Welcome to Rovigo, a small Italian town in northern Italy’s Veneto region! This charming town is home to a wide variety of birds, including several species of raptors, waders, and passerines.
There are plenty of opportunities to observe these beautiful creatures, whether it’s a nature walk, a bird-watching tour, or simply looking out the window.
Rovigo is home to many habitats, including wetlands, lagoons, woodlands, and mountains, so there is something for every bird enthusiast.
From colorful, song-filled hummingbirds to majestic eagles soaring through the sky, Rovigo is the perfect place to spot beautiful birds!
16 Birds to Watch in Rovigo
If you are a bird lover, you might want to visit Rovigo, a charming city in the Veneto region of Italy. Rovigo is home to a variety of birds, some of which are rare or endangered.
Here are 16 birds to watch in Rovigo, along with some tips on where and when to spot them.
1. Ferruginous Duck
The ferruginous duck is a unique bird species found in Eurosiberia, a region that encompasses European Russia and parts of Siberia. It is classified as a medium-sized diving duck and is also known as a ferruginous pochard, common white-eye, or white-eyed pochard.
The scientific name of the ferruginous duck is derived from Greek sources, specifically from the words Lithuania and nyrok. Aithuia was an unidentified seabird mentioned by ancient authors, including Hesychius and Aristotle, while nyrok is the Russian name for a duck.
Combining these two words gives us the scientific name for the ferruginous duck. The ferruginous duck is a distinctive species with unique physical features. Its body is colored in shades of brown with a white head and neck.
Its bill is a yellowish-orange color, and its eyes are white. Its feet are also bright orange. This species is known to live in wetlands, lakes, and rivers and is a strong swimmer. The ferruginous duck feeds primarily on aquatic plants and insects.
The ferruginous duck is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because its population has declined significantly over the years. This is due to several factors, including habitat loss, hunting, and predation.
Conservation efforts have been implemented to help the ferruginous duck population, but the species still faces several threats.
Despite this, the ferruginous duck is an intriguing species that has captivated scientists, birdwatchers, and nature lovers for centuries.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. nyroca |
2. Greater Flamingo
The greater flamingo is a species found in multiple parts of the world. It is the largest of the flamingo family and the most widely distributed.
In the Old World, it is commonly found in 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 in Southern Europe.
The greater flamingo is a wading bird species and is usually found near bodies of water, such as small lakes or more extensive lagoons.
They are also seen in estuarine and saline habitats. The greater flamingo is well-adapted for life in its many habitats.
They have long legs that allow them to wade in shallow water and curved beaks to help filter out tiny aquatic organisms from the water. The greater flamingo is a social bird and can often be found in large flocks of up to 1,000 individuals.
The bright pink feathers of the greater flamingo are due to the carotenoid pigments found in their diet.
They feed on aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, mollusks, insects, algae, and other plant matter. The greater flamingo is listed as a species of most minor concern by the IUCN. It is estimated that there are between 1.5 and 2 million individuals in the wild.
Although they are not threatened, they can be impacted by environmental changes, such as habitat destruction or pollution. They are also hunted in some countries for their feathers and meat. Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the future of the greater flamingo.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Species | P. roseus |
3. Common Shelduck
The common shelduck is a bird belonging to the Tadorna genus, a part of the shelduck family. This species is native to the Euro-Siberian region of the Palearctic, which includes parts of Europe, Asia, and Siberia.
Common shelducks are widely distributed and abundant in these areas, breeding mainly in temperate climates and wintering in subtropical regions. During the winter, they may also spread out to the Maghreb region, which is located in North Africa.
Common shelducks are large birds with long necks and distinctive bills. The adult birds have a chestnut red head and neck, with a white patch on the side of the neck. The body is mainly white, with a black breast, belly, and dark brown wings.
The common shelduck is a gregarious species, often forming large flocks when not breeding. They feed mainly on aquatic plant material, small invertebrates, and mollusks.
Common shelducks breed in small or single colonies and nest in natural cavities such as rabbit caves, tree hollows, or rock crevices. The female lays around 8-12 eggs, incubating for 25 days.
The chicks remain in the nest for around two weeks before they can fly. Common shelducks are long-lived birds, with individuals reaching up to 20 years of age.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Tadorna |
| Species | T. tadorna |
4. Mute Swan
The mute swan is a species belonging to the Anatidae family, including ducks, geese, and swans. It is native to many areas, including Europe, Siberia, and northern Africa.
This species of swan is known for being relatively large, with a wingspan of up to 3.1 meters. It has a white plumage and a long, curved neck. The mute swan is an omnivore whose diet consists of aquatic plants, insects, small fish, and amphibians.
It is also known for its “mute” behavior, meaning it does not make loud vocalizations. The mute swan is a protected species in many countries, and its population is considered to be stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cygnus |
| Species | C. olor |
5. Tufted Duck
The tufted duck, also known as the tufted pochard, is a small species of diving duck found throughout northern Eurasia, with a population of almost one million.
Its scientific name, Aythya fuligula, is derived from Ancient Greek words: Aithuia, an unidentified seabird that authors like Hesychius and Aristotle mentioned; and Latin words fuligo, meaning soot, and gula, meaning throat.
The tufted duck has a distinctive black head and neck, a white patch on the cheek, a white breast, and a dark back. The male has yellow eyes and a grey bill, while the female has brown eyes and a grey-brown bill. It is a medium-sized duck with around 45-50 cm wingspan.
The tufted duck feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates such as insects, mollusks, crustaceans, and some plant matter.
It is a migratory species, with most birds leaving their breeding grounds in northern Europe and Asia in the autumn and winter to spend the colder months in more southerly parts of the continent.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. fuligula |
6. European Golden Plover
The European golden plover (Pluvialis apricaria) is a wading bird species in Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a large bird with a 28–32 cm wingspan and a length of 22–25 cm.
The male European golden plover is a predominantly black bird with a white stripe on its back and a white stripe on its head.
The female is less distinct, having a gray-brown back and a white belly. The European golden plover is also known as the Eurasian or just the golden plover within Europe.
It breeds in grassland habitats across much of Europe, including the British Isles, and migrates south in the winter to Africa and Asia.
It is a highly social bird, often seen in flocks of hundreds of birds during migration. The European golden plover is an omnivore, feeding on various insects, worms, and other invertebrates. It is also known to feed on berries.
Its diet varies depending on the season and its location. Overall, the European golden plover is a beautiful and exciting bird species. It is an integral part of many ecosystems, and its populations are declining due to habitat loss and other human activities.
Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the future of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. apricaria |
7. White-Headed Duck
The white-headed duck is a relatively small aquatic bird, measuring about 45 cm in length. The male has a unique appearance with a white head, a black crown, a blue bill, and reddish-grey plumage.
On the other hand, the female has a dark bill and a duller color. This species of duck prefers to breed in lakes surrounded by dense vegetation and open water. Combining these two elements is essential for the white-headed duck to thrive in its habitat.
The vegetation provides shelter and protection from predators, while the open water allows it to dive and feed on aquatic organisms.
This duck species also lives in shallow marshes and slow-moving rivers. The white-headed duck is essential to the aquatic ecosystem, as it preys on small fish, snails, crustaceans, and marine invertebrates.
This species also acts as a prey item for larger predators such as herons and cormorants.
As a result, the white-headed duck is a keystone species in its environment, helping to maintain a balance in the aquatic food web. The white-headed duck is a unique and vital species crucial in maintaining marine ecosystems.
Its unique appearance and habitat requirements make it an interesting species to observe and appreciate in its natural environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Oxyura |
| Species | O. leucocephala |
8. Common Pochard
The common pochard is a medium-sized diving duck found all over the world. Its scientific name is derived from two sources. The first part, “Lithuania,” is used by ancient Greek authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle to describe an unidentified seabird.
The second part, “farina,” is derived from the Latin word “virus,” meaning “wild.” This term is used to signify the wild nature of the common pochard. Combining these two words creates the scientific name for this species and reflects its wild and mysterious nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. ferina |
9. Grey Partridge
The grey partridge is a gamebird belonging to the family Phasianidae of the order Galliformes. This family includes gallinaceous birds, which are ground-dwelling birds that are found in moist and semi-open environments.
The grey partridge is also known by other names such as the gray-legged partridge, English partridge, Hungarian partridge, or hun. The scientific name of the grey partridge is derived from Latin and, in turn, de, rived fr, om Ancient Grethe ek ‘perdix’ meaning partridge.
This bird is a popular gamebird and is hunted all over the world. It is a fast-flying bird known for its strong and agile flight. The grey partridge is a medium-sized bird with an average weight of about 300g.
It has a greyish-brown upper plumage and reddish-brown underparts. The legs and feet are greyish-brown in color. The bill is short and pointed. The male has a red face and throat, while the female has a more subdued coloration.
The grey partridge is a common bird in Europe, Asia, and North America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Perdix |
| Species | P. perdix |
10. Northern Lapwing
The northern lapwing is an iconic bird in many parts of the world. Many familiar names know it, such as peewit, pewit, tuit, tewit, green plover, and pyewipe. It is a large bird with stunning eyes and a bright green back.
It is a member of the lapwing subfamily and can be found throughout temperate Eurosiberia. The northern lapwing is an omnivore, eating insects, worms, and plant material. It is a ground-dweller, often found on open fields, wetlands, and near riverbanks.
It has a distinctive call that has been compared to a “peewit” sound, hence its common name. In the spring, the northern lapwing performs an impressive courtship flight, with males taking off and looping in the air.
The northern lapwing is an important species to many ecosystems. Its presence indicates healthy grasslands and wetlands and is a valuable food source for many predators.
It is an important species for conservation, as its numbers have declined in recent decades due to habitat loss and degradation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Vanellus |
| Species | V. vanellus |
11. Black-Crowned Night Heron
The black-crowned night heron is a species of heron found in many parts of the world. It is a medium-sized bird with a black-capped head, neck, dark wings, and back. This species is also commonly called the night heron, especially in Eurasia.
This heron species can be found in many countries, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North and South America. It has a wide distribution and is found in wetlands, shallow waters, and coastal habitats.
It is a solitary bird and can be seen in both coastal and inland areas. The night heron is a carnivorous bird and feeds mainly on fishes, amphibians, and small invertebrates. It has a unique hunting technique of standing still and waiting for prey to come close.
This species is an opportunistic hunter and can feed on carrion and scavenge for food. It is an integral part of the food chain and helps to keep the population of its prey species in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Nycticorax |
| Species | N. nycticorax |
12. Red-Crested Pochard
The red-crested pochard is a species of large diving duck found in wetlands worldwide. The scientific name Netta Rufina is derived from two distinct sources. The first part, Netta, comes from the Greek word for “duck.”
The second part, Rufina, is Rufinaatin and means “golden-red.” This name.” is derived from the red crest on the duck’s head. The red-crested pochard is a common duck species found in many countries around the world.
It prefers to inhabit shallow wetlands like ponds, lakes, and marshes. This duck species is easily recognizable due to its bright red crest and orange-brown body.
It has a hefty bill and a dark tail, often held at an upward angle. The red-crested pochard is a social species of duck usually seen in small flocks of up to 20 individuals. It feeds on aquatic plants and small invertebrates.
The breeding season begins in late winter, and the female will lay up to 8 eggs in a nest built on the ground.
The young ducks are precocial and can swim and feed themselves soon after hatching. The red-crested pochard is a species of duck found in many parts of the world.
Its scientific name, Netta rufina, is derived from Greek and Latin words that describe its distinct red crest. This species of duck is social and is often seen in small flocks. It feeds on aquatic plants and small invertebrates and nests on the ground.
The red-crested pochard is an essential duck species and is a common sight in many wetlands worldwide.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Netta |
| Species | N. rufina |
13. Red-Breasted Goose
The red-breasted goose is a species belonging to the genus Branta and found in Eurasia. Its striking red markings make it an easily recognizable species, but unfortunately, its population numbers are declining.
As a result, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the red-breasted goose as ‘vulnerable,’ meaning it is at risk of extinction in the wild if its decline continues.
The red-breasted goose is found mainly in the northern and eastern parts of its range, breeding in the Arctic regions of Russia, Finland, and Scandinavia. It migrates south in winter, spending the cold months in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
Red-breasted geese are mainly herbivores, feeding on plants, grasses, and insects; however, they may also take small fish and amphibians. They breed in open tundra areas, nesting on the ground and laying two to six eggs each season.
They tend to flock in large numbers, with up to several thousand birds congregating in certain areas during winter. Unfortunately, the red-breasted goose population is in decline due to several factors.
These include hunting and illegal hunting, the destruction of wetlands and other habitats, and climate change, making the Arctic regions less suitable for breeding. The IUCN has listed the red-breasted goose as ‘vulnerable’ for these reasons.
We must take steps to protect the red-breasted goose and its habitats. This includes protecting and restoring wetlands, limiting hunting, and working to reduce the impact of climate change.
By doing so, we can ensure the survival of this beautiful species of goose for future generations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Branta |
| Species | B. ruficollis |
14. Purple Heron
The purple heron is a species of wading bird that belongs to the heron family, Ardeidae. Its scientific name is derived from Latin, ardea meaning “heron” and purpureus meaning “colored purple.”
This bird is widely distributed in many areas worldwide, including Africa, Central and Southern Europe, and Southern and Eastern Asia. In Africa, the purple heron can be found in swampy wetlands and coastal estuaries.
It is also found in parts of Europe, like the Mediterranean, and some parts of Asia, such as India and Japan.
The bird prefers areas with shallow water, as it is a wading bird and uses its long legs to search for food in the water. The purple heron has a distinctive appearance: a long, slender neck and legs and grey to purplish-blue plumage.
It also has a large wingspan, reaching up to 155 cm. Its diet consists mainly of fish, crustaceans, and amphibians, and it uses its long beak to catch its prey. The purple heron is a solitary bird and usually nest in trees near water.
The nest is usually made of sticks and lined with small twigs and grass.
Breeding season usually occurs in the spring, and the female typically lays three to four eggs. The purple heron is listed as a species of most minor concern on the IUCN Red List, meaning its population is stable and unlikely to become extinct.
It is an essential species in many parts of the world, as it feeds on populations of fish, amphibians, and crustaceans that can be destructive if they become too numerous.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. purpurea |
15. Red-Breasted Merganser
The red-breasted merganser is a duck species found in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. This species is easily identified by its distinctive red breast, only visible in males during the breeding season.
The rest of the year, the male’s breast is a grayish-brown color. The female red-breasted merganser has a grayish-brown breast all year round. Both the male and female of this species have long, thin bills and a crest of black and white feathers on their heads.
They also have white-tipped tails and a brownish-black back. The red-breasted merganser is a great swimmer and can dive deep into the water to find food. They feed on fish, small crustaceans, and aquatic insects.
They also sometimes feed on small mammals, such as mice and birds. During the breeding season, the male red-breasted merganser will become more vocal and aggressive to attract a mate. The female will lay her eggs in a nest made of vegetation near the water.
The female will then incubate the eggs and care for the chicks until they can fly. The red-breasted merganser is a beautiful species of duck that can be seen in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mergus |
| Species | M. serrator |
16. Whooper Swan
The Whooper Swan, also called the Common Swan, is a large swan native to the northern hemisphere. It is one of the most prominent members of the swan family and is typically seen in Europe, Asia, and parts of North America.
It is closely related to the North American Trumpeter Swan and is the type species for the genus Cygnus. The Whooper Swan is a migratory species, usually seen in large flocks during the winter months.
They typically nest near wetlands, lakes, and rivers and feed on aquatic vegetation. Their plumage is white, except for black wing tips, and they have a yellow bill with a black base.
They are known to produce a loud honking call and are often seen soaring gracefully in the sky. The Whooper Swan is an iconic species and provides a vital connection between people and nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cygnus |
| Species | C. cygnus |
Conclusion
Birds in Rovigo are a beautiful and essential part of its environment. They provide many ecological benefits, including insect control, pollination of plants, and seed dispersal.
They also provide invaluable aesthetic beauty, which can help bring more visitors to the area. In addition, birds help maintain the area’s biodiversity, which is essential for ecosystem health.
With proper management and conservation, birds in Rovigo can continue providing ecological, economic, and aesthetic benefits for many years.