Wildfowl and Gamebirds

Portugal trip, 14th April to 1st May 2006

Systematic List
Part I: Wildfowl & Gamebirds

Note: All dates refer to April 2006 except where specified.
Species in pink are likely to be of most interest to British birders

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GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser (Ganso-comum)

Only domestic birds seen, several locations.
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DARK-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE Branta (bernicla) bernicla (Ganso-de-faces-negras)

Two at Lagne de Óbidos on 18th in the company of a single Pale-bellied Brent Goose. Brent Goose is apparently a national rarity in Portugal.
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PALE-BELLIED BRENT GOOSE Branta (bernicla) hrota (Ganso-de-faces-negras)

One at Lagne de Óbidos on 18th in the company of a 2 Dark-bellied Brent Geese. Brent Goose is apparently a national rarity in Portugal.


Dark-bellied (left) and Pale-bellied (right) Brent Geese, Lagne de Óbidos, 18th April
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SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna (Pato-branco)

A pair at Castro Marim on each of 26th, 27th, 28th and 30th.
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MUSCOVY DUCK Cairina moschata (Pato-do-mato)

Up to 8 domestic birds at 4 locations (Tomar, Óbidos, Mértola and west of Mértola).
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GADWALL Anas strepera (Frisada)

Small numbers seen at several locations, mainly in the Algarve but also 2 east of Mourão (in Spain).
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MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos (Pato-real)

Common just about everywhere.
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RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina (Pato-de-bico-vermelho)

All in the Algarve with 1 near Ludo, 12 at Quinta do Lago and 2 at Montenegro ETAR waterworks on 15th, 2 females plus 8 ducklings at Castro Marim on 26th, 3 including 2 drakes at Castro Marim on 27th and 1 there on 30th.


Red-crested Pochards, Quinta do Lago, 15th April
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POCHARD Aythya ferina (Zarro-comum)

All in the Algarve with 2 near Ludo and 10 at Quinta do Lago on 15th and 2 at Castro Marim on 26th.


Pochard, Quinta do Lago, 15th April
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RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa (Perdiz-comum)

Common in most places.


Red-legged Partridges, north of Santa Catarina, 16th April


Red-legged Partridge, Pancas, 19th April



Red-legged Partridges, between Mértola and Castro Verde, 25th April
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QUAIL Coturnix coturnix (Codorniz)

Near Lisbon, up to 5 heard calling at Ponta da Erva on 19th and 20th. Common in the Alentejo with small numbers heard at several sites. Across the border in Spain, east of Mourão, up to 7 heard on 21st, 22nd and 23rd with 1 seen on the latter date. Finally 2 heard at Santa Maria and at Castro Marim on 28th.
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Click here to go on to Part II of the systematic list: Grebes to Flamingo

Part II: Grebes to Flamingo
Part III: Raptors to Bustards
Part IV: Shorebirds
Part V: Other non-passerines
Part VI: Passerines
Part VII: Other non-avian wildlife

Or to return to the overview of the regions visited, including very brief details of the main birding sites:

Algarve I - 14th to 16th April
Lisbon - 16th to 21st April
Alentejo - 21st to 26th April
Algarve II - 26th April to 1st May