Question: What birds migrate to Gibraltar?

List of birds of Gibraltar



This is a list of the bird species recorded in Gibraltar. The avifauna of Gibraltar include a total of 311 species, of which seven have been introduced by humans and 128 are rare or accidental in Gibraltar. Five species are globally threatened. The majority of the introduced species are wanderers from introduced populations in Spain.
This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 6th edition with a few changes to match the list of the Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect the Clements' taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Gibraltar.
The following tags have been used to highlight categories. The commonly occurring native species do not fall into any of these categories.
(A) Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Gibraltar
(I) Introduced - a species which occurs in Gibraltar as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions








Table of contents
See also
References
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Divers
Order: GaviiformesFamily: Gaviidae
Divers, known as loons in North America, are a group of aquatic birds found in many parts of North America and northern Europe. They are the size of a large duck or small goose, but to which they are completely unrelated. There are 5 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Red-throated diver, Gavia stellata (A)
Black-throated diver, Gavia arctica (A)
Great northern diver, Gavia immer (A)
Grebes

Order: PodicipediformesFamily: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There are 20 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Little grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis (A)
Black-necked grebe, Podiceps nigricollis
Shearwaters and petrels

Order: ProcellariiformesFamily: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterised by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary. There are 8 species which have been recorded in Gibraltar.
Cape petrel, Daption capense (A)
Cory's shearwater, Calonectris borealis
Scopoli's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea
Great shearwater, Ardenna gravis
Sooty shearwater, Ardenna griseus
Balearic shearwater, Puffinus mauretanicus
Yelkouan shearwater, Puffinus yelkouan
Barolo shearwater, Puffinus baroli (A)
Northern storm petrels

Order: ProcellariiformesFamily: Hydrobatidae
The northern storm petrels are relatives of the petrels and are the smallest seabirds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. 
European storm petrel, Hydrobates pelagicus
Leach's storm petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhoa
Gannets

Order: SuliformesFamily: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish..
Northern gannet, Morus bassanus
Cormorants

Order: SuliformesFamily: Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Colouration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colourful.
Great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo
European shag, Phalacrocorax aristotelis
Herons, egrets and bitterns
Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to have shorter necks and be more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills.
Grey heron, Ardea cinerea
Purple heron, Ardea purpurea
Little heron, Egretta garzetta
Squacco heron, Ardeola ralloides (A)
Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
Black-crowned night heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
Little bittern, Ixobrychus minutus (A)
Ibises and spoonbills
Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers.
Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus (A)
Eurasian spoonbill, Platalea leucorodia (A)
Storks

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory.
Black stork, Ciconia nigra
White stork, Ciconia ciconia
Flamingos

Order: PhoenicopteriformesFamily: Phoenicopteridae
Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5m) tall, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume and, uniquely, are used upside-down. There are 6 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.
Greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus
Ducks, geese and swans
Order: AnseriformesFamily: Anatidae
The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These are birds adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. 
Greylag goose, Anser anser (A)
Common shelduck, Tadorna tadorna (A)
Eurasian wigeon, Mareca penelope (A)
Gadwall, Mareca strepera (A)
Eurasian teal, Anas crecca (A)
Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos (A)
Northern pintail, Anas acuta (A)
Garganey, Spatula querquedula (A)
Tufted duck, Aythya fuligula (A)
Greater scaup, Aythya marila (A)
Common scoter, Melanitta nigra
Red-breasted merganser, Mergus serrator (A)
Osprey

Order: AccipitriformesFamily: Pandionidae
The family Pandionidae contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.
Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
Hawks, kites and eagles

Order: AccipitriformesFamily: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight. 
European honey buzzard, Pernis apivorus
Black-winged kite, Elanus caeruleus (A)
Red kite, Milvus milvus
Black kite, Milvus migrans
Lammergeier, Gypaetus barbatus (A)
Egyptian vulture, Neophron percnopterus
Rüppell's vulture, Gyps ruepelli (A)
Griffon vulture, Gyps fulvus
Eurasian black vulture, Aegypius monachus
Short-toed snake eagle, Circaetus gallicus
Western marsh harrier, Circus aeruginosus
Hen harrier, Circus cyaneus
Pallid harrier, Circus macrourus (A)
Montagu's harrier, Circus pygargus
Eurasian sparrowhawk, Accipiter nisus
Northern goshawk, Accipiter gentilis
Eurasian buzzard, Buteo buteo
Long-legged buzzard, Buteo rufinus (A)
Lesser spotted eagle, Clanga pomarina (A)
Greater spotted eagle, Clanga clanga (A)
Spanish imperial eagle, Aquila adalberti (A)
Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos (A)
Bonelli's eagle, Aquila fasciata
Booted eagle, Hieraaetus pennatus
Falcons

Order: FalconiformesFamily: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons.
Lesser kestrel, Falco naumanni
Eurasian kestrel, Falco tinnunculus
Red-footed falcon, Falco vespertinus (A)
Eleonora's falcon, Falco eleonorae
Merlin, Falco columbarius
Eurasian hobby, Falco subbuteo
Lanner falcon, Falco biarmicus
Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
Pheasants and partridges

Order: GalliformesFamily: Phasianidae
The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowls, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowls and jungle fowls. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings. There are 156 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Barbary partridge, Alectoris barbara
Common quail, Coturnix coturnix
Common pheasant, Phasianus colchicus (I, A)
Cranes

Order: GruiformesFamily: Gruidae
Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". There are 15 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.
Common crane, Grus grus
Rails, crakes, gallinules and coots
Order: GruiformesFamily: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which include the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers.
Western swamphen, Porphyrio porphyrio (A)
Allen's gallinule, Porphyrio alleni (A)
Common moorhen, Gallinula chloropus (A)
Eurasian coot, Fulica atra (A)
Bustards
Order: OtidiformesFamily: Otididae
Bustards are large terrestrial birds mainly associated with dry open country and steppes in the Old World. They are omnivorous and nest on the ground. They walk steadily on strong legs and big toes, pecking for food as they go. They have long broad wings with "fingered" wingtips and striking patterns in flight. Many have interesting mating displays. There are 26 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.
Great bustard, Otis tarda (A)
Oystercatchers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Haematopodidae
The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs. There are 11 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.
Eurasian oystercatcher, Haematopus ostralegus
Avocets and stilts
Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 9 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Black-winged stilt, Himantopus himantopus (A)
Pied avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta
Thick-knees

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Burhinidae
The thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Gibraltar.
Eurasian stone-curlew, Burhinus oedicnemus
Pratincoles and coursers
Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Glareolidae
Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings and long, pointed bills which curve downwards. There are 17 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.
Collared pratincole, Glareola pratincola (A)
Plovers and lapwings

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. There are 66 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Northern lapwing, Vanellus vanellus
European golden plover, Pluvialis apricaria (A)
Grey plover, Pluvialis squatarola (A)
Common ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula (A)
Kentish plover, Charadrius alexandrinus
Sandpipers and allies

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 18 species which have been recorded in Gibraltar.
Eurasian woodcock, Scolopax rusticola (A)
Jack snipe, Lymnocryptes minimus (A)
Common snipe, Gallinago gallinago (A)
Black-tailed godwit, Limosa limosa (A)
Bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica (A)
Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
Eurasian curlew, Numenius arquata (A)
Common redshank, Tringa totanus (A)
Green sandpiper, Tringa ochropus (A)
Common sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos
Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
Red knot, Calidris canutus (A)
Sanderling, Calidris alba (A)
Little stint, Calidris minuta (A)
Curlew sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea (A)
Dunlin, Calidris alpina (A)
Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus (A)
Grey phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius
Skuas

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Stercorariidae
Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants. There are 3 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Great skua, Stercorarius skua
Pomarine skua, Stercorarius pomarinus
Arctic skua, Stercorarius parasiticus
Gulls, terns, and skimmers


Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds that includes gulls, terns, and skimmers. Gulls are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years.
Common gull, Larus canus (A)
Audouin's gull, Ichthyaetus audouinii
Ring-billed gull, Larus delawarensis (A)
Great black-backed gull, Larus marinus (A)
Iceland gull, Larus glaucoides (A)
Herring gull, Larus argentatus (A)
Lesser black-backed gull, Larus fuscus
Yellow-legged gull, Larus michahellis
Grey-headed gull, Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus (A)
Black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus
Slender-billed gull, Chroicocephalus genei (A)
Mediterranean gull, Ichthyaetus melanocephalus
Laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla (A)
Little gull, Hydrocoloeus minutus
Sabine's gull, Xema sabini (A)
Black-legged kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla
Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica
Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
Lesser crested tern, Thalasseus bengalensis
Sandwich tern, Thalasseus sandvicensis
Royal tern, Thalasseus maximus (A)
Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii (A)
Common tern, Sterna hirundo
Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea (A)
Little tern, Sternula albifrons
Whiskered tern, Chlidonias hybrida (A)
White-winged tern, Chlidonias leucopterus (A)
Black tern, Chlidonias niger
Auks

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Alcidae
Alcids are superficially similar to penguins due to their black-and-white colours, their upright posture and some of their habits, however they are not related to the penguins and differ in being able to fly. Auks live on the open sea, only deliberately coming ashore to nest. There are 24 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Common guillemot, Uria aalge
Razorbill, Alca torda
Atlantic puffin, Fratercula arctica
Sandgrouse
Order: PterocliformesFamily: Pteroclidae
Sandgrouse have small, pigeon like heads and necks, but sturdy compact bodies. They have long pointed wings and sometimes tails and a fast direct flight. Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn and dusk. Their legs are feathered down to the toes. There are 16 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.
Pin-tailed sandgrouse, Pterocles alchata (A)
Pigeons and doves

Order: ColumbiformesFamily: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 308 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Rock pigeon, Columba livia
Stock dove, Columba oenas (A)
Common wood pigeon, Columba palumbus (A)
European turtle dove, Streptopelia turtur
Eurasian collared dove, Streptopelia decaocto
Cuckoos

Order: CuculiformesFamily: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These are birds of variable sizes with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. There are 138 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Great spotted cuckoo, Clamator glandarius
Common cuckoo, Cuculus canorus
Barn owls
Order: StrigiformesFamily: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There are 16 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.
Barn owl, Tyto alba
Typical owls

Order: StrigiformesFamily: Strigidae
The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.
Eurasian scops owl, Otus scops
Eurasian eagle-owl, Bubo bubo
Tawny owl, Strix aluco
Little owl, Athene noctua
Long-eared owl, Asio otus (A)
Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus (A)
Nightjars

Order: CaprimulgiformesFamily: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves. There are 86 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Red-necked nightjar, Caprimulgus ruficollis
Eurasian nightjar, Caprimulgus europaeus
Swifts

Order: ApodiformesFamily: Apodidae
Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang. There are 98 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Alpine swift, Tachymarptis melba
Common swift, Apus apus
Pallid swift, Apus pallidus
Little swift, Apus affinis (A)
White-rumped swift, Apus caffer (A)
Kingfishers
Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.
Common kingfisher, Alcedo atthis
Bee-eaters

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Meropidae
The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colourful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar. There are 26 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Blue-cheeked bee-eater, Merops persicus (A)
European bee-eater, Merops apiaster
Rollers
Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Coraciidae
Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not. There are 12 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.
European roller, Coracias garrulus
Hoopoes

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Upupidae
Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink colouring with a large erectile crest on their head. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.
Hoopoe, Upupa epops
Woodpeckers and allies
Order: PiciformesFamily: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks.
Eurasian wryneck, Jynx torquilla
Great spotted woodpecker, Dendrocopos major (A)
Iberian green woodpecker, Picus sharpei (A)
Larks

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. There are 91 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Calandra lark, Melanocorypha calandra (A)
Greater short-toed lark, Calandrella brachydactyla
Lesser short-toed lark, Alaudala rufescens (A)
Crested lark, Galerida cristata
Thekla lark, Galerida theklae
Wood lark, Lullula arborea
Eurasian skylark, Alauda arvensis
Swallows and martins

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. Their feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 75 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Sand martin, Riparia riparia
Eurasian crag martin, Ptyonoprogne rupestris
Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
Red-rumped swallow, Cecropis daurica
Common house martin, Delichon urbica
Wagtails and pipits

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. There are 54 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Gibraltar.
White wagtail, Motacilla alba
Western yellow wagtail, Motacilla flava
Grey wagtail, Motacilla cinerea
Richard's pipit, Anthus richardi (A)
Tawny pipit, Anthus campestris
Tree pipit, Anthus trivialis
Meadow pipit, Anthus pratensis
Red-throated pipit, Anthus cervinus (A)
Rock pipit, Anthus petrosus (A)
Water pipit, Anthus spinoletta (A)
Kinglets
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Regulidae
The kinglets, also called crests, are a small group of birds often included in the Old World warblers, but frequently given family status because they also resemble the titmice. There are 7 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Goldcrest, Regulus regulus
Common firecrest, Regulus ignicapillus
Wrens

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Troglodytidae
The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous.
Eurasian wren, Troglodytes troglodytes
Accentors

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Prunellidae
The accentors are in the only bird family, Prunellidae, which is completely endemic to the Palearctic. They are small, fairly drab species superficially similar to sparrows. There are 13 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Alpine accentor, Prunella collaris
Dunnock, Prunella modularis
Thrushes and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.
Ring ouzel, Turdus torquatus
Eurasian blackbird, Turdus merula
Fieldfare, Turdus pilaris
Redwing, Turdus iliacus
Song thrush, Turdus philomelos
Mistle thrush, Turdus viscivorus (A)
Cisticolas and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Cisticolidae
The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub. There are 111 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.
Zitting cisticola, Cisticola juncidis
Cettid warblers
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Cettiidae
Cetti's warbler, Cettia cetti (A)
Locustellid warblers
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Locustellidae
Common grasshopper warbler, Locustella naevia
Savi's warbler, Locustella luscinioides (A)
Acrocephalid warblers
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Acrocephalidae
Moustached warbler, Acrocephalus melanopogon (A)
Sedge warbler, Acrocephalus schoenobaenus (A)
Eurasian reed warbler, Acrocephalus scirpaceus
Blyth's reed warbler, Acrocephalus dumetorum (A)
Great reed warbler, Acrocephalus arundinaceus (A)
Western olivaceous warbler, Iduna opaca
Melodious warbler, Hippolais polyglotta
Icterine warbler, Hippolais icterina (A)
Phylloscopid warblers
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Phylloscopidae
Willow warbler, Phylloscopus trochilus
Common chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita
Iberian chiffchaff, Phylloscopus ibericus
Mountain chiffchaff, Phylloscopus sindianus (A)
Western Bonelli's warbler, Phylloscopus bonelli
Wood warbler, Phylloscopus sibilatrix
Pallas's warbler, Phylloscopus proregulus (A)
Yellow-browed warbler, Phylloscopus inornatus (A)
Arctic warbler, Phylloscopus borealis (A)
Old World warblers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Sylviidae
The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. They mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent, Africa. Most have generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs.
Eurasian blackcap, Sylvia atricapilla
Garden warbler, Sylvia borin
Greater whitethroat, Sylvia communis
Lesser whitethroat, Sylvia curruca (A)
Western Orphean warbler, Sylvia hortensis
Subalpine warbler, Sylvia cantillans
Sardinian warbler, Sylvia melanocephala
Spectacled warbler, Sylvia conspicillata
Tristram's warbler, Sylvia deserticola (A)
Dartford warbler, Sylvia undata
Marmora's warbler, Sylvia sarda (A)
Old World flycatchers and chats

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Muscicapidae
Old World flycatchers and chats are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is highly varied, and they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls.
Common rock thrush, Monticola saxatilis
Blue rock thrush, Monticola solitarius
Spotted flycatcher, Muscicapa striata
European pied flycatcher, Ficedula hypoleuca
Red-breasted flycatcher, Ficedula parva (A)
European robin, Erithacus rubecula
Common nightingale, Luscinia megarhynchos
Bluethroat, Luscinia svecica
Rufous-tailed scrub-robin, Cercotrichas galactotes
Black redstart, Phoenicurus ochruros
Common redstart, Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Whinchat, Saxicola rubetra
European stonechat, Saxicola rubicola
Black wheatear, Oenanthe leucura (A)
Northern wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe
Black-eared wheatear, Oenanthe hispanica
Desert wheatear, Oenanthe deserti (A)
Long-tailed tits
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Aegithalidae
The long-tailed tits are a group of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They make woven bag nests in trees. Most eat a mixed diet which includes insects. There are 9 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.
Long-tailed tit, Aegithalos caudatus (A)
Tits

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Paridae
The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, eating a mixed diet including seeds and insects. There are 59 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Coal tit, Periparus ater (A)
Crested tit, Lophophanes cristatus (A)
Great tit, Parus major
Eurasian blue tit, Cyanistes caeruleus
Wallcreeper
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Tichodromidae
The wallcreeper is a small bird related to the nuthatch family, which has stunning crimson, grey and black plumage.
Wallcreeper, Tichodroma muraria
Treecreepers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Certhiidae
Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees. There are 6 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.
Short-toed treecreeper, Certhia brachydactyla
Old World orioles

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Oriolidae
The Old World orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles. There are 29 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.
Eurasian golden oriole, Oriolus oriolus
Shrikes
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Laniidae
Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. There are 4 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Red-backed shrike, Lanius collurio (A)
Iberian grey shrike, Lanius meridionalis (A)
Masked shrike, Lanius nubicus (A)
Woodchat shrike, Lanius senator
Crows, jays, ravens and magpies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Corvidae
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence. There are 120 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Eurasian jay, Garrulus glandarius
Eurasian magpie, Pica pica
Red-billed chough, Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax (A)
Yellow-billed chough, Pyrrhocorax graculus
Eurasian jackdaw, Corvus monedula
House crow, Corvus splendens (A)
Carrion crow, Corvus corone (A)
Common raven, Corvus corax
Starlings

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen. There are 125 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.
European starling, Sturnus vulgaris
Spotless starling, Sturnus unicolor
Weavers and allies
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Ploceidae
The weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills. The males of many species are brightly coloured, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in colour only in the breeding season. There are 116 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Village weaver, Ploceus cucullatus (I, A)
Red-headed quelea, Quelea erythrops (I, A)
Red-billed quelea, Quelea quelea (I, A)
Black-winged bishop, Euplectes hordeaceus (I, A)
Waxbills and allies
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Estrildidae
The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have a wide variation in plumage colour and pattern. There are 141 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Black-rumped waxbill, Estrilda troglodytes (I, A)
Common waxbill, Estrilda astrild (I, A)
Buntings and New World sparrows

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Emberizidae
The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed eaters with distinctively shaped bills. In Europe, most species are called buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns. There are 275 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Yellowhammer, Emberiza citrinella
Pine bunting, Emberiza leucocephalos (A)
Cirl bunting, Emberiza cirlus
Rock bunting, Emberiza cia
Ortolan bunting, Emberiza hortulana
Reed bunting, Emberiza schoeniclus (A)
Corn bunting, Emberiza calandra
White-throated sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis (A)
Dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis (A)
Cardinals and allies
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Cardinalidae
The cardinals are a family of robust, seed-eating birds with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumage. There are 43 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.
Indigo bunting, Passerina cyanea (A)
New World blackbirds
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Icteridae
The icterids are a group of small to medium-sized, often colourful, passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds and New World orioles. Most species have black as the predominant plumage colour, often enlivened by yellow, orange or red. There are 98 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Gibraltar.
Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus (A)
Finches

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. There are 137 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Gibraltar.
Common chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs
Brambling, Fringilla montifringilla
Common rosefinch, Carpodacus erythrinus (A)
Red crossbill, Loxia curvirostra
European greenfinch, Chloris chloris
Eurasian siskin, Spinus spinus
European goldfinch, Carduelis carduelis
Common linnet, Linaria cannabina
European serin, Serinus serinus
Eurasian bullfinch, Pyrrhula pyrrhula
Hawfinch, Coccothraustes coccothraustes (A)
Trumpeter finch, Bucanetes githaginea (A)
Sparrows

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Passeridae
Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed-eaters, but they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Gibraltar.
House sparrow, Passer domesticus
Spanish sparrow, Passer hispaniolensis
Eurasian tree sparrow, Passer montanus
See also
List of birds
Lists of birds by region
List of mammals of Gibraltar
List of reptiles and amphibians of Gibraltar