Sicilian birds of prey have always been a family interest
My uncle took over the care of my grandfather’s hawks a few years ago.
Sicily hosts diverse birds of prey, including iconic species like the Bonelli's Eagle, Italy's largest Lanner Falcon population, and the endangered Egyptian Vulture, alongside migratory raptors like the Honey Buzzard and Black Kite, with hotspots for watching on Mount Etna and coastal reserves, offering chances to see Golden Eagles, various Harriers, Falcons (Kestrels, Peregrines, Red-footed), Buzzards, and Owls.
Key Resident & Breeding Species:
Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata): A key species, with about 30 breeding pairs, making Sicily important for its survival.
Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus): Sicily holds Europe's largest population (100-120 pairs).
Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus): Critically endangered, with only a few pairs left, making conservation vital.
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos): Found in mountainous areas like the Madonie Park.
Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus): Now established, wintering and migrating over Etna.
Common Migrants & Visitors:
Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus): Huge numbers pass over during spring migration.
Black Kite (Milvus migrans): Frequently seen, especially with its forked tail.
Marsh Harrier & Montagu's Harrier (Circus aeruginosus, C. macrorous): Common sightings.
Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus): Migrates in large flocks.
Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus): Migrates through, especially around Etna.
Where to Watch:
Mount Etna: A raptor migration hotspot, great for spotting eagles, kites, and falcons.
Stretto di Messina (Strait of Messina): Key migration corridor for falcons and buzzards.
Coastal Wetlands: Saline di Priolo, Vendicari, and Zingaro Nature Reserve offer diverse sightings.
Conservation:
Illegal nest raiding for falconry threatened species like Bonelli's Eagle and Egyptian Vulture, but conservation efforts have helped stabilize populations.
Sicily hosts diverse birds of prey, including iconic species like the Bonelli's Eagle, Italy's largest Lanner Falcon population, and the endangered Egyptian Vulture, alongside migratory raptors like the Honey Buzzard and Black Kite, with hotspots for watching on Mount Etna and coastal reserves, offering chances to see Golden Eagles, various Harriers, Falcons (Kestrels, Peregrines, Red-footed), Buzzards, and Owls.
Key Resident & Breeding Species:
Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata): A key species, with about 30 breeding pairs, making Sicily important for its survival.
Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus): Sicily holds Europe's largest population (100-120 pairs).
Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus): Critically endangered, with only a few pairs left, making conservation vital.
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos): Found in mountainous areas like the Madonie Park.
Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus): Now established, wintering and migrating over Etna.
Common Migrants & Visitors:
Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus): Huge numbers pass over during spring migration.
Black Kite (Milvus migrans): Frequently seen, especially with its forked tail.
Marsh Harrier & Montagu's Harrier (Circus aeruginosus, C. macrorous): Common sightings.
Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus): Migrates in large flocks.
Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus): Migrates through, especially around Etna.
Where to Watch:
Mount Etna: A raptor migration hotspot, great for spotting eagles, kites, and falcons.
Stretto di Messina (Strait of Messina): Key migration corridor for falcons and buzzards.
Coastal Wetlands: Saline di Priolo, Vendicari, and Zingaro Nature Reserve offer diverse sightings.
Conservation:
Illegal nest raiding for falconry threatened species like Bonelli's Eagle and Egyptian Vulture, but conservation efforts have helped stabilize populations.
26-30, F
