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Systematic list - part 14: Finches and Buntings

 

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs (c. 8)

Small numbers around Mount Etna and in Nebrodi.

 

Serin Serinus serinus (90-100)

Very common throughout – although a common species in many areas I've visited before I've never found them quite so conspicuous and easy to find as they are here.

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Serin, Mount Etna, 26th April

 

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Serins, Riserva Naturale Orientata Fiume Ciane, 2nd May (left) and Portopalo di Capo Passero, 30th April (right) - the right hand bird is the only juvenile noticed on this trip

 

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Serins, near Capo Murro di Porco, 3rd May

 

Greenfinch Chloris chloris (3)

Seen just 3 times with single birds in each case – all in the central east coast area.

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Greenfinch, south of Catania, 23rd April

 

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis (200+)

Probably the commonest finch – perhaps not quite in Etna but certainly so in many areas. Juveniles noticed from 3rd May.

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Goldfinch, near Capo Murro di Porco, 3rd May

 

Linnet Carduelis cannabina (c. 15)

Small numbers recorded at Catania Airport, Capo Murro di Porco area, Mount Etna, Vendicari, Portopalo di Capo Passero and Cava Grande del Cassibile.

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Linnets, Capo Murro di Porco, 2nd May (left) and Mount Etna, 25th April (right)

 

Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus (c. 30)

Common around Mount Etna, Nebrodi Mountains and Cava Carosello.

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Cirl Buntings, Nebrodi Mountains, 26th April

 

Rock Bunting Emberiza cia (c. 30)

Up to 25 at Mount Etna – generally occupying slightly higher ground than Cirl Buntings, although with some overlap.

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Rock Buntings, Mount Etna, 26th April

 

Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra (c. 50)

Common in the Nebrodi Mountains and across most of the southern part of the area visited. Not seen around Mount Etna or in the Siracusa area.

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Corn Bunting, Portopalo di Capo Passero, 3rd May

 

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