Welcome to Genoa, a beautiful city known for its abundant bird population. From small sparrows to majestic eagles, Genoa is home to many types of birds, making it a bird-watching paradise.
Whether you’re an experienced birder or just getting started, you’re sure to find something special here. Genoa is also home to a variety of wetlands, lakes, and forests, providing a perfect habitat for many bird species.
With its unique and diverse bird population, Genoa is sure to delight any bird-lover.
1. Mute Swan
The mute swan is a large bird species belonging to the waterfowl family, Anatidae. It is a common sight in wetlands and lakes in Europe and some parts of Asia. It is also found in the far north of Africa.
The mute swan has a white plumage and an orange bill, with some black markings around the eyes. It is known for its majestic appearance, grace and beauty. Mute swans are typically found in large flocks, often near the coasts of lakes and rivers.
They prefer to feed in shallow water, and their diet consists mainly of aquatic plants, small fish, and insects. They are mainly diurnal, with the exception of winter, when they become more nocturnal. The mute swan is a highly social species and forms strong family bonds.
They often mate for life and can live up to 20 years in the wild.
In some areas, they have been known to hybridise with other swan species, like the tundra swan and the trumpeter swan. Mute swans are often seen as a symbol of beauty and grace, and have been featured in literature, art and folklore.
They are also considered a nuisance in some areas, where they can damage crops, disrupt boat passage, and compete with native waterfowl species for food.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cygnus |
| Species | C. olor |
2. Common Pochard
The common pochard is a medium-sized diving duck that is found throughout much of the world. Its scientific name is derived from two sources.
The first source is from the Greek word aithuia, which was an unidentified seabird mentioned in the works of ancient authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle.
The second source is from the Latin word ferina, which means “wild game” and is derived from the Latin word ferus, which means “wild”. This scientific name illustrates the wild nature of the bird, as it is often seen in its natural habitat.
This is an important distinguishing feature, as it sets it apart from other species of ducks. The common pochard is an important species of bird, as it provides food for many animals and birds, and is also an important part of the global ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. ferina |
3. Northern Pintail
The pintail or northern pintail is a species of duck that has a wide geographic distribution. This species breeds in the northern areas of Europe, the Palearctic region, and North America.
During the winter months, the pintail migrates to more southerly regions, even as far as the equator. This species is well-adapted to a range of habitats, such as marshes, ponds, and lakes, where they can feed on aquatic vegetation, insects, and other small prey.
They are also known to use agricultural fields for foraging and nesting. The males are easily identifiable by their long, pointed tail feathers, while the females have a more drab appearance.
This species is vulnerable to habitat loss and other human-related activities, making it important to conserve their habitats and ensure their long-term survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. acuta |
4. Mallard
The mallard or wild duck is an adaptable species of dabbling duck that is found in a variety of habitats across the world.
It is native to the temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa, and has also been introduced to New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa.
This species of duck is highly versatile, and can thrive in a variety of habitats, from wetlands to woodlands to farmlands. The mallard is a medium-sized duck that is easily recognizable due to its distinctive rich chestnut-brown plumage.
Males have a glossy green head and a white collar around the neck, while females have a mottled brown head and neck. Both sexes have a bright blue speculum on the wings.
During the breeding season, males can be heard making a loud, honking call. The mallard feeds on a variety of aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fish. It typically feeds in shallow waters by dabbling, or tipping its head and tail into the water to reach for food.
During the winter months, it will migrate to warmer climates, while some populations remain in their home range year-round. The mallard is a highly social species and is often seen in large flocks.
It forms monogamous pair bonds during the breeding season, and the female will typically lay 8-13 eggs in a nest lined with down and feathers. The female will incubate the eggs for about a month, and the ducklings will leave the nest within a day of hatching.
The ducklings are able to fly in about two months. The mallard is a popular species for recreational hunting, and is also kept in captivity for domesticated waterfowl. Despite this, its population remains strong, making it one of the world’s most abundant waterfowl species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
5. Common Wood Pigeon
The common wood pigeon, a species belonging to the dove and pigeon family, is a native of the western Palearctic region. It is a large bird, whose genus ‘Columba’ includes closely related species such as the rock dove. This bird is also known simply as ‘wood pigeon’.
Wood pigeons are mainly grey in colour, with a white tail, rufous coloured neck and a distinctive white patch on each wing. They are also known for their loud, deep, cooing sound.
Wood pigeons can be found in woodlands, gardens, and farmland, as they feed on grains, berries, and other crops. They are also quite sociable, forming large flocks of up to several hundred birds when feeding.
In addition to being an easily identifiable species, the common wood pigeon is also an important part of the food chain, providing a valuable food source for predators such as foxes, owls, and other birds of prey.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. palumbus |
6. European Turtle Dove
The European turtle dove is a species of bird that is part of the Columbidae family, which includes doves and pigeons. This species of bird breeds in a wide area of the south western Palearctic region, which includes north Africa.
During the winter months, however, the European turtle dove migrates to northern sub-Saharan Africa in order to survive the colder temperatures.
The European turtle dove is a migratory bird that relies on its ability to travel to survive, and is an essential part of the Palearctic’s ecosystem.
The migration of the European turtle dove is a common occurrence that has been happening for many years, and is an important part of the bird’s life cycle.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. turtur |
7. Common Swift
The common swift is a medium-sized bird that is similar in appearance to the barn swallow and house martin, but it is larger in size. However, this bird does not belong to the same species as the passerines, as it is in the order Apodiformes.
The similarities between the birds are due to convergent evolution, which is when different species independently evolve similar traits and characteristics due to living in similar environments.
This process is based on the same selective pressures, which cause different species to develop similar traits in order to survive and thrive in their shared environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | A. apus |
8. Northern Shoveler
The northern shoveler is a duck species that is found in many parts of the world. In Europe, it is found across the northern areas, while in North America, its range extends from coast to coast.
During the winter, this species migrates to warmer climates, such as southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. This makes the northern shoveler one of the most widely distributed ducks in the world.
The northern shoveler is known for its distinctive bill, which is large and wide, with a spoon-like shape. This allows the bird to feed on aquatic invertebrates, which it does by scooping them up from the surface of the water.
The shoveler is a fairly common and widespread duck and is widely distributed across its range. The northern shoveler is an important species for many bird watchers, as it is an attractive and fairly easy species to observe.
It is also sometimes referred to as the shoveler in Britain, adding to its popularity. The northern shoveler is an important species in its native habitat, as it plays a vital role in the local ecology and food web.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. clypeata |
9. Garganey
The garganey is a small dabbling duck that is found in many parts of Europe, as well as across the Palearctic region. It breeds in these areas during the summer months, but is strictly migratory, meaning that it moves to different parts of the world during the winter.
During the winter of the Northern Hemisphere, the entire population of garganeys migrates to southern Africa, India, Bangladesh and Australasia. Here, they form large flocks and remain until the spring months.
This type of bird is unique in that it migrates such great distances and can be found in multiple regions of the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. querquedula |
10. Black-Winged Stilt
The black-winged stilt is a type of long-legged wader that belongs to the avocet and stilt family. It is a widely distributed species, meaning it is found in many areas across the world. The scientific name of this species is H.
himantopus, which is sometimes used to refer to a single, near-global species. The black-winged stilt is an adaptable species, capable of living in a variety of habitats, from freshwater wetlands to coastal areas.
It feeds mainly on small invertebrates, such as insects, larvae, and small fish. It also has a distinctive black and white plumage, with a long, thin bill used to catch its prey. In addition, its long legs allow it to wade through water quickly and efficiently.
All in all, the black-winged stilt is an interesting and important species that can be found in many areas around the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. himantopus |
11. Eurasian Wigeon
The Eurasian wigeon, also known as the European wigeon, the widgeon, or simply the wigeon, is a species of dabbling duck from the genus Mareca.
It is found across much of the Palearctic region, the northernmost region of the world that encompasses Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. The Eurasian wigeon inhabits a variety of habitats, from wetlands and marshes to grasslands and agricultural fields.
It is a relatively small duck, measuring 38–45 cm in length and weighing 500–800 g. Its body is mainly brown with a white head and a black crown, as well as a white patch on its rear.
The male has a bright green head and a chestnut-colored chest, while the female is mostly mottled brown. The Eurasian wigeon is a highly social species and forms flocks of up to several hundred individuals.
It feeds mainly on aquatic vegetation, but also consumes insects, seeds, and grains. Breeding season usually takes place in spring, with the female laying between 6-10 eggs in a well-hidden nest.
The Eurasian wigeon is a successful and common species, and its population is considered to be of least concern by the IUCN.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. penelope |
12. Ferruginous Duck
The ferruginous duck is a species of diving duck that is found across Eurosiberia. It is known by several different names, including ferruginous pochard, common white-eye, and white-eyed pochard.
The scientific name of the species, Aythya nyroca, is derived from the Greek word aithuia, which was used by ancient authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle to refer to an unidentified seabird, and the Russian word nyrok, which means duck. The ferruginous duck is a medium-sized bird, with males typically measuring between 17 and 21 inches and females measuring between 15 and 19 inches.
The males have a distinctive rusty coloration on their heads and necks, while the females have a more mottled brown coloration.
Both sexes have white eyes and a white line that runs from the bill to the back of the eye. The ferruginous duck is a strong swimmer, spending most of its time on the water. It feeds mainly on aquatic plants and small invertebrates, but it will also take small fish if available.
It is usually found in large flocks on open water, and it breeds in marshy areas.
During the winter, some flocks migrate to warmer areas, while others remain in their breeding grounds. The ferruginous duck is an important species for conservation, as it is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. It is threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and hunting pressure.
Conservation efforts are ongoing to help protect the species and its habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. nyroca |
13. Common Cuckoo
The common cuckoo is a species of bird that belongs to the Cuculiformes order of birds. Other birds that belong to this order include roadrunners, anis, and coucals. This species is found in many parts of the world, including Europe and Asia.
During the summer months, it migrates to these areas and can be commonly seen in those regions. During the winter months, the common cuckoo migrates to Africa where it spends most of its time until it migrates again for the summer.
The common cuckoo is an incredibly adaptable species of bird that is able to make its home in many different climates and parts of the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | C. canorus |
14. Eurasian Collared Dove
The Eurasian collared dove is a species of dove that is native to Europe and Asia. It is not native to Japan, North America, or any of the Caribbean islands. However, this species of dove was introduced to these regions, likely by humans.
It is a common sight in many of these areas today, and is a familiar bird to birdwatchers. The Eurasian collared dove is a medium-sized bird that is greyish-brown in color, with a white patch near its neck. Its tail is long and pointed, and its wings are shaped like a fan.
It has a distinctive orange-red patch on its nape, which is how it got its name. It is an adaptable species, and can be found in a variety of habitats, such as open forests, grasslands, scrublands, and even urban areas.
It is not a migratory species, but it can travel long distances in search of food. Its diet consists mainly of seeds and grains, but it will also feed on insects and small fruits. It is typically seen in pairs or small flocks, and its call is a low, two-toned cooing sound.
The Eurasian collared dove is an interesting species due to its wide range and adaptability. It is not native to many of the places it is found today, but has been able to successfully colonize these regions.
It is a familiar sight to many, and a beloved species to birdwatchers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. decaocto |
15. Eurasian Teal
The Eurasian teal is a species of duck native to temperate Eurosiberia, which is an area that encompasses the northern parts of Europe and Asia.
The Eurasian teal is a common and widespread duck species and is sometimes referred to as the common teal or Eurasian green-winged teal. This species of duck typically breeds in temperate Eurosiberia, and then migrates south during the winter months.
The Eurasian teal is the only one of its kind in much of its range, which is why it is often simply referred to as the teal. The Eurasian teal is a small dabbling duck, meaning that it forages on the surface of the water rather than diving beneath it.
This species of duck is an important part of the waterfowl population of Eurosiberia.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. crecca |
16. Velvet Scoter
The velvet scoter, also known as a velvet duck, is a large sea duck that is found breeding in the northern areas of Europe and the Palearctic region located to the west of the Yenisey basin.
It is given its scientific name from Ancient Greek, where “melas” translates to “black” and “netta” translates to “duck”. The species name is derived from Latin, where “fuscus” translates to “dusky brown”.
The velvet scoter is considered a large sea duck, with an overall dusky brown coloration, and males having a distinctive black head. It is mostly found near large bodies of water, such as the sea, large lakes, and rivers.
It is a migratory species, with the majority of the population migrating to wintering grounds in the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Black Sea. It is a social species and is often seen in large flocks, foraging in shallow waters for food.
The diet of the velvet scoter consists mainly of molluscs, aquatic insects, and small fish.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Melanitta |
| Species | M. fusca |
17. Great Crested Grebe
The great crested grebe is a species of water bird found across the world in both fresh and saltwater habitats. It is part of the grebe family, a group of birds that have distinctive lobed feet, which help them to swim underwater in search of food.
The great crested grebe is renowned for its impressive mating display which involves the male and female birds performing a courtship dance. The dance consists of the birds bobbing their heads, circling around each other, and giving a number of vocalisations.
This serves to strengthen their bond and ultimately leads to mating. The great crested grebe also builds a floating nest from vegetation which is anchored to the lake bed and used to incubate its eggs.
This species of bird is easily identified by its distinctive orange and black plumage and is a favourite among birdwatchers and nature lovers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. cristatus |
18. Common Shelduck
The common shelduck is a species of waterfowl that belongs to the Tadorna genus. It is a native of the Euro-Siberian region of the Palearctic and is quite widespread and common in the area.
During the warmer months, it is usually found in temperate regions, whereas during the winter months, it migrates to subtropical regions. It can also be found in the Maghreb during winter.
The common shelduck typically prefers to live in wetlands and coastal areas, where it can feed on aquatic vegetation, crustaceans, and mollusks. It is a popular game bird and is hunted by humans.
The species is also known to nest in colonies, with the female laying up to ten eggs in a single clutch.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Tadorna |
| Species | T. tadorna |
19. Red-Necked Grebe
The red-necked grebe is an aquatic bird that migrates between the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. It is typically found in calm waters beyond the waves of ocean coasts during its wintering season, although some birds choose to stay on large lakes for the winter.
The grebe is identified by its reddish-brown neck and its unique diving technique, which involves diving head-first into the water. It feeds on small aquatic animals such as fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, which it finds by diving underwater and searching with its sharp eyes.
The red-necked grebe is also known for its elaborate courtship rituals, which involve the male and female birds making a variety of intricate movements in the water in order to attract each other.
The red-necked grebe is an important species in the natural food chain, and its population is considered to be stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. grisegena |
20. Black-Necked Grebe
The black-necked grebe, also known as the eared grebe, is a species of water bird that belongs to the grebe family, Podicipedidae. It was first identified and described in 1831 by German zoologist Christian Ludwig Brehm.
The species is currently divided into three subspecies, including the nominate subspecies. The nominate subspecies is the most widespread, and can be found in large parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. The other two subspecies are much more geographically restricted.
The western black-necked grebe is found in western Europe and western North America, while the eastern black-necked grebe is found in eastern Europe and western Asia.
Black-necked grebes are medium-sized birds, measuring around 10-13 inches in length and weighing around 5-7 ounces. They have black and white plumage, with a distinctive black neck and white face. They have bright yellow eyes, and long, pointed bills.
Black-necked grebes are highly aquatic birds, and they spend most of their time in shallow freshwater and saltwater lakes, ponds, and rivers. They feed mainly on aquatic insects, crustaceans, molluscs, and fish.
They are excellent swimmers, and can often be seen diving underwater to catch their prey. Black-necked grebes are monogamous, and they form strong pair bonds that can last for many years.
They build their nests on small islands or in shallow water, and they usually lay two to four eggs. Both parents take part in incubating the eggs, and they will fiercely defend their nest if disturbed.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. nigricollis |
21. Little Grebe
The little grebe, also known as dabchick, is a species of water bird from the grebe family. It is named based on its physical characteristics and behavior. The genus name, takhus, comes from the Ancient Greek language and means “fast”.
It is derived from the bird’s ability to dive quickly underwater. The specific name, ruficollis, is derived from Latin and means “red-necked”. It comes from the Latin words rufus, meaning “red”, and collis, meaning “neck”. This refers to the reddish-brown neck of the bird.
Therefore, the little grebe is named after its overall physical features, such as its fast swimming capabilities and its reddish-brown neck.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Tachybaptus |
| Species | T. ruficollis |
22. Tufted Duck
The tufted duck, also known as the tufted pochard, is a species of small diving duck that is found in northern Eurasia. This species is estimated to have a population of around one million birds.
The scientific name of the tufted duck is derived from Ancient Greek, where the term ‘aithuia’ was used to refer to an unidentified seabird mentioned in texts by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle.
The Latin terms ‘fuligo’ and ‘gula’ are used to describe the sooty coloration on the throat of the bird. The tufted duck is an attractive species, with a black head and chestnut body. It has a distinctive white tuft on the back of its head, which is where it gets its name from.
The wings are mainly grey-brown and the bill is grey too. The ducks are mainly found in shallow freshwater lakes and marshes, where they feed on aquatic plants, insects, and mollusks. They are also known to dive for food in deeper waters.
The tufted duck is a migratory species, with some birds traveling as far as Africa and the Middle East during the winter months. It is an important species in the birding world, as it is a popular target for birdwatchers.
The population of the species is stable, though there is some concern that it may be impacted by habitat loss and other human activities.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. fuligula |
23. Red-Crested Pochard
The red-crested pochard is a species of large diving duck that is native to many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is characterized by its bright red crest, which is visible from a long distance.
Its scientific name is derived from two words in two different languages: the Greek word “Netta”, meaning “duck”, and the Latin word “rufina”, meaning “golden-red”.
This name accurately captures the physical characteristics of the red-crested pochard, as the red crest is both a defining feature of the species and provides a striking contrast to the otherwise dark feathers of this species of duck.
The red crest of the pochard is a unique feature of this species, and is believed to be used for attracting mates and deterring predators.
The red-crested pochard is an important species in the bird world, as it is both aesthetically pleasing and can provide a valuable source of food for many birders.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Netta |
| Species | N. rufina |
24. Gadwall
The gadwall is a species of duck that is part of the Anatidae family. It is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, North America, and parts of Africa. It is a dabbling duck, meaning it feeds mainly on surface vegetation such as grasses, grains, and seeds.
It is a common species and its population is growing due to the success of conservation efforts in many areas. The gadwall is a medium-sized duck with males having a brown head and neck, gray breast, white cheeks, and a white tail.
Females have a similar color pattern but with a more mottled pattern. The gadwall has large feet and webbed toes that make it well-adapted to its aquatic lifestyle.
They have a slow, graceful flight as well. Gadwalls form monogamous pairs during the breeding season and are very territorial. They inhabit wetlands and other aquatic habitats, where they feed on aquatic vegetation, insects, and crustaceans.
They nest on the ground or in shallow depressions, lined with down. The gadwall is an important species in wetland ecosystems, providing food for predators and providing a source of nutrients to the water.
It is also an important game species, sought after by hunters for its tasty meat. Overall, the gadwall is a common and widespread dabbling duck species that is found in many parts of the world.
It is an important species that provides a valuable service to wetland ecosystems and is an important game species for hunters.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. strepera |
Conclusion
Birds in Genoa are a fascinating and diverse group of species that are essential for maintaining the environment, and the presence of birds in Genoa is an important part of the city’s culture and history.
From the wide variety of waterfowl and shorebirds to the eagles and owls, the birds of Genoa provide a unique glimpse into the natural world. With the right care and protection, the birds of Genoa will continue to be an integral part of the city for generations to come.