Another visit to an area of ricefields bordering the Arade estuary, which goes by the rather long title of Arrozal da Nossa Senhora do Rosario. A drive down a short lane leads to the ricefields where today, there were more birds around than I have seen on any past visit. In particular, the last field now holds around 100 Glossy Ibis. Also in that field were Spoonbills, Grey Heron, Little Egret, White Storks, 20 Common Snipe and a Green Sandpiper. SCALY-BREASTED MUNIA. One reason I have visited this place on several occasions, has been in the hope of seeeing one of Portugal's introduced species - the Scaly-breasted Munia. Until a couple of years ago, I was unaware of this bird's existence in Portugal. More recently and thanks to the local Portuguese birders, I have finally tracked down this small finch in one of its isolated strongholds. Keeping an eye on the Waxbills moving around, I noticed a brown looking bird, perched on a reed stem, with a typical finch-like bill. I quickly concluded this was likely to be a female Munia. In the bushes to the side of the track, there was a flock of House Sparrows and it was with them that I found the male Munias, almost in company with the sparrows. The male bird is a typical bright finch with chestnut coloured head and the 'scaly' pattern to the breast feathers make it quite an impressive little find - I was really delighted! Two males together. View of the back and short rounded tail. One of the many Waxbills seen here. Purple Swamphen can be found here - 5 were seen or heard today. In all, I found five Scaly-breasted Munias and had the opportunity to see males, females and juvenile bird.
2 Great-spotted Woodpeckers were constantly hammering in the trees. Blackcaps, a Cetti's Warbler and 2 Bluethroats were in the margins. An excellent birding venue.
Alan Cripps
1/2/2019 04:18:24 pm
Hi Nigel, could you give details of directions to this bird from Alvor. Its an accepted Cat C bird now and I'd very much like to see one. Thanks in advance. Comments are closed.
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