Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands in Greece and is located off the southwestern coast of Turkey. The island has a diverse landscape, including beaches, forests, valleys, and mountains up to 1,200 meters high. This varied habitat supports a wide variety of birds, including numerous birds of prey.
Some key questions about birds of prey in Rhodes include:
- What species of raptors are found on Rhodes?
- Which birds of prey are residents, and which are migrants?
- In what habitats can each species be found?
- What is the conservation status for Rhodes’ birds of prey?
This article will provide an overview of the major birds of prey found on Rhodes, including information on identification, status, habitat preferences, and conservation. Understanding the island’s raptors provides insights into the health of its ecosystems.
Major Species
Over 15 species of diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey have been recorded on Rhodes. The most common raptors include:
European Honey Buzzard
The European honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus) is a summer migrant seen from May to September. It gets its name from its appetite for wasp larvae and combs. These buzzards soar over forests and meadows searching for wasp and bee nests. They are large, broad-winged raptors with brown upperparts and pale underparts. Honey buzzards have a small head protruding above rounded wings in flight.
Black Kite
The black kite (Milvus migrans) is a year-round resident on Rhodes, although their numbers increase substantially during spring and autumn migration. They are medium-sized raptors with dark brown plumage, a forked tail, and angled wings. Black kites often soar and glide while hunting small animals, fish, and carrion. They are a common sight over villages, towns, and agricultural areas across the island.
Common Buzzard
The common buzzard (Buteo buteo) is another year-round resident and the most common large raptor on Rhodes. These chunky hawks have broad, rounded wings and short, fanned tails. Plumage is quite variable, but most are brown above with a pale underside and have a dark belly band. Common buzzards occupy a range of habitats from forests to agricultural landscapes.
Booted Eagle
Two species of bootied eagle occur regularly on Rhodes. The commoner is the pale morph Lesser Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina). It is a spring and autumn migrant, moving between Europe and Africa. Booted eagles are mid-sized raptors with distinctive feathering on their legs that gives the appearance of boots. They have long, broad wings and are agile flyers. Lesser spotted eagles favor woodland habitats.
Also occurring is the rarer Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga), which passes over Rhodes in small numbers during migration. It is a large, dark brown eagle with heavy set wings and a white “V” on the rump.
Eleonora’s Falcon
Eleonora’s falcon (Falco eleonorae) is a specialist raptor that breeds on rocky coastal cliffs and small islets around Rhodes. They winter in Madagascar but arrive in April and stay until October. These sleek falcons have pointed wings and long tails. They come in two color morphs – dark and pale. Eleonora’s falcons feed mainly on migratory birds caught on the wing.
Eurasian Hobby
The Eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo) is a small, agile falcon that breeds in Rhodes then migrates to Africa each winter. They hunt dragonflies, swifts, and swallows in rapid aerial pursuits. Hobbies have slim bodies, long pointed wings, and a distinctive facial pattern with black sideburns. They nest in old crow or bird of prey nests, mainly in forested areas.
Little Owl
The little owl (Athene noctua) is a year-round resident found across Rhodes. As their name suggests, they are small, stocky owls about 21 cm tall. Their plumage is cryptically marked with streaks, spots, and bars in brown, buff, and grey. Little owls are nocturnal and use abandoned buildings or holes in trees for roosting and nesting. They hunt insects, small mammals, and birds.
Status and Distribution
The status and distribution of Rhodes’ major raptors can be summarized as follows:
Resident Species
Black kite, common buzzard, and little owl are widespread year-round residents that breed on Rhodes. They occupy a range of habitats from semi-deserts to forests. Populations are considered stable.
Summer Migrants
European honey buzzard and Eurasian hobby nest on Rhodes during the summer months. Honey buzzards are most numerous in the dense forests of the interior mountains. Hobbies favor lowland wooded areas. Both species migrate to Africa for the winter.
Passage Migrants
The booted eagles, especially lesser spotted eagle, pass over Rhodes in substantial numbers during spring and autumn migration between Europe and Africa. They can be seen island-wide but avoid higher mountains. Eleonora’s falcons also migrate through and breed on coastal areas.
Rare Vagrants
Other birds of prey are observed occasionally on Rhodes but do not breed. These include osprey, pallid harrier, Montagu’s harrier, and red-footed falcon. Their appearances are considered rare vagrants or wanderers off their normal migration routes.
Habitats
The major habitats used by Rhodes’ raptors include:
Cliffs and Crags
Eleonora’s falcons nest on rocky coastal cliffs and islets. Common kestrels also utilize sea cliffs and rocky outcrops inland. These open, elevated sites provide secure nesting spots safe from most predators.
Forests
The island’s forests support European honey buzzards, short-toed snake eagles, common buzzards, Eurasian sparrowhawks, and hobby falcons during breeding season. Woodlands provide nesting sites and abundant prey like small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Agricultural Areas
Black kites, common buzzards, and kestrels forage in the mosaic of small fields, meadows, pastures, and villages across the agricultural parts of Rhodes. These raptors find prey like voles, lizards, frogs, and large insects.
Wetlands
The marshes, rivers, and lakes of Rhodes attract hunting marsh harriers, lesser spotted eagles, and migrating ospreys. Wetlands hold large populations of waterbirds, fish, frogs, and rodents for the raptors to prey on.
Urban Areas
Several raptor species have adapted to Rhodes’ villages, towns, and resorts. Little owls nest in buildings and hunt around streetlights. Peregrine falcons breed on tall structures and feed on pigeons. Kestrels also occasionally nest in buildings.
Conservation
Most of Rhodes’ raptors have stable populations, but some species face conservation threats:
- Eleonora’s falcons suffer from disturbance at breeding colonies and hunting on migration.
- The small population of Bonelli’s eagles is threatened by habitat loss, illegal shooting, and nest robbing.
- Marsh harriers declined from wetland drainage but are recovering following habitat protection.
- The Egyptian vulture has experienced severe declines across its range including on Rhodes.
Key conservation actions on Rhodes include:
- Protecting birds of prey from illegal shooting and nest disturbance.
- Safeguarding key habitats like wetlands, cliffs, and forests.
- Monitoring threatened species to inform management.
- Sustainable development around raptor nesting and roosting areas.
With targeted conservation, the future outlook remains positive for most of Rhodes’ magnificent birds of prey. Their presence reflects the health of the island’s wildlife and ecosystems. Understanding and protecting these top predators is vital for maintaining Rhodes’ natural heritage.
Conclusion
Rhodes has an impressive diversity of raptors, ranging from majestic eagles and buzzards to nimble falcons and owls. These birds of prey occupy a variety of habitats across the island, from rocky coasts to dense forests. Several species breed on Rhodes while others pass over more briefly during migrations. A few raptors like the black kite and little owl are year-round residents.
While populations of most species appear stable, targeted conservation efforts are needed for rarer raptors like the Bonelli’s eagle and Egyptian vulture. Protecting birds of prey requires maintaining the health of Rhodes’ diverse ecosystems through habitat protection and sustainable development. As top predators, these regal birds serve as barometers of environmental quality while also helping control prey numbers. Continued research and monitoring of Rhodes’ raptors will be key to ensuring their future while providing insights into conserving the island’s wildlife. With active management informed by science, the skies over Rhodes will continue to be graced by these masters of the air.
