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Overview
Only recently has Khios joined the ever-growing list of eastern Mediterranean birding destinations despite its proximity to the Turkish coast and the popularity of Lesvos further north. Khios is relatively well-known ornithologically, not through birdwatchers but rather from hunting and trapping and more than 210 species have been recorded.
Like the neighbouring islands much of the interest lies in the many migrant species but there are also exciting breeding species.
Birds
Notable Species
One of the species that draws most attention is Cinereous Bunting, an extremely local breeding species in Europe found only Khios and Lesvos. Other east Mediterranean specialities include Masked Shrike, Cretzschmar's Bunting, Orphean Warbler and Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin. Rock Sparrow and Ortolan Bunting also breed and Eleonora's Falcon nests on islets off the south coast.
Passage birds regularly recorded here include European Bee-eater and European Roller, Spanish Sparrow and Collared Flycatcher, shrikes and warblers. Thrush Nightingale is common, Rose-coloured Starling is an irregular but frequent migrant.
Wetlands are scarce but the few that survive attract waders and herons on passage and in winter. Kontari, close to the airport, has crakes in autumn and Great Snipe and Jack Snipe in winter. Volissos is a river valley in the north-west with similar species.
Rarities
Rarities recorded in recent years have included several Turkish specialities such as Pied Kingfisher and White-breasted Kingfisher and Red-fronted Serin. Vagrants from further afield have included White's Thrush, Pine Bunting and Rustic Bunting.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Scopoli's Shearwater, Ruddy Shelduck, Red-footed Falcon, Eleonora's Falcon, Yellow-legged Gull, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Thrush Nightingale, Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin, Orphean Warbler, Collared Flycatcher, Red-backed Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Masked Shrike, Rose-coloured Starling, House Sparrow, Spanish Sparrow, Rock Sparrow, Cinereous Bunting, Ortolan Bunting, Cretzschmar's Bunting, Black-headed Bunting, Corn Bunting
Other Wildlife
To do
Site Information
History and Use
To do
Areas of Interest
The best areas for migrant passerines are the Dotia and Gridia headlands in the south but these are also popular with hunters.
Access and Facilities
Khios is easily reached by air from Athens and there are charter flights from many major European cities. Tourist accommodation is plentiful and varied, although a package tour is an ideal and inexpensive way to explore this island.
Contact Details
To do
External Links
Content and images originally posted by Steve
