Scientific name: Acrocephalus melanopogon

English: Moustached warbler
Serbian: ševarski cvrčić
Hungarian: fülemülesitke
German: Tamariskensänger

SIZE: 12–13.5 cm
Wingspan: 20–24 cm
Weight: 22–30 g
Life span: 3 years
Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia
IUCN red list status*: Least concern (LR/LC)
*International Union for Conservation of Nature

Ecology of the species: It is a species of a wide range. Its habitat is a freshwater biome. The optimal habitat of the moustached warbler is old reeds with a large proportion of dead material in the lower layers of reeds and with high reeds above. The nest is made of loosely woven leaves and stems of aquatic plants covered with small plant material and feathers here and there. The nest hangs on several vertical reed stalks at 30–130 cm above the water surface. They feed on insects as well as cherry fruits (Prunus) and elderberry (Sambucus). The species is resident, partially migratory or migratory in Europe.

Nesting cycle: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII

Credits: Stanislas Wroza, XC668997. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Ardea purpurea

English: Purple heron or Cape Verde heron
Serbian: crvena čaplja
Hungarian: vörös gém
German: Purpurreiher

SIZE: 78–90 cm
Wingspan: 120–150 cm
Weight: 0.5–1.3 kg
Life span: up to 5 years
Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia
IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: Although a large bird, it is a very unobtrusive and secretive species. It feeds in shallow water inside the vegetation and can wait for hours for prey. It feeds on fish, frogs, insects, small mammals, reptiles, and birds. It is a colonial nesting bird that nests in the dense vegetation of flooded areas, swamps, lakeshores, river edges, or canals. It most often builds a nest in a reed and rarely in a tree. It seldom winters in Serbia, and it is a regular migratory bird.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Albert Subirà, XC678821. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Circus aeruginosus

English: Marsh harrier
Serbian: eja močvarica
Hungarian: barna rétihéja
German: Rohrweihe

SIZE: 43–54 cm
Wingspan: 115–130 cm
Weight: 400–650 g male, 500–800 g female
Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia
IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It is a daily predator of marsh habitats. It is present in Serbia from March to October, but a small number of couples spend the winter there. It nests near the water in a thick reed and feeds on a variety of small mammals, eggs, small birds, fish, and reptiles.
The scientific name is derived from the Greek kirkos meaning circle, referring to the harriers’ habit of flying in circles. Aeruginosus is the Latin word for “rusty coloured”.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Hannu Varkki, XC671939. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Gallinago gallinago

English: Common snipe
Serbian: barska šljuka
Hungarian: sárszalonka
German: Bekassine

SIZE: 23–28 cm
Wingspan: 39–45 cm
Weight: 80–120 g
Life span: maximum 15 years
Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia
IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It deploys camouflage and is coloured with light stripes on the back, dark stripes on the head, and it has a white belly. It nests in marsh habitats, swamps, and wet meadows in dense vegetation. Autumn migration lasts from late July to November. Most birds arrive in North Africa in late September – early October, where they remain until March. It feeds on small invertebrates, worms, and insect larvae.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Sergi, XC684366. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Porzana parva

English: Little crake
Serbian: sivi barski petlić
Hungarian: kis vízicsibe
German: Kleines Sumpfhuhn

SIZE: 18–20 cm
Wingspan: 34–39 cm
Weight: 30–72 g
Life span:
Conservation status: /
IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: The little crake is one of the most common ground-living water birds of the Rallidae family. It inhabits only plains, well-overgrown ponds, and slow-flowing waters. It feeds on insects and seeds.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Zbigniew Kajzer, XC656047. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Anser Anser

English: Greylag goose
Serbian: divlja guska
Hungarian: nyári lúd
German: Graugans

SIZE: 76–89 cm
Wingspan: 150–180 cm
Weight: 2900–3700 g
Life span: 8 years
Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It is a rather bulky grey goose with light grey tones of feathers. We can find it in large wetland habitats, where it also nests. It used to be an endangered species, but today, most of them inhabit the north of the country. Poaching endangers this species during the winter months. Though being present throughout the year, they gather in large flocks in winter, when they feed on meadows and fields. Their main food is grass, roots and plant foods.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: W. Agster_ XC684548. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Botaurus stellaris

English: Great bittern
Serbian: bukavac, vodeni bik
Hungarian: bölömbika
German: Rohrdommel

SIZE: 69–81 cm
Wingspan: 125–135 cm
Weight: 650–2050 g
Life span: 10–12 years
Conservation status: /

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It inhabits water surfaces and is one of those birds that are very rare to see due to its excellent camouflage. Yet, it is one of the loudest birds whose sound can be heard at a distance of 5 km and most often early and late in the day. The male produces a sound that reminds of the roar of the water bull. It feeds on fish and frogs.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Geoffrey Monchaux, XC679619. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Acrocephalus arundinaceus

English: Great reed warbler
Serbian: veliki trstenjak
Hungarian: nádirigó
German: Drosselrohrsänger

SIZE: 16–21 cm
Wingspan: 25–30 cm
Weight: 22–38 g
Life span: 3 years

Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It is a summer guest in our area, most often in Vojvodina. As one of the loudest singers in the water area, it defends its nests using a stepped scale of alerts. Females are attracted to males who have more complex song repertoires. They feed on insects, berries, and spiders.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Tomislav Mandir, XC657584. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Alcedo atthis

English: Common kingfisher
Serbian: vodomar
Hungarian: jégmadár
German: Eisvogel

SIZE: 16–17cm
Wingspan: 24–26 cm
Weight: 34–46 g
Life span: up to 3 years
Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: The common kingfisher is an important part of the ecosystem and a good indicator of the health of freshwater habitats. The flight of the kingfisher is fast, direct and usually low over the water. Most kingfishers` pairs stay together for years. They spend the winter near the shallow and unfrozen water and feed on small fish.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Beatrix Saadi-Varchmin, XC674469. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Anas querquedula

English: Garganey
Serbian: grogotovac
Hungarian: böjti réce
German: Knäkente

SIZE: 37–41 cm
Wingspan: 60–63 cm
Weight: 350–450 g male, 250–350 g female
Conservation status: Protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: This is the smallest of all ducks we can find in Serbia. We find them in all types of aquatic habitats, but more often in shallow waters. Males have thick white eyebrows, while females are mostly monochromatic. This migratory bird also spends winter in Africa, and they return to our region in March. It feeds on aquatic invertebrates.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Agris Celmins, XC654874. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Cygnus olor

English: Mute swan
Serbian: labud grbac
Hungarian: bütykös hattyú
German: Höckerschwan

SIZE: 140–160 cm
Wingspan: 208–238 cm
Weight: 1000–1200 g
Life span: up to 10 years
Conservation status: Protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It inhabits large water bodies. They are most numerous in Vojvodina, and they differ from other swans by the long curved neck. It moves from the north of Europe to the Mediterranean and the very north of Africa in winter when they gather in flocks of one hundred and more specimens. During the summer, only non-nesting specimens gather in flocks. They feed on aquatic plants, insects, and snails.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Jean Christophe Pratt , XC682827. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Fulica atra

English: Common coot
Serbian: liska
Hungarian: szárcsa
German: Blässhuhn

SIZE: 36–38 cm
Wingspan: 70–80 cm
Weight: 600–900 g
Life span: up to 30 years

Conservation status: Protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It is one of the very common birds on ponds and along the banks of large rivers. It is easily recognizable by its white bill and frontal plate on the forehead. Being a very territorial and loud bird, it can also be aggressive towards intruders. They can be seen throughout the year, though they can group in large flocks in winter. They feed on aquatic vegetation, larvae, and mollusks.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: W. Agster, XC684547. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Ixobrychus minutus

English: Little bittern
Serbian: čapljica
Hungarian: pocgém
German: Zwergdommel

SIZE: 33–38 cm
Wingspan: 49–58 cm
Weight: 59–150 g
Life span: up to 7 years
Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It is the smallest species in the heron family found in Serbia, primarily in Vojvodina. It nests in reed beds and shrubs. It is a shy and secretive bird that is rarely going out into the open water. This migratory bird spends the winter in Africa. It feeds on amphibians and small fish.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Lorenzo Maffezzoli, XC656126. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Podiceps cristatus

English: Great crested grebe
Serbian: ćubasti gnjurac
Hungarian: búbos vöcsök
German: Haubentaucher

SIZE: 46–51 cm
Wingspan: 85–90 cm
Weight: 590–1500 g
Life span: up to 19 years
Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: Great crested grebe is the most common and largest grebe in Serbia, with a long neck and decorative feathers on its head during the nesting period. It inhabits all large stagnant waters, mostly in Vojvodina. It makes hidden or floating reed nests and feeds on fish.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Albert Noorlander, XC675492. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Anser albifrons

English: Greater white-fronted goose
Serbian: lisasta guska
Hungarian: nagy lilik
German: Bläßgans

SIZE: 65-78 cm
Wingspan: 130–160 cm
Weight: 1900–2500 g
Life span: up to 8 years
Conservation status: Protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: They can be found in Serbia in larger or smaller flocks on water surfaces and surroundings from October to March. They come from the north. Flocks form a characteristic V-shaped flight formation. The name is after its white feathers from the root of the bill covering the entire forehead. It comes from the Latin word “albifrons”, which is the construction of the word “albus”, meaning “white”, and “frons”, meaning “forehead”. There is a very interesting phenomenon of this possibly new species: the long care period for their young and the strong connection between them. It can last for several years. They feed on grass, roots, and other plant food.

Nesting cycle: It does not breed in Serbia.

Credits: Joost van Bruggen, XC680580. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Egretta alba

English: Great egret
Serbian: velika bela čaplja
Hungarian: nagy kócsag
German: Silberreiher

SIZE: 80–104 cm
Wingspan: 140–170 cm
Weight: 700–1700 g
Life span: up to 5 years
Conservation status: /

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: The great egret is the largest species of heron in Serbia. It mainly inhabits the lowland water habitats where it nests on trees or in tall reeds. It feeds on fish, frogs and insects.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Stanislas Wroza, XC615285. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Haliaeetus albicilla

English: White-tailed eagle
Serbian: orao belorepan
Hungarian: rétisas
German: Seeadler

SIZE: 66–94 cm
Wingspan: 178–245 cm
Weight: 4000–6900 g
Life span: 27 years
Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: This is the largest predatory bird in Serbia. An adult bird is a light brown with a striking white tail. It is present throughout the year and feeds on carcasses, birds, and mammals. The species was on the verge of extinction until a decade ago. Yet, the number of birds in the wild has increased significantly after the implementation of intensive protection measures. Its European population is stable nowadays.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Thomas Bergman, XC669934. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Nycticorax nycticorax

English: Black-crowned night-heron
Serbian: gak, noćna čaplja
Hungarian: bakcsó
German: Nachtreiher

Life span: 5 years
Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It is quite different from other herons. It has short legs as well as a short and thick neck. Unlike other herons, it hunts at dusk, hence the name. This is a migratory bird returning from Africa in March. It builds a nest on trees in wide reed beds and floodplain forests surrounding lakes, ponds, and canals. It feeds on fish, leeches, earthworms and insects.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Feliu López i Gelats, XC675694. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Panurus biarmicus

English: Bearded parrotbill
Serbian: brkata senica
Hungarian: barkóscinege
German: Bartmeise

SIZE: 14–15.5 cm
Wingspan: 16–18 cm
Weight: 12–18 g
Life span: up to 3 years
Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: There are not many of them, and it is a rare singing bird in Serbia. It has a distinctive reddish colour and a long tail, while males have a grey-blue head, and females do not. They nest in the wide reed beds in wetlands, lakes, and swamps. They are present throughout the year and feed mainly on insects.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Baltasar Pinheiro, XC684295. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Rallus aquaticus

English: Brown-cheeked rail
Serbian: barski petlovan
Hungarian: guvat
German: Wasserralle

SIZE: 23–28 cm
Wingspan: 38–45 cm
Weight: 80–180 g
Life span: up to 19 years
Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It is an inhabitant of aquatic habitats in Vojvodina. It is a hidden species in coastal vegetation that is similar to the “little crake”, but this species has a red bill. They are present throughout the year, feeding on small fish, snails, and insects.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Ding Li Yong, XC683557. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Alcedo atthis

English: Common kingfisher
Serbian: vodomar
Hungarian: jégmadár
German: Eisvogel

SIZE: 16–17cm
Wingspan: 24–26 cm
Weight: 34–46 g
Life span: up to 3 years
Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: The common kingfisher is an important part of the ecosystem and a good indicator of the health of freshwater habitats. The flight of the kingfisher is fast, direct and usually low over the water. Most kingfishers` pairs stay together for years. They spend the winter near the shallow and unfrozen water and feed on small fish.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Beatrix Saadi-Varchmin, XC674469. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Anas penelope

English: Eurasian wigeon
Serbian: patka zviždarka
Hungarian: fütyülo réce
German: Pfeifente

SIZE: 45–51cm
Wingspan: 75–86 cm
Weight: 500–900 g
Life span: up to 20 years
Conservation status: Protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: The name comes from the Latin word “Anas”, which means “duck”, and “Penelope”, which refers to the duck that saved Penelope, who was thrown into the sea. It is seen exclusively in smaller flocks in winter. It often goes ashore in search of food, feeding on grass and aquatic plants. The male is more colorful than the female, and it emits the melodic whistling call, after which comes the name. It is a hunting species.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Joost van Bruggen, XC650586. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Ardeola ralloides

English: Squacco heron
Serbian: žuta čaplja
Hungarian: üstökös gém
German: Rallenreiher

SIZE: 45–51cm
Wingspan: 75–86 cm
Weight: 500–900 g
Life span: up to 20 years
Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It is a typical migratory bird among herons with strikingly yellowish tones and a blue bill. The squacco heron is a migratory bird that spends winters in Africa. This species of heron breeds in wetlands in warm countries, and it rarely goes north of its breeding grounds. It nests in small colonies, often with other bird species, mostly in trees or shrubs in small colonies. It feeds on aquatic insect larvae, amphibians, and small fish.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Peter Boesman, XC299963. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Mergellus albellus

English: Smew
Serbian: mali ronac
Hungarian: kis bukó
German: Zwergsäger

SIZE: 36–44 cm
Wingspan: 55–69 cm
Weight: 400–650 g male, 500–800 g female
Life span: up to 20 years
Conservation status: /

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It spends winters in the vicinity of plain rivers and lakes in Serbia. It is a very impressive species, but especially the adult males. Smew has a black mask on the face and a specific “V” pattern on the back of the head. The wings are black with very noticeable white stripes.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Jarek Matusiak, XC618773. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Podiceps cristatus

English: Great crested grebe
Serbian: ćubasti gnjurac
Hungarian: búbos vöcsök
German: Haubentaucher

SIZE: 46–51 cm
Wingspan: 85–90 cm
Weight: 590–1500 g
Life span: up to 19 years
Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: Great crested grebe is the most common and largest grebe in Serbia, with a long neck and decorative feathers on its head during the nesting period. It inhabits all large stagnant waters, mostly in Vojvodina. It makes hidden or floating reed nests and feeds on fish.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Albert Noorlander, XC675492. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Vanellus vanellus

English: Northern lapwing
Serbian: vivak
Hungarian: bíbic
German: Kiebitz

SIZE: 28–31 cm
Wingspan: 82–87 cm
Weight: 140–320 g
Life span: 4–5 years

Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Near threatened (LR/NT)

Ecology of the species: This bird has a black and white body with an iridescent sheen of feathers, and it can be spotted easily in the open due to the long crest on its head. It inhabits wetlands and is distributed mostly throughout Vojvodina. It winters in southern and Western Europe. Northern lapwing is a common nesting bird in Serbia, especially north of the Sava River and the Danube. It is a loud bird that makes a siren-like sound, thus informing other birds of any approaching danger. It feeds on worms and insects.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Raphaël Bussière, XC683352. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Acrocephalus scirpaceus

English: Eurasian reed-warbler
Serbian: trstenjak cvrkutić
Hungarian: cserregő nádiposzáta
German: Teichrohrsänger

SIZE: 13 cm
Wingspan: 17–21 cm
Weight: 10–15 g
Life span: 1–5 years
Conservation status: /

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It is a very numerous reed bird in the plains and valleys of lowland rivers and lakes. It is inconspicuous in colour and skilled in camouflage. It feeds on insects and berries.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Giuseppe Speranza, XC679252. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos

English: Mallard
Serbian: divlja patka
Hungarian: tõkés réce
German: Stockente

SIZE: 51–62 cm
Wingspan: 81–98 cm
Weight: 750–1500 g
Life span: 10 years
Conservation status: Protected species in Serbia
IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It is the most common and most famous species of duck in Serbia. Males are recognizable by their green heads. It is found in all types of water habitats throughout the year, which nests in dense vegetation near water. It is a hunting species. It feeds on berries, insects, crabs, and seeds.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Jean Christophe Pratt , XC682788. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Ardea cinerea

English: Grey heron
Serbian: siva čaplja
Hungarian: szürke gém
German: Graureiher

SIZE: 90–98 cm
Wingspan: 175–200 cm
Weight: 1500–2000 g
Life span: 15–20 years
Conservation status: Protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: With an exceptional ability to adapt, it is the most common species of heron in Serbia. It is found in the plains and nests mainly in colonies, in the uppermost part of trees near water. This monogamous species is not shy and can be seen throughout the year. It feeds on small rodents, fish, and frogs.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Krzysztof Deoniziak, XC684336. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Gallinula chloropus

English: Common moorhen
Serbian: barska koka
Hungarian: vízityúk
German: Teichhuhn

SIZE: 32–35 cm
Wingspan: 50–55 cm
Weight: 250–400 g
Life span: 5 years

Conservation status: Protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It is common in ponds, lakes and wetlands, where it nests in dense coastal vegetation. It has a striking red bill and feeds on aquatic plants, snails, earthworms, insects, and small fish.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Geert Custers, XC663673. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Larus canus

English: Mew gull
Serbian: sivi galeb
Hungarian: viharsirály
German: Sturmmöwe

SIZE: 40–42 cm
Wingspan: 110–130 cm
Weight: 300–480 g
Life span: 10 years
Conservation status: Protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It can be seen in Serbia along large rivers, lakes and ponds, mainly during the winter months. Yet, It is also seen in the landfills, where it is looking for food. It is recognizable by its green legs and short bill. The main foods of these birds are insects, earthworms, fish carcasses, and garbage.

Nesting cycle: I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII

Credits: Lars Edenius, XC649319. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Larus michahellis

English: Yellow-legged gull
Serbian: morski galeb
Hungarian: sárgalábú sirály
German: Mittelmeermöwe

SIZE: 52–68 cm
Wingspan: 120–145 cm
Weight: 420–1600 g
Life span: 10 years

Conservation status: /

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: This species is present in Serbia in winter and during the migration periods. They are most numerous in the vicinity of large ponds and landfills. We can recognize them by the grey back and wings, yellow legs and bill that has a striking red spot, which has a striking red spot.

Vreme gnežđenja: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Luca Forneris, XC684148. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Remiz pendulinus

English: Eurasian penduline-tit
Serbian: senica vuga
Hungarian: függõcinege
German: Beutelmeise

SIZE: 10–11 cm
Wingspan: 16–17.5 cm
Weight: 8–12 g
Life span: 3–5 years
Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Near threatened (LR/NT)

Ecology of the species: They are regular migratory birds. Their winter grounds are in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. They are known for their hanging nests they weave on trees and shrubs in the coastal plains of rivers, lakes, and ponds. They feed on spiders, insects, and seeds.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Leander Khil, XC658279. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Bucephala clangula

English: Common goldeneye
Serbian: patka dupljašica
Hungarian: kerceréce
German: Schellente

SIZE: 42–50 cm
Wingspan: 65–80 cm
Weight: 650–1200 g
Life span: 18 years

Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

It spends winters in our region, but it can rarely be seen on stagnant waters. The majority of them inhabit the lower course of the Danube. The name comes from its golden-yellow button-like eye. The genus name is derived from the Ancient Greek boukephalos (“bullheaded”, from bous, “bull” and kephale, “head”), a reference to the bulbous head shape of the bufflehead. It is a shy bird, which nests in tree holes, and it is a very fast flyer. It feeds on larvae, insects, and small fish.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Hannu Varkki, XC681327. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Haliaeetus albicilla

English: White-tailed eagle
Serbian: orao belorepan
Hungarian: rétisas
German: Seeadler

SIZE: 66–94 cm
Wingspan: 178–245 cm
Weight: 4000–6900 g
Life span: 27 years
Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: This is the largest predatory bird in Serbia. An adult bird is a light brown with a striking white tail. It is present throughout the year and feeds on carcasses, birds, and mammals. The species was on the verge of extinction until a decade ago. Yet, the number of birds in the wild has increased significantly after the implementation of intensive protection measures. Its European population is stable nowadays.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Thomas Bergman, XC669934. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Larus melanocephalus

English: Mediterranean or relict gull
Serbian: crnoglavi galeb
Hungarian: szerecsensirály
German: Schwarzkopfmöwe

SIZE: 36–38 cm
Wingspan: 92–100 cm
Weight: 230–280 g
Life span: up to 22 years

Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: They are rare, and there are not many of them in Serbia with a permanent nesting site at Palic. This colonial species often form mixed colonies with river gulls. It is recognizable by its black head in adult birds and bright red bill, and it is the only species of seagull that does not have even a little bit of black colour on its wings. Its head is white with dark patterns in winter. It feeds on insects, carcasses, and fish.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Frank Lambert, XC657691. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Larus ridibundus

English: Black-headed gull
Serbian: običan galeb
Hungarian: dankasirály
German: Lachmöwe

SIZE: 34–37 cm
Wingspan: 100–110 cm
Weight: 200–400 g
Life span: up to 30 years
Conservation status: Protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It is recognizable by the dark brown color of the head during the summer, while it is white with two dark spots in winter. It is a colonial and the most numerous species of gulls in the plains of Serbia. It builds its nests on the ground in the dense vegetation. It gathers in large numbers searching for food, and they can be very loud. They are present throughout the year. They feed on insects, fish, carcasses, garbage, etc.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Jorge Leitão, XC685285. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Phalacrocorax carbo

English: Great cormorant
Serbian: veliki kormoran
Hungarian: kárókatona
German: Kormoran

SIZE: 77–94 cm
Wingspan: 121–149 cm
Weight: 2100–2500 g
Life span: 15–20 years
Conservation status: Protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It inhabits large water accumulations and lakes. It nests colonially in the coastal area on trees. It is a small numbered nesting bird in Serbia but it can be seen in larger numbers in winter. There is a sharp hook at the tip of their bill, which is adapted for fish catching. It feeds exclusively on fish.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Agris Celmins, XC646784. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Phalacrocorax pygmeus

English: Pygmy cormorant
Serbian: mali kormoran
Hungarian: kis kárókatona
German: Zwergscharbe

SIZE: 45–55 cm
Wingspan: 75–90 cm
Weight: 565–870 g
Life span: 15 years
Conservation status: /

IUCN red list status: Least concern (LR/LC)

Ecology of the species: It is a small numbered nesting bird in Serbia, nesting colonially on the banks of large plain rivers, water accumulations, ponds, and lakes. They make their nests in trees. A much larger number of them can be seen during the winter months. They have a distinctive long and oval tail, compared to their body size, and a small, short hooked bill. Their main food is fish.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Marco Dragonetti, XC296077. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org

Scientific name: Podiceps nigricollis

English: Black-necked or Colombian grebe
Serbian: crnovrati gnjurac
Hungarian: feketenyakú vöcsök
German: Schwarzhalstaucher

SIZE: 28–34 cm
Wingspan: 56–60 cm
Weight: 250–350 g
Life span: 7 years
Conservation status: Strictly protected species in Serbia

IUCN red list status: Near threatened (LR/NT)

Ecology of the species: It nests in dense vegetation in the coastal stagnant waters. It visits rivers and other water habitats when it is not nesting. It looks very much like an eared grebe. There are small but different details, such as the white tip of the bill. It feeds on insects, crabs, and small fish.

Nesting cycle: I  II  III  IV  V  VI  VII  VIII  IX  X  XI  XII

Credits: Peter Ward and Ken Hall, XC601775. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org