AZORES RARE AND SCARCE BIRD REPORT

Number 1

Azores Bird Club

 CONTENTS

Introduction 3

List of Reporters for 2013 4

Ornithological Review 6

Systematic List 12

Front cover: Yellow-throated Warbler by Vincent Legrand

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 INTRODUCTION

This is the first edition of the Azores Rare and Scarce Bird Report. Various constraints have
resulted in a requirement to produce an initial report which can be developed further in the
future.

In this first edition a systematic list with selected photographs is provided. Scope for
development includes analysis, additional papers and integration into other ornithological
initiatives.

Therefore, contributors and collaborators for further development of the report are most
welcome.

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 LIST OF REPORTERS FOR 2013

Janne Aalto (JA)

Peter Alfrey (PA)
Susana Azera (SA)
Leen Bakker (LBa)
Filipe Barata (FB)
Luis Barcelos (LB)
Romain Benguelin (RBe)
Carlos Bettencourt (CB)
Jerry Bettencourt (JB)
Nuno Bicundo da Ponte (NBdP)
Richard Bonser (RB)
Ines Borges (IB)
Joel Bried (JBr)
Jorge Cardoso (JC)
Pedro Carreiro (PC)
Miguel Cesar (MC)
Dirk Ceulemans (DC)
Slawek Chmielewski (SC)
Ruben Coelho (RC)
Leonor Coelho (LC)
Pierre-Andre Crochet (PAC)
Klaus Drissner (KD)
Hugues Dufourney (HD)
Marcia Dutra (MD)
Michael Dvorak (MDv)
Richard Ek (RE)
Filipe Figueiredo (FF)
Frederic Fourier (FFo)
Sofia Goulart (SG)
Lee Gregory (LG)
Kari Haataja (KH)
Rupert Hafner (RH)
Phil Hansbro (PH)
Jens Sogaard Hansen (JSH)
Mary Heathcote (MH)
Stewart Hinley (SH)
Richard Houtman (RH)
Robek Hybsz (RHy)
Carol and Tim Inskipp (C&TI )
Thierry Jansen (TJ)
Josh Jones (JJ)
Zbigniew Kajzer (ZK)
Petri Kuhno (PK)
Thomas Lang (TL)
Reinhold Lannert (RL)
Chirstian Leth (CL)
Antonio Lima (AL)
Marcin Lukaszewicz (ML)
Pawel Malczyk (PM)

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Carlos Medeiros (CM)
Valter Medeiros (VM)
Cecilia Melo (CM)
Rita Melo (RM)
Ana Mendonca (AM)
Joao Meneses (JM)
Gerbrand Michielsen (GM)
Guy Mirlain (GMi)
Dominic Mitchell (DMi)
David Monticelli (DM)
Nelson Moura (NM)
Micha Neumann (MNe)
Miguel Noia (MN)
Peter ODuffy (PO)
Rolando Oliveira (RO)
Rui Oliveira (RuO)
Eduardo Pacheco (EP)
Elizabeth Pachecho (ElP)
Carlos Pereira (CP)
Nuno Bicudo da Ponte (NBdP)
Morten Rasmussen (MR)
Staffan Rodebrand (SR)
Carlos Ribeiro (CR)
Kathy Rita (KR)
Beatriz Rosa (BR)
Kris de Rouck (KdR)
Iilla Sahi (IS)
Sara Sanchez (SS)
Tania Santos (TS)
Carlos Silva (CS)
Pedro Silveira (PS)
Jose Soares (JS)
Darryl Spittle (DS)
Rainer Sottorf (RS)
Gracinda Sousa (GS)
Kristian Stahl (KS)
Lisa Steiner (LS)
Roman Stelmach (RS)
Mika Suojarinne (MS)
Jacek Tabor (JT)
Chris Townend (CT)
Frederic Vanhoe (FV)
Dejalme Vargas (DV)
Paula Vieira (PV)
Alan Vittery (AV)

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 ORNITHOLOGICAL REVIEW 2013

JANUARY:

Birding highlights in January included two Long-tailed Duck at Faja dos Cubres on
6th (11th record), a Red-throated Pipit at Canada do Quinhao Grande, Terceira on
25th-27th (13th record) and a Snowy Egret reported from Sao Roque, Pico on 13th
(6th record).
A significant influx of Cattle Egrets occurred throughout the archipelago with peaks of
16 on Santa Maria, 45 on Sao Miguel, 13 on Terciera, 5 on Pico and one on Corvo.
The Belted Kingfisher remained at Ribeira de Sao Francisco, Santa Maria
throughout the month.
A good selection of wintering water birds across the islands included up to 2 Pink-
footed Goose, two Barnacle Goose, 16 American Wigeon, a new American Black
Duck on Sao Miguel, 3 Garganey and one Goldeneye. Also Great Blue Heron and
Great Egret reported.

FEBRUARY:

Highlights of the month included a Bohemian Waxwing (2nd record for the Azores) at
Horta, Faial from 2nd to 21st and six Double-crested Cormorants together at Ponta
das Contendas, Terceira on 12th. The Belted Kingfisher and a Killdeer remained on
Santa Maria throughout and other noteable records included a Black-crowned Night
Heron on Corvo till 4th, up to three Jack Snipes on Terceira and a good selection of
winter waterbirds.

The long staying Oystercatcher that had been present at Ribeira Grande, Sao Miguel
generated some regional interest when Dutch Birding members noticed that the bird
was showing features which were characteristic of the Asian sub-species
longipes . Features included the large throat patch, brown scapulars and long
nostril. If accepted this will be the first record of the sub-species for the
Western Palearctic.

MARCH:

March was a relatively quiet month. Highlights included the overwintering

Oystercatcher (now thought to be of the Asian subspecies longipes/buturlini) still at
Ribeira Grande, So Miguel on 22nd, a Great Blue Heron remained at Lajes, Pico
until 2nd, a first-summer Night Heron was at Lagoa Azul, So Miguel on 9th, a
Killdeer still on Santa Maria on 26th and the Belted Kingfisher still at Ribeira de So
Francisco, Santa Maria on 23rd.

APRIL:

April highlights included the sixth and seventh Red-rumped Swallows for the Azores,
together at Ribeira da Povoao, So Miguel on 25th as well as a massive influx of at
least 160 Swallows, 32 House Martins and 13 Sand Martins from 21 st. Other April
6
sightings included Great Northern Divers at Porto Martins, Terceira until 2 nd and Praia
da Vitria, Terceira on 4th, Great Blue Herons at Horta, Faial until 2nd (from 26th
March) and Paul da Praia, Terceira on 26th with one found dead on Corvo on 11th, a
Purple Heron at Mobil, Santa Maria on 25 th, American Great Egrets at Santa Cruz,
Flores on 22nd and Zamba, Santa Maria on 25th, a Barnacle Goose still at Lagoa das
Furnas, So Miguel on 20th, a Blue-winged Teal at Paul da Praia, Terceira until 1 st,
three Garganey at Lagoa dos Espraiados, So Miguel on 14 th and a drake at Lagoa
do Ginjal, Santa Maria on 27th, a drake Green-winged Teal at Pico Careca, Terceira
on 11th, an American Golden Plover at Ribeira Grande, So Miguel on 9 th, a
Semipalmated Plover at Ribeira Grande, So Miguel again on 9th and two still at
Cabo da Praia, Terceira on 26th, a Hudsonian Whimbrel still at Cabo da Praia,
Terceira on 16th and a Lesser Yellowlegs there until 17th, Wood Sandpipers near
Lagoa do Junco, Terceira until 5th and at Zamba, Santa Maria on 26th, five Purple
Sandpipers at Porto Martins, Terceira on 27th, Ring-billed Gulls at Lajes, Terceira on
15th and Ponta do Albarnaz, Flores on 18th, a Common Swift at Ferraria, So Miguel
on 27th and 3 Fieldfare at Lagoa das Narcejas, Terceira on 17 th.

MAY:

May highlights included a record flock of 18 Night Herons at Lagoa do Ginjal, Santa
Maria on 14th and a further two on Faial on 15th. Other May sightings included a Pied-
billed Grebe still at Lagoa Azul, So Miguel on 19 th, a Great Blue Heron at Paul da
Praia, Terceira until 3rd, a Squacco Heron at Mobil, Santa Maria on 5 th, a Barnacle
Goose still at Lagoa das Furnas, So Miguel on 19 th, the drake Wood Duck and 2
American Black Ducks still at Lagoa Branca, Flores on 24 th, a Garganey at Lagoa do
Ginjal, Santa Maria on 2nd-9th, three Semipalmated Plovers at Cabo da Praia,
Terceira on 23rd, a Lesser Yellowlegs on Corvo on 14th, the Oystercatcher (of the
Asian subspecies longipes) still at Ribeira Grande, So Miguel on 21 st and a
Fieldfare at Escampadouro, Terceira on 11 th.

JUNE:

June records included a Wilsons Storm-petrel off Pico on 5 th, a Night Heron still on
Corvo on 19th, up to nine Cattle Egrets still on So Miguel all month, an increase to
five Semipalmated Plovers at Cabo da Praia, Terceira on 17 th, the Oystercatcher (of
the Asian subspecies longipes) still at Ribeira Grande, So Miguel on 24th and a
Common Swift over Ribeira Seca, So Miguel on 4 th.

JULY:

The July highlight was the seventh Red Kite for the Azores at Caminho de Goyanes,
So Miguel on 11th. Other records from July included four Semipalmated Plovers at
Cabo da Praia, Terceira on 25th, the Oystercatcher (of the Asian subspecies
longipes) still at Ribeira Grande, So Miguel on 5th and a Long-tailed Skua near the
airport, Santa Maria on 12th

AUGUST:

The second Swinhoes Storm-petrel for the Azores was at the Bank of Fortune, 20
miles east of Graciosa on 25th. Other August records included a Feas/Zinos Petrel

7
past Lajes, Terceira on 28th, a Garganey at Paul da Praia, Terceira on 28 th-29th, the
Azores seventh Red Kite at Cumieiros, So Miguel on 22 nd, a Hudsonian Whimbrel
again at Cabo da Praia, Terceira on 16th-28th, an adult Spotted Sandpiper at Paul da
Praia, Terceira on 28th-29th, a Least Sandpiper at Cabo da Praia, Terceira on 16 th-
19th, with two Pectoral Sandpipers also there on 10 th and another on 27th-29th (with
one at Cova do Areo, Santa Maria on 8th) as well as two Semipalmated Plovers still
at Cabo da Praia, Terceira on 29th, the Oystercatcher (of the Asian subspecies
longipes) still at Ribeira Grande, So Miguel until 3rd, a Long-tailed Skua two miles
south of Graciosa on 24th and Sooty Terns at Praia do Almoxarife, Faial on 10 th and
on Ilhu da Praia, Graciosa on 24th-26th.

SEPTEMBER:

September highlights included the Azores first Eleonoras Falcon over Serra da
Tronqueira, So Miguel, on 14th and 23rd, the third Brown Booby for the Azores at the
Bank of Fortune, Graciosa, on 4th, the third Swinhoes Storm-petrel also there on 3 rd,
an Avocet at Lagoa do Ginjal, Santa Maria, on 21 st (fourth record), a Black-billed
Cuckoo briefly at Lagoa Azul, So Miguel, on 9th (fifth record) while an adult White-
tailed Tropicbird was at Ponta Delgada, So Miguel, on 7th-12th. Other September
records included a Pied-billed Grebe again at Lagoa Azul, So Miguel, on 12th, a
Desertas/Cape Verde Petrel from a Graciosa pelagic on 4 th, two Cormorants at Vila
do Porto, Santa Maria, on 17th-23rd, Glossy Ibises at Faja dos Cubres, So Jorge, on
5th, on Corvo, on 23rd and two on Flores on 26th, six Blue-winged Teals at Cabo da
Praia, Terceira, on 14th-22nd, four Garganey (three on So Miguel and one on
Terceira), a juvenile Short-billed Dowitcher at Cabo da Praia on 2 nd-27th, nine
Wilsons Snipes (including six reported at Lagoa do Ginjal, Terceira, on 7 th), a
Western Sandpiper at Lajes, Pico, on 9th, ten Semipalmated Sandpipers (including
four at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, on 2nd-8th), 12 White-rumped Sandpipers, Spotted
Sandpipers at Paul da Praia, Terceira, until 1 st, Corvo on 23rd and two at Sete
Citades on 24th-27th, up to nine Semipalmated Plovers at Cabo da Praia, Terceira, on
22nd and one at Santa Cruz, Graciosa, on 5th, up to three Lesser Yellowlegs at Cabo
da Praia, Terceira, from 20th-22nd (one from 12th), an American Golden Plover also at
Cabo da Praia, Terceira, on 6th-21st and the Hudsonian Whimbrel still there on 21 st,
the Oystercatcher (of the Asian subspecies longipes) still at Ribeira Grande, So
Miguel on 23rd, up to two Sooty Terns on Ilhu da Praia, Graciosa, until 5th, a
Pomarine Skua at the Bank of Fortune, Graciosa, on 3 rd, three Long-tailed Skuas off
Graciosa on 4th and two Tree Pipits near Lagoa do Junco, Terceira, on 15 th. Late
September records included the second Northern Flicker for the Azores at Monte da
Guia, Faial on 30th.

OCTOBER:

October highlights were the first Yellow-throated Warbler for the Azores (and
Western Palearctic) on Corvo on 16th-17th, the first Ruby-crowned Kinglet near Lagoa
Rasa, Flores on 21st and the first White-throated Sparrow on Corvo on 16 th-19th.
Other October records included Pied-billed Grebes at Biscoitos, Terceira on 8 th and
Lagoa Azul, So Miguel on 15th-22nd, a White-tailed Tropicbird again at gua de Pau,
So Miguel on 7th, a Great Blue Heron at Lajes, Pico on 15th-21st, four American

8
Great White Egrets including two together at Cabo da Praia, Terceira on 5 th and
Furnas, So Miguel on 7th, a Squacco Heron at Paul da Praia, Terceira on 12 th-21st,
14 Glossy Ibises including flocks of initially six on Corvo and five on Flores, two
Canada Geese over Corvo on 16th and one at Paul da Praia, Terceira on 12 th-22nd
(with two on 17th), two Barnacle Geese on Corvo on 15th-28th, seven Blue-winged
Teals, a drake Green-winged Teal at Lagoa das Narcejas, Terceira on 20 th, four
American Wigeons, at least two Black Ducks (and six hybrids) still on Flores on 14 th
and one past Corvo on 15th, a Wood Duck again at Lagoa Seca, Flores on 14 th, eight
Ring-necked Ducks (including five at Faj de Cima, So Miguel on 14th-23rd), a
Lesser Scaup at Lagoa das Furnas, So Miguel, on 13 th, a Goldeneye off Corvo on
17th, a Long-tailed Duck at Paul da Praia, Terceira on 28 th (12th record), two Surf
Scoters at Praia da Vitria, Terceira from 19th-26th (one from 15th), a Tundra
Peregrine on Corvo on 3rd then Faj Grande, Flores on 8th, a Black Kite at Lagoa
Rasa, So Miguel on 18th, a dark morph juvenile Rough-legged Hawk on Corvo on
14th-22nd and one over Paul da Praia, Terceira on 23 rd, an Osprey at Paul da Praia,
Terceira from 12th, a Sora at Abegoaria Grande, Santa Maria on 19 th (third record),
four Hudsonian Whimbrels, a Short-billed Dowitcher at Cabo da Praia all month, a
Greater Yellowlegs at Lagoa do Ginjal, Terceira on 19 th-20th, five Lesser Yellowlegs,
15+ Semipalmated Plovers, eight Spotted Sandpipers including three at Santa Cruz,
Flores on 20th, White-rumped Sandpipers peaked with ten at Achada das Furnas,
So Miguel on 15th, seven Semipalmated Sandpipers, Least Sandpipers at Lagoa de
So Bras, So Miguel until 2nd, Santa Cruz, Flores on 18th and Corvo on 28th, a
Bairds Sandpiper at Santa Cruz, Flores on 15 th, a Buff-breasted Sandpiper on Corvo
on 9th-11th, an Upland Sandpiper at Santa Cruz, Flores on 20 th, six Dotterels at
Abegoaria Grande, Santa Maria on 16th-19th, a Lapwing at Lagoa do Fogo, So
Miguel on 16th, the Oystercatcher (of the Asian subspecies longipes) still at Ribeira
Grande, So Miguel all month, a Red-necked Phalarope at Cabo da Praia, Terceira
on 12th-23rd (seventh record), a Grey Phalarope at Mosteiros, So Miguel on 22nd, an
American Herring Gull at Praia do Ppulo on 26th, a Ring-billed Gull at Praia da
Vitria, Terceira on 15th So Miguel on 26th, a Caspian Tern on Flores at Lajes on 23rd
and Santa Cruz on 26th (third record), a Sandwitch Tern at Praia da Vitria, Terceira
from 19th (two also at Lajes on 26th) and a Little Tern there on 11th-15th (fifth record)
and a Common Cuckoo near Lagoa do Junco, Terceira on 14 th (tenth record).
Nearctic passerines on Corvo included a Mourning Dove on 13 th-24th (and another at
Santa Cruz, Flores on 16th-19th) (fourth and fifth records), a Tree Swallow on 6 th
(ninth record), up to two Cliff Swallows on 6th-14th (another at Cabo da Praia, Terceira
on 26th), two Buff-bellied Pipits on 3rd-7th (another at Ponta Delgada, Flores on 26 th-
28th), a Grey-cheeked Thrush on 14th, the second American Robin for the Azores on
15th, the second Cedar Waxwing for the Azores on 12 th-15th, two Philadelphia Vireos
on 10th-18th and 14th (seventh and eighth records), an American Redstart on 8 th-14th
(10th record), the fourth and fifth Black-throated Blue Warblers for the Azores on 4 th-
5th and 14th-17th, the fourth Black-throated Green Warbler on 24 th-28th, , the sixth and
seventh Black-and-White Warblers on 4th-5th and 9th-16th, three Common
Yellowthroats, three Northern Parulas on 6th-14th (10th-12th records), a Yellow-rumped
Warbler was at Lagoa Seca, Flores on 14th, at least six Red-eyed Vireos on Corvo
(with another at Lajinha, Faial on 22nd (found dead next day)), a Scarlet Tanager on
20th-21st, the fourth White-crowned Sparrow for the Azores on 20 th-26th, three Rose-
breasted Grosbeaks, four Indigo Buntings (one also at Caldeira, Flores on 11 th-14th)
and three Bobolinks on Corvo on 12th (another at Caldeira, Flores also on 12 th). Late
October sightings on Corvo included a Desertas Petrel past on 31 st, an American

9
Bittern on 29th, a Least Sandpiper on 28th, a Black-and-white Warbler on 30th (eighth
for the Azores), a Black-throated Green Warbler remaining until 28 th and a White-
crowned Sparrow still on 30th while a Greater Yellowlegs, a Least Sandpiper, an
American Buff-bellied Pipit and a Bobolink were all at Ponta Delgada, Flores on 31 st.

NOVEMBER:

November highlights included the Azores first Subalpine Warbler on Corvo and
second White-throated Sparrow at Faj do Conde, Flores, both on 1st, the fourth
Ring Ouzel for the Azores at Planalto dos Graminhais, So Miguel on 23 rd and fifth
Yellow-crowned Night Heron at Ribeira de So Francisco, Santa Maria until 15 th
(from 28th October). Other November records included a Pied-billed Grebe still at
Lagoa Azul, So Miguel on 19th, an American Great Egret at Ponta Delgada, So
Miguel on 8th, a Squacco Heron at Lajes, Pico on 13th, a Black-crowned Night Heron
at Ribeira de So Francisco, Santa Maria until 15 th, Glossy Ibises included two on
Corvo until 1st and at Posto de Rdio Americano, Terceira until 2nd, two Barnacle
Geese still on Corvo on 3rd, up to two Blue-winged Teals at Cabo da Praia, Terceira
until 26th and one at Lagoa Azul, So Miguel until 19th, a Green-winged Teal at Pau
Velho, Terceira on 10th and two at Posto de Rdio Americano, Terceira on 16th,
Garganeys at Lagoa Azul, So Miguel until 9th and Achada das Furnas, So Miguel
on 23rd, nine American Wigeons (including three drakes) at Paul da Praia, Terceira
on 12th-14th (with two until 22nd), two Lesser Scaups at Porto Pim, Faial on 14th, two
Ring-necked Ducks at Lagoa Azul, So Miguel on 15 th-19th and one at Lagoa Seca,
Pico on 7th, three Surf Scoters at Praia da Vitria, Terceira until 4th, an Osprey at
Paul da Praia, Terceira until 1st, an American Coot at Lagoa Azul, So Miguel on 6 th-
19th, American Golden Plovers at Cabo da Praia, Terceira on 14 th-22nd and on Santa
Maria on 15th, a European Golden Plover at Biscoitos, Terceira on 11 th, six Dotterels
at Abegoaria Grande, Santa Maria on 15 th, a Lesser Yellowlegs and Hudsonian
Whimbrel at Cabo da Praia, Terceira until 2nd and 4th respectively in addition to a
Short-billed Dowitcher and two Semipalmated Plovers until at least 26 th, two
Semipalmated Sandpipers also there until 21 st, about 25 White-rumped Sandpipers
across the islands peaking at ten at Cabo da Praia, Terceira on 4 th, Spotted
Sandpipers at Praia da Vitria, Terceira on 2 nd, Lagoa Azul, So Miguel on 3rd-19th
and Lajes, Pico on 13th, seven Wilsons Snipes, a first-winter American Herring Gull
at Praia da Vitria, Terceira on 2nd, Ring-billed Gulls at Vila Franca do Campo, So
Miguel on 5th and at Madalena, Pico on 20th, a Sandwich Tern at Praia da Vitria,
Terceira until 22nd, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo at Quatro Canadas, Santa Maria on 18 th
and a Skylark at Posto de Rdio Americano, Terceira on 16 th. Late November
sightings included a moribund Great Blue Heron at Povoao, So Miguel on 28th
(that died later in care) and a Ring Ouzel at Planalto dos Graminhais, So Miguel on
29th.

DECEMBER:

Decembers highlights was a record flock of 22 Glossy Ibises near Lagoa do Ginjal
and Santana, Santa Maria on 17th-18th. Other December records comprised a Great
Blue Heron still at Lajes, Pico on 23rd, a Spoonbill at Ribeira de So Francisco, Santa
Maria on 2nd, one Glossy Ibis still on Corvo on 11th and another at Lajes, Pico on 23rd,
a Canada Goose and four Greylag Geese near Posto de Rdio Americano, Terceira
until 21st, 18 American Wigeons (up to ten at Paul da Praia, Terceira until 18 th, two at
10
Abegoaria Grande, Santa Maria on 19th, two at Lagoa do Capito, Pico and four
Lagoa do Caiado, Pico both on 21st), two Garganey at Lagoa Azul, So Miguel until
7th and one at Lagoa dos Espraiados, So Miguel on 26 th, a female Lesser Scaup at
Paul da Praia, Terceira on 11th-18th, a Surf Scoter at Porto Pim, Faial on 18th, a
Rough-legged Hawk at Criao Velha , Pico on 15 th, an American Coot still at Lagoa
Azul, So Miguel on 7th, six Dotterels at Abegoaria Grande, Santa Maria on 9 th-17th,
an influx of European Golden Plovers including a flock of 19 at Abegoaria Grande,
Santa Maria on 14th-17th and up to four at Cabo da Praia, Terceira on 15 th-23rd, up to
15 Lapwings at Santana, Santa Maria on 14 th-17th a Killdeer at Lajes, Pico on 21st, up
to five Semipalmated Plovers at Cabo da Praia, Terceira on 18 th and singles at
Ribeira Grande, So Miguel on 11th-26th and Lajes, Pico on 23rd, two Spotted
Sandpipers Lajes, Pico on 21st-23rd, a Green Sandpiper at Pau Velho, Terceira on 1 st,
a first-winter Short-billed Dowitcher still at Cabo da Praia on 23 rd, a Spotted
Redshank near Lagoa do Junco, Terceira on 18 th, a Ring-billed Gull at Cova do
Areo, Santa Maria on 19th, a Common Gull at Praia da Vitria, Terceira on 11 th, a
Great Skua found dead at Ribeira Grande, So Miguel on 11th, a Puffin found
moribund at Porto Pim, Faial on 23rd (died in care), a House Martin at Facho, Santa
Maria on 9th, a White Wagtail at Ribeira de So Francisco, Santa Maria on 3rd, five
Skylarks (three at Abegoaria Grande, Santa Maria on 14 th and two at Lagoa das
Narcejas, Terceira on 15th) and Chiffchaffs at Cabo da Praia, Terceira on 14 th and
Mosteiros, So Miguel on 18th.

11
 SYSTEMATIC LIST FOR 2013
*PRC species- species which is subject to ratification by the Portuguese Rarities Committee

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrrhynchus PRC species

Santa Maria
Two at Abegoaria Grande, Sao Miguel on January 30 th (GM)

Greylag Goose Anser anser PRC species

Terceira
Six at Posto de Radio Americano on November 30 th (CP) with four still present on December 21 st (SA
et al)

Canada Goose Branta canadensis PRC species

Terceira
One on Paul da Praia from October 12 th to 22nd (RS, SG, CM et al)
One at Posto de Radio Americano on December 21 st (SA et al)
Corvo
Two flew over the lighthouse valley on October 16 th (via ABS)

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis PRC species

Sao Miguel
Two at Lagoa das Furnas from January 11th to February 17th (GM et al). One was present from April
6th to 20th (RC et al ) and presumably the same bird was seen again from May 11 th to 26th (RC, AM et
al ).
Corvo
Two from October 15th to November 3rd (RB et al)

Barnacle Goose, January, Lagoa das Furnas, Sao Miguel (Ruben Coelho)

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American Wigeon Anas americana

Santa Maria
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2
Sao Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Pico
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
16 15 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 9 10
16 on Paul da Praia in January to March included eight drakes. There was a sudden departure of birds in late
March with no records in April.
Nine arrived on November 12th to Paul da Praia (LB, SG) reducing to 2 by 20th but increasing again to 10 in
December.
Flores
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

Gadwall Anas strepera PRC species

Sao Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
6 6 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis

Sao Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
Pico
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Terceira

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Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0

American Black Duck Anas rubripes PRC species

Sao Miguel
One at Lagoa dos Espraiados on January 20 th (RC) and again on March 3rd (RC).
Flores
Two at Lagoa Branca on May 25th (DC).
Probably the same two accounted for the report amongst six hybrids at Lagoa Seca on October 14th.
This (apparently diminishing) group has been present between Flores and Corvo in recent years. Two
possible hybrids were seen at a small pool by Miradouro Craveiro Lopez on October 7 th (KH, TL et al)
and one was reported from Lagoa dos Patos on October 22 nd and Lagoa Lomba on October 23rd (HD,
GM).
Corvo
One was reported flying past the windmills on October 15 th (via ABS)

Northern Pintail Anas acuta

Santa Maria
Two at Cova do Areao from October 30th to November 15th (AV)
Sao Miguel
One at Sete Citades on January 8th
Two at Lagoa Azul from October 17th to 29th (PO et al) and one at Achada das Furnas from October
20th to 21st (KH, RC) with two at Lagoa das Furnas from October 21 st with one there on 26th to
November 9th (JC, KH, RB). Two were at Sete Citades from November 3 rd with one there on 15th (GM
et al ). One there on December 7th and two from December 27th to 28th (GM)
Terceira
One at Cabo da Praia from September 22 nd to 28th with two from 29th until October 4th (CM, CP et al).
One there on October 15th (RS et al) and three between Cabo da Praia and Praia Pool from October
18th to 25th (KH et al ) with two on 26th (SG) and one to two until November 20th. Three were near
Lagoa do Junco on November 2nd (SG et al) with one by the American Radio mast on 16 th (CP), two
there on 22nd and two near Lagoa do Junco on November 17 th (CP). With four between Cabo da
Praia and Paul da Praia on November 26 th confirmed that there were at least four birds on the island.
Sao Jorge
A female on Faja dos Cubres on January 8 th
Faial
One at Lagoa de Pedro Miguel on January 3 rd-9th
Corvo
Three in the caldera on October 19 th (via ABS)

Garganey Anas querquedula PRC species

Santa Maria
One at Lagoa do Ginjal from April 27th to May 9th (PS, NM)
Sao Miguel
One female on Lagoa das Furnas from January 11 th to 23rd (GM et al) and a pair at Lagoa de Sao Bras
on January 22nd (JC, GM).
Three (male,2 female) were at Lagoa dos Espraiados on April 14 th (PC).

14
One at Lagoa Azul on September 12th (GM) and two at Lagoa Verde on 17th to 18th (RC, CR) and a
single in the Sete Citades areas from 24 th to October 4th with three there from October 8th to 9th (GM)
and two again at Lagoa Azul on October 13 th (RC et al) and a single at Sete Citades on October 22 nd to
29th (RB et al) . Presumably it was the same bird from November 7 th to 10th (GM). Two were at Lagoa
Azul on December 7th (NBdP) with one until 28th at least.
One was at Achada das Furnas on September 11 th and that or another at Lagoa dos Espraiados from
September 20th to 29th with a flock of six was at Lagoa de Sao Bras on September 30 th (JC). One still
present at Espraiados from October 2nd to 6th (JC et al) and again on December 26 th (GM) with one
seen again at Achada das Furnas on November 23 rd (RC).
Terceira
One at Paul da Praia from August 28th to September 16th (RB et al). One near Lagoa do Junco on
October 6th (KdeR et al)
Sao Jorge
2 at Lagoa de Sao Bras on January 7th (JC) and one on February 22nd (VM)
Flores
One at Lagoa dos Patos on October 22nd HD, GMi)

Blue-winged Teal Anas discors

Santa Maria
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Sao Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 1
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 6 2 2 0
Pico
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Flores
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
Corvo
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris

Sao Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 3

15
Pico
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Faial
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Flores
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0

Greater Scaup Aythya marila

Sao Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
Pico
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Faial
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Flores
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis PRC species

Sao Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

16
Faial
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Also a scaup sp present with 2 Scaup and 2 Lesser Scaup at Porto Pim on November 14 th (DV, PV)
Pico
One on Lagoa do Capitao on February 27 th (VM)

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis PRC species

Terceira
A single at Paul da Praia on October 28th (MN)
Sao Jorge
Two at Faja dos Cubres on January 6th (CP)
Pico
One found dead at Lajes on October 31st (VM)

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra PRC species

Sao Miguel
One at Ponta Delgada on October 9th (GM et al)
Terceira
One at Praia da Vitoria harbor on October 11 th to 12th (JB et al)
Graciosa
One present on October 9th (RO)
Faial
One at Porto Pim on October 11th (DV)

Common Scoter, Graciosa, October 9th (Rolando Oliveira)

17
Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata PRC species
Terceira
One at Praia da Vitoria harbor on October 15 th to 26th joined by a second bird from 25th (SG et al) with
one until 28th (MN). Possibly the second bird was the one at Angra da Heroismo on October 19 th (JB
et al). There were three together at Praia da Vitoria harbor from November 2 nd to 4th (SG et al)
presumably incorporating the earlier two birds.
Faial
One at Porto Pim on December 18th (DV et al)

Surf Scoter, Angra da Heroismo, October (Rui Oliveira)

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula PRC species

Terceira
One at Cabo da Praia and Praia Pool from January 6 th to March 26th (CP et al)
Corvo
A juvenile off the windmills on October 17 th (via ABS)

Mandarin Aix galericulata

Graciosa
The long staying bird at Pocos de Santa Cruz in January (JB)

Wood Duck Aix sponsa PRC species

Flores
A drake at Lagoa Branca May 24th (DC)
A single at Lagoa Seca on October 14th (T&Ci, DMi et al)

18
Great Northern Diver Gavia immer PRC species
Terceira
One at Ilheu das Contendas on February 11 th (RC, SG, CM, CP). One at Porto Martins from March 22 nd
to 23rd (SG, EP, AL), one at Porto Martins on April 2 nd (ElP) and on at Praia da Vitoria from April 1st to
4th (CM et al).

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps PRC species

Sao Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0
Terceira
One at Biscoitos on October 8th (LB)
Pico
One on Lagoa do Capitao from February 14 th to March 5th (VM, CB)

Pied-billed Grebe, Lagoa Azul, Sao Miguel, May 2013 (Carlos Ribeiro)

Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis PRC species

Sao Miguel
One at Atalhada from February 17th to 19th (RC)

19
 Northern Fulmar, Atalhada, Sao Miguel, February (Ruben Coelho)

Graciosa
One off Ponta Barca on October 31st (SR)

Feas Petrel Pterodroma fea PRC species

Graciosa
One past Lajes on August 28th (RB, FV et al) and a single on the Bank of Fortune on September 3 rd (PA
et al) with another sighting at the same location on 4 th (PH).
Corvo
One past the windmills on October 31 st (LG)

Feas Petrel, Bank of Fortune, Graciosa, September 3rd (Peter Alfrey).

Wilsons Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus

Graciosa

20
One on the Bank of Fortune on September 4th (PA et al)
Pico
One from pelagic on June 5th (LS)

Swinhoes Storm Petrel Oceanodroma monorhis PRC species

Graciosa
One from pelagic on Bank of Fortune on August 25 th (RB et al) and the same or a different individual
in the same location on September 3rd (PH et al)

Swinhoes Petrel, Bank of Fotune, Graciosa, September 3rd (Peter Alfrey)

White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus PRC species

Sao Miguel
The adult that has present in the archipelago since 2010 was present in Ponta Delgada from at least
September 7th to 12th. The bird was present in the city, around the university buildings and had been
reported to have been constructing a nest on the university roof buildings. It was seen again at Agua
de Pau on October 7th.

21
 White-tailed Tropicbird , Sao Miguel, September (Gerbrand Michielson)

Brown Booby Sula leucogaster PRC species

Graciosa
One was seen from a pelagic en route to the Bank of Fortune on September 4 th (PA et al)

Brown Booby, off Graciosa, September 4th (Peter Alfrey)

22
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo PRC species
Santa Maria
Two at Vila do Porto from September 17th to 23rd (NM)
Sao Miguel
One at Mosteiros from January 26th to February 2nd (RC et al).
One at Mosteiros from December 28th to 30th (GM)

Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus PRC species

Sao Miguel
Two at Porto Formoso from January 1st to 22nd (CR, CM, RM)
Terceira
Fiver flew over Cabo da Praia on February 11 th (RC, SG, CM, CP) with 6 at Ponta das Contendas the
following day , 12th (RC, NM, VM)

American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus PRC species

Corvo
One at Fojo on October 29th (JA, RB, LG et al)

American Bittern, Fojo, Corvo, October 29th (Richard Bonser)

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax PRC species

Santa Maria
Four were present at Lagoa do Ginjal on May 2 nd with six there on May 9th increasing to 18 on May
14th with 13 still present on May 31st (NM)
One at Ribeira de Sao Francisco on October 29 th (AV) with a single also there from November 6 th to
15th in the company of a Yellow-crowned Night Heron. (NM, AV).

23
Sao Miguel
A first-summer on March 9th at Lagoa Azul (GM)
Faial
Two near the airport on May 15th (DC)
Corvo
One adult at Vila Novo do Corvo on February 4th (GM)
One by the airfield on June 19th (KR)

Night Herons, Lagoa do Ginjal, Santa Maria, May 2013 (Nelson Moura)

Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax violaceus

A juvenile at Ribeira de Sao Francisco from November 6th to December 31st in the company
of a Black-crowned Night Heron (NM, AV).

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (right) and Black-crowned Night Heron (left), Santa Maria, November
(Alan Vittery)

24
Squacco Heron Ardeola rallodies PRC species
Santa Maria
One at Mobil on May 5th (NM)
Terceira
One at Paul da Praia from October 12th to 21st (LB et al)
Pico
One at Lajes on November 13th (VM)

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Santa Maria
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
16 16 14 16 14 2 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sao Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
45 37 14 23 15 7 0 0 0 0 0 0
There were 32 at Ponta Delgada and 13 at Ribeira Seca on January 22 nd
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
13 16 19 23 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pico
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
5 7 16 Nc 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Faial
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Corvo
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Flores
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

25
 Cattle Egrets, January, Sao Miguel (Jorge Cardoso)

Snowy Egret Egretta thula PRC species

Pico
One at Cais do Pico, Sao Roque on January 13 th (VM)

Snowy Egret, Pico, January 13th (Valter Medeiros)

Great Egret Egretta alba PRC species

Santa Maria
One at Ribeira dos Pocos on January 7th (NM), one at Ribeira de Sao Francisco on January 29 th (GM),
one at the airport on February 26th (NM) and March 10th and 14th (NM) presumably related to the
same bird. One at Zamba on April 25th could also possibly been the same bird (NM).

26
Sao Miguel
One at Furnas from October 2nd (JC et al) with two there on October 7 th (JC, GM) and one on until 13th
(GM). One at Ponta Delgada harbor on November 8 th (GM, CR).
Terceira
Two at Cabo da Praia on October 6th (KdR et al)
Pico
One at Madalena on October 10th and again on 31st (VM)
Faial
One at Lagoa de Pedro Miguel on January 3 rd-4th
Flores
One at Santa Cruz on April 22nd (GM)

Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias PRC species

Sao Miguel
One at the mouth of Ribeira da Povoacao on November 28 th (RC et al)
Terceira
One at Paul da Praia from April 26th to May 3rd (CP, JB et al)
Pico
One at Lajes do Pico from January 30th to March 2nd and at Sao Roque on March 29 th (VM)
One also at Lajes from October 15th to 21st (VM). One also seen there from December 21 st to 23rd
(VM).
Faial
One at Horta marina from March 25th to April 2nd (RH).
Corvo
One first-winter at Vila Nova do Corvo from February 5 th to 8th (GM). Presumably this was the bird
found dead by Kathy Rita on April 11th (KR).

Great Blue Heron, Paul da Praia, Terceira, April (Jerry Bettencourt)

27
 Great Blue Heron, January, Lajes do Pico, Pico (Valter Medeiros )

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea PRC species

Santa Maria
One at Mobil on April 25th (NM)

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus PRC species

Santa Maria
One at Santana on December 14th (NM, AV) followed by 22 around the same area from 17 th to 18th
(NM, AV)
Terceira
Two at Lagoa do Junco from October 5th to 9th (MD et al). One bird was ringed (The bird had been
ringed as a chick at Buisson Gros, Marais, Petite Camargue, France on May 21 st 2013). A single near
the American Radio mast from November 1st to 2nd (CP et al). Three were at Lagoa do Ginjal on
December 12th (RC et al).
Sao Jorge
One at Faja dos Cubres on September 5th (LBa)
Pico
One at Lagoa do Landroal on October 15 th (VM).
One at Lajes do Pico on December 23rd (VM, CP).
Flores
Two on September 26th (FFo) There was probably movement between birds on Corvo and Flores.
Records from Flores in October included two on 2 nd to 3rd, two on 5th, one on 9th, five on 10th, three
on October 13th , with one to two on October 15 th, five on October 16th (one found dead) (MR et al)
with one until October 26th (MN)

28
Corvo
One near the airfield on September 23rd, seen near the caldera on 24th with six near the airfield on
28th to 30th (KR) with birds present through October but unfortunately at least two found dead with
two still on the airfield on November 1 st (LG) and one remaining until December 11 th (KR)

Glossy Ibis, Corvo, September (Kathy Rita)

Glossy Ibis, Santa Maria, December (Nelson Moura)

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia PRC species

Santa Maria
One at Ribeira de Sao Francisco on December 2 nd (NM)

29
Black Kite Milvus migrans PRC species
Sao Miguel
One at Lagoa Rasa on October 18th ( JC et al)

Red Kite Milvus milvus PRC species

Sao Miguel
One over Caminho de Goyanes on July 7th (JC) and one over Cumieiros on August 22 nd (GM)

Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus PRC species

Terceira
One over Paul da Praia on October 23rd (SR, KH)
Pico
One at Criacao Velha on December 15th (JH)
Corvo
A dark morph juvenile from October 1 st to 22nd (DM et al) and a second bird (a pale morph) from
October 16th (JJ)

Rough-legged Hawk, dark phase, Corvo, October (Vincent Legrand)

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Terceira
One in the vicinity of Paul da Praia from October 12 th to November 5th (LB et al)

30
 Osprey, Paul da Praia, Terceira, October (Sofia Goulart)
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus PRC species
Sao Miguel
One near Mosteiros on March 9th (GM)
Santa Maria
Two at Cova de Areao on January 2nd (NM) , one at Vila do Porto on 13th (NM), one at Abegoaria
Grande on 21st (NM) and again on February 24th (NM). One west of the airport on March 14 th to April
25th (NM, AV).
Terceira
One at Caldeira das Lajes on November 22 nd (CP)
Pico
One at the airport on February 15th (VM).
One at Barca on October 31st (VM)

Eleonoras Falcon Falco eleonorae PRC species

Soa Miguel
The first for the Azores was at Serra da Tronqueira from September 14 th to 23rd (GM, KS, MH et al).

31
 Eleonoras Falcon, Serra da Tronqueira, Sao Miguel, September 14 th (Gerbrand Michielson)

Peregrine Falco peregrinus PRC species

Santa Maria
One at Ribeira Seca on July 11th (NM).
One at Cova do Areao on December 3rd (NM) , at Abegoaria Grande on 14th to 17th and near the
airport on 18th (NM, AV).
Sao Miguel
One at Mosteiros on March 9th (GM) and one over Joao Bom on April 27 th (GM). One over Nordeste
on October 18th (JC et al).
Flores
One at Faja Grande on October 8th with other Peregrines recorded on 12 th, 14th, (T&Ci et al)
Corvo
One on October 3rd to 4th (DM). This bird and the Flores bird on October 8 th was considered to be
tundrius by the observers. Two adults and a juvenile on October 15 th (via ABS)

Sora Porzana Carolina PRC species

Santa Maria
One at Abegoaria Grande on October 19th (NM)
The third record for the Azores.

32
 Juvenile Sora, Santa Maria, October (Nelson Moura)

Corn Crake Crex crex

Corvo
One between Cancelas and Fojo on October 1 st (DM et al)

American Coot Fulica Americana PRC species

Sao Miguel
One at Lagoa Azul from November 7th to 19th (SR et al) and again from December 7 th to 28th (GM et
al)

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus PRC species

Sao Miguel
One at Ribeira Grande from January 1st to October 27th (GM et al) showed characteristics which were
consistent with the Asian sub-species longipes. If accepted this will be the first record of this sub-
species within the Western Palearctic.
Faial
One between Monte de Guia and Monte Queimado on March 25 th (RH). One at Porto Pim on April 4th
(BR, MD).

33
 Asian Oystercatcher, March, Ribeira Grande, Sao Miguel (Carlos Ribero )

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta PRC species

Santa Maria
One at Lagoa do Ginjal on September 21st (NM). The fourth record for the Azores.

Killdeer Charadrius vociferous PRC species

Santa Maria
One at the football field / Ribeira dos Pocos from January 2 nd to February 26th (NM). Presumably the
same bird south of the airport on March 14 th to 24th (NM, AV).
Pico
One at Lajes do Pico on December 21st (VM).

American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica

Santa Maria
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Soa Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0

34
 Killdeer, Lajes do Pico, Pico, December 21st (Valter Medeiros)

European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria PRC species

Santa Maria
18 at Abegoaria Grande from December14th with 19 on 17 th (NM, AV)
Terceira
On at Biscoitos from November 11 to 12th (LG, SG).
Two at Cabo da Praia on December 15th (CP, RC, SG) coincided with the arrival of a flock on Santa
Maria also. There were three there on 20 th (RC, SG) and four by 23rd (RC, SG).

European Golden Plover, Cabo da Praia, Terceira, December (Ruben Coelho)

35
Dotterel Charadrius morinellus PRC species
Santa Maria
Four at Abegoaria Grande on January 2nd to 30th (NM) with three still present on March 24 th (NM)
Six were present at the same site from October 16 th to December 14th (NM, AV).

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Santa Maria
15 at Santana on December 14th with 14 by 17th (NM, AV).
The same day 18 European Golden Plovers and a Glossy Ibis arrived in the same area.
Sao Miguel
One at Lagoa do Fogo on October 16th (C&Ti et al)
Terceira
One at Cabo da Praia from November 26 th to 26th (SG)

Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus

Santa Maria
One at Cova do Areao on October 30th (AV)
Sao Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2 1 2 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2 2 3 2 0 5 4 6 9 12 6 5
Five at Cabo da Praia on June 17th was an interesting mid-summer record. Nine on September 22 nd (CM, CP)
and 12 at Cabo da Praia on October 16th (RL, MR) were the highest counts for the year.
Graciosa
One at Santa Cruz on September 5th (PH) On at Santa Cruz on November 5th (RO)
Pico
One at Madalena on October 10th (VM). One at Barca on October 14th (VM). One at Lajes do Pico on
December 23rd (VM, CP).
Flores
One at Ponta Delgada on October 10th to 31st (RE et al)
Corvo:
One at the airfield from September 28th to October 15th (DM, KR)

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla

Santa Maria
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sao Miguel

36
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 3 2 0
Pico
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0
Flores
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Corvo
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0

Semipalmated Sandpiper, Sao Miguel, September (Ruben Coelho)

Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri PRC species

One at Lajes on September 9th (CP, CM, VP)

Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla

Sao Miguel

37
A juvenile at Lagoa de Sao Bras from September 30 th (JC) to October 2nd t (CR)
Terceira
Pico
One at Cabo da Praia from August 16th to 19th (CP)
Flores
One at Santa Cruz from October 18thto 31st (TJ, DM et al)
Corvo
One in the caldera on October 28th (JA et al)

Least Sandpiper, Sao Miguel , September (Ruben Coelho )

White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis

Santa Maria
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0
Sao Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 10 0 0
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 15 16 0
Graciosa
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

38
Pico
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 1 0
Flores
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0
Corvo
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 0

Bairds Sandpiper Calidris bairdii PRC species

Flores
One at Santa Cruz airfield on October 15 th (C&Ti et al)

Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos

Santa Maria
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 3 1 0
Three at Cabo da Praia, one near Lagoa do Junco and one at Posto de Radio Americano on September 22 nd was
the highest count of the year.
Flores
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritime

Sao Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pico
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Five at Porto Martins on April 27th were presumably migrants (JB)

39
Flores
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis PRC species

Corvo
One at the reservoir on September 30th (DM) . A single also from October 9th to 11th (via ABS).

Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Corvo, October (David Monticelli)

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus PRC species

Santa Maria
One south of the airport on March 24 th (RC, NM)
Terceira
One near Posto de Radio Americano from January 25 th to February 3rd (CP) with three there on
February 28th (CP, JM, SA, LB).
One at Pau Velho on November 3rd (LG, CP, SR) and again on December 1st (CP, SG, JB).

Wilsons SnipeGallinago delicata PRC species

Santa Maria
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0

40
Soa Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
5 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 6 2 2 0
Pico
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
Faial
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Flores
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
Corvo
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus PRC species

Terceira
One juvenile at Cabo da Praia from September 2 nd to December 31st (TL et al)

Juvenile Short-billed Dowitcher, Cabo da Praia, Terceira, September (Ruben Coelho)

41
 Short-billed Dowitcher at Cabo da Praia, Terceira in December having moulted into first-winter
plumage (Ruben Coelho).

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

Santa Maria
One south of airport January 13th , one at Lagoa de Ginjal on 28th,
Sao Miguel
2 at Ribeira Grande January 1st to April 12th with one there until July 5th at least and 2 at Ponta
Delgada ETAR on February 3rd with one occasionally there until April 30 th. One at Ribeira Grande on
September 4th was possibly the same bird (JC, CR) as was one on December 11 th (JC).
A single in Ponta Delgada harbor from October 18 th to 27th (RB, LG) with one at ETAR on December
22nd (NBdP).
Terceira
One at Cabo da Praia from January 30th to February 16th, one at Paul da Praia on April 23rd (JB, SG)
and one Canada do Quinhao Grande on April 30 th (CP et al).
One at Cabo da Praia from November 14 th to 21st (SG, SA, LB)
Corvo
One at Vila Nova do Corvo on February 8th (GM)

Hudsonian Whimbrel Numenius hudsonicus PRC species

Terceira
One at Cabo da Praia on February 1st (JC) and two at Cabo da Praia on February 24 th (SA, LB, CP). A
single there on March 4th to 16th (JC) and again from April 1st to 16th (GM et al) . One also at the
quarry irregularly from August 16th until December 31st (SG et al). Presumably the same bird was
seen at Porto Martins on September 7th (SG et al).
Two were in the quarry from October 4th (MD et al)
Faial
Three at Pedra Furada on February 25 th (VM)
One on the airfield on October 9th (SH et al)

42
Two at Feteira on October 15th (VM)
Flores
One at Santa Cruz airfield on October 10 th (Re et al)

Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda PRC species

Flores
One at Santa Cruz October 20th (JA, MS, IS)

Common Redshank Tringa tetanus PRC species

Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2 2 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus PRC species

Terceira
One near Lagoa do Junco on December 18 th (RC, CM, CP).

Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoeuca PRC species

Terceira
One near Cabrito Reservoir on October 18 th (JA et al) and presumably the same bird at Lagoa do
Ginjal on October 19th (JB et al)
Flores
One at Ponta Delgada Harbour on October 31 st (JA et al)

Greater Yellowlegs, Ponta Delgada, Flores, October (Richard Bonser)

43
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa falvipes

Santa Maria
One at Lagoa de Ginjal on Janaury 28th (GM)
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 3 3 1 0
Pico
One at Lagoa do Peixinho on October 21 st (KD)
Flores
One at Lagoa Branca from October 2nd , also seen at Lagoa Seca until October 14th (CT et al)
Corvo
One in the caldera on May 14th (DC)
One in the caldera from October 7th to 14th (KH et al)

Green Sandpiper Tringa glareola PRC species

Sao Miguel
One at Achada das Furnas on Janaury 20 th (RC)
One at Lagoa Azul on October 24th (JC, MN)
Terceira
One at Pau Velho on December 1st (CP, SG, JB)

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola PRC species

Santa Maria
One at Zamba on April 26th (NM) and one west of the airport on May 26 th (NM)
Soa Miguel
One at Faja de Cima from September 28 th to October 2nd (CR) with one also at Achada das Furnas
from October 16th to 20th (KH)
Terceira
One at Posto de Radio Americano on January 15 th (JC) and one at Lagoa do Junco from January 25 th to
April 5th (CP et al)

Common Sandpiper Actitis macularius

Santa Maria
One at Ribeira de Sao Francisco on January 16 th to April 23rd (NM)
Sao Miguel
One at Vila Franca do Campo on October 8 th (GM)
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
3 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
Pico
One at Lajes from October 31st to December 23rd (VM) .

44
 Wood Sandpiper, Sao Miguel, October (Ruben Coelho)

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius

Santa Maria
One at Ribeira de Sao Francisco on January 29 th to 30th.
Sao Miguel
Two near Sete Citades from September 24th to October 4th (JC, GM) with at least one until
November 19th (JC et al)
Terceira
One at Angra do Heroismo from February 7 th to March 26th (RC, SG, CP). One at Cabo da Praia on
March 15th (CP, CM, SG).
An adult at Cabo da Praia from August 28 th to late September (RB, FV et al) .
Singles were reported from Cabo da Praia throughout October and November .
Sao Jorge
One at Caldeira de Santo Cristo on January 6 th
Pico
One at Areia Larga from January 11th to March 13th (VM)
One at Lajes on February 12th (VM, GS, LC, MC)
One at Lajes on November 13th (VM) with two there on December 21 st and 23rd (VM).
Flores
One at Faja Grande from October 2nd to 10th (CT et al) . One at Santa Cruz from October 16 th to 31st
(JA et al) with three there on October 20 th (JA et al) .
Corvo
One near the airfield from September 23 rd to October 19th (KR et al)

45
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus PRC species
Terceira
One at Cabo da Praia from October 12th to 23rd (LB et al)

Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius

Sao Miguel
One at Mosteiros on October 22nd (RB, KH, JC)

Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus

Graciosa
One from a pelagic on the Bank of Fortune on September 3 rd (PA et al)

Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus PRC species

Santa Maria
One adult near the airport on July 12 th (NM)
Graciosa
One at sea 3 miles south of the island on August 24 th (RB, FV et al).
Three were migrating over the Bank of Fortune on September 4 th (PA et al)
One juvenile at Praia on October 27th (SR)

Long-tailed Skua, Bank of Fortune, Graciosa, September 4th (Peter Alfrey)

46
Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus PRC species
Sao Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Pico
One at Lajes on November 13th (VM)

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawerensis

Santa Maria
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Sao Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
18 9 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
The regular wintering flock on Praia da Vitoria beech reached a peak of 18 in January. Highest counts of these
birds are usually made at a pre-roost gathering at this site.
Pico
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Flores
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Common Gull Larus canus PRC species

Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis PRC species

Sao Miguel
A first-winter (of the nominate form) at Ponta Delgada from October 13 th to 27th (DMi, RB, LG)

47
Herring Gull Larus argentatus PRC species
Terceira
One adult near Posto de Radio Americano on Janaury 25 th (CP) and perhaps the same bird at Canada
do Quinhao Grande on February 3rd (CM, CP, SA, LB).
A first-winter was present at Lajes on March 17 th (CP, CM, SG).

American Herring Gull Larus smithsonianus PRC species

Santa Maria
A first-winter east of the airport from March 14 th- 15th (NM, AV)
Sao Miguel
A third-winter at Praia do Populo on October 26 th (RB)
Terceira
A second-winter at the centre of the island on February 13 th (RC, NM, VM)
A first winter was at Praia da Vitoria harbor on November 2 nd (LG, SG, SR)

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus

Terceira
One juvenile at Cabo da Praia on December 31 st (RC).

Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla

Sao Miguel
One found dead at Ribeira Grande on February 7 th (JC)
Terceira
One at Paul da Praia on February 9th (RC, SG, LB, SA, CM, CP)
One at Cabo da Praia in December (SA)

Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia PRC species

Flores
One at Lajes on October 23rd and then at Santa Cruz on 26th (HD, GM)
The third record for the Azores.

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis

Terceira
One at Praia da Vitoria from January 5 th to 17th (RC, SG)
One at Praia da Vitoria from October 19 th to November 22nd (JB et al) with one on December 11 th
(SG).
Flores
Two at Lajes harbor on October 26th (DM et al)

48
Arctic Tern Sterna paradise PRC species
Sao Miguel
One at Mosteiros on November 6th (SR)
Terceira
One at Praia da Vitoria on October 19th (DMi et al)

Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscatus PRC species

Graciosa
One at Ilheu da Praia from August 10th to 26th (VM, RB et al) and two were in the vicinity of the islet
from September 3rd to 5th (PA et al)

Sooty Tern, Graciosa, August (Richard Bonser)

Little Tern Sternula albifrons PRC species

Terceira
One at Praia da Vitoria from October 11 th to 15th (JB et al)
The fifth record for the Azores

Little Auk Alle alle PRC species

Terceira
One at Porto Martins on December 28th (RC, EP et al)

Puffin Fratercula arctica PRC species

Faial
One at Porto Pim found moribund and later died on December 23 rd (DV)

49
American Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura PRC species
Flores
One was at Santa Cruz airfield from October 16 th to 19th (MR, C&Ti, DMi et al)
Corvo
One at the middle fields on October 13 th (via ABS) was in the village from 15th to 16th October .
Presumably the same bird was then found near the power station on October 24 th (DM et al) but was
identified as a different bird.

Mourning Dove, village, Corvo, October (Vincent Legrand)

Mourning Dove, Lapa, Corvo. Identified as a different bird as above due to moult limit in wing.
(Pawel Malczyk)

50
 Mourning Dove, Flores, October (Dominic Mitchell)

Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus PRC species

Terceira
One near Lagoa do Junco on October 14th (JB, LB, SA)
The tenth record for the Azores.

Common Cuckoo, Lagoa do Junco, Terceira, October 14th (Luis Barcelos)

51
Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus PRC species
Santa Maria
One photographed on November 18th (NM)

Black-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus erythrophthalmus PRC species

Sao Miguel
One at Lagoa Azul on September 9th (CR, GM, RC). The fifth record for the Azores.

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus PRC species

Santa Maria
Two at Abegoaria Grande on February 26 th (NM)

Common Swift Apus apus PRC species

Sao Miguel
One at Ferraria on April 27th (GM)
One at Ribeira Seca on June 4th (JC)

Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon PRC species

Santa Maria
One from 2012 at Ribeira de Sao Francisco from January 7 th to March 23rd (NM),

Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus PRC species

Faial
One was on the road below The Chapel at Monte Da Guia on September 30 th (MN).
The second record for the Azores.

Northern Flicker, Faial, September 30th (Miguel Noia)

52
Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis

Santa Maria
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
25 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 8
Terceira
One near the American radio mast on November 16 th (CP). Two at Lagoa das Narcejas on December
15th (CP, RC, SG).

Sand Martin Riparia riparia PRC species

Santa Maria
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 10 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Soa Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0
Pico
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Barn Swallow Hirundo Rustica

Santa Maria
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 4 65 6 0 0 0 0
Soa Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 70 2 1 0 0 0
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 1 0 28 2 0 0 0 0
An unseasonal bird spent the winter at Cabo da Praia.
Pico
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Faial

53
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0
Corvo
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0
An influx of hirundines occurred in April as a result of strong east winds. The influx begun on April
21st when Ruben Coelho and Filipe Figueiredo counted 22 Swallows over Ribeira da Povoacao on Sao
Miguel. The following day there were 15 at Paul da Praia, Terceira with 5 House Martins with
numbers on Sao Miguel increasing to 34 Swallows and 5 House Martin at Ribeira da Povocao and 16
Swallow and 13 House Martin at Ribeira do Faial da Terra. On April 23 rd there were also 3 Sand
Martin at Paul da Praia, Terceira and Nelson Moura on Santa Maria counted 65 Swallows across the
island. House Martins on Terceira increased to 8 on April 24 th. On the 25th numbers of hirundines
were increasing with 70+ Barn Swallows and 10 House Martins at Ribeira da Povoacao and amongst
them were 2 Red-rumped Swallows found by Ruben Coelho. The same day there were 10 Sand
Martin and 3 Swallow on Santa Maria. On 26 th birds had reached Corvo with Kathy Rita reporting 6+
exhausted birds. Birds were then moving around until the end of the month with Barn Swallows
increasing to 28 on Terceira on 28th April and numbers reducing on Sao Miguel to 26 Barn Swallow
and 1 House Martin on Sao Miguel.

Weather chart for 210413 showing high pressure generating an easterly airflow on its southern
flank which was associated with the arrival of an influx of hirundines to the islands (after Met
Office)

54
Barn Swallow, April, Corvo (Kathy Rita). 6+ exhausted birds arrived on Corvo on April 26 th as part of
a major pan-island arrival.

Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica PRC species

Sao Miguel
Two were amongst 70+ Barn Swallows and 10+ House Martin at Ribeira da Povoacao on April 25 th
(RC). This was part of a major influx of hirundines onto the islands in late April.
According to the Birding Azores database there have been 3 previous reported sightings on the
archipelago.

American Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota PRC species

Terceira
One at Cabo da Praia on October 26th (SG, HD, GM)
Corvo
One from 6th October with two from 8th to 14th (JSH, DM)

Cliff Swallow, Corvo, October (Vincent Legrand)

55
 Cliff Swallow, Cabo da Praia, Terceira, October 26th (Petri Kuhno)

Common House Martin Delichon urbicum

Santa Maria

Monthly Maxima as follows: -

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Soa Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pico
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Faial
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Corvo
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0

56
Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis PRC species
Terceira
Two near Lagoa do Junco on September 15th (SG, FG, CP). Only the second record the Azores.

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis PRC species

Terceira
Two at Lagoa das Narcejas on January 30 th (VM), with 6-7 at Canada do Quinhao Grande on February
3rd to 11th (CP, SG) with 5 on 18th (CP) increasing to 15 by March 18th (CP et al).
One near Lagoa do Junco on November 30 th (CP)

Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus PRC species

Terceira
One at Canada do Quinhao Grande from January 25 th to February 3rd (CP)

Buff-bellied Pipit Anthus rubescens PRC species

Flores
One at Ponta Delgada Soccer Field from October 26 th to 31st (MN et al )
Corvo
Two at the reservoir on October 3rd (DM, KH et al), with one there on 5 th to 7th (KH et al)

Buff-bellied Pipit, Ponta Delgada Soccer Field, Flores, October (Richard Bonser)

57
 Buff-bellied Pipit, Reservoir, Corvo, October (David Monticelli)
White Wagtail Motacilla alba PRC species
Santa Maria
One at Ribeira dos Pocos on January 7th and two on 21st (NM)
One at Ribeira de Sao Francisco on December 3 rd (NM).

Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum PRC species

Corvo
One in the middle fields from October 12th to 15th (PAC)

The second record for the Azores (Pierre-Andre Crochet also found the first one)

Cedar Waxwing, Corvo, October (Vincent Legrand)

58
Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulous PRC species
One at Horta (Matriz) from February 2nd to 28th (JS)

American Robin Turdus migratorius

Corvo
One between Ribeira Da Ponte and the caldera on October 15 th (PM)
The second record for the Azores.

Grey-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus PRC species

Corvo
One at Poco dAgua on October 14th (PAC et al)

Grey-cheeked Thrush, Poco dAgua, Corvo, October 14th (Vincent Legrand)

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus PRC species

Sao Miguel
One at Planalto dos Graminhais From November 23 rd to 29th (RC et al)

59
 Ring Ouzel, Sao Miguel, November, (Ruben Coelho)

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

Santa Maria
11 at Abegoaria Grande on January 13th and 10 on 21st.
Terceira
Three at Lagoa das Narcejas on April 17 th (SG et al) and one at Escampadouro on May 11 th (CP).
Pico
Two at Misterio da Prainha on Feburary 25 th (VM) with one there on March 4th (CM, CP).

Redwing Turdus iliacus

Santa Maria
Three at Abegoaria Grande on November 30 th (NM)

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita PRC species

Sao Miguel
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Terceira
Monthly Maxima as follows: -
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

60
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

Corvo
One south of the airfield from October 7 th to 13th (KH et al)

Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans PRC species

One first-winter female in the tamarisks by the air-strip on November 1st (LG).
A first for the Azores.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula PRC species

Flores
One male. 1.9km along road to Lagoa Rasa on October 21 st (JA, MS)
The first for the Azores.

Philadelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus PRC species

Corvo
One at Fojo from October 10th to 18th (VL)
One at Ribeira da Lapa on October 14th (via ABS)

The seventh and eight records for the Azores.

Philadelphia Warbler, Fojo, Corvo, October (David Monticelli)

61
 Philadelphia Warbler, Ribeira da Lapa, Corvo October 14th (David Monticelli)

Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus PRC species

Faial
One at Lajinha. The bird was found dead after flying into a house (DV)
Corvo
One at Ribeira de Lapa from October 1 st to 18th (DM)
One at Poco dAgua on October 2nd and again on 12th to 19th with two there on 14th (DM et al)
One by the windmills on October 5 th (KH, DM et al). Perhaps the same bird was the one south of the
airfield from October 8th to 9th (JJ et al)
One at Fojo from October 10th to 22nd (via ABS)
One on the road near the rubbish dump on October 12 th (via ABS)
One at Pico on 14th (Zbigniew Kajzer et al)

Red-eyed Vireo, South of Airfiled, Corvo, October (David Monticelli)

62
Black and White Warbler Mniotilta varia PRC species
Corvo
One at Ribeira do Cantinho from October 4 th to 6th (RE, KH, DM et al)
One first-winter male at the Lighthouse Valley from October 9 th to 16th (via ABS)
One at Ribeira da Ponte on October 30th (JA et al)

The sixth to eight records for the Azores.

First-winter male Black and White Warbler, Lighthouse Valley, Corvo, October (Vincent Legrand)

Female Black and White Warbler, Ribeira do Cantinho, October (Vincent Legrand)

63
Northern Parula Parula Americana

Corvo
One in the tamarisks south of the airfield from October 6 th to 8th (JHS, DM et al) with two there on
October 9th (via ABS) and one until 14th.
One at Ribeira da Ponte on October 6th (JHS, DM et al)
One at Ribeira do Vinte from October 7th to 9th (KH, TL et al)

The 10th to 13th records for the Azores.

Northern Parula, South of airfield, Corvo, October (David Monticelli)

Black- throated Blue WarblerDendroica caerulescens PRC species

Corvo
One first-winter male at Ribeira do Cantinho from October 4 th to 5th (RE, KH, DM et al)
Presumably the same bird was at the same site on October 14 th to 17th (via ABS)

The fourth record for the Azores.

64
 Black-throated Blue Warbler, Ribeira do Cantinho, Corvo, October (Vincent Legrand)

Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens PRC species

Corvo
One at Pico from October 24th to 28th (DM et al)
The fourth record for the Azores.

Black-throated Green Warbler, Pico, Corvo, October (Mika Brunn)

65
Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler Dendroica coronata PRC species
One at Lagoa Seca on October 14th (DMi et al)

Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler, October 14th, Lagoa Seca, Flores (Dominic Mitchell)

Yellow-throated Warbler Setophaga dominica PRC species

Corvo
One at Poco dAgua from October 16th to 17th (JJ)
A first for the Western Palearctic.

American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla

Corvo
One first-winter male at Ribeira da Ponte from October 8th to 14th (JJ, KH, DM et al)

The tenth record for the Azores.

Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas PRC species

Corvo
One at Ribeira da Lapa on October 6th (JHS, DM et al)
A first-winter male south of the airfield from October 14th to 15 th (via ABS)
One in the middle fields on October 12 th (via ABS). The same or another in the middle fields from
October 18th to 19th (via ABS)

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Yellow-throated Warbler, Poco dAgua, Corvo (Vincent Legrand)

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 American Redstart, Ribeira da Ponte, Corvo, October (Vincnet Legrand)

Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea PRC species

Corvo
One in the middle fields from October 20 th to 21st (PAC)

White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys PRC species

Corvo
One in the middle fields from October 20 th to 30th (PAC et al)

The pale lores and orangey bill of this bird suggested a bird from the western populations.

White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis PRC species

Corvo
One on the slopes above Ribeira da Ponte from October 16 th to 19th (via ABS)
The first for the Azores.
Flores
One at Faja do Conde on November 1st (JA, RB, IS, MS)
The second for the Azores.

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White-crowned Sparrow, middle fields, Corvo (Vincent Legrand)

White-crowned Sparrow, middle fields, Corvo (David Monticelli)

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White-throated Sparrow, Corvo, October (David Monticelli)

White-throated Sparrow, Flores, November (Richard Bonser)

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Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus PRC species
Flores
One at Porto Albarnaz on October 4th (CT)
Two at Ponta Delgada from October 8th to 14th (C&Ti et al) with five there on October 15 th (DMi et al)
and two until 27th.
Corvo
One to two at the reservoir from October 3 rd to 12th (DM et al)
Two in the caldera from October 17th to 19th (via ABS)

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus PRC species

Corvo
One at Fojo from October 1st to 11th (DM)
One on the road to the crater on October 1 st (DM)
One at Ribeira Da Ponte on October 2nd (DM et al)
One in the middle fields from October 21 st to 22nd (DS et al)

Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Fojo, Corvo, October 10th (Vincent Legrand)

Indigo Bunting Passerine cyanea

Flores
One at Caldeira from October 11th to 14th (C&Ti et al)
Corvo
One at Lower fields on October 5th (KH, DM et al)

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One at Fojo on October 11th (via ABS)
One in the middle fields from October 21 st to 22nd (DS et al)

Indigo Bunting, Middle Fields, Corvo, October (Darryl Spittle)

Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus PRC species

Flores
One at Caldeira on October 12th (C&Ti) and one at Ponta Delgada Soccer Field on October 31 st (JA et
al)
Corvo
Three were on the road to the rubbish dump on October 12 th (via ABS) but quickly moved on and
were not seen again.

Bobolink, Road to rubbish dump, Corvo, October (David Monticelli)

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 Useful Websites and Links

http://www.birdingazores.com/
https://www.facebook.com/birding.azores
http://www.azoreschoice.com/
http://www.spea.pt/en/

Trips to the Azores for the serious birder/naturalist

http://azoresnature.co.uk/

Photographers
www.vincentlegrand.com
www.pbase.com/david_monticelli
http://www.birdingetc.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sofia-Goulart-Fotografia/283582678441375

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