Birdwatching in the Circeo forest

The inclusion of the Forest of the Circe in the Reserves of the Biosphere of the UNESCO Programme M.a.B. (Man and Biosphere) shows how its plant and animal patrimony is important and unique: a treasure to protect. Just to mention few of some among the many interesting forest species for researchers and bird watchers alike is possible to see: The Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) which is notoriously difficult to see because of its mimetic plumage color. Here in the Circeo Park can usually be observed mainly at woodland edges at dusk during spring or summer while ‘roding’.

The woodpigeon (Columba Palumbus) is a large, good looking wild pigeon which from time to time is seen in large flocks becoming a picturesque element in the local landscape of the Circeo. When undisturbed, is a regular visitor of large, wooded gardens and parks. During the summertime, its dreamy, cooing song is one of the typical sounds of the Circeo forest.

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Another peaceful inhabitant of the Circeo forest’s edges is the Stock Dove (Columba oenas), which is slightly smaller than the Woodpigeon. It regularly mixes with larger flock of Woodpigeons, but it is seen more often in more domestic settings as large gardens and parklands than its cousin. Other columbiformes seen often are the turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur), with its beautiful bleu-grey midwings and barred black and white neck patches. Birders can also see frequently the Cuckoo Cuculo (Cuculus Canorus),

the green woodpecker (Picus viridis), easily recognizable for its deep undulating flight with sudden burst of fast wing beats. Its loud calls are a good element to identify its territory, preferring the Circeo Park broadleaved and mixed woodland and spots with heath-like places with bushes and clumps of trees. Its two beautiful cousins the Great spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos minor ), are also frequently seen in the Circeo forest, but a careful observation is required to be sure of their identification due the similarity and the overlapping of their territories.

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