Birds are a truly magnificent feature of Como, Italy. From the iconic swans in the lake to the colorful birds of the Alps, Como offers plenty of opportunities to observe and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Home to over 130 species of birds, Como is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. From the majestic golden eagles of the higher altitudes down to the songbirds in the forests, Como is a birding mecca.
Whether you’re looking to watch a bird of prey soaring through the sky or just to observe the local songbirds, there are plenty of opportunities to do so in Como.
1. Black-Winged Stilt
The black-winged stilt is an aquatic bird native to many regions around the world. It is a type of wader, which is a type of bird that feeds in shallow water, and it belongs to the avocet and stilt family.
It has very long legs and has a distinctive black wing pattern. The scientific name for the black-winged stilt is H. himantopus. This species is considered to be almost cosmopolitan, meaning it is widely distributed across many different regions.
It can be found in areas near the coast, as well as inland wetlands. It is an adaptable species, and can survive in both fresh and saltwater habitats. The black-winged stilt feeds mainly on insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
It uses its long legs to probe the shallow water for food. It can also be seen in open fields, searching for food in the grass. Black-winged stilts are monogamous birds, and they often form long-term pairs.
They usually build their nests near water, in places where they can easily find food. The nests are made out of plant material, and are usually located near the edges of ponds or marshes. The black-winged stilt is a hardy species, and is a common sight in many parts of the world.
It is an important part of wetlands ecosystems, and its presence is a sign of a healthy environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. himantopus |
2. Red-Crested Pochard
The red-crested pochard is an impressive species of diving duck, found across much of Eurasia, Africa and Australia. It is a large species, with a wingspan of up to 75 cm and a body length of up to 56 cm.
The red-crested pochard has a distinctive red crest on its head, which is what gives it its name. The scientific name of the red-crested pochard is Netta rufina, which is derived from the Greek word Netta meaning ‘duck’, and the Latin word rufina, meaning ‘golden-red’.
This accurately describes the beautiful coloring of the red-crested pochard, with its golden-red crest and its white underparts. The red-crested pochard can be seen in wetland habitats, such as lakes, marshes, and estuaries.
It is a strong swimmer, and dives well in order to feed on aquatic vegetation and small invertebrates.
It is also a highly social bird, and can often be seen in large flocks. The red-crested pochard is a striking species of diving duck, with its impressive size and striking golden-red crest.
Its scientific name is derived from the Greek and Latin words meaning ‘duck’ and ‘golden-red’ respectively, accurately describing its coloring.
This species can be seen in wetland habitats, where it feeds on aquatic vegetation and small invertebrates, and it is highly social, often seen in large flocks.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Netta |
| Species | N. rufina |
3. Gull-Billed Tern
The gull-billed tern is a type of bird in the family Laridae. It is widely distributed throughout different parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, northwest Africa, and the Americas. It breeds in scattered localities, and is found in a variety of different climates.
The Australian gull-billed tern was previously classified as a subspecies. It was given the scientific name Sterna nilotica. The gull-billed tern is a graceful bird and is easily distinguished by its white, gray, and black feathers.
It is about 15 inches long, and has a wingspan of almost 24 inches. Its beak is slightly upturned and is yellow in color. The bird prefers to feed on small fish and insects, and it typically hunts over shallow waters.
The gull-billed tern is a social bird, often seen in flocks in open areas. It is a migratory species, with some populations traveling up to 3,000 miles during the winter months. It nests on the ground, typically in marshy areas near bodies of water.
The birds build nests with mud and grass, and the female lays a clutch of two to four eggs. The gull-billed tern is an important species, as it helps to control insect populations.
It is also an important food source for a variety of predators, such as hawks, owls, and other predatory birds. Conservation efforts are being made to ensure that this species is able to maintain its populations throughout the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Gelochelidon |
| Species | G. nilotica |
4. Common Goldeneye
The common goldeneye is a species of sea duck that belongs to the genus Bucephala, which is also referred to as the goldeneyes. It is most closely related to the Barrow’s goldeneye, which is similar in appearance.
The name of the genus is derived from the Ancient Greek boukephalos, which translates to “bufflehead” and is used to refer to the bulbous shape the head of the species has.
The common goldeneye is a medium-sized duck and has a distinctive black-and-white pattern, with a white neck and head, yellow eyes, and a black back. Its wings are short and rounded, giving it a graceful appearance as it flies.
It is also known for its loud whistle-like call, which can be heard from a great distance. The common goldeneye is a common sight in coastal waters and is found in most parts of the United States, Canada, and Europe.
It feeds on aquatic invertebrates, such as small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, which it dives for underwater. It nests in tree cavities close to water and migrates south in the winter months.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Bucephala |
| Species | B. clangula |
5. Osprey
The osprey is a bird of prey found all over the world, also known as sea hawk, river hawk or fish hawk. It has a unique appearance, with a wingspan of 180 cm and a length of 60 cm, and is easily recognizable by its brown upperparts and greyish head and underparts.
It is a diurnal bird, meaning it is active during the day, and uses its keen eyesight and sharp talons to hunt for fish. It is an impressive and powerful predator, capable of diving from high heights in order to catch its prey.
Ospreys have been known to form long-term pair bonds, and they use their large nests to raise their offspring together. They are a fascinating species, and their wide range makes them a common sight for many people.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Pandionidae |
| Genus | Pandion |
| Species | P. haliaetus |
6. Red-Eyed Vireo
The red-eyed vireo is a small songbird native to North and South America. It is considered to be somewhat similar in appearance to warblers, although the two species are not closely related.
This species is common across its broad range, making it one of the most widely distributed songbirds in the Americas. Because of its abundance, the red-eyed vireo is not currently considered threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The IUCN classifies species according to their population size and trend, and the red-eyed vireo is not thought to be at risk of extinction at this time.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. olivaceus |
7. Ferruginous Duck
The ferruginous duck is a species of diving duck found throughout the Eurasian region. It is also known by a variety of other names, including ferruginous pochard, common white-eye, and white-eyed pochard.
This species of duck has a medium-sized body and is known for its unique coloring, which includes a rusty brown head and neck.
Its scientific name, Aythya nyroca, is derived from the Greek aithuia an unidentified seabird mentioned by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle, and nyrok, which is the Russian word for duck.
The ferruginous duck is a social bird and often seen in flocks in both coastal and inland wetlands. It mainly feed on aquatic vegetation and insects, and it also dives deep to feed on molluscs and crustaceans.
This species of duck is also a critical component of the food chain for many other species. In addition, it is an important indicator of the health of wetland habitats, as its presence can be an indication of good water quality.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. nyroca |
8. Long-Tailed Duck
The long-tailed duck is a species of sea duck that is found in parts of the Arctic region. It is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring around 24 inches in length. It is characterized by its long, pointed tail feathers and its black-and-white coloring.
Formerly known as the oldsquaw, it breeds in the tundra and taiga regions of the Arctic during the summer months, and then winters along the northern coastlines of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
The long-tailed duck is the only species in its genus, Clangula, making it a unique species in the duck family. It is a migratory species and can be seen in large flocks along the coastlines during the winter months.
It feeds mainly on small fish and crustaceans, and its primary predators are foxes, owls, and other birds of prey. The long-tailed duck is an important part of the Arctic ecosystem, providing food for many species and contributing to the biodiversity of the region.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Clangula |
| Species | C. hyemalis |
9. Mute Swan
The mute swan is a species of swan belonging to the waterfowl family Anatidae. It is an iconic species, often seen in parks, ponds, and lakes, and is native to much of Eurosiberia, as well as the far north of Africa.
This species of swan is recognizable by its pure white plumage and long, graceful neck. Its name comes from its lack of sound while in flight, as mute swans are not known to make any vocalizations.
Mute swans are large birds, with a body length of between 115 and 150 centimeters. They typically have long, broad wings and can fly at speeds up to 80 kilometers per hour.
They are monogamous, meaning they form long-term pair bonds with their mates, and will often mate for life. They build their nests in shallow water, using a combination of plant material, feathers, and mud. Mute swans are omnivorous, meaning they feed on both plants and animals.
They typically feed on aquatic vegetation, algae, mollusks, crustaceans, fish, and small insects. They are also known to scavenge for food on land, including grains, berries, and the eggs of other birds.
The mute swan is a beloved species and a symbol of beauty in many parts of the world. It is also a protected species in many countries, with hunting and disturbance of nesting sites being strictly prohibited.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cygnus |
| Species | C. olor |
10. Slender-Billed Gull
The slender-billed gull is a mid-sized species of gull, which is known to breed in specific areas around the Mediterranean Sea and the northern regions of the western Indian Ocean.
These areas tend to be islands and coastal lagoons, and the population of this species in these regions is mostly migratory. In the winter, these birds migrate much further south, to as far as North Africa and India.
This species of gull is quite rare, and their migratory patterns allow them to survive and thrive in different environments. The slender-billed gull is an interesting species, due to its migratory behavior and the fact that it only breeds in certain regions.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. genei |
11. Duck
Ducks are a type of waterfowl found in the family Anatidae. They are widely distributed in all sorts of aquatic habitats, including lakes, ponds, marshes, and rivers.
Ducks are smaller and have shorter necks than swans and geese, which are other common species in the Anatidae family. Ducks can be found in many different sizes and colors and can be found all over the world.
They are often seen as a symbol of water and can be seen in many paintings, books, and other forms of art. As a group, ducks are highly adaptive animals, able to live in a variety of different climates and habitats.
They are also very social animals, often traveling in large groups or flocks. Ducks have a variety of different vocalizations and calls, including quacks, honks, and whistles. They are also known for their playful, inquisitive behavior.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
12. Cormorant
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of aquatic birds that includes around 40 species, which are commonly referred to as cormorants and shags.
In the past, several different classifications of this family have been suggested, however, in 2021, the International Ornithologists’ Union (IOU) came to a consensus and established a taxonomy that divides the family into seven distinct genera.
These genera are generally considered to be the most accurate way of categorizing the species within the family. As such, the IOU’s taxonomy is now widely accepted and used by many ornithologists.
These seven genera are: Phalacrocorax, Leucocarbo, Microcarbo, Nannopterum, Phalacrocoracinae, Stictocarbo, and Leucocarbo. Each of these genera is comprised of a number of species, all of which are considered to be closely related.
The genera are further divided into subgenera, which are then classified as species. As such, each species in the family is given a scientific name that allows for easy identification and classification.
The seven genera in the family of Phalacrocoracidae are instrumental in helping scientists better understand the diversity and evolution of aquatic birds.
The study of the taxonomy of these birds is important, as it helps inform conservation efforts and provides valuable insight into the development and adaptation of these birds over time.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
13. Pallas’s Gull
Pallas’s gull, also known as the great black-headed gull, is a species of large bird that has typically been classified as part of the genus Larus. Its scientific name, Ichthyaetus, is derived from two Ancient Greek words.
The first, ikhthus, translates to “fish” and the second, aetos, translates to “eagle.” This refers to the bird’s tendency to feed on fish and its eagle-like appearance and behavior.
The Pallas’s gull is a common sight along coastlines, where it often perches on rocks or wades in the shallow surf. Its grayish-brown plumage has a silvery sheen, while its head is black. Its wings are long and pointed, allowing it to soar gracefully in the sky.
During the breeding season, the Pallas’s gull can be seen engaging in courtship displays, such as flying in circles and diving towards the ground. The bird is a monogamous species, with pairs often staying together for many years.
The Pallas’s gull is a hardy bird that is capable of surviving in harsh environments, making it an important species for conservation efforts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Ichthyaetus |
| Species | I. ichthyaetus |
14. Common Kingfisher
The common kingfisher is a small, brightly-colored bird, found throughout Eurasia and North Africa. It is also known as the Eurasian kingfisher and river kingfisher. There are seven recognized subspecies of the common kingfisher, forming a wide distribution across its range.
The common kingfisher is a resident in much of its range, but it migrates away from areas where the rivers freeze in winter. This allows the kingfisher to find more hospitable conditions and to ensure its survival during the cold months.
Migration is an essential part of the species’ lifecycle, and it is important to remember that the common kingfisher relies on its habitat for its continued existence.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Alcedo |
| Species | A. atthis |
15. Gadwall
The gadwall is a type of dabbling duck found in the Anatidae family. It is a common species and is widely distributed around the world. The gadwall has a wide range that includes most of North America, Europe, Asia, North Africa, and parts of Australia.
Its habitat is typically shallow wetlands, such as marshes, ponds, lakes, and rivers. Gadwalls have medium-sized bodies, with males typically being larger than females. The male gadwalls have a grayish-brown head and back, with a white belly and black wings.
The females are usually more mottled with duller colors than the males. The gadwall also has a distinctive white patch around its neck and a white line above its eye. Gadwalls feed by dabbling in shallow water or grazing in grassy areas.
Their diet consists of aquatic invertebrates, plant material, seeds, and grains. These ducks are migratory and can travel long distances to their wintering grounds.
They can be found in large flocks during migration. Gadwalls form monogamous pairs during the breeding season and build their nests near water. Each pair will lay around 8 to 12 eggs, which are incubated for 25 to 27 days.
The female will take care of the chicks while the male stands guard. The gadwall is a common and widespread dabbling duck that is found in the family Anatidae. They are migratory and feed by dabbling in shallow water or grazing on land.
They form monogamous pairs during the breeding season and build nests near water.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. strepera |
16. Ruddy Shelduck
The ruddy shelduck, or Brahminy duck, is a species of waterfowl from the family Anatidae. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring from 58 to 70 cm long with a wingspan ranging from 110 to 135 cm. It is particularly identifiable by its reddish-brown plumage and white-tipped tail.
The species is native to India, where it is known for its association with the Hindu god Brahma.
It is also found in other parts of South Asia, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. The ruddy shelduck is a social bird, living in large flocks of up to several hundred individuals.
It is typically found in wetlands, lakes, rivers, and marshes, where it feed on aquatic plants and insects. The species is also known to consume other food sources, such as grains, fruits, and even small animals.
It is an adept swimmer and diver, using its wings to propel it through the water. The ruddy shelduck is a monogamous species, with pairs typically remaining together for years.
The female usually lays a clutch of 8 to 11 eggs in a nest, which she builds in a tree or on the ground. Both the male and female take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young.
The chicks reach maturity in approximately one year. The ruddy shelduck is categorized as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Despite its wide distribution, the species is facing threats from habitat loss and pollution.
Conservation efforts are in place to ensure the protection of the species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Tadorna |
| Species | T. ferruginea |
17. Smew
The smew is a species of duck and is the only living member of the genus Mergellus. The genus Mergellus is derived from the Latin word Mergus, which means “sea bird”. The word albellus is also derived from Latin and it means “white”.
This genus is closely related to the genus Mergus, and in some cases, it is even included in it. However, researchers suggest that Mergellus is more closely related to the goldeneyes than to Mergus.
The smew is a distinctive-looking bird, with its distinctive white and black feathers. It is found in the northern regions of Eurasia, from the United Kingdom to Russia, and is a migratory species. It is known to breed in the northern parts of Scandinavia and Finland.
In the winter months, it can be seen in the UK, in wetland areas, in small numbers. The smew is an important waterfowl species, and it is an indicator of the health of its wetland habitat.
It is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, due to its large population and its wide range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mergellus |
| Species | M. albellus |
18. Caspian Gull
The Caspian gull is a large, seabird-like species of gull belonging to the herring and lesser black-backed gull complex.
Its scientific name is derived from the Latin language: ‘Larus’ is thought to refer to a large seabird, and ‘cachinnans’ translates to ‘laughing’, from the verb ‘cachinnare’, which means ‘to laugh’.
This name was likely chosen to reflect the species’ distinctive, loud and cheerful call. The Caspian gull is found in many parts of Europe and Asia, including the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, and the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
It is a medium-sized gull, with a white head, grey back, and black wingtips. It has a yellow bill and legs, and its eyes are dark. Its diet consists mostly of fish, insects, and sometimes small rodents.
During breeding season, the Caspian gull nests colonially in large groups, often on cliffs or islands. The Caspian gull is considered to be a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Although its population is stable, it is still vulnerable to hunting and habitat destruction. As a result, conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the species’ future in its natural environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. cachinnans |
19. Yellow-Legged Gull
The yellow-legged gull is a species of large gull that is found in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
It is only recently gaining recognition as a distinct species, as it was previously classified as a subspecies of the Caspian gull, Larus cachinnans or, more broadly, as a subspecies of the herring gull, Larus argentatus.
The yellow-legged gull can be distinguished from other gull species by its yellow legs, black bill, and grey back and wings. It is a social species, usually found in large flocks, and typically feeds on fish, crustaceans, and insects.
It has a wide range in Europe, with a breeding population stretching from Ireland and France to Russia and Azerbaijan. It also breeds in Israel, Lebanon, and Syria, as well as parts of North Africa.
Despite its large range, the yellow-legged gull is still considered to be a rare species, and its population is thought to be declining due to habitat loss and persecution.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. michahellis |
Conclusion
Birds in Como represent a unique and remarkable diversity of species that are important to the local environment. They are important to the local ecology, providing food, shelter, and pollination for other species.
They also contribute to the local economy by attracting tourists and providing aesthetic beauty to the area. With proper conservation efforts, Como’s bird population can continue to thrive for years to come.