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Systematic list - part 6: Cuckoo, Owls, Nightjar, Swifts, Near-Passerines and Woodpeckers

 

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus (7)

A total of 3 heard in the Etna area, 1 at Villa Romana del Casale and 1 between Palazzolo Acreide and Catania, the latter seemingly responding to a presumed mechanical noise (different pitch to Cuckoo but the two notes shared the same interval and were delivered at the same pace, though more consistently and constantly than Cuckoo). The only birds seen were at Portopalo di Capo Passero on 30th April (a grey bird) and 3rd May (a hepatic female) – I guess these 2 may have been migrants.

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Cuckoo, Portopalo di Capo Passero, 3rd May

 

Scops Owl Otus scops (c. 8)

Up to 3 heard calling each night at the Villa Rosa in Pedara – one or two were briefly seen in flight while we were watching the volcano erupt. Also up to 3 heard calling each night at Monteluce – nearby 1 was seen in headlights on the road on 30th April. Also 1 heard at Pozzo di Mazza.

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Scops Owl, Monteluce (Vendicari), 30th April

 

Little Owl Athene noctua (4)

One near Portopalo di Capo Passero on 29th April, 2 heard calling at Monteluce on 30th April and 1 seen near there on 1st May – I was surprised these weren't commoner as I've tended to see more during trips elsewhere in southern Europe.

 

Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (2)

One hawking insects from the surface of the water in a manner recalling Swallow right beside me in my car at the small lake just NW of Portopalo di Capo Passero on 1st May; also a second bird on the track here.

 

Swift Apus apus (>1000)

Very common and widespread. The number of birds wheeling around Licata was particularly impressive. There was a northerly passage at Portopalo di Capo Passero on 30th April.

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Swifts, Portopalo di Capo Passero, 3rd May

 

Pallid Swift Apus melba (6+)

At least 2 among Swifts at the Valle di Templi at Agrigento on 27th April and at least 4 at Noto on 2nd May. Others were suspected but views were insufficient to confirm.

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Pallid Swift, Valle di Templi, Agrigento, 27th April

 

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Pallid Swift, Noto, 2nd May

 

Bee-eater Merops apiaster (152+)

Common and widespread – small numbers seen (or just heard) at numerous locations. Highest counts were 52 over Monti Peloritani (including a flock of 40) on 24th April and 30 through the Valle di Templi (Agrigento) on 27th April. Some of the birds recorded seemed to be migrants moving straight through.

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Bee-eaters, Villa Romana del Cassale, 27th April

 

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Bee-eater, Portopalo di Capo Passero, 29th April

 

Roller Coracias garrulus (2)

Singles along the Siracusa bypass on 23rd April and between Licata and Agrigento on 27th April.

 

Hoopoe Upupa epops (c. 18)

Small numbers seen or heard at a variety of sites throughout.

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Hoopoe, Portopalo di Capo Passero, 29th April

 

Wryneck Jynx torquilla (2)

1 at Granelli and another at Portopalo di Capo Passero, both on 30th April.

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Wryneck, Granelli, 30th April

 

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major (2)

Noted at 2 sites in the Etna area.

 

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