Milan is a city with a rich and diverse bird population. It is one of the most important birding sites in the world. With over 300 species of birds observed in the city, it is a great place for birders to visit and observe a variety of birds.
From the majestic white storks to the colourful bee-eaters, Milan offers an amazing array of birds. The city’s wetlands and parks provide ideal habitats for a wide variety of waterfowl, wading birds, and other species.
Milan is also home to several raptor species, including the magnificent golden eagle. With its rich bird population, Milan is a great place for birders of all levels to explore and enjoy.
1. Eurasian Collared Dove
The Eurasian collared dove is a species of bird native to Europe and Asia. This species of dove has been expanding its range and has been introduced to other locations, such as Japan, North America, and the Caribbean islands.
The Eurasian collared dove is a common sight in many areas and is known for its distinctive black collar on its neck. This species of dove is a medium-sized bird, with a gray body and wings, a black tail, and a white patch on its wings.
The Eurasian collared dove is known to be a hardy species, able to inhabit a variety of habitats such as open woodlands, parks, and gardens.
It is also known to be somewhat of a scavenger, often feeding on seeds and grains found on the ground. The Eurasian collared dove is a social bird, often seen in flocks in the wild and being able to become quite tame when living near humans.
It has a distinctive cooing call and is considered quite a peaceful bird. In some areas, it is becoming a nuisance as its population expands. The introduction of the Eurasian collared dove to areas outside of its native range has been both intentional and accidental.
It is believed to have been introduced to Japan in the 1960s, to North America in the 1980s, and to the Caribbean in the late 1990s.
Since then, its range has been rapidly expanding. The Eurasian collared dove is an interesting species of bird that has had a significant impact on the areas it has been introduced to. Its range continues to expand, making it a species to watch in the future.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. decaocto |
2. Common Wood Pigeon
The common wood pigeon is a species of bird belonging to the dove and pigeon family. It is native to the western Palearctic region, which includes parts of Europe, Asia and North Africa. It is a large bird, with a grey body and a white patch on its neck.
It has a red and blue bar on its wings, and its beak is yellowish-brown in colour. Its closest relatives are other species of the Columba genus, such as the rock dove. The common wood pigeon is a common sight in cities and towns, where it feeds on grain and other food sources.
It also inhabits open woodlands and other habitats, nesting in trees and on cliff ledges. It is a gregarious species, often seen in large flocks, and is an important food source for many predators.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. palumbus |
3. Red-Crested Pochard
The red-crested pochard is a large diving duck that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a common bird that can be found in wetlands, lakes, and reservoirs.
The scientific name of this species is derived from Greek Netta, which means “duck”, and Latin rufina, which means “golden-red”. This is an apt description of the bird, as its head and crest are a striking reddish-golden color.
The bird is also characterized by its white feathers on its neck and underparts, and its black wings and tail. The red-crested pochard’s diet consists of small fish, aquatic invertebrates, and plant matter. It is a gregarious bird that usually forms large flocks when feeding.
It is also known to be a very vocal bird, producing a variety of calls and sounds. The red-crested pochard is a beautiful species that can be enjoyed in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Netta |
| Species | N. rufina |
4. Tufted Duck
The Tufted Duck, also known as the Tufted Pochard, is a small species of diving duck found in northern Eurasia. It has a population of approximately one million birds, making it a fairly common species.
Its scientific name is derived from the Ancient Greek aithuia, a seabird mentioned by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle, and Latin fuligo meaning “soot” and gula meaning “throat”.
The tufted duck is easily recognizable by its distinctive head tuft and its black and white plumage. It is a strong swimmer and usually dives underwater to feed on aquatic plants, mollusks, and crustaceans.
It breeds in freshwater marshes, lakes, and ponds, and winters in coastal wetlands. Its conservation status is currently of least concern, due to its large population and wide distribution.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. fuligula |
5. Black-Winged Stilt
The black-winged stilt is a species of bird belonging to the avocet and stilt family, which is widely distributed across many parts of the world. It is a wader, meaning it typically inhabits wetland areas, and it is noted for its exceptionally long legs.
It is scientifically known as H. himantopus, and is often considered to be a single, almost cosmopolitan species. This means that it is one species which can be found in a wide variety of habitats, rather than multiple species which are limited to particular regions.
Its distribution is so extensive that it can be found on every continent except Antarctica. It typically prefers shorelines, such as those of lakes, rivers, and oceans, but has also been known to inhabit rice paddies, flooded grasslands, and brackish lagoons.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. himantopus |
6. Eurasian Wigeon
Source: ebird.org
The Eurasian wigeon is a species of dabbling duck that belongs to the genus Mareca. It is commonly referred to as the European wigeon, widgeon, or simply the wigeon.
It is widespread throughout its Palearctic range, which covers a vast area from Europe and northern Africa, through western and central Asia, to Japan and the Korean Peninsula. It can even be found in some parts of North America.
The Eurasian wigeon is a medium-sized duck, measuring around 19 to 22 inches long and weighing around 1 to 1.5 pounds. It has a distinctive coloration, with a brown head and neck, white cheeks, and a white patch on the lower throat.
The wings are mottled grey and brown, and the back is a grey-brown color. The underparts are mostly white, and the tail is black. The Eurasian wigeon feeds on a variety of aquatic plants, as well as small insects and mollusks.
It is a gregarious species, and can often be seen in flocks of up to several hundred individuals. It is a popular game bird and is hunted in many parts of its range. The population of the Eurasian wigeon is currently stable, and it is not considered to be threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. penelope |
7. Rock Dove
The rock dove, also known as the rock pigeon or common pigeon, is a species of bird that belongs to the Columbidae family. It is most commonly referred to as the “pigeon”, and it is from this species that the domestic pigeon was bred.
When domestic pigeons escape from their owners, they often settle in wild habitats and reproduce, resulting in an increase in the number of feral pigeons around the world.
This can have an effect on the local environment, as these feral pigeons can compete with native species for food and resources.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. livia |
8. Great Spotted Woodpecker
The great spotted woodpecker is a distinctive bird species found across the Palearctic which includes parts of North Africa. This medium-sized woodpecker has a pied black and white plumage, with a red patch on the lower belly.
Males and young birds of this species also have red markings on the neck or head, which further adds to its unique appearance. The great spotted woodpecker is an important bird species that contributes to the balance of nature.
It plays a role in maintaining healthy forests, as it feeds on insects hidden in the bark of trees. Its diet consists of a variety of insects, as well as small fruits and nuts, which it obtains from trees and shrubs.
As a result, this species helps to control the population of harmful insects, while also helping to spread the seeds of plants. The great spotted woodpecker is a beloved bird species that is admired by many.
Its striking appearance and wide range make it a popular subject of study, and it is often seen in nature documentaries and photographs. This species is also a symbol of hope, as it is a resilient creature that is able to survive in a variety of different habitats.
As such, it is an important part of our natural world, and should be protected and conserved for future generations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dendrocopos |
| Species | D. major |
9. Little Grebe
The little grebe is a small water bird that belongs to the grebe family. It is also known by the name ‘dabchick’. The scientific name for this bird is ‘Tachybaptus ruficollis’.
The genus name ‘Tachybaptus’ is derived from the Ancient Greek words ‘takhus’ and ‘bapto’, which together mean ‘fast’ and ‘to sink under’ respectively. The species name ‘ruficollis’ is derived from two Latin words, ‘rufus’ which means ‘red’ and ‘collis’ which means ‘necked’.
This name is a combination of the words ‘collum’ which means ‘neck’ and the modern Latin ending ‘-collis’.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Tachybaptus |
| Species | T. ruficollis |
10. Ferruginous Duck
The ferruginous duck is a species of diving duck from Eurosiberia that is also known by several other names, such as ferruginous pochard, common white-eye or white-eyed pochard. It is a medium-sized duck, with a scientific name derived from Greek.
The name aithuia was used by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle to refer to an unidentified seabird, while nyrok is the Russian name for a duck. The ferruginous duck is common across much of its range and is found in wetlands, rivers, and lakes.
It feeds by diving for aquatic vegetation or small fish, and can stay underwater for up to 30 seconds.
It nests in small colonies in grassy areas near water, and the female builds the nest and incubates the eggs. The ferruginous duck is an important species for birders and conservationists, as it is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting in some areas.
The species is also a valuable gamebird and is hunted in parts of Europe. It is listed on the IUCN Red List, and conservation efforts are ongoing to ensure its future survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. nyroca |
11. Mute Swan
The mute swan is a species of swan that belongs to the Anatidae family, which is the family of waterfowls. This species is native to a large area, most of which is Eurosiberia, which includes parts of Europe and Siberia, and also to the far north of Africa.
This species is a regal looking bird, with its long neck and white feathers. It is a graceful swimmer, which is able to glide across the water with ease. It is also known for its silence, which is why it is known as the mute swan, and it is usually found in pairs.
It is an omnivore, so it feeds on aquatic plants, small fish, and insects. It is also a migratory species, so it will travel long distances to find food and warmer climates. It is an important species for wetlands, as it helps to keep the ecosystem in balance.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cygnus |
| Species | C. olor |
12. Northern Pintail
The pintail, also known as the northern pintail, is a species of duck that can be found in various areas around the world. It breeds in the northern parts of Europe and parts of the Palearctic and North America.
This species is migratory, meaning it spends its summers in the northern regions and its winters in the south, often as far as the equator. This type of behavior is common among birds and helps them to find suitable resources and habitats for breeding and wintering.
During the summer months, the pintail will often travel to wetlands and other bodies of water in order to breed. In the winter, they will migrate to warmer areas, such as southern Europe, Africa, and South America, in search of better resources.
By doing so, they are able to survive the cold winter months and reproduce successfully.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. acuta |
13. Common Merganser
The common merganser, also known as the goosander, is a species of large seaduck found in rivers and lakes in forested areas of Europe, Asia, and North America. This species has a long, slender body, a bill that is serrated like a saw, and a white crest on its head.
The common merganser feeds mainly on fish, but it will also consume amphibians, insects, and other aquatic life.
It is an excellent swimmer and is able to plunge underwater to capture its prey. The common merganser typically nests in holes in trees, such as old woodpecker cavities, but will sometimes use nest boxes or nest on the ground.
It is an important species for its role in controlling the population of fish, amphibians, and other aquatic life in its habitat. Its presence is beneficial to the overall health and diversity of the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mergus |
| Species | M. merganser |
14. Greater White-Fronted Goose
The greater white-fronted goose is a species of bird that belongs to the Anatidae family, the same family as the lesser white-fronted goose. The bird is named for the distinct white patch at the base of its bill.
The scientific name of the bird, albifrons, is derived from the Latin words albus, meaning white, and frons, meaning forehead. This species of goose is larger than the lesser white-fronted goose and is known for its unique black and white plumage.
The bird has a greyish-brown body with a white belly, white feathers on the wings, and a white band that runs around the base of its bill. The greater white-fronted goose is an aquatic bird and is typically found near wetlands, lakes, and rivers.
It feeds on aquatic vegetation such as grasses and sedges, as well as grain, berries, and other types of vegetation.
The greater white-fronted goose is an important part of the global ecosystems, and it is important for humans to take measures to protect this species and its habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anser |
| Species | A. albifrons |
15. Alpine Swift
The alpine swift is a species of swift bird that lives in a wide range of habitats across Africa, southern Europe, and Asia. It prefers to breed in mountainous regions, ranging from southern Europe all the way to the Himalayas.
This species is migratory, similar to its more common swift counterparts, and those living in southern Europe will typically migrate further south during the winter season, typically to southern Africa.
They are highly adapted to living in these mountainous regions and have a wide range of behaviors and physical characteristics that help them thrive in these conditions.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Tachymarptis |
| Species | T. melba |
16. Common Goldeneye
The common goldeneye is a medium-sized sea duck that belongs to the genus Bucephala, also known as goldeneyes. This species is closely related to the Barrow’s goldeneye, which is also a member of the same genus.
The genus name Bucephala is derived from the Ancient Greek word boukephalos, which is a reference to the bulbous head shape of the bufflehead, another bird belonging to this genus.
The common goldeneye is found in North America and Europe and is known for its striking black-and-white plumage and bright yellow eyes.
It is an excellent swimmer and diver, able to dive up to depths of about 30 feet to feed on its preferred prey, such as mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic insects.
The goldeneye is a migratory species, spending the winter in the southern parts of its range before heading back north in the spring.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Bucephala |
| Species | B. clangula |
17. Common Pochard
The common pochard is a type of waterfowl that is known for its diving abilities. It is a medium-sized duck native to many parts of the world. Its scientific name, Aythya ferina, is derived from two sources.
The first is from the Greek aithuia, an unidentified seabird that was mentioned in ancient texts by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle. The second part of the scientific name, ferina, is derived from the Latin word ferus, which means “wild”.
This emphasizes the wild nature of this species of duck. The common pochard is a wild bird, not one that has been domesticated or kept in captivity. It is a beautiful bird that is well adapted to a life in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. ferina |
18. Common Shelduck
The common shelduck is a species of waterfowl that is found in the Euro-Siberian region of the Palearctic. This species of shelduck belongs to the genus Tadorna. It is a widespread and common bird throughout the Euro-Siberian region of the Palearctic.
It breeds in temperate climates during the summer months and winters in subtropical climates. During winter, the common shelduck can also be found in the Maghreb region. This waterfowl is a hardy species that is able to withstand the cold and is very adaptable.
It is an important species in the food chain and is a popular game bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Tadorna |
| Species | T. tadorna |
19. Egyptian Goose
The Egyptian goose is a species of duck native to Africa. It is part of the Anatidae family, which includes a variety of waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and swans.
This species of waterfowl is popular for its decorative appearance, and as a result, it has been introduced to many areas outside its natural range, such as Europe, the United States, and other places.
The exotic beauty of the Egyptian goose has made it a popular choice for many people. Its feathers are a mixture of black, brown, white, and gray, which gives it a unique and attractive look. Its body is also quite large, with a wingspan that can reach up to two and a half feet.
Despite its popularity as an ornamental bird, the Egyptian goose also has practical use. Its size and strength makes it an ideal choice for hunting, as well as for transportation in parts of Africa.
Its diet consists mostly of small animals, plants, and grains, which makes it a valuable asset for farmers and other agriculturalists. In addition to its practical uses, the Egyptian goose also has a deep cultural significance for many African cultures.
It is seen as a symbol of fertility and prosperity and is often included in traditional African artwork. The bird’s presence is also thought to bring good luck to those who keep it in their home.
The Egyptian goose has an important place in many parts of the world, both as an ornamental bird and as a symbol of good luck. Its continued popularity is a testament to its beauty and versatility.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Alopochen |
| Species | A. aegyptiaca |
20. Gadwall
The gadwall is a species of dabbling duck that is found throughout the world. It is a member of the Anatidae family, the same family as other ducks, geese and swans. The gadwall is a medium-sized duck, with a length of around 20 inches and a wingspan of 32 inches.
It is characterized by its gray-brown body, white belly, and black-barred tail.
The male gadwall is generally darker than the female and has a black bill with a white ring around it. The gadwall is a very common and widespread species, inhabiting wetlands, lakes, ponds, marshes and rivers.
It is an omnivore, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. During the breeding season, the male gadwall will perform courtship displays and calls to attract a mate.
It typically builds its nest on the ground near water and will lay around 8-10 eggs. The gadwall is an important species for waterfowl hunters in North America and is also farmed for its meat.
Its global population is stable, but it is threatened by habitat destruction and pollution. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and its environment, such as wetland protection and restoration.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. strepera |
21. Garganey
The Garganey is an interesting species of small duck that is found all across Europe and the Palearctic. It is a migratory species, which means that every year, the entire population will migrate to warmer climates for the winter season.
These winter destinations include countries such as South Africa, India, Bangladesh and Australasia. When they arrive in these countries, large flocks of Garganey can be seen.
This migration is especially impressive given the species’ small size, and highlights the importance of conservation efforts for vulnerable species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. querquedula |
22. Greater Scaup
The greater scaup, also known as just scaup in Europe or “bluebill” in North America, is a medium-sized duck that is larger than the lesser scaup, which is its closely related species. This species is a diving duck, meaning it dives underwater in search of food.
During the summer months, the greater scaup can be found in Alaska, northern Canada, Siberia, and the northernmost regions of Europe. These areas provide the duck with the necessary resources for breeding, such as food and a safe place to nest and raise its young.
The greater scaup is an important species for many ecosystems, as it serves as a keystone species and predator, helping to keep populations of other species in check.
Additionally, the duck is an important indicator of water quality, as it is sensitive to the presence of pollutants.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. marila |
23. Ring-Necked Duck
The ring-necked duck is a species of diving duck native to North America. It is generally found in freshwater ponds and lakes, and is known for its distinctive neck pattern.
The scientific name of the ring-necked duck is derived from two roots: Greek aithuia, which was the name of an unidentified seabird mentioned by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle, and Latin collaris, meaning “of the neck” from the Latin word collum, meaning “neck”.
This name reflects the distinctive pattern of the ring-necked duck’s neck, which features a white ring around its neck. This species of duck is an important part of many wetlands ecosystems. It is a popular game bird and is hunted for its meat and feathers.
Additionally, the eggs of the ring-necked duck are eaten by other animals, such as turtles and raccoons. The ring-necked duck is an important part of the environment and its presence helps keep wetlands healthy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. collaris |
24. Ruddy Shelduck
The Ruddy Shelduck, also known as the Brahminy Duck, is a member of the Anatidae family. It is a unique-looking waterfowl, with a length that ranges from 58 to 70 cm and a wingspan of 110 to 135 cm.
This duck has a distinct reddish-brown color on its head, neck, and chest, with a white belly. Its wings are black and white, and its tail is white with a black band at the end.
In addition to its distinctive appearance, the Ruddy Shelduck is also known for its loud, trumpeting call that is heard in the morning and evening.
This species of duck is found mainly in South Asia, ranging from India to the Middle East, and can also be found in other parts of the world such as Africa and Europe. It is a social species and can often be seen in large flocks.
The Ruddy Shelduck is a strong and powerful swimmer and is capable of diving to great depths in search of food. It feeds mainly on aquatic plants, small invertebrates, and mollusks.
This species is also known for its strong and faithful pair bond, with couples often remaining together for life.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Tadorna |
| Species | T. ferruginea |
Conclusion
Birds in Milan are incredibly diverse, with over 250 species present throughout the city. These birds range from large, migratory species to small, urban-adapted birds.
The presence of birds in Milan can be attributed to its diverse habitats, which provide a variety of food sources and nesting sites. This array of habitats has allowed some species of birds to make the city their home, while others use it as a stopover on their migratory route.
Overall, Milan is a great place to observe and appreciate the beauty of birds.