Nuoro is a region in Italy known for its wide variety of birds. From the majestic golden eagle soaring through the skies to the colorful bee-eaters that frequent the many parks and gardens, Nuoro is home to more than 130 species of birds.
From waterfowl to waders, raptors to songbirds, there is an abundance of birdlife that can be found in Nuoro’s diverse habitats. Whether you’re an avid bird watcher or enjoy observing the beauty of nature, Nuoro is the perfect destination for bird enthusiasts.
21 Birds to Watch in Nuoro
Nuoro is a city in the central-eastern part of Sardinia, Italy. It is surrounded by mountains and forests, and it has a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Among the many animals that live in this area, there are some beautiful and fascinating birds that you can observe and admire.
Here are 21 birds to watch in Nuoro, along with some tips on where and when to find them.
1. Squacco Heron
The squacco heron is a small wading bird of the heron family found in Old World regions. It has a relatively short length of 44-47 cm and a comparatively small body size of 20-23 cm. However, its wingspan is quite large, ranging from 80-92 cm.
The squacco heron is mainly found breeding in southern Europe and the Greater Middle East. It is usually found near wetlands, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies where it can find food. It is a solitary species that feeds mainly on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
Its habitat is threatened by human activities such as pollution and the destruction of wetlands.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardeola |
| Species | A. ralloides |
2. Tufted Duck
The Tufted Duck, also known as the Tufted Pochard, is a small diving duck with a population of nearly one million birds. It is native to northern Eurasia and has a scientific name derived from Ancient Greek and Latin.
The scientific name of the Tufted Duck is Aythya fuligula, derived from two Ancient Greek words. The first word, Lithuania, is an unidentified seabird mentioned by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle.
The second word, logo, is derived from the Latin word for “soot” and refers to the dark gray color of the duck’s throat. The third word, gula, is also derived from Latin and means “throat.”
This scientific name refers to the dark gray color of the Tufted Duck’s throat, which resembles soot. The Tufted Duck is an important species of waterfowl, and its population numbers are closely monitored to ensure its conservation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. fuligula |
3. Ferruginous Duck
The ferruginous duck is a species of duck that inhabits the Eurosiberian region. It is a medium-sized diving duck, meaning it prefers to swim underwater to hunt for food.
Other names, such as the ferruginous, common white-eye, or white-eyed pochard, are also known.
The species’ scientific name is derived from two ancient Greek words: Aithuia, an unidentified seabird mentioned by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle, and Nyrok, the Russian word for duck.
The species is well adapted to its Eurosiberian habitat and can dive deep beneath the surface to feed on small aquatic animals. It is an essential species in the area, and its conservation is of great concern.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. nyroca |
4. Black Stork
The black stork is a large bird species that belongs to the family of storks known as Ciconiidae. The renowned Swedish scientist Carl Linnaeus first documented it in the 10th edition of his book Systema Naturae.
The black stork is a large bird, typically measuring between 80 and 95 cm in length, with a wingspan of up to 2.3 meters. It has long, slim legs and a long neck, with a black bill and yellow eyes.
Its plumage is mainly black, with a white belly and vent, and the wings are black with white primary feathers. The black stork can be found throughout much of Eurasia and Africa, inhabiting many habitats, including wetlands, woodlands, and savannahs.
It is a solitary bird that feeds on various prey, including amphibians, fish, reptiles, insects, and small mammals. It is an essential species in many ecosystems, as it helps to control insect and amphibian populations.
It is also a long-distance migrant, with some population traveling thousands of kilometers yearly.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae |
| Genus | Ciconia |
| Species | C. nigra |
5. Mallard
The mallard or wild duck is a species of duck found in a wide variety of habitats across the globe.
It breeds in temperate and subtropical areas of Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North and South America, as well as in places further afield, such as New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa.
The mallard is a dabbling duck, which means it feeds on aquatic vegetation and insects from the water’s surface rather than diving deep into the water. It prefers shallow water, often in wetlands, ponds, lakes, and rivers.
The mallard is very adaptable, making it an ideal species for introduction into new habitats. This has been done in many places worldwide, and the mallard has become an established species in many regions.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
6. Great Egret
The great egret is a large bird in many parts of the world. Many other names, such as the common egret, large egret, great white egret, or great white heron, also know it.
This bird species is divided into four subspecies, which are found in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe.
Recently, it has spread to more northern areas of Europe, suggesting that it is becoming more widespread. The great egret is a majestic bird with a long, slender neck and a white or greyish-white plumage.
It has black legs and a yellow bill and can grow nearly three feet tall.
This bird typically lives in wetlands, such as marshes and swamps, but can also be found in other water bodies, such as lakes and rivers. The great egret is an opportunistic feeder, eating a variety of prey, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, and insects.
They often hunt by slowly stalking their prey, and they are known to eat large amounts of fish. They also feed on carrion and have been known to scavenge from other animals. The great egret is an important species for many reasons, including its role in the environment.
The great egret helps to maintain healthy ecosystems by keeping populations of prey species in check. It also helps to keep wetlands clean by consuming dead fish and other debris.
This species is also essential to humans because it controls insect populations, which can be necessary for crop production. The great egret is a species that is worth protecting and appreciating.
Its wide distribution, majestic appearance, and essential environmental role make it an important species for conservation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. alba |
7. Eurasian Wigeon
The Eurasian wigeon is a species of dabbling duck found across the Palearctic region. It is one of three species in the genus Mareca and is commonly known as the European wigeon, widgeon, or simply the wigeon.
This species is widespread and abundant in its range, with a population estimated to be millions. The Eurasian wigeon is a medium-sized duck, measuring between 46 and 58 centimeters in length and weighing between 500 and 900 grams.
It has a white head and chest, with grayish-brown wings, and its back can range from light brown to dark brown. It has a white patch on its rump, and its bill is yellow with a black tip.
The sexes are similar in appearance, although males tend to be slightly larger than females. The Eurasian wigeon is a highly sociable species and is often seen in large flocks in the air and the water.
They feed on various plants, seeds, and insects and are known to graze in fields and on lawns. They breed in the spring, laying up to 12 eggs in a scrape or hollow near water.
The chicks are precocial, meaning they can feed and swim soon after hatching. In recent years, the Eurasian wigeon has become a famous game bird for hunters, with the population in some parts of its range declining due to overhunting.
This species is also susceptible to habitat destruction due to human activities, such as draining wetlands and converting grasslands to agricultural land. As a result, the Eurasian wigeon is listed as a species of most minor concern on the IUCN Red List.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. penelope |
8. Little Egret
The little egret is a small heron species belonging to the Ardeidae family. This small white bird is recognizable by its slender black beak, long black legs, and yellow feet in the western race.
It is an aquatic bird that feeds in shallow water and on land, eating many tiny creatures. This bird has been known to eat insects, crustaceans, mollusks, small fish, amphibians, reptiles, and even small mammals.
The little egret is a graceful bird and a valuable part of its ecosystem, playing an essential role in maintaining the balance of its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. garzetta |
9. Common Wood Pigeon
The standard wood pigeon is a species of bird that belongs to the Columba genus, which is part of the dove and pigeon family. It is native to the western Palearctic region, which includes parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
It is a large species with an average body length of 40–44 cm and a wingspan of up to 80 cm.
The wood pigeon is primarily grey, with a white neck patch and two white wing bars. The genus Columba includes several closely related species, the most notable of which is the rock dove.
Also known as the Rock Pigeon, this species is the ancestor of domestic pigeons and is found in many parts of the world. The rock dove is similar in size and coloration to the standard wood pigeon but has a more finely patterned plumage and a black bar on its wings.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. palumbus |
10. Purple Heron
The purple heron is a species of wading bird found in various parts of the world. It belongs to the heron family, Ardeidae, and its scientific name comes from Latin, with ‘area’ meaning ‘heron’ and ‘purpureus’ meaning ‘colored purple.’
This bird is widely distributed, breeding naturally in Africa, parts of Europe, and certain southern and eastern Asia regions. The purple heron is a beautiful bird that stands out due to its purple-hued feathers.
It is usually seen in wetlands and shallow bodies of water, as it feeds on small creatures such as fish and amphibians. When it is nesting, the purple heron builds its nest in tall trees near water bodies, usually in colonies with other herons.
It is a shy bird that usually stays hidden in the shadows of trees and bushes. The purple heron is considered a threatened species due to humans’ destruction of its natural habitat.
The bird is also hunted for its feathers, used to make decorative items. Conservation efforts are being made to protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. purpurea |
11. Grebes
Grebes are a unique species of bird belonging to the order Podicipediformes. They are found in a variety of habitats, including both freshwater and marine. Grebes can generally fly, though some species have become flightless, usually in stable lakes.
Adapting to a less mobile environment has allowed them to thrive in certain areas where other birds may find it more difficult. Grebes are a highly adapted bird species, able to dive underwater in search of food.
They have webbed feet for efficient swimming and long wings for powerful flight. Grebes typically feed on small fish, insects, and crustaceans, though some species will also consume vegetation.
They are found in temperate and tropical climates, often migrating between regions as the seasons change. Grebes have a fascinating social structure, usually forming small flocks or family groups.
They are monogamous, with pairs typically staying together for an entire breeding season. The female usually lays two to three eggs in a nest on the water’s surface.
The chicks are born precocial, meaning they can swim and feed themselves from an early age. Grebes are an essential species in aquatic ecosystems, providing critical nutrients to the food web.
They may also be considered a keystone species, as their presence can help to maintain healthy populations of other species. Due to their wide distribution and varied diet, grebes can be essential in conserving aquatic habitats worldwide.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Mirandornithes |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
12. Garganey
The garganey is a small species of duck that breeds mainly in Europe and the Palearctic region, extending from Greenland and Iceland to Japan. It is a migratory bird, meaning that the entire population moves south in the winter to warmer climates.
The ducks can be found across parts of Africa, India, Bangladesh, and Australasia during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter months. While migrating, large flocks of garganey ducks can be seen, making them a noticeable sign of the season for many people.
The garganey is a dabbling duck, meaning it spends much time on the water’s surface. Its diet consists of aquatic plants, invertebrates, and other tiny organisms.
This type of duck prefers shallow, marshy environments, such as ponds and lake edges, where it can find plenty of food. It is also known to fly long distances to reach its wintering grounds, making it an impressive sight in the sky.
The garganey is an iconic duck species and an essential part of the global bird migration. Its yearly journey helps to maintain the balance of nature and provides spectacular views for people to enjoy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. querquedula |
13. Red-Crested Pochard
The red-crested pochard is a large diving duck found in various parts of the world. It is a friendly bird, often found in large flocks.
The scientific name of this duck is Netta rufina, derived from the Greek word Netta, meaning “duck,” and the Latin phrase rufina, meaning “golden-red”.
This scientific name is a perfect fit for this duck, as its feathers are a deep, vivid red, with a distinctive bright red crest on its head. The red-crested pochard is a majestic sight and is a pleasure to observe.
It is a strong swimmer and is often seen diving for food in lakes and ponds. The diet of the red-crested pochard consists of aquatic plants, insects, small fish, and mollusks. It is a beautiful bird and is popular with bird watchers and photographers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Netta |
| Species | N. rufina |
14. Alpine Swift
The alpine swift is a species found in Africa, southern Europe, and Asia. It breeds in the mountains of these regions, from southern Europe to the Himalayas. This swift species migrates, just like many other species of swifts.
The European alpine swift population typically goes south to southern Africa for the winter season. They can often fly high above the mountains during their migration, and their presence is familiar in the areas where they fly.
Alpine swifts have adapted to their environments and can survive the colder temperatures of the winter season in the southern hemisphere.
They are an essential part of the African and European ecosystems, as their presence helps to maintain the balance of nature in those regions.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Tachymarptis |
| Species | T. melba |
15. Great Crested Grebe
The great crested grebe is a species of water bird that belongs to the grebe family. It is easily recognizable by its unique physical features, including its striking black and white plumage, long, slender neck, and red eyes.
Its most notable characteristic, however, is its elaborate mating display. During the breeding season, the great crested grebe will perform a complex courtship ritual involving both males and females.
The male will start by swimming in circles around the female, with its head and neck lowered to the water. As the ritual progresses, the male will stretch its neck upwards and point its bill towards the sky while still submerging its body.
The female will then join the dance, both birds swimming synchronously. This courtship display is an impressive sight and one of the most endearing aspects of the great crested grebe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. cristatus |
16. Great Spotted Cuckoo
The great spotted cuckoo is a species of bird that is part of the Cuculiformes order, which encompasses many other types of birds, such as roadrunners, anis, and coucals. This species of cuckoo is found across Africa and the Mediterranean Basin.
It is a type of bird known as a brood parasite, which means it lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, mainly the Eurasian magpie.
This behavior allows the cuckoo’s young to hatch and be raised in the magpie’s nest while the magpie’s parents are unaware that the young cuckoo is not their own.
This adaptation has allowed the tremendous spotted cuckoo to spread across the entire region and continue to thrive.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Clamator |
| Species | C. glandarius |
17. Little Bittern
The Little Bittern, also known as the Common Little Bittern, is a wading bird species belonging to the heron family Ardeidae. Its scientific name, Ixobrychus minutus, derives from Ancient Greek and Latin.
The first part of its scientific name, Ixobrychus, comes from the Ancient Greek ixias, a reed-like plant type, and brukhomai, which means to bellow. The second part of its scientific name, minutes, is Latin for “small.”
This reflects that the Little Bittern is a small bird between 30 and 36 cm long. Its plumage is mainly brown, with some buff, white, and black markings. Generally, the Little Bittern is found in shallow wetlands, such as marshes, swamps, and reed beds.
It is distributed across Europe, Africa, and Asia and can also be found in parts of Australia and New Zealand. It feeds on small aquatic creatures like fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and insects.
During the breeding season, the male Little Bittern has a distinct call, which is a loud, repeated “ku-ku-ku” sound. Overall, the Little Bittern is an interesting species of bird belonging to the heron family.
It has a unique scientific name and is widely distributed across different parts of the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ixobrychus |
| Species | I. minutus |
18. Little Grebe
The little grebe, also known as dabchick, is an aquatic bird belonging to the grebe family. It is a small bird, usually around 25 cm in length. Its genus name, Tachybaptus, is derived from two ancient Greek words, “fast” and bapto, meaning “to sink under.”
This aptly describes the bird’s ability to dive quickly under the water. The specific name of the bird, ruficollis, is derived from two Latin words, Rufus, meaning “red,” and Collis, meaning “necked,” which is itself derived from the Latin word collum, meaning “neck.”
This refers to the species’ distinctive red neck, which helps to distinguish it from other aquatic birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Tachybaptus |
| Species | T. ruficollis |
19. Common Crane
The standard crane, also known as the Eurasian crane, is a species of bird belonging to the family Gruidae, or cranes. It is a medium-sized bird with a wingspan of up to 6 feet wide.
The standard crane is the only crane commonly found in Europe, except the Demoiselle crane and the Siberian crane, which are only found in the far eastern parts of the continent.
The standard crane is easily recognizable due to its black and white plumage and red crown. They are found in various habitats, including marshes, wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural fields. They feed mainly on grains, insects, and small animals.
Common cranes are highly social birds, often gathering in large flocks during migration. They have a complex courtship display in which two birds jump and flap their wings in unison.
The standard crane is considered a species of most minor concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to its large population and wide distribution.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Grus |
| Species | G. grus |
20. Greater Flamingo
The greater flamingo is an impressive bird that is found across the Old World, from Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean countries of Southern Europe.
It is the most significant family of ants and the most widespread species distinguished by its bright pink feathers and long legs. The greater flamingo is a gregarious species, often found in large flocks in wetlands, mudflats, lagoons, and other areas with shallow water.
They use their long, curved beaks to filter feed, consuming small invertebrates such as shrimp, mollusks, and other crustaceans.
Greater flamingos also feed on algae, plankton, and other aquatic plants. The greater flamingo is essential in many ecosystems, indicating the environment’s health.
Healthy populations of flamingos can help maintain aquatic balance by controlling algae growth.
In addition, flamingos can help disperse seeds of aquatic plants, which can aid in the growth of new vegetation. The greater flamingo is an incredible species found across much of the Old World.
It is an important species for many ecosystems, and its bright pink feathers make it an instantly recognizable bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Species | P. roseus |
21. Spotted Crake
The spotted crake is a small water bird belonging to the family Rallidae. Its scientific name is derived from Venetian terms for small rails, which indicates its size.
The spotted crake is found in various habitats, including marshes and sedge beds in temperate Europe and western Asia. The spotted crake builds its nest in a dry location in marsh vegetation, such as reeds or grasses, and lays between 6 and 15 eggs.
The eggs are usually well-camouflaged to help protect them from predators.
The spotted crake is an omnivorous bird, feeding on worms, insects, and other small animals. The spotted crake is an essential species in its native range, providing critical ecosystem services such as controlling insect populations and aiding seed dispersal.
It is also an important indicator species, as its presence or absence can signal the health of its habitat. As a result, conservation efforts are underway to protect the spotted crake and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Porzana |
| Species | P. porzana |
Conclusion
Nuoro is a great place to observe various birds, from the majestic Golden Eagle soaring high above the mountains to the tiny Firecrests flitting through the forests.
With a mix of both resident and migratory species, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The region also has several essential conservation areas, allowing birds to thrive in a safe and protected environment.
With time and effort, anyone can enjoy the wonders of birdwatching in Nuoro.