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The birds of Lesvos

2012

written and compiled by Steve Dudley

The birds of Lesvos 2012


written and compiled by Steve Dudley Steve Dudley is author of A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos, runs Lesvos Birding and is a member of the Lesvos Birds Records Committee Text Steve Dudley | Lesvos Birding, 2012 Cover photo: Scops Owls, Soumouria April 2004 Steve Dudley

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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

THE BIRDS OF LESVOS 2012


Contents
Introduction Bird recording on Lesvos Records used to compile the List Sources used to compile the List Key to status codes used in the List Taxonomy and nomenclature used for the List Place names used within the List Abbreviations used within the List Some notes on the species accounts The Lesvos bird list total Species accounts Gamebirds Wildfowl Divers Shearwaters Grebes Flamingo, storks, herons and allies Pelicans Cormorants Raptors Osprey Raptors Honey-buzzard Raptors kites Raptors White-tailed Eagle Raptors vultures Raptors Short-toed Eagle Raptors harriers Raptors accipiters (hawks) Raptors buzzards Raptors aquila eagles Raptors Bonellis and Booted Eagles Raptors falcons Rails and crakes Common Crane Waders Stone-curlew and Oystercatchers Waders Black-winged Stilt and Avocet Waders lapwings, plovers and Dotterel Waders snipe Waders godwits and curlews Waders shanks and Tringa sandpipers Waders Terek and Common Sandpipers Waders Calidris sandpipers Waders Broad-billed Sandpiper and Ruff Waders phalaropes Waders pratincoles Gulls Terns Skuas Doves and pigeons Cuckoos Owls Nightjar 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 9 9 10 10 13 14 14 14 15 15 15 16 16 17 18 18 20 20 22 23 24 24 25 27 28 29 30 30 32 32 33 34 35 37 37 38 38 40


Swifts Roller Kingfishers Bee-eaters Hoopoe Woodpeckers Shrikes Golden Oriole Crows Waxwing Tits Larks Swallows and martins Cettis Warbler Long-tailed Tit Warblers Phylloscopus leaf warblers Warblers Acrocephalus reed warblers Warblers Hippolais tree warblers Warblers Locustella grass warblers Warblers Zitting Cisticola Warblers Sylvia scrub warblers Crests Wren Nuthatches Short-toed Treecreeper Starlings Thrushes Chats Robin and Bluethroat Chats nightingales Chats White-throated Robin Chats Rufous Bush-robin Chats starts and chats Chats wheatears Rock-thrushes Flycatchers White-throated Dipper Sparrows Dunnock Wagtails Pipits Finches Buntings Species formally rejected or unconfirmed first records Escapes The Lesvos Bird List References 40 41 41 41 42 42 42 44 44 45 45 46 47 48 48 48 49 50 51 52 52 54 55 55 56 56 56 57 58 58 58 59 59 61 61 62 62 63 63 64 65 67 69 73 74 81

The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

THE BIRDS OF LESVOS 2012


This updates the species accounts originally published in A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos (Dudley, S.P. 2009. Arlequin Press) and includes records from Lesvos Birds 2009 (Dudley, S.P. 2010), Lesvos Birds 2010 (Dudley, S.P. 2011) and Lesvos Birds 2011 (Dudley, S.P. 2012).

INTRODUCTION

For my book, A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos, I worked with both the Hellenic Rarities Committee (HRC) and Greek and Lesvos birdwatchers to produce as near a definitive list of accepted species recorded on the island. This document updates this and where relevant references are provided where previously published records (see below). Bird recording on Lesvos Lesvos is unique in respect of the concentration of western European birders present on the island in spring. Its inevitable that many of the reported sightings do not get formally submitted. Nevertheless, this coverage does help to record a truer status of some species on Lesvos which remain nationally rare at the national level, e.g. Citrine Wagtail is an annual passage migrant on Lesvos yet remains rare elsewhere in Greece. The same is true for other species. Since 2009 I stepped up recording attempts with open requests for records and the publication of the first annual report for the island (Lesvos Birds 2009). In 2009 my Lesvos bird record database contyained over 13,000 records and by 2011 this had risen to over 22,000. Resident island stalwart Terry Robinson contributes a significant number of these, but in 2011 visiting birds contributed over 50% of all records making up the database and annual report. On the island we now have two formal Lesvos Birding logs in Skala Kallonis, at the Hotel Pasiphae and the taverna Dionysos. These losg are invaluable during spring for birders to share their sightings and pass on news each day. During the main spring weeks (when I am on the island) I summarise records from these logs and post them each ebening pon my website (WWW.LESVOSBIRDING.COM) in order for those around the island to be able to share news of sightings (some hotels print these daily updates off each morning for birders to read at breakfast). Some birders also send me their records after their trip in the form of liusts, trip reports, excel spreadsheets, or whatever. My preferred format is an Excel spreadsheet. Im happy to supply a template, but as long as each record line contains species, location, date and count, thats all I need. Totally useless are those lists which simply state I saw these birds on my recent holiday to Lesvos no dates, no locations sorry, I cant use such scant information for the report. As recording has become more formalized we have the need to follow up sightings of local or national rarities. To this end the Lesvos Birds Records Committee was established and we work with the Hellenic Rarities Committee in assessing records of the rarer species reported. Only those records submitted and assessed are included in reports. Within the species accounts, those species marked with an * are the species for which we require more details. Some of these species might be very familiar to visiting birders, but are non-the-less rare on Lesvos. All records can be sent to me at lesvosbirding@btconnect.com.

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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

Records used to compile the List Most records from 2005 onwards are from the Hellenic Rarities Committee (HRC) or collated by myself. Individual observers of rare records are noted in the source items referenced and not here. Prior to 2005, Richard Brooks maintain an informal recording setup and many records were published in his publications (listed above). These records have been reviewed in detail and many have been accepted on face value, but other records, particularly of rare species (including species new for the island and/or Greece) have been excluded from the official accepted list because no formal vetting of these records has taken place. For completeness, such records have been included within the species accounts (for species on the Lesvos List) or in the appendix at the end of this publication, to indicate these records are known and if observers are able to submit further details these will be considered by HRC. Some of these records have been formally submitted and those which have been accepted are included with the main species accounts and rejected records indicated in the appendix. Some species have been reported far more often that the accepted records suggest (as seen by the unconfirmed records listed), e.g. White-throated Robin and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater. Many of these species, including the two examples, are national rarities in Greece. In such instances I strictly follow the HRC and only include as accepted those records which they themselves have vetted and accepted. At the end of the species accounts are two appendices detailing (1) species submitted to HRC but rejected and species reported but never formally submitted by HRC (so these species are not on the Lesvos list) and (2) escapes. I aim to update this online list on the publication of each annual report. Sources used to compile the List The references used to compile this List and used within the species accounts are as follows: Brooks, R. 1998. Birding on the Greek Island of Lesvos. Brookside Publishing, Fakenham. Brooks, R. 1999. Lesvos update spring 1999. Brookside Publishing, Fakenham. Brooks, R. 2000. Lesvos update spring-summer 2000. Brookside Publishing, Fakenham. Brooks, R. 2001. Lesvos update spring-summer 2001. Brookside Publishing, Fakenham. Brooks, R. 2002. Lesvos update spring-summer 2002. Brookside Publishing, Fakenham. Brooks, R. 2004. Lesvos update spring-summer 2004. Brookside Publishing, Fakenham. Brooks, R. 2003. Lesvos update Summer 02 summer '03. Brookside Publishing, Fakenham. Brooks, R. 2004. Lesvos update autumn 03 summer 04. Brookside Publishing, Fakenham. Dudley, S.P. 2010. A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos. Arlequin Press, Shrewsbury. Dudley, S.P. 2010. Lesvos Birds 2009. Lesvos Birding, Peterborough. Dudley, S.P. 2011. Lesvos Birds 2010. Lesvos Birding, Peterborough. Dudley, S.P. 2012. Lesvos Birds 2011. Lesvos Birding, Peterborough. Hellenic Rarities Committee. 2006. 2005 Annual Report. (HRC05 in text) Hellenic Rarities Committee 2007. 2006 Annual Report. (HRC06 in text) Hellenic Rarities Committee. 2008. 2007 Annual Report. (HRC07 in text) Hellenic Rarities Committee. 2009. 2008 Annual Report. (HRC08 in text) Hellenic Rarities Committee. 2010. 2009 Annual Report. (HRC09 in text) Hellenic Rarities Committee. 2011. 2010 Annual Report. (HRC07 in text) Handrinos, G & Akriotis, T. 1997. The Birds of Greece. A&C Black, London. (BoG in text) For URLs of those publications available online please see references on page 81.

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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

Key to status codes used in the List c = common AP = autumn passage s = scarce PM = passage migrant (spring and autumn) r = rare W = winter visitor RB = resident breeder V = vagrant MB = migrant breeder ? = status uncertain CB = casual/occasional breeder * = LBRC or HRC description species (full details IB = introduced breeder are required for these locally or nationally SP = spring passage rare species) NOTE since the publication of A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos and the subsequent annual reports (2009, 2010 and 2011 to date), the statuses of many species have been revised. Taxonomy and nomenclature used for the List This is based on the International Ornithological Congress (IOC) list of bird names as listed by Gill, F., Wright, M. & Donsker, D. (2012). IOC World Bird Names (version 3.1) (accessed 3 October 2012), and is available at http://www.worldbirdnames.org/. I have deviated from this reference as follows: 1. where subspecies have a different name to the nominate name listed by Gill & Wright, e.g. Bewicks Swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii 2. in respect of hyphenated names, I do not use a capitalized letter for a name following a hyphen, e.g. the Lesvos list will use Stone-curlew and not Stone-Curlew. 3. Night-heron is used in preference to heron to denote that Night-herons are their own family of herons and not part of the Ardea group of herons. 4. Honey-buzzard is used in preference to Honey Buzzard to denote that this species is not a Buteo buzzard species 5. Rock-thrush is used in preference to Rock Thrush to differentiate this family from Turdus thrushes. This checklist will continue to evolve as our understanding of many species improves. The records for some rare species in particular still need updating, and the status of even some of the resident species changes as more information is forthcoming (e.g. Audouin's Gull only relatively recently proved as a breeding species). The full list of birds for Lesvos is available with scientific, English, Greek, Danich, Norwegian and Swedish bird names via my website (WWW.LESVOSBIRDING.COM). Place names used within the List I use the local names in all my publications and on my website, and not the (at times very odd) birding names which were in vogue through the 1990s. To help you, here are some are the local names some of the birding sites (see my book for othe site names) - Christou (Kameras) River (Kalloni West River) Tsiknias River/Valley (Kalloni East River) Metochi Lake (Inland Lake) Mesa (Derbyshire) Aghia Ioannis (Devils Bridge) Lardia Valley (Grand Canyon) Vigla (the Junction nr Ipsilou) Meladia Valley inc. ford, chapel and fig grove (the track between Sigri and Eressos)
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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

These names have been taken from the Road Editions 212 map widely used by widely. Even the names on this map differ from other maps and some local names. Where local names are widely accepted these are also included within the site name, e.g. Chrisou (Kameras) River, Vergias (Chalandra) River. The annual reports contain updates to many sites. Abbreviations used within the List HBRG Haramida Bird Ringing Group HRC Hellenic Rarities Committee LWH Lesvos Wildlife Hospital MO many observers SPD S.P. Dudley (for some personal records or per myself)

Some notes on the species accounts These notes relate mainly to the information summarized from the annual reports (2009 to 2011). 1. Occurance of many species, particularly some migrants, simply denotes records received and the periods when birders were on the island, e.g. Rppells Warbler rarely reported outside the main birding weeks and away from Kavaki. 2. For migrants, occurance dates are included from the annual reports. 3. Maximum counts are provided for many species (from annual reports) and these simply represent the largest known count which often reflects peak passage. 4. For breeding migrants the first and last dates are provided. 5. Other dates may reflect winter records of normally summer migrants, e.g. Greater Short-toed Lark, or occasionally dates of lone passage migrants which might normally be winter visitors, e.g. Black Redstart. The Lesvos bird list total As at 31 December 2011, 321 species have been confirmed from the island. Acknowledgements Id like to thank all the birdwatchers who have provided records from their visits to Lesvos. Those I am familiar or aware of are listed in my book and the three annual bird reports (200911) I have published to date.

Id like to pay particular thanks to Nikos Probonas who in his capacity as Secretary of the Hellenic Rarities Committee I work with closely on rare birds reported from Lesvos and as a friend has provided much help to me over the years, and in particlualr for my reports (including this one) help with Greek bird names.
Steve Dudley 6 November 2012

S. P. Dudley, 2012

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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

SPECIES ACCOUNTS CHUKAR PARTRIDGE Alectoris chukar sRB Occurs mainly in the rocky areas of the centre, north and west of the island. Its distinctive call will give the bird away finding it is another matter! A couple of the better localities to search are around Ipsilou, the road to the Petrified Forest and the Meladia Valley. Double figure counts in autumn not uncommon. Some birds are released each year by hunters to help replace those shot during the hunting season. There is a small population on the eastern side of the Gulf of Kalloni which is thought to be solely sustained by released birds and is therefore deemed not wild. COMMON QUAIL Coturnix coturnix sPM, OB? () Usually encountered in spring Apr-May, when non-calling birds are also flushed from grassy areas bordering south-facing beaches and river mouths. Also recorded Aug-Sept. No confirmed breeding records, but occasional breeding suspected. COMMON PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus rRB () A small naturalised population just about persists due to birds being released for hunting. It is not even recorded annually by birders and recent records from near Skalochori and Platania. GREYLAG GOOSE Anser albifrons V [1] One record: 2011: 3 adults Upper Tsiknias River 27 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE * Anser albifrons rW Around five records, the most recent: 2003: 1 nr Kalloni Saltpans 2527 Mar. RED-BREASTED GOOSE * Branta ruficollis V [2] Two records: 2006: 1 found shot Kalloni area Jan and a second bird Tsiknias River 28 Jan (HRC06).

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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor rW () Most recent records: 5 Kalloni Salt Pans Jan 97; 6 Skala Kallonis Pool Dec 98, with 2 to May 99; 6 Mesa Apr 03 (Brooks 1998, 1999, 2003); 1 Kalloni Saltpans Jan 06, 15 Kalloni Saltpans Mar 06, Parakila spring 08. Recent records: 2009: up to 7 lingered around Kalloni Saltpans area to 24 April (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2011: Small numbers recorded from the Kalloni area, Mesa and Parakila Marsh in to April (Lesvos Birds 2011). WHOOPER SWAN * Cygnus cygnus V [5] Five records: 1993: 1 Skala Kallonis pool Dec 93Feb 94 (Brooks 1998). 2003: 9 Mesa and Kalloni Saltpans mid-Jan (Brooks 1998, 2003). 2006: 1 Gulf of Kalloni off Kalloni area Jan (E. Galinou). 2009: 4 Gulf of Kalloni off Mesa 1 Jan (Lesvos Birds 2009). BEWICK'S SWAN (TUNDRA SWAN) * Cygnus columbianus bewickii V [1] One record: 2006: 4 Kalloni area 27 Jan (HRC06). COMMON SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna rRB, sPM Small numbers winter NovApr, with passage noted MarMay and less so Sept-Oct. Pr bred 2002 (Brooks 2003). RUDDY SHELDUCK Tadorna ferruginea rRB, sPM Birds present all months with small numbers breeding, e.g. nr Palios. Peak numbers in spring when passage birds also occur MarMay, with double-figure flocks usual in the Kalloni area. Smaller numbers on passage AugSept. GADWALL * Anas strepera V [4] Four records: 2003: male nr Kalloni Saltpans May; fem Metochi Lake Aug (Brooks 2003) 2006: 1 Metochi Lake May (per SPD). 2010: 6 Polichnitos Saltpans 25 Jan (Lesvos Birds 2010).

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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

EURASIAN WIGEON Anas penelope sW () Small numbers OctApr. MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos sW, rRB Small numbers NovApr. Recent notable records: 2011: First confirmed breeding records for the island: at least four pairs bred in the Kalloni area (Lesvos Birds 2010). Although reports of breeding have been received (belatedly) by locals these are the first confirmed breeding records. NORTHERN SHOVELER Anas clypeata sW () Small numbers SeptMay. Record count: 160 on 15 Mar 04 (Brooks 2004). NORTHERN PINTAIL Anas acuta sW ( ) Small numbers SepApr. GARGANEY Anas querquedula sSP, rAP () Common offshore and on reservoirs and saltpans MarMay, with smaller numbers AugSept. Occasionally seen in large numbers, e.g. c.500 on sea off Kalloni Saltpans 31 Mar 02 (Brooks 2002). 2009: 14 Mar 18 May and 1 Aug 1 Oct; max. 15 on 7 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 9 Mar 5 May and 22 Jul 27 Sept; max. 25 on 26 Apr (Lesvos Birding 2010). 2011: 5 Apr 4 May and 20 Jul 28 Aug; max. 13 on 10 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2011). EURASIAN TEAL Anas crecca sW, sPM () Small numbers Aug Apr. 2009: to 16 Apr and from 29 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: to 8 Apr and from 23 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 5 Apr 4 May and 20 Jul 28 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2011).

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COMMON POCHARD * Aythya ferina V [12] Twelve records: 1998: 3 Kalloni Saltpans 12 Jan, 5 Perasma Reservoir 27 Jan, 1 Skala Eresou 5 Aug (Brooks 1998). 2000: fem Skala Kallonis Pool 523 Apr (Brooks 2000, 2003). 2003: 1 Skala Kallonis Pool 23 Apr (Brooks 2000, 2003). 2006: 1 Kalloni Salpans Jan (E. Galinou), Potamia Reservoir 1-2 in Mar, May & Sept 06 (E. Galinou, T. Robinson). 2007: 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 19 Aug (T. Robinson). 2009: male Polichnitos Saltpans 28 Jul (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 1 Mesa 29 Dec (Lesvos Birds 2010). FERRUGINOUS DUCK * Aythya nyroca V [14] () Fourteen records: 1985: 7 Mesa 13 Apr with 4 to 10 Apr (Brooks 1998). 1987: male Skala Kallonis Pool 11 Apr (Brooks 1998). 1998: pr Mikri Limni 28 Mar, 1 Perasma Reservoir 5 Apr, male Skala Kallonis Pool 1617 Apr (Brooks 1998). 2000: male and fem Parakila Marsh 910 Apr (Brooks 2000). 2002: male Gulf of Kalloni off Skala Kallonis 17 Apr (M Newell et al). 2007: male Perasma Reservoir May (MO). 2008: fem Skala Kallonis Pool Apr (MO). 2010: 1 Meladia Valley ford pool 30 Mar; 1 Perasma Reservoir 27-28 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: fem Kalloni Saltpans 11 12 Apr; fem Alykes Wetlands 29 Apr; 2 Perasma Reservoir 3 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). TUFTED DUCK * Aythya fuligula V [3] Three records: 1998: 3 Perasma Reservoir 27 Jan (Brooks 1998). 2001: 1 Tsiknias River 35 pr (Brooks 2001). 2002: fem Skala Kallonis Pool 20 Mar with 2 there 31 Mar (Brooks 2002). GREATER SCAUP * Aythya marila V [1] One record: 2006: 1 Gulf of Kalloni off Kalloni Saltpans Jan (E. Galinou). COMMON GOLDENEYE * Bucephala clangula V [2] () Two records: 1986: 3 Gulf of Kalloni off Achladeri 5 Apr (Brooks 1998). 2010: 1 Gulf of Kalloni off Vouvaris to Mesa area 1-30 Jan (Lesvos Birds 2010).
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SMEW * Mergellus albellus V [1] One record: 2006: 4 Kalloni Saltpans Jan (E. Galinou). RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator sW Small numbers offshore OctApr. WHITE-HEADED DUCK * Oxyura leucocephala V [1] () One record: 1991: fem shot Dec (BoG). BLACK-THROATED DIVER (LOON) Gavia arctica sW Small numbers offshore Nov Apr, sometimes in small groups. 2009: 2 records, 3 off Skala Vasilikon 3 Feb and 1 off Skala Polichnitou on 8 Dec (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 5 between Polichnitos Saltpans and Vouvaris River mouth 1 Jan 6 Mar (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 4 records, present off Vouvaris River mouth 1 Jan, 1 off Polichnitos Saltpans 8 Apr, 2 off Tsiknias River mouth 1 May and 1 off Kalloni Saltpans 4 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). SCOPOLIS SHEARWATER Calonectris diomedea diomedea sPM, rMB? Small numbers (but flocks of 100+ not unusual) offshore MarOct. May breed on some of the offshore islands. Best looked for off the south (e.g. Agios Fokas) and west coasts (e.g. Skala Eresou). 2009: max. 6 off Mytilini aiport beach 16 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: max. 200 off Molivos 13 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: max. 50 off Faneromeni 24 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). YELKOUAN SHEARWATER Puffinus yelkouan sRB ( ) Present offshore all months with flocks of several hundred, even over thousand, not unexpected. Noteable record: est. 10,000 in four hours on 19 Apr 02 (Brooks 2002). 2009: max. 200 off Skala Eresou 24 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: max. 2000 off Faneromeni 5 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: max. 1000 off Agios Fokas 27 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011).

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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis sRB, sW () Small numbers breed along the wetter rivers (e.g. Potamia) and the larger inland water bodies such as Metochi Lake. 2009: max. 42 Potamia Reservoir 7 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: max. 103 Perasma Reservoir 16 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: max. 61 Potamia Reservoir 19 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). RED-NECKED GREBE * Podiceps grisegena V [4] Only four records: 1994: 1 Kalloni Saltpans mid-July (Brooks 1998). 2002: 20+ Gulf of Kalloni 1825 Mar (Brooks 2002) 2003: 1 off Skala Kallonis 2631 Mar and presumed same off Skala Polichnitou 14 Apr (Brooks 2003). 2009: 1 off Skala Kallonis 1114 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009) GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus cW Gulf of Kalloni holds large numbers (1200+) Dec-Feb, otherwise small numbers offshore OctMay. 2009: max. 367 off Skala Polichnitou 22 Feb (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: max. 283 off Skala Polichnitou 10 Jan (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: max. 600 off Skala Polichnitou 11 Mar (Lesvos Birds 2011). BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis sW Small numbers offshore, in river mouths and on inland reservoirs from NovMay. 2009: to 9 Mar and from 30 Nov; max. 4 on 19 Dec (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: to 10 Mar and from 2 Dec; max. 6 on 9 Jan (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: to 13 Apr and from 22 Sep; max. 9 on 8 Jan t (Lesvos Birds 2011). GREATER FLAMINGO Phoenicopterus ruber sR, OB, rPM, () Present SeptMay with some non-breeding birds JunAug. Attempted to breed, e.g. 33 nests all abandoned, Kalloni Saltpans 02 (Brooks 2002). Most birds seen at Kalloni and Skala Polihnitos Saltpans, with occasional birds at Mesa pool and at river mouths. Numbers can exceed 1000 birds. 2009: max. 800 off Kalloni Saltpans 18 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: max. 2010 Kalloni Saltpans 21 Dec is an island record count (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: max. 1765 Kalloni Saltpans 3 Jan (Lesvos Birds 2011).
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BLACK STORK Ciconia nigra sRB, sPM Occurs all months, mainly on passage, but with 10+ breeding pairs in pine forests. Has over-wintered annually since 2005. 2009: max. 21 Polichnitos Saltpans 2122 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: max. 9 Kalloni Saltpans 23 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: max. 23 Kalloni Saltpans 10 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2011). WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia sRB, sPM Occurs all months, mainly on passage, but also several breeding pairs on rooftops, church steeples, poles and chimneys. Recent nests in Skala Kallonis (rooftop), Mandamados (chimney), Agias Paraskevi (chimney) and Polichnitos (chimney). Occasionally over-winters. GLOSSY IBIS Plegadis falcinellus sSP, rAP () Can occur in sizable flocks MarMay, with much smaller numbers AugOct. 2009: 527 Apr, max. 83 on 24 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 27 Mar 20 May, max. 180 on 6 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 3 Apr 14 May, max. 200 on 19 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). EURASIAN SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia sPM () Small numbers MarMay. Increasing numbers (especially Polichnitos Saltpans) SeptOct. 2009: 12 Mar 30 May and 21 Jul 6 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 15 Apr 2 May and 7 Sept 28 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 3 Mar 16 May and 19 Sept 19 Oct (Lesvos Birding 2011). EURASIAN BITTERN Botaurus stellaris rW, rPM () Single birds usually encountered OctMay around obvious wetland and river areas. 2009: 4 records, 13 Apr 3 May. 2010: 3+ records, 22 Apr 1 May. 2011: 1 winter record, 17 Jan; 4 spring records, 18 29 Apr.

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LITTLE BITTERN Ixobrychus minutus sSP, rAP () Common in spring (AprJun) around any wetland and river areas inc. even the smallest of culverts and drains with cover. Scarcer during autumn (AugOct). 2009: 7 Apr 31 May and 2022 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 8 Apr 21 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 16 Apr 28 May and 2024 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON Nycticorax nycticorax sPM () Occurs more commonly in spring (MarMay) but small numbers SeptOct. Noteable record: flocks of 32 Kalloni Saltpans 18 Apr 08 (SPD) (with 53 Purple Herons) exceptional. 2009: 8 Apr 30 May and 18 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 2 Apr 18 May and 2 Jul 22 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 16 Apr 25 May and 14 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). SQUACCO HERON Ardeola ralloides sSP, RAP () Common around wetland and river areas AprMay and smaller numbers AugOct. 2009: 6 Apr 24 May and 8 Aug 23 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 3 Apr 4 Jun and 30 Oct 21 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 13 Apr 5 Jun and 22 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). WESTERN CATTLE EGRET * Bubulcus ibis V [7+] Recent records: 2007: 1 nr Sigri Dec (HRC07). 2008: 1 nr Tsiknias River Mouth Apr (HRC08); 1 Skala Eresou Apr (HRC08); 1 Skala Polichnitou Saltpans Dec (HRC08). 2010: 4 Mesa 1 May and 1 on flooded fields by Kalloni Saltpans 2 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 1 Kalloni area 17 Apr 8 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). Unconfirmed records: 1 Sigri May 95; 1 Vassilika May 96; pr Tsiknias River Apr 99; 1 Tsiknias River Apr 00; 1 Kalloni Saltpans Apr 01; 1 nr Sigri Apr 02 (Brooks 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002). GREY HERON Ardea cinerea sW, sPM Small numbers AugMay.
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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea sPM Small numbers, including flocks into double-figures, (mainly) Mar May and (smaller numbers) SeptOct. Flocks of 60+ Vergias (Chalandra) River, Skala Eresou Apr 02 (Brooks 2002) and 53 Kalloni Saltpans Apr 08 (SPD) are exceptional. 2009: 6 Apr 6 May and 1 Jul 19 Sept; max. 23 Kalloni Saltpans 28 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 2 Apr 10 May and 12 Sept; max. 30 Kalloni Saltpans 3 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 5 Apr 28 May and 14 Aug 13 Sept; max. 15 Kalloni Saltpans 15 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). GREAT WHITE EGRET (GREAT EGRET) Ardea alba rR, sPM Small numbers all months. 2009: max. 12 Polichnitos Saltpans 1 Mar (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: max. 128 Polichnitos Saltpans 14 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: max. 32 Kalloni Saltpans 3 Jan (Lesvos Birds 2011). LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta sPM, rW () Common around wetland sites and along the coast in all months. 2009: max. 40 Polichnitos Saltpans 1213 Mar (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: max. 42 Kalloni Saltpans 26 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: max. 59 Kalloni Saltpans 10 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2011). GREAT WHITE PELICAN Pelecanus onocrotalus rPM A near annual passage migrant MarMay and SeptOct. Usually 1-2, but occasionally small flocks (e.g. 18 in Sept 07) and movements, e.g. large movement in Sept 07 inc. largest confirmed flock of 144 (S.P & E.F. Dudley). Some individuals have been caught and tamed by fisherman (e.g. bird at Skala Kallonis harbour from 1998 to present). 2009: Spring 1 record. 5 records (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: Spring 2 records. Autumn 2 records (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: Spring 4 records. Summer 1 record (captive bird released in to wild, finding date unkown). Autumn 1 record (Lesvos Birds 2011). DALMATIAN PELICAN * Pelecanus crispus rPM, rW Much rarer than White Pelican but occurs in similar periods, AprMay and AugSept. Recent records: 2000: 27 Kalloni/Potamia area 29-30 Apr, 1 Skalachori 8 May (Brooks 2000).
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2002: 15 over Kalloni Saltpans and Molivos 28 Mar (Brooks 2002). 2003: Kalloni Saltpans Apr (Brooks 2003). 2006: 1 Polichnitos Saltpans Aug Oct (MO). 2007: 1 Kalloni Saltpans Sept 07 (MO). 2009: 2 Kalloni Saltpans Jan 09 (E. Galinou) and 1 Perasma Reservoir 3 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 23 Oct and 21 Kalloni Saltpans 23 Oct with 10 to 21 Dec and 3 into 2011 (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: First winter period 3 (from 2010) Kalloni Saltpans 20 3 Jan. Spring 6 records, 3 Mar 10 May. Autumn 3 records, 16 Jul, 10 Aug & 35 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). PYGMY CORMORANT * Phalacrocorax pygmeus rW Single birds recorded from coastal sites NovApr. Earliest: Vouvaris River mouth 15 Sept 08 (per SPD).. Recent records: 2010: 2 Almiropotamos River mouth (Vatera) 9 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 1 Mesa 1 Jan (Lesvos Birds 2011). GREAT CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis cW () Gulf of Kalloni holds large winter population of c.3500 birds, otherwise small numbers around coast Sept Apr. EUROPEAN SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmaresti sRB () Present around the coast in all months. WESTERN OSPREY Pandion haliaetus rPM Surprisingly rare MarMay and SeptOct. 2009: Spring 5 records, 24 Apr 6 May. Autumn Singles 2 records, 3 & 9 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: Spring 2 records, 3 & 30 Apr. Autumn 3 records, 19 30 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: Spring 2 records, 28 Apr and 2 May. Autumn 3 records, 21 Sept 5 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). EUROPEAN HONEY-BUZZARD Pernis apivorus rMB, sPM () A relatively common passage migrant, occasionally in good numbers, AprMay and AugOct. Small numbers breed in both deciduous woodland and pine forests across the island. Noteable record: 85 in off sea Molivos 14 Sept 2003 (Brooks 2003). 2009: 6 May 21 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2011: 28 Apr 20 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). 2010: 24 Apr 26 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010).
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RED KITE * Milvus milvus V [2] Two records: 1984: 1 Sigri 20 Apr (Brooks 1998). 2002: 1 nr Kalloni 29 Apr (Brooks 2002). Note, confusion not only with Black Kite, but also with the much commoner Long-legged Buzzard which has very similar colouring to Red Kite. BLACK KITE Milvus migrans sPM Surprisingly only a handful of records noted most years MarMay and AugOct. 2009: First-winter period 1 Polichnitos Saltpans area 31 Jan 7 Apr. Spring 3 records, 25 May. Autumn 1 record, 12 Sept. (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: Spring 1 record, 10 May. Autumn 7 records (of 28 birds) 11 Aug 29 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: Spring 11 records, 1 Apr 12 May inc. 3 nr Andissa 19 Apr 4 May. Autumn 1 record, 26 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). WHITE-TAILED EAGLE * Haliaeetus albicilla V [6] () Six records, most recent: 1994: off Sigri, an imm 9 May and ad 19 May (Brooks 1998). 1995: 1 nr Vatousa 16 May (Brooks 1998). 1998: 1 off Molivos 25 Apr (Brooks 1998). 2009: 1 north along Tsiknias River 2 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). EGYPTIAN VULTURE * Neophron percnopterus V [12] Twelve records: 1987: 1 Skala Eresou 14 May (Brooks 1998). 1991: 1 Skala Eresou 19 May (Brooks 1998). 1995: 1 Ipsilou and Agiassos (believed to be the same bird) late May 95 (Brooks 1998). 1998: 1 Ipsilou 24 Apr 98 (Brooks 1998). 1999: 1 Napi Valley 7 May 99 (Brooks 1999). 2000: ad Skala Eresou 15 May and imm Lardia Valley 17 May (Brooks 2000). 2004: 1 Makara 30 Apr and 1 Molivos 7 May (Brooks 2004). 2005: 1 Vafios and Mt Lepetimnos 9 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2008: 2 nr Ipsilou 2 May (per SPD). 2009: a sub-adult at the Vouvaris River mouth 2 May (Lesvos Birds 2009).

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GRIFFON VULTURE * Gyps fulvus V [14+] A surprisingly rare bird on the island, and with the rapidly declining European population, an increase in the level of records is unlikely. Most recent records: 1993: 1 nr Eresos 11 May (Brooks 1998). 1996: 3 Potamia Valley and Filia 7 May (Brooks 1998). 1997: 3 between Filia and Skoutaros May (Brooks 1998) and 1 over Skala Sikaminias then at Vatera (taken in to care) 13 Sept (bearing a Croatian ring; released on Crete) (Brooks 1998). 2002: 1 Efthalou 24 Apr 02 (Brooks 2002). 2003: 2 Molivos 8 May believed same Potamia Valley 11 May (Brooks 2003). 2008: 1 Ipsilou 5 May, 3 Kalloni 9 May and 1 Anaxos 18 May (per SPD). 2009: 1 Potamia Valley 8 Apr and another Eresos 26 Apr and believed same Madaros 2728 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2011: singles Pithariou Reservoir 9 May and nr Mandamados 13 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). SHORT-TOED (SNAKE) EAGLE Circaetus gallicus sMB, sPM Small numbers breed across the island. Seen on passage AprMay and AugOct. Occasional winter records. Most often seen hovering over open hillsides. 2009: 5 Apr 21 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 21 Mar 17 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 25 Mar 30 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). WESTERN MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus cPM Occurs MarMay with smaller numbers AugOct. Occasional winter records. 2009: 28 Mar 13 May and 12 22 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 4 Feb; 7 Mar 17 May and 11 Sept 3 Nov; 23 Dec (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 3 Jan 23 Feb, 2 Mar 21 May and 3 Sept 7 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus sW, sPM Small numbers NovApr, with passage birds MarMay. 2009: to 17 Mar, 23 Apr and from 2 Dec (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: to 21 Apr, 2 Apr 7 May and from 13 Novc (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: to 15 Mar, 5 Apr 8 May and from 5 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011).

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PALLID HARRIER Circus macrourus sPM Small numbers MarApr. Very rare in autumn. 2009: 12 28 Apr and 20 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 30 Mar 30 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 11 Apr 7 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). MONTAGUS HARRIER Circus pygargus sPM Relatively common in spring MarMay with small numbers SeptOct, but decline noted over last 10 years. Record count(s): 18 Apr 04 large passage through Kalloni (c.35) and Sigri (c.50) (Brooks 2004, SPD). 2009: 4 Apr 5 May and 12 19 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 6 Apr 6 May and 10 Aug 18 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 16 Apr 20 May and 29 Aug 6 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). LEVANT SPARROWHAWK Accipiter brevipes sPM, rMB? () Small numbers, occasionally double-figure flocks, recorded in AprMay, with smaller numbers AugSept. Usually seen heading up/down obvious valleys (e.g. Napi) or from/near obvious hilltops (e.g. Ipsilou) or migration headlands/points (e.g. Sigri, Agias Fokas). Birds have been seen during the breeding season (BoG) but no confirmed breeding. 2009: 24 Apr 5 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 30 Mar 8 May and 14 Aug 16 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 22 Apr 7 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus rRB, sW, sPM () A handful of pairs almost certainly breed. Common SeptMar. Passage noted MarApr and AugOct. NORTHERN GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis rRB, rPM Small numbers breed across the island in both deciduous and coniferous woodland. Passage noted Mar May and AugOct.

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COMMON BUZZARD Buteo buteo sRB, sW, sPM () Small numbers breed across the island. Common NovMar. Passage noted MarApr and AugOct. No confirmed records of B. b. vulpinus (Steppe Buzzard). The second edition of the Collins Bird Guide (2010) the guide most commonly used by visiting birders to Lesvos now includes Separate distribution maps for Common Buzzard B. b. buteo and Steppe Buzzard B. b. vulpinus. These maps suggest that Common Buzzard occurs only as a winter visitor to the eastern Aegean region and that Steppe Buzzard is the subspecies more likely to be encountered within the region as a passage migrant or resident. This is not the case on Lesvos. Whilst Steppe Buzzard might be expected on Lesvos, there are to date no confirmed records and as the status codes above indicate, Common Buzzard is a scarce resident breeder, scarce winter visitor and scarce passage migrant. When looking at the timing of Steppe Buzzard passage through the Middle East and nearby Turkey, and their arrival dates on breeding grounds in northern Europe, it might be that if Steppe Buzzard does occur, it passes through Lesvos early in spring before the arrival of visiting birders, and during this time, and the autumn, there are simply too few birders present to pick them up. This aside, the other difficulty would be separating the expected dark morph birds from the very similar Common Buzzard rufous Common Buzzards (especially birds with rufous-toned tails) occur on the island. LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD Buteo rufinus sRB, sPM Small numbers breed across the island. Common Nov Mar. Passage noted MarApr and AugOct. Commoner in the western half of the island. LESSER SPOTTED EAGLE Aquila pomarina rPM Recent records: 1999: singles Parakila 3 May, Napi Valley 5 May and Metochi Lake 6 May (Brooks 2000). 2000: 5 Agia Paraskevi 23 Apr and 4 Perasma Reservoir 4 May (Brooks 2000). 2002: birds seen daily late Aug/early Sept during exceptional movement (P. Manning). 2003: 1 Metochi 25 Apr (SPD et al). 2007: 1 Vatera Bay Sept 07 (per SPD). 2008: singles in Apr Ancient Antissa, Anaxos and Parakila (per SPD). 2009: 2 records, Kalloni 3 May and Ipsilou 4 May (Lesovs Birds 2009). 2010: 10 records, 23 Apr 9 May and 3 records, 11 25 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 3 records, 21 Apr 7 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). GREATER SPOTTED EAGLE * Aquila clanga V [6+] Most recent records: 1999: 1 Faneromeni Apr 99 (Brooks 1999). 2010: 5 records: singles Kalloni Saltpans 3 Apr, Meladia Valley 4 & 5 Apr, Molivos 25 Apr and nr Parakila 3 May (Lesvos Birds 2010).

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STEPPE EAGLE * Aquila nipalensis V [2] Two records: 2007: 1 nr Eresos 12 May (Lesvos Birds 2011, HRC11 in prep). 2008: 1 Kavaki 26 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009, HRC08). Unconfirmed records: 1 over Liminos monastery and 2 over the Petrified Forest 11 May 97; 1 between Agiassos and Mitilini May 98; 1 nr Sigri May 01. One rejected record: 1 Skoutaros Sept 02 (HRC09). EASTERN IMPERIAL EAGLE * Aquila heliaca V [13 (14)] () Thirteen records: 1989: 1 Sept 89 (BoG no location). 1994: 2 over the south of the island 5 May (Brooks 1998). 1998: singles Kalloni area 5 May and Potamia Valley 30 Sept (Brooks 1998). 1999: singles Vatera 29 Mar and Skala Sikaminias 3May and 2 nr Vatousa 17 May (Brooks 1999). 2004: singles Efthalou 30 Apr and Vafios 8 May (Brooks 2004). 2008: 1 various sites 30 Apr 4 May (per SPD). 2009: 1 nr Efthalou 3 May; 1 Kalloni Raptor Watch Point 7 May; 2 Aghios Ioannis 8 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: singles Efthalou 24 Apr and Pithariou Reservoir 25 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: singles Kalloni Raptor Watchpoint & Metochi 29 Apr and Meladia Valley 15 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). GOLDEN EAGLE * Aquila chrysaetos V [19+] Most recent records: 1986: 2 Kalloni Saltpans 2 Apr (Brooks 1998). 1992: 2 nr Petra late Aug (Brooks 1998). 1994: 1 Petrified Forest 1 Oct (Brooks 1998). 1996: singles Petrified Forest 7 May (Brooks 1998) and nr Mandamados 10 Aug (Brooks 1998). 1997: 2 Sigri late Apr (Brooks 1998). 2000: 1 Potamia Valley 7 May (Brooks 2000). 2003: 1 Napi Valley Apr (P. Manning). 2007: 1 nr Sikaminia 21 Sept (SPD). 2008: singles between Efthalou and Skala Sikaminias 26 Apr (SPD et al) and Ancient Antissa 30 Apr (per SPD). 2009: singles Potamia Valley 25 Apr, Ioannou Valley 7 May and nr Petra 11 May (Lesvos Birds 2009) 2010: 1 Napi Valley 24 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010).

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BONELLIS EAGLE * Hieraaetus pennatus rRB? Brooks (1998) states that one or two suspected breeding prs around Mt Lepetimnos and Mt Olympus, but a there is a distinct lack of evidence to support this. Western Lesvos is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for this species under the European Birds Directive. There are however no confirmed breeding records but with the continued (annual) sightings from the area between Mesotopos/Agra and Vatousa, which looks like suitable breeding habitat, there remains a possibility that there is a pair in residence. Bonellis Eagle is largely a sedentary species but immature birds are known to wander before settling in a breeding area. Could Lesvos be a non-breeding area for birds wandering from nearby Turkey? Quite possibly. What might be restricting the species on the island is prey availability. Their preferred prey is Chukar which is thiunly distributed across the island with the west being the main area for the species (tieing in with the SPA status). However, the Chukar population may simply be too small to support them, and very small numbers of Brown Hare and Rabbit on the island, there remain little secondary prey items also. BOOTED EAGLE Hieraaetus pennatus rPM The odd single bird recorded most years AprMay and AugOct. 2009: single birds 6 May, 8 May, 19 Sept and 21 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: single birds 23 & 26 Apr, 4, 8 & 17 May, 12 Sept and 25 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: single birds 25 & 30 Apr and 7 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). LESSER KESTREL Falco naumanni sMB, sPM () Small numbers breed on offshore islands at Sigri and possibly other offshore islands such as Is. Garbias (at the mouth of the Golf of Kalloni) AprAug. Most common in the west of the island. Also recorded on passage Apr-May and Sept when can be encountered anywhere. 2009: 10 Apr 21 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 2 Apr 13 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 14 Apr 4 Jul (Lesvos Birds 2011). COMMON KESTREL Falco tinnunculus sRB A surprisingly scarce species with small numbers breed across the island.

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RED-FOOTED FALCON Falco vespertinus sPM () Common in spring Apr-May with smaller numbers recorded AugOct. Occurs commonly in small parties of up to 30+ birds. 2009: 19 Apr 22 May and 2 24 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 18 Apr 17 May and 15 Aug 5 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 15 Apr 13 May and 20 Sept 10 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). ELEONORAS FALCON Falco eleonorae sPM, rMB? On passage AprMay and SeptOct. Even on passage, most often encountered in the west and north of the island. Can occur in numbers, e.g. 73 in one hour over Kalloni Raptor Watchpoint May 03. Thought to breed on offshore islands e.g. off Sigri. 2009: 25 Apr 3 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 20 Apr 29 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 21 Apr 4 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). MERLIN Falco columbarius rW, rPM 1-3 records annually usually from the saltpans and coastal areas. EURASIAN HOBBY Falco subbuteo sPM, rMB? Small numbers seen on passage AprMay and SeptOct. May breed (BoG). 2009: 22 Apr 22 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 24 Apr 12 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 13 Apr 11 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). LANNER FALCON * Falco biarmicus rPM 1-2 records per annum. 2009: 2 birds 18 Apr 10 May and 25 Apr 13 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 1-2 birds seen 24 Apr 9 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: singles 7 & 14 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). With so few records it seems certain that there are no resident breeding birds on the island. The higher western side of the island could provide breeding cliffs, but I suspect a lack of prey is the limiting factor for this (as for other predatory species). Its important to age birds to help record movements around the island.
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SAKER FALCON * Falco cherrug V [2] Two records: 1992: 1 in Oct (location unknown) (BoG). 2002: 1 Tsiknias River 6 May (HRC09, Lesvos Birds 2011) Unconfirmed records: Apr 98 at Kalloni Saltpans; 2 Ipsilou Apr 02, 1 Upper Tsiknias River Apr 02; 2 Ipsilou Jun 03 (Brooks 1998, 2002, 2003). PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus sRB, sW Small numbers breed across the island with increased numbers in winter NovMar. Greek breeding birds belong to the race F. p. brookie with nominate F. p. peregrinus occurring on passage. WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus rRB, rWM, rPM () Small numbers breed at suitable wetlands (e.g. Dipi Larssos) but most usually encountered late winter and spring MarMay. CORNCRAKE (CORN CRAKE) * Crex crex V [18] Most recent records: 1998: 1 Loutropoli Thermis 17 Apr (HRC07), 1 ringed Haramida 13 Sept (HRC06) 2000: 1 Haramida 17 Nov (HRC09). 2002: 1 ringed Haramida 5 Oct (HRC06). 2005: 1 Faneromeni 8 May (Lesvos Birds 2009, HRC10). 2006: 1 Mytilini (found wounded) 28 Sept (HRC07). 2007: 1 nr Kremestes Bridge, Aghia Paraskevi 27 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2012 in prep); 1 Plomari (found wounded) 26 Aug and 32 Ambeliko (illegally hunted, hunting date unkown) Sept 07 (HRC07). 2008: 2 Akrotiri (illegally hunted) 28 Sept 08 (HRC08). Unconfirmed records: 1 Faneromeni River mouth spr 00 (Brooks 2000); 1 Meladia River mouth Apr 08. The numbers being found illegally hunted or wounded in autumn highlights both the fact that the species probably occurs annually on the island as well as that illegal hunting still taking place.

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LITTLE CRAKE Porzana parva cSP, rAP Recorded at most wetlands with cover MarMay. Occasionally recorded AugOct. 2009: 5 Apr 7 May and 4 Sept; max. 4 Metochi Lake 25 Apr 1 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 4 Apr 13 May; max. 8 Metochi Lake 4 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 11 Apr 11 May; max. 13 Metochi Lake 16 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). BAILLONS CRAKE Porzana pusilla rSP [21] The rarest of the small crakes with only around 10 records, most recent include: 1 Apr 84; 1 dead 98; River Tsiknias May 03 (Brooks 1998, 2000, 2003); 1 Metochi Lake May 06 (T. Robinson et al); Meladia River Ford Apr-May 07 (I. Lewington et al); 1 Sigri May 07 (Mark & Jean Cassidy); 2 Metochi Lake 28 Apr - 2 May 08 (P. Manning et al). 2009: 1 Skala Kallonis Pool 28 Apr and 2 Metochi Lake 6 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 1 Metochi Lake 23 Apr 4 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: singles Skala Kallonis Pool 16 Apr, Metochi Lake 18 Apr and 3 7 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). SPOTTED CRAKE Porzana porzana sSP, rAP Most commonly seen in spring AprMay with smaller number SeptOct. Record count: 9 at Parakila Marsh 7 Apr 02 (Brooks 2002). 2009: 5 records, 14 Apr 1 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 3 records, 29 Mar 8 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 5 records, 24 Mar 28 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). COMMON MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus sRB, sW () Small numbers breed with increased numbers in winter. COMMON COOT Fulica atra rRB, sW () Small numbers occur in winter with occasional pairs staying on to breed. COMMON CRANE * Grus grus V [9+] () Recent records: 1995: heard over Gulf of Kalloni in 7 Apr (Brooks 1998). 1996: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 8 May (Brooks 1998). 1997: 1 Alykes Wetlands 1625 Apr (Brooks 1998).

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1999: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 23 Apr (Brooks 1999). 2003: 1 Sigri 12 Apr and c.15 over Molivos 14 May (Brooks 2003). 2009: 3 over Polichnitos Saltpans 4 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2011: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 2 Mar and 6 Polichnitos Saltpans 14 Nov with one to 19 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011). EURASIAN STONE-CURLEW Burhinus oedicnemus sMB, sPM () Small numbers breed, especially around the Kalloni area (inc. saltpans) and on passage FebApr and Aug Oct. Large flocks (50+) can be encountered in autumn (e.g. 60+ near Kalloni Saltpans in Sep 03). 2009: 17 Apr 30 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 31 Mar 2 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 3 Apr 8 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus rW, rPM () Small numbers occur in winter and spring SeptMay. 2009: 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 23 Mar (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: no records. 2011: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 24 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). BLACK-WINGED STILT Himantopus himantopus sRB, sPM Small numbers breed (e.g. Saltpans) and also on passage MarMay and AugOct. 2009: max. 127 Polichnitos Saltpans 1 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: max. 150 Kalloni Saltpans 14 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: max. 128 Polichnitos Saltpans 29 Jul (Lesvos Birds 2011). (PIED) AVOCET Recurvirostra avocetta rR, OB, sPM () Small numbers breed (e.g. Saltpans) and also on passage MarMay and AugOct. Occasionally over- winters on saltpan areas. 2009: max. 288 Polichnitos Saltpans 4 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: max. 600 Kalloni Saltpans 13 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: max. 584 Kalloni Saltpans 13 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011).

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NORTHERN LAPWING Vanellus vanellus () Small numbers OctMar. 2009: 6 records, 1 Jan, 13 Mar, 2 Nov 21 Dec (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 3 records, 15 Apr, 20 Aug & 16 Dec (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 5 records, 25 Mar, 21 Oct 29 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011). SPUR-WINGED PLOVER (LAPWING) Vanellus spinosus Usually single birds seen MarMay and rarely AugSept. 2 together May 08 is unusual. 2009: 4 records, 12 Apr 20 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 3-4 records, 22 Apr 20 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 10 records (record year), 13 Apr 19 May and 19 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). SOCIABLE PLOVER (LAPWING) * Vanellus gregaria One record: 1994: 1 Christou (Kameras) River 14 May (BoG). WHITE-TAILED PLOVER (LAPWING) * Vanellus leucurus One record: 2001: 1 Mesa 7 May (HRC10). Unconfirmed reports: 3 Kalloni Saltpans Apr 00 and another single there later in the month (Brooks 2000). EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria () Small numbers OctMar. On passage MarApr and SeptOct. 2009: 1 record: 2 Mesa 16 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 5 records: singles 3 Mar, 6 Sept, 2 Oct (2), 27 Nov and 1 on 2 Dec (Lesvos Birds 2011). 2011: no records.

sW

sPM

V [1]

V [1]

sW, rPM

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GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola sW, sPM Small numbers OctMar. On passage MarApr and SeptOct. 2009: spring 18 Apr 20 May; max. 9 on 5 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: spring 120 May; max. 10 on 6 May; autumn 24 Sept 29 Dec (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: spring 17 Apr 16 May; max. 8 on 30 Apr; autumn 25 Sep 28 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011). COMMON RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula sPM Occurs MarMay and AugOct. 2009: spring 6 Apr 28 May; autumn 19 Aug 21 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: spring 2 Apr 31 May; autumn 21 Aug 9 Dec (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: spring 28 Feb 21 May May; autumn 26 Aug 27 Dec (Lesvos Birds 2011). LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius sMB, sPM Small numbers breed along rivers and also on passage MarMay and AugSept. 2009: 9 Mar 21 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 4 Mar 12 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 1 Mar 22 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). KENTISH PLOVER Charadrius alexandrius rRB, sPM Breeds in suitable habitats such as Saltpans, drier areas of marshes, etc. Also on passage AprMay and SeptOct. 2009: max. 81 Polichnitos Saltpans 5 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: max. 100 Kalloni Saltpans 21 Dec (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: max. 126 Polichnitos Saltpans 5 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011). CASPIAN PLOVER * Charadrius asiaticus V [1] One record: 2002: 1 nr Kalloni Saltpans May (HRC05). Unconfirmed records: 1 dead Molivos Apr 84; 1 Skala Polichnitou Apr 87; nr Kalloni Saltpans May 02 and MarApr 03 (Brooks 1998, 2002, 2003). One rejected record: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 23 Apr 09 (HRC09).
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EURASIAN DOTTEREL * Charadrius morinellus V [2] Two records: 2006: 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 1112 Sept (HRC08, Lesvos Birds 2010). 2008: 1 Almiropotamos River (Vatera) 10 Sept (HRC10, Lesvos Birds 2010). Unconfirmed records: 1 Mesa Sept 97; 1 nr Sigri Apr 99; nr Kalloni Saltpans Apr 01; 2 nr Kalloni Saltpans Apr 03; 3 Christou (Kameras) River Apr 03 (Brooks 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003). EURSIAN WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola sW () Another species known from hunting reports, OctMar, but rarely seen by birders. No records received 20092012. JACK SNIPE Limnocryptes minimus cW Reported to be a common winter visitor, OctMar, by hunters, but rarely seen. Only several records from birders: 2000: 1 Dipi Larisos 11 Apr, 1 Faneromeni 12 Apr (Brooks 2000). 2002: 6 Skala Kallonis Pool 37 Mar (Brooks 2002). 2004: 1 Faneromeni river mouth 4 Apr (Brooks 2004) 2006: 1 Dipi Larisos Jan 06 (E. Galinou). No records received 20072012. GREAT SNIPE * Gallinago media rPM [15+] A near-annual migrant with most recent records inc: 1998: 1 Tsiknias River May (Brooks 1999). 1999: 1 Faneromeni River Ford 2025 Apr (Brooks 2000). 2004: 1 nr Kalloni Saltpans Apr 04 (Brooks 2004). 2006: singles nr Kalloni Saltpans Apr & May (per SPD); 2007: 1 Alikoudi Pool Apr (per SPD). 2008: Faneromeni River 2729 Apr (per SPD). 2009: 1 Haramida Marsh 7 May 08 (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 4 records (5 birds), all Kalloni area, 29 Apr 5 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 1 Alykes Wetlands 8 9 May (Lesvos Birds 2011).

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COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago () Present AugMay. BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa () Occurs on larger wetlands and rivers AprMay. 2009: 20 Mar 28 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). 2010: 15 Mar 13 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). 2011: 23 Mar 5 May and 5 Jul 26 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). BAR-TAILED GODWIT * Limosa lapponica Ten records: 2000: 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 27 Apr 6 May (Brooks 2000). 2001: 18 Christou (Kameras) River 4 May (Brooks 2001). 2002: 1 Kalloni area 2230 Apr (Brooks 2002). 2004: singles Kalloni Saltpans 9 Apr & 13 May (Brooks 2004). 2007: 1 Polichnitos Saltpans Sept (per SPD). 2008: 1 Kalloni Saltpans and Tsiknias River mouth Apr-May 8 (per SPD). 2009: 3 Polichnitos Saltpans 14 Jul (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 1 Tsiknias River and Alykes Wetlands 28 Apr 5 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 1 Tsiknias River 30 Aug 8 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus Small numbers occur MarMay and JulSept. 2009: no records. 2010: no records. 2011: 3 records 1229 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). EURASIAN CURLEW Numenius arquata () Small numbers AugMar. 2009: spring 28 Mar 18 Apr; autumn 25 Jun 27 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011). 2010: spring 24 Mar 11 Apr; autumn 1023 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2011). 2011: spring 1 May 7 Jun; autumn 10 Aug 3 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011).

sW, sPM

sSP

V [10]

rSP

rW, rPM

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SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus sPM, rW Small numbers MarMay and AugOct. 1-2 over-winter. 2009: spring 24 Apr 18 May; autumn 25 Sept 15 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011). 2010: spring 26 Mar 10 May; autumn 14 Aug 2 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). 2011: spring 22 Mar 20 Apr; autumn 10 Aug 7 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). COMMON REDSHANK Tringa totanus sR, sPM Occurs mainly AugMar, with smaller numbers AprMay. Mid-summer reports may indicate a few pairs stay to breed. 2009: max. 139 Polichnitos Saltpans 24 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: max. 149 Kalloni Saltpans 1 Jan (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: max. 138 Polichnitos Saltpans 22 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). MARSH SANDPIPER Tringa stagnatilis sPM Small numbers move through the island MarMay and AugSept. Record count: c.150 Kalloni Saltpans 6 Apr 02 (Brooks 2002). 2009: 8 Apr 8 May and 422 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 30 Mar 2 May and 12 Aug 16 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 21 Mar 3 May and 24 Aug 12 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). COMMON GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia sPM, sW Small numbers move through the island MarMay and AugSept. Small numbers over-winter. 2009: to 9 May and from 3 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: to 21 May and from 27 Jun (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: to 14 May and from 27 Jun (Lesvos Birds 2011). GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus rW, sPM Occurs mainly OctMar, with passage AprMay and JulSept. 2009: to 2 May and from 21 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: to 12 May and from 12 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: to 3 May and from 6 Jul (Lesvos Birds 2011).

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WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola cPM Very common on all water areas MarMay with smaller numbers JulSept. 2009: 26 Mar 26 May and 10 Jul 30 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 1314 Feb, 29 Mar 18 May and 1023 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 6 Mar 21 May and 11 Jul 22 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). TEREK SANDPIPER * Xenus cinereus V [8] Eight records: 1993: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 14 May (Brooks 1998). 1995: 1 Mesa 1617 May (Brooks 1998). 2000: 1 Kallonia Saltpans 20 Aug (HRC05). 2003: 1 River Christou (Kameras) River mouth 10 May video (HRC08). 2009: 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 13 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: singles Kalloni Saltpans 29 Apr & 27 Jul and Faneromeni 29 Sept (record year) (Lesvos Birds 2010). COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos sPM, rW Small numbers MarMay and AugOct. Over-wintering birds occasionally recorded. 2009: to 22 May and from 22 Jun (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: to 11 May and from 29 Jun (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: to 7 May and from 28 Jun (Lesvos Birds 2011). RUDDY TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres sPM Small numbers MarMay and AugSept. 2009: 29 Apr 30 May and 814 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 15 Apr 14 May and 23 Aug 22 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 28 Apr 15 May and 24 Aug 10 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). RED KNOT * Calidris canutus V [3] Three records: 2005: 1 Kalloni Saltpans Apr 05 (HRC 08). 2010: 1 Christou (Kameras) River in 30 Apr 2007: 1 Sept (HRC 08). (Lesvos Birds 2010). Unconfirmed records: 1 Polichnitos Saltpans Apr 99 (Brooks 1999); Kalloni Saltpans Apr 00 (Brooks 2000), 2 in May 04 (Brooks 2004) & May 07.
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SANDERLING Calidris alba sPM Small numbers seen MarMay and AugSept. 2009: 22 Apr 19 May and 25 Sept 3 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 22 Apr 18 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 18 Apr 15 May and 11 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta cPM () Can be found on almost all wetland areas AprMay, with large concentrations at some (e.g. Kalloni Saltpans) AprMay with smaller number JulOct. Occasionally over-winters. 2009: to 18 Jun and from 17 Jul; max. 141 on 7 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: to 24 May and from 15 Jul; max. 140 on 4 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: to 23 May and from 17 Jul; max. 399 on 4 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). TEMMINCKS STINT Calidris temminckii cPM Can be found on almost all wetland areas AprMay with smaller numbers AugSept. Record count: 16 Tsiknias River 17 May 01 (Brooks 2001). 2009: 20 Apr 12 May and 26 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 15 Apr 11 May and 1217 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 16 Apr 22 May and 10 Aug 3 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). PECTORAL SANDPIPER * Calidris melanotos V [1] One record: 2008: juv Polichnitos Saltpans 24 Sept 08 (HRC 08, Lesvos Birds 2009). Fourth record for Greece. CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea sPM Good numbers move through the island AprMay with smaller numbers AugOct. Noteable record: c.350 Kalloni Saltpans 9 May 99 (Brooks 1999). 2009: 3 Apr 8 Jun and 17 Jul 27 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 3 Apr 20 May and 30 Jul 19 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 18 Apr 25 May and 17 Jul 8 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011).

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DUNLIN Calidris alpina sW, sPM Surprisingly scarce AugMay. 2009: to 30 Apr and from 8 Sept; max. 249 on 24 Dec (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: to 11 May and from 10 Aug; max. 201 on 28 Jan (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: to 6 May and from 15 Aug; max. 245 on 10 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011). BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER Limicola falcinellus rPM Recorded AprMay, but unusually, more often encountered in autumn AugSept. Flock of 20 birds in Sept 2002 exceptional (P. Manning). 2009: 3 records, 911 May and 1125 Aug and 13 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 5 records, 316 May (3) and 1214 Aug (2) (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 4 records, 312 May (3) and 2931 Aug (1) (Lesvos Birds 2011). RUFF Philomachus pugnax sPM Occurs FebMay and AugOct. Found mainly at the two saltpans but often seen in small numbers on rivers. 2009: 525 May and 1025 Sept; max. 385 on 7 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 10 Mar 25 May and 2 Sept 3 Nov; max. 120 on 2527 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 5 Mar 17 May and 12 Aug 22 Oct; max. 300 on 26 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). RED-NECKED PHALAROPE * Phalaropus lobatus V [11] Eleven records: 1998: 2 Kalloni Saltpans 16 May (Brooks 1998). 1999: a fem Kalloni Saltpans 710 May (Brooks 1999). 2001: 3 Kalloni Saltpans area 26 Aug (HRC07). 2003: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 11 May (Brooks 2004). 2004: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 1 May (Brooks 2004). 2006: 1 nr Kalloni Saltpans May (E. Galinou); 1 Polichnitos Saltpans Aug Sept (E. Galinou). 2010: pr Kalloni Saltpans 18 May and 1 Kalloni Saltpans 2627 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 2 Kalloni Saltpans 16 Aug and 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 26 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2011). One rejected record: 4 Kalloni Saltpans 10 May 07 (HRC07).

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GREY PHALAROPE (RED PHALAROPE) * Phalaropus fulicarius V [1] One record: 2011: 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 31 Oct 1 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011). COLLARED PRATINCOLE Glareola pratincola cSP () Good numbers seen on passage across the island AprMay. Double-figure flocks, up to 50 birds, not unusual. 2009: 19 Apr 18 May and 25 Jun 3 Jul; max. 50 on 19 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 22 Apr 19 May and 20 Jun 1 Jul; max. 8 on 25 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 15 Apr 24 May; max. 40 on 25 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE * Glareola nordmanni V [5] Five records: 1993: 1 Faneromeni 11 May (per HRC). 1994: 2 Mylopotamos River 6 May (per HRC). 2003: 2 Kalloni Saltpans 10 May (HRC06) 2006: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 4 May (HRC06). 2011: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 13 14 May (Lesvos Birds 2011, HRC11 in prep). Unconfirmed records: 5 Kalloni Saltpans 11 Apr 86; 6 Skala Kallonis Pool Apr 15 Apr 87; 2 Tsiknias River 8 May 93; 6 Tsiknias River 6 May 94; 98 Kalloni Saltpans 2 on 21 Apr, 3 on 27 Apr, 2 on 30 Apr, 7 on 10 May & 1 on 12 May; 1 Christou (Kamares) River 15 Sept 98 (all Brooks 1998). Two rejected records: 2 Polichnitos Saltpans 28 Apr 06 (HRC11 in prep). 10 Polichnitos Saltpans 29 Apr 06 (HRC11 in prep). This species remains an identification challenge with birds needing to be seen well to separate from Collared Pratincole (especially worn birds lacking or with a reduced white-trailing edge to the wings). In Birding on the Greek Island of Lesvos (1998) Brooks includes many records including several accounts of flocks. Most of these records have never been submitted (many pre-date formal national recording) so have not been scrutinized at any level. Given the paucity of records over the last 10 years, and the continued difficulty in Separating from Collared Pratincole, the HRC consider these records unproven and would welcome anyone with any photos of birds listed in Brooks to submit them formally with details of the record. There is now an added complication in the form of Black-winged type Collared Pratincoles! Yes, you read right. At least three Collared Pratincoles resembling Black-winged have been documented from Israel (http://birdingfrontiers.com/2012/05/10/afrotropical-pratincole-mystery/ and http://birdingfrontiers.com/2012/05/25/pratincoles-mystery-now-3-birds/) from which one bird photographed in 2006 at Alykes Wetlands, originally thought to be a Black-winged, now matches the Israel birds.
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So real care must be taken with any birds considered as Black-winged, and very good photographs will be required to support any record. SLENDER-BILLED GULL Larus genei sW, sPM Occurs in small numbers OctMar. Passage birds AprMay and AugSept. Few records JunJul. 2009: to 11 May; 3 Jun 31 Jul; from 24 Aug; max. 25 on 7 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: to 2 May; 31 Jul; from 13 Sept; max. 14 on 12 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: to 16 May and from 10 Aug; max. 19 on 24 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus sW Occurs JulMay. LITTLE GULL Larus minutus sW, sPM Occurs in small numbers AugMay. Surprisingly few seen on passage AprMay and AugSept. Flock of 6000+ in 2010 is largest ever count record in Greece. 2009: 5 records 28 Mar 5 May and 21 Sept 7 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 6 records, 4 Jan, 1 Apr 7 May (inc. flock of 6000+ 1 Apr) and 1 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 3 records, 2330 Apr (2) and 317 Nov (1) (Lesvos Birds 2011). AUDOUINS GULL Larus audouinii rRB A rare resident which is known to breeds offshore near Petra (Brooks 2000). 1-2 recorded regularly along the north coast, especially between Molivos and Skala Sikaminias (which may also supports the idea of Turkish breeding birds coming over to the island). Rare away from the north, but records occasionally from northern Gulf of Kalloni, Sigri, Vatera and the east coast. 2010: survey of north Aegean islands estimate population at 20-24 pairs. MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocpehalus sW, sPM Occurs in reasonable numbers AugMay, with passage birds MarMay and AugOct. Record count: 200 Alykes Wetlands 3 Apr 02 (Brooks 2002). 2009: to 21 May and from 30 Jun; max. 191 on 4 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: to 20 May and from 11 Jun; max. 43 on 15 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: to 21 May and from 22 Jun; max. 50 on 17 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011).
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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

COMMON GULL (MEW GULL) * Larus canus V [6+] Around six records, most recent: 2003: 1 Kalloni Salt Pans Aug (Brooks 2003). 2009: 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 12 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis cRB Common resident breeding on offshore islands and seen right across the island. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL * Larus fuscus rPM Passage birds AprMay and SeptOct. Both intermedius and fuscus occur. 2011: 3 records (Lesvos Birds 2011). GULL-BILLED TERN Gelochelidon nilotica sSP Small numbers pass through the island AprMay. 2009: 11 Apr 27 May; 9 14 Sept; max. 22 on 19 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 27 Mar 19 May; 15 Aug 7 Sept; max. 50 on 6 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 11 Apr 17 May; max. 52 on 24 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). CASPIAN TERN Hydroprogne caspia sPM Occasionally recorded AprMay and AugSept. Record count: 20 (at roost) Kalloni Saltpans 24 Apr 00 (Brooks 2002). 2008: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 14 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2009: 4 records, 24 Apr 22 May and 11 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 3 records, 29 Apr, 7 Jul and 9 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 3 records, 11 30 Apr (2) and 22 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). LESSER CRESTED TERN * Thalasseus bengalensis V [1] One record: 2001: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 67 May (HRC10, Lesvos Birds 2011).

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SANDWICH TERN Thalasseus sandvicensis R, sPM Occurs all months (non-breeding resident). 2009: present all months; max. 26 on 26 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: to 18 May and from 13 Jun; max. 25 on 4 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: to 4 May and from 24 May; max. 31 on 27 Aug 1 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). LITTLE TERN Sternula albifrons sMB () Occurs AprSept. 2009: 19 Apr 11 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 15 Apr 31 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 11 Apr 7 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo sMB, cPM Occurs AugApr. 2009: 5 Apr 14 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 2 Apr 1 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 4 Apr 10 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). ARCTIC TERN * Sterna paradisaea V [1] One record: 2005: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 20 21 Apr (HRC09, Lesvos Birds 2011). The tenth record for Greece. Unconfirmed reports: Tsiknias River Jun 96 (2), May 98 (1) (all Brooks 1998), Apr 99 (1) and Apr 04 (2); Kalloni Saltpans Apr 98 (1), Apr 99 (3), May 00 (1) & Apr 04 (1); 6 Skala Kallonis Mar 02; 1 Tsiknias River mouth May 02 (Brooks 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004). WHISKERED TERN Chlidonias hybrida cPM Good numbers pass through wetlands areas AprMay with smaller numbers AugOct. 2009: 19 26 Apr and 20 Sept; max. 36 on 19 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 20 Apr 22 May and 9 Aug 16 Sept; max. 130 on 28 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 11 Apr 31 May and 12 Oct; max. 86 on 27 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011).

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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

WHITE-WINGED (BLACK) TERN Chlidonias leucopterus cPM Good numbers pass through wetlands areas AprMay with smaller numbers AugOct. 2009: 19 Apr 16 May max. 30 on 28 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 22 Apr 9 May and 11 27 Sept max. 150 on 30 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 20 Apr 31 May and 4 Sept max. 30 on 16 Apr & 13 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger sPM Small numbers (often singles) occur AprMay and AugSept. 2009: 6 23 May and 2 5 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 27 Apr 20 May and 13 Aug 27 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 18 Apr 28 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). ARCTIC SKUA (PARASITIC JAEGER) * Stercorarius parasticus V [3] Three records: 1999: 1 off Agios Fokas 29 Mar and 2 off Kalloni Saltpans 15 Apr (Brooks 1999) 2003: 2 Gulf of Kalloni off Kalloni Saltspans and Tsikinias River mouth 2324 Apr (Brooks 2003). ROCK DOVE Columba livia sRB Small numbers occur around the rockier coastal areas. Feral Pigeons also occur in the towns. Most reliable area is Faneromeni Upper Fields. STOCK DOVE * Columba oenas V [5] Five records, most recent: 1998: 1 Klio 30 May (Brooks 1998) 2002: 2 nr Sigri 20 May (Brooks 2002). 2010: 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 15 Feb (Lesvos Birds 2010). COMMON WOOD PIGEON Columba palumbus rRB, sW () Small numbers breed. Numbers increase with the arrival of winter migrants OctMar.

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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

EUROPEAN TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur cMB, cPM () Widespread breeder and passage migrant AprSept. 2009: 18 Apr 25 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 15 Apr 19 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 16 Apr 1 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto cRB () Widespread across the island, mainly around towns and villages. LAUGHING DOVE * Spilopelia senegalensis V [1] One record: 1994: 1 Achladeri 24 May (BoG). Unconfirmed records: 1 Skala Kallonis Apr 01 (Brooks 2001). GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO Clamator glandularis sMB, sSP Small passage MarMay. Evidence to support occasional attempted breeding (Brooks 1998, 2000, 2004). 2009: 20 Apr 9 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 29 Mar 18 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 10 Apr 18 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). COMMON CUCKOO Cuculus canorus sPM () Small numbers pass through AprMay and AugOct. The rufous female hepatic form is not uncommon. 2009: 22 Apr 17 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 3 Apr 17 May and 17 Aug 17 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 16 Apr 4 Jun and 5 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). WESTERN BARN OWL Tyto alba sRB Small numbers breed across the island.

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EURASIAN SCOPS OWL Otus scops sMB () Breeds across the island AprJul. More often heard than seen, and birds rarely call after Jun. Some well- known traditional spring roost sites inc. the Kalloni Mini Soccer pitch site at Soumouria (Scops Copse!) and Papiana village. Observers are reminded to respect day-roosting owls and avoid flushing them as once flushed they are rarely relocated. 2009: 18 Apr 31 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 1 Apr 18 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 14 Mar 2 Jul (Lesvos Birds 2011). EURASIAN EAGLE OWL Bubo bubo rRB () The Lesvos Wildlife Hospital (LWH) has provided the first confirmed evidence of breeding on the island (photographs of one downy young from one nest) indicating that at least one pair is resident on the island. There is unlikely to be more than a handful of pairs across the island. Most records are of birds taken in to care in an emaciated condition by LWH possibly indicating the lack of food to support these large predators. 2010: 2 birds taken in to care by LWH. TAWNY OWL Strix aluco rRB () Known only from a handful of records of birds calling throughout the year which indicate a likely small resident breeding population. LITTLE OWL Athene noctua cRB () Occurs across the island. Breeds in rocky areas and old buildings (especially shepherd buildings). Greek birds are are the race A. n. indigena. LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus sRB Small numbers known to breed across the island. SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus rW Occasional birds OctMar. 2011: 1 Molivos 26 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011).
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EUROPEAN NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europaeus sMB, rPM () Occurs AprSept. Rarely seen but birds heard churring from suitable habitats including Potamia Valley. ALPINE SWIFT Apus melba rMB, cPM Occures MarSept.Small numbers are thought to breed on the offshore islands inclduding Garbias Island off Makara and Gavatha Island off Gavathas. Passage birds occur MarMay and JulSept. 2009: 28 Mar 18 Sept; max. 200 on 2 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 2 Apr 11 Sept; max. 40 on 2 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 17 Mar 19 Aug; max. 50 on 4 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). COMMON SWIFT Apus apus cMB, cPM () Occurs MarOct. 2009: 21 Mar 25 Sept; max. 400 on 2 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 27 Mar 13 Sept; max. 400 on 19 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 26 Mar 17 Aug; max. 100 on 23 Apr & 6 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). PALLID SWIFT Apus pallidus sPM Small numbers pass through Mar Apr and Aug Oct. Appears to be two distinct spring movements: mid- Mar mid-Apr (main one before most birders arrive on the island) and a smaller movement in early mid-May. Some sizeable movements recorded e.g. 110+ Meladia River ford 5 May 08. 2009: 17 Apr 23 May; 3 Jul; max. 30 on 7 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 9 Apr 18 May; 22 Aug 11 Sept; max. 40 on 5 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 16 Apr 15 May; 4 Jul; 8 Oct; max. 10 on 7 & 15 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). Common Swift often misidentified (usually in strong sunlight) as this species. The Birds of Greece states that Pallid Swifts breeding in Greece are darker than west Mediterranean birds, intermediate between A. p. illyricus and A. p. brehmorum, couple with the comment re. Common Swift above, likely confusion with Common Swift is increased. LITTLE SWIFT * Apus affinis V [1] One record: 2004: 1 Skala Eressou Apr (HRC08, Lesvos Birds 2009).

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EUROPEAN ROLLER Coracias garrulus sPM () Occurs more frequently in spring AprMay than autumn AugSept. Can occur in numbers, e.g. in May 03, 8 nr Sigri and 17 seen coming in off the sea Vatera. 2009: 13 records, 26 Apr 12 May and 18 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 15+ records, 24 Apr 4 May and 1217 Sept (1) (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 15+ records, 29 Apr 18 May and 1 Sept 1 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). WHITE-THROATED KINGFISHER * Halcyon smyrnensis V [1] One record: 2007: 1 Agios Fokas 29 Sept (HRC09). One rejected record: 1 Sigri 11 Sept 09 (HRC10). Unconfirmed reports: A very convincing description of a single bird seen at the Christou (Kameras) River road bridge on the evening of 21 Sept 07 was never submitted. COMMON KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis sW, OB () Occurs mainly AugApr with occasional breeding record e.g. between Efthalou and Skala Sikaminias 03 (Brooks 2003). 2009: to 23 Apr and from 26 Jul (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: to 1 May and from 5 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: to 1 May and from 3 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). BLUE-CHEEKED BEE-EATER * Merops persicus V [6 (12)] Six records (of 12 birds): 2006: 1 Petra May (HRC 06). 2008: 1 east of the Tsiknias River 14 Apr 08; flock of 7 Meladia River Ford 3 May 08; 1 Meladia Valley 6 May (HRC08, HRC09, Lesvos Birds 2009, Lesvos Birds 2011). These two records were only two of the ten records (of 17 individuals) from the 2008 influx have been submitted (see below). 2010: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 19 May (HRC1, Lesvos Birds 2010). 2012: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 12 May, photo (Lesvos Birds 2012 in prep) Unconfirmed records: 2 Kalloni Saltpans May 98; 1 Kalloni Saltpans Aug 98; 1 Upper Tsiknias River Apr 99 (Brooks 1998, 1999); 6 nr Gavathas Aug 00 (Brooks 2000); influx in 2008 1 west of the Tsiknias River mouth 19 Apr 08; 1 Meladia River Ford 23 Apr 08; 1 Skala Kallonis Pool 30 Apr 08; 1 nr Vourkou River mouth 30 Apr 08 (photo); 1 Sigri 1 May 08; 1 Kalloni Bandstand 3 May 08; 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 5 May 08.
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EUROPEAN BEE-EATER Merops apiaster cPM, sMB () Occurs AprOct, often large numbers passing over in spring. 2009: 18 Apr 20 Sept; max. 300 on 1 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 19 Apr 26 Sept; max. 200 on 8 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 12 Apr 18 Sept; max. 320 on 4 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). EURASIAN HOOPOE Upupa epops cMB, cPM Occurs MarOct. Breeds across the island. 2009: 7 Mar 21 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 17 Jan and 9 Mar 26 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 27 Mar 17 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). EURASIAN WRYNECK Jynx torquilla sPM Occasional birds seen MarApr and AugOct. 2008: 23 Sept (SPD). 2009: 24 & 26 Apr, 3 & 21 Sept and 18 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 3 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 16 Apr 1 May (10) and 8 & 1921 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). MIDDLE SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus medius cRB Common throughout wooded areas of the island, including olive groves. RED-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius collurio sMB, cPM Scarce summer breeder (in west) and common passage migrant, often in considerable numbers, AprMay and AugOct. 2009: 18 Apr 10 Oct; max. 50 on 5 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 15 Apr 4 Nov; max. 100 on 1 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 26 Apr 7 Nov; no significant counts (Lesvos Birds 2011).

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LESSER GREY SHRIKE Lanius minor sMB, sPM A scarce summer breeder and passage migrant AprMay and AugOct. 2009: 26 Apr 26 Sept; max. 10 on 5 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 19 Apr 20 Sept; no significant counts (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 23 Apr 2 Oct; max. 15 on 27 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2011). GREAT GREY SHRIKE * Lanius exubitor V [11+] The only recent confirmed record: 2011: a L. e. excubitor x L. e. homeyeri integrade, nr Vouvars River mouth, 3 May. The 2011 bird displayed a heavy homeyeri set of characteristics including white tailbase and extensive white in the wings. No previous records have been fully documented with the most recent records of large grey shrikes have been a Steppe Shrike (below) and this hybrid individual. All future large grey shrikes need to be scrutinized carefully and preferably photos taken when perched and in flight to help determine subspecific identity. STEPPE GREY SHRIKE * Lanius meridionalis V [1] One accepted record of subspecies L. m. pallidirostris: 2008: one nr Vatera 21 Sept 08 (HRC08, Lesvos Birds 2009). This is the only Greek record to be assigned to pallidirostris. HRC treat as subspecies of L. meridionalis. There are two Greek records of L. meridionalis (but not assigned to pallidirostris). WOODCHAT SHRIKE Lanius senator cMB, cPM Common summer breeder and passage migrant, often in considerable numbers, AprMay and AugOct. 2009: 7 Apr 20 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009, Lesvos Birds 2010). 2010: 24 Mar 11 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 8 Apr 19 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). MASKED SHRIKE Lanius nubicus sMB A localised summer breeder AprSept. It favours scattered deciduous woodland and olive groves but a few pairs are found breeding in the pinewoods. Autumn migrants occur to end of Sept in many habitats inc. coniferous woodland (e.g. Sept 07). 2009: 17 Apr 18 Jun (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 30 Mar 1 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 13 Apr 2 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011).
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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

EURASIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE Oriolus oriolus cSP, rAP () Common migrant AprMay and rare migrant AugOct. 2009: 15 Mar 11 May; max. 10 on 5 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 19 Apr 22 May and 13 Sept; max. 30 on 5 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 16 Apr 6 Jun and 27 Aug 4 Sept; max. 100 on 1 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). EURASIAN JAY Garrulus glandarius atricapillus cRB () The black-crowned race atricapillus is common across the island. EURASIAN MAGPIE * Pica pica V [4] () Four records: 1995: 1 nr Kalloni Oct 95 (Brooks 1998). 1997: 1 nr Petra Jun-Sept 97 (Brooks 1998). 1998: 1 Petrified Forest Oct 98 (Brooks 1998). 2008: 1 nr Mandamados May 08 (per SPD). SPOTTED NUTCRACKER * Nucifraga caryocatactes V [1] One record: 1993: 1 between Vafios and Agrenos May 93 (Brooks 1998). RED-BILLED CHOUGH * Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax V [2] Two records: 1996: 1 nr Dafia Jun 96 (Brooks 1998). 2003: 1 Upper Tsiknias River Apr 03 (Brooks 1998, 2003). Recorded breeding on nearby island of Chios in 1971 but not listed as present there in 1993 (BoG). WESTERN JACKDAW Coloeus mondula sRB () Flocks are resident around Sigri, Anaxos, Skala Eresou, Gavathas, Apothika and Skala Polichnitou. ROOK Corvus frugilegus V [8] Recent records: 1986: 2 Faneromeni 8 Apr (Brooks 1998).

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1996: 2 (ad and imm) wandering birds Faneromeni 22 Apr 11 May and 1 Vatera 11 May (Brooks 1998). 2001: 1 Ancient Andissa 10 May (Brooks 2001). 2002: 1 Vatera 24 Apr, 2 Achladeri Apr, 1 Mesa 11 May (Brooks 2002). 2007: 1 autumn taken in to care (Lesvos Wildlife hospital). HOODED CROW Corvus cornix cRB () Widespread and common. NORTHERN RAVEN Corvus corax sRB () Small numbers breed in the rockier upland areas. BOHEMIAN WAXWING * Bombycilla garrulus V [1] () One record: 196566: an unknown number of birds during a major influx of birds into Greece during the 6566 winter (BoG). SOMBRE TIT Poecile lugubris sRB Widespread breeder, especially in the centre, north and west of the island. Occurs mainly around stands of deciduous trees, scattered woodland and edges of olive groves. The subspecies P. l. anatoliae occurs on Lesvos. COAL TIT Periparus ater rRB A small population occurs through the coniferous woodland in the centre and east of the island. GREAT TIT Parus major cRB Common and widespread. EURASIAN BLUE TIT Cyanistes caeruleus cRB Common and widespread.

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EURASIAN PENDULINE TIT Remiz pendulinus rMB Most recent records: 1997: 1 nr Mitilini 17 Oct (Brooks 1998). 1998: 1 Skala Eresou 10 Apr and 1 Dipi Larisos late Apr 98 (Brooks 1998). 1999: 2 Dipi Larisos 27 Mar (Brooks 1999). 2000: 1 Haramida Oct (Brooks 2001). 2002: pr bred Faneromeni (nr lower ford) (first confirmed breeding record) (Brooks 2002). 2004: 1 nr Vatera Apr 04 (per SPD). 2008: 4 Faneromeni Apr 08 (per SPD). 2010: pr bred Skala Eresou (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: pr bred in the west of the island; a second pr present in the Kalloni area during the breeding season (Lesvos Birds 2011). BEARDED TIT (BEARDED REEDLING) * Panurus biarmicus V [2] Two records: 2000: 1 trapped and ringed Haramida Nov (Brooks 2001). 2004: pr Skala Kallonis Pool 111 Apr (Brooks 2004). CALANDRA LARK * Melanocorypha calandra V [10] () Eleven records: 1996: 2 Alykes Wetlands 23 May (Brooks 1998). 1997: singles Mesa 23 Apr 97, 1 Skala Eresou early May 97 and Alykes Wetlands 3 May (Brooks 1998). 1998: 1 Dipi Larisos 9 Apr 98 (Brooks 1998). 1999: 1 wandering bird Skala Kallonis, Mesa and River Christou Apr-Jun 99 (Brooks 1999). 2000: singles Kalloni Saltpans 24 Apr and Faneromeni River mouth 6 Jun 00 (Brooks 2000). 2010: 1 Polichnitos Saltpans Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 1 Kalloni Saltpans beach 24 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). GREATER SHORT-TOED LARK Calandrella brachydactyla rMB, sPM () Occurs AprSept. Breeds in suitable short grassland areas such as Alykes Wetlands nr Kalloni Saltpans. 2009: 6 Jan (first confirmed winter record for Greece), 11 Apr 27 May; max. 18 on 20 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 26 Mar 10 Jul; max. 40 on 4 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 12 Apr 6 Jul; max. 40 on 29 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). LESSER SHORT-TOED LARK * Calandrella rufescens V [1] One record: 2004: 1 nr Kalloni Salt Pans 1 May (HRC05). Fourth record for Greece.
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One rejected record: 2 Polichnitos Saltpans 27 Apr 06 (HRC11 in prep). CRESTED LARK Galeria cristata cRB Widespread across the island. WOODLARK Lullula arborea sRB Small numbers breed in suitable woodland and scrub habitats (e.g. Achladeri, Ipsilou). EURASIAN SKYLARK Aluada arvensis sW () Occurs OctMar. 2009: to 6 Apr and from 25 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: to 16 Mar; 7 May: from 27 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: to 22 Mar; 13 Apr; from 9 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011). SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia sPM Occurs on passage MarMay and AugOct. 2009: 16 Apr 24 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 6 Apr 18 May, 24 Aug 29 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 11 Apr 3 Jun, 11 Sep 4 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica cMB, cPM Common and widespread on passage MarMay and AugOct. Breeds across the island. 2009: 16 Apr 24 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2011: 13 Mar 12 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). 2010: 12 Mar 17 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). Birds showing characteristics of H. r. savignii or H. r. transitive are reported most years in spring but with no confirmed records these races are excluded from both the Lesvos and Greek Lists. Any records of these subspecies should be supported by good photographs including the birds underwings. EURASIAN CRAG MARTIN Ptyonoprogne rupestris sMB, SPM () Occurs AprSept. Breeds in rocky gorges and cliffs of the west and north. Is likely to overwinter but no

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records to support this. 2009: 18 Apr 23 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2011: 11 Apr 1 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). 2010: 21 Mar 2 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). COMMON HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbicum cMB, cPM Common and widespread on passage MarMay and AugOct. Breeds across the island. 2009: 7 Mar 17 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 19 Mar 17 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 25 Feb 8 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Cecropis daurica cMB, cPM Common and widespread on passage MarMay and AugOct. Breeds across the island. 2009: 5 Apr 21 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 27 Mar 16 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 3 Apr 9 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). CETTIS WARBLER Cettia cetti sRB () Found along river courses and around wetland areas across the island. LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus rRB Localised breeder in some of the coniferous woods, e.g. Achladeri. Lesvos birds belong to the race A. c. tephronotus (lacks pink tones and has a black bib). WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus sSP, cAP AprMay and AugOct. 2009: 28 Mar 28 Apr and 24 Aug 26 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 11 Mar 11 May and 9 Aug 4 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 13 Mar 4 May and 7 Aug 23 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011).

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COMMON CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita sW, sPM AugApr. 2009: 1 Jan 12 May and 19 Sept 25 Dec (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: to 12 May and from 16 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: to 4 May and from 7 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). EASTERN BONELLIS WARBLER Phylloscopus orientalis sMB, rPM Occurs AprSept. Small numbers breed around Agiasos, Lardia Valley, Vatousa and Fila, and occasionally elsewhere on the island (e.g. Potamia Valley 0204). Passage birds noted occasionally elsewhere on the island (e.g. annually at Ipsilou and Aghia Ioannis Sept 07). 2009: from 24 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: from 26 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: from 19 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix cSP, sAP Common on passage AprMay, but less so AugOct. 2009: 20 Apr 13 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 19 Apr 12 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 16 Apr 14 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER * Phylloscopus inornatus V [2] Two records (accepted by HRC): 2010: 1 Vergias (Chalandra) River mouth, Skala Eresou, 29 Mar and 1 Akrasi 19 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010, HRC10). These are the first two records for Lesvos. There are nine previous Greek records. GREAT REED WARBLER Acrocephalus arundinaceus sMB, sPM Relatively common AprSept. 2009: 20 Apr 13 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 3 Apr 4 Jun and 16 17 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 15 Apr 27 Jun (Lesvos Birds 2011).

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MOUSTACHED WARBLER * Acrocephalus melanopogon rW Known to winter at Dipi Larisos (E Galinou pers. comm.). No confirmed records to support any other occurrence on the island. LBRC requires full details of all records. Confusion with Sedge Warbler likely (and is frequent). This is a real reedbed species, and whilst all birds should be studied carefully, any bird thought to be this species should be treated with caution. It should also be noted that this species is a very early breeder, e.g. birds are usually on territory on their northern Greece breeding grounds (e.g. Lake Kerkini) from late February so migrants in spring on Lesvos seem very unlikely. SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus cPM Common MarMay and AugOct. 2009: 7 Apr 6 May and 4 6 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 28 Mar 10 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 9 Apr 10 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). EURASIAN REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus sMB, cPM Common MarOct. 2009: 2 Apr 7 Jun (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 1 Apr 4 Jun and 7 Sept(Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 11 Apr 13 Jun (Lesvos Birds 2011). MARSH WARBLER Acrocephalus palustris rPM Small numbers AprMay and, more commonly, JulSept. 2009: 2 records, 4 & 7 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2010: 6 records, 30 Apr 4 Jun19 Apr 12 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 3 records, 27 Apr 21 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). EASTERN OLIVACEOUS WARBLER Hippolais pallida cMB, cPM Common in dry scrub areas AprOct. 2009: 17 Apr 23 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 17 Apr 12 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 11 Apr 20 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011).
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OLIVE-TREE WARBLER Hippolais olivetorum sMB This species breeds widely throughout Greece (up to 5000 pairs) (BoG), the Balkans and Turkey. In Greece it occurs as far south as the southern Mainland, Naxos and Kos. It is absent from both Rhodes and Crete. On Lesvos it is thinly distributed across the island and found in suitable olive and oak woodland. It occurs in parkland like habitat comprising olive groves with scattered oak (occasionally just a single tree), almonds and bushes or oak parkland-like woodland with scattered olive trees and appears to show some preference for shallow undulating sites with hollows. Although thinly distributed it can occur in relatively high densities (e.g. up to six singing males singing in close proximity in Platania). A feature of most breeding sites is the presence of Masked Shrike which regularly mimic Olive-tree Warbler. Olive-tree Warbler has a very recognisable, raucous song which is like a very loud Olivaceous Warbler (which is good as it also looks a little like an over-sized Olivaceous Warbler). It is less guttural and rhythmic than Great Reed Warbler (migrants of the latter found singing from trees occasionally confuse) and very unlike the more musical Nightingale-like Orphean Warbler song (with which it frequently occurs alongside). Masked Shrike mimicry is usually thinner and more scratchy than the warblers own song, but it is very passable and a shrike singing out of sight and facing away from the observer (and so muffling the sing slightly) can cause real confusion. Better known sites on the island inc. the upper Napi Valley, Platania, between Skala Vasilikon and Skamnioudi (north of Skala Polichnitou), Potamia Valley, Ambeliko Valley and Feneromeni. It does however occur in many other areas and there remain many new sites to discover! Breeding Olive-tree Warbler arrives on the island at the very end of April and are at their most active during the first half of May. Birds depart in July with few records later than late August (later birds are probably migrants from further north). Occasional migrants are seen/heard away from known breeding areas in spring (as early as 1 Apr) and occasionally in autumn. 2009: 25 Apr 25 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 1 Apr (migrant); 27 Apr 15 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 28 Apr 25 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). ICTERINE WARBLER Hippolais icterina sPM Small numbers pass through AprJun and AugSept. 2009: 28 Apr 14 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 29 Apr 13 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 20 Apr 14 May and 25 30 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). COMMON GRASSHOPPER WARBLER * Locustella naevia rPM Very small numbers AprMay and AugOct. 2009: no records.
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2010: 2 records, 2 & 28 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 1 record, 19 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). Care needs to be taken in separating this species from Savis Warbler. RIVER WARBLER Locustella fluviatilis rPM Small numbers, usually only ever heard, AprMay and AugSept. Autumn presence confirmed by ringing (Brooks 1998). 2009: 2 records, 6 & 9 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 5 records, 25 Apr 6 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 5 records, 23 Apr 11 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). Care needs to be taken in Separating this species from calling crickets! SAVIS WARBLER Locustella luscinioides sPM Very small numbers AprMay and AugOct. 2009: 1 record, 5 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 4 records, 3 Apr 3 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 11 records, 16 Apr 1 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). ZITTING CISTICOLA (FAN-TAILED WARBLER) Cisticola juncidis rRB () Bred at several sites up to 2004 then the whole population disappeared from 2005. Former breeding sites were checked annually and the species was found at several of these sites (e.g. the Alykes Wetlands and Christou (Kameras) River) in 2011. EURASIAN BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla cPM, rW Occurs MarMay and AugOct. Small numbers winter NovMar. 2009: passage 22 Mar 29 Apr and 9 Sept 21 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: passage 26 Apr 12 May and 17 Sept 5 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: passage 12 Apr 12 May and 17 Sept 16 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011). GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin rPM Small numbers AprMay and AugOct. 2009: 4 records, 3 & 4 May, 28 Aug and 9 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009, Lesvos Birds 2010).
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2010: 8 records, 3 12 May (5) and 17 Sept 5 Oct (3) (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 9 records, 15 Apr 4 May (5) and 15 Aug 1 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). BARRED WARBLER Sylvia nisoria sPM Small numbers recorded AprMay and AugSept. Occasionally found on territory during breeding season, e.g. Meladia Valley May 05 (E. Galinou) but no confirmed breeding records. 2009: 12 records, 20 Apr 6 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 4 records, 27 Apr 8 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 25+ records, 19 Apr 5 May and 26 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca sPM, ?rMB? Occurs on passage AprMay and AugOct. Suitable habitat for it to breed. 2009: 2 Apr 3 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 16 Mar 10 May and 25 Jul 5 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 11 Apr 8 May and 5 Sept 7 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011). EASTERN ORPHEAN WARBLER Sylvia hortensis sMB, sPM AprSept. Breeds across the island. Lesvos birds are of the race crassirostris. 2009: 9 Apr 30 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009, Lesvos Birds 2010). 2010: 1 Apr 29 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 13 Apr 29 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). COMMON WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis sPM, rMB Occurs on passage AprMay and AugOct. Several pairs breed. 2009: 13 Apr 8 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2009, 2010). 2011: 5 Apr 6 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). 2010: 3 Apr 5 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). SPECTACLED WARBLER Sylvia conspicillata V [1] One record (accepted by HRC): 2011: an adult male Sigri Fields 19 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). Unconfirmed records: 1 Faneromeni River Ford Apr 00; 1 Ipsilou monastery Apr 00; 1 between Efthalou and Skala Sikaminias May 01 (Brooks 2000, 2001).
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SUBALPINE WARBLER Sylvia cantillans cMB4 Common and widespread across much of the island AprSept. 2009: 9 Mar 9 Jun (Lesvos Birds 2009, Lesvos Birds 2010). 2010: 2 Apr 3 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 13 Apr 28 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). SARDINIAN WARBLER Sylvia melanocephala sRB, rPM A scarce species with scattered breeding sites along the east and north of the island including Kavaki, Perasma, Agios Fokas and Ambeliko Valley. More numerous in winter suggests wintering birds from nearby Turkey. RPPELLS WARBLER Sylvia rueppelli rMB, rPM A localised summer breeder. It is now known from only a single area of at Kavaki between Petra and Molivos. The population decline mirrors that that seen throughout Greece. Males have been found holding territory in the KalloniPetra corridor inc. in recent years the Kalloni Raptor Watchpoint, Kalami (Mesa) and the east side of Mesa (along the track to Mirsinia). 2009: 24 Apr 14 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 17 Apr 16 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 16 Apr 1 Jun (Lesvos Birds 2011). COMMON FIRECREST * Regulus ignicapilla V [?] Most recent records are: 1999: 1 singing near Parakila Apr 99 (Brooks 1999). 2002: up to 6 Meladia River valley nr Sigri Apr 02 (Brooks 2002). 2007: 1 Molivos Sept 07 (Dudley 2009). 2011: 1 Meladia Valley Chapel 17 20 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). GOLDCREST Regulus regulus sW Localised, usually in the coniferous woods, OctApr. 2010: 1 Skala Polichnitou 21 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 1 Agiasos 16 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011).

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EURASIAN WREN Troglodytes troglodytes rRB () Small numbers breed across the island and records indicate increase in numbers in winter. EURASIAN NUTHATCH Sitta europaea rRB Thinly distributed across the islands in oak areas inc. Napi Valley, Parivoli monastery, Skalochori, Vatousa, between Agiasos and Plomari, and along the north track between Molivos and Skala Sikaminias. KRPERS NUTHATCH Sitta krueperi rRB This diminutive nuthatch is one of the main Lesvos attractions. A true Asia Minor species it is an endemic of the Western Palearctic were it is thought to be common in parts of southwest Russia, Georgia and Turkey. In Europe it occurs only on Lesvos which makes the island the accessible area for this species in the Western Palearctic. The Lesvos population is estimated at around 600 pairs (L. Kakalis pers. comm.). This is a Calabrian Pine Pinus brutia forest species (Harrap & Quinn 1996) that occurs throughout the central and eastern pinewoods from sea level (e.g. Achladeri) up to c.800m. The species main area lies between the Gulf of Kalloni and the Gulf of Geras and this area has formed the main research study area on the species between 200307 (Kakalis & Akriotis 2007), with some birds occurring in woods north of Kalloni and Parakila. Despite extensive areas of Calabrian forest on the island, the species occurs at a low density, even for a nuthatch. This is thought to be due to the species specialised requirement of mature forest with abundant dead trees. Current forest management on Lesvos includes the removal of much of the dead trees (Kakalis & Akriotis 2007). Preferred nest sites are in dead standing trees (snags) with birds occasionally using dead branches of live pines (6%) with many snags having broken tops leaving a tall decaying stump. Nest holes tend to be between 3-10 meters off the ground and the taller the snag the higher the nest hole (Kakalis & Akriotis 2007). Around 250 nest boxes have been sited in the forest since 1999 but nuthatches have never been found using them (unlike in Turkey where nest box use is relatively common) (Kakalis & Akriotis 2007). The nesting season varies depending on how cold and wet the late winter/early spring period has been. This means that in some years birds may just be going down on eggs at the end of April, but in other years they are feeding young in the first week of May. Lower altitude sites (such as Achladeri) appear to be more consistent than higher sites, with fledging being the norm around the second week in May. Incubation of the 5-6 eggs is between 14-17 days, and the young fledge after 16-19 days, with the birds keeping to the natal area for the first week or two. Krpers Nuthatch is resident and the Lesvos population is almost certainly isolated with no immigration occurring from the nearest Turkish population (35km+ inc. sea crossing) (L. Kakalis pers. comm.). As a resident, pairs tend to be territorial throughout the year, so a pair will often be found close to their favoured breeding site throughout autumn and winter. This may indicate that birds away from these sites, especially singletons in autumn, are dispersing young birds. Krpers Nuthatch is often first detected by its nasal dwyee or buzzy Jay-like calls.
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Achladeri remains the main site for this species (1-3 pairs breeding annuall), but it can also be seen well in the Agiasos area. It is well worth exploring other pinewood areas inc. around Kalloni and Parakila. WESTERN ROCK NUTHATCH Sitta naumayer cRB () Common throughout much of the rockier areas of the island, particularly the west and north. They build gourd-like nests out of mud in shaded rock crevices. Lesvos birds dont look like classic Western Rock Nuthatch S. neumayer, but appear to be somewhere between Western and Eastern Rock Nuthatch S. tephronata. Birds are very variable and many have extensive buff colouring to the undertail and onto the rear flanks (pro-Eastern) as well as a medium-to- thick black eye stripe behind the eye (intermediate feature). Some place the Lesvos birds as part of the Asia Minor race S. n. zarudnyi (BoG). Proving were the Lesvos birds fall in the rock nuthatch complex could prove a fascinating study. SHORT-TOED TREECREEPER Certhia brachydactyla sRB Occurs in pine forests across the island. Most birders see this species at Achladeri when looking for Krpers Nuthatch and so rarely search elsewhere. Lesvos birds may be of the Asia Minor race C. b. harterti (BoG). COMMON STARLING Sturnus vulgaris cW () Occurs OctApr. 2011: a pr found breeding nr Metochi Lake was the confirmed breeding on the island. ROSE-COLOURED STARLING (ROSY STARLING) Pastor roseus sPM Occurs in varying numbers annually MayJun. Record count: 300 Aghia Ioannis 24 May 00 (Brooks 2004). 2009: an early 2CY male 2 5 May, then 13 27 May; max. 15 on 21 May (Lesvos Birds 2000). 2010: an early bird on 27 Apr, then 18 23 May; max. 150 on 22 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 13 May 29 May; max. 150 on 15 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). RING OUZEL * Turdus torquatus V [4] Four recent records: 1999: singles Potamia Valley 16 Ap, Achladeri 23 Ap and Ipsilou 23 May 99 (Brooks 1999). 2011: 1 Ipsilou 23 28 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011).

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COMMON BLACKBIRD Turdus merula cRB, cW () Breeding numbers increasing and very common in winter. Shot in large numbers to reduce numbers feeding on olives. FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris rW Small numbers OctFeb. 2010: up to 4 Polichnitos Saltpans 3 20 Feb (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 2 Polichnitos Saltpans 7 Mar (Lesvos Birds 2011). REDWING Turdus iliacus rW OctFeb. 2009: 8 Agia Paraskevi 22 Mar (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2011: 1 Agia Paraskevi 15 Mar (Lesvos Birds 2011). SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelus rRB, sW () Common and widespread in winter, with many shot (see Blackbird). Several pairs breed. MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus sRB Small numbers breed across the island. EUROPEAN ROBIN Erithacus rubecula rRB, cW Occurs commonly across the island Oct Mar. A few breeding pairs. BLUETHROAT * Luscinia svecica V [1] Only one record: 2007: 1 Pithariou Reservoir 22 Sept (HRC08). Unconfirmed records: Mesa 30 Apr 02 (Brooks 2002), 1 Christou (Kameras) River spr 04 (Brooks 04).

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THRUSH NIGHTINGALE Luscinia luscinia rPM Occurs in small numbers Apr May and occasionally Aug Oct. 2009: 6 records, 3 8 May and 1 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 1 record, 29 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 5 records, 16 21 Apr and 18 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). COMMON NIGHTINGALE Luscinia megarhynchos cMB () Apr Oct. Breeds across the island along dry riverbeds and other dry, dense scrub. WHITE-THROATED ROBIN * Irania gutturalis V, OB [8] This species is thinly distributed throughout southern and eastern Turkey and the Middle East. It is best classed as a vagrant, sporadic breeder on Lesvos. The Birds of Greece lists only four records up to 1995, inc. two from Lesvos, and there have been around a further ten records throughout Greece up to 2006. Whilst this is a HRC description species, few observers ever submit their records formally so few have been officially accepted. Accepted records: 1994: male nr Molivos May 94 (BoG). 1995: pr, including male carrying food, nr Molivos May 1995 (BoG). 1998: female Faneromeni May 98 (HRC05). 2006: male nr Sigri May 06 (HRC06). 2009: male Ipsilou 1 Jun (Lesvos Birds 2009, HRC09). 2011: male Ipsilou 8 May, female Meladia Valley 11 May and female Ipsilou 13 May (Lesvos Birds 2011) Unconfirmed records: Efthalou 95 and 96 (reportedly breeding both years); a male between Eressos and Sigri and (believed same) at Faneromeni River Ford May 97; pr on territory Ipsilou monastery May 01 were seen taking food to a nest site; 2 prs bred successfully nr Agra spr 01; 1 pr bred nr Agra 02 (Brooks 1998, 2002001, 2002). In addition, reports of a pr bred near the old Sigri Sanatorium 06 of which only a record of an adult seen on 4/5/06 submitted and accepted as above. RUFOUS BUSH-ROBIN (RUFOUS-TAILED SCRUB ROBIN) Erythropygia galactotes sMB, rPM Occurs AprAug. Birds arrive back in Lesvos in early May (rarely late April) and depart by late August. Signs of a decline since 2005. Lesvos holds a small population with scattered pairs across the central and western areas of the island. They seem to have a preference for coastal areas of dry stream and riverbeds running down to the coast. Males sing from small trees and bushes but otherwise they spend their time skulking under and around dense low shrub cover. Better known sites inc. coastal busges around the Kalloni Saltpans and Alykes Wetlands, Meladia River Plain, Faneroeni beach and Madaros.
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As with several migrant species, records reflect when birders are present to report them rather than their true annual occurance on the island. 2009: 28 Apr 23 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 25 Apr 6 Jun (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 21 Apr 26 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros sW Common OctMar. 2009: to 2 Apr, migrant 11 May, and from 17 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: to 21 Mar, migrant 13 May, and from 22 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: to 23 Mar, 15 Apr 7 May and from 1 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). COMMON REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus sPM () Occurs AprMay and SeptOct. 2009: 13 Apr 5 May and 2028 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 24 Apr 7 Jun and 15 Sept 26 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 16 Apr 13 May and 20 Sept 8 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra cPM Can occur in huge numbers across the island AprMay and AugOct. 2009: 8 Apr 10 May and 22 Aug 10 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 2 Apr 13 May and 20 Aug 6 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 15 Apr 14 May and 20 Aug 28 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). EUROPEAN STONECHAT Saxicola rubicola sRB () Small numbers occur across the island and records indicate increase in numbers in winter. ISABELLINE WHEATEAR Oenanthe isabellina sMB, rPM Occurs AprSept. Small numbers breed in the rocky west of the island. Best area to search is between the Eresos/Sigri/Kalloni road junction and Ipsilou Monastery. Passage birds seen in other areas. 2009: 5 Apr 23 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 20 Mar 13 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 14 Apr 25 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011).
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NORTHERN WHEATEAR Oenanthe oennanthe sMB, cPM Occurs MarSept. Small numbers breed throughout the west of the island and a small passage MarMay and AugOct. 2009: 13 Mar 24 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 8 Mar 24 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 19 Feb 22 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). PIED WHEATEAR * Oenanthe pleschanka V [10] Around 10 records inc: 1988: pr breeding nr Akrisi (BoG). 1995: male Skala Sikaminias 9 May, a pr near Ambeliko 9 May and a male nr Petra 11 May (Brooks 1998). 1996: male Potamia Valley 9 May, juv Mesa mid-Aug (Brooks 1998). 1997: a singing male nr Petra 2 May, 1 Meladia Valley 23 Aug, 1 Potamia Reservoir 2Sept, 1 nr Molivos 5 10 Sept (Brooks 1998). 1998: male nr Sigri 18 Apr (Brooks 1998). 2001: pr held territory on Mt Olympus in May 01 (Brooks 2001). 2003: a possible pr on territory nr Molivos May 03 (Brooks 2003). Since more formal recording begin in the mid-2000s, there have been no confirmed records, with those which have been followed up all turning out to be the black-throated form of Black-eared Wheatear. Separating this species from the black-throated form of Black-eared Wheatear requires very good views. EASTERN BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR Oenanthe hispanica melanoleuca cMB Common and widespread across the island Mar Sept. Only melanoleuca occurs on the island, with pale- throated and black-throated forms of both present. Annually, black and white males lacking any brown tones to the mantle are reported as Finsch's Wheatear. FINSCHS WHEATEAR * Oenanthe finschii V [3] Three records accepted by HRC: 1993: male Megalochori 10 Jun 93 (BoG). 2010: male Ipsilou 8 Apr 10 (Lesvos Birds 2010, HRC10). 2011: male nr Ipsilou 24 Apr 11 (Lesvos Birds 2011, HRC11 in prep). Unconfirmed records: a male singing at the top of Potamia Valley May 98 & Apr 99; 1 Aghia Ioannis Apr 99; pr Ipsilou monastery Apr 99; nr Molivos Irrigation Reservoir May 00; fem between Sigri and Eresos Jun 00; pr between Efthalou and Skala Sikaminias May 01 (Brooks 1998, 2000, 2001). Many reports prove to be black and white black-throated Black-eared Wheatear.
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COMMON ROCK-THRUSH Monticola saxatilis rPM, OB [20] Around 20 records, most recent: 1997: 1 btwn Dafia and Filia late Apr, 1 Molivos 30 Aug (Brooks 1998). 1998: pr 13 Ipsilou 13 Apr, 1 btwn Dafia and Filia late Apr, male Kavaki 16 May, 1 Mt Olympus 25 May (Brooks 1998). 2000: male nr Vatousa 16 Apr, male Metochi Lake 22 Apr and female Napi Valley 24 Apr; male nr Ipsilou and male nr Vatousa 15 May (Brooks 2000) 2005: 1 Efthalou Sept 05 (per SPD). 2007: 1 Sigri Apr 07, 1 nr Napi Apr 08 (per SPD). 2008: male Napi Valley 26 Apr (per SPD). 2009: male Ipsilou 29 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: pr breeding Mt Olympus 25 Apr (first confirmed breeding record), male Kavaki 26 Apr and male Ipsilou 29 Apr 1 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: male Platania 15 Apr, male Achladeri Forest 22 Apr and fem nr Skoutaros 6 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). BLUE ROCK-THRUSH Monticola solitarius sRB Widespread, especially in the rocky west of the island. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata cPM Widespread, and often in large numbers, Apr-May and Aug-Oct. Breeds in pine forest areas across the island. 2009: 17 Apr 1 Oct; max. 200 on 6 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 23 Apr 10 Oct; max. 40 on 9 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 15 Apr 21 Oct; max. 300 on 3 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). EUROPEAN PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca cPM Widespread AprMay and AugOct. 2009: 6 Apr 8 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 17 Apr 12 May and 13 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 15 Apr 12 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). COLLARED FLYCATCHER Ficedula albicollis sSP, rAP Occurs AprMay. Only four autumn records 2 Skala Eressau Oct 95; 1 Pithariou Reservoir Sept 07 and 2009 below. The west of island during good migration periods is the best chance for this species. Unprecedented numbers (thousands) occurred in spring 2011. 2009: 20 Apr 8 May and 19 Jul & 14 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2009).
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2010: 4 Apr 5 Jun (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 15 Apr 14 Jun unprecedented numbers (Lesvos Birds 2011). SEMICOLLARED FLYCATCHER Ficedula semitorquata rPM Around 14 records prior to 2010. Occurred in unprecedented numbers (with other species) in 2011. Pre-2010 known records: singles Faneromeni River Ford Apr 00 & Apr 03; 1 Napi Valley Apr 00; in Apr 04, singles at Molivos, Faneromeni River Ford & Ipsilou monastery (Brooks 2000, 2003, 2004); 1-2 Ipsilou Apr 08; 1 Meladia River Ford Apr 08. 2010: 5 records, 29 Apr 6 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 33 records (40+ individuals), 15 Apr 12 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER Ficedula parva rPM Singles occasionally seen AprMay and AugSept. Four at Ipsilou Apr 08 exceptional. 2009: 3 records, 25 Apr 5 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 3 records, 29 Apr 2 May and 23 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 4 records, 22 Apr 12 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). WHITE-THROATED DIPPER * Cinclus cinclus V [1] () One record: 2007: 1 Sigri 7 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2009). HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus cRB Widespread and common resident. SPANISH SPARROW Passer hispaniolensis sRB, sPM Breeding groups found across the island, usually around fertile agricultural land. Distinct passage Apr May with smaller numbers in autumn (separating females and juveniles in autumn from House Sparrow very problematic). TREE SPARROW * Passer montanus V, CB [6] Six records: 1992: 1 Skala Eresou 28 Oct (Brooks 1998). 1994: between Molivos and Skala Sikaminias 10 Apr (Brooks 1998).
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1996: nr Anaxos 11 Aug (Brooks 1998). 2000: 3 between Gavathas and Ancient Andissa May (Brooks 2000). 2003: Pr bred (amongst House Sparrows) near Agios Fokas (Brooks 2003). 2009: 1 Petrified Forest Visitor Centre 3 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). ROCK SPARROW Petronia petronia sRB Small numbers breed in the rockier west of the island, e.g. Ipsilou, between Agra and Mesotopos. DUNNOCK Prunella modularis rW () Occurs OctMar. 2009: 1 record, 7 Jan (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 3 records, 30 Jan, 11 Mar and 12 Dec (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 3 records, all Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011). WESTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL Moticilla flava Common and widespread on passage MarMay and AugOct. Flocks of 1000+ occasionally seen, and 2000+ reported on several occasions. The following races are known to occur: Blue-headed Wagtail M. f. flava sMB, cPM Black-headed Wagtail M. f. feldegg cPM, cMB Grey-headed Wagtail M. f. thunbergi sPM The following intergrade/variant races are also seen annually: Romanian Yellow Wagtail dombrowski flava-feldegg intergrade rPM Russian Yellow Wagtail superciliaris thunbergi variant rPM 2009: 13 Mar 17 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 15 Mar 17 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 22 Mar 20 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). See individual reports for occurrence of individual races. Unconfirmed reports of British Yellow Wagtail M. f. flavissima*, Yellow-headed Wagtail M. f. lutea* and Sykes Yellow Wagtail M. f. beema*. By no means all birds can be assigned to race with many variants of each subspecies occurring. British Yellow Wagtail M. f. flavissima is reported annually, but given this races restricted breeding range and only a couple of Greek records, these are more likely to be variants or hybrids of other races.

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CITRINE WAGTAIL Moticilla citreola sSP Occurs most years, often in double-figurs (e.g. 15+ AprMay 04). Most records from spring, AprMay. One unconfirmed autumn record: 2-5 Tsiknias River Sep 97 (Brooks 98) needs substantiating. 2009: 20+ records, 8 Apr 2 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 14 records, 15 Apr 14 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 10 records, 17 Apr 5 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). GREY WAGTAIL Moticilla cinerea rRB Small numbers breed and numbers increase in winter SeptMar. WHITE WAGTAIL Moticilla alba rRB, sPM Small numbers breed. TAWNY PIPIT Anthus campestris sPM, rMB? Occurs in small numbers, including believed breeding, MarOct. 2009: 4 Apr 13 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 21 Mar 22 May and 828 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 5 Apr 15 May and 19 Aug 4 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis sW Occurs, often in large numbers, OctMar, occasional records in Apr and May. 2009: to 27 Jan, 10 & 11 Apr and from 26 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: to 13 Apr and from 21 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: to 30 Apr and from 14 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis sPM Occurs MarMay and AugOct. Record count: 500 North Coast track 12 Apr 00 (Brooks 2000). 2009: 6 May and 929 Sept; max. 50 on 28 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 31 Mar 12 May and 14 Sept; max. 6 on 2 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 15 Apr 9 May and 1126 Sept; max. 15 on 2 May (Lesvos Birds 2011).

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RED-THROATED PIPIT Anthus cervinus sPM Occurs AprMay and SeptOct. 2009: 8 Apr 12 May and 129 Sept; max. 100 on 24 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 3 Apr 2 Jun; max. 12 on 26 Apr and 2 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 11 Apr 26 May and 26 Sept; max. 20 on 28 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). WATER PIPIT Anthus spinoletta rW () Occurs Oct Mar. 2009: 2 records, 2223 Mar and 8 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 2 records, 29 Jan and 26 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 2 records, 2425 Apr and 29 Oct 9 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011). COMMON CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs cRB () Widespread and common. BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla rW Occurs in varying numbers OctMar. 2009: 1 record, 1 Tsiknias River 1 Jan (Lesvos Birds 2009). RED-FRONTED SERIN * Serinus pusillus V [1] One record: 1994: pr nr Andissa 15 May (BoG). Records not submitted: 2 Perivoli monastery Apr 97; a juv nr Agiasos Sept 98; 2 Skala Kallonis May 03 (Brooks 1998, 2003). This is a very rare species in Greece with most records known from trappers on the island of Chios (BoG). EUROPEAN SERIN Serinus serinus sRB, rPM Occurs in coniferous woodland across the island.

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EUROPEAN GREENFINCH Chloris chloris cRB () Widespread and common. EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis cRB () Widespread and common. EURASIAN SISKIN Carduelis spinus rW () Occurs in varying numbers OctMar. 2011: 3 records, 23 & 29 Apr and 4 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). COMMON LINNET Carduelis cannabina sRB () Scarce but widespread across the island. COMMON ROSEFINCH * Carpodacus erythrinus V [2] () Two records: 1991: a singing male Molivos 22 May (BoG). 1996: a juv (caught and ringed) Haramida Marsh 1Sept (HRC06). Records not submitted: a pr Faneromeni River Ford May 97; a singing male nr Petra May 97; male Faneromeni River Ford May 00 (Brooks 1998, 2000); 1 Ipsilou Apr 08. COMMON CROSSBILL * Loxia curvirostra V [6] () Six confirmed records: 1997: pr feeding a juv near Agiasos Apr (Brooks 1998). 1998: up to 8 at the Sanatorium nr Agiasos 1 Aug (Brooks 1998). 2001: small group nr Vasilika Jul (Brooks 2001). 2003: 2 nr Achladeri 2 Jun (Brooks 2003). 2004: 1 Ipsilou monastery 4 May (Brooks 2004). 2010: female Achladeri 30 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010).

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EURASIAN BULLFINCH * Pyrrhula pyrrhula V [3] () Two records: 1984: 1 nr Kalloni 17 Apr (Brooks 1998). 1986: 1 Potamia Valley 27 Mar (Brooks 1998). HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes rRB, rW () Small numbers breed. Scarce in winter OctApr, but large flocks, e.g. 200+ nr Dipi Larisos Mar 00 can occur (Brooks 2000). CORN BUNTING Emberiza calandra cRB Widespread and common. YELLOWHAMMER * Emberiza citrinella V [3] Three records: 1997: 1 Mesa 15 Mar and 3 Potamia Valley 30 Aug (Brooks 1998). 1998: fem Faneromeni 12 Jan 98 (Brooks 1998). ROCK BUNTING * Emberiza cia rW No evidence of confirmed breeding. Singing males occasionally found and one record of an apparent family part in Sept 1996 could have been migrants. All known records: 1986: pr nr Sigri 17 Sept (Brooks 1998). 1988: nr Eresos 2 & 4 Jun (Brooks 1998). 1989: nr Eresos Sept (Brooks 1998). 1991: 1 nr Efthalou Aug (Brooks 1998). 1995: 1 Potamia Valley 13 May (Brooks 1998). 1996: 5 nr Agiasos 11 Sept (Brooks 1998). 1997: 2 nr Agiasos 10 May (Brooks 1998). 1998: 1 Faneromeni 27 Apr, 2 Aghia Ioannis 27 Apr, 1 Ipsilou 3 May and Christou (Kameras) River 10 May (Brooks 1998). 1999: 3 nr Molivos 17 Apr (Brooks 2002). 2003: 1 Mt Lepitimnos mid May (Brooks 2003). 2010: 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 25 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). CINEREOUS BUNTING Emberiza cineracea sMB A localised migrant breeder occurring in the rockier areas of the west of the island. Good breeding population around Ipsilou, near the Meladia River Ford, between Aghia Ioannis and Mesotopos. The race
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that occurs on Lesvos is the yellow-headed cinercea. 2009: 13 Apr 27 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 1 Apr 17 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 14 Apr 5 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). ORTOLAN BUNTING Emberiza hortulana sPM Small numbers AprMay and AugSept. Record count: flock of 15 North Coast track 12 Apr 00 (Brooks 2000). 2009: 3 records, 11 & 20 Apr and 13 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 14 records, 21 Apr 11 May and 15 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 41 records, 15 Apr 6 May (Lesvos Birds 2011). CRETZSCHMARS BUNTING Emberiza caesia cMB Widespread and common in open country with scattered trees. 2009: 7 Apr 23 Jul (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 2 Apr 26 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 13 Apr 4 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). CIRL BUNTING Emberiza cirlus cRB Widespread and common in open country with scattered trees. LITTLE BUNTING * Emberiza pusilla V [1] One record: 1997: 1 trapped and ringed Haramida Marsh 17 Oct (HRC06). BLACK-HEADED BUNTING Emberiza melanocephala cMB Widespread and common. Occurs AprAug. 2009: 23 Apr 18 Jul; max. 30 on 5 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 19 Apr 18 Jul; max. 50 on 27 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 23 Apr 23 Jul; max. 40 on 28 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011).

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COMMON REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus rW () Recent records: 1997: 1 Sigri 11 May and 1 Kalloni 12 May (Brooks 1998). 1998: recorded from several sites Jan and one site in Mar (Brooks 1998). 2000: 1 Christou (Kameras) River 30 Mar (Brooks 2002). 2001: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 14 Apr (Brooks 2002). 2009: Polichnitos Saltpans to 5 Mar and from 4 Nov, plus records from two other sites (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: Polichnitos Saltpans to 20 Mar and from 19 Nov, plus records from three other sites (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: Polichnitos Saltpans to 11 Mar and from 4 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011). SPECIES FORMALLY REJECTED (BY HRC) OR UNCONFIRMED REPORTS OF SPECIES NEW TO LESVOS The species listed here remain unconfirmed (no records submitted or occurrence thought unlikely and without supporting evidence are excluded). Where records have been submitted to HRC and have been rejected, this is indicated. Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca * Unconfirmed records: 1 Ipsilou Apr 04 (Brooks 2004). A very unlikely species and surely refers to Chukar. Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus * Unconfirmed records: several shot during the winter of 01-02 (Brooks 2002). Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis * Unconfirmed records: 1 nr Kalloni Saltpans Mar 03 (Brooks 2003). Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina * () Unconfirmed records: 1 Skala Kallonis Pool Mar 02 (Brooks 2002). Red-throated Diver Gavia immer * Unconfirmed records: 1 off Skala Kallonis Apr 04 (Brooks 2004). European Storm-petrel Hydrobates pelagicus * Unconfirmed records: 1 off Vatera Apr 01 (Brooks 1998).

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Black Vulture Aegypius monachus * Unconfirmed records: 1 reported May 08. Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus * One rejected record: 2 Kalloni area 14 Sept 98 (HRC05). Unconfirmed records: Singles nr Kalloni Saltpans May 02 and Apr 03. This species is not on the Greek list. Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii * () Unconfirmed records: singles Kalloni Saltpans Apr and May 99, 2 in May 01 and one Jun 02 (Brooks 1999, 2001, 2002). Bairds Sandpiper Calidris bairdii * Unconfirmed records: 1 Kalloni Saltpans May 01 (Brooks 2001). Oriental Pratincole Stercorarius maldivarum * One rejected record: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 6 May 02 (HRC11 in prep). Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus * Unconfirmed records: 1 off Mitilini Oct 96 (Brooks 1998). Only three Greek records. Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus * Unconfirmed records: Adult off Vatera May 96 (Brooks 1998). Pallass Gull (Great Black-backed Gull) Larus marinus * Unconfirmed records: 1 Mitilini Jan 98 (Brooks 1998); 1 Mitilini Apr 01 (Brooks 2001); 3 Kalloni Saltpans Oct 02 (Brooks 2003). Royal Tern Sterna maxima * One rejected record: 1 Tsiknias River mouth 27 Apr 06 (HRC09).

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Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis * Unconfirmed records: 1 off Sigri Sept 02 (Brooks 2002). Green Woodpecker Picus viridis * Unconfirmed records 1 Potamia Valley May 02 (Brooks 2002). Occurs in nearby Turkey but remains an unlikely species to occur. Golden Orioles are occasionally reported as this species. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major * Unconfirmed records: An unlikely species but reports from Parakila, Potamia Valley, nr Gavathas, nr Petra, Papania and nr Agiasos (Brooks 1998). This species regional distribution is somewhat far removed (northern Greece and central Turkey) from the Aegean Sea area and must therefore be considered as very unlikely to occur. Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopus syriacus * Unconfirmed records : Reports inc. nr Arisvi May 91; Sikaminia Jun 93; Skala Eresou Aug 93; Agiasos Sept 94; nr Petra Oct 95; pr between Polichnitos and Skala Polichnitou Apr 99 (Brooks 1998, Brooks 1999). Occurs in nearby Turkey but remains an unlikely species to occur and without photographic evidence any record is unliekliy to be accepted. White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopus leucotos * Unconfirmed records: 1 nr Skalochori Apr 87; 1 nr Tsiknias River May 96 (both Brooks 1998); 1 Napi Valley spr 00 (Brooks 2000). Like Great Spotted Woodpecker, the range of this species is nowhere near the Aegean Sea area and must be treated as an unlikely vagrant. Oriental Turtle Dove Strptopelia orientalis * One rejected record: One Potamia Valley 1 Jan 09 (HRC10). Black Lark Melanocorypha yeltoniensis * Unconfirmed records: 1 after extensive snowfall during the 1986-87 winter (Brooks 1998). Richards Pipit Anthus richardi * Unconfirmed records: 2 Skala Kallonis Sept 94; 1 Kalloni Saltpans Apr 98; 1 Aghia Ioannis and near Makara (believed same bird) Apr 98; Kalloni Saltpans Apr 99; 1 Ipsilou Apr 02; 1 Achladeri May 02 (Brooks 1998, 1999, 2002). Blackstart Cercomela melanura *
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One rejected record: 1 Meladia Valley May 00 (HRC10). Not on the Greek list. Common Stonechat Saxicola rubicola maura * Three rejected records: Female Vatera 15 Nov 09; male Skala Polihnitou 21 Jan 10; and male Skala Polihnitou 28 Feb 10 (HRC10). Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti * Unconfirmed records : 1 nr Anaxos May 98 ; fem Mesa spr 99 (Brooks 1999). Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola * Unconfirmed records: 1 Faneromeni Ford Apr 02 (Brooks 2002). Blyths Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum * One rejected record: 1 Sigri 9 May 09 (HRC09). Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata * Unconfirmed records: 1 Ipsilou monastery May 01 (Brooks 2001). Upchers Warbler Hippolais lanuida * One rejected record: 1 North Coast track 10 May 00 (HRC11 in prep). Unconfirmed records: 1 nr Tavari May 96; 1 Ipsilou monastery May 99; 1 nr Efthalou May 01 (Brooks 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001). Mntriess Warbler Sylvia mystacea * Unconfirmed records: 1 Potamia Valley May 04 (Brooks 2004). This species is not on the Greek list. Caucasian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus (collybita) lorenzii * One rejected record: 1 Konditsia Valley 1 May 11 (HRC11 in prep). Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegula * Unconfirmed records: 1 between Tsiknias River and Kalloni Saltpans May 98 (Brooks 1998). This species is not on the Greek list.
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Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus * One rejected record: Juv Petra 23 Aug 10 (HRC10). Unconfirmed records: 1 Faneromeni Apr 95; 1 near Meladia River Ford Apr 98; 1 between Petra and Vafios May 98; fem Upper Tsiknias River Apr 00; 1 Molivos Reservoir May 01; 2 Sigri Fields May 03 (Brooks 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003). Twite Carduelis flavirostris * Unconfirmed records: 2 birds of the Turkish race brevirostris Kalloni Saltpans May 94 (Brooks 1998); 4 between Sigri and Eresos Apr 02 (Brooks 2002). This species is not on the Greek list. Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola * One rejected record: Fem Sigri 8 May 08 (HRC08). Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica * Unconfirmed records: 8 Potamia Valley Mar 02 (Brooks 2002). ESPCAPES The following species are thought to be of unlikely natural occurrence and therefore deemed likely escapes from captivity. Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis One Kalloni Saltpans Aug 02 (Brooks 2003). Namaqua Dove Oena capensis One Skala Kallonis Jun 08 (per SPD).

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THE LESVOS BIRD LIST The number of species recorded now stands at 321. Below is the full list with status codes (see page 3). Numbers in square brackets indicate the number of records to 31 December 2011 of vagrants and some rare passage migrants. All vagrants require details to be submitted to the Lesvos Birds Records Committee. Chukar Partridge Common Quail Common Pheasant Greylag Goose Greater White-fronted Goose Red-breasted Goose Mute Swan Bewicks Swan (Tundra Swan) Whooper Swan Common Shelduck Ruddy Shelduck Gadwall Eurasian Wigeon Mallard Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Garganey Eurasian Teal Common Pochard Ferruginous Duck Tufted Duck Greater Scaup Common Goldeneye Smew Red-breasted Merganser White-headed Duck Black-throated Diver (Loon) Scopolis Shearwater (Corys Shearwater) Yelkouan Shearwater Little Grebe Red-necked Grebe Great Crested Grebe Black-necked Grebe Greater Flamingo Black Stork White Stork Glossy Ibis Eurasian Spoonbill Eurasian Bittern Little Bittern Black-crowned Night-heron Squacco Heron Western Cattle Egret Grey Heron Purple Heron Great White Egret (Great Egret) Alectoris chukar Coturnix coturnix Phasianus colchicus Anser anser Anser albifrons Branta ruficollis Cygnus olor Cygnus columbianus Cygnus cygnus Tadorna tadorna Tadorna ferruginea Anas strepera Anas penelope Anas platyrhynchos Anas clypeata Anas acuta Anas querquedula Anas crecca Aythya ferina Aythya nyroca Aythya fuligula Aythya marila Bucephala clangula Mergellus albellus Mergus serrator Oxyura leucocephala Gavia arctica Calonectris diomedea diomedea Puffinus yelkouan Tachybaptus ruficollis Podiceps grisegena Podiceps cristatus Podiceps nigricollis Phoenicopterus ruber Ciconia nigra Ciconia ciconia Plegadis falcinellus Platalea leucorodia Botaurus stellaris Ixobrychus minutus Nycticorax nycticorax Ardeola ralloides Bubulcus ibis Ardea cinerea Ardea purpurea Ardea alba
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sRB sPM, OB? rIB V [1] rW V [2] rW V [1] V [5] rRB, sPM rRB, sPM V [4] sW rRB, sW sW sW sSP, rAP sW, sPM V [12] V [14] V [3] V [1] V [2] V [1] sW V [1] sW sPM, rMB? sRB sRB, sW V [4] cW sW sR, OB, rPM sRB, sPM sMB, sPM sSP, rAP sPM rW, rPM sSM, rAP sPM sSP, rAP V [7+] sW, sPM sPM rR, sPM

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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

Little Egret Great White Pelican Dalmatian Pelican Pygmy Cormorant European Shag Great Cormorant Western Osprey European Honey-buzzard Red Kite Black Kite White-tailed Eagle Egyptian Vulture Griffon Vulture Short-toed (Snake) Eagle Western Marsh Harrier Hen Harrier Pallid Harrier Montagus Harrier Levant Sparrowhawk Eurasian Sparrowhawk Northern Goshawk Common Buzzard Long-legged Buzzard Lesser Spotted Eagle Greater Spotted Eagle Steppe Eagle Eastern Imperial Eagle Golden Eagle Bonellis Eagle Booted Eagle Lesser Kestrel Common Kestrel Red-footed Falcon Eleonoras Falcon Merlin Eurasian Hobby Lanner Falcon Saker Falcon Peregrine Falcon Water Rail Corncrake Little Crake Baillons Crake Spotted Crake Common Moorhen Eurasian Coot Common Crane Eurasian Stone-curlew Eurasian Oystercatcher Black-winged Stilt Pied Avocet Northern Lapwing Spur-winged Plover (Lapwing)

Egretta garzetta Pelecanus onocrotalus Pelecanus crispus Microcarbo pygmeus Phalacrocorax aristotelis Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis Pandion haliaetus Pernis apivorus Milvus milvus Milvus migrans Haliaeetus albicilla Neophron percnopterus Gyps fulvus Circaetus gallicus Circus aeruginosus Circus cyaneus Circus macrourus Circus pygargus Accipiter brevipes Accipiter nisus Accipiter gentilis Buteo buteo Buteo rufinus Aquila pomarina Aquila clanga Aquila nipalensis Aquila heliaca Aquila chrysaetos Hieraaetus fasciatus Hieraaetus pennatus Falco naumanni Falco tinnunculus Falco vespertinus Falco eleonorae Falco columbarius Falco subbuteo Falco biarmicus Falco cherrug Falco peregrinus Rallus aquaticus Crex crex Porzana parva Porzana pusilla Porzana porzana Gallinula chloropus Fulica atra Grus grus Burhinus oedicnemus Haematopus ostralegus Himantopus himantopus Recurvirostra avocetta Vanellus vanellus Hoplopterus spinosus
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sPM, rW rPM rPM, rW rW sRB cW rPM rMB, sPM V [2] sPM V [6] V [12] V [14+] sMB, sPM sPM, rW sW, sPM sPM sPM sPM, rMB? rRB, sW, sPM rRB, rPM sRB, sW, sPM sRB, sPM rPM V [6+] V [2] V [13] V [19+] rRB? rPM sMB, sPM sRB sPM sPM, rMB? rW, ePM sPM, rMB? rPM V [2] sRB, sW rRB, sW, rPM V [18] sSP, rAP rPM [21] sSP, rAP sRB, sW rRB, sW V [9+] sMB, sPM rW, rPM sRB, sPM rR, OB, sPM sW sPM

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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

Sociable Plover (Lapwing) White-tailed Plover (Lapwing) European Golden Plover Grey Plover Common Ringed Plover Little Ringed Plover Kentish Plover Caspian Plover Eurasian Dotterel Eurasian Woodcock Jack Snipe Great Snipe Common Snipe Black-tailed Godwit Bar-tailed Godwit Whimbrel Eurasian Curlew Spotted Redshank Common Redshank Marsh Sandpiper Common Greenshank Green Sandpiper Wood Sandpiper Terek Sandpiper Common Sandpiper Ruddy Turnstone Red Knot Sanderling Little Stint Temmincks Stint Pectoral Sandpiper Curlew Sandpiper Dunlin Broad-billed Sandpiper Ruff Red-necked Phalarope Grey Phalarope (Red Phalarope) Collared Pratincole Black-winged Pratincole Slender-billed Gull Black-headed Gull Little Gull Audouins Gull Mediterranean Gull Common Gull (Mew Gull) Yellow-legged Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Gull-billed Tern Caspian Tern Lesser Crested Tern Sandwich Tern Little Tern Common Tern

Vanellus gregaria Vanellus xxx Pluvialis apricaria Pluvialis squatarola Charadrius hiaticula Charadrius dubius Charadrius alexandrius Charadrius asiaticus Charadrius morinellus Scolopax rusticola Limnocryptes minimus Gallinago media Gallinago gallinago Limosa limosa Limosa lapponica Numenius phaeopus Numenius arquata Tringa erythropus Tringa totanus Tringa stagnatilis Tringa nebularia Tringa ochropus Tringa glareola Xenus cinereus Actitis hypoleucos Arenaria interpres Calidris canutus Calidris alba Calidris minuta Calidris temminckii Calidris melanotos Calidris ferruginea Calidris alpina sW, Limicola falcinellus Philomachus pugnax Phalaropus lobatus Phalaropus fulicarius Glareola pratincola Glareola nordmanni Chroicocephalus genei Chroicocephalus ridibundus Hydrocoloeus minutus Ichthyaetus audouinii Ichthyaetus melanocephalus Larus canus Larus michahellis Larus fuscus Gelochelidon nilotica Hydroprogne caspia Thalasseus bengalensis Thalasseus sandvicensis Sternula albifrons Sterna hirundo
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V [1] V [1] sW, rPM rW, sPM sPM sMB, sPM rRB, sPM V [1] V [2] sW sW rPM [15+] sW, sPM sSP V [10] rSP rW, sPM sPM, rW sR, sPM sPM sPM, sW rW, sPM cPM V [8] sPM, rW sPM V [3] sPM cPM, rW sPM V [1] sPM sW, sPM rPM sPM V [11] V [1] sSP V [5] rW, sPM sW rPM rRB sW, sPM V [6+] cRB rPM sSP, rAP rPM V [1] sW, sPM sMB sMB, sPM

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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

Arctic Tern Whiskered Tern White-winged (Black) Tern Black Tern Arctic Skua (Parasitic Jeagar) Rock Dove Stock Dove Common Wood Pigeon European Turtle Dove Eurasian Collared Dove Laughing Dove Great Spotted Cuckoo Common Cuckoo Western Barn Owl Eurasian Scops Owl Eurasian Eagle Owl Tawny Owl Little Owl Long-eared Owl Short-eared Owl European Nightjar Alpine Swift Common Swift Pallid Swift Little Swift European Roller White-throated Kingfisher Common Kingfisher Blue-cheeked Bee-eater European Bee-eater Euraisan Hoopoe Eurasian Wryneck Middle Spotted Woodpecker Red-backed Shrike Lesser Grey Shrike Great Grey Shrike Steppe Grey Shrike Woodchat Shrike Masked Shrike Eurasian Golden Oriole Eurasian Jay Eurasian Magpie Spotted Nutcracker Red-billed Chough Western Jackdaw Rook Hooded Crow Northern Raven Bohemian Waxwing Sombre Tit Coal Tit Great Tit Euroepan Blue Tit

Sterna paradisaea Chlidonias hybrida Chlidonias leucopterus Chlidonias niger Stercorarius parasticus Columba livia Columba oenas Columba palumbus Streptopelia turtur Streptopelia decaocto Spilopelia senegalensis Clamator glandarius Cuculus canorus Tyto alba Otus scops Bubo bubo Strix aluco Athene noctua Asio otus Asio flammeus Caprimulgus europaeus Tachymarptis melba Apus apus Apus pallidus Apus affinis Coracias garrulus Halcyon smyrnensis Alcedo atthis Merops persicus Merops apiaster Upupa epops Jynx torquilla Dendrocopus medius Lanius collurio Lanius minor Lanius excubitor Lanius pallidirostris Lanius senator Lanius nubicus Oriolus oriolus Garrulus glandularis Pica pica Nucifraga caryocatactes Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Coloeus mondula Corvus frugilegus Corvus cornix Corvus corax Bombycilla garrulus Parus lugubris Periparus ater Parus major Cyanistes caeruleus
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V [1] sPM sPM rPM V [1] rRB V [5] rRB, sW cMB, cPM cRB V [1] sPM, OB sPM sRB sMB rRB rRB cRB rRB rW sMB, rPM cPM, rMB? cMB, cPM sPM V [1] sPM V [1] sW, OB V [6] sMB, cPM cMB, cPM rPM cRB sMB, cPM sMB, sPM V [11+] V [1] cMB, cPM sMB, rPM cPM cRB V [4] V [1] V [2] sRB V [8] cRB sRB V [1] sRB rRB cRB cRB

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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

Eurasian Penduline Tit Bearded Tit (Bearded Reedling) Calandra Lark Greater Short-toed Lark Lesser Short-toed Lark Crested Lark Woodlark Eurasian Skylark Sand Martin Barn Swallow Crag Martin Common House Martin Red-rumped Swallow Cettis Warbler Long-tailed Tit Willow Warbler Common Chiffchaff Eastern Bonellis Warbler Wood Warbler Yellow-browed Warbler Great Reed Warbler Moustached Warbler Sedge Warbler Eurasian Reed Warbler Marsh Warbler Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Olive-tree Warbler Icterine Warbler Common Grasshopper Warbler River Warbler Savis Warbler Fan-tailed Warbler (Zitting Cisticola) Eurasian Blackcap Garden Warbler Barred Warbler Lesser Whitethroat Eastern Orphean Warbler Common Whitethroat Spectacled Warbler Subalpine Warbler Sardinian Warbler Rppells Warbler Common Firecrest Goldcrest Eurasian Wren Eurasian Nuthatch Krpers Nuthatch Western Rock Nuthatch Short-toed Treecreeper Common Starling Rose-coloured Starling Ring Ouzel Common Blackbird

Remiz pendulinus Panurus biarmicus Melanocorypha calandra Calandrella brachydactyla Calandrella rufescens Galerida cristata Lullula arborea Aluada arvensis Riparia riparia Hirundo rustica Ptyonoprogne rupestris Delichon urbicum Cecropis daurica Cettia cetti Aegithalos caudatus Phylloscopus trochilus Phylloscopus collybita Phylloscopus orientalis Phylloscopus sibilatrix Phylloscopus inornatus Acrocephalus arundinaceus Acrocephalus melanopogon Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Acrocephalus scirpaceus Acrocephalus palustris Hippolais pallida Hippolais olivetorum Hippolais icterina Locustella naevia Locustella fluviatilis Locustella luscinioides Cisticola juncidis Sylvia atricapilla Sylvia borin Sylvia nisoria Sylvia curruca Sylvia crassirostris Sylvia communis Sylvia xxx Sylvia cantillans Sylvia melanocephala Sylvia rueppelli Regulus ignicapilla Regulus regulus Troglodytes troglodytes Sitta europaea Sitta krueperi Sitta neumayer Certhia brachydactyla Sturnus vulgaris Pastor roseus Turdus torquatus Turdus merula
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rMB V [2] V [10] rMB, sPM V [1] cRB sRB sW sPM cMB, cPM sMB, sPM cMB, cPM cMB, cPM cRB sRB sSP, cAP sW, sPM rMB, rPM cPM V [2] sMB, sPM rW cPM rMB, sPM rPM cMB, cPM sMB, rPM sPM rPM sPM sPM rRB cPM, rW sPM sPM cPM sMB, sPM rMB, cPM V [1] cMB, rPM sRB, rPM rMB, rPM V [4+] sW sRB rRB sRB sRB sRB OB, sW sPM V [4] cRB, cW

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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

Fieldfare Redwing Song Thrush Mistle Thrush European Robin Bluethroat Thrush Nightingale Common Nightingale White-throated Robin Rufous Bush-robin (Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin) Black Redstart Common Redstart Whinchat Common Stonechat Isabelline Wheatear Northern Wheatear Pied Wheatear Eastern Black-eared Wheatear Finschs Wheatear Common Rock-thrush Blue Rock-thrush Spotted Flycatcher European Pied Flycatcher Collared Flycatcher Semicollared Flycatcher Red-breasted Flycatcher White-throated Dipper House Sparrow Spanish Sparrow Eurasian Tree Sparrow Rock Sparrow Dunnock Western Yellow Wagtail - Black-headed Wagtail - Blue-headed Wagtail - Grey-headed Wagtail - 'Romanian' Yellow Wagtail - 'Russian' Yellow Wagtail - 'Italian' Yellow Wagtail - Syke's Yellow Wagtail - Yellow-headed Wagtail Citrine Wagtail Grey Wagtail White Wagtail Tawny Pipit Meadow Pipit Tree Pipit Red-throated Pipit Water Pipit Common Chaffinch Brambling Red-fronted Serin European Serin

Turdus pilaris Turdus iliacus Turdus philomelos Turdus viscivorus Erithacus rubecula Luscinia svecica Luscinia luscinia Luscinia megarhynchos Irania gutturalis Erythropygia galactotes Phoenicurus ochruros Phoenicurus phoenicurus Saxicola rubetra Saxicola rubicola Oenanthe isabellina Oenanthe oenanthe Oenanthe pleschanka Oenanthe hispanica Oenanthe finschii Monticola saxatilis Monticola solitarius Muscicapa striata Ficedula hypoleuca Ficedula albicollis Ficedula semitorquata Ficedula parva Cinclus cinclus aquaticus Passer domesticus Passer hispaniolensis Passer montanus Petronia petronia Prunella modularis Motacilla flava M. f. feldegg M. f. flava M. f. thunbregi M. f. 'dombrowski' M. f. superciliarias M. f. cinerocipilla M. f. beema M. f. lutea Motacilla citreola Motacilla cinerea Motacilla alba Anthus campestris Anthus pratensis Anthus trivialis Anthus cervinus Anthus spinoletta Fringilla coelebs Fringilla montifringilla Serinus pusillus Serinus serinus
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rW rW rRB, sW rRB rRB, cW V [1] sPM cMB, sPM V, OB [8] sMB, rPM sW sPM cPM sRB, sW rMB, rPM rMB, sPM V [10] cMB V [3] rPM, OB [20] sRB rMB, cPM sPM cSP, rAP rPM rPM V [1] cRB sMB, sPM V [6] rRB sW sMB, cPM cPM sPM rPM rPM V [?] V [?] V [?] rSP rRB rRB, sW, sPM sPM, rMB? cW sPM sPM rW cRB rW V [1] sRB, rPM

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The Birds of Lesvos (2012)

European Greenfinch Eurasian Siskin European Goldfinch Common Linnet Common Rosefinch Common Crossbill (Red Crossbill) Eurasian Bullfinch Hawfinch Corn Bunting Yellowhammer Rock Bunting Cinereous Bunting Ortolan Bunting Cretzschmars Bunting Cirl Bunting Little Bunting Black-headed Bunting Common Reed Bunting

Chloris chloris Carduelis spinus Carduelis carduelis Carduelis cannabina Carpodacus erythrinus Loxia curvirostra Pyrrhula pyrrhula Coccothraustes coccothraustes Emberiza calandra Emberiza citrinella Emberiza cia Emberiza cineracea Emberiza hortulana Emberiza caesia Emberiza cirlus Emberiza pusilla Emberiza melanocephala Emberiza schoeniclus

cRB rW, rPM cRB sRB V [2] V [6] V [2] rRB, rW cRB V [3] rW sMB sPM cMB cRB V [1] cMB rW

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REFERENCES Brooks, R. 1998. Birding on the Greek Island of Lesvos. Brookside Publishing, Fakenham. Brooks, R. 1999. Lesvos update spring 1999. Brookside Publishing, Fakenham. Brooks, R. 2000. Lesvos update spring-summer 2000. Brookside Publishing, Fakenham. Brooks, R. 2001. Lesvos update spring-summer 2001. Brookside Publishing, Fakenham. Brooks, R. 2002. Lesvos update spring-summer 2002. Brookside Publishing, Fakenham. Brooks, R. 2004. Lesvos update spring-summer 2004. Brookside Publishing, Fakenham. Brooks, R. 2003. Lesvos update Summer 02 summer '03. Brookside Publishing, Fakenham. Brooks, R. 2004. Lesvos update autumn 03 summer 04. Brookside Publishing, Fakenham. Dudley, S.P. 2010. A Birdwatching Guide to Lesvos. Arlequin Press, Shrewsbury. - see http://www.lesvosbirding.com Dudley, S.P. 2010. Lesvos Birds 2009. Lesvos Birding, Peterborough. - see http://www.lesvosbirding.com Dudley, S.P. 2011. Lesvos Birds 2010. Lesvos Birding, Peterborough. - see http://www.lesvosbirding.com Dudley, S.P. 2012. Lesvos Birds 2011. Lesvos Birding, Peterborough. - see http://www.lesvosbirding.com Harrap, S. & Quinn, D. 1996. Tits, Nuthatches & Treecreepers. Christopher Helm, London. Hellenic Rarities Committee. 2006. 2005 Annual Report. (HRC05 in text) - see http://files.ornithologiki.gr/docs/rarities/annual_report_2005_en.pdf Hellenic Rarities Committee 2007. 2006 Annual Report. (HRC06 in text) - see http://files.ornithologiki.gr/docs/rarities/annual_report_2006_en.pdf Hellenic Rarities Committee. 2008. 2007 Annual Report. (HRC07 in text) - see http://files.ornithologiki.gr/docs/rarities/annual_report_2007_en.pdf Hellenic Rarities Committee. 2009. 2008 Annual Report. (HRC08 in text) - see http://files.ornithologiki.gr/docs/rarities/annual_report_2008_en.pdf Hellenic Rarities Committee. 2010. 2009 Annual Report. (HRC09 in text) - see http://files.ornithologiki.gr/docs/rarities/annual_report_2009_en.pdf Hellenic Rarities Committee. 2011. 2010 Annual Report. (HRC10 in text) - see http://files.ornithologiki.gr/docs/rarities/annual_report_2010_en.pdf Handrinos, G & Akriotis, T. 1997. The Birds of Greece. A&C Black, London. (BoG in text) Kakalis, E. & Akriotis,T. 2007. Nest site characteristics of Krpers uthatch Sitta krueperi on the island of nd Lesvos, Greece. 2 International Congress of Eurasian Ornithology, Antalya, Turkey, 26-29 Oct 07 (poster presentation). Website: BirdLife Species Factsheet. Cinereous Bunting at http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=8940&m=0

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