Despite the locals enjoying the delicacy of sparrow in a red wine sauce, served on a bed of pasta, Corfu enjoys a plethora of bird life. It is said that the birds do keep a low profile for fear of ending up in the cooking pot, but that does not stop the island enjoying a diverse variety of both resident and migratory species.
Great White Heron
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There are some 140 species of bird known to the island, and during the autumn and spring time you may expect to see between 80 and 90 species in different areas. The Pantokrator Mountain, just a short drive from Arillas, is particularly rich in birdlife during these times.
Species vary from common to very unusual, from Robins House Sparrow and Thrush, to Goldfinches, Warblers, Jays, Cirl Buntings, Black Redstarts, Golden Oriole and even Hoopoe. In the spring the Swallows (including red-rumped),
Barn Owl
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Swifts and House Martins are abundant. You can also expect to see a wide variety of raptors, including Honey Buzzards, Eagles, Kites, Kestrals and Falcons, not forgetting the tiny Scops Owls and also Barn Owls that, far from being rare here are commonplace.
Whilst we do not offer organised bird watching activities we can recommend Corfu as a destination for ornithologists. We are happy to assist in arranging car hire and directions to some of the recommended bird watching sites and recommend you bring your camera and binoculars.
The photos on this page are just a few examples of the birds you might expect to find on the island of Corfu. |
Blackcap
Buzzard
Cormorant
Swallow