List of birds of Gibraltar-Cedar Herald Index

This is a list of the bird species recorded in Gibraltar. The avifauna of Gibraltar include a total of 329 species, of which 2 have been introduced by humans. 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, 2022 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.

List of birds of Gibraltar

The following tags have been used to highlight categories. The commonly occurring native species do not fall into any of these categories.

List of birds of Gibraltar

(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 (Ext) Extirpated – a species which no longer occurs in Gibraltar, but other populations still exist elsewhere

List of birds of Gibraltar

Ducks, geese, and waterfowl

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.

Graylag goose, Anser anser (A) Common shelduck, Tadorna tadorna (A) Garganey, Spatula querquedula (A) Gadwall, Mareca strepera (A) Eurasian wigeon, Mareca penelope (A) Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos (A) Northern pintail, Anas acuta (A) Green-winged teal, Anas crecca (A) Tufted duck, Aythya fuligula (A) Greater scaup, Aythya marila (A) Common eider, Somateria mollissima (A) Common scoter, Melanitta nigra (A) Red-breasted merganser, Mergus serrator (A)

Pheasants, grouse, and allies

Order: GalliformesFamily: Phasianidae

The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings.

Ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus (A) Common quail, Coturnix coturnix (A) Barbary partridge, Alectoris barbara Red-legged partridge, Alectoris rufa

Flamingos

Order: PhoenicopteriformesFamily: Phoenicopteridae

Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 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.

Greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus (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.

Little grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis (A) Great crested grebe, Podiceps cristatus Eared grebe, Podiceps nigricollis (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.

Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I) Stock dove, Columba oenas (A) Common wood-pigeon, Columba palumbus (A) European turtle-dove, Streptopelia turtur Eurasian collared-dove, Streptopelia decaocto

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.

Pin-tailed sandgrouse, Pterocles alchata (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.

Great bustard, Otis tarda (A)