List of birds of Gibraltar

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Large numbers of Black Kites and other birds of prey migrate via the Straits of Gibraltar.
Large numbers of Black Kites and other birds of prey migrate via the Straits of Gibraltar.

This is a list of the bird species recorded in Gibraltar. The avifauna of Gibraltar includes a total of 311 species, of which seven have been introduced by humans, and 127 are rare or accidental. One species listed is extirpated in Gibraltar. Five species are globally threatened.

This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families, and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of Clements's 5th edition with a few changes to match the list of the Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect the Clements taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Gibraltar.

The following tags have been used to highlight certain relevant categories. It must be noted that not all species fall into one of these categories. Those that do not are commonly occurring, native species.

  • (A) Accidental A species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Gibraltar.
  • (I) Introduced A species which occurs in Gibraltar as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions. The majority of these are wanderers from introduced populations in Spain.
  • (Ex) Extirpated A species that no longer occurs in Gibraltar although populations exist elsewhere.


Table of contents

Non-passerines: Divers . Grebes . Shearwaters and petrels . Storm-petrels . Gannets . Cormorants . Herons, egrets and bitterns . Storks . Ibises and spoonbills . Flamingos . Ducks and geese . Osprey . Hawks, kites and eagles . Falcons . Pheasants and partridges . Cranes . Rails, gallinules, and coots . Bustards . Oystercatchers . Avocets and stilts . Thick-knees . Pratincoles and coursers . Plovers and lapwings . Sandpipers and allies . Skuas . Gulls . Terns . Auks . Sandgrouse . Pigeons and doves . Cuckoos . Barn owls . Typical owls . Nightjars . Swifts . Kingfishers . Bee-eaters . Rollers . Hoopoes . Woodpeckers and allies .

Passerines: Larks . Swallows and martins . Wagtails and pipits . Kinglets . Wrens . Accentors . Thrushes and allies . Cisticolas and allies . Old World warblers and chats . Old World flycatchers . Long-tailed tits . Tits . Wallcreeper . Treecreepers . Old World orioles . Shrikes . Crows, jays, ravens and magpies . Starlings . Weavers and allies . Waxbills and allies . Buntings and New World sparrows . New World blackbirds . Finches . Sparrows .

See also       References

[edit] Divers

Order: Gaviiformes Family: Gaviidae

Divers, known as loons in North America, are group of aquatic birds found in many parts of North America and northern Europe. They are the size of a large duck or small goose, which they somewhat resembles in shape when swimming, but they completely unrelated to these waterfowl. There are 5 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Grebes

Black-necked Grebe, an occasional winter visitor.
Black-necked Grebe, an occasional winter visitor.

Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae

Grebes are small to medium-large sized freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes, and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There are 20 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Shearwaters and petrels

Cory's Shearwater, can occur in large numbers offshore.
Cory's Shearwater, can occur in large numbers offshore.

Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae

The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized 'true petrels', characterised by united nostrils with a medium septum, and a long outer functional primary. There are 75 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Storm-petrels

European Storm-Petrel, present offshore during the summer.
European Storm-Petrel, present offshore during the summer.

Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae

The storm-petrels are relatives of the petrels, and are the smallest of sea-birds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. There are 21 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Gannets

Northern Gannet, regular offshore.
Northern Gannet, regular offshore.

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Sulidae

The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups comprise medium-to-large coastal sea-birds that plunge-dive for fish. There are 9 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.

[edit] Cormorants

European Shag, a small population breeds on sea-cliffs.
European Shag, a small population breeds on sea-cliffs.

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae

The Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium-to-large coastal, fish-eating sea-birds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black and white, and a few being colourful. There are 38 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Herons, egrets and bitterns

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ardeidae

The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large sized wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Unlike other long-necked birds suck as storks, ibises and spoonbills, members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted. There are 61 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Storks

White Stork, large flocks migrate across the straits.
White Stork, large flocks migrate across the straits.

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae

Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute; bill-clattering is an important mode of stork communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. There are 19 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Ibises and spoonbills

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Threskiornithidae

The Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers. There are 36 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Flamingos

Greater Flamingo, irregular on passage.
Greater Flamingo, irregular on passage.

Order: Phoenicopteriformes Family: Phoenicopteridae

Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet high, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. They are more numerous in the latter. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly-shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume, and are uniquely used upside-down. There are 6 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.

[edit] Ducks, Geese and Swans

Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae

The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These are birds that are modified for an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. There are 131 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Osprey

Osprey, a regular migrant.
Osprey, a regular migrant.

Order: Falconiformes Family: Pandionidae

The Pandionidae family contains only one species, the Osprey. The Osprey is a medium large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.

[edit] Hawks, kites and eagles

European Honey-buzzard, large numbers pass over in spring and autumn.
European Honey-buzzard, large numbers pass over in spring and autumn.

Order: Falconiformes Family: Accipitridae

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and include hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. There are 233 species worldwide and 24 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Falcons

Peregrine Falcon, a breeding resident.
Peregrine Falcon, a breeding resident.

Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae

Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their feet. There are 62 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Pheasants and Partridges

Common Quail, a scarce migrant.
Common Quail, a scarce migrant.

Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae

The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowls, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowls and jungle fowls. In general, they are plump (although they may vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings. There are 156 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Cranes

Common Crane, occasional on migration.
Common Crane, occasional on migration.

Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae

Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". There are 15 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.

[edit] Rails, Crakes, Gallinules, and Coots

Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae

Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs, and have long toes which are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and be weak fliers. There are 143 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Bustards

Order: Gruiformes Family: Otididae

Bustards are large terrestrial birds mainly associated with dry open country and steppes in the Old World. They are omnivorous and nest on the ground. They walk steadily on strong legs and big toes, pecking for food as they go. They have long broad wings with "fingered" wingtips, and striking patterns in flight. Many have interesting mating displays. There are 26 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.

[edit] Oystercatchers

Eurasian Oystercatcher, a scarce migrant.
Eurasian Oystercatcher, a scarce migrant.

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae

The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs. There are 11 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.

[edit] Avocets and stilts

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and the stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 9 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Thick-knees

Stone Curlew, occasional passage migrant.
Stone Curlew, occasional passage migrant.

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Burhinidae

The thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats. There are 9 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.

[edit] Pratincoles and coursers

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Glareolidae

Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings and long pointed bills which curve downwards. There are 17 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.

[edit] Plovers and lapwings

Northern Lapwing, an irregular winter visitor.
Northern Lapwing, an irregular winter visitor.

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae

The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water, although there are some exceptions. There are 66 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Sandpipers and allies

Common Sandpiper,a passage migrant which sometimes overwinters.
Common Sandpiper,a passage migrant which sometimes overwinters.

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae

The Scolopacidae are a large diverse family of small to medium sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enable different species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 89 species worldwide and 18 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Skuas

Great Skua, common offshore.
Great Skua, common offshore.

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae

The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants. There are 7 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Gulls

A Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) on a guano encrusted rooftop in Gibraltar
A Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) on a guano encrusted rooftop in Gibraltar

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae

Laridae is a family of medium to large birds seabirds and includes gulls and kittiwakes. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. There are 55 species worldwide and 16 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Terns

Sandwich Tern, regularly seen offshore.
Sandwich Tern, regularly seen offshore.

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Sternidae

Terns are a group of generally general medium to large sea-birds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species now known to live in excess of 25 to 30 years. There are 44 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Auks

Razorbill, common at sea in winter.
Razorbill, common at sea in winter.

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Alcidae

Alcids are superficially similar to penguins due to their black-and-white colours, their upright posture and some of their habits, however they are not related to the penguins bnd differ in being able to fly. Auks live on the open sea, only deliberately coming ashore to nest. There are 24 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Sandgrouse

Order: Pterocliformes Family: Pteroclidae

Sandgrouse have small, pigeon like heads and necks, but sturdy compact bodies. They have long pointed wings and sometimes tails and a fast direct flight. Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn and dusk. Their legs are feathered down to the toes. There are 16 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.

[edit] Pigeons and doves

Eurasian Collared-Dove, a recent colonist which is now common.
Eurasian Collared-Dove, a recent colonist which is now common.

Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 308 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Cuckoos

Common Cuckoo, an occasional passage migrant.
Common Cuckoo, an occasional passage migrant.

Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae

The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. Unlike the cuckoo species of the Old World, North American cuckoos are not brood parasites. There are 138 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Barn owls

Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae

Barn owls are medium to large sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There are 16 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.

[edit] Typical owls

Eurasian Eagle-Owl, has recently returned as a breeding bird.
Eurasian Eagle-Owl, has recently returned as a breeding bird.

Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae

Typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. There are 195 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Nightjars

European Nightjar, occasional on passage.
European Nightjar, occasional on passage.

Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills that usually nest on the ground. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves. There are 86 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Swifts

Common Swift, a very common summer visitor.
Common Swift, a very common summer visitor.

Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae

Swifts are small aerial birds, spending the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. There are 98 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Kingfishers

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.

[edit] Bee-eaters

European Bee-eater, common in spring and autumn.
European Bee-eater, common in spring and autumn.

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Meropidae

The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colorful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar. There are 26 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Rollers

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Coraciidae

Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not. There are 12 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.

[edit] Hoopoes

Hoopoe, common on passage.
Hoopoe, common on passage.

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Upupidae

Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink colouring with a large erectile crest on their head. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.

[edit] Woodpeckers and allies

Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae

Woodpeckers are small to medium sized birds with chisel like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward, and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. There are 218 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Larks

Greater Short-toed Lark, passes through in small numbers.
Greater Short-toed Lark, passes through in small numbers.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae

Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. There are 91 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Swallows and martins

Barn Swallow, a very common migrant which has bred in the past.
Barn Swallow, a very common migrant which has bred in the past.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae

The Hirundinidae family is a group of passerines characterized by their adaptation to aerial feeding. Their adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and short bills with wide gape. The feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 75 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Wagtails and pipits

White Wagtail, regular from autumn to spring and has bred.
White Wagtail, regular from autumn to spring and has bred.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae

The Motacillidae are a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. There are 54 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Kinglets

Order: Passeriformes Family: Regulidae

The kinglets or crests are a small group of birds often included in the Old World warblers, but frequently given family status because they also resemble the titmice. There are 7 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Wrens

Winter Wren, a common breeding resident.
Winter Wren, a common breeding resident.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae

The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and a thin down-turned bill. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. There are 80 species worldwide (of which all but one are New World species) and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.

[edit] Accentors

Aplpine Accentor, an occasional winter visitor.
Aplpine Accentor, an occasional winter visitor.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Prunellidae

The accentors are in the only bird family, Prunellidae, which is completely endemic to the Palearctic. They are small, fairly drab species superficially similar to sparrows. There are 13 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Thrushes and allies

Female Blue Rock-Thrush, breeds in dry, rocky areas.
Female Blue Rock-Thrush, breeds in dry, rocky areas.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae

The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. There are 176 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Cisticolas and allies

Zitting Cisticola, common from autumn to spring with some staying to breed.
Zitting Cisticola, common from autumn to spring with some staying to breed.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Cisticolidae

The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub. There are 111 species worldwide and 1 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Old World warblers

Blackcap, a resident and also a common winter visitor.
Blackcap, a resident and also a common winter visitor.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Sylviidae

The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. The Sylviidae mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs. There are 291 species worldwide and 31 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Old World flycatchers and chats

Spotted Flycatcher, a common passage migrant.
Spotted Flycatcher, a common passage migrant.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae

Old World flycatchers and chats are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is very varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls. There 274 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Long-tailed tits

Order: Passeriformes Family: Aegithalidae

Long-tailed tits are a group of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They make woven bag nests in trees. Most eat a mixed diet that includes insects. There are 9 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.

[edit] Tits

Blue Tit, a common resident.
Blue Tit, a common resident.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae

The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects. There are species 59 worldwide and 4 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Wallcreeper

Order: Passeriformes Family: Tichodromidae

The Wallcreeper is a small bird with stunning crimson, grey and black plumage, related to the nuthatch family.

[edit] Treecreepers

Short-toed Treecreeper, an occasional visitor.
Short-toed Treecreeper, an occasional visitor.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Certhiidae

Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees. There are 6 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.

[edit] Old World orioles

Golden Oriole, a scarce migrant.
Golden Oriole, a scarce migrant.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Oriolidae

The Old World Orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles. There are 29 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.

[edit] Shrikes

Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae

Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. There are 31 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Crows, jays, ravens and magpies

Common Raven, resident in very small numbers.
Common Raven, resident in very small numbers.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae

The Corvidae family includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size for the bird order Passeriformes. Some of the larger species show high levels of learning behavior. There are 120 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Starlings

European Starling, winter visitor in varying numbers.
European Starling, winter visitor in varying numbers.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae

Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct, and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen. There are 125 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Weavers and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Ploceidae


The weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills. The males of many species are brightly coloured, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in colour only in the breeding season. There are 116 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Waxbills and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Estrildidae

The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed-eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have a wide variation in plumage colours and pattern. There are 141 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Buntings and New World sparrows

Corn Bunting, an occasional visitor.
Corn Bunting, an occasional visitor.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae

The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as Sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns. There are species 275 worldwide and 9 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Cardinals and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae

The cardinals are a family of passerine birds that are robust, seed-eating birds, with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. There are 43 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.

[edit] New World blackbirds

Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae

The icterids are a group of small to medium, often colourful, passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. Most species have black as the predominant plumage colour, often enlivened by yellow, orange or red. There are 98 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.

[edit] Finches

European Serin, a breeding resident more common in winter.
European Serin, a breeding resident more common in winter.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae

Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have 12 tail feathers and 9 primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. There are 137 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] Sparrows

House Sparrow, a common resident in built-up areas.
House Sparrow, a common resident in built-up areas.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae

Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed-eaters, and they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Gibraltar.

[edit] See also


[edit] References

[edit] External links