black forehead, crown and nape as in summer adults. White face and vent. Ad. summer Dark grey body, yet darker belly, dark red bill and legs, black forehead, crown and nape as in summer adults. White face and vent. 1/5 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 23 - 29 64 - 70 83 - 92 White -winged Tern White-winged Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in a very small group. Breeding adult easily identified by white tail/rump combined with jet black under wing coverts and silvery upper wing. Immature with brownish back contrasting with pale, silvery upper wings and pale rump. Broad white collar, and lacks dark breast patch of immature Black Tern. Adult winter most liable to confusion with other terns, but upperparts much paler than Black Tern. Contrasting dark outer primaries and secondaries to rest of wing. Often retains some black under coverts even in winter which is diagnostic if seen. Slightly more compact than Black Tern and often recalls Little gull in shape. Bill noticeably shorter and thinner than in Whiskered Tern. Diet Mostly feed on insects and small fish, as well as frogs and other aquatic critters. They usually fly slowly over water to pick prey off the surface of water or in flight, or they make take it from vegetation. Longevity record 21 years Ċirlewwa tal-Ġewnaħ Abjad Chlidonias leucopterus Charadriiformes Laridae Very rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in April - June, August - September Occasionally seen in October Click on the image to open slideshow Adult summer (01-05-2017) Black head, neck, breast and belly. Dark grey saddle. Black eyes and beak. Silver white upperwings under underwing primaries and secondaries. Black underwing coverts. All white tail, rump, undertail coverts and vent. Adult summer (01-05-2017) Black head, neck, breast and belly. Dark grey saddle. Black eyes and beak. Silver white upperwings under underwing primaries and secondaries. Black underwing coverts. All white tail, rump, undertail coverts and vent. Adult summer (01-05-2017) Black head, neck, breast and belly. Dark grey saddle. Black eyes and beak. Silver white upperwings under underwing primaries and secondaries. Black underwing coverts. All white tail, rump, undertail coverts and vent. Adult summer (01-05-2017) Black head, neck, breast and belly. Dark grey saddle. Black eyes and beak. Silver white upperwings under underwing primaries and secondaries. Black underwing coverts. All white tail, rump, undertail coverts and vent. 1/9 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 20 - 23 58 - 67 42 - 79 Black Tern Black Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in small groups. Unmistakable in breeding plumage, but otherwise easily confused with other marsh terns. Breeding plumage with black head and belly, but pale underwing and grey rump. When in immature and winter plumage it differs from marsh terns by slimmer body and wings (compared to White-winged tern), and relatively long, thin bill. Both immature and adult winter show dark front edge of wing, and characteristic dark shoulder patch at wing base. Back is dark in immature birds. Grey rump in all plumages. Flight usually different from Sterna-terns, with erratic dives for no apparent reason, and "aimless" change of direction. Note that when foraging over saltwater, flight becomes more Sterna-like. Diet Mostly feed on insects and small fish, as well as frogs, tadpoles, spiders, earthworms, crustaceans and leeches. In migration and winter at sea, eats mostly small fish, also some crustaceans and insects. They usually fly slowly over water to pick prey off the surface of water or in flight, or they make take it from vegetation. Longevity record 21 years (Found dead in Denmark, 8045639) Ċirlewwa Sewda Chlidonias niger Charadriiformes Laridae Fairly common Usually seen in August - September Occasionally seen in July, October Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. summer moulting to winter Grey saddle as in adults. Dark legs as in a summer plumage but forehead and nape are already moulting to white. So an adult summer bird moulting to a winter plumage. 1/13 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 23 - 28 57 - 65 60 - 86 Back to Glossary Common Tern Common Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in small groups. Differs from Arctic Tern in longer head, and more orangy red, rather than deep red, bill. Tip of bill usually black. Legs longer, but tail streamers shorter than Arctic Tern. Underparts of primaries with diffusely bordered dark trailing edge (sharply bordered in Arctic Tern). Upper side of primaries with dark wedge (less apparent in winter). Secondaries opaque. Crest more apparent than in Arctic Tern and underside whiter. Juveniles with buff back. Diet Like most terns, this species feeds by plunge-diving for fish, either in the sea or in freshwater, but molluscs , crustaceans and other invertebrate prey may form a significant part of the diet in some areas. Longevity record 33 years, 0 months (Read in the field in Ireland and the Great Britain, CK39045) Ċirlewwa tal-Baħar Sterna hirundo Charadriiformes Laridae Very rare Usually seen in June - September Occasionally seen in March - May, October - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/10 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 32 - 39 72 - 83 86 - 127 Some pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Lesser Cresed Tern Lesser Crested Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A vagrant bird with a very few records. The latest record seen on the 24th Aug 20 by Patrick Spiteri at Għadira s-Safra. This is a medium-large tern, very similar in size and general appearance to its very close relative, the Sandwich tern. The summer adult has a black cap, black legs and a long sharp orange bill. The upperwings, rump and central tail feathers are grey and the underparts white. The primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the forehead becomes white. The grey rump is a useful flight identification feature distinguishing it from the related species. Juvenile lesser crested terns resemble same-age Sandwich terns, but with a yellow-orange bill, and paler overall, with only faint dark crescents on the mantle feathers. Diet Mostly feed on insects and small fish, as well as frogs, tadpoles, spiders, earthworms, crustaceans and leeches. In migration and winter at sea, eats mostly small fish, also some crustaceans and insects. They usually fly slowly over water to pick prey off the surface of water or in flight, or they make take it from vegetation. Longevity record 31 years Ċirlewwa tal-Libja Thalasseus bengalensis Charadriiformes Laridae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in January, July - September Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. summer moulting to winter Clean upperwings and grey rump and uppertail as in adults. Forehead is moulting to white indicating a summer adult moulting to a winter plumage. Ad. summer moulting to winter Clean upperwings and grey rump and uppertail as in adults. Forehead is moulting to white indicating a summer adult moulting to a winter plumage. Ad. summer moulting to winter winter Clean upperwings and grey rump and uppertail as in adults. Forehead is moulting to white indicating a summer adult moulting to a winter plumage. Ad. summer moulting to winter Clean upperwings and grey rump and uppertail as in adults. Forehead is moulting to white indicating a summer adult moulting to a winter plumage. 1/3 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 35 - 43 88 - 105 185 - 242 Back to Glossary Sandwich Tern Sandwich Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in small number groups. Large tern with black bill, with yellow tip (adults). Bill all black in juveniles. Long black cap and shaggy crest. Generally leaves a much whiter impression than other terns in the region (except Roseate Tern). Adult summer: Yellow bill-tip. Tail pure white, and upperparts pale grey. Outer primaries darker than rest of wing, and contrast increases in worn plumage. Broad white trailing edge to inner wing. Underside of primaries with faint narrow dark trailing edge. Forehead white in adult winter and first winter plumage. Juveniles: scaly upperparts and dark bill. Less evenly coloured than juvenile Gull-billed Tern. First winter birds similar to juveniles, but back purer grey and bill shorter. Can be mistaken for Gull-billed Tern, but note different profile. Flight powerful with evenly narrow wings and a front-heavy appearance, due to the long head and bill. Often dives from high above the surface and stays under water longer than Common and Arctic T. Diet Mostly fish. Feeds mainly on smaller fish, such as sand lance and mullet; also eats shrimp, squid, marine worms, and many insects. Longevity record 31 years (Trapped in the UK, DS 61571) Ċirlewwa tax-Xitwa Thalasseus sandvicensus Charadriiformes Laridae Common Usually seen in September - April Occasionally seen in all other months Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. winter Clean grey upperwings indicative of adults. White forehead as in winter plumage. Ad. winter All white body and underwings as in adults. White forehead as in winter. Ad. winter Clean grey upperwings indicative of adults. White forehead as in winter plumage. 1/11 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 36 - 46 86 - 105 130 - 285 Back to Glossary Mediterrenean Storm Petrel Mediterrenean Storm Petrel Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. A small, square-tailed bird which is entirely black except for a broad, white rump and a white band on the under wings, and it has a fluttering, bat-like flight. The Mediterranean population is a subspecies on its own having its strongholds at Filfla Island (Malta), Sicily , and the Balearic Islands . The storm petrel cannot survive on islands where land mammals such as rats and cats have been introduced, and it suffers natural predation from gulls , skuas , owls , and falcons . Diet It feeds on small fish, squid, and zooplankton , while pattering on the sea's surface, and can find oily edible items by smell. Longevity record 32 years (Re-captured bird on Filfla) Kanġu ta' Filfla Hydrobates pelagicus melitensis Procellariiformes Hydrobatidae Common Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - August Occasionally seen in all other months, resident species Click on the image to open slideshow 1/17 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 14 - 18 32 - 39 22 - 43 Scopoli's Shearwater Scopoli's Shearwater Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in groups. This species is closely related to Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris borealis), with which it was considered conspecific for many years. A large shearwater with pale upperparts and heavy, yellowish bill. Large grey head. The grey neck forms a diagnostic, contrasting line from wing base to base of bill (most other shearwaters have white neck-sides). Armpits usually pure white. Underside of wings white, framed by black flight feathers. Flight action calm and distinct. Long glides alternates with 3-4 slow wingbeats. Wingtips always bent downwards, and wings slightly angled back. Often soars. Field identification between the Scopoli's and Cory's is usually impossible, and requires ideal conditions. In diomedea the white in the coverts extends in a white wedge into the hand, through the base of the primaries, i.e. the primary feathers (p6 – p9) on Cory’s are solidly dark or have variable (but always small) amounts of white on the primaries (from the primary coverts to the wingtip), but no white is visible on p10 at all (from the primary coverts to the wingtip), while Scopoli’s, however, shows distinct and long white tongues/inner webs on the primaries, including p10, eventually leading into dark wingtips and giving the impression of a much whiter underwing. Diet Primarily fish, but also takes squid and crustaceans, and zooplankton. It takes some offal around the fishing boats during the breeding season. Longevity record 24 years Ċiefa Calonectris diomedea Procellariiformes Procellariidae Common Usually seen in May - October Occasionally seen in all other months, resident species Click on the image to open slideshow 1/18 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 44 - 49 117 - 135 544 - 738 Back to Glossary Cory's Shearwater Cory's Shearwater Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* This species is closely related to Scopoli’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea), with which it was considered conspecific for many years. A large shearwater with pale upperparts and heavy, yellowish bill. Large grey head. The grey neck forms a diagnostic, contrasting line from wing base to base of bill (most other shearwaters have white neck-sides). Armpits usually pure white. Underside of wings white, framed by black flight feathers. Flight action calm and distinct. Long glides alternates with 3-4 slow wingbeats. Wingtips always bent downwards, and wings slightly angled back. Often soars. Field identification between the Scopoli's and Cory's is usually impossible, and requires ideal conditions. In diomedea the white in the coverts extends in a white wedge into the hand, through the base of the primaries, i.e. the primary feathers (p6 – p9) on Cory’s are solidly dark or have variable (but always small) amounts of white on the primaries (from the primary coverts to the wingtip), but no white is visible on p10 at all (from the primary coverts to the wingtip), while Scopoli’s, however, shows distinct and long white tongues/inner webs on the primaries, including p10, eventually leading into dark wingtips and giving the impression of a much whiter underwing. Diet Primarily fish, but also takes squid and crustaceans, and zooplankton. It takes some offal around the fishing boats during the breeding season. Longevity record 24 years (Found dead in Portugal, L 000366) Ċiefa Kbira Calonectris borealis Procellariiformes Procellariidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 48 - 56 113 - 126 605 - 1060 Back to Glossary Yelkouan Shearwater Yelkouan Shearwater Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in groups. Yelkouan shearwaters breed on islands and coastal cliffs in the eastern and central Mediterranean . Most winter in that sea, but small numbers enter the Atlantic in late summer. This species nests in burrows which are only visited at night to avoid predation by large gulls . It has the typically "shearing" flight of the genus, dipping from side to side on stiff wings with few wingbeats, the wingtips almost touching the water. This bird looks like a flying cross, with its wing held at right angles to the body, and it changes from very dark brown to white as the dark upperparts and paler undersides are alternately exposed as it travels low over the sea. Diet Primarily fish, but also takes squid and crustaceans. It takes some offal around the fishing boats. Longevity record 24 years Garnija tal-Mediterran Puffinus yelkouan Procellariiformes Procellariidae Common Back to Glossary Usually seen in November - August Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow Yelkouan Shearwater Note thinner darker bill, smaller size, dark undertail coverts and a lateral dark bar under the wing as opposed to Cory's and Scopoli's. 1/11 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 33 - 37 c.79 349 - 416 *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

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

Crows, Jays & Starlings Red-billed Chough Red-billed Chough Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Only one record in 1975. All black plumage, red legs and long, curved, red bill. Bill of juveniles yellowish-brown and shorter. Though never as pure yellow as in Alpine Chough, and more curved. Easily confused with Alpine Chough at a distance where both species occur, but note broader, more fingered wings, shorter and squarer tail with broader base and different calls. Flight extremely acrobatic. Diet Choughs feed in pairs or flocks. A specialist feeder on invertebrates, they will take beetles and their larvae, fly larvae (especially leatherjackets), ants, their grubs and pupae, spiders, sand hoppers, and sometimes earthworms. Longevity record 17 years 5 months (EC 00074- Found dead in the GB) Ċawla Munqarha Aħmar Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in Only one record in November of 1975 Click on the image to open slideshow Adult Red bill indicating an adult bird. Adult Red bill indicating an adult bird. 1/1 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 37 - 41 68 - 80 260 - 350 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Eurasian Jay Eurasian Jay Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Largely unmistakable. Pale pinkish brown. Wings dark with white and blue patches. Tail black and rump white (conspicuous in flight). Crown speckled in black. Striking black moustache stripe. Flight pattern straight and fluttering like Nutcracker, but tail longer and bill shorter. Diet Feeding in both trees and on the ground, it takes a wide range of invertebrates including many pest insects, acorns (oak seeds, which it buries for use during winter), beech and other seeds, fruits such as blackberries and rowan berries, young birds and eggs, bats, and small rodents. Longevity record 17 years 0 months (DS 22102 - Found dead in the GB) Ċawla Dumnikana Garrulus glandarius Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in May, August, October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/8 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 32 - 35 54 - 58 140 - 190 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Magpie Eurasian Magpie Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually. An unmistakable black and white passerine of it's size in Europe. Short rounded wings and exceptionally long tail. Wings fan-shaped and tail graded. Tail constitutes about half of the total length in adult birds. Compact body but relatively long legs. Flat crown. White wing patches/flight feathers very conspicuous in flight. Diet Food includes invertebrates and their larvae, seeds, nuts, fruit and carrion. Some young nestlings and fledgling of songbirds are also taken, but this is not a major food source. Longevity record 21 years 8 months (74564 - Shot in the GB) Ċawla Dumnikana Pica pica Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in September - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/5 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 40 - 51 52 - 60 175 - 295 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Western Jackdaw Western Jackdaw Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. The one in the pictures was photographed by Bernard Farrugia on the 24th April 2018 in the limits of Siġġiewi. Small, compact and energetic crow with black upperparts, dark grey underparts and short bill. Most visible plumage character is the pale grey hind neck contrasting with the dark face. Eye white in adults. Often recognized from its compact body and upright posture and gait alone. Flight quick and light. Diet Food includes invertebrates and their larvae, seeds, nuts, fruit and carrion. Some young nestlings and fledgling of songbirds are also taken, but this is not a major food source. Longevity record 20 years 4 months (Denmark) Ċawla Coloeus monedula Passeriformes Corvidae Very rare Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in January, March, April, November Click on the image to open slideshow 24-04-18 24-04-18 24-04-18 1/2 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 30 - 35 64 - 73 180 - 270 Back to Glossary Rook Rook Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* An all shiny black crow with diagnostic bare, pale grey base of bill, and "baggy trousers". Juveniles lacks bare bill base and are difficult to separate from Carrion Crow. Young Rooks however, has a steeper forehead and more conical bill with less curved culmen. Tail is more rounded and base of wings more narrow. Flight action includes less gliding than Carrion Crow, and individuals are more spread when a flock flies. Diet Rooks will eat almost anything, including worms, grain, nuts and insects, small mammals, birds (especially eggs and nestlings) and carrion. Longevity record 22 years 11 months (FV 55866, Found dead in GB) Korvu Corvus frugilegus Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in April Occasionally seen in February, March, May, October - December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 41 - 49 81 - 94 280 - 340 Back to Glossary Norther Raven Northern Raven Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Buzzard size and largest passerine in the family. All black with very heavy bill, flat crown and shaggy throat. Long, broad wings and wedge-shaped tail. Superb, powerful and often playful flight. Often soars like a raptor. Diet They are omnivorous and will feed on everything from small mammals to nesting birds, eggs and berries. They will also eat carrion, scavenge from other predators and even from human landfills. A group, or a flock, of ravens will raid seabird colonies, consuming the eggs and young of these colonies. Longevity record 23 years 3 months (NOS, Norway) Għarb Corvus corax Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in --- Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 54 - 67 115 - 130 800 - 1560 Back to Glossary Carrion Crow Carrion Crow Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Very similar to Hooded Crow, apart from the all-black plumage. Easily confused with young Rooks, since these lack the naked bill base and baggy trousers of adults. Carrion Crow differs from Rooks by deeper bill with a more curved upper mandible (bill of Rook conical). The wings are evenly broad, not more narrow closer to the body (difficult to judge). Carrion Crow shows no hint of crest, as is often seen in Rooks. Differs from Raven in less deep bill, no neck ruff and rounded, not wedge-shaped, tail. Diet They are omnivorous and will feed on everything from carrion, insects, worms, seeds, fruit, eggs and any scraps. Longevity record 19 years 2 months (Z 58565, Read from the field in Switzerland) Ċawlun Corvus corone Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/2 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 44 - 51 84 - 10 0 370 - 650 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Hooded Crow Hooded Crow Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. A recent record was photographed by Patrick Spiteri on the 16th March 2019 in the limits of Mellieħa. Unmistakable, if not in silhouette. In poor light or at a distance, when the grey plumage is not visible, confusion with other crows is possible. Bill is deeper than in Rook, and the upper mandible more curved towards the tip. Smaller than raven, and much less heavy bill. The wings are shorter and more rounded, and the tail is not wedge-shaped. Posture less upright than Rook. Diet Hooded crows are omnivores, eating a diet made up of carrion, insects, grain and eggs. They will steal eggs from other birds' nests and are also known to eat chicks on occasion. They can often be seen feeding together in groups. Longevity record 20 years Ċawlun Griż Corvus cornix Passeriformes Corvidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in March - June, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/9 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 44 - 51 84 - 100 410 - 675 Some pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Rosy Starling Rosy Starling Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually, in small groups and can also be seen with other Common Starlings. Adults at close range unmistakable with their striking pink and shiny black plumage and crest. In flight note the pale back in contrast to the black head and wings. Head profile quite different from Starling. Bill considerably shorter and slightly down-curved. Forehead flatter and head more rounded when crest is not erect. Immature birds more anonymous, with brownish upperparts, pale belly and darker brown wings with pale fringed coverts and flight feathers. Bill yellowish with darker tip and legs flesh coloured. Very gregarious and immature vagrants usually seeks company with Common Starling. Then easily spotted as a much paler bird. Especially the rump stands out in flight. Common Starling sometimes show pale plumage but can then be identified by bill shape. Forages with less rapid head movements than Common Starling. Diet The Rosy Starling feeds primarily on flightless locusts and other grasshoppers. It also takes bugs, ants, beetles, moths and caterpillars. Spiders, woodlice and snails are eaten too. After the breeding season, it consumes fruits (wild and cultivated species), seeds of cereals and nectar from several flowers. Longevity record 15 years Sturnella Roża Pastor roseus Passeriformes Sturnidae Rare Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in March - April, July - December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 19 - 22 35 - 40 67 - 88 Back to Glossary Common Starling Common Starling Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in small groups or in larger flocks. Largely unmistakable where other species of starlings don't occur. Shiny, glossy black/dark-green plumage, speckled with white dots. Yellow bill, and pinkish legs. Juveniles brownish with light throat. As they age, winter plumage breaks through the juvenile feathers, creating large dark patches with white spots. These birds frequently puzzles new birders as they are commonly seen, but often not listed in bird guides. Starlings are easily recognized on the ground by their walking gait. Flight profile also characteristic with short sharp-cornered tail and short pointed wings. May be mistaken for a Waxwing when seen in silhouette. Diet Eats mostly insects when available, especially beetles, grasshoppers, flies, and caterpillars, also spiders, snails, earthworms, and other invertebrates. Especially in fall and winter, eats a wide variety of berries, fruits, and seeds. Longevity record 22 years 11 months (Found dead in Denmark,8552412) Sturnella Sturnus vulgaris Passeriformes Sturnidae Fairly common Usually seen in September - March Occasionally seen in August, April - May Click on the image to open slideshow 1/11 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 19 - 22 37 - 42 75 - 90 Back to Glossary Spotless starling Spotless Starling Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Similar to Starling, and may be difficult to tell apart in winter and immature plumages. Most birds are in breeding plumage from March on, completely lacking spots, and with a purple (not green) sheen. Flight feathers lacks pale fringes, and the overall look is much darker than Starling. Elongated head and throat feathers are slightly longer than in Starling. Winter and immature plumage birds difficult to identify, but has small and spearhead-shaped spots, and darker wings (due to lack of pale fringes). Leg colour generally paler pink, than Starling, but some overlap occurs. Diet Eats mostly insects when available, especially beetles, grasshoppers, flies, and caterpillars, also spiders, snails, earthworms, and other invertebrates. Especially in fall and winter, eats a wide variety of berries, fruits, and seeds. Longevity record 8 years 6 months (Controlled by ringer, 3173460) Sturnella sewda Sturnus unicolor Passeriformes Sturnidae Vagrant Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in March, April Click on the image to open slideshow 1/1 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 20 - 23 38 - 42 75 - 96 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

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

Pipits Yellow wagtail Richard's pipit Richard's Pipit Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually and sometimes in pairs. This is a large pipit , 17–20 cm in length and a wingspan of 29 to 33 cm. It is a slender bird which often stands very upright. It has long yellow-brown legs, a long tail with white outer-feathers and a long dark bill with a yellowish base to the lower mandible. The hindclaw is long and fairly straight. It is an undistinguished-looking species on the ground, mainly brown above and pale below. There are dark streaks on the upperparts and breast while the belly and flanks are plain. The face is strongly marked with pale lores and supercilium and dark eyestripe, moustachial stripe and malar stripe. There are two wingbars formed by pale tips to the wing-coverts. The song is a repeated series of monotonous buzzy notes given in an undulating song-flight. Diet Like other pipits, this species is insectivorous . It mainly feeds on the ground and will also make short flights to catch flying insects. A few seeds are also eaten. Longevity record - Bilblun Prim Anthus richardi Passeriformes Motacillidae Rare Usually seen in --- Occasionally seen in September - May Click on the image to open slideshow 15-03-19 1/15 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''.