The birds of Lesvos 2012

The birds of Lesvos2012

written and compiled bySteve Dudley

The birds of Lesvos 2012written 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 1 Bird recording on Lesvos 1 Records used to compile the List 2 Sources used to compile the List 2 Key to status codes used in the List 3 Taxonomy and nomenclature used for the List 3 Place names used within the List 3 Abbreviations used within the List 4 Some notes on the species accounts 4 The Lesvos bird list total 4 Species accounts 5 Gamebirds 5 Wildfowl 5 Divers 9 Shearwaters 9 Grebes 10 Flamingo, storks, herons and allies 10 Pelicans 13 Cormorants 14 Raptors – Osprey 14 Raptors – Honey-‐buzzard 14 Raptors – kites 15 Raptors – White-‐tailed Eagle 15 Raptors – vultures 15 Raptors – Short-‐toed Eagle 16 Raptors – harriers 16 Raptors – accipiters (hawks) 17 Raptors – buzzards 18 Raptors – aquila eagles 18 Raptors – Bonelli’s and Booted Eagles 20 Raptors – falcons 20 Rails and crakes 22 Common Crane 23 Waders – Stone-‐curlew and Oystercatchers 24 Waders – Black-‐winged Stilt and Avocet 24 Waders – lapwings, plovers and Dotterel 25 Waders – snipe 27 Waders – godwits and curlews 28 Waders – shanks and Tringa sandpipers 29 Waders – Terek and Common Sandpipers 30 Waders – Calidris sandpipers 30 Waders – Broad-‐billed Sandpiper and Ruff 32 Waders – phalaropes 32 Waders – pratincoles 33 Gulls 34 Terns 35 Skuas 37 Doves and pigeons 37 Cuckoos 38 Owls 38 Nightjar 40


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


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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. It’s 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. I’m happy to supply a template, but as long as each record line contains species, location, date and count, that’s 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 can’t 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 [email protected].


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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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Key to status codes used in the List c = common s = scarce r = rare RB = resident breeder MB = migrant breeder CB = casual/occasional breeder IB = introduced breeder SP = spring passage

AP = autumn passage PM = passage migrant (spring and autumn) W = winter visitor V = vagrant ? = status uncertain * = LBRC or HRC description species (full details

are required for these locally or nationally 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. Bewick’s

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 (Devil’s 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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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. Rüppell’s 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 I’d 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 (2009–11) I have published to date. I’d 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


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SPECIES ACCOUNTS CHUKAR PARTRIDGE Alectoris chukar sRB Νησιώτικη Πέρδικα 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? (Κοινό) Ορτύκι 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 (Κοινός) Φασιανός 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] Σταχτόχηνα Χήνα One record: 2011: 3 adults Upper Tsiknias River 27 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). GREATER WHITE-‐FRONTED GOOSE * Anser albifrons rW Ασπρομέτωπη Χήνα Around five records, the most recent: 2003: 1 nr Kalloni Saltpans 25–27 Mar. RED-‐BREASTED GOOSE * Branta ruficollis V [2] Κοκκινόχηνα Two records: 2006: 1 found shot Kalloni area Jan and a second bird Tsiknias River 28 Jan (HRC06).


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MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor rW (Βουβός) Κύκνος 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] Αγριόκυκνος Five records: 1993: 1 Skala Kallonis pool Dec 93–Feb 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] Νανόκυκνος One record: 2006: 4 Kalloni area 27 Jan (HRC06). COMMON SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna rRB, sPM Βαρβάρα Small numbers winter Nov–Apr, with passage noted Mar–May and less so Sept-‐Oct. Pr bred 2002 (Brooks 2003). RUDDY SHELDUCK Tadorna ferruginea rRB, sPM Καστανόπαπια Birds present all months with small numbers breeding, e.g. nr Palios. Peak numbers in spring when passage birds also occur Mar–May, with double-‐figure flocks usual in the Kalloni area. Smaller numbers on passage Aug–Sept. GADWALL * Anas strepera V [4] Καπακλής 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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EURASIAN WIGEON Anas penelope sW (Ευρωπαϊκό) Σφυριχτάρι Small numbers Oct–Apr. MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos sW, rRB Πρασινοκέφαλη Πάπια Small numbers Nov–Apr. 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 (Ευρασιατική) Χουλιαρόπαπια Small numbers Sept–May. Record count: 160 on 15 Mar 04 (Brooks 2004). NORTHERN PINTAIL Anas acuta sW Ψαλίδα (του Βορά) Small numbers Sep–Apr. GARGANEY Anas querquedula sSP, rAP (Ευρωπαϊκή) Σαρσέλα Common offshore and on reservoirs and saltpans Mar–May, with smaller numbers Aug–Sept. 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 (Ευρωπαϊκό) Κιρκίρι 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] Γκισάρι 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 5–23 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] (Ευρωπαϊκη) Βαλτόπαπια Fourteen records: 1985: 7 Mesa 1–3 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 16–17 Apr (Brooks

1998). 2000: male and fem Parakila Marsh 9–10 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] Μαυροκέφαλη Πάπια Three records: 1998: 3 Perasma Reservoir 27 Jan (Brooks 1998). 2001: 1 Tsiknias River 3–5 pr (Brooks 2001). 2002: fem Skala Kallonis Pool 20 Mar with 2 there 31 Mar (Brooks 2002). GREATER SCAUP * Aythya marila V [1] Σταχτόπαπια One record: 2006: 1 Gulf of Kalloni off Kalloni Saltpans Jan (E. Galinou). COMMON GOLDENEYE * Bucephala clangula V [2] (Ευρωπαϊκή) Βουκεφάλα 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] Νανοπρίστης One record: 2006: 4 Kalloni Saltpans Jan (E. Galinou). RED-‐BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator sW Θαλασσοπρίστης Small numbers offshore Oct–Apr. WHITE-‐HEADED DUCK * Oxyura leucocephala V [1] (Ευρωπαϊκό) Κεφαλούδι One record: 1991: fem shot Dec (BoG). BLACK-‐THROATED DIVER (LOON) Gavia arctica sW Λαμπροβούτι 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). SCOPOLI’S SHEARWATER Calonectris diomedea diomedea sPM, rMB? Αρτέμης Small numbers (but flocks of 100+ not unusual) offshore Mar–Oct. 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 Μύχος (της Μεσογείου) 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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LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis sRB, sW (Κοκκινόλαιμο) Νανοβουτηχτάρι 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] Κοκκινοβουτηχτάρι Only four records: 1994: 1 Kalloni Saltpans mid-‐July (Brooks 1998). 2002: 20+ Gulf of Kalloni 18–25 Mar (Brooks 2002) 2003: 1 off Skala Kallonis 26–31 Mar and presumed same off Skala Polichnitou 14 Apr (Brooks 2003). 2009: 1 off Skala Kallonis 11–14 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009) GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus cW Σκουφοβουτηχτάρι Gulf of Kalloni holds large numbers (1200+) Dec-‐Feb, otherwise small numbers offshore Oct–May. 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 Μαυροβουτηχτάρι Small numbers offshore, in river mouths and on inland reservoirs from Nov–May. 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, (Ευρωπαϊκό) Φοινικόπτερο Present Sept–May with some non-‐breeding birds Jun–Aug. 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 Μαύρος Πελαργός 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 21–22 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 Λευκός Πελαργός 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 (Ευρασιατική) Χαλκόκοτα Can occur in sizable flocks Mar–May, with much smaller numbers Aug–Oct. 2009: 5–27 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 (Ευρασιατική) Χουλιαρομύτα Small numbers Mar–May. Increasing numbers (especially Polichnitos Saltpans) Sept–Oct. 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 (Ευρασιατικός) Ήταυρος Single birds usually encountered Oct–May 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 (Ευρωπαϊκός) Μικροτσικνιάς Common in spring (Apr–Jun) around any wetland and river areas inc. even the smallest of culverts and drains with cover. Scarcer during autumn (Aug–Oct). 2009: 7 Apr – 31 May and 20–22 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 8 Apr – 21 May (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 16 Apr – 28 May and 20–24 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). BLACK-‐CROWNED NIGHT-‐HERON Nycticorax nycticorax sPM (Κοινός) Νυχτοκόρακας Occurs more commonly in spring (Mar–May) but small numbers Sept–Oct. 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 1–4 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). SQUACCO HERON Ardeola ralloides sSP, RAP (Ξανθός) Κρυπτοτσικνιάς Common around wetland and river areas Apr–May and smaller numbers Aug–Oct. 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+] Γελαδάρης 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 Σταχτοτσικνιάς Small numbers Aug–May.


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PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea sPM Πορφυροτσικνιάς Small numbers, including flocks into double-‐figures, (mainly) Mar – May and (smaller numbers) Sept–Oct. 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 Αργυροτσικνιάς 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 (Κοινός) Λευκοτσικνιάς Common around wetland sites and along the coast in all months. 2009: max. 40 Polichnitos Saltpans 12–13 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 Ροδοπελεκάνος A near annual passage migrant Mar–May and Sept–Oct. 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 Αργυροπελεκάνος Much rarer than White Pelican but occurs in similar periods, Apr–May and Aug–Sept. 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 & 3–5 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). PYGMY CORMORANT * Phalacrocorax pygmeus rW Λαγγόνα Single birds recorded from coastal sites Nov–Apr. 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 (Ευρωπαϊκός) Κορμοράνος Gulf of Kalloni holds large winter population of c.3500 birds, otherwise small numbers around coast Sept–Apr. EUROPEAN SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmaresti sRB (Ευρωπαϊκός) Θαλασσοκόρακας Present around the coast in all months. WESTERN OSPREY Pandion haliaetus rPM Ψαραετός Surprisingly rare Mar–May and Sept–Oct. 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 (Ευρωπαϊκός) Σφηκιάρης A relatively common passage migrant, occasionally in good numbers, Apr–May and Aug–Oct. 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). 2010: 24 Apr – 26 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010).

2011: 28 Apr – 20 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011).


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RED KITE * Milvus milvus V [2] Ψαλιδιάρης 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 Τσίφτης Surprisingly only a handful of records noted most years Mar–May and Aug–Oct. 2009: First-‐winter period 1 Polichnitos Saltpans area 31 Jan – 7 Apr. Spring 3 records, 2–5 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] (Ευρωπαϊκός) Θαλασσαετός 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] Ασπροπάρης 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+] Όρνιο 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 27–28 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 Φιδαετός Small numbers breed across the island. Seen on passage Apr–May and Aug–Oct. 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 Καλαμόκιρκος Occurs Mar–May with smaller numbers Aug–Oct. 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 Χειμωνόκιρκος Small numbers Nov–Apr, with passage birds Mar–May. 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 Στεπόκιρκος Small numbers Mar–Apr. 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). MONTAGU’S HARRIER Circus pygargus sPM Λιβαδόκιρκος Relatively common in spring Mar–May with small numbers Sept–Oct, 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? (Κοινό) Σαΐνι Small numbers, occasionally double-‐figure flocks, recorded in Apr–May, with smaller numbers Aug–Sept. 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 (Κοινό) Ξεφτέρι A handful of pairs almost certainly breed. Common Sept–Mar. Passage noted Mar–Apr and Aug–Oct. NORTHERN GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis rRB, rPM Διπλοσάϊνο Small numbers breed across the island in both deciduous and coniferous woodland. Passage noted Mar–May and Aug–Oct.


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COMMON BUZZARD Buteo buteo sRB, sW, sPM (Κοινή) Γερακίνα Small numbers breed across the island. Common Nov–Mar. Passage noted Mar–Apr and Aug–Oct. 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 Αετογερακίνα Small numbers breed across the island. Common Nov – Mar. Passage noted Mar–Apr and Aug–Oct. Commoner in the western half of the island. LESSER SPOTTED EAGLE Aquila pomarina rPM Κραυγαετός 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+] Στικταετός 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] Στεπαετός 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)] (Ανατολικός) Βασιλαετός 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+] Χρυσαετός 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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BONELLI’S EAGLE * Hieraaetus pennatus rRB? Σπιζαετός 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. Bonelli’s 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 Γερακαετός The odd single bird recorded most years Apr–May and Aug–Oct. 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 (Ευρωπαϊκό) Κιρκινέζι 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) Apr–Aug. 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 Βραχοκιρκίνεζο A surprisingly scarce species with small numbers breed across the island.


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RED-‐FOOTED FALCON Falco vespertinus sPM (Ευρωπαϊκό) Μαυροκιρκίνεζο Common in spring Apr-‐May with smaller numbers recorded Aug–Oct. 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). ELEONORA’S FALCON Falco eleonorae sPM, rMB? Μαυροπετρίτης On passage Apr–May and Sept–Oct. 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 Νανογέρακο 1-‐3 records annually usually from the saltpans and coastal areas. EURASIAN HOBBY Falco subbuteo sPM, rMB? Δεντρογέρακο Small numbers seen on passage Apr–May and Sept–Oct. 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 Χρυσογέρακο 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). It’s important to age birds to help record movements around the island.


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SAKER FALCON * Falco cherrug V [2] Στεπογέρακο 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 Πετρίτης Small numbers breed across the island with increased numbers in winter Nov–Mar. 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 (Ευρωπαϊκή) Νεροκοτσέλα Small numbers breed at suitable wetlands (e.g. Dipi Larssos) but most usually encountered late winter and spring Mar–May. CORNCRAKE (CORN CRAKE) * Crex crex V [18] Ορτυκομάνα 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 Μικροπουλάδα Recorded at most wetlands with cover Mar–May. Occasionally recorded Aug–Oct. 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). BAILLON’S CRAKE Porzana pusilla rSP [21] Νανοπουλάδα 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 Στικτοπουλάδα Most commonly seen in spring Apr–May with smaller number Sept–Oct. 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 (Κοινή) Νερόκοτα Small numbers breed with increased numbers in winter. COMMON COOT Fulica atra rRB, sW (Κοινή) Φαλαρίδα Small numbers occur in winter with occasional pairs staying on to breed. COMMON CRANE * Grus grus V [9+] (Ευρωπαϊκός) Γερανός 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 16–25 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 (Ευρωπαϊκή) Πετροτουρλίδα Small numbers breed, especially around the Kalloni area (inc. saltpans) and on passage Feb–Apr 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 (Ευρωπαϊκός) Στρειδοφάγος Small numbers occur in winter and spring Sept–May. 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 Καλαμοκανάς Small numbers breed (e.g. Saltpans) and also on passage Mar–May and Aug–Oct. 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 (Ευρωπαϊκή) Αβοκέτα Small numbers breed (e.g. Saltpans) and also on passage Mar–May and Aug–Oct. 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 sW (Ευρωπαϊκή) Καλημάνα Small numbers Oct–Mar. 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, 2–5 Mar, 21 Oct – 29 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011). SPUR-‐WINGED PLOVER (LAPWING) Vanellus spinosus sPM Αγκαθοκαλημάνα Usually single birds seen Mar–May and rarely Aug–Sept. 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 V [1] Αγελοκαλημάνα One record: 1994: 1 Christou (Kameras) River 14 May (BoG). WHITE-‐TAILED PLOVER (LAPWING) * Vanellus leucurus V [1] Λεύκουρη Καλημάνα 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 sW, rPM (Ευρωπαϊκό) Βροχοπούλι Small numbers Oct–Mar. On passage Mar–Apr and Sept–Oct. 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.


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GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola sW, sPM Αργυροπούλι Small numbers Oct–Mar. On passage Mar–Apr and Sept–Oct. 2009: spring 18 Apr – 20 May; max. 9 on 5 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: spring 1–20 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 Αμμοσφυριχτής Occurs Mar–May and Aug–Oct. 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 Ποταμοσφυριχτής Small numbers breed along rivers and also on passage Mar–May and Aug–Sept. 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 Θαλασσοσφυριχτής Breeds in suitable habitats such as Saltpans, drier areas of marshes, etc. Also on passage Apr–May and Sept–Oct. 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] Στεποσφυριχτής 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 Mar–Apr 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] Βουνοσφυριχτής Two records: 2006: 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 11–12 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 (Ευρασιατική) Μπεκάτσα Another species known from hunting reports, Oct–Mar, but rarely seen by birders. No records received 2009–2012. JACK SNIPE Limnocryptes minimus cW Κουφομπεκάτσινο Reported to be a common winter visitor, Oct–Mar, 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 3–7 Mar (Brooks 2002). 2004: 1 Faneromeni river mouth 4 Apr (Brooks 2004) 2006: 1 Dipi Larisos Jan 06 (E. Galinou). No records received 2007–2012. GREAT SNIPE * Gallinago media rPM [15+] Διπλομπεκάτσινο A near-‐annual migrant with most recent records inc: 1998: 1 Tsiknias River May (Brooks 1999). 1999: 1 Faneromeni River Ford 20–25 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 27–29 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 sW, sPM (Κοινό) Μπεκατσίνι Present Aug–May. BLACK-‐TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa sSP (Ευρωπαϊκή) Λιμόζα Occurs on larger wetlands and rivers Apr–May. 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 V [10] Θαλασσολιμόζα 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 22–30 Apr (Brooks 2002). 2004: singles Kalloni Saltpans 9 Apr & 1–3 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 rSP Σιγλίγουρος Small numbers occur Mar–May and Jul–Sept. 2009: no records. 2010: no records. 2011: 3 records 12–29 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011). EURASIAN CURLEW Numenius arquata rW, rPM (Ευρασιατική) Τουρλίδα Small numbers Aug–Mar. 2009: spring 28 Mar – 18 Apr; autumn 25 Jun – 27 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011). 2010: spring 24 Mar – 11 Apr; autumn 10–23 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2011). 2011: spring 1 May – 7 Jun; autumn 10 Aug – 3 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011).


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SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus sPM, rW Μαυρότρυγγας Small numbers Mar–May and Aug–Oct. 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 Κοκκινοσκέλης Occurs mainly Aug–Mar, with smaller numbers Apr–May. 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 Βαλτότρυγγας Small numbers move through the island Mar–May and Aug–Sept. Record count: c.150 Kalloni Saltpans 6 Apr 02 (Brooks 2002). 2009: 8 Apr – 8 May and 4–22 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 Πρασινοσκέλης Small numbers move through the island Mar–May and Aug–Sept. 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 Δασότρυγγας Occurs mainly Oct–Mar, with passage Apr–May and Jul–Sept. 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 Λασπότρυγγας Very common on all water areas Mar–May with smaller numbers Jul–Sept. 2009: 26 Mar – 26 May and 10 Jul – 30 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 13–14 Feb, 29 Mar – 18 May and 10–23 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 6 Mar – 21 May and 11 Jul – 22 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). TEREK SANDPIPER * Xenus cinereus V [8] Ρωσότρυγγας Eight records: 1993: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 14 May (Brooks 1998). 1995: 1 Mesa 16–17 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 Ακτίτης Small numbers Mar–May and Aug–Oct. 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 Χαλικοκυλιστής Small numbers Mar–May and Aug–Sept. 2009: 29 Apr – 30 May and 8–14 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] Κοκκινοσκαλίδρα Three records: 2005: 1 Kalloni Saltpans Apr 05 (HRC 08). 2007: 1 Sept (HRC 08).

2010: 1 Christou (Kameras) River in 30 Apr (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 Λευκοσκαλίδρα Small numbers seen Mar–May and Aug–Sept. 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 (Κοινή) Νανοσκαλίδρα Can be found on almost all wetland areas Apr–May, with large concentrations at some (e.g. Kalloni Saltpans) Apr–May with smaller number Jul–Oct. 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). TEMMINCK’S STINT Calidris temminckii cPM Σταχτιά Νανοσκαλίδρα Can be found on almost all wetland areas Apr–May with smaller numbers Aug–Sept. 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 12–17 Aug (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 16 Apr – 22 May and 10 Aug – 3 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). PECTORAL SANDPIPER * Calidris melanotos V [1] Θωρακωτή Σκαλίδρα One record: 2008: juv Polichnitos Saltpans 24 Sept 08 (HRC 08, Lesvos Birds 2009). Fourth record for Greece. CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea sPM Δρεπανοσκαλίδρα Good numbers move through the island Apr–May with smaller numbers Aug–Oct. 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 Λασποσκαλίδρα Surprisingly scarce Aug–May. 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 Ραβδοσκαλίδρα Recorded Apr–May, but unusually, more often encountered in autumn Aug–Sept. Flock of 20 birds in Sept 2002 exceptional (P. Manning). 2009: 3 records, 9–11 May and 11–25 Aug and 13 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 5 records, 3–16 May (3) and 12–14 Aug (2) (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 4 records, 3–12 May (3) and 29–31 Aug (1) (Lesvos Birds 2011). RUFF Philomachus pugnax sPM Μαχητής Occurs Feb–May and Aug–Oct. Found mainly at the two saltpans but often seen in small numbers on rivers. 2009: 5–25 May and 10–25 Sept; max. 385 on 7 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 10 Mar – 25 May and 2 Sept – 3 Nov; max. 120 on 25–27 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] Ερυθρόλαιμος Φαλαρόποδας Eleven records: 1998: 2 Kalloni Saltpans 16 May (Brooks 1998). 1999: a fem Kalloni Saltpans 7–10 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 26–27 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] Κόκκινος Φαλαρόποδας One record: 2011: 1 Polichnitos Saltpans 31 Oct – 1 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011). COLLARED PRATINCOLE Glareola pratincola cSP (Κοινό) Νεροχελίδονο Good numbers seen on passage across the island Apr–May. 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] Μαυρόφτερο Νεροχελίδονο 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 Λεπτόραμφος Γλάρος Occurs in small numbers Oct–Mar. Passage birds Apr–May and Aug–Sept. Few records Jun–Jul. 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 Καστανοκέφαλος Γλάρος Occurs Jul–May. LITTLE GULL Larus minutus sW, sPM Νανόγλαρος Occurs in small numbers Aug–May. Surprisingly few seen on passage Apr–May and Aug–Sept. 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, 23–30 Apr (2) and 3–17 Nov (1) (Lesvos Birds 2011). AUDOUIN’S GULL Larus audouinii rRB Νανόγλαρος 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 Μαυροκέφαλος Γλάρος Occurs in reasonable numbers Aug–May, with passage birds Mar–May and Aug–Oct. 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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COMMON GULL (MEW GULL) * Larus canus V [6+] Θυελλόγλαρος 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 Ασημόγλαρος της Μεσογείου Common resident breeding on offshore islands and seen right across the island. LESSER BLACK-‐BACKED GULL * Larus fuscus rPM Μελανόγλαρος Passage birds Apr–May and Sept–Oct. Both intermedius and fuscus occur. 2011: 3 records (Lesvos Birds 2011). GULL-‐BILLED TERN Gelochelidon nilotica sSP Γελογλάρονο Small numbers pass through the island Apr–May. 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 Καρατζάς Occasionally recorded Apr–May and Aug–Sept. 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] Πορτοκαλόραμφο Γλαρόνι One record: 2001: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 6–7 May (HRC10, Lesvos Birds 2011).


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SANDWICH TERN Thalasseus sandvicensis R, sPM Χειμωνογλάρονο 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 (Ευρωπαϊκό) Νανογλάρονο Occurs Apr–Sept. 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 Ποταμογλάρονο Occurs Aug–Apr. 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] Χιονογλάρονο 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 Μουστακογλάρονο Good numbers pass through wetlands areas Apr–May with smaller numbers Aug–Oct. 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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WHITE-‐WINGED (BLACK) TERN Chlidonias leucopterus cPM Αργυρογλάρονο Good numbers pass through wetlands areas Apr–May with smaller numbers Aug–Oct. 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 Μαυρογλάρονο Small numbers (often singles) occur Apr–May and Aug–Sept. 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] Γερακοληστόγλαρος 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 23–24 Apr (Brooks 2003). ROCK DOVE Columba livia sRB Αγριοπερίστερο 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] Φασσοπερίστερο 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 (Κοινή) Φάσσα Small numbers breed. Numbers increase with the arrival of winter migrants Oct–Mar.


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EUROPEAN TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur cMB, cPM (Ευρωπαϊκό) Τρυγόνι Widespread breeder and passage migrant Apr–Sept. 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 (Ευρασιατική) Δεκαοχτούρα Widespread across the island, mainly around towns and villages. LAUGHING DOVE * Spilopelia senegalensis V [1] Φοινικοτρύγονο One record: 1994: 1 Achladeri 24 May (BoG). Unconfirmed records: 1 Skala Kallonis Apr 01 (Brooks 2001). GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO Clamator glandularis sMB, sSP Κισσόκουκος Small passage Mar–May. 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 (Ευρωπαϊκός) Κούκος Small numbers pass through Apr–May and Aug–Oct. 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 Τυτώ Small numbers breed across the island.


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EURASIAN SCOPS OWL Otus scops sMB (Ευρωπαϊκός) Γκιώνης Breeds across the island Apr–Jul. 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 (Κοινός) Μπούφος 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 (Κοινός) Χουχουριστής 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 (Ευρωπαϊκή) Κουκουβάγια 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 Νανόμπουφος Small numbers known to breed across the island. SHORT-‐EARED OWL Asio flammeus rW Βαλτόμπουφος Occasional birds Oct–Mar. 2011: 1 Molivos 26 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2011).


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EUROPEAN NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europaeus sMB, rPM (Ευρωπαϊκό) Γιδοβύζι Occurs Apr–Sept. Rarely seen but birds heard churring from suitable habitats including Potamia Valley. ALPINE SWIFT Apus melba rMB, cPM Βουνοσταχτάρα Occures Mar–Sept.Small numbers are thought to breed on the offshore islands inclduding Garbias Island off Makara and Gavatha Island off Gavathas. Passage birds occur Mar–May and Jul–Sept. 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 (Κοινή) Σταχτάρα Occurs Mar–Oct. 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 Ωχροσταχτάρα 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] Μικροσταχτάρα One record: 2004: 1 Skala Eressou Apr (HRC08, Lesvos Birds 2009).


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EUROPEAN ROLLER Coracias garrulus sPM (Ευρωπαϊκή) Χαλκοκουρούνα Occurs more frequently in spring Apr–May than autumn Aug–Sept. 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 12–17 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] Σμυρναλκυόνη 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 (Ευρωπαϊκή) Αλκυόνη Occurs mainly Aug–Apr 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)] Πράσινος Μελισσοφάγος 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 (Ευρωπαϊκός) Μελισσοφάγος Occurs Apr–Oct, 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 Τσαλαπετεινός Occurs Mar–Oct. 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 Στραβολαίμης Occasional birds seen Mar–Apr and Aug–Oct. 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 & 19–21 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). MIDDLE SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus medius cRB Μεσαίος Δρυοκολάπτης Common throughout wooded areas of the island, including olive groves. RED-‐BACKED SHRIKE Lanius collurio sMB, cPM Αετομάχος Scarce summer breeder (in west) and common passage migrant, often in considerable numbers, Apr–May and Aug–Oct. 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 Σταχτοκεφαλάς A scarce summer breeder and passage migrant Apr–May and Aug–Oct. 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+] Διπλοκεφαλάς 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] Διπλοκεφαλάς της Στέπας 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 Κοκκινοκεφαλάς Common summer breeder and passage migrant, often in considerable numbers, Apr–May and Aug–Oct. 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 Παρδαλοκεφαλάς A localised summer breeder Apr–Sept. 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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EURASIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE Oriolus oriolus cSP, rAP (Ευρωπαϊκός) Συκοφάγος Common migrant Apr–May and rare migrant Aug–Oct. 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 (Ευρωπαϊκή) Κίσσα The black-‐crowned race atricapillus is common across the island. EURASIAN MAGPIE * Pica pica V [4] (Κοινή) Καρακάξα 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] Καρυοθραύστης One record: 1993: 1 between Vafios and Agrenos May 93 (Brooks 1998). RED-‐BILLED CHOUGH * Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax V [2] Κοκκινοκαλιακούδα 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 (Ευρωπαϊκή) Κάργια Flocks are resident around Sigri, Anaxos, Skala Eresou, Gavathas, Apothika and Skala Polichnitou. ROOK Corvus frugilegus V [8] Χαβαρόνι 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 (Σταχτιά) Κουρούνα Widespread and common. NORTHERN RAVEN Corvus corax sRB (Κοινός) Κόρακας Small numbers breed in the rockier upland areas. BOHEMIAN WAXWING * Bombycilla garrulus V [1] (Κοινός) Κόρακας One record: 1965–66: an unknown number of birds during a major influx of birds into Greece during the 65–66 winter (BoG). SOMBRE TIT Poecile lugubris sRB Κλειδωνάς 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 Ελατοπαπαδίτσα A small population occurs through the coniferous woodland in the centre and east of the island. GREAT TIT Parus major cRB Καλόγερος Common and widespread. EURASIAN BLUE TIT Cyanistes caeruleus cRB Γαλαζοπαπαδίτσα Common and widespread.


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EURASIAN PENDULINE TIT Remiz pendulinus rMB Υφάντρα 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] Μουστακαλής Two records: 2000: 1 trapped and ringed Haramida Nov (Brooks 2001). 2004: pr Skala Kallonis Pool 1–11 Apr (Brooks 2004). CALANDRA LARK * Melanocorypha calandra V [10] (Κοινή) Γαλιάντρα Eleven records: 1996: 2 Alykes Wetlands 2–3 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 (Ευρωπαϊκή) Μικρογαλιάντρα Occurs Apr–Sept. 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] Μικρογαλιάντρα της Ερήμου 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 Κατσουλιέρης Widespread across the island. WOODLARK Lullula arborea sRB Δεντροσταρήθρα Small numbers breed in suitable woodland and scrub habitats (e.g. Achladeri, Ipsilou). EURASIAN SKYLARK Aluada arvensis sW (Κοινή) Σιταρήθρα Occurs Oct–Mar. 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 Οχθοχελίδονο Occurs on passage Mar–May and Aug–Oct. 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 Σταυλοχελίδονο Common and widespread on passage Mar–May and Aug–Oct. Breeds across the island. 2009: 16 Apr – 24 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 12 Mar – 17 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010).

2011: 13 Mar – 12 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011).

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 (Ευρωπαϊκό) Βραχοχελίδονο Occurs Apr–Sept. 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). 2010: 21 Mar – 2 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010).

2011: 11 Apr – 1 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011).

COMMON HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbicum cMB, cPM Λευκοχελίδονο Common and widespread on passage Mar–May and Aug–Oct. 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 Μιλτοχελίδονο Common and widespread on passage Mar–May and Aug–Oct. 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). CETTI’S WARBLER Cettia cetti sRB (Ευρωπαϊκό) Ψευταηδόνι Found along river courses and around wetland areas across the island. LONG-‐TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus rRB Αιγίθαλος 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 Θαμνοφυλλοσκόπος Apr–May and Aug–Oct. 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 Δεντροφυλλοσκόπος Aug–Apr. 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 BONELLI’S WARBLER Phylloscopus orientalis sMB, rPM Βουνοφυλλοσκόπος Occurs Apr–Sept. Small numbers breed around Agiasos, Lardia Valley, Vatousa and Fila, and occasionally elsewhere on the island (e.g. Potamia Valley 02–04). 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 Δασοφυλλοσκόπος Common on passage Apr–May, but less so Aug–Oct. 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] Κιτρινόφρυδος Φυλλοσκόπος 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 Τσιχλοποταμίδα Relatively common Apr–Sept. 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 Ψαθοποταμίδα 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 Σχοινοποταμίδα Common Mar–May and Aug–Oct. 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 Καλαμοποταμίδα Common Mar–Oct. 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 Βαλτοποταμίδα Small numbers Apr–May and, more commonly, Jul–Sept. 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 Ωχροστριτσίδα Common in dry scrub areas Apr–Oct. 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 Λιοστριτσίδα 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 warbler’s 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 Κιτρινοστριτσίδα Small numbers pass through Apr–Jun and Aug–Sept. 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 Θαμνοτριλιστής Very small numbers Apr–May and Aug–Oct. 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 Savi’s Warbler. RIVER WARBLER Locustella fluviatilis rPM Ποταμοτριλιστής Small numbers, usually only ever heard, Apr–May and Aug–Sept. 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! SAVI’S WARBLER Locustella luscinioides sPM Καλαμοτριλιστής Very small numbers Apr–May and Aug–Oct. 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 (Ευρωπαϊκή) Κιστικόλη 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 Μαυροσκούφης Occurs Mar–May and Aug–Oct. Small numbers winter Nov–Mar. 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 Κηποτσιροβάκος Small numbers Apr–May and Aug–Oct. 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 Γερακοτσιροβάκος Small numbers recorded Apr–May and Aug–Sept. 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? Βουνοτσιροβάκος Occurs on passage Apr–May and Aug–Oct. 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 Μελωδοτσιροβάκος Apr–Sept. 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 Θαμνοτσιροβάκος Occurs on passage Apr–May and Aug–Oct. Several pairs breed. 2009: 13 Apr – 8 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2009, 2010). 2010: 3 Apr – 5 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010).

2011: 5 Apr – 6 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011).

SPECTACLED WARBLER Sylvia conspicillata V [1] Καστανοτσιροβάκος 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 Κοκκινοτσιροβάκος Common and widespread across much of the island Apr–Sept. 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 Μαυροτσιροβάκος 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. RÜPPELL’S WARBLER Sylvia rueppelli rMB, rPM Αιγαιοτσιροβάκος 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 Kalloni–Petra 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 [?] Πυροβασιλίσκος 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 Χρυσοβασιλίσκος Localised, usually in the coniferous woods, Oct–Apr. 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 (Ευρωπαϊκός) Τρυποφράχτης Small numbers breed across the island and records indicate increase in numbers in winter. EURASIAN NUTHATCH Sitta europaea rRB Δεντροτσοπανάκος 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. KRÜPER’S NUTHATCH Sitta krueperi rRB Πευκοτσοπανάκος 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 2003–07 (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. Krϋper’s 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. Krϋper’s 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 (Δυτικός) Βραχοτσοπανάκος 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 don’t 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 Καμποδεντροβάτης Occurs in pine forests across the island. Most birders see this species at Achladeri when looking for Krüper’s Nuthatch and so rarely search elsewhere. Lesvos birds may be of the Asia Minor race C. b. harterti (BoG). COMMON STARLING Sturnus vulgaris cW (Ευρωπαϊκό) Ψαρόνι Occurs Oct–Apr. 2011: a pr found breeding nr Metochi Lake was the confirmed breeding on the island. ROSE-‐COLOURED STARLING (ROSY STARLING) Pastor roseus sPM Αγιοπούλι Occurs in varying numbers annually May–Jun. 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] Χιονοκότσυφας 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 (Κοινός) Κότσυφας Breeding numbers increasing and very common in winter. Shot in large numbers to reduce numbers feeding on olives. FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris rW Κεδρότσιχλα Small numbers Oct–Feb. 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 Κοκκινότσιχλα Oct–Feb. 2009: 8 Agia Paraskevi 22 Mar (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2011: 1 Agia Paraskevi 15 Mar (Lesvos Birds 2011). SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelus rRB, sW (Κοινή) Τσίχλα Common and widespread in winter, with many shot (see Blackbird). Several pairs breed. MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus sRB Γερακότσιχλα Small numbers breed across the island. EUROPEAN ROBIN Erithacus rubecula rRB, cW Κοκκινολαίμης Occurs commonly across the island Oct – Mar. A few breeding pairs. BLUETHROAT * Luscinia svecica V [1] Γαλαζολαίμης 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 Τσιχλαηδόνι 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 (Κοινό) Αηδόνι Apr – Oct. Breeds across the island along dry riverbeds and other dry, dense scrub. WHITE-‐THROATED ROBIN * Irania gutturalis V, OB [8] Λευκόλαιμο Αηδόνι 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 Κουφαηδόνι Occurs Apr–Aug. 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 Καρβουνιάρης Common Oct–Mar. 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 (Κοινός) Φοινίκουρος Occurs Apr–May and Sept–Oct. 2009: 13 Apr – 5 May and 20–28 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 Καστανολαίμης Can occur in huge numbers across the island Apr–May and Aug–Oct. 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 (Ευρωπαϊκός) Μαυρολαίμης Small numbers occur across the island and records indicate increase in numbers in winter. ISABELLINE WHEATEAR Oenanthe isabellina sMB, rPM Αμμοπετρόκλης Occurs Apr–Sept. 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 Σταχτοπετρόκλης Occurs Mar–Sept. Small numbers breed throughout the west of the island and a small passage Mar–May and Aug–Oct. 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] Παρδαλοπετρόκλης 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 Ασπροκωλίνα 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. FINSCH’S WHEATEAR * Oenanthe finschii V [3] Βουνοπετρόκλης 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] Πυροκότσυφας 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 Γαλαζοκότσυφας Widespread, especially in the rocky west of the island. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata cPM Σταχτομυγοχάφτης 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 Μαυρομυγοχάφτης Widespread Apr–May and Aug–Oct. 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 Κρικομυγοχάφτης Occurs Apr–May. 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 Δρυομυγοχάφτης 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 Νανομυγοχάφτης Singles occasionally seen Apr–May and Aug–Sept. 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] (Ευρωπαϊκός) Νεροκότσυφας One record: 2007: 1 Sigri 7 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2009). HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus cRB Σπιτοσπουργίτης Widespread and common resident. SPANISH SPARROW Passer hispaniolensis sRB, sPM Χωραφοσπουργίτης 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] Δεντροσπουργίτης 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 Πετροσπουργίτης Small numbers breed in the rockier west of the island, e.g. Ipsilou, between Agra and Mesotopos. DUNNOCK Prunella modularis rW (Κοινός) Θαμνοψάλτης Occurs Oct–Mar. 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 Κιτρινοσουσουράδα Common and widespread on passage Mar–May and Aug–Oct. 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 Syke’s 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 Κιτροσουσουράδα Occurs most years, often in double-‐figurs (e.g. 15+ Apr–May 04). Most records from spring, Apr–May. 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 Σταχτοσουσουράδα Small numbers breed and numbers increase in winter Sept–Mar. WHITE WAGTAIL Moticilla alba rRB, sPM Λευκοσουσουράδα Small numbers breed. TAWNY PIPIT Anthus campestris sPM, rMB? Ωχροκελάδα Occurs in small numbers, including believed breeding, Mar–Oct. 2009: 4 Apr – 13 May (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 21 Mar – 22 May and 8–28 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 5 Apr – 15 May and 19 Aug – 4 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2011). MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis sW Λιβαδοκελάδα Occurs, often in large numbers, Oct–Mar, 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 Δεντροκελάδα Occurs Mar–May and Aug–Oct. Record count: 500 North Coast track 12 Apr 00 (Brooks 2000). 2009: 6 May and 9–29 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 11–26 Sept; max. 15 on 2 May (Lesvos Birds 2011).


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RED-‐THROATED PIPIT Anthus cervinus sPM Κοκκινοκελάδα Occurs Apr–May and Sept–Oct. 2009: 8 Apr – 12 May and 1–29 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 (Ευρωπαϊκή) Νεροκελάδα Occurs Oct – Mar. 2009: 2 records, 22–23 Mar and 8 Apr (Lesvos Birds 2009). 2010: 2 records, 29 Jan and 26 Oct (Lesvos Birds 2010). 2011: 2 records, 24–25 Apr and 29 Oct – 9 Nov (Lesvos Birds 2011). COMMON CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs cRB (Κοινός) Σπίνος Widespread and common. BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla rW Χειμωνόσπινος Occurs in varying numbers Oct–Mar. 2009: 1 record, 1 Tsiknias River 1 Jan (Lesvos Birds 2009). RED-‐FRONTED SERIN * Serinus pusillus V [1] Μαύρο Καναρίνι 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 Σκαρθάκι Occurs in coniferous woodland across the island.


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EUROPEAN GREENFINCH Chloris chloris cRB (Ευρωπαϊκός) Φλώρος Widespread and common. EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis cRB (Κοινή) Καρδερίνα Widespread and common. EURASIAN SISKIN Carduelis spinus rW (Κοινό) Λούγαρο Occurs in varying numbers Oct–Mar. 2011: 3 records, 23 & 29 Apr and 4 Sept (Lesvos Birds 2011). COMMON LINNET Carduelis cannabina sRB (Κοινό) Φανέτο Scarce but widespread across the island. COMMON ROSEFINCH * Carpodacus erythrinus V [2] (Κοινή) Ροδόσπιζα 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] (Κοινός) Σταυρομύτης 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] (Κοινός) Πύρρουλας Two records: 1984: 1 nr Kalloni 17 Apr (Brooks 1998). 1986: 1 Potamia Valley 27 Mar (Brooks 1998). HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes rRB, rW (Ευρωπαϊκός) Κοκκοθραύστης Small numbers breed. Scarce in winter Oct–Apr, but large flocks, e.g. 200+ nr Dipi Larisos Mar 00 can occur (Brooks 2000). CORN BUNTING Emberiza calandra cRB Τσιφτάς Widespread and common. YELLOWHAMMER * Emberiza citrinella V [3] Χρυσοτσίχλονο 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 Βουνοτσίχλονο 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 Σμυρνοτσίχλονο 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 Βλαχοτσίχλονο Small numbers Apr–May and Aug–Sept. 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). CRETZSCHMAR’S BUNTING Emberiza caesia cMB Φρυγανοτσίχλονο 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 Σιρλοτσίχλονο Widespread and common in open country with scattered trees. LITTLE BUNTING * Emberiza pusilla V [1] Νανοτσίχλονο One record: 1997: 1 trapped and ringed Haramida Marsh 17 Oct (HRC06). BLACK-‐HEADED BUNTING Emberiza melanocephala cMB Αμπελουργός Widespread and common. Occurs Apr–Aug. 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 (Μεγάλο) Καλαμοτσίχλονο 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 * Πετροπέρδικα Unconfirmed records: 1 Ipsilou Apr 04 (Brooks 2004). A very unlikely species and surely refers to Chukar. Lesser White-‐fronted Goose Anser erythropus * Νανόχηνα Unconfirmed records: several shot during the winter of 01-‐02 (Brooks 2002). Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis * Ασπρομάγουλη Χήνα Unconfirmed records: 1 nr Kalloni Saltpans Mar 03 (Brooks 2003). Red-‐crested Pochard Netta rufina * (Ευρασιατικό) Φερεντίνι Unconfirmed records: 1 Skala Kallonis Pool Mar 02 (Brooks 2002). Red-‐throated Diver Gavia immer * Κηλιδοβούτι Unconfirmed records: 1 off Skala Kallonis Apr 04 (Brooks 2004). European Storm-‐petrel Hydrobates pelagicus * Υδροβάτης Unconfirmed records: 1 off Vatera Apr 01 (Brooks 1998).


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Black Vulture Aegypius monachus * Μαυρόγυπας Unconfirmed records: 1 reported May 08. Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus * Μικρός Ερημοσφυριχτής 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 * (Μεγάλος) Ερημοσφυριχτής Unconfirmed records: singles Kalloni Saltpans Apr and May 99, 2 in May 01 and one Jun 02 (Brooks 1999, 2001, 2002). Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii * Λιβαδοσκαλίδρα Unconfirmed records: 1 Kalloni Saltpans May 01 (Brooks 2001). Oriental Pratincole Stercorarius maldivarum * Ανατολικό Νεροχελίδονο One rejected record: 1 Kalloni Saltpans 6 May 02 (HRC11 in prep). Long-‐tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus * Βελονοληστόγλαρος Unconfirmed records: 1 off Mitilini Oct 96 (Brooks 1998). Only three Greek records. Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus * Γαλαζόραμφος Ληστόγλαρος Unconfirmed records: Adult off Vatera May 96 (Brooks 1998). Pallas’s Gull (Great Black-‐backed Gull) Larus marinus * Αετόγλαρος 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 * Διπλογλάρονο One rejected record: 1 Tsiknias River mouth 27 Apr 06 (HRC09).


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Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis * Κήρυλος Unconfirmed records: 1 off Sigri Sept 02 (Brooks 2002). Green Woodpecker Picus viridis * Πράσινος Δρυοκολάπτης 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 * Πευκοδρυοκολάπτης 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 * Βαλκανικός Δρυοκολάπτης 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 * Λευκονώτης Δρυοκολάπτης 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 * Ελατοτρύγονο One rejected record: One Potamia Valley 1 Jan 09 (HRC10). Black Lark Melanocorypha yeltoniensis * Μαυρογαλιάντρα Unconfirmed records: 1 after extensive snowfall during the 1986-‐87 winter (Brooks 1998). Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi * Διπλοκελάδα 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 * Μαυρονούρης


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One rejected record: 1 Meladia Valley May 00 (HRC10). Not on the Greek list. Common Stonechat Saxicola rubicola maura * Ανατολικός Μαυρολαίμης 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 * Ερημοπετρόκλης Unconfirmed records : 1 nr Anaxos May 98 ; fem Mesa spr 99 (Brooks 1999). Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola * Νεροποταμίδα Unconfirmed records: 1 Faneromeni Ford Apr 02 (Brooks 2002). Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum * Θαμνοποταμίδα One rejected record: 1 Sigri 9 May 09 (HRC09). Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata * Θαμνοστριτσίδα Unconfirmed records: 1 Ipsilou monastery May 01 (Brooks 2001). Upcher’s Warbler Hippolais lanuida * Σταχτοστριτσίδα 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). Ménétries’s Warbler Sylvia mystacea * Ασιατικός Μαυροτσιροβάκος Unconfirmed records: 1 Potamia Valley May 04 (Brooks 2004). This species is not on the Greek list. Caucasian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus (collybita) lorenzii * Δεντροφυλλοσκόπος του Καυκάσου One rejected record: 1 Konditsia Valley 1 May 11 (HRC11 in prep). Black-‐crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegula * Τσάγκρα της Σενεγάλης 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 * Ξανθοκεφαλάς 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 * Κιτρινόραμφο Φανέτο 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 * Σημυδοτσίχλονο One rejected record: Fem Sigri 8 May 08 (HRC08). Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica * Βαλτοτσίχλονο 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 Αμερικανικό Κεφαλούδι One Kalloni Saltpans Aug 02 (Brooks 2003). Namaqua Dove Oena capensis Μικροπερίστερο 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 Alectoris chukar sRB Common Quail Coturnix coturnix sPM, OB? Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus rIB Greylag Goose Anser anser V [1] Greater White-‐fronted Goose Anser albifrons rW Red-‐breasted Goose Branta ruficollis V [2] Mute Swan Cygnus olor rW Bewick’s Swan (Tundra Swan) Cygnus columbianus V [1] Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus V [5] Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna rRB, sPM Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea rRB, sPM Gadwall Anas strepera V [4] Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope sW Mallard Anas platyrhynchos rRB, sW Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata sW Northern Pintail Anas acuta sW Garganey Anas querquedula sSP, rAP Eurasian Teal Anas crecca sW, sPM Common Pochard Aythya ferina V [12] Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca V [14] Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula V [3] Greater Scaup Aythya marila V [1] Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula V [2] Smew Mergellus albellus V [1] Red-‐breasted Merganser Mergus serrator sW White-‐headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala V [1] Black-‐throated Diver (Loon) Gavia arctica sW Scopoli’s Shearwater (Cory’s Shearwater) Calonectris diomedea diomedea sPM, rMB? Yelkouan Shearwater Puffinus yelkouan sRB Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis sRB, sW Red-‐necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena V [4] Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus cW Black-‐necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis sW Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber sR, OB, rPM Black Stork Ciconia nigra sRB, sPM White Stork Ciconia ciconia sMB, sPM Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus sSP, rAP Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia sPM Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris rW, rPM Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus sSM, rAP Black-‐crowned Night-‐heron Nycticorax nycticorax sPM Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides sSP, rAP Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis V [7+] Grey Heron Ardea cinerea sW, sPM Purple Heron Ardea purpurea sPM Great White Egret (Great Egret) Ardea alba rR, sPM


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Little Egret Egretta garzetta sPM, rW Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus rPM Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus rPM, rW Pygmy Cormorant Microcarbo pygmeus rW European Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis sRB Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis cW Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus rPM European Honey-‐buzzard Pernis apivorus rMB, sPM Red Kite Milvus milvus V [2] Black Kite Milvus migrans sPM White-‐tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla V [6] Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus V [12] Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus V [14+] Short-‐toed (Snake) Eagle Circaetus gallicus sMB, sPM Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus sPM, rW Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus sW, sPM Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus sPM Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus sPM Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes sPM, rMB? Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus rRB, sW, sPM Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis rRB, rPM Common Buzzard Buteo buteo sRB, sW, sPM Long-‐legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus sRB, sPM Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina rPM Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga V [6+] Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis V [2] Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca V [13] Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos V [19+] Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus rRB? Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus rPM Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni sMB, sPM Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus sRB Red-‐footed Falcon Falco vespertinus sPM Eleonora’s Falcon Falco eleonorae sPM, rMB? Merlin Falco columbarius rW, ePM Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo sPM, rMB? Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus rPM Saker Falcon Falco cherrug V [2] Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus sRB, sW Water Rail Rallus aquaticus rRB, sW, rPM Corncrake Crex crex V [18] Little Crake Porzana parva sSP, rAP Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla rPM [21] Spotted Crake Porzana porzana sSP, rAP Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus sRB, sW Eurasian Coot Fulica atra rRB, sW Common Crane Grus grus V [9+] Eurasian Stone-‐curlew Burhinus oedicnemus sMB, sPM Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus rW, rPM Black-‐winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus sRB, sPM Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avocetta rR, OB, sPM Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus sW Spur-‐winged Plover (Lapwing) Hoplopterus spinosus sPM


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Sociable Plover (Lapwing) Vanellus gregaria V [1] White-‐tailed Plover (Lapwing) Vanellus xxx V [1] European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria sW, rPM Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola rW, sPM Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula sPM Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius sMB, sPM Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrius rRB, sPM Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus V [1] Eurasian Dotterel Charadrius morinellus V [2] Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola sW Jack Snipe Limnocryptes minimus sW Great Snipe Gallinago media rPM [15+] Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago sW, sPM Black-‐tailed Godwit Limosa limosa sSP Bar-‐tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica V [10] Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus rSP Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata rW, sPM Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus sPM, rW Common Redshank Tringa totanus sR, sPM Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis sPM Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia sPM, sW Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus rW, sPM Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola cPM Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus V [8] Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos sPM, rW Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres sPM Red Knot Calidris canutus V [3] Sanderling Calidris alba sPM Little Stint Calidris minuta cPM, rW Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii sPM Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos V [1] Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea sPM Dunlin Calidris alpina sW, sW, sPM Broad-‐billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus rPM Ruff Philomachus pugnax sPM Red-‐necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus V [11] Grey Phalarope (Red Phalarope) Phalaropus fulicarius V [1] Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola sSP Black-‐winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni V [5] Slender-‐billed Gull Chroicocephalus genei rW, sPM Black-‐headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus sW Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus rPM Audouin’s Gull Ichthyaetus audouinii rRB Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus sW, sPM Common Gull (Mew Gull) Larus canus V [6+] Yellow-‐legged Gull Larus michahellis cRB Lesser Black-‐backed Gull Larus fuscus rPM Gull-‐billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica sSP, rAP Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia rPM Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus bengalensis V [1] Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis sW, sPM Little Tern Sternula albifrons sMB Common Tern Sterna hirundo sMB, sPM


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Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea V [1] Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida sPM White-‐winged (Black) Tern Chlidonias leucopterus sPM Black Tern Chlidonias niger rPM Arctic Skua (Parasitic Jeagar) Stercorarius parasticus V [1] Rock Dove Columba livia rRB Stock Dove Columba oenas V [5] Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus rRB, sW European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur cMB, cPM Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto cRB Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis V [1] Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius sPM, OB Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus sPM Western Barn Owl Tyto alba sRB Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops sMB Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo rRB Tawny Owl Strix aluco rRB Little Owl Athene noctua cRB Long-‐eared Owl Asio otus rRB Short-‐eared Owl Asio flammeus rW European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus sMB, rPM Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba cPM, rMB? Common Swift Apus apus cMB, cPM Pallid Swift Apus pallidus sPM Little Swift Apus affinis V [1] European Roller Coracias garrulus sPM White-‐throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis V [1] Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis sW, OB Blue-‐cheeked Bee-‐eater Merops persicus V [6] European Bee-‐eater Merops apiaster sMB, cPM Euraisan Hoopoe Upupa epops cMB, cPM Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla rPM Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus medius cRB Red-‐backed Shrike Lanius collurio sMB, cPM Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor sMB, sPM Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor V [11+] Steppe Grey Shrike Lanius pallidirostris V [1] Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator cMB, cPM Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus sMB, rPM Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus cPM Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandularis cRB Eurasian Magpie Pica pica V [4] Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes V [1] Red-‐billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax V [2] Western Jackdaw Coloeus mondula sRB Rook Corvus frugilegus V [8] Hooded Crow Corvus cornix cRB Northern Raven Corvus corax sRB Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus V [1] Sombre Tit Parus lugubris sRB Coal Tit Periparus ater rRB Great Tit Parus major cRB Euroepan Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus cRB


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Eurasian Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus rMB Bearded Tit (Bearded Reedling) Panurus biarmicus V [2] Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra V [10] Greater Short-‐toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla rMB, sPM Lesser Short-‐toed Lark Calandrella rufescens V [1] Crested Lark Galerida cristata cRB Woodlark Lullula arborea sRB Eurasian Skylark Aluada arvensis sW Sand Martin Riparia riparia sPM Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica cMB, cPM Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris sMB, sPM Common House Martin Delichon urbicum cMB, cPM Red-‐rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica cMB, cPM Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti cRB Long-‐tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus sRB Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus sSP, cAP Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita sW, sPM Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus orientalis rMB, rPM Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix cPM Yellow-‐browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus V [2] Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus sMB, sPM Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon rW Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus cPM Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus rMB, sPM Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris rPM Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida cMB, cPM Olive-‐tree Warbler Hippolais olivetorum sMB, rPM Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina sPM Common Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia rPM River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis sPM Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides sPM Fan-‐tailed Warbler (Zitting Cisticola) Cisticola juncidis rRB Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla cPM, rW Garden Warbler Sylvia borin sPM Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria sPM Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca cPM Eastern Orphean Warbler Sylvia crassirostris sMB, sPM Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis rMB, cPM Spectacled Warbler Sylvia xxx V [1] Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans cMB, rPM Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala sRB, rPM Rüppell’s Warbler Sylvia rueppelli rMB, rPM Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla V [4+] Goldcrest Regulus regulus sW Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes sRB Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea rRB Krüper’s Nuthatch Sitta krueperi sRB Western Rock Nuthatch Sitta neumayer sRB Short-‐toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla sRB Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris OB, sW Rose-‐coloured Starling Pastor roseus sPM Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus V [4] Common Blackbird Turdus merula cRB, cW


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Fieldfare Turdus pilaris rW Redwing Turdus iliacus rW Song Thrush Turdus philomelos rRB, sW Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus rRB European Robin Erithacus rubecula rRB, cW Bluethroat Luscinia svecica V [1] Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia sPM Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos cMB, sPM White-‐throated Robin Irania gutturalis V, OB [8] Rufous Bush-‐robin (Rufous-‐tailed Scrub Robin) Erythropygia galactotes sMB, rPM Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros sW Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus sPM Whinchat Saxicola rubetra cPM Common Stonechat Saxicola rubicola sRB, sW Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina rMB, rPM Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe rMB, sPM Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka V [10] Eastern Black-‐eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica cMB Finsch’s Wheatear Oenanthe finschii V [3] Common Rock-‐thrush Monticola saxatilis rPM, OB [20] Blue Rock-‐thrush Monticola solitarius sRB Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata rMB, cPM European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca sPM Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis cSP, rAP Semicollared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata rPM Red-‐breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva rPM White-‐throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus aquaticus V [1] House Sparrow Passer domesticus cRB Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis sMB, sPM Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus V [6] Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia rRB Dunnock Prunella modularis sW Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava -‐ Black-‐headed Wagtail M. f. feldegg sMB, cPM -‐ Blue-‐headed Wagtail M. f. flava cPM -‐ Grey-‐headed Wagtail M. f. thunbregi sPM -‐ 'Romanian' Yellow Wagtail M. f. 'dombrowski' rPM -‐ 'Russian' Yellow Wagtail M. f. superciliarias rPM -‐ 'Italian' Yellow Wagtail M. f. cinerocipilla V [?] -‐ Syke's Yellow Wagtail M. f. beema V [?] -‐ Yellow-‐headed Wagtail M. f. lutea V [?] Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola rSP Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea rRB White Wagtail Motacilla alba rRB, sW, sPM Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris sPM, rMB? Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis cW Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis sPM Red-‐throated Pipit Anthus cervinus sPM Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta rW Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs cRB Brambling Fringilla montifringilla rW Red-‐fronted Serin Serinus pusillus V [1] European Serin Serinus serinus sRB, rPM


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European Greenfinch Chloris chloris cRB Eurasian Siskin Carduelis spinus rW, rPM European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis cRB Common Linnet Carduelis cannabina sRB Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus V [2] Common Crossbill (Red Crossbill) Loxia curvirostra V [6] Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula V [2] Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes rRB, rW Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra cRB Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella V [3] Rock Bunting Emberiza cia rW Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea sMB Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana sPM Cretzschmar’s Bunting Emberiza caesia cMB Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus cRB Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla V [1] Black-‐headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala cMB Common Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus 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 Krüper’s Νuthatch Sitta krueperi on the island of

Lesvos, Greece. 2nd 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

Documents

The birds of Lesvos 2012