Benevento, Italy, is home to a large variety of birds. The city provides an ideal bird habitat, from the common house sparrow to rarer species like the golden oriole.
Hundreds of species can be spotted in the city, ranging from passerines to raptors. Some of the more common birds in Benevento include the mallard duck, blackbird, and great tit.
For the more experienced bird watcher, rarer birds, like the golden oriole, gray heron, and eagle owl, can also be spotted. Benevento is an excellent place for bird-watching with its lush parks and gardens.
24 Birds to Watch in Benevento
Benevento is a city in southern Italy with a rich history and culture. It is also an excellent place for birdwatching, as it hosts a variety of species that can be seen in different habitats and seasons.
Here are 24 birds you should look out for when visiting Benevento.
1. Common Wood Pigeon
The standard wood pigeon is a large species of dove and pigeon found in the western Palearctic region. It is a member of the Columba genus, which includes other related species, such as the rock dove.
This species is commonly called the wood pigeon and is a famous bird to observe in its natural habitat. This species can be identified by its grayish-brown body, white patches on the wings, and a white collar on its neck.
They can fly and reach speeds of up to 60 mph. They have solid and homing instincts and can migrate over long distances. The wood pigeon is a highly adaptable bird and can survive in various habitats such as woodlands, parks, and gardens.
Their diet consists primarily of grains, seeds, and vegetation, but they have also been known to eat small invertebrates. The wood pigeon plays an essential role in ecosystems, providing food for predators and dispersing seeds of various plants.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. palumbus |
2. Mute Swan
The mute swan is a species of swan that is part of the Anatidae family. This particular species of swan is native to many areas of Eurasia and the northern parts of Africa. It is a waterfowl, meaning it is mainly found near or in bodies of water.
The mute swan is easily recognizable due to its large size and white plumage. It is also known for its long curved neck and black beak. During the winter, the mute swan migrates south to find warmer weather.
This species is also known for its loud honking sound, so it was named ”mute swan.” The mute swan is integral to many ecosystems, as they help control other waterfowl populations.
They are also an essential source of food for many predators. As a result, the mute swan is seen as a critical part of the environment and is protected in many countries.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cygnus |
| Species | C. olor |
3. Great Crested Grebe
The great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus) is a large water bird native to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. It is easily recognizable by its unique black and white striped head and long pointed bill.
This grebe species is a very active bird, often seen diving for food and swimming along the water’s surface. The great crested grebe is an excellent swimmer capable of diving up to 30 feet for food.
The great crested grebe is also renowned for its elaborate mating display. During the breeding season, the male and female birds perform courtship rituals, including elaborate swimming and head nodding.
The rhythmic bobbing of their heads is thought to be a way of showing off their breeding plumage. The male will also perform a ‘weed dance’ in which he will present a piece of weed to the female as a gift.
The female will then accept or reject the gift, which will determine if the pair will mate. The Grebe family of birds also includes other species, such as the red-necked grebe, black-necked grebe, and the pied-billed grebe.
These species are also noted for their elaborate courtship displays, although the great crested grebe is the most renowned for its performance. The great crested grebe is a crucial part of the aquatic environment.
It is a top predator in its environment and plays a vital role in controlling the populations of aquatic organisms. This species is also essential in helping to maintain healthy marine ecosystems, which is why it is crucial to ensure its conservation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. cristatus |
4. Little Grebe
The little grebe, also known as dabchick, is a species of water bird belonging to the grebe family. It is recognized by its scientific name, Tachybaptus Ruficollis, derived from ancient Greek and Latin words.
The Greek thus translates to ” fast,” and bap means ” to sink under.” The Latin words Rufus and Collis refer to the bird’s color and neck, respectively. Rufus translates to “red,” while Collis is derived from the Latin phrase collum, meaning ” neck.”
Therefore, the scientific name of the little grebe can be translated to “fast sinking red-necked” bird. It is an apt description of the bird’s behavior in water.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Tachybaptus |
| Species | T. ruficollis |
5. European Turtle Dove
The European turtle dove is a bird that is part of the Columbidae family, which includes doves and pigeons. This bird species has a wide range of breeding areas, covering the southwestern Palearctic region and parts of North Africa.
During the winter, the turtle dove will migrate to the northern parts of sub-Saharan Africa for the colder months. This migration helps the bird survive the winter and ensures the species population stays healthy.
Turtle doves provide excellent interest for birdwatchers, as they are a colorful and unique bird species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. turtur |
6. Gadwall
The gadwall is a species of dabbling duck native to parts of the Northern Hemisphere. It is a member of the Anatidae family, which includes ducks, geese, and swans. It is a medium-sized duck with a greyish-brown body, white belly, and a black tail.
Its head is brown, and it has a black stripe that runs from its bill to the back of its head. The gadwall is known for its long wings and rapid flight. The gadwall is a relatively widespread species of duck.
It is found in various habitats, including wetlands, lakes, ponds, and marshes. It is a migratory species, breeding in the northern parts of its range and migrating south for the winter.
During the breeding season, it is commonly seen in large flocks. The gadwall is an omnivorous species, feeding on various plants, insects, and small fish.
It is a dabbling duck, meaning it feeds by “tipping” or “upending” its body in shallow water to reach food items at the bottom. The gadwall is an essential species for hunters, providing recreational opportunities for those interested in duck hunting.
It is also an important species for conservation since its presence indicates the health of wetland ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. strepera |
7. Grey Partridge
The grey partridge is a game bird in the pheasant family, Phasianidae. It is a member of the order Galliformes, a group of gallinaceous birds. This type of bird is also known as the gray-legged partridge, English partridge, Hungarian partridge, or hun.
The grey partridge’s scientific name is perdix, derived from Ancient Greek. This Latin name means “partridge” and is used to identify this bird species. The grey partridge is a ground-dwelling bird widespread in Europe, Asia, and northern Africa.
It is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 11-14 inches long. Its head and neck are grey-brown, while its upperparts are a speckled grey. Its underparts are white with black bars. The grey partridge is an omnivore which eats plants and animals.
It feeds on seeds, grains, berries, insects, and small reptiles. The grey partridge is a famous game bird for hunters. This species has a wide distribution and can be found in various habitats, including open fields, farmland, and woodlands.
It is also a popular species for conservation efforts due to its declining population in some areas. Therefore, it is essential to protect this species and its habitats to ensure its continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Perdix |
| Species | P. perdix |
8. Great Egret
The great egret is a large bird species in many parts of the world. Several other names, including the common egret, large egret, great white egret, and great white heron, also know it.
The great egret has four distinct subspecies in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe. The species has also spread to more northern parts of Europe in recent years.
The great egret is a majestic bird known for its long white feathers and yellow beak. Its long neck allows it to easily reach into bodies of water to feed on fish and other aquatic prey.
They are usually found near wetlands and can be seen standing in shallow water, often with their wings spread wide to attract prey. They are also known to forage in fields and meadows for food.
The great egret is an essential species in many ecosystems and a protected species in many areas. It is an indicator species, meaning that its presence can be used to gauge the health of an ecosystem.
Its population is threatened by habitat loss and degradation, and it is also vulnerable to human disturbances. As such, conservation efforts are essential to ensure that the excellent egret population remains healthy and stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. alba |
9. Common Pochard
The common pochard is a species of duck that lives in aquatic environments. It is a medium-sized bird with a scientific name derived from the Greek word Lithuania.
This word was initially mentioned by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle, and it refers to an unidentified seabird. The second part of the scientific name, ferina, is derived from the Latin term fetus, which translates to ‘wild.’
Thus, the Latin ferina refers to ‘wild game’ and can be interpreted to mean that the common pochard is a wild bird species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. ferina |
10. Eurasian Wigeon
The Eurasian wigeon is a species of dabbling duck belonging to the genus Mareca. It is also known as the European wigeon, the widgeon, or simply the wigeon. This species is found in the Palearctic area, a vast region encompassing Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
The Eurasian wigeon is a prevalent species within its range, making it a famous bird for birdwatchers and other nature enthusiasts.
Its coloring is striking: a greyish-brown head and neck, white cheeks, and a chestnut-brown body with orange on the sides. Its wings are tipped with white, adding to its distinctive appearance.
The Eurasian wigeon is a social bird, often seen in large flocks on open wetlands, where they feed on aquatic vegetation. They are known for their characteristic call, a loud, sharp whistle.
This species is an integral part of the wetland ecosystem, as it helps to control aquatic plant growth and provides food for predators.
The Eurasian wigeon is a beautiful and fascinating species, and its presence in the wild is a testament to the importance of conservation efforts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. penelope |
11. Ferruginous Duck
The Ferruginous Duck is a type of diving duck native to Eurosiberia. It is a medium-sized duck known as the Ferruginous Pochard, the Common White-eye, and the White-eyed Pochard.
Its scientific name, Aythya nyroca, is derived from the Greek word “Lithuania,” which was used by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle to describe an unidentified seabird, and “nyrok,” which is the Russian name for a duck.
This species is named for its brownish-gray feathers, which give it a rusty or ferruginous color. The Ferruginous Duck is an active and robust swimmer and prefers to inhabit shallow waters. It feeds mainly on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish.
It nests in dense vegetation near bodies of water and typically lays three to six eggs. The Ferruginous Duck is currently classified as a species of most minor concern on the IUCN Red List, but its population is declining due to habitat destruction and hunting.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. nyroca |
12. Red-Necked Grebe
The red-necked grebe is a species of aquatic bird commonly found in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. During the winter months, they often migrate to coastal areas near oceans, where they can find calm and peaceful waters to live in.
This makes them particularly well-adapted to the colder temperatures of winter, avoiding the rougher surf and storms of the open ocean. Additionally, some birds may stay on larger inland lakes instead of migrating to coastal regions.
This gives them access to food sources such as fish that are easier to find in these larger bodies of water.
By choosing these habitats, the red-necked grebe can ensure that it has an ample food supply during the winter months while still being able to take advantage of the relatively warm waters found in coastal areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. grisegena |
13. Ring-Necked Pheasant
The common pheasant is a species of bird belonging to the pheasant family. The genus Phasianus is derived from the Latin word for “pheasant.” The species name Colchicus is Latin for “of Colchis,” a country on the Black Sea where pheasants were first introduced to Europeans.
The common pheasant is a colorful and diverse species with various colors and patterns. They inhabit multiple habitats in the wild, including grasslands, open woodlands, and cultivation. They are found across much of East Asia, Europe, and North Africa.
Common pheasants are popular game birds widely farmed for hunting and food production. They are also kept as pets, and their feathers are used for decoration.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Phasianus |
| Species | P. colchicus |
14. Greater Flamingo
The more excellent flamingo species is part of the flamingo family and is the most widespread and significant.
It can be found in many different parts of the world, including Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean countries of Southern Europe.
This species is widespread in the Old World, and its expansive range is due to its ability to adapt to various climates and habitats.
They are often spotted in lagoons, lakes, and wetlands but can also be seen in other areas, such as shallow coasts and estuaries. The greater flamingo has a unique diet, including aquatic plants, algae, shrimp, and small fish.
Their diet is the foundation of their bright pink coloring, as the carotenoid pigments they consume give them their stunning colors. They also have large, webbed feet that help them wade through shallow water for food.
The greater flamingo is a fascinating species, and its distribution across the Old World is a testament to its adaptability and resilience. It is a species that is important to the ecosystems in which it is found, and its presence indicates a healthy environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Species | P. roseus |
15. Garganey
The garganey is a small dabbling duck found in a large area of Europe and the Palearctic region. It is a migratory species, with the entire population moving to more temperate climates in the winter.
The species spends its winter in southern Africa, India, Bangladesh, and Australasia, where large flocks can be observed. The species’ population disperses during the winter to find a more suitable climate.
The garganey can survive this way thanks to its ability to migrate to more temperate climates. This enables them to thrive in an environment that may not suit them in the winter.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. querquedula |
16. Red-Crested Pochard
The Red-crested Pochard is a large diving duck, classified in the genus Netta. The scientific name of this species is derived from two ancient languages: Greek and Latin. The Greek root “Netta” translates to “duck,” and the Latin root “Rufina” translates to ” golden-red.”
This is fitting, as the Red-crested Pochard is known for its bright, golden-red head plumage. This species is found in Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia and is known for its ability to dive deep underwater in search of food.
The species is listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to a decline in its population over the last few decades. Conservation efforts are being made to help protect this species, a valuable part of the aquatic ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Netta |
| Species | N. rufina |
17. Osprey
The Osprey is a bird of prey found all over the world. It is known by several names, such as sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk, due to its diet of mainly fish. It is a large bird with a body length of more than 60 cm and a wingspan of up to 180 cm.
The Osprey has mainly brown plumage on its upperparts, with a greyish head and underparts. It is a diurnal bird, meaning it is active during the day.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Pandionidae |
| Genus | Pandion |
| Species | P. haliaetus |
18. Greater White-Fronted Goose
The greater white-fronted goose is a species of goose that is closely related to the lesser white-fronted goose. It is named after the white feathers that border the base of its bill, where its scientific name, “albifrons,” comes from.
The Latin words “albus,” which means white, and “frons,” which implies forehead, give the goose its name as the white feathers resemble a forehead.
These two species of geese are similar in many ways, but the greater white-fronted goose is slightly larger and has a more extended breeding range. Both geese can be found in the northern hemisphere, usually inhabiting wet and marshy areas.
They spend their winters in more southern locations, such as the United States and Canada, and their summer breeding grounds are in Northern Europe and Siberia.
The greater white-fronted goose is an essential species for conservation, as its population has been declining for decades due to various factors, including hunting and habitat loss.
Conservation efforts have been put in place to protect this species, such as protected areas, regulations on hunting, and research into the species’ migratory patterns.
Overall, the greater white-fronted goose is a species closely related to the lesser white-fronted goose and is named for the patch of white feathers bordering the base of its bill.
It is an essential species for conservation as its population has been declining over the years, and various efforts have been put in place to protect it.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anser |
| Species | A. albifrons |
19. Spotted Crake
The spotted crake is a small waterbird that belongs to the family Rallidae. Its scientific name is derived from Venetian terms, which refer to small rails.
This waterbird species is primarily found in temperate parts of Europe and western Asia, breeding in marshy areas and sedge beds. During the breeding season, the spotted crake builds its nest in a dry and sheltered area within the marshy vegetation.
The female spotted crake lays between six and fifteen eggs. The spotted crake has a greyish-brown body with black and white mottled wings and a white patch on its forehead. It has a slender bill and long red legs, typically around 23 cm long.
The spotted crake is a relatively passive species but may migrate south in winter. It feeds mainly on small invertebrates, such as insects, worms, and mollusks. It can also feed on plant material such as seeds and leaves.
The spotted crake is a shy species, preferring to remain hidden amongst the dense vegetation of its wetland habitat. It is rarely seen in the open, and when disturbed, it will flush quickly into the air with a sharp whistle.
The spotted crake is a threatened species, with its population in decline due to habitat destruction, hunting, and pollution. Conservation strategies are being implemented to help protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Porzana |
| Species | P. porzana |
20. Black-Crowned Night Heron
The black-crowned night heron, also known as the black-capped night heron, is a medium-sized heron found in many areas of the world. It is commonly known as the night heron in Eurasia.
This species of heron can be found in parts of Europe, Asia, North America, and South America.
It is a medium-sized heron, and its defining feature is a black crown on its head, which is why it is also known as the black-crowned night heron. Thisheron species has a long, thin neck and a long, pointed beak.
They have short legs and long wings, and they are usually grayish-brown in color with a white throat and yellow eyes. The black-crowned night heron is a solitary bird, spending much of its time alone or in small groups.
They typically feed at night, and their diet consists mainly of small fish, insects, and crustaceans. The black-crowned night heron is an important species to many local ecosystems, as it helps keep insect numbers in check and fish populations balanced.
They are also crucial to many cultures, as some indigenous people have used them as a food source. The black-crowned night heron is considered a species of most minor concern by the IUCN, as its population is not declining rapidly.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Nycticorax |
| Species | N. nycticorax |
21. Great Spotted Cuckoo
The great spotted cuckoo is a species of bird that belongs to the Cuculiformes order, which includes other types of birds such as the roadrunners, the anis, and the coucals.
This species is native to Africa and the Mediterranean Basin and is known for its unique behavior of laying its eggs in the nests of other birds, a phenomenon known as brood parasitism.
In particular, the cuckoo lays its eggs in the nests of corvids, such as the Eurasian magpie. This allows the cuckoo to hide its eggs among the hosts’ eggs, and when they hatch, the cuckoo chick will receive food from the host parents, taking resources away from their chicks.
This behavior helps the cuckoo ensure its eggs survive, but it can harm the host bird species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Clamator |
| Species | C. glandarius |
22. Red-Breasted Goose
The red-breasted goose is a species in the genus Branta, native to Eurasia. Its striking appearance can be easily identified, with a red breast, black wing, and white and light gray patches.
The species is currently classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means the species’ population is decreasing due to various factors, such as habitat loss, hunting, and pollution.
As the species can no longer survive in its natural habitats, conservation efforts are required to protect it from further decline. The red-breasted goose is an essential species for both its ecological role and cultural value.
Ecologically, its presence can help to maintain a balanced ecosystem by providing food for other species, controlling the spread of weeds, and dispersing seeds.
Culturally, the species has long been admired by people, with its beauty often being captured in art and literature. Overall, the red-breasted goose is a species that requires urgent conservation action to protect it from further population decline.
Projects such as habitat restoration, hunting regulation, and pollution reduction should be implemented to ensure the species is not lost forever.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Branta |
| Species | B. ruficollis |
23. White-Headed Duck
The White-headed Duck is a small species of diving duck, measuring an average of 45 cm in length. Males have a distinctive white head with a black crown, a blue bill, and reddish-grey plumage.
Females, on the other hand, possess a darker bill and a more muted coloration. This duck species prefers to breed in lakes with plenty of open water and dense vegetation around the edges.
This allows the duck to dive for its food quickly while having areas of dense foliage to hide from potential predators. The thick vegetation is also essential for nesting, providing the duck protection and shelter.
The White-headed Duck is a unique species, indicating a healthy wetland ecosystem. Unfortunately, its population has been decreasing steadily due to the destruction of its natural habitat, making it an endangered species.
As a result, conservation efforts have been put in place to protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Oxyura |
| Species | O. leucocephala |
24. Little Bustard
The little bustard is a bird that belongs to the bustard family of birds. It is the only species in the genus Tetrax.
This genus’s name is derived from the Ancient Greek language and refers to a gamebird mentioned by the Ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes and other Greek authors.
The little bustard is a relatively large bird, with males measuring up to 75 centimeters in length and weighing up to 3 kilograms. They have a short, rounded wingspan and a short tail. They inhabit open grasslands, western and central Asia steppes, and eastern Europe.
They feed on various insects, small mammals, and plants. They are a migratory species, spending winter in more temperate climates. Despite its large size, the little bustard is considered a threatened species due to habitat loss and hunting.
Conservation efforts are in place to protect this species from further decline.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes |
| Family | Otididae |
| Genus | Tetrax |
| Species | T. tetrax |
Conclusion
The variety of bird species present in Benevento is quite impressive. Everything from the smallest songbird to the largest of raptors can be found in the area.
With its wide variety of habitats, from wetlands to woodlands, the region offers a wide range of birds. Benevento’s mild climate is an ideal destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers.