Welcome to Florence, a vibrant city filled with rich history and culture, and home to an amazing array of birds.
From the majestic red-tailed hawk that soars above the city’s parks and gardens, to the chirping of finches in the botanical gardens, Florence is an ideal destination for bird watchers of all ages.
You may even be lucky enough to spot the rare black stork or the elusive hoopoe, both of which can be found in the nearby wetlands and woodlands.
With plenty of birdwatching opportunities throughout the city, Florence is the perfect place to experience the beauty of nature and observe some of the most fascinating avian species in the world.
1. Squacco Heron
The squacco heron is a species of heron that is quite small in size. It measures between 44–47 cm in length, with its body measuring 20–23 cm and its wingspan measuring 80–92 cm. This species of heron is native to the Old World, breeding in parts of Europe and the Middle East.
It can be found in many different habitats, such as wetlands, marshes, and swamps, where it usually feeds on aquatic prey such as frogs, fish, and insects. The squacco heron is a solitary bird, generally staying away from other herons of its species.
It is also known to be quite vocal, making loud calls that can be heard from quite far distances. The squacco heron is an important species to monitor, as its population could be affected by changes to its environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardeola |
| Species | A. ralloides |
2. Great Egret
The great egret is a widely distributed species of egret found across the world. It is commonly known as the common egret, large egret, great white egret or great white heron.
There are four subspecies of this species, that are located in Asia, Africa, the Americas and southern Europe. In recent years, the great egret has been seen more frequently in northern areas of Europe, showing an expansion of its range.
The great egret is a large bird, with a wingspan of up to 1.5 metres. Its feathers are predominantly white, although it may exhibit some yellow or reddish hues. Its bill is black and its legs are a bluish-gray colour.
It feeds on fish, amphibians and other small animals, and it nests in shallow waters. The great egret is an important species in many ecosystems, as it provides a vital link in the food chain.
It is also an important indicator of the health of wetlands and freshwater systems, as its presence often indicates an abundance of prey. In addition, the great egret is an iconic bird, and is often used as a symbol of nature protection and conservation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. alba |
3. Eurasian Blue Tit
The Eurasian blue tit is a small passerine bird, which is part of the tit family, Paridae. This bird is easily recognisable due to its bright colours. It has a bright blue and yellow plumage, which helps to make it stand out amongst other birds.
Its small size also helps it to be easily spotted, as it is usually much smaller than other birds. The Eurasian blue tit is found across Europe and parts of Asia, including the Middle East. It usually lives in woodlands and gardens and is a very common bird.
It feeds on insects, such as caterpillars and aphids, as well as seeds, nuts and berries. It is an agile bird, capable of clinging to branches and twigs in order to find food.
The Eurasian blue tit is a popular bird among birdwatchers, with its bright and colourful plumage and its active behaviour making it a joy to observe. It’s small size and distinctive colours make it easy to spot in the wild, and its cheerful song is a pleasure to hear.
As a result, it is a popular bird to keep in aviaries and gardens.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Cyanistes |
| Species | C. caeruleus |
4. European Starling
The common starling is a medium-sized passerine bird that is part of the Sturnidae family. It is commonly found in Europe, North America, Great Britain, and Ireland, and is known by different names in each region.
In North America, it is called the European starling, and in Great Britain and Ireland, it is simply referred to as the starling. This species of bird is characterized by its black plumage with white speckles, its short, yellow bill, and its long, pointed wings.
It is omnivorous, and its diet consists of a variety of foods such as insects, fruits, and grains. It nests in colonies, and the males sing to attract mates and to mark their territory.
The common starling is an important species due to its role in controlling insect populations and its ability to adapt to human environments.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
5. Black-Winged Stilt
The black-winged stilt is a species of wader bird that belongs to the avocet and stilt family. It is found in many parts of the world and is distinguished by its long legs. The scientific name of the species is H. himantopus.
This species is almost found all around the world, making it almost cosmopolitan in distribution. The black-winged stilt is a wading bird that typically inhabits shallow wetlands, such as marshes, swamps, and shallow lakes.
It feeds on aquatic insects, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates that it finds in the mud or shallow water.
The black-winged stilt is a monogamous species, meaning that it forms long-term pair bonds with its mate. The black-winged stilt is known for its striking appearance. Its body is mainly black and white, with a long, thin black bill and long, thin black legs.
Its wings are black with white patches, and its head is white with a black crown, nape, and throat. Its eyes are yellow, and it has a white rump and white undertail coverts. The black-winged stilt is a common species and is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
It is a widespread species and is thought to be stable. It is a migratory species, and some populations can be found in Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is also present in Australia, New Zealand, and the Americas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. himantopus |
6. Long-Tailed Tit
The long-tailed tit, also known as the long-tailed bushtit, is a small bird that is native to Europe and the Palearctic. It is quite common, and can be seen in many different habitats, including woodlands, scrublands, and gardens.
They are small birds, with a body length of 7-10cm, and a tail that can be up to three times the length of their body.
Their feathers are mainly grey, but have a distinctive black stripe that runs along the back of their head. The genus name Aegithalos was given to this species by ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle.
He used this term to describe several small European birds, including the long-tailed tit. This species is related to other tit species, such as the marsh tit and the blue tit. The long-tailed tit is a social bird, living in colonies of up to 40 individuals.
They feed on small insects and seeds, which they find in the foliage of trees and bushes. They also eat small spiders, caterpillars, and other small invertebrates.
They have a distinctive call which is a loud, high-pitched ‘tsick-tsick’ sound. This species is an important part of the European and Palearctic ecosystems, providing food for a variety of predators and helping to control insect populations.
Unfortunately, the long-tailed tit is becoming increasingly rare due to habitat loss and other environmental factors. Conservation efforts are being made to protect this species and ensure that it remains an important part of our environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Aegithalidae |
| Genus | Aegithalos |
| Species | A. caudatus |
7. Stock Dove
The stock dove, also known as the stock pigeon, is a species of bird found in the family Columbidae, which includes doves and pigeons.
It is regarded as a widespread bird in the western Palearctic, which is a geographic region comprising most of Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia.
This species has a broad habitat range, from woodlands and open fields to urban areas, and may even be seen in gardens and parks. The stock dove is a medium-sized bird, with adults measuring up to 31 cm in length and weighing between 130 and 230 g.
Its head, wings, and tail are dark grey-brown in color, while its neck and breast are adorned with a distinctive pinkish-brown hue.
The stock dove has a wide-ranging diet, from grains and seeds to insects and fruits. The stock dove is a social species, and flocks of up to several hundred individuals can be seen in the winter months.
The male will perch atop a tree or other high point and make loud cooing noises to attract a mate. Mating pairs will remain together for several years, and the female will lay two eggs in a nest constructed from twigs and grass.
The young will leave the nest after about two weeks, and will reach maturity after about one year. The stock pigeon is an important species in its range, providing sustenance to both humans and wildlife. It is also an important game bird, and is hunted in some regions.
The species is not considered to be threatened, though some localized populations may be in decline due to habitat loss or degradation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. oenas |
8. Common Wood Pigeon
The common wood pigeon is a large species of bird belonging to the dove and pigeon family, native to the western Palearctic region of the world. It is well-known for its distinctive grey and white feathers, and is the largest species of wild pigeon in Britain.
It is a member of the genus Columba, which also includes closely related species such as the rock dove. The wood pigeon has a large, bulky body and long wings, with a wingspan of up to 65cm.
They feed on grains, fruit, buds, shoots, and insects, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, farmland, parks, and gardens. They are usually seen in small groups, and are often seen perched atop trees or buildings.
They are highly social birds, and can often be seen engaging in courtship displays, such as cooing and bill-circling. The wood pigeon’s population is currently stable, and it is considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. palumbus |
9. Common Cuckoo
The Common Cuckoo is a species of bird that is part of the Cuculiformes order. This order includes other birds such as Roadrunners, Anis and Coucals.
The Common Cuckoo is a migratory bird that travels between Europe and Asia during the summer months, and Africa during the winter months. This species of bird is found across a large area, making it a widespread species.
During the summer months, the Common Cuckoo can be heard singing its distinctive call, which is usually a loud “cuckoo” sound.
This species of bird is also known for its habit of laying eggs in the nests of other birds, leaving the responsibility of raising the young cuckoo to the other species. This behavior is known as brood parasitism.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | C. canorus |
10. Eurasian Spoonbill
The Eurasian spoonbill, also known as the common spoonbill, is a species of wading bird that is part of the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae.
This family includes a total of thirty-six species of wading birds, and is comprised of two genera – Platalea, which contains the spoonbills, and Threskiornis, which includes the ibises. The Eurasian spoonbill can be easily recognized by its distinct appearance.
It has a long, thin bill that is shaped like a spoon, and its feathers are a bright white color. The bird also has yellowish-orange legs and feet, and a black patch around its eyes.
The Eurasian spoonbill is a large bird, with a length of up to ninety centimeters and a wingspan of up to one hundred and twenty centimeters. The Eurasian spoonbill is found in wetlands across much of Europe and Asia.
It is a migratory species, and can be found in both inland and coastal areas. It feeds mostly on aquatic invertebrates such as insects and worms, and occasionally small fish. The Eurasian spoonbill builds its nest in trees, often near water, and lays up to five eggs.
The Eurasian spoonbill is listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, meaning that its population is stable. Its numbers have been increasing in recent years, however, due to conservation efforts and improved management of wetland habitats.
Despite this, the Eurasian spoonbill is still threatened by human activities such as draining of wetlands and pollution.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Platalea |
| Species | P. leucorodia |
11. House Sparrow
The house sparrow is a small bird belonging to the Passeridae family. It is found in almost all parts of the world, and its typical length is 16 cm, with a mass of 24 to 39.5g.
Females and juveniles are usually colored in a pale brown and grey, while males have brighter black, white, and brown markings. This bird is distinguished from other sparrows by its shorter tail, brown stripes on its back, and white stripes on its cheeks.
The house sparrow is an omnivorous bird, eating both plants and small invertebrates. It is a social bird that often forms large flocks, with both males and females living in the same flock.
The house sparrow is an important species in many parts of the world, helping to disperse weeds, control insect pests, and provide food for other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passeridae |
| Genus | Passer |
| Species | P. domesticus |
12. Cattle Egret
The cattle egret is a species of heron that is found around the world in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate climates. It belongs to a single genus, Bubulcus, and is the only species in that genus.
However, some scientists believe that the cattle egret actually consists of two distinct subspecies, the western cattle egret and the eastern cattle egret.
These two subspecies have some physical differences that distinguish them from one another, such as size, bill shape, and coloration. The western cattle egret is generally smaller than the eastern, with a straighter bill and whiter plumage.
The eastern cattle egret is larger with a more curved bill and darker plumage. While the two subspecies may look similar, they have some distinct differences and may be considered separate species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Bubulcus |
| Species | B. ibis |
13. Glossy Ibis
The glossy ibis is a water bird belonging to the order Pelecaniformes and the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae.
The scientific name for this species is derived from two Ancient Greek words, plegados and falcis, both of which mean “sickle” and refer to the distinctive curved shape of the bird’s bill.
The glossy ibis is most easily identified by its long, curved bill and dark feathers, which have a glossy sheen. The bird is found in wetlands, shallow lakes, mud flats, and marshes. It feeds on aquatic and shoreline invertebrates like crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic insects.
It may also forage on land for food. The glossy ibis is known to be a migratory species, traveling from its breeding grounds in North and South America to its wintering grounds in Africa, the Caribbean, and South America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Plegadis |
| Species | P. falcinellus |
14. Great Spotted Woodpecker
The great spotted woodpecker is a distinctive bird that can be found across the Palearctic, including parts of North Africa. It is a medium-sized woodpecker, with a black and white pied plumage and a red patch located on the lower belly.
Males and young birds have additional red markings on the neck or head, which further distinguishes them from other species of woodpecker. The great spotted woodpecker is mainly found in open woodlands and deciduous forests, where it forages for insects and larvae on trees.
It has a large, powerful bill which it uses to drill into trees to find food, and to make nests. It is also known to eat nuts and seeds, as well as to feed on fruit and berries. The great spotted woodpecker is a social species and forms flocks during the winter months.
It is usually the loudest bird in the woods with its drumming and tapping sounds, and can often be heard before it is seen. This species is also known to be territorial, and will defend its territory with loud calls and aggressive behaviour.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dendrocopos |
| Species | D. major |
15. Alcedo Atthis
The common kingfisher, also known as the Eurasian kingfisher and river kingfisher, is a small bird native to Eurasia and North Africa. It has seven subspecies, all of which have a wide distribution throughout the region.
The common kingfisher is generally a resident bird, meaning it stays in the same area year-round. However, it is known to migrate during the winter months from areas where the rivers freeze.
This is likely due to the fact that the icy conditions can make it difficult for the kingfisher to find food. The kingfisher is an important member of its local ecosystem; its presence helps to maintain the balance of its environment by controlling insect populations.
The kingfisher is also known for its striking beauty, often featuring bright blue and orange plumage. Its call is also unmistakable, often heard echoing through the river valleys of its home range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Alcedo |
| Species | A. atthis |
16. Common Goldeneye
The common goldeneye is a species of sea duck that belongs to the genus Bucephala, also known as the goldeneyes. It is related to the Barrow’s goldeneye, which is a similar species.
The name of this genus comes from the Ancient Greek word “boukephalos”, which is a description of the bufflehead’s unique head shape. The common goldeneye is a medium-sized sea duck that can be found in many parts of the world.
Its plumage is black and white, with a bright yellow bill and a greenish-black head. Its diet consists of a variety of aquatic insects, small fish, and other aquatic life. The common goldeneye is a strong swimmer and often dives underwater to feed.
It is an excellent flier and can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. During the breeding season, pairs of goldeneyes build nests near the shoreline and lay between five and twelve eggs. The female will then incubate the eggs for around 28 days before they hatch.
The chicks fledge around 56 days after hatching. The common goldeneye is an important species of sea duck, providing food for many predators and serving as a host for a variety of parasites.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Bucephala |
| Species | B. clangula |
17. Great Spotted Cuckoo
The great spotted cuckoo is a bird belonging to the Cuculiformes order, which includes other species such as the roadrunners, the anis and the coucals. It is found in a large range, from Africa to the Mediterranean Basin.
This bird is a brood parasite, meaning it lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, particularly the Eurasian magpie.
This behaviour is a way for the great spotted cuckoo to ensure the survival of its own species, since the other birds end up taking care of the cuckoo eggs as if they were their own.
In this way, the cuckoo eggs have a higher chance of hatching into chicks, since they are not in any danger of being abandoned.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Clamator |
| Species | C. glandarius |
18. Coal Tit
The coal tit (or cole tit) is a species of small bird that belongs to the Paridae family, commonly referred to as the tit family. This species lives in temperate and subtropical areas of the Palearctic region, which includes North Africa.
It is a very common and widespread resident breeder in forests in these regions. It has recently been accepted that the black-crested tit is a subspecies of the coal tit. This means that the coal tit is now seen as one species with two separate subspecies.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Periparus |
| Species | P. ater |
19. Rock Dove
The rock dove, also known as the rock pigeon or common pigeon, is a species of bird found in the family Columbidae. It is widely known simply as the “pigeon” in everyday language.
The pigeon we know today is actually a domesticated version of the rock dove, which was selectively bred to have certain traits over the centuries.
The rock dove is the original species of the domesticated pigeon. Over time, many of these domesticated pigeons have escaped and established themselves in the wild, creating populations of feral pigeons around the world.
This has been a great benefit to the rock dove species, as it has allowed its populations to increase in many areas. In fact, the rock dove is now one of the most abundant birds in the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. livia |
20. Common Scoter
The common scoter is a large sea duck that is found in Europe and parts of the Palearctic region. It typically measures 43-54 cm in length. Its breeding grounds are located in the far north of Europe and extend eastward to the Olenyok River.
The genus name of the common scoter is derived from Ancient Greek, with “melas” meaning “black” and “netta” meaning “duck”. The species name is taken from Latin, with “niger” meaning “shining black”. This species has a striking black plumage that can be seen from far away.
It is a highly adaptable species that is able to survive in a variety of environments. Its diet consists of crustaceans, mollusks, aquatic insects, and fish.
The common scoter is an important part of the Palearctic wildlife, and it is essential that its habitat is protected so that it can continue to thrive.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Melanitta |
| Species | M. nigra |
21. Crested Tit
The crested tit is a small, passerine bird that belongs to the tit family Paridae. It can be found throughout Europe, in both coniferous and deciduous woodlands. It is a common and widespread resident breeder, particularly in northern and central Europe.
In France and the Iberian peninsula, it is mostly found in deciduous woodlands. The crested tit is a small bird with a distinctive crest of feathers on its head. Its body is predominantly greyish-brown in color and it has a white patch on its chest.
The wings and tail are blackish-brown and it has a black stripe down its back.
Furthermore, the crested tit has a black-and-white face, with white around the eyes and a black line running through them. In terms of its habitat, the crested tit prefers coniferous woodlands and is often found near the tops of trees.
It can also be found in deciduous woodlands, where it feeds on insects and spiders.
The crested tit can often be heard singing its distinctive song, which consists of a series of shrill notes. Overall, the crested tit is a common and widespread species found throughout much of Europe.
It is a resident breeder and prefers coniferous woodlands, although it can also be found in deciduous woodlands. It is a small bird with a distinctive crest of feathers, black and white face, and a black stripe down its back.
Finally, it can be heard singing its distinctive song, which consists of a series of shrill notes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Lophophanes |
| Species | L. cristatus |
22. Mute Swan
The Mute Swan is a species of swan that belongs to the Anatidae family of waterfowl. It is native to a large part of Eurasia and to the northern region of Africa. The Mute Swan is the most common species of swan found in Europe and is the official bird of Denmark.
It is also found in parts of the Middle East, Central Asia, and Indonesia. The Mute Swan is a large white bird with an orange bill and black legs. It can grow up to 1.5 to 1.8 meters in length and can weigh between 4.7 and 9.1 kilograms.
The Mute Swan is a graceful swimmer and has a slow and powerful wing beat when in flight. It is able to fly at speeds of up to 88 kilometers per hour. Mute Swans are omnivorous and feed on aquatic plants, small fish, molluscs, and insects.
They are able to dive into the water and swim underwater in search of food. They also forage along the shore and on land for food. Mute Swans form pair bonds for life and nest near water in shallow areas.
The female will lay an average of five eggs and both parents will take turns incubating them for up to 35 days before they hatch. The young swans, known as cygnets, will stay with their parents for up to two years before they become independent.
The Mute Swan is a beautiful bird that has long been admired for its grace and elegance. It is a valuable species to both humans and wildlife, as it provides food and habitat for other species.
Unfortunately, its population is declining due to loss of habitat and human activities. It is thus important to take measures to protect this species and its habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cygnus |
| Species | C. olor |
Conclusion
The birds of Florence are an integral part of the city’s culture and beauty.
Their presence can be seen and heard throughout the city, from the narrow winding streets of the city center to the peaceful parks and gardens that offer respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Whether it’s the common house sparrow or the colorful parrots that frequent the city’s botanical gardens, Florence’s birds are a reminder of the beauty and history that make the city so unique.