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

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

Shrikes & Larks Red backed Shrike Red-backed Shrike Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Male with brown back, pinkish white underparts and a bluish grey head with a black eye mask. Female more dull with barred underparts. Juvenile like female, but upperparts also barred. Tail brown with white edges in all plumages. Females and juveniles easily confused with the Brown Shrike & Woodchat Shrike. Differs from those in white sides of tail, barred rump, mantle and scapulars, scaly underparts and dark or yellowish base of bill (not pink). Diet The Red-backed Shrike forages in habitats where large insects, small reptiles and rodents are abundant. Its diet includes mainly insects, and various other invertebrates. Small mammals (voles), birds and reptiles are taken too. Longevity record 10 years 1 month (Found dead in Hungary, 156914) Kaċċamendula Ħamra Lanius collurio Passeriformes Laniidae Very scarce Usually seen in August - October Occasionally seen in April - May, July, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/3 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 16 - 18 24 - 27 25 - 35 Back to Glossary Lesser Grey Shrike Lesser Grey Shrike Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. In all plumages told from Great Grey Shrike by very long primary projection, stout bill, large rectangular wing patch and extended white at base of tail. Tertials without white edge. Adult birds with black forehead (more extended in male and often speckled grey in female), and a pink wash to underparts (especially male). Immatures lack the black forehead and wing coverts have pale fringes. Diet The Lesser Grey Shrike hunts from a strategic post, wire or branch and primarily feeds on insects which it catches in the air or on the ground. The diet includes beetles, moths and butterflies, large flies, grasshoppers, crickets and millipedes. Some fruits such as cherries and figs are eaten to a limited extent. Longevity record 6 years (Slovakia, Z 740717) Kaċċamendula Griża Lanius minor Passeriformes Laniidae Rare Usually seen in August - September Occasionally seen in February - June, October - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 18 - 20 32 - 34 41 - 50 Back to Glossary Great Grey Shrike Great Grey Shrike Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Light grey upperparts, black wings and tail with white patches, white underparts and throat. Broad, black eyestripe not reaching above highest point of bill. Bill long and medium heavy (not as heavy as in Lesser Grey Shrike). White patch at base of primaries varies according to subspecies. Black part of tail most narrow at base. Juveniles less pure in colour, with faintly barred underparts and buff fringes to greater coverts. Diet Eats mostly insects when available, especially beetles, grasshoppers, flies, and caterpillars, also spiders, snails, earthworms, and other invertebrates. Food is often stored in a 'larder' by impaling it on a thorn! Especially in fall and winter, eats a wide variety of berries, fruits, and seeds. Longevity record 8 years 2 months (Finland, A-409668) Kaċċamendula Griża Kbira Lanius excubitor Passeriformes Laniidae Rare Usually seen in August - September Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow 1/1 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 24 - 25 30 - 35 48 - 81 Back to Glossary Woodchat Shrike Woodchat Shrike Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but multiple individuals can be seen simultaneously. Adults easily recognized by rufous cap, black back, white scapular patches and white rump. Appears more compact and bigger headed than Red-backed and Lesser Grey Shrike. White spot at base of bill larger in female than in male. Immatures told from Red-backed Shrike by whitish scapulars, greyer upperparts, diffuse patch at base of primaries, pale rump and dark brown tail. Subspecies L. s. badius lacks primary patch. More skulking than many shrikes. Likes high viewpoints. The most common type in Malta is the senator nominate, however the badius nominate occurs as well. Diet Eats mostly insects when available, especially beetles, grasshoppers, flies, and caterpillars, also spiders, snails, earthworms, and other invertebrates. Longevity record 5 years 8 months (Found dead by a train hit in Germany, 7367101) Kaċċamendula Lanius senator Passeriformes Laniidae Fairly common Usually seen in March - May, August - October Occasionally seen in February, June Click on the image to open slideshow 1/30 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 17 - 18 26 - 28 30 - 40 Back to Glossary Calandra Lark Calandra Lark Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Large, fairly characteristic lark. Wings blackish underneath with conspicuous white trailing edge, obvious in flight. Outer tail-feathers white. Perched birds easiest identified by large black breast patch (though variable in size and shape), and very deep bill. Broad, buff supercilium and eye-ring. Leaves a robust and compact impression, with its broad wings, short tail and heavy bill. Stance usually upright when perched. Flight undulating, but less hesitant than Skylark. Diet Its diet is seasonal, feeding mostly on insects in the summers and seeds and grass shoots in the winter. Longevity record 5 - 10 years Kalandra Melanocorypha calandra Passeriformes Alaudidae Rare Usually seen in March - April, September - December Occasionally seen in - Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 18 - 19 34 - 42 44 - 73 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Short toed Lark (Bilbla) Greater Short-toed Lark Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in pairs. It is an annual local breeder. Small, compact lark with finch-like bill. 30% smaller than Skylark. Primaries almost completely covered by tertiaries, as opposed to Lesser Short-toed Lark. Upperparts typical lark-like, while underparts are almost unstreaked. Most individuals shows small, black shoulder patch. Bill deep, but pointed. Base colour variable, but western birds usually warmer brown than eastern. Lacks crest. Crown is rather flat (often rufous) and head squarish. Tail black with buff centre and pure white outer feathers. Flight moderately undulating. Diet Its diet is seasonal, feeding mostly on insects in the summers and seeds and grass shoots in the winter. Longevity record 5 - 10 years Bilbla Calandrella brachydactyla Passeriformes Alaudidae Fairly common Usually seen in March - September Occasionally seen in October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/14 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 13 - 14 25 - 30 20 - 26 Back to Glossary Mediterrenean Short-toed Lark (Bilbla Sekonda) Mediterranean Short-toed Lark Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Small lark with short, blunt bill and markedly streaked breast. The long primary projection is not covered by the tertials, as in (Greater) Short-toed Lark. Upperparts browner, and the dark shoulder patch og GSL is missing. Supercilium reaches all the way to bill-base. Wing-markings diffuse. Flight and behaviour similar to GSL. Sometimes performs song flight in characteristic "slow motion". Diet Its diet is seasonal, feeding mostly on insects in the summers and seeds and grass shoots in the winter. Longevity record 5 - 10 years Bilbla Sekonda Alaudala rufescens Passeriformes Alaudidae Very rare Usually seen in March - September Occasionally seen in October Click on the image to open slideshow 1/2 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 13 - 14 24 - 32 20 - 30 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Woodlark Woodlark Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually or in small groups. Can gather together with Skylarks. Bill finer than Skylark. Strong white supercilium reaching the neck. Distinctly streaked nape. Wings rounded, and with white edged primary coverts, but no white trailing edge as opposed to Skylark. Tail short and square with white trailing edge. Differs from skylark in posture and behaviour, and appears more erect when perched. Undecisive, bat-like flight. Diet As with many of the birds in the lark family, the Woodlark is primarily vegetarian as an adult but during the breeding season will also eat medium-sized insects. The diet is mainly composed of seeds and such insects as beetles, flies and moths. Longevity record 5 years 0 months (UK, VC 1823-) Ċuqlajta Lullula arborea Passeriformes Alaudidae Scarce Usually seen in October -November Occasionally seen in March - April, September, December Click on the image to open slideshow 1/0 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 14 - 15 27 - 30 25 - 35 Back to Glossary Skylark Eurasian Skylark Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in small groups or in larger flocks. Short foldable crest. Pale eye-ring and supercilium. Long primary projection (primaries extend well beyond tertials), white trailing edge to wing and white outer tail feathers. Tail much longer than in Wood Lark. Skylarks nest on the ground, in vegetation which is 20–50 cm high. This vegetation must be open enough to give the birds easy access to the ground. Diet Adults feed on leaves and seeds of crops and weeds. Their strong association with weedy stubbles in winter shows the importance of seeds and weed leaves. Longevity record 10 years 0 months (Found dead in the Check Republic, M 107989) Alwetta Alauda arvensis Passeriformes Alaudidae Fairly common Usually seen in October - November Occasionally seen in September, December - May Click on the image to open slideshow 1/12 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 18 - 19 30 - 36 26 - 50 Back to Glossary Crested Lark Crested Lark Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Only recorded in 1974. Gives a bulkier impression than Skylark, with longer bill, heavier head and body, and broader tail. In flight broad wings and short tail prominent. Lacks white edges on wings. Orange buff underwings. Crest on rear crown spiky and uneven. Outer tail feathers rufous, not white. Occasional song-flight. Slower wing-beats than skylark. Very similar to Thekla Lark, and identification can be very difficult in areas where both species occur. The much used streaked-breast character is not always relevant because of regional variations. Then habitat, behaviour and voice becomes important to identification, and a combination of structural and plumage character should be used. Bill appears curved (because of straight lower mandible), crest spikier than Thekla, belly deeper, back less heavily streaked , tail coverts less rusty-brown, upper breast usually with less defined streaking. Eye-stripe buffish, rather than white behind eye. Less prone to perch on top of scrubs or bushes than Thekla, and prefers lower altitude . Diet Largely vegetarian birds, the crested lark primarily feeds on grains and seeds, such as oats, wheat and barley, but will also eat insects, particularly beetles, with food either being scavenged from the ground or dug up. Longevity record 11 years 7 months (Found dead in Germany, H 685798) Ċuqlajta tat-Toppu Galerida cristata Passeriformes Alaudidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in October/November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/4 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 17 - 18 29 - 38 37 - 55 Pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary

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 1/21 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''.

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

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

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

Sightings Occurrence Classification Birds of Malta has a vast number of contributors comprising of local birdwatchers, hunters and trappers which are spread all over the Maltese archipelago and even out at sea in Maltese waters. Sightings are assessed and these have been classified in the following categories and are subjective to the author of the page. However the description gives a very good indication of the occurrence related with each species. Hypothetical Introduced Vagrant Very rare Rare Very Scarce Scarce Fairly common Common no evidence to confirm if the bird was either a record or imported a species that was locally introduced into the wild appeared beyond the migrating/normal habitat range (<20 records) very few sightings that may be seen over a large number of years very few sightings that may be seen over a few years seen in very few sightings during the year or migration period seen in small quantities during the year or migration period seen in good quantities during the year or migration period seen in substantial quantities during the year or migration period Back to Glossary

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

Wagtails Yellow wagtail Western Yellow Wagtail Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually, in groups or in larger flocks. Head is mainly greenish with a yellow face, throat, breast and belly. Also a yellow supercilium in males. Females are paler with a greyish head paler supercilium and paler throats. Tail quite short compared to other wagtails, and the whole bird in profile is like a pipit. Hybrids are not uncommon. Differs from Grey Wagtail in dark legs, only pale yellow vent and narrow wing-bars. Juvenile White Wagtails and Yellow Wagtails can be confused, but White Wagtail is greyer, with big grey breast patch (Yellow Wagtail may show narrow breast band). Closest congener is Citrine Wagtail, which lacks dark lore, has broad wing-bars and grey back. Diet Insects and spiders, particularly flying insects in sparse vegetation and open ground. Longevity record 8 years 10 months (Found dead in Sweden, 2407355) Isfar Motacilla flava Passeriformes Motacillidae Fairly common Usually seen in March - May, August - November Occasionally seen in all other months Click on the image to open slideshow ssp. Motacilla flava 1/32 Length (cm): Weight (g): 15 - 16 15 - 23 Back to Glossary Eastern yellow wagtil Eastern Yellow Wagtail Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A vagrant seen twice in December, at (i) Salini salt pans in 2019 and (ii) M'Xlokk in 2022. It is very similar to a Blue-headed Wagtail (M.flava) i.e. a blueish/grey head with but it has a slightly paler grey forehead to nape, and mostly pale grey ear-coverts (sometimes blackish), blackish-grey lores and conspicuous white eyebrow. Crown and nape are bluish-grey. Call is very distinctive and different from its Western Yellow Wagtails species. Diet Insects and spiders, particularly flying insects in sparse vegetation and open ground. Longevity record - Isfar tal-Lvant Motacilla tschutschensis Passeriformes Motacillidae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in December Click on the image to open slideshow 14-03-20 14-03-20 1/12 Length (cm): Weight (g): 15 - 16 15 - 23 Back to Glossary Citrine Wagtail Citrine Wagtail Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually. Adult male easily recognized with all yellow head with dark edges and grey back. Prominent white wing-bars and all dark bill, lacking the pale base of Yellow Wagtail. Females and adult winter lacks the dark lore-stripe of Yellow Wagtail, and the flanks are grey. The same applies to the juveniles. These also give a very grey impression, almost resembling a Pied Wagtail without the dark breast-pattern. Juvenile Yellow Wagtails have a less grey and more olive tone to their backs. The dark facial markings/ear coverts of females/winter/juveniles birds are usually framed by the continuation of the strong supercilium. Some Yellow Wagtails are very similar to Citrine, and call and tail length should be considered as well (tail longer in Citrine). Diet Insects and spiders, particularly flying insects in sparse vegetation and open ground. Longevity record - Zakak Rasu Safra Motacilla citreola Passeriformes Motacillidae Rare Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in August, September, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/6 Length (cm): Weight (g): 15.5 - 17 15 - 24 Back to Glossary Grey Wagtail Grey Wagtail Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually. Elegant and very long-tailed wagtail. Vent always bright yellow in all plumages. Legs pinkish flesh-coloured, not black as in Yellow Wagtails species. Wings with single white bar, visible both from below and above. Male with black throat in summer. Constantly wags tail, often in a more horizontal posture than congeners. Flight more attenuated and more bounding than in other wagtails. Attached to water and streams. Diet Insects and spiders, particularly flying insects in sparse vegetation, open ground and especially near water ponds and streams. Longevity record 8 years 0 months (Germany, BO 87112) Zakak tad-Dell Motacilla cinerea Passeriformes Motacillidae Scarce Usually seen in March - April, September - October Occasionally seen in February, May, August, November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/9 Length (cm): Weight (g): 17 - 20 17 - 23 Back to Glossary White Wagtail White Wagtail Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Seen individually, in small groups or larger flocks. Grey and white wagtail with prominent black markings on head and breast. Different from the Pied Wagtail found within the British Isles which is now considered as a full species M. yarreli, that has a black back, whilst it is grey in the White Wagtail. Only faint black markings on head in juveniles and in winter plumage, but always shows big dark breast patch. Unmistakable in breeding plumage. Pale individuals of Yellow Wagtail and Citrine Wagtail, differs in lacking large breast patch, and in contact call. Diet Insects and spiders, particularly flying insects in sparse vegetation, open ground and especially near water ponds and streams. Longevity record 13 years 8 months (Czech Republic, N 212046) Zakak Abjad Motacilla alba Passeriformes Motacillidae Fairly common Usually seen in October - February Occasionally seen in all other months Click on the image to open slideshow Leucistic White Wagtail 1/8 Length (cm): Weight (g): 16.5 - 19 18 - 23 Back to Glossary *Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.

Terns & Shearwaters Little Tern Little Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. White forehead with white wedge above eye in all plumages. Legs, and most of bill yellow in adult breeding plumage. Very small and longwinged tern. Back paler grey and belly whiter. First primaries form a dark front edge to wing. In winter the bill darkens, legs turn a dirty yellow and the white forehead expands. Juvenile resembles adult winter, but has yellowish bill base and scale patterned back. Flight fluttering with rapid wing-beats, which together with size, is usually sufficient to determine the species. Diet Fish, crustacean and invertebrates. Longevity record 23 years, 11 months (Germany, 80303320) Ċirlewwa Żgħira Sternula albifrons Charadriiformes Laridae Very rare Usually seen in April - June, September Occasionally seen in July - August, November Click on the image to open slideshow Juvenile 1st winter The image is not so clear but the nape looks white, the bill is dark and the upperwings are also dark and unclean which may indicate some immature feathers. So probably it is a 1st winter bird. 1/15 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 22 - 28 45 - 55 47 - 63 Some pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Gull-billed Tern Gull-billed Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen in small groups or large flocks but sometimes seen individually. Easily confused with Sandwich Tern but choice of habitat usually different. Adults differs by noticeably shorter and deeper bill, lacking yellow tip. Wings are broader, tail is shorter and only slightly forked. Lacks crest. Primaries with dark trailing edge, especially underside. Rump pale grey, and there is no contrast between grey back and white tail as in Sandwich Tern. Loses the black cap in winter, but keeps a black mask (less black on head than Sandwich T). Immature birds also gives a paler impression. The back is almost uniform in colour, and the wings also have only diffuse markings. The dark trailing edge to the primaries is present though, together with dark eye mask. Rest of head is pale. Flight slightly front-heavy with shallow wing-beats. Catches insects in the air and from the ground in flight. Rarely plunge-dives. Prefers fresh water, and is often seen near wetlands, rivers and flooded fields, but also in salt water during migration. Diet Unlike most terns, the Gull-billed Tern has a broad diet and does not depend on fish. Instead it commonly feeds on insects, small crabs, and other prey snatched from the ground, air, or even bushes. It is also known to eat small chicks of other tern species. Longevity record 15 years (Denmark) Ċirlewwa Munqarha Oħxon Gelochelidon nilotica Charadriiformes Laridae Very scarce Back to Glossary Usually seen in March - October Occasionally seen in February, November Click on the image to open slideshow Adult moulting to summer plumage Note dark trailing edge on the primaries and the stronger bill synonym with the Gull-billed tern. Forehead, crown and nape all black indicating an adult bird in a summer plumage. Adult moulting to summer plumage Note dark trailing edge on the primaries and the stronger bill synonym with the Gull-billed tern. Forehead, crown and nape all black indicating an adult bird in a summer plumage. Adult moulting to summer plumage Note dark trailing edge on the primaries and the stronger bill synonym with the Gull-billed tern. Forehead, crown and nape all black indicating an adult bird in a summer plumage. 1/24 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 33 - 43 85 - 103 130 - 320 Caspian Tern Caspian Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Very large tern, with deep, dagger-like, blood-red bill with dark tip. Large, black cap reaching well below the eyes. Grey upperparts and white underparts. Rather short tail. Outer primaries distinctly darker than the rest of upperwing, and outer underwing almost black. Unmistakable from the size alone, and leaves a gull-like impression, lacking the elegance of smaller terns. Immatures with paler bill and white forehead (as in adult winter), and markedly speckled back. Hovers and dives. Often rests on the surface, feeding like a gull. Diet Caspian terns eat mainly fish, with some crayfish and insects occasionally. They forage by flying above shallow water, usually along a shoreline. As most terns do, they fly with their heads down, peering into the water, when they see prey, they may hover for a moment before making a sharp dive Longevity record 30 years (Ring seen in the field in Sweden, U 22698) Ċirlewwa Prima Hydroprogne caspia Charadriiformes Laridae Very scarce Usually seen in March - June, August - November Occasionally seen in January, July, December Click on the image to open slideshow 2nd summer to adult winter Note very few dirty secondaries as in 2nd birds. Head is not completely black as it is moulting to its winter plumage. Tail is all white so this bird is a 2nd year bird moulting to a winter plumage. 1st winter Note dirty secondaries, median, upper coverts and tail all indicating a 1st winter bird. Crown and nape are nearly all black so it is probably moulting its 1st summer plumage. 2nd summer to adult winter Note very few dirty secondaries as in 2nd birds. Head is not completely black as it is moulting to its winter plumage. Tail is all white so this bird is a 2nd year bird moulting to a winter plumage. 2nd summer to adult winter Note very few dirty secondaries as in 2nd birds. Head is not completely black as it is moulting to its winter plumage. Tail is all white so this bird is a 2nd year bird moulting to a winter plumage. 1/7 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 48 - 56 127 - 140 574 - 782 Back to Glossary Whiskered Tern Whiskered Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually. Largest marsh tern. Liable to confusion with Sterna terns due to black cap, in addition to other marsh terns. All marsh terns (Chlidonias) differs from Sterna by lack of tail streamers, short tail with shallow fork, shorter wings and stiffer flight. Marsh terns don't plunge-dive for food but picks from surface (though Whiskered Tern may belly-plunge), mostly in fresh water. Adult Whiskered Tern easily told from other marsh terns by distinct black cap contrasting to white cheeks and throat. Underwing pale with diffuse dark trailing edge. Bill dark blood red. Adult winter: Very pale with no distinct markings except for ill-defined black mask stretching from eye to eye across nape. Forehead white and with crown white speckles. Bill black. Immature: Yellowish brown saddle with coarse dark pattern, though these are moulted in early autumn. Usually lacks dark carpal bar and cap ill-defined. Whiskered Tern generally stockier built than other marsh terns. Both immatures and adult winter show grey rump (different from Common, Arctic and White-Winged), and bill is dagger-shaped (most apparent in males). Diet Small fish, amphibians, insects and crustaceans. Longevity record - Ċirlewwa tal-Mustaċċi Chlidonias hybrida Charadriiformes Laridae Very rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in April - September Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. summer Dark grey body, yet darker belly, dark red bill and legs, black forehead, crown and nape as in summer adults. White face and vent. Ad. summer Dark grey body, yet darker belly, dark red bill and legs, black forehead, crown and nape as in summer adults. White face and vent. Adult summer Dark grey body, yet darker belly, dark red bill and legs, black forehead, crown and nape as in summer adults. White face and vent. Ad. summer Dark grey body, yet darker belly, dark red bill and legs, black forehead, crown and nape as in summer adults. White face and vent. 1/5 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 23 - 29 64 - 70 83 - 92 White -winged Tern White-winged Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in a very small group. Breeding adult easily identified by white tail/rump combined with jet black under wing coverts and silvery upper wing. Immature with brownish back contrasting with pale, silvery upper wings and pale rump. Broad white collar, and lacks dark breast patch of immature Black Tern. Adult winter most liable to confusion with other terns, but upperparts much paler than Black Tern. Contrasting dark outer primaries and secondaries to rest of wing. Often retains some black under coverts even in winter which is diagnostic if seen. Slightly more compact than Black Tern and often recalls Little gull in shape. Bill noticeably shorter and thinner than in Whiskered Tern. Diet Mostly feed on insects and small fish, as well as frogs and other aquatic critters. They usually fly slowly over water to pick prey off the surface of water or in flight, or they make take it from vegetation. Longevity record 21 years Ċirlewwa tal-Ġewnaħ Abjad Chlidonias leucopterus Charadriiformes Laridae Very rare Back to Glossary Usually seen in April - June, August - September Occasionally seen in October Click on the image to open slideshow Adult summer (01-05-2017) Black head, neck, breast and belly. Dark grey saddle. Black eyes and beak. Silver white upperwings under underwing primaries and secondaries. Black underwing coverts. All white tail, rump, undertail coverts and vent. Adult summer (01-05-2017) Black head, neck, breast and belly. Dark grey saddle. Black eyes and beak. Silver white upperwings under underwing primaries and secondaries. Black underwing coverts. All white tail, rump, undertail coverts and vent. Adult summer (01-05-2017) Black head, neck, breast and belly. Dark grey saddle. Black eyes and beak. Silver white upperwings under underwing primaries and secondaries. Black underwing coverts. All white tail, rump, undertail coverts and vent. Adult summer (01-05-2017) Black head, neck, breast and belly. Dark grey saddle. Black eyes and beak. Silver white upperwings under underwing primaries and secondaries. Black underwing coverts. All white tail, rump, undertail coverts and vent. 1/9 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 20 - 23 58 - 67 42 - 79 Black Tern Black Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in small groups. Unmistakable in breeding plumage, but otherwise easily confused with other marsh terns. Breeding plumage with black head and belly, but pale underwing and grey rump. When in immature and winter plumage it differs from marsh terns by slimmer body and wings (compared to White-winged tern), and relatively long, thin bill. Both immature and adult winter show dark front edge of wing, and characteristic dark shoulder patch at wing base. Back is dark in immature birds. Grey rump in all plumages. Flight usually different from Sterna-terns, with erratic dives for no apparent reason, and "aimless" change of direction. Note that when foraging over saltwater, flight becomes more Sterna-like. Diet Mostly feed on insects and small fish, as well as frogs, tadpoles, spiders, earthworms, crustaceans and leeches. In migration and winter at sea, eats mostly small fish, also some crustaceans and insects. They usually fly slowly over water to pick prey off the surface of water or in flight, or they make take it from vegetation. Longevity record 21 years (Found dead in Denmark, 8045639) Ċirlewwa Sewda Chlidonias niger Charadriiformes Laridae Fairly common Usually seen in August - September Occasionally seen in July, October Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. summer moulting to winter Grey saddle as in adults. Dark legs as in a summer plumage but forehead and nape are already moulting to white. So an adult summer bird moulting to a winter plumage. 1/13 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 23 - 28 57 - 65 60 - 86 Back to Glossary Common Tern Common Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in small groups. Differs from Arctic Tern in longer head, and more orangy red, rather than deep red, bill. Tip of bill usually black. Legs longer, but tail streamers shorter than Arctic Tern. Underparts of primaries with diffusely bordered dark trailing edge (sharply bordered in Arctic Tern). Upper side of primaries with dark wedge (less apparent in winter). Secondaries opaque. Crest more apparent than in Arctic Tern and underside whiter. Juveniles with buff back. Diet Like most terns, this species feeds by plunge-diving for fish, either in the sea or in freshwater, but molluscs , crustaceans and other invertebrate prey may form a significant part of the diet in some areas. Longevity record 33 years, 0 months (Read in the field in Ireland and the Great Britain, CK39045) Ċirlewwa tal-Baħar Sterna hirundo Charadriiformes Laridae Very rare Usually seen in June - September Occasionally seen in March - May, October - November Click on the image to open slideshow 1/10 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 32 - 39 72 - 83 86 - 127 Some pictures taken abroad Back to Glossary Lesser Cresed Tern Lesser Crested Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* A vagrant bird with a very few records. The latest record seen on the 24th Aug 20 by Patrick Spiteri at Għadira s-Safra. This is a medium-large tern, very similar in size and general appearance to its very close relative, the Sandwich tern. The summer adult has a black cap, black legs and a long sharp orange bill. The upperwings, rump and central tail feathers are grey and the underparts white. The primary flight feathers darken during the summer. In winter, the forehead becomes white. The grey rump is a useful flight identification feature distinguishing it from the related species. Juvenile lesser crested terns resemble same-age Sandwich terns, but with a yellow-orange bill, and paler overall, with only faint dark crescents on the mantle feathers. Diet Mostly feed on insects and small fish, as well as frogs, tadpoles, spiders, earthworms, crustaceans and leeches. In migration and winter at sea, eats mostly small fish, also some crustaceans and insects. They usually fly slowly over water to pick prey off the surface of water or in flight, or they make take it from vegetation. Longevity record 31 years Ċirlewwa tal-Libja Thalasseus bengalensis Charadriiformes Laridae Vagrant Usually seen in - Occasionally seen in January, July - September Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. summer moulting to winter Clean upperwings and grey rump and uppertail as in adults. Forehead is moulting to white indicating a summer adult moulting to a winter plumage. Ad. summer moulting to winter Clean upperwings and grey rump and uppertail as in adults. Forehead is moulting to white indicating a summer adult moulting to a winter plumage. Ad. summer moulting to winter winter Clean upperwings and grey rump and uppertail as in adults. Forehead is moulting to white indicating a summer adult moulting to a winter plumage. Ad. summer moulting to winter Clean upperwings and grey rump and uppertail as in adults. Forehead is moulting to white indicating a summer adult moulting to a winter plumage. 1/3 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 35 - 43 88 - 105 185 - 242 Back to Glossary Sandwich Tern Sandwich Tern Maltese name/s Scientific binomen Order Family Sighting occurrence Info* Usually seen individually but can be seen in small number groups. Large tern with black bill, with yellow tip (adults). Bill all black in juveniles. Long black cap and shaggy crest. Generally leaves a much whiter impression than other terns in the region (except Roseate Tern). Adult summer: Yellow bill-tip. Tail pure white, and upperparts pale grey. Outer primaries darker than rest of wing, and contrast increases in worn plumage. Broad white trailing edge to inner wing. Underside of primaries with faint narrow dark trailing edge. Forehead white in adult winter and first winter plumage. Juveniles: scaly upperparts and dark bill. Less evenly coloured than juvenile Gull-billed Tern. First winter birds similar to juveniles, but back purer grey and bill shorter. Can be mistaken for Gull-billed Tern, but note different profile. Flight powerful with evenly narrow wings and a front-heavy appearance, due to the long head and bill. Often dives from high above the surface and stays under water longer than Common and Arctic T. Diet Mostly fish. Feeds mainly on smaller fish, such as sand lance and mullet; also eats shrimp, squid, marine worms, and many insects. Longevity record 31 years (Trapped in the UK, DS 61571) Ċirlewwa tax-Xitwa Thalasseus sandvicensus Charadriiformes Laridae Common Usually seen in September - April Occasionally seen in all other months Click on the image to open slideshow Ad. winter Clean grey upperwings indicative of adults. White forehead as in winter plumage. Ad. winter All white body and underwings as in adults. White forehead as in winter. Ad. winter Clean grey upperwings indicative of adults. White forehead as in winter plumage. 1/11 Length (cm): Wingspan (cm): Weight (g): 36 - 46 86 - 105 130 - 285 Back to Glossary Mediterrenean Storm Petrel 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''.