Wrens, Tits & Accentors
Eurasian Wren
Maltese name/s
Scientific binomen
Order
Family
Sighting occurrence
Info*
A rare bird that is more heard than seen. It is very difficult to see this bird as it is usually hidden in dense vegetation.
Unmistakable. Very small, mouselike bird with short rounded wings, short neck and upright tail. Upperparts chestnut brown and finely barred. Underparts light buff. Forages in thick undergrowth and low bushes, crevices and holes for insects. Easily overlooked, but betrays its presence by its big voice. One of the smallest bird in northern Europe.
Diet
Eurasian Wren feeds on a wide variety of invertebrates, such as insects and spiders, but also small vertebrates such as fishes, tadpoles and young frogs. It also consumes berries and seeds.
Longevity record
6 years 10 months (Italy/Sweden, 1817973)
Usually seen in
-
Occasionally seen in
October - April
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Length (cm):
Weight (g):
9 - 10.5
8 - 11.5
Great Tit
Maltese name/s
Scientific binomen
Order
Family
Sighting occurrence
Info*
Usually seen individually.
Combination of striking black and white head and yellow underparts makes it rather unmistakable. Back greenish, tail and wings bluish. Outer tail feathers white. Sexes alike except for wider black belly-stripe in males. Biggest tit.
Diet
Its main preference is insects, and, when feeding young, caterpillars are a key food. It will also eat spiders and small earthworms, then will switch to seeds, nuts, berries and buds as and when needed, and available.
Longevity record
15 years 5 months (Found dead in Germany, 9222933)
Usually seen in
-
Occasionally seen in
October - March
Click on the image to open slideshow
Length (cm):
Weight (g):
13.5 - 15
15 - 23
Eurasian Penduline Tit
Maltese name/s
Scientific binomen
Order
Family
Sighting occurrence
Info*
Usually seen individually.
A small, tit-like passerine with brown back, grey head and diagnostic black mask. Plumage comparable to Red-backed Shrike, but build and behaviour very different. Male with broader mask than female. Juveniles with pale, uniform plumage, lacking mask altogether. Tit-like behaviour, but less inquisitive.
Diet
Insects form the larger part of the diet of the penduline tits, and they are active foragers. Their long conical bill is used to probe into cracks and prise open holes in order to obtain prey. Nectar, seeds and fruits may also be taken seasonally.
Longevity record
7 years 3 months (Hungary, M 392964)
Pendulin
Remiz pendulinus
Passeriformes
Remizidae
Very rare
Usually seen in
October - January
Occasionally seen in
February - March
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Length (cm):
Weight (g):
10 - 11.5
9 - 12
Alpine Accentor
Maltese name/s
Scientific binomen
Order
Family
Sighting occurrence
Info*
Usually seen individually.
A big accentor with rufous flanks, finely mottled throat, and blackish wing coverts with white tips. Latter often the most obvious character in poor light, and is visible both in flight, and when on ground. Bill black with yellow base. Build stocky and recalls larks or pipits. Tail dark with narrow, white tip. Flight powerful, undulating and thrush-like. Jumps and runs on the ground, with a more upright stance than Dunnock. Sociable, and small flocks can be seen even in breeding season.
Diet
Mostly insects and seeds.
Longevity record
7 years 8 months (Slovenia, K 69)
Usually seen in
October - November
Occasionally seen in
December - January
Click on the image to open slideshow
Length (cm):
Weight (g):
15 - 17.5
36 - 45
Dunnock
Maltese name/s
Scientific binomen
Order
Family
Sighting occurrence
Info*
Usually seen individually but can be seen in small groups or roam within the same area.
Sparrow-sized, brown and streaked passerine with slate-grey head and chest. Bill thin and warbler-like, head rounded. Narrow, pale wing-bars. Often forages on ground in a crouched manner, creeping or hopping with legs almost hidden. Flicks wings and tail when restless. Secretive behaviour, except when visiting feeders and when singing from tree tops.
Diet
Dunnocks feed on both small insects and small seeds, plus spiders and small worms.
Longevity record
20 years 10 months (Found dead in Denmark, 9A 59942)
Usually seen in
October - March
Occasionally seen in
September, April
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Length (cm):
Weight (g):
13 - 14.5
15 - 24
*Some information was sourced from ''BirdID Nord University''.