Photo copyright: monacoeye • Do not copy • Images: Nice & Monaco Summer 2009

Bird name: Common Swift
Latin: Apus apus
Other: Martinet noir (Fr) • Rondone (It) • Mauersegler (De) • Vencejo común (Es)
Family: Apodidae • Swifts

It’s difficult to differentiate between the Common Swift and Pallid Swift, both of which are present in large numbers on the Côte d’Azur in summer.

The lowest photo below (“more photos”) may be a Pallid Swift. The Pallid Swift has a larger white patch on the throat than the Common Swift and is slightly browner and stockier, with ribbed markings on the belly and less pointed wings.

The Pallid Swift does not occur north of the Mediterranean belt but the Common Swift is widespread throughout Europe.

More photos...

Photo copyright: monacoeye • Do not copy • Images: La Turbie Summer 2009

Bird name: Alpine Swift
Latin: Apus melba
Other: Tachymarptis melba • Martinet Alpin / Royal / à Ventre Blanc (Fr)
Family: Apodidae • Swifts

The Alpine Swift is a large swift, generally found at higher altitudes, in a band around the Mediterranean and into Turkey and beyond, in the summer. It migrates to southeast Africa in the northern winter.

The Alpine Swift is distinguished by its white stomach and throat, although the latter is not always visible in certain angles and light. These swifts return to the mountains above Monaco in April and spend the summer there.

Notice how they fill their throat pouch with insects, causing it to bulge.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Cote d’Azur, France • October 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: European Stonechat
Latin: Saxicola torquatus
Other: Saxicola rubicola • Saxicola torquata • Common Stonechat • Tarier pâtre (Fr)
Family: Muscicapidae • Chats

The Stonechat is a small bird, present throughout the year on the Cote d’Azur, and found throughout most of Europe, especially in the summer. The similar Whinchat has a stronger white supercilium and an extra patch of white on the wing (male).

The name of this bird seems to be in flux currently. S. torquatus, torquata and rubicola all are used. Common Stonechat is the older broader name, European Stonechat is narrower grouping. The Chats used to be grouped with Thrushes, but now are considered Old World Flycatchers.

More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Cote d’Azur, France • October 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Wren
Latin: Troglodytes troglodytes
Other: Winter Wren (US) • Troglodyte mignon (Fr)
Family: Troglodytidae • Wrens

Placeholder photos for the Wren until I get some better ones. The Wren is widespread throughout Europe, but small and shy!More photos...

Photos: VM/monacoeye • Treviso, Italy • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Common Redstart
Latin: Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Other: Redstart • Rouge-queue à front blanc (Fr) • Codirosso (It)
Family: Muscicapidae • Flycatchers

Above, lovely bright colours of the male Common Redstart in northern Italy, from Valerie.More photos...

Photo copyright: VM/monacoeye • Do not copy • Image: Treviso, Italy

Bird name: European Goldfinch
Latin: Carduelis carduelis
Other: Goldfinch • Chardonneret élégant (Fr) • Cardellino (It)
Family: Fringillidae • Finches

Many thanks to Valerie for sending in the above photo of a Goldfinch in her garden in northern Italy.More photos...

Photo copyright: monacoeye • Do not copy • Images: France • 2009

Bird name: Carrion Crow
Latin: Corvus corone
Other: Corneille noire (Fr)
Family: Corvidae • Crows

It’s generally difficult to distinguish the Carrion Crow from other similar corvids, such as the juvenile Rook. The Carrion Crow has a more rounded bill than the juvenile Rook. The adult Rook has a bare base to its bill.

The Raven is a larger version of the Carrion Crow - though to be honest the photo above (taken in the Camargue) looks rather raven-like to me - and the bird seemed very large when I photographed it.

The Hooded Crow, which substitutes the Carrion Crow in Eastern Europe and Ireland, is often thought to be a subspecies of Carrion Crow. In addition to Western Europe, the Carrion Crow is also found throughout Northeast Asia.

More photos...

Photo copyright: monacoeye • Italy - Croatia • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Eurasian Jay
Latin: Garrulus glandarius
Other: Jay • Geai des chênes (Fr)
Family: Corvidae • Jays

The Eurasian Jay, a beautiful bird, is widespread throughout Europe, and beyond into Asia and Africa, but rather shy so frustratingly difficult to photograph, or even observe with the naked eye.

The Jay has striking blue stripes on the wing, a black moustachial stripe, and streaked top of head.More photos...

Photo copyright: monacoeye • France • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Common Magpie
Latin: Pica pica
Other: European Magpie • Pie bavarde (Fr)
Family: Corvidae • Magpies

The Magpie is the one bird that everyone (in Europe) can recognise immediately. It is found throughout Europe and much of Asia and northwest Africa. Common in most locations, throughout the year.

It is large, black and white, with some blue on wing. The only other magpie in Europe is the Azure-winged Magpie, found in Spain.More photos...

Photo copyright: monacoeye • NW Italy • Feb 2010 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Common Chaffinch
Latin: Fringilla coelebs
Other: Pinson des Arbres
Family: Fringillidae - Finches

The Chaffinch is one of the more common birds along the Cote d’Azur, especially in the winter.

The Chaffinch has a flat haircut, forming an angle at the back of the head.The female Chaffinch does not have the pink and blue colouring of the male, but both can be recognised by their characteristic wing markings, which form a white “T”. Similar looking to the Brambling.More photos...

Photo copyright: monacoeye • Do not copy • Images: Danube Delta + • November 2009

Bird name: Mute Swan
Latin: Cygnus olor
Other: Cygne tuberculé • Cygne muet • Cigno reale (It) • Cigno bianco
Family: Anatidae • Swans

Does everyone know the Mute Swan? It’s certainly what most people know as a swan in the UK and much of Europe, but its range only extends a little further into Asia. I wonder if it has been introduced around the world.

Anyway, it is familiar as the large white swan with orange bill and black knob. As can be seen below, the young are mottled brown with dark bill. Large numbers can be found in the Danube Delta in Romania, but they are also common in pairs on lakes and rivers in the UK, France, Italy etc.

More photos...

Photo copyright: monacoeye • Images: Alpes Maritimes, France Jan Feb 2009 2010

Bird name: Alpine Accentor
Latin: Prunella collaris
Other: Accenteur Alpin (Fr)
Family: Prunellidae • Accentors

The Alpine Accentor is a good bird to see in the winter in the Alpes Maritimes, near the coast or in the mountains. I saw a couple again today (top shot) about one kilometre from the coast. The blue background is the Mediterranean Sea.

The Alpine Accentor has a yellow lower bill, black and white stippled throat, rufous streaking to belly, two rows of white triangles on black on wings and greyish streaked upperparts.

More photos...

Photo copyright: monacoeye • Do not copy • Images: Cote d’Azur October 2009

Bird name: Eurasian Nuthatch
Latin: Sitta europaea
Other: Sittelle torchepot (Fr) • Kleiber (De) • Trepador azul (Es)
Family: Sittidae • Nuthatches

Eurasian Nutchatches could be seen in Parc Vaugrenier in the autumn. They have long bills and can walk upside down on tree-trunks, unlike Treecreepers.

Reddish below, grey above, light face, black eyestripe.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Cote d’Azur, France • 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Blackcap
Latin: Sylvia atricapilla
Other: Fauvette à tête noire
Family: Sylviidae • Sylviid Warblers

Blackcaps are nice small birds, not overly shy, with an attractive song. They are conveniently colour-coded, black caps are male and red-brown caps are female or juveniles.

They can have sleek plumage or be very chubby and fluffy. The latter are often juveniles. There are a couple of similar birds on the coast here. The Sardinian Warbler is easily differentiated, as its cap runs below the eye, whereas the Blackcap's runs through the eye. The Marsh Tit has a black bib, below the beak, which the Blackcap lacks.

The Blackcap is not uncommon in Monaco and especially visible in the winter.

More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Nice, France • August, 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Ruddy Duck
Latin: Oxyura jamaicensis
Other: Erismature rousse
Family: Anatidae • Ducks

The Ruddy Duck is not originally European but American. Having been introduced in Britain it is now colonising the continent and threatening the endangered White-headed Duck, with which it is hybridizing. Apparently the Ruddy males are "sexually aggressive".

However moves are afoot to "remove", or extirpate, the Ruddy Duck from the ecosystem, in order to save the White Headed Duck, which can be found in southern Spain and a few other small colonies in southern Europe.

In Britain the Ruddy Duck has been labelled a pest by the RSPB and the hunting ban has been lifted on it. This refugee was seen in Nice, presumably working his way down to Grenada to check out the White Headed señoritas!More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Cote d’Azur, France • Summer 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Whinchat
Latin: Saxicola rubetra
Other: Tarier des prés
Family: Muscicapidae • Chats

Whinchats and Stonechats although not that rare, are very hard to photograph, as they tend to keep their distance and are very small. Hence the poor images … The male (top) gets quite colourful in the spring. The presumed female below - is more monochrome.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Europe • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Eurasian Coot
Latin: Fulica atra
Other: Coot • Foulque Macroule • Focha Común • Blässhuhn • Folaga • Galeirão-Comum
Family: Rallidae • Coots • Rails

The Coot is probably the bird you are most likely to see near a lake or slow waterway in Europe, after the Mallard.

Easy to identify from its bobbing head movement and white shield that extends from the bill, which on closer inspection can be slightly pinkish. Plumage generally appears black.

There are about 11 Coot species worldwide, mostly in South America. The Eurasian Coot is the only one you are likely to see in Europe, though the Red Knobbed Coot can be found in southwest Spain.

The Coots are parts of the Rail family, which includes the larger Moorhen, which has a red bill with yellow tip, and is often seen in the same riverside habitat.

Notice the long lobed toes, even on the Coot chick, seen in Geneva, in June. The photo of several hundred on a lake was taken in the Camargue in January.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Nice, France • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Common Moorhen
Latin: Gallinula chloropus
Other: Moorhen • Common Waterhen (UK) • Common Gallinule (US) • Gallinule Poule d'Eau (Fr) • Teichralle (De) • Polla Gris (Es), Polla de Agua, Pollona Negra, Gallareta Común, Tiqui, Taca-taca, Gallineta • Galinha-d'água, Frango-d'água (Pt)
Family: Rallidae • Coots • Rails

The Moorhen, or Common Gallinule as it’s known in the US, with its distinctive red beak with yellow tip, is found on most continents, and is thus probably the most common Rail outside of Europe. Rails are aquatic birds but Moorhens' toes are not lobed, unlike Coots.More photos...

Photos copyright: AW • Cannes, France • March 09 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Red Breasted Merganser
Latin: Mergus serrator
Other: Gulaund • Harle huppé • Mittelsäger (De)
Family: Anatidae • Mergansers • Ducks

A distant shot of a Red Breasted Merganser in the sea off the coast near Cannes, in March. The Red Breasted Merganser is not common in our part of the Mediterranean, generally preferring colder Northern climes.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Peregrine Falcon
Latin: Falco peregrinus
Other: Faucon pèlerin
Family: Falconidae • Falcons • Birds of Prey

The Peregrine Falcon is a powerful and fast bird which preys on other smaller birds. There is one that lives nearby and sometimes get a view of him here in Monaco.
More photos...

Photo copyright: monacoeye • Do not copy • Cote d’Azur 2009

Bird name: Song Thrush
Latin: Turdus philomelos
Other: Grive-musicienne (Fr)
Family: Turdidae • Thrushes

A Song Thrush, I guess. When I was a kid these were really easy to see … Lovely song.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Danube Delta, Romania • May 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: European Bee Eater
Latin: Merops apiaster
Other: Guêpier d'Europe
Family: Meropidae • Bee Eaters

A frustratingly fleeting shot of this colourful bird, which was flying in a group. Also seen in large groups migrating along the Cote d’Azur in September.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Danube Delta, Romania • May 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Common Kingfisher
Latin: Alcedo atthis
Other: Martin Pecheur
Family: Alcedinae
Tag: River Kingfishers

One of the most beautiful European birds I have seen. On a first tourist trip from Tulcea, I was very pleased to pass several of these fantastic birds sitting on the branches of trees overhanging shaded waterways. Also seen in various places on the Cote d’Azur.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Danube Delta, Romania • May 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Eurasian Oystercatcher
Latin: Haematopus ostralegus
Other: Huitrier Pie • Common Pied Oystercatcher
Family: Haematopodidae • Oystercatchers

I saw just this one Oystercatcher while in the Danube. It was flying above a spit near the Black Sea. Also seen in Nice.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Ventimiglia • Mar 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: White Wagtail
Latin: Motacilla alba
Other: Bergeronnette Grise (confusingly !)
Family: Motacillidae • Wagtails

This White Wagtail is quite a common bird all along the coast, especially near water.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Hyeres, France • May 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Common House Martin
Latin: Delichon urbica
Other: Hirondelle de fenêtre
Family: Hirundinidae • Swallows & Martins

The House Martin is a small migratory Martin with white body and dark tail and wings.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Ile St Honorat, France • Mar 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Western Jackdaw
Latin: Corvus monedula
Other: Choucas des Tours
Family: Corvidae • Crows

The Jackdaw is fond of ruins and bell towers, so was at home in this ruined monastic fortress, built in 1073, on the Ile Saint Honorat.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Nice, France • April 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Sand Martin
Latin: Riparia riparia
Other: Bank Swallow • Collared Sand Martin • Hirondelle de rivage
Family: Hirundinidae • Swallows & Martins

The Sand Martin returned from migration in April in the Var. It is differentiated from the Crag and House Martin by its white belly and dark collar.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Nice & Monaco • Winter 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Crag Martin
Latin: Ptyonoprogne rupestris
Other: Hirondelle de rochers
Family: Hirundinidae • Swallows & Martins

The Crag Martin is a common bird in Monaco in the winter - seen in all altitudes in the region from sea level to the mountains. A fast flyer like all the Martins and Swallows. Fairly nondescript mousey brown, with light throat, and small white “windows” visible in tail, which give it away.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Nice • April 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Barn Swallow
Latin: Hirundo rustica
Other: Hirondelle Rustique
Family: Hirundinidae • Swallows

In the winter the most visible bird along the coast is probably the Crag Martin - omnipresent at all altitudes in towns and country alike. But at this time of year the Crag Martins are much less visible and the Barn Swallows have taken up residence, especially in wetlands.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Ile St Honorat • May 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Common Redshank
Latin: Tringa totanus
Other: Chevalier gambette
Family: Scolopacidae • Waders

The Common Redshank is readily identifiable by its red legs and bill base. Appears to step on the water while feeding.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Nice • May 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: White Winged Tern
Latin: Chlidonias leucopterus
Other: Guifette leucoptère
Family: Sternidae • Terns

This White Winged Tern behaved very much like the Whiskered Terns, also Marsh Terns, which could be seen last week, swooping down to the surface of the water. It has a very distinctive black head and beak. According to Collins, not very common in Western Europe.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Cote d’Azur, France • Mar 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Common Ringed Plover
Latin: Charadrius hiaticula
Other: Pluvier Grand Gravelot • Grand Gravelot
Family: Charadriidae
Tags: Plovers & Lapwing • Waders

A better shot (top) of the Ringed Plover in flight as they swept past the mouth of the Var in Nice…More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Etang de Villepey St Aygulf • May 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Great Reed Warbler
Latin: Acrocephalus arundinaceus
Other: Rousserolle turdoïde (des rivières)
Family: Sylviidae • Old World Warblers

Pleased to observe this Great Reed Warbler in Hyeres at the weekend. It alerted us to its presence by its loud song and soon appeared to collect bedding material for its nest in the reeds from the salt lake. Later it flew to a high point and started singing loudly. Quite a large bird, about the size of a starling.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Nice • May 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Indian Silverbill
Latin: Lonchura malabarica
Other: White Throated Munia
Family: Sternidae • Terns

Another introduced species, the small Indian Silverbill is common in Nice, and nests among the reeds. Quite easy to see, as it is not shy. Probably originally from escaped cagebirds.More photos...

Bird name: Eurasian Curlew
Latin: Numenius arquata
Other: Courlis cendré
Family: Scolopacidae • Waders

Photos: monacoeye • Hyeres • May 2009

The Eurasian Curlew is a large bird and has always dwarfed the other waders I’ve seen it with. Seen here in Hyeres at the weekend.More photos...

Bird name: Little Bittern
Latin: Ixobrychus minutus
Other: Blongios Nain • Pelicaniformes ?
Family: Ardeidae • Bitterns

Photos: monacoeye • Nice • May 2009

Not much of a view of this Little Bittern, which was with some waders by the runway in Nice. Despite the distance, it is still recognisable from the cream patches on its wings.

In the last couple of months, in or near Nice, I’ve seen the Cattle, Little and Great Egrets, Grey and Purple Herons, Squacco Heron and Little Bittern. I hope to see the Night Heron and (Great) Bittern which should both be nesting in the Var reed banks.More photos...

Bird name: European Golden Plover
Latin: Pluvialis apricaria
Other: Pluvier doré
Family: Charadriidae
Tags: Plovers & Lapwing • Waders

Photos: monacoeye • Nice • May 2009

This distant shot is going down as a European Golden Plover, seen in the mouth of the Var, as that seems the most likely possibility …More photos...

Bird name: Kentish Plover
Latin: Charadrius alexandrinus
Other: Pluvier / Gravelot à collier interrompu
Family: Charadriidae
Tags: Plovers & Lapwing • Waders

Photos: monacoeye • Hyeres • May 2009

This Kentish Plover was at some distance on a salt pan in Hyeres, hopefully I’ll get a better shot eventually …More photos...

Bird name: Purple Heron
Latin: Ardea purpurea
Other: Héron pourpré
Family: Ardeidae • Herons

Photos: monacoeye • Ventimiglia • May 2009

The Purple Herons have reappeared in the last few weeks. This was one of a pair seen in Ventimiglia at the weekend - I’ve also seen them in NiceMore photos...

Bird name: Pallid Swift
Latin: Apus pallidus
Other: Martinet pâle
Family: Apodidae • Swifts

Photos: monacoeye • Nice • May 2009

There is a good number of Pallid Swift in Nice, here seen on the banks of the Var. Mostly distinguishable from the Common Swift by its ribbed chest and whiter neck patch.More photos...

Bird name: Little Tern
Latin: Sterna albifrons
Other: Sternula albifrons • Sterne naine
Family: Sternidae • Terns

Photos: monacoeye • Hyeres • May 2009

Quite a few Little Terns in Hyeres yesterday. The Little Tern is the smallest of the sea terns. Adults in summer plumage have a black-tipped yellow bill and black cap with white forehead.More photos...

Bird name: Sandwich Tern
Latin: Sterna sandvicensis
Other: Thalasseus sandvicensis • Sterne caugek
Family: Sternidae • Terns

Photos: monacoeye • Hyeres • February 2009

A couple of Sandwich Terns seen on the beach in Hyeres. Summer adults have black bills with yellow tips.More photos...

Bird name: Black Winged Stilt
Latin: Himantopus himantopus
Other: Echasse Blanche
Family: Recurvirostridae
Tag: Waders

Photo: monacoeye • Hyeres • May 2009

There was a large group of Black Winged Stilts and Avocets in Hyeres yesterday. They were nesting, courting and mating.

I noticed on the photos above that the male Black Winged Stilt’s eyes appeared to turn red while mating! Is this possible?More photos...

Bird name: Whiskered Tern
Latin: Chlidonias hybridus
Other: Guifette Moustac (Fr)
Family: Sternidae • Terns

Photos: monacoeye • Nice • April 2009

The Whiskered Tern is the largest of the Marsh Terns (Fr: Guifettes) - seen here recently reappeared by Nice Airport.

Whereas the Common Terns fly high and fast, or in large flocks which fish in the sea off shore, these Whiskered Terns (if that’s indeed what they are) appeared more solitary, seen in ones and twos, and behaved similarly to nearby swallows, swooping around near the mouth of the river, occasionally skimming the water.More photos...

Bird name: Common Tern
Latin: Sterna hirundo
Other: Sterne pierregarin • Estorlet • Hirondelle de Mer (Fr)
Family: Sternidae • Terns

Photos: monacoeye • Nice • April 2009

A great number of terns have reached Nice in the last week, including Common Terns, Whiskered Terns, and probably quite a few other species such as Gull Billed Terns. The Common Tern can be identified by its red beak with black tip and long forked tail.More photos...

Bird name: Cetti’s Warbler
Latin: Cettia cetti
Other: Bouscarle de Cetti
Family: Sylviidae • Warblers

Photo: monacoeye • Nice • April 2009

A quick shot of a Cetti’s Warbler who was entertaining us with her song.More photos...

Bird name: European Robin
Latin: Erithacus rubecula
Other: Rouge Gorge Familier
Family: Muscicapidae or Turdidae
Tag: Flycatchers or Thrushes

Photo: monacoeye • nr Monaco • February 2009

A common winter resident. Not sure about the taxonomy.More photos...

Bird name: Whitethroat
Latin: Sylvia communis
Other: Fauvette grisette
Family: Sylviidae • Warblers

Photo: monacoeye • Nice • April 2009

This female Whitethroat was in the reed banks by Cap 3000 in Nice. Not much of a photo, but I was pleased to see her at least. The river banks are now full of birds where there were very few just a month ago.More photos...

I came across these two dead birds on my last visit to the Camargue in March 2009. The Barn Owl was beside the path in La Capellière and the Flamingo was beside the path at the Pont de Gau bird centre.More photos...

Bird name: Dunlin & Little Stint
Latin: Calidris alpina & Calidris minuta
Other: Bécasseau Variable & Bécasseau Minute
Family: Scolopacidae
Tags: Waders

Photo: monacoeye • Camargue • January 2009

A mixed bag of Dunlin and Little Stint, I am reliably informed …More photos...

Bird name: Black Redstart
Latin: Phoenicurus ochruros
Other: Rouge Queue Noir • Rossignol des Murailles
Family: Muscicapidae • Flycatchers (or Turdidae - thrushes)

Photo: monacoeye • Cote d’Azur • Jan - Mar 2009

Male top and female below. The Black Redstart is one of the more visible birds along the coast, even in winter.More photos...

Bird name: Sardinian Warbler
Latin: Sylvia melanocephala
Other: Fauvette Mélanocéphale
Family: Sylviidae • Warblers

Photo: monacoeye • Eze • March 2009

Male top and female below.More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Camargue, France • Mar 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: House Sparrow
Latin: Passer domesticus
Other: Moineau domestique
Family: Passeridae • Sparrows

Photo: monacoeye • Camargue • Mar 2009

A ringed female House Sparrow above. Detail of male below. Widespread in Europe and even quite visible in Americas.More photos...

Bird name: Common Blackbird
Latin: Turdus merula
Other: Merle Noir • Eurasian Blackbird
Family: Turdidae • Thrushes

Photo: monacoeye • Ventimiglia • Mar 2009More photos...

Bird name: Tufted Duck
Latin: Aythya fuligula
Other: Fuligule morillon
Family: Anatidae
Tags: Ducks

Photo: monacoeye • Camargue • Mar 2009

A male Tufted Duck. There were many at La Capelliere - the first I have seen this year.More photos...

Bird name: Common Buzzard
Latin: Buteo buteo
Other: Buse Variable
Family: Accipitridae • Birds of Prey

Photos: monacoeye • Camargue • Jan - Mar 2009

I saw these Common Buzzards by the side of the road in the back roads of the Camargue region, where they are not uncommon. More photos...

Bird name: Yellow Legged Gull
Latin: Larus cachinnans michahellis
Other: Goéland leucophée • Gabian • Larus michahellis
Family: Laridae • Gulls

Photo: monacoeye • Monaco • Mar 2009

The adult Yellow Legged Gull has black wing tips with small white patches (windows), grey upper wing, yellow beak and legs, with red spot on beak, yellow iris with red eye-ring. More photos...

Bird name: Black Headed Gull
Latin: Larus ridibundus
Other: Chroicocephalus ridibundus • Laughing Gull
Family: Laridae • Gulls

Photo: monacoeye • Camargue • March 2009More photos...

Bird name: Grey Wagtail
Latin: Motacilla cinerea
Other: Bergeronnette des ruisseaux
Family: Motacillidae • Wagtails

Photo: monacoeye • Monaco • March 2009

This male Grey Wagtail was photographed this morning in the Casino Gardens in the centre of Monaco.More photos...

Bird name: Meadow Pipit
Latin: Anthus pratensis
Other: Pipit farlouse • Pipit des prés • Titlark
Family: Motacillidae • Pipits

Photo: monacoeye • SE France • Feb 2009

This presumed Meadow Pipit was hopping around near the beach …More photos...

Bird name: Collared Dove
Latin: Streptopelia decaocto
Other: Tourterelle turque
Family: Columbidae
Tag: Doves

Photo: monacoeye • Monaco • Feb 2009

The Collared Dove is widespread in Monaco - here’s one on my balcony.More photos...

Bird name: Wood Pigeon
Latin: Columba palumbus
Other: Pigeon Ramier
Family: Columbidae
Tag: Pigeons

Photo: monacoeye • Cannes • February 2009More photos...

Bird name: Bar Headed Goose
Latin: Anser indicus
Other: Oie à tête barrée (Fr) • Oca indiana (It)
Family: Anatidae • Subfamily Anserinae • Geese

Photo: monacoeye • NW Italy • Dec 2008More photos...

Bird name: Greenfinch
Latin: Carduelis chloris
Other: Verdier d'Europe
Family: Fringillidae - Finches

Photo: monacoeye • SE France • Jan 2009More photos...

Photo copyright: monacoeye • Do not copy • Cote d’Azur 2009

Bird name: Blue Rock Thrush
Latin: Monticola solitarius
Other: Monticole bleu (Fr)
Family: Muscicapidae • Flycatchers

Has to be a Blue Rock-thrush really, although not much to go on in the photo. Not a Thrush but a Flycatcher.More photos...

Bird name: Mallard
Latin: Anas platyrynchos
Other: Canard Colvert
Family: Anatidae - Ducks

Photos: monacoeye • Camargue • January 2009More photos...

Bird name: Common Shelduck
Latin: Tadorna tadorna
Other: Tadorne de Belon
Family: Anatidae - Ducks

Photos: monacoeye • Camargue • January 2009More photos...

Bird name: Gadwall
Latin: Anas strepera
Other: Canard Chipeau
Family: Anatidae - Ducks

Photos: monacoeye • Camargue • January 2009More photos...

Bird name: Grey Heron
Latin: Ardea cinerea
Other: Héron Cendré (Fr)
Family: Ardeidae
Tag: Herons, Storks & Ibises

Photos: monacoeye • Camargue • December 2008 & January 2009More photos...

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Camargue, France • January 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Cattle Egret
Latin: Bubulcus ibis
Other: Héron Garde-Boeuf (Fr)
Family: Ardeidae • EgretsMore photos...

Bird name: Little Egret
Latin: Egretta garzetta
Other: Aigrette Garzette (Fr)
Family: Ardeidae
Tag: Herons, Storks & Ibises

Photos: monacoeye • Camargue, France • December 2008More photos...

Bird name: Great Egret
Latin: Ardea alba
Other: Grande Aigrette (Fr) • Kotuku (NZ)
Family: Ardeidae
Tag: Herons, Storks & Ibises

Photo: monacoeye • Camargue, France • December 2008More photos...