Birds of Rhône are a diverse and vibrant group that calls the Rhône region of France home. From the majestic White Stork to the lively Long-tailed Tit, the birds of Rhône provide a beautiful and fascinating glimpse into the natural world.
With its temperate climate, diverse habitats, and abundant wildlife, the Rhône region is a haven for birdwatchers. With over 200 species of birds, the region provides plenty of opportunities to observe various species.
From the iconic Great Egret to the more elusive Little Bittern, there is something here for everyone. Whether you are a novice or an experienced birder, the birds of Rhône will surely delight and inspire.
9 Birds Found in Rhône
The Rhône region of France is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds to discover. From the alpine peaks to the Mediterranean coast, the region offers a variety of habitats and climates that attract a diverse and vibrant birdlife.
Here are 9 of the most interesting and beautiful birds that can be found in Rhône.
1. Citril Finch
The Citril Finch is a small songbird from the true finch family, Fringillidae. It is also known as the Alpine Citril Finch.
This cardueline finch was classified as part of the genus Serinus for many years, but recent research has shown that it is very closely related to the European Goldfinch.
The Citril Finch is recognizable by its beige and yellow plumage, with a black V-shaped stripe in the center of its chest. It has a short, conical bill and a long, notched tail.
Its habitat spans western, central, and southern Europe, the Himalayan mountains, and western Russia. The Citril Finch is found in open woodlands, clearings, and meadows and often in small flocks.
It usually feeds on seeds and insects, and its diet can vary significantly depending on the region. It has a melodious song, a mix of whistles and chirps. It is also known to mimic the sounds of other birds.
The Citril Finch is an essential species in its range, as it plays a role in the dispersal of seeds. It is also a widespread species in aviculture, as it is relatively easy to breed in captivity.
However, its population has declined due to habitat destruction and degradation, and it is now listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Carduelis |
| Species | C. citrinella |
2. Short-toed treecreeper
The short-toed treecreeper is a small passerine bird species found in woodlands across much of Europe and parts of North Africa.
This species is more commonly found in warm regions in the south of Europe compared to its relative, the common treecreeper, and the two can be easily mistaken for each other where their habitats overlap.
The short-toed treecreeper has a distinctive brown and white streaked plumage, a white face, and a buff chest. It is generally smaller than the common treecreeper and has a shorter bill and toes.
It is a highly active bird, often seen clambering up tree trunks for food, such as insects and spiders. The short-toed treecreeper is known to breed between April and August, laying four to six eggs in a nest constructed from moss, bark, and feathers.
During the winter months, the birds are commonly seen in small flocks searching for food. The short-toed treecreeper is a common species across much of its range and is not currently considered under threat.
However, as with many species of birds, it is at risk of habitat loss, so conservation efforts must be taken to ensure that it is not threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Certhiidae |
| Genus | Certhia |
| Species | C. brachydactyla |
3. White-Winged Snow Finch
The white-winged snow finch, also known as the snow finch, is a small passerine bird often mistaken for a type of finch. Despite the name, the snow finch is actually in the sparrow family.
The bird has white patches on its wings and is native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia and Tibet. It has adapted to survive in cold alpine environments and is known to consume seeds and insects.
The snow finch is not picky regarding nesting locations, and it can be found in rock crevices, tree cavities, and even abandoned buildings. The species is also known to form flocks in the winter months, which helps them to survive the cold temperatures and search for food.
Despite its small size, the white-winged snowfinch is an integral part of the Central Asian ecosystem and is a vital part of the food chain.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passeridae |
| Genus | Montifringilla |
| Species | M. nivalis |
4. Cetti’s Warbler
Cetti’s warbler is a small, brown bird belonging to the bush-warbler species that can be found in various regions. It breeds in southern and central Europe, northwest Africa, and the eastern Palearctic as far as Afghanistan and northwest Pakistan.
The males and females of this species look identical. It is named after Francesco Cetti, an 18th-century Italian zoologist. Cetti’s warbler is an active and lively bird, making it known by its loud, musical call.
It is quite a shy species and tends to stay away from humans. The bird prefers to live near streams, reed beds, and other areas with plenty of vegetation.
It mainly feeds on small insects and spiders, which it catches by hovering mid-air over the vegetation. The breeding season for Cetti’s warbler takes place between March and August. The female builds a cup-shaped nest from various materials, such as moss, grass, and leaves.
The nest is placed in a low shrub or bush near the ground. The female typically lays between three and five eggs, which she incubates for 14-16 days.
The chicks remain in the nest for two more weeks before they can fly and become independent. Cetti’s warbler is a common bird throughout its range, and its population is believed to be stable.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists it as a species of most minor concern. Despite this, habitat loss due to urbanization and other human activities threatens the species.
Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the long-term survival of Cetti’s warblers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cettiidae |
| Genus | Cettia |
| Species | C. cetti |
5. Savi’s Warbler
Savi’s warbler is a species of bird belonging to the Old World warbler family and the grass warbler genus Locustella. It is a small passerine bird, measuring around 12-13cm in length, with a wingspan of around 20cm.
The Savi’s warbler is native to Europe and the western Palearctic, where it breeds during the summer months. It migrates south to northern and sub-Saharan Africa during the colder winter months.
The natural habitat of the Savi’s warbler is dense reed beds, usually with some bushes present. It typically nests in the reeds and feeds on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
The bird is a poor flier and prefers to forage on the ground, picking up food from the reeds and bushes. The Savi’s warbler is an essential species in wetland conservation, as its presence indicates an area’s suitability for other wetland birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Locustellidae |
| Genus | Locustella |
| Species | L. luscinioides |
6. Ring Ouzel
The ring ouzel is a species of thrush belonging to the Turdidae family, mainly found in Europe. Its medium-sized body is 23-24 cm long and weighs between 90-138 grams.
The male has a predominantly black plumage, made more distinctive by a white crescent shape across its breast. This white crescent shape is very noticeable and helps to identify the species.
The ring ouzel is a ground-dwelling bird, foraging on the ground for food and nesting in hollow trees and rock crevices. It has a loud, flute-like call often heard during its breeding season.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, worms, fruit, berries, and other small animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. torquatus |
7. Whinchat
The Whinchat is a small bird that migrates to different regions during different times of the year. It breeds in Europe and western Asia and winters in central Africa. It was previously classified as a member of the thrush family, Turdidae.
However, a recent study has placed the Whinchat in the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. The Whinchat is a small bird, typically with a length of about 15 cm and a wingspan of approximately 24 cm.
Its main identifying feature is a black stripe running across its eyes. Its upperparts are mainly brown, and its underparts are white.
The Whinchat is a ground-feeding species whose diet mainly consists of beetles, flies, and other insects. The Whinchat is a migratory bird that spends different parts of the year in various areas.
It can be found in Europe and western Asia during the breeding season, where it nests in open grassland habitats, such as meadows and pastures. During the winter months, the Whinchat migrates south to central Africa.
The Whinchat was initially classified as a member of the thrush family, Turdidae. However, a recent study has placed it in the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae.
Most ornithologists have accepted this reclassification, which is the Whinchat’s currently accepted taxonomy. All in all, the Whinchat is a small migratory bird that breeds in Europe and western Asia and winters in central Africa.
It is currently classified as a member of the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Saxicola |
| Species | S. rubetra |
8. Woodchat Shrike
The woodchat shrike is a species of bird belonging to the shrike family, Laniidae. It is easily recognizable by its distinct red-brown crown and nape. This bird mainly feeds on small insects and prefers open wooded areas with scattered trees, such as orchards, as its habitat.
These areas are usually accompanied by bare or sandy ground, which allows the woodchat shrike to forage for its food more efficiently. The woodchat shrike is an opportunistic hunter and will also eat small reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and other birds.
They are known to use tall perches to scan for prey and will even cache food for later consumption. The woodchat shrike is an integral part of the local ecosystem, as it helps to keep insect populations in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Laniidae |
| Genus | Lanius |
| Species | L. senator |
9. White-Throated Dipper
The white-throated dipper is a bird found in various habitats across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Indian Subcontinent. It is a passerine bird, a perching bird with a distinctive song.
This species is divided into several subspecies based on the color differences of its pectoral band. This band is a distinctive marking in all subspecies, usually white or light grey.
Other color variations exist in different subspecies, including dark grey or black. The white-throated dipper prefers to live in clear, fast-flowing rivers or streams, often perched on rocks or boulders near the riverbank.
It feeds mainly on aquatic insect larvae and spends most of its time foraging underwater. It is an efficient swimmer and often dives underwater to feed. It is a hardy species and can survive in various climates and habitats.
The white-throated dipper is standard in many parts of its range and is easily recognized by its distinctive white throat and pectoral band.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cinclidae |
| Genus | Cinclus |
| Species | C. cinclus |
Conclusion
The birds of Rhône are an incredibly diverse group of species. With a wide variety of habitats, there is something for everyone, whether looking for a quiet spot to observe a raptor or a bustling wetland full of migratory birds.
The landscape of Rhône is a precious refuge for these birds, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they can thrive in this beautiful region.