abbreviations: f = female ; m = male ; Max = maximum
During these three weeks, we saw 100 species (or races). Many of these species are East-European species.
Birds (but Chukar !) are tame, this is extraordinary for a Mediterranean land where hunters are numerous! The more common species are Chaffinch, Italian Sparrow, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Sardinian Warbler, Great Tit, Crested Lark, Swallow, Stonechat and European Black Swift.
(Numbers in brackets are the number of observations fot the species)
GR = Continental Greece ; CR = Crete
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
(7). GR Elefteri and Petra (03/05) and Ioannina (05/05) where there is two families (3 and 4 pulli). CR Georgioupoli and Kournas lake (16/05), Agia reservoir (19/05).
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
(1). GR 3 at sea at Koronisia (04/05) and > 6 Ioannina lake (05/05).
Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea
(2). CR 18 in front of Platanes (Rethymnon)(18/05). GR 4 in front of the Cap Araxos (30/05)
Mediterranean Shearwater Puffinus yelkouan
(1) CR 1 in front of Platanes (Rethymnon)(18/05)
Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
(1) GR 4, Amvrakia lake (06/05).
Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmaresti
(3). CR 2 Xerokambos (12/05), 2 Limani (24/05) and 1 Stomio bay (27/05).
Pygmy Cormorant Phalacrocorax pygmeus
(1). GR 2 Ioannina lake (05/05).
Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus
(2) GR 2 Nikopoli lagoon (03/05), 8 Koronisia (04/05).
Little Bittern Ixobrichus minutus
(2). CR 2 Kato Zakros (11/05) and 2 Prevelli Palm Beach (25/05).
Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
(4). CR 1 Kato Zakros (10/05), 2 Agia reservoir (19/05), 4 Thrapsano (21/05) and 1 here (29/05). All immatures.
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
(12). GR 25 Petra marsh (03/05) and 23 (04/05). CR 8 Kato Zakros (15/05) and 7 Agia reservoir (19/05). Also Amoudia (GR), Georgioupoli and Thrapsano (CR).
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
(22). Seen near all the waters. Max. 40, Amoudia GR (03/05).
Great White Egret Egretta alba
(2). GR 4 Amoudia and 2 Nikopoli lagoon (03/05).
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
(10). CR 6, arriving from the sea, 17/05 Hora Sfakion.
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
(1). GR 1, Metochi lake (30/05).
White Stork Ciconia ciconia
(13). GR Numerous nests on the villages near Amvrakikos Gulf (10 + in Filipiada). Nest also in Katsikas, near Ioannina.
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
(4). GR 11, Amoudia and 1, Nikopoli lagoon (03/05). CR 3, Thrapsano (21/05) and 1, here (29/05)
Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
. (1). GR 45 together, Petra (04/05).
Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber
(1). CR 1 young, Elounda (10/05).
Mute Swan Cygnus olor
(1). GR 6, Eleftheri (03/05).
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
(2). GR 2, Amoudia (03/05). CR female with 5 pulli, Agia reservoir (19/05).
Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca
(1). GR 6 (5 males), Ioannina lake (05/05).
Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus
(1). CR 1, Prevelli Palm Beach (25/05).
Black Kite Milvus migrans
(1). CR 1, Kato Zakros (11/05).
Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus
(4). CR 1 (2nd year), Ommalos (19/05), 1 (adult) Kourtaliotiko gorge (25/05), 1 (2nd year) near Stomio (27/05) and 1 (age ?) Miriokefala (28/05).
Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus
(11). GR 5, Klissoura gorge (06/05). CR Seen in all the mountains. Small colony in the Selinari gorge with 1 young at nest 15/05. Max. 27, near Ideo Andro on a carcass (20/05).
Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus
(2). GR 1, Ioannina (05/05) and 1, Mt Arakinthos (06/05).
Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
(3). GR 1, Eleftheri (03/05) and 2, Ioannina (05/05). CR 1, Omalos (19/05). All are females.
Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus
(1). GR 1 (male), Strongili (03/05).
Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
(3). GR 1, Mt Parnasse (07/05). CR 1, Kato Zakros (11/05) and 1 (female attacking Aquila chrysaetos), Kato Metohi (29/05).
Buzzard Buteo buteo
(40). GR Only 1, Amoudia (03/05) and 1, Ioannina lake (05/05). CR Common. Pair at nest, Hromonasteri (26/05).
Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus
(1). GR 1 (adult), Klissoura gorge (06/05).
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
(3). GR 1 adult and 2 youngs, Delphi (07/05). CR 1, Kourtaliotiko gorge (25/05) and 1 Kato Metohi (29/05).
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
(1). GR 1, Nikopoli lagoon (03/05).
Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
(22). Widespread GR and CR. Nests in Kato Zakros gorge 11/05.
Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus
(8). GR 3, Arichovas (08/05). CR Kato Zakros (10 to 14/05, with max 8 11/05), 1 Georgioupoli (19/05).
Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae
(13). Only in Crete, widespread. Max 24, Vizari lake (23/05) and 16, Droxia (21/05).
Peregrine Falco peregrinus brookei
(1). CR Pair, female catching a Feral Pigeon, Palekastro (10/05).
Chukar Alectoris chukar
(4). CR 1 (with pulli) Kato Zakros (14 and 15/05), 1, near Karoti (23/05) and 2, Miriokefala (28/05).
Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
(9). Seen at all the lakes in GR and CR. Pairs with 1 and 4 pulli, Ioannina lake (05/05)
Fulica atra (5).GR Family with 6 pulli, Ioannina lake (05/05). CR Only Agia reservoir.
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
(5). GR Strongili 03/05) et Metochi (30/05). CR 1, Thrapsano (21 and 29/05).
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
(6). GR 1, Metochi (30/05). CR 1, Kato Zakros (10/05) ; 1, Geropotamos mouth (18/05) ; 5, displaying, Platanias river (18/05).
Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
(1). 1, Xerokambos (12/05).
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
(1). GR 1, Strongili (03/05)
Little Stint Calidris minuta
(5). GR 23, Strongili (04/05). CR Max 75, Xerokambos (12/05).
Ruff Philomachus pugnax (2). GR 14, Strongili (03/05). CR 5, Thrapsano (21/05).
Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus
(1). GR 1, Strongili (04/05).
Redshank Tringa totanus
(1). GR 2, displaying, Strongili (04/05).
Greenshank Tringa nebularia
(3). GR 2, Strongili (04/05) and 1, Etoliko (06/05). CR 1, Thrapsano (21/05).
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
(2). GR 2, Strongili (04/05). CR 1 Xerokambos (12/05).
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
(6). GR 2, Strongili (04/05). CR 1, Kato Zakros (10 and 12/05) ; 1, Hametoulo (13/05) ; 2, Agia reservoir (19/05) and 3, Thrapsano (21/05).
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
(8). The passage is nearly finished. GR Nikopoli, Strongili and Ioannina. CR Kato Zakros, Platanias and Agia reservoir.
Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
(1). GR 3 imm, Preveza harbour (04/05).
Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
(2). GR 1, Strongili (04/05) and 1, Ioannina lake (05/05).
Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnans
(32). Widespread in GR and CR, but not very numerous in Crete. CR Max. 150, near Apostoli, on a quarry (23/05).
Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
(1). GR 5, Koronisia (04/05).
Common Tern Sterna hirundo
(6). GR Xidespread. Max 10, Koronisia (04©05).
Little Tern Sterna albifrons
(4). GR Not common. Seen at Koronisia, Strongili, Etoliko and Katafourko.
White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
(1). GR 3, Amoudia (03/05).
Rock Dove Columba livia
(9). Wild birds only in Crete where are widespread in gorges.
Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus
(9). Only seen in Crete. Singers in Afrates (23/05), Angouseliana (25/05), Prevelli (25/05), Mili (26/05) and Kato Metohi (29/05).
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
(13). Widespread in GR, but not in CR where is common in Xania, Rethymnon, Iraklion and Knossos. Also seen in Hora Sfakion.
Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur
(25). GR Not numerous. 1 singer, Ahladee (05/05). CR Numerous migrants in Kato Zakros: 24 (10/05) and 13 (15/05). Singers: Fres (2, 16/05), Aradaina (17/05), Lavris (2, 18/05), Droxia (3, 21/05), Platanias (3, 22/05), Afrates (2, 23/05), Karoti (2, 23/05), Prasies (2, 23/05), Angouseliana (25/05), Hromonasteri (4, 26/05), Mili (26/05), Sfinari (27/05), Miriokefala (28/05) and Thrapsano (2, 29/05).
Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
(6). GR Eleftheri, Vrisoula, Ahladee, Arichovas. CR Hohlakies and Aradaina.
Barn Owl Tyto alba
erlangeri (1). CR 1, killed by a car, Viran Episkopi (20/05).
Scops Owl Otus scops
(3). CR singers in Kato Zakros and Hromonasteri.
Black Swift Apus apus
(17). Widespread. Very common in the large cities: GR Pireus, Patra. CR Agios Nikolaos, Irakleion, Rethymnon, Chania.
Pallid Swift Apus pallidus
(3). GR Nest under a roof in Kato Loutro (30/05). CR 3, on an islet, Amnisos (15/05) ; 1, Kournas lake (16/05).
Alpine Swift Apus melba
(15). Widespread. GR > 25 above Pireus harbour (09/05). CR 15, Omalos (19/05).
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops (superciliosus) persicus
(1). 2, Kato Zakros (13/05).
Bee-eater Merops apiaster
(10). Not very common. GR eared only at Amoudia (03/05). CR regular at Kato Zakros (max 7, 11/05).
Hoopoe Upupa epops
(4). GR Ioannina, Delphi (1 nest with young 07/05) and Arichovas. CR Nest with youngs, Elounda (10/05), perhaps the first for Crete.
Wryneck Jynx torquilla
(1). CR 1, Droxia (21/05).
Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla
(2). CR 3, Limani (24/05) and 1, singing, Kato Metohi (29/05).
Crested Lark Galerida cristata
(31). Widespread, very common. CR 1 young, Elounda (10/05) ; birds carrying food seen Hametoulo and Karidi (13/05), Kaliviani (24/05). 6 singers on 1 km, Xerokambos (12/05).
Woodlark Lullula arborea
(12). Widespread on hills and mountains. GR 2 singers Mt Parnasse ski resort (07/05). CR 9 pairs on 4 km, Omalos plateau (2 feeding youngs at nest, 1 young out of nest ; 19/05).
Sand Martin Riparia riparia
(2). GR 2, Koronisia (04/05). CR 1, Hora Sfakion (17/05).
Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris
(14). In small number in gorges and cliffs. Max GR 6, Delphi (07/05). CR 9, Miriokefala (28/05).
Swallow Hirundo rustica
(38). Widespread and common. Nests also in cities center.
Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica
(13). GR and CR widespread in small numbers. GR nest building, Filothei (03/05). 1 near the sea, Derveni (30/05). CR seen at Droxia, Platanias gorge, Prasies, Kastelli/Kisamos, Angouseliana, and Mili.
House Martin Delichon urbica
(14). GR common between Korinthos and Patra. CR not common, nests only seen on Lassithi where the species is widespread. 28 migrants Agia reservoir (19/05). 7, arriving from the sea, Prevelli Palm Beach (25/05).
Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris
(4).GR 1, Mt Parnasse ski resort (07/05) ; 1, Arichovas (08/05). CR 4, (3 singers + 1 carrying food) in a 4 km walk, Omalos plateau (19/05) ; 1, singing, Miriokefala (28/05).
Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis
(2). Only migrants. GR 1, Amoudia (03/05) ; 1, Revmatia (04/05).
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flava
(3). CR 4, Kato Zakros (12/05) ; 1, Hohlakies and 2, Kato Zakros (14/05).
Motacilla (flava) feldegg
(3). GR 2, singing, Koronisia and 10 (+), singing, Strongili (04/05). CR 1, singing, Xerokambos (12/05).
Motacilla flava thunbergi
(1). CR 5, Elounda (10/05).
White Wagtail Motacilla alba
(6). Only seen in Crete. Not widespread. Only on the coasts at Xerokambos, Hora Sfakion, Limani, Prevelli Palm Beach and Sfinari. Family with 3 youngs, Petres river mouth (23/05).
Wren Troglodytes troglodytes (23). Common and widespread in hills and mountains, in the rocky and dry areas. CR 14 singers on 2 km at Miriokefala (28/05). Pair carrying food, Omalos (19/05).
Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris
(1). 5 (2 singers), Skinakas observatory (20/05).
Robin Erithacus rubecula
(2). GR 1 singing on 1,5 km, Vargiatis (05/05) ; singers on My Parnasse forest (09/05).
Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos
(12). GR widespread. 7 singers on 1,5 km, Vargiatis (05/05). CR 3 singers Agia reservoir (19/05) ; 2 singers south Prasies (23/05).
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
(1). GR > 10 singers, Mt Parnasse ski resort (07/05).
Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
(1). CR 2, Kato Zakros (10/05).
Stonechat Saxicola torquata
(29). Very common breeder. CR pair carrying food, Kato Metohi (29/05).
Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
(7). Common in mountains. GR > 10 singers Mt Parnasse ski resort (07/05). CR 9 singers on 1 km climbing to Skiakas observatory (20/05). 12 singers on 2km above Miriokefala + 1 pair carrying food (28/05).
Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica melanoleuca
(25). Widespread in rocky areas, from sea level to 1400 m. GR pair building nest, Delphi (07/05).
Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis (1). 2 pairs displaying, Mt Parnasse ski resort (07/05).
Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius
(27). Common in gorges and cliffs, sometimes in villages. CR 11 singers on 3 km in Kato Zakros gorge (11/05) ; 10 singers on 2,5 km in Hohlakies gorge (14/05) ; Pairs feeding youngs GR Erativi (06/05), Delphi (07/05) ; CR Selinari gorge (15/05), Cap Drapanon (16/05), Platanias gorge (22/05).
Blackbird Turdus merula
(46). Common and widespread. GR 10 singers on 1,5 km, Vargiatis (05/05). CR 12 singers on 5 km Kato Prevelli to Palm Beach (25/05).
Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus
(4). GR abundant in the Mt Parnasse forest.
Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti
(41). Common near water. Sometimes in drt areas. GR 5 singers on 500 m riparian forest, Gouria (06/05). CR 10 singers on 1,5 km, Sfinari (27/05).
Fan-tailed Warbler Cisticola juncidis
(6). GR 2 singers, Amoudia, 1 singer Nikopoli lagoon (03/05) ; 2 singers, Antirio, 2 singers, Katafourko (06/05) ; 1 singer, Limanaki (30/05). CR 1 singer near the Georgioupoli harbour (16/05).
Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus
(2). CR 3 singers, Geropotamos mouth (18/05) ; 1 singer, Agia reservoir (19/05).
Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus
(11). More widespread than the late species. GR eared at Amoudia, Petra, Strongili, Nikopoli lagoon (> 10 singers), Ioannina (very numerous), Gournia (6 singers on 600 m riparian forest of Acheloos river), Katafourko and Metochi. CR 1 singer, Georgioupoli lake (16/05) and 4 singers, Agia reservoir (19/05).
Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida elaeica
(14). Common. GR 2 singers, Gouria (06/05) and some singers, Metochi (30/05). CR widespread in riparian forest and olive orchards. 6 singers on 500 m, Kournas lake (16/05) ; 4 singers on 800 m, Petres river (23/05).
Olive-tree Warbler Hippolais olivetorum
(1). CR 1 singer, Plemaniana (27/05).
Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans
(7). Only in GR. 8 singers near Vrisoula (04/05).
Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala
(50). Very common up to 1740 m. CR 29 singers + 1 pair carrying food + 1 family of 3 juv, on 5 km between Kato Prevelli ans the Palm Beach (25/05). Pairs carrying food Georgioupoli (16/05), Agia reservoir and Omalos (19/05), Anogia (20/05), Karoti (23/05) and Kato Metohi (29/05).
Ruppell's Warbler Sylvia rueppelli
(2). GR Delphi (07/05), 1 female archeological site, 1 pair above the site. CR none seen !!
Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis crassirostris
(1) GR 1 singer above Delphi (07/05).
Whitethroat Sylvia communis
(3). GR 1, Nikopoli lagoon (03/05) ; 1 singer, Ioannina lake (05/05) and 1 singer Kalivia Arichovas 08/05).
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
(8). GR 1, Vrisoula (04/05) ; 2 singers, Ahladee and 6 singers on 1,5 km, Vargiatis (05/05) ; 1 singer, Delphi (07/05). CR 1 singer, Afrates (23/05) ; 2 singers, Hromonasteri and 1 singer, Mili (26/05) and 1 singer, Plemeniana (27/05). The species does not breed in Crete...
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
(1). GR 2 singers on 2,5 km, Vargiatis (05/05).
Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus
(3). GR Only betwaeen Delphi and Mt Parnasse. > 15 singesr, Mt Parnasse ski resort (07/05).
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
(55). Widespread in small number.
Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus
(1). GR 4, Vargiatis (05/05).
Sombre Tit Parus lugubris
(4). GR 1 singer, Vrisoula (04/05) ; 6, archeological site and 1 family in the town (2 youngs), Delphi (07/05).
Coal Tit Parus ater
(2). GR Only Mt Parnasse forest where it is abundant (07 and 09/05).
Blue Tit Parus caeruleus
(15). Widespread breeder.
Great Tit Parus major
(45). Widespread under 1000 m.
Nuthatch Sitta europaea
(1). GR 1, Mt Parnasse forest (09/05).
Rock Nuthatch Sitta neumayer
(4). GR 2 singers, Klissoura gorges (06/05) ; pairs at nest above Delphi and in archeological site (07/05) and 1 singer, Kalogria (30/05).
Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla
(2). GR 1, Vargiatis (05/05) and 1, Metochi (30/05).
Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus
(7). GR 1 nest, Petra (04/05) ; 2 nests, Gouria (06/05). Also Amoudia and Filothei (03/05), Strongili (04/05), Ioannina (05/05) and Lousika (30/05).
Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus
(4). GR 2 singers on 500 m riparian forest, Gouria (06/05). CR 1 female, Kato Zakros (10/05) ; 1, Xerokambos (12/05) and 2, Aradaina (17/05).
Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio
(1). GR 1 male, Kalivia Arichovas (08/05).
Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator
(16). Widespread in GR and CR.
Garrulus glandarius (8). Not common in Crete, but 8 on 4 km, Omalos (19/05).
Magpie Pica pica
(8). Common in GR.
Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
(4). CR 1, Omalos (19/05), 10, road of observatory, Anogia (20/05) and 6 very tame, Kato Metohi (29/05).
Jackdaw Corvus monedula soemmerringii
(9). Widespread. GR numerous in Klissoura gorge (06/05). CR 80(+) on the Agia Irini aqueduct (29/05).
Hooded Crow Corvus corone sharpii
(51). Common and widespread. CR bird incubating, Thrapsano (21 and (29/05). 19, Vizari lake (23/05).
Raven Corvus corax
(16). Widespread.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
(24). GR widespread and abundant. CR 1, Georgioupoli (16/05) and 1, Marathos (20/05).
Italian Sparrow Passer (hispaniolensis) italiae
(45). CR Very common and widespread, also at great distance of human installations.
Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis
(2). GR small colony, Strongili (03/05). CR 1, Georgioupoli (16/05).
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
(56). Very common and widespread. CR 12 singers on 2,5 km, Hohlakies gorge 14/05). Pair feeding youngs, Kato Zakros (16/05).
Serin Serinus serinus
(13). GR widespread. CR not common. 1 singer, Fres (16/05) ; 1 singer, Fournes (19/05) ; 1 singer, Prasies (23/05) ; 1 singer, Drapanias (24/05) ; 2 singers, Angouseliana (25/05) ; 2 singers, Kato Metohi (29/05).
Greenfinch Carduelis chloris
(42). Widespread and common. Not seen above 900 m.
Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
(47). Widespread and common. Not seen above 900 m.
Linnet Carduelis cannabina
(20). Seen on hills and mountains in GR and CR. CR. 1, Kaliviani beach (24/05).
Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus
(17). GR widespread. CR above 300 m, but 1, Platanias gorge (22/05).
Rock Bunting Emberiza cia
(1). 3, Mt Parnasse ski resort (07/05).
Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana
(5). CR 1 singer, Hametoulo and Sitanos (13/05) ; some singers, Meskla (19/05) ; 4 singers on 5 km between Kato Prevelli and Prevelli Palm Beach (25/05) and 6 singers on 2 km, road above Miriokefala (28/05).
Cretzschmar's Bunting Emberiza caesia
(1). GR 1 singer, Kalivia Arichovas (08/05).
Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala
(5). GR 1 singer, Amoudia, 2 singers, Nikopoli lagoon and 2 singers, Strongili (03/05) ; 1 singer, Vargiatis (05/05) and some singers, Amvrakia lake (06/05).
Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra
(13). widespread.
Georges & Mireille OLIOSO, le Mail, 26230 GRIGNAN, France
E-mail Georges at: georges.olioso@wanadoo.fr