- Fulica atra
Identification
A common and widespread bird in the Western Palearctic breeding from the British Isles and Iberia east to Russia and from southern parts of Norway, Sweden and Finland south to the Mediterranean. Also breeds on the Balearics, Corsica and Sardinia, Sicily and Cyprus. A very local breeder in North-West Africa and the Nile Delta, in Turkey and the Middle East, has bred in the Canary Islands.
Populations in the north and east are migratory, the remainder are resident, dispersive or partially migratory. More widespread in southern parts of the region in winter. Regular winter visitor to the Azores (has bred) and the Canary Islands.
Vagrant north to Svalbard, Iceland (has bred) and the Faroes.
Habitat Breeds on lakes and large ponds, frequently on reservoirs, gravel-pits and ponds in urban parks and also slow-flowing rivers. In winter often moves to larger; more open waterbodies, estuaries and on occasion, the sea. Not shy and frequently feeds in fields.
Bird Song
<flashmp3>Fulica atra (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
