10,000 Birds

APRIL 26, 2024

The first birds return from their wintering grounds in Madagascar in mid April, so the birds we saw had only just arrived. They are very late breeders, as they feed their young on autumn migrants which they generally intercept out to sea. One September I watched a pack of seven Eleonora’s hunting a juvenile Swift.

Cyprus 168

Cyprus Breeders Falcons Hunters 168

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 21, 2011

But it also occurs in the Indian Ocean, from Aldabra near Madagascar to Western Australia. The species breeds on an extraordinary number of islands, and has a worldwide population of perhaps over five million birds, and this is in spite of declines to due hunting, persecution and introduced species.

Albatross 171

Albatross Madagascar Breeders Mexico 171

10,000 Birds

MAY 8, 2012

Its range also extends to nearby Madagascar. The African Openbill also has a similar Africa-wide distribution (barring most of South and North Africa) as the previous four species and partakes long distance movements (usually triggered by rainfall) through the continent and to Madagascar.

Africa 241

Africa Tanzania South Africa Uganda 241