Wanted to see!

I've seen but never heard these birds in Switzerland. The sections labelled Where to observe refer to the excellent book, obviously in German, Vögel Beobachten in der Schweiz von Schweizer et al (e.g. buy here). Excluded are birds that are seldom seen here, such as vagrants and rare migrants. A total of 16 species is included.

Habitat: unknown:

Western subalpine warbler / Westliche Weissbart-Grasmücke (Curruca iberiae)

Description

General:

The western subalpine warbler (Curruca iberiae) is a small typical warbler which breeds in the southernmost areas of Europe and north-western Africa. [more]

Vocalisation

Song: No details but a Xeno-Canto recording.
Song attributes: Frequency:
♫ 2025-06-07 11:09:00 Switzerland (song)

Details Wikipedia Vogelwarte BirdLife ZH ornitho.ch Xeno-Canto NABU YouTube

Cetti's warbler / Seidensänger (Cettia cetti)

Description

Classification: Genus Cettia (Cettia); Subfamily Acrocephalinae (Acrocephalinae); Family Old world warblers (Sylviidae)

Cetti's warbler /ˈtʃɛti/ (Cettia cetti) is a small, brown bush-warbler which breeds in southern and central Europe, northwest Africa and the east Palearctic as far as Afghanistan and northwest Pakistan. The sexes are alike. The bird is named after the 18th century Italian zoologist, Francesco Cetti. This species is very difficult to see because of its skulking habits.^[2] [more]

Seasonal behavior

Year-round bird
Breeding: 04-20 - 08-09
Migration in: 03-12 - 05-01
Migration out: 08-18 - 11-15

More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=13 cm, wingspan=15-19 cm, weight=9-17 g

Vocalisation

Song: No details but a Xeno-Canto recording.
Song:

Song diagnostic, and readily given throughout the year. Phrases last from 2 - 5 seconds, consisting of a few loud, clear and rapid glissandi, given in approximately same register. E.g. "cetti cetti cetti", usually with a few introductory notes, and some variation to the phrase. Overall a very explosive, and with a staccato rhythm. [Link] Song attributes: Frequency:
♫ 2022-04-12 14:07:40 (song)

Details Wikipedia Vogelwarte BirdLife ZH ornitho.ch Xeno-Canto BirdID NABU YouTube

Habitat: Wetland:

Eurasian penduline-tit / Beutelmeise (Remiz pendulinus)

Also known as: Eurasian penduline tit

Description

Classification: Genus Remiz (Remiz); Family Titmice (Paridae)
vulnerable General: Deutschland: Brut-, Zugvogel
Seasonal Behavior:

Regelmässiger Durchzügler [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Presence: 03-12 - 11-15
Breeding: 05-01 - 07-10
Migration in: 03-12 - 05-10
Migration out: 07-20 - 11-15

More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=11 cm, wingspan=16-17 cm, weight=8-10 g
Habitats: Wetland

Vocalisation

Song: Nabu: In den Gesang werden viele Pausen, Triller und Rufe eingebaut. [Link]
Song attributes: Melody: sings 5-19 seconds, fast, Frequency: 1-8 KHz
Calls:

Call a sharp clear high pitched whistle "pju-eee-uu", with the middle part accented and with a raised pitch Or just an all descending whistle "pjuuuuuuu". [Link] 1: No details but a Xeno-Canto recording.
XC760787 - Eurasian Penduline Tit - Remiz pendulinus - call, one-second swoop, one-second pause.

♫ (call)

2: No details but a Xeno-Canto recording. - but really OWN_VIA_ZOOM
Beutelmeise Bettelrufe sind etwa am 5kHz und höher, im Vordergrund singt ein Amsel viel tiefer.

♫ 2026-05-14 19:19:54

Source: Zoom H2n Switzerland (begging call)

Call attributes: song Frequency: ,
Details Wikipedia Vogelwarte BirdLife ZH ornitho.ch Xeno-Canto BirdID NABU YouTube

Where to observe

20 Klingnauer Stausee S. 126 Migrant. 24 Chamoson — Leytron S. 148 Migrant. 25 Leuk S. 153 Migrant. 28 Wauwiler Ebene S. 171 Migrant. 29 Flachsee und Stille Reuss S. 178 Migrant. 33 Zürich Chatzenseen S. 202 Migrant. 34 Neeracherried S. 208 Migrant. 36 Greifensee S. 222 Migrant. 37 Oberer Pfäffikersee S. 229 Migrant. 38 Rapperswil-Jona und Frauenwinkel S. 236 Migrant. 39 Nuoler Ried S. 243 Migrant. 40 Kaltbrunner Riet S. 250 Migrant. 43 Ermatinger Becken S. 267 Migrant. 47 Bannriet und Spitzmäder S. 287 Migrant. 48 Bolle di Magadino S. 299 Migrant. 9 Fanel/Chablais de Cudrefin und La Sauge S. 72 Migrant.

Bearded reedling / Bartmeise (Panurus biarmicus)

Description

Classification: Genus Panurus (Panurus); Family Old world warblers (Sylviidae)
General:

The bearded reedling (Panurus biarmicus) is a small, sexually dimorphic reed-bed passerine bird. It is frequently known as the bearded tit, due to some similarities to the long-tailed tit, or the bearded parrotbill. It is the only species in the family Panuridae. [more]
Deutschland: Brut-, Jahres-, Zugvogel
Vocalization:

More often heard than seen. [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Year-round bird
Breeding: 03-12 - 08-09

More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=12 cm, wingspan=16-18 cm, weight=12-18 g
Habitats: Wetland

Vocalisation

Song: No details but a Xeno-Canto recording.
Song:

Song a primitive, 3-syllable phrase, consisting of contact call-like sounds. [Link] Song attributes: Frequency:
♫ 2024-09-14 09:21:00 Fanel/Chablais de Cudrefin und La Sauge (call)

Calls:

Usually identified by contact call; a ringing, explosive "tschin" with a characteristic "dirty" timbre. Also a hard and very short "pit", often mixed with the previous. [Link] Chirping
XC765306 - Bearded Reedling - Panurus biarmicus - two types of calls, one-note and two-note.

♫ (song)

Call attributes: Melody: simple rhythmic, fast, Frequency: 3-7 KHz
Details Wikipedia Vogelwarte BirdLife ZH ornitho.ch bird-song.ch Xeno-Canto BirdID NABU YouTube

Where to observe

20 Klingnauer Stausee S. 126 year-round. 34 Neeracherried S. 208 year-round. 36 Greifensee S. 222 year-round. 37 Oberer Pfäffikersee S. 229 Migrant. 43 Ermatinger Becken S. 267 year-round. 9 Fanel/Chablais de Cudrefin und La Sauge S. 72 year-round.

Great bittern / Rohrdommel (Botaurus stellaris)

Alternate classification: Ardea stellaris

Also known as: Eurasian bittern

Description

Classification: Genus Brown bitterns (Botaurus); Family Herons (Ardeidae)
General:

The Eurasian bittern or great bittern (Botaurus stellaris) is a wading bird in the bittern subfamily (Botaurinae) of the heron family Ardeidae. There are two subspecies, the northern race (B. s. stellaris) breeding in parts of Europe and across the Palearctic, as well as on the northern coast of Africa, while the southern race (B. s. capensis) is endemic to parts of southern Africa. It is a secretive bird, seldom seen in the open as it prefers to skulk in reed beds and thick vegetation near water bodies. Its presence is apparent in the spring, when the booming call of the male during the breeding season can be heard. It feeds on fish, small mammals, fledgling birds, amphibians, crustaceans and insects. [more]
Deutschland: Brut-, Jahres-, Zugvogel, Wintergast RL 2
Etymology:

[13] Most of these were onomatopoeic colloquial names for the bird; the call was described as "bumping"[14] or "booming". [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Year-round bird
Migration in: 02-01 - 05-10
Migration out: 08-09 - 12-31

More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=70-80 cm, wingspan=125-135 cm, weight=867-1940 g
Habitats: Wetland

Vocalisation

Calls:

Flight call a deep croaking "graat". [Link] A little buzz/beep that sounds more like an appliance or app.
Call attributes: Call melody: non-musical, slow, Frequency: low (1-3 KHz),
Details Wikipedia Vogelwarte BirdLife ZH ornitho.ch Xeno-Canto BirdID NABU YouTube

Where to observe

20 Klingnauer Stausee S. 126 Winter guest. 28 Wauwiler Ebene S. 171 Migrant, Winter guest. 29 Flachsee und Stille Reuss S. 178 Winter guest. 33 Zürich Chatzenseen S. 202 Winter guest. 36 Greifensee S. 222 Winter guest. 37 Oberer Pfäffikersee S. 229 Migrant, Winter guest. 38 Rapperswil-Jona und Frauenwinkel S. 236 Migrant, Winter guest. 40 Kaltbrunner Riet S. 250 Winter guest. 43 Ermatinger Becken S. 267 Winter guest. 48 Bolle di Magadino S. 299 Winter guest. 49 Magadinoebene S. 300 Winter guest. 9 Fanel/Chablais de Cudrefin und La Sauge S. 72 Migrant, Winter guest.

Savi's warbler / Rohrschwirl (Locustella luscinioides)

Alternate classification: Locustella luscinoides

Description

Classification: Genus Locustella (Locustella); Family Locustellidae (Locustellidae)
General:

Savi's warbler (Locustella luscinioides) is a species of Old World warbler in the grass warbler genus Locustella. It breeds in Europe and the western Palearctic. It is migratory, wintering in northern and sub-Saharan Africa. [more]
Deutschland: Brut-, Zugvogel

Seasonal behavior

Presence: 04-01 - 08-29
Breeding: 05-01 - 08-09
Migration in: 04-01 - 05-31
Migration out: 07-29 - 08-29

More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=14 cm, wingspan=18-21 cm, weight=14-16 g
Habitats: Wetland

Similar species

Song or calls similar to: Common grasshopper warbler, Nightjar.

Vocalisation

Song: Endless buzzing like an insect or machinery. Lower tone than Feldschwirl.
Song:

Gesang ähnlich obiger Art [Feldschwirl]. Tiefere Tonlage, höhere Frequenz. Strophen meist kürzer [Link]

Song insect-like and high-pitched. A monotonous stream of even clicks similar to the whirring of a sewing machine. Song most similar to Grasshopper Warbler but faster (each click hard to distinguish), and lower pitched with less, ringing quality, due to less prominent high frequencies. At closer range a Robin-like, accelerating ticking is heard, introducing the actual song. [Link] Song attributes: Melody: simple rhythmic, fast, Frequency: 3-5 KHz
♫ (song)

Details Wikipedia Vogelwarte BirdLife ZH ornitho.ch bird-song.ch Xeno-Canto BirdID NABU YouTube

Where to observe

20 Klingnauer Stausee S. 126 Migrant, Breeder. 28 Wauwiler Ebene S. 171 Migrant, Breeder. 29 Flachsee und Stille Reuss S. 178 Migrant, Breeder. 33 Zürich Chatzenseen S. 202 Breeder. 34 Neeracherried S. 208 Migrant, Breeder. 36 Greifensee S. 222 Migrant, Breeder. 37 Oberer Pfäffikersee S. 229 Breeder. 38 Rapperswil-Jona und Frauenwinkel S. 236 Breeder. 39 Nuoler Ried S. 243 Migrant, Breeder. 40 Kaltbrunner Riet S. 250 Migrant, Breeder. 48 Bolle di Magadino S. 299 Migrant, Breeder. 9 Fanel/Chablais de Cudrefin und La Sauge S. 72 Migrant, Breeder.

Habitat: Forest:

Western bonelli's warbler / Berglaubsänger (Phylloscopus bonelli)

Description

Classification: Genus Phylloscopus (Phylloscopus); Family Phylloscopidae (Phylloscopidae)
General: Roman von Sury likes them, but notes that their habitat is increasingly disappearing in Switzerland.
General: Deutschland: Brut-, Zugvogel

Seasonal behavior

Presence: 04-11 - 09-17
Breeding: 05-01 - 07-20
Migration in: 04-11 - 06-09
Migration out: 07-20 - 09-17

More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Habitats: Forest

Vocalisation

Song: Single note repeated 6 or 8 times quickly in half a second
Song:

Reihe(5-10) von gleichhohen Schlägen, ähnlich dem Schwirren der obigen Art [Waldlaubsänger], aber langsamer, einzelne Töne deutlich getrennt, etwas scheppernd. Kann mit Klappergrasmücke verwechselt werden) [Link] Song attributes: Melody: one note, fast, Frequency: 3-7 KHz
♫ (song)

Details Wikipedia Vogelwarte BirdLife ZH ornitho.ch bird-song.ch Xeno-Canto BirdID NABU YouTube
♫ 2020-06-08 16:34:39 Sils (song?)

♫ 2020-06-11 15:33:53 Sils (song?)

Where to observe

24 Chamoson — Leytron S. 148 Migrant, Breeder. 25 Leuk S. 153 Migrant, Breeder. 26 Aletsch S. 160 Migrant, Breeder. 27 Sörenberg: Salwideli S. 166 Migrant. 30 Urserental und Furkapass S. 185 Migrant, Breeder. 31 Reussdelta S. 191 Migrant. 46 Obertoggenburg S. 281 Breeder. 50 Val Piora: Ritomsee S. 305 Migrant, Breeder. 53 Bündner Herrschaft Malans S. 320 Migrant, Breeder. 54 Maloja S. 326 Migrant, Breeder. 55 Stazerwald S. 331 Migrant, Breeder. 56 Auenlandschaft Beyer — Samedan S. 336 Migrant, Breeder. 57 Schweizerischer Nationalpark — Munt la Schera S. 342 Migrant, Breeder. 58 Ramosch S. 348 Migrant, Breeder.

Eurasian golden oriole / Pirol (Oriolus oriolus)

Alternate classification: Oriolus oriolus oriolus

Description

Classification: Genus Oriolus (Oriolus); Family Corvidae (Corvidae)
General: Pirol: auffälligen Sexualdimorphismus. Wo/Habitat: lichter Auenwälder, Bruchwälder und gewässernaher Gehölze. Ebenso zählen Laub-, Misch- und Nadelwälder sowie Parks, große Gärten, Friedhöfe, Streuobstwiesen, hohe Obstbäume, Windschutzgürtel und Alleen zu seinen Brutgebieten, wo er sich überwiegend im Kronendach höherer Bäume aufhält. Der Verbreitungsschwerpunkt liegt hier im kontinentaleren Osteuropa. knapp amselgross; Presence april 15 - September 15 https://www.vogelwarte.ch/de/vögel/vögel-der-schweiz/pirol
General: In Western Europe they prefer open broadleaf forests and plantations, copses, riverine forest, orchards, large gardens.They reside in Switzerland from mid-April to mid-September, breeding in mid-May to mid-July. They predominate near the German and French borders, from Lake Constance to Geneva. I want to try to see one at Neeracherried or Thurauen.
General: Deutschland: Brut-, Zugvogel RL V
Etymology:

[9] Albertus Magnus used the Latin form oriolus in about 1250 and erroneously stated that it was onomatopoeic because of the golden oriole's song. [Link]
Geography:

Wikipedia: only member of the oriole family of passerine birds breeding in Northern Hemisphere temperate regions. It is a summer migrant in Europe and western Asia and spends the winter season in central and southern Africa. [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Presence: 04-20 - 09-17
Breeding: 05-21 - 07-20
Migration in: 04-20 - 06-09
Migration out: 07-10 - 09-17

More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=24 cm, wingspan=44-47 cm, weight=56-79 g
Habitats: Forest

Vocalisation

Song: A soft, lowish whistling. In my opinion, the golden oriole has a beautiful voice, but no imagination as to melody - it's always the same few notes.
Song:

Varied repertoire, but song and common contact call very distinct. Song a series of 1-2 seconds long phrases of 3-5 yodeling, clear, fluting notes, interspersed with 2-3 second pauses. Tone very full-bodied, melodic and pleasing. [Link] Song attributes: Melody: stereotype melodic, slow, Frequency: 0-1 KHz Singing season: 04-22 - 09-21
♫ (song)

Calls:

Flötenrufen Oft wird der Gesang allerdings vom Star treffend ähnlich nachgeahmt. [Link]

Contact call surprisingly different: A forced, drawn "weeackt", slightly resembling Jay, but less harsh, and much more nasal. Other sounds include a Wryneck-like warning call. [Link] 3 somewhat harsh ascending notes, more melodic than a Eurasian jay call
XC565722 eurasian golden oriole call.

♫ (call)

Call attributes: Call melody: simple rhythmic, slow, Frequency: medium (1-5 KHz),
Details Wikipedia Vogelwarte BirdLife ZH ornitho.ch bird-song.ch Xeno-Canto BirdID NABU YouTube
♫ 2020-05-25 14:35:03 Luppmen (song?)

♫ 2020-06-23 17:40:15 Staldenweiher (song?)

Where to observe

20 Klingnauer Stausee S. 126 Breeder. 24 Chamoson — Leytron S. 148 Migrant, Breeder. 25 Leuk S. 153 Migrant, Breeder. 28 Wauwiler Ebene S. 171 Migrant. 29 Flachsee und Stille Reuss S. 178 Migrant, Breeder. 33 Zürich Chatzenseen S. 202 Breeder. 35 Thurauen und Niderholz S. 215 Breeder. 40 Kaltbrunner Riet S. 250 Migrant. 41 Klettgau S. 261 Migrant. 47 Bannriet und Spitzmäder S. 287 Breeder. 48 Bolle di Magadino S. 299 Migrant. 49 Magadinoebene S. 300 Migrant, Breeder. 53 Bündner Herrschaft Malans S. 320 Migrant, Breeder. 9 Fanel/Chablais de Cudrefin und La Sauge S. 72 Migrant, Breeder.

Tawny owl / Waldkauz (Strix aluco)

Description

Classification: Genus Strix (Strix); Family Strigidae (Strigidae)
General: Zuerst gehört in Carona südlich von Lugano
General: Deutschland: Brut-, Jahresvogel
Etymology:

In addition, the common onomatopoeia for an owl hooting is derived from the calls of this species; the complete sound is actually a duet between a male and a female. [Link]
Vocalization:

Other often heard sounds; a sharp, short, disyllabic "kiu-wik". First syllable ascending then descending, and last ascending in pitch. [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Year-round bird
Breeding: 02-01 - 06-29

More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=37-39 cm, wingspan=94-104 cm, weight=340-620 g
Habitats: Forest

Vocalisation

Song: No details but a Xeno-Canto recording.
Song:

Song a resonant descending "hoooooo". After 2-3 sec. [Link] Song attributes: Frequency:
♫ 2021-04-05 03:44:43 Carona (song)

Calls:

typically followed by a slightly ascending, vibrating "hohohohohoho" and quickly another descending "hooooooo". Complete phrase: "hoooooo, hohohohohoho-hoooooo". May omit parts. [Link] No details but a Xeno-Canto recording. - but really OWN
Quietschender Ruf eines Waldkauz im Wald bei Brünggen, nah bei Kollbrunn und Kyburg.

♫ 2025-09-07 20:46:00 Switzerland (call)

Call attributes: song Frequency: ,
Details Wikipedia Vogelwarte BirdLife ZH ornitho.ch bird-song.ch Xeno-Canto NABU YouTube

Turtle dove / Turteltaube (Streptopelia turtur)

Also known as: European turtle-dove, European turtle dove

Description

Classification: Genus Streptopelia (Streptopelia); Family Pigeons (Columbidae)
General:

Die Turteltaube (Streptopelia turtur) ist eine Vogelart aus der Familie der Tauben. Das Verbreitungsgebiet umfasst weite Teile der westlichen und zentralen Paläarktis und reicht vom nördlichen Afrika, der iberischen Halbinsel und Großbritannien nach Osten über den Nahen und Mittleren Osten bis Nordwestchina und in die Mongolei. Im Mittelmeerraum ist die Turteltaube besonders häufig. Nach einer im Jahr 2007 veröffentlichten Studie der EU ist ihr Bestand jedoch in den letzten 25 Jahren um 62 Prozent zurückgegangen.^[1] Der Bestandsrückgang wird auf veränderte landwirtschaftliche Anbaumethoden und den Rückgang der Erdraucharten zurückgeführt, die bei der Ernährung der Turteltauben eine große Rolle spielen. Zu den für den Bestandsrückgang verantwortlichen Faktoren gehört aber auch der Abschuss der Tauben insbesondere im Mittelmeerraum während der Zugzeiten. [more]
Deutschland: Brut-, Zugvogel RL 3

Seasonal behavior

Presence: 04-11 - 10-07
Breeding: 05-10 - 07-10
Migration in: 04-11 - 06-20
Migration out: 08-09 - 10-07

More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=26-28 cm, wingspan=47-53 cm, weight=100-180 g
Habitats: Forest

Vocalisation

Song: Trilling coo.
Song:

Song: a deep, rolling, and slightly ascending cooing; "trrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr trrr-trrrr" with variations in rhythm. Sometimes birds sticks to a phrase, but phrases varies between individuals. [Link] Song attributes: Melody: one note, slow, Frequency: low (1-3 KHz)
Details Wikipedia Vogelwarte BirdLife ZH ornitho.ch bird-song.ch Xeno-Canto BirdID NABU YouTube

Where to observe

24 Chamoson — Leytron S. 148 Migrant. 25 Leuk S. 153 Migrant, Breeder. 28 Wauwiler Ebene S. 171 Migrant. 33 Zürich Chatzenseen S. 202 Migrant. 35 Thurauen und Niderholz S. 215 Breeder. 39 Nuoler Ried S. 243 Migrant. 40 Kaltbrunner Riet S. 250 Migrant. 41 Klettgau S. 261 Migrant, Breeder. 48 Bolle di Magadino S. 299 Migrant. 49 Magadinoebene S. 300 Migrant, Breeder. 53 Bündner Herrschaft Malans S. 320 Migrant, Breeder. 9 Fanel/Chablais de Cudrefin und La Sauge S. 72 Migrant.

Habitat: Agricultural:

Lesser whitethroat / Klappergrasmücke (Sylvia curruca)

Alternate classification: Curruca curruca, Curruca curruca

Also known as: Zaungrasmücke

Description

Classification: Genus Sylvia (Sylvia); Subfamily Sylviinae (Sylviinae); Family Old world warblers (Sylviidae)
General: Wollte diese in Klettgau suchen 2023, bin darüber gestolpert bei Bad Vilbel, Deutschland.
General: Deutschland: Brut-, Zugvogel
Seasonal Behavior:

Nach ihrer Ankunft im April oder Mai verrät sich diese rastlose und geschickt durch das Geäst hüpfende Grasmücke am ehesten durch ihren Gesang. Das eintönige Klappern ist weithin hörbar und hat ihr den deutschen Artnamen eingebracht. Das Männchen versucht, ein im Revier erscheinendes Weibchen durch Vorausfliegen zu einem Wahlnest zu locken. [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Presence: 04-01 - 10-07
Breeding: 05-21 - 08-09
Migration in: 04-01 - 05-31
Migration out: 07-29 - 10-07

More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=12-13 cm, wingspan=16-20 cm, weight=10-14 g
Habitats: Agricultural

Vocalisation

Song:

Song typically consists of two parts. An indistinct chattering and warbling, subsong-like part similar to [common] Whitethroat, which is usually followed by a dry, fast and rattling trill. The trill carries much further than the chattering part. May be difficult to identify if trill is omitted. [Link]
Song:

Klappernd. (Müllerchen) An Berglaubsänger erinnernd. Klappertöne (5-8) Aber oft mit leisem schwatzendem Vorgesang, der fehlen kann. Kann auch an Sumpfmeise erinnern, doch sind bei dieser die Klappertöne mehr von oben her angeschlagen. [Link]

Song typically consists of two parts. An indistinct chattering and warbling, subsong-like part similar to Whitethroat, which is usually followed by a dry, fast and rattling trill. The trill carries much further than the chattering part. May be difficult to identify if trill is omitted. [Link] Song attributes: Melody: simple rhythmic, slow, Frequency: 3-5 KHz Special sounds: trill
♫ (song)

Calls:

„tze“ oder „tett“ [Link]

Warning call a hard "check" similar to Blackcap but slightly softer. [Link] BirdID says: Warning call a hard "check" similar to Blackcap but slightly softer

♫ (call)

Call attributes: Call melody: one note, slow, Frequency: 2-7 KHz, Special sounds: sputter/pebble-clatter.
Details Wikipedia Vogelwarte BirdLife ZH ornitho.ch bird-song.ch Xeno-Canto BirdID NABU YouTube

Where to observe

20 Klingnauer Stausee S. 126 Migrant. 24 Chamoson — Leytron S. 148 Migrant. 25 Leuk S. 153 Migrant, Breeder. 26 Aletsch S. 160 Migrant, Breeder. 27 Sörenberg: Salwideli S. 166 Migrant, Breeder. 28 Wauwiler Ebene S. 171 Migrant. 29 Flachsee und Stille Reuss S. 178 Migrant. 30 Urserental und Furkapass S. 185 Migrant, Breeder. 31 Reussdelta S. 191 Migrant. 32 Rothenthurm S. 196 Migrant, Breeder. 33 Zürich Chatzenseen S. 202 Migrant. 34 Neeracherried S. 208 Migrant. 36 Greifensee S. 222 Migrant. 37 Oberer Pfäffikersee S. 229 Migrant. 38 Rapperswil-Jona und Frauenwinkel S. 236 Migrant. 39 Nuoler Ried S. 243 Migrant. 40 Kaltbrunner Riet S. 250 Migrant. 41 Klettgau S. 261 Migrant. 46 Obertoggenburg S. 281 Breeder. 47 Bannriet und Spitzmäder S. 287 Migrant. 48 Bolle di Magadino S. 299 Migrant. 49 Magadinoebene S. 300 Migrant. 50 Val Piora: Ritomsee S. 305 Migrant, Breeder. 51 Vals S. 310 Migrant, Breeder. 53 Bündner Herrschaft Malans S. 320 Migrant. 54 Maloja S. 326 Migrant, Breeder. 55 Stazerwald S. 331 Migrant, Breeder. 56 Auenlandschaft Beyer — Samedan S. 336 Migrant, Breeder. 57 Schweizerischer Nationalpark — Munt la Schera S. 342 Migrant, Breeder. 58 Ramosch S. 348 Migrant, Breeder. 9 Fanel/Chablais de Cudrefin und La Sauge S. 72 Migrant.

Common whitethroat / Dorngrasmücke (Sylvia communis)

Alternate classification: Curruca communis

Also known as: Greater whitethroat, Greater whitethroat

Description

General:

Die Dorngrasmücke (Sylvia communis) ist ein Singvogel aus der Gattung der Grasmücken (Sylvia) und in Europa weit verbreitet. Sie bevorzugt Lebensräume mit dornigen Büschen, in denen sie ihr Nest anlegt. [more]
Deutschland: Brut-, Zugvogel
Vocalization:

Variable. Usually recognized by fairly concise phrase, usually with three ascending and descending parts. [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Presence: 04-01 - 09-28
Breeding: 05-01 - 08-09
Migration in: 04-01 - 05-21
Migration out: 07-20 - 09-28

More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=14 cm, wingspan=18-23 cm, weight=13-18 g
Habitats: Agricultural

Vocalisation

Song: Song:

Often ends with more indistinct mimicry, or subsong. May omit characteristic phrase and sing more cryptic for periods of time, and may be more difficult to identify. [Link]

Relativ kurzer gesang, an Anfang fallend, dann entweder weiter oder steigend. 7-14 notes. [Link]
Song:

Gesang kurz und rau (Kürzester Name).Oft im Singflug aber auch ab Warte. Wenn im Singflug dann Strophe etwas länger. [Link]

Often ends with more indistinct mimicry, or subsong. May omit characteristic phrase and sing more cryptic for periods of time, and may be more difficult to identify. [Link] Song attributes: Melody: simple rhythmic, fast, Frequency: 3-7 KHz Special sounds: mimicry
♫ (song)

Calls:

heiser, etwas nasal „wäd“ warnt m.“tschähr“. [Link]

Warning call a harsh, drawn "weeet", usually with accented ending, sometimes rising abruptly in pitch. [Link] No details but a Xeno-Canto recording. - but really OWN
Dorngrasmücke buzzy calls.

♫ 2023-07-16 10:03:00 Neunkirch, Schaffhausen (call)

Call attributes: song Frequency: ,
Details Wikipedia Vogelwarte BirdLife ZH ornitho.ch bird-song.ch Xeno-Canto BirdID NABU YouTube

Where to observe

24 Chamoson — Leytron S. 148 Migrant. 25 Leuk S. 153 Migrant, Breeder. 28 Wauwiler Ebene S. 171 Migrant, Breeder. 29 Flachsee und Stille Reuss S. 178 Migrant, Breeder. 31 Reussdelta S. 191 Migrant. 32 Rothenthurm S. 196 Migrant. 33 Zürich Chatzenseen S. 202 Migrant. 37 Oberer Pfäffikersee S. 229 Migrant. 38 Rapperswil-Jona und Frauenwinkel S. 236 Migrant. 39 Nuoler Ried S. 243 Migrant. 40 Kaltbrunner Riet S. 250 Migrant. 41 Klettgau S. 261 Migrant, Breeder. 47 Bannriet und Spitzmäder S. 287 Migrant. 48 Bolle di Magadino S. 299 Migrant. 49 Magadinoebene S. 300 Migrant. 58 Ramosch S. 348 Migrant. 9 Fanel/Chablais de Cudrefin und La Sauge S. 72 Migrant.

Wood lark / Heidelerche (Lullula arborea)

Also known as: Woodlark

Description

Classification: Genus Lullula (Lullula); Family Larks (Alaudidae)
General: Deutschland: Brut-, Zugvogel RL V
Etymology:

[4] The current genus name is onomatopoeic from French “Lulu”, the name given to the bird by de Buffon. [Link]

, A songbird, the woodlark has a melodious, warbling song often described onomatopoeically as a lu-lu-lu-[11] or, more precisely, as a "serial lū-lū-lū-lū-lū-", toolooeet toolooeet toolooeet. [Link]
Appearance and identification:

Sieht aus wie ein braun-weisser Drossel mit heller Überaugenstreife/Maske. [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Year-round bird
Breeding: 03-23 - 07-29
Migration in: 02-10 - 04-11
Migration out: 09-17 - 11-15

More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=15 cm, wingspan=27-30 cm, weight=25-35 g
Habitats: Agricultural

Vocalisation

Song: General: Slow for a lark? Fast to me.
Song:

Fallend dadui dadui. Or figaro figaro - picture Heidi in an opera. Wenig Variation. [Link]

Der flötende Gesang der Heidelerche gehört zu den schönsten der Vogelwelt und ist tagsüber wie auch nachts zu hören. [Link]
Song:

Song: Distinct and quite slow for a lark. Consists mainly of varied, disyllabic elements, or single syllables repeated in descending, accelerated phrases. Starting soft and hesitantly, then gaining in strength and speed. [Link] Song attributes: Melody: two notes, fast, Frequency: 3-5 KHz
♫ (song)

No details but a Xeno-Canto recording.
XC756161 - Woodlark - Lullula arborea - flight call recorded in Spain.

♫ Spain (flight call)

Call attributes: flight call Frequency: ,
Details Wikipedia Vogelwarte BirdLife ZH ornitho.ch bird-song.ch Xeno-Canto BirdID NABU YouTube

Where to observe

24 Chamoson — Leytron S. 148 Breeder. 25 Leuk S. 153 Migrant, Breeder. 39 Nuoler Ried S. 243 Migrant. 41 Klettgau S. 261 Migrant, Breeder.

Melodious warbler / Orpheusspötter (Hippolais polyglotta)

Description

Classification: Genus Hippolais (Hippolais); Subfamily Acrocephalinae (Acrocephalinae); Family Old world warblers (Sylviidae)
General: Looking for it in Kaltbrunnenriet - didn't find it in June 2022.
General: Deutschland: Brut-, Zugvogel
Etymology:

polyglotta is from Ancient Greek polus, "many", and glossa, "tongue" and means "harmonious". [Link]

It referred to a small bird mentioned by Aristotle and others and may be onomatopoeic or derived from hupo,"under", and laas, "stone". [Link]
Appearance and identification: Yellow belly, brown back, very similar to Icterine warbler.
Appearance and identification: Ebird: Compared to Icterine Warbler, wings are shorter and lack the pale panel. [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Presence: 04-20 - 09-07
Breeding: 05-01 - 08-09
Migration in: 07-22 - 07-29
Migration out: 07-29 - 08-29

More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Habitats: Agricultural

Vocalisation

Song: Repeats bits 6-9 times, makes pauses, but also sings like mad with a distorted chirpy voice. Sometimes sings a descending trill that could be a giveaway. Can sing low (2k) or fairly high (8k)
Song attributes: Melody: improvised melodic, very fast, Frequency: 2-8 KHz Special sounds: trill
♫ (song)

Details Wikipedia Vogelwarte BirdLife ZH ornitho.ch bird-song.ch Xeno-Canto BirdID NABU YouTube

Where to observe

24 Chamoson — Leytron S. 148 Migrant, Breeder. 25 Leuk S. 153 Migrant, Breeder.

Eurasian scops owl / Zwergohreule (Otus scops)

Also known as: Eurasian scops-owl

Description

Classification: Genus Otus (Otus); Family Strigidae (Strigidae)
General:

The Eurasian scops owl (Otus scops), also known as the European scops owl or just scops owl, is a small owl in the typical owl family Strigidae. Its breeding range extends from southern Europe eastwards to southern Siberia and the western Himalayas. It is migratory, wintering in Africa south of the Sahara. [more]

Seasonal behavior

Presence: 04-01 - 10-07
Breeding: 05-21 - 07-29
Migration in: 04-01 - 06-20
Migration out: 08-09 - 10-07

More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=19-20 cm, wingspan=53-63 cm, weight=60-120 g
Habitats: Agricultural

Vocalisation

Song: No details but a Xeno-Canto recording.
Song:

Song: a slightly descending, short "klooit". The tone is resonant, clear and pure, unlike Little Owl. [Link] Song attributes: Frequency:
♫ 2024-05-28 03:57:00 Merlin suggested additional birds: Amsel, Zwergohreule, Mittelmeermöwe, Misteldrossel. Levanto (song)

Details Wikipedia Vogelwarte BirdLife ZH ornitho.ch Xeno-Canto BirdID NABU YouTube

Where to observe

25 Leuk S. 153 Migrant, Breeder. 49 Magadinoebene S. 300 Migrant, Breeder.

Habitat: Mountain:

Meadow pipit / Wiesenpieper (Anthus pratensis)

Description

Classification: Genus Anthus (Anthus); Family Motacillidae (Motacillidae)
General: Looks like Misteldrossel
General: Deutschland: Brut, Zugvogel, Wintergast RL V
Etymology:

[9] The name "pipit", first documented by Thomas Pennant in 1768, is onomatopoeic, from the call note of this species. [Link]
Seasonal Behavior:

Meadow Pipits can often be observed in large numbers when they gather on fields during migration. They like to stay in meadows with high grass or on arable land and only fly up when disturbed or when a bird of prey appears, which is why they are often overlooked. [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Year-round bird
Breeding: 04-01 - 07-29
Migration in: 02-20 - 05-10
Migration out: 09-17 - 11-06

More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=14 cm, wingspan=22-25 cm, weight=15-22 g
Habitats: Mountain

Similar species

Looks similar to: Mistle thrush.

Vocalisation

Song: Single note, possibly rising at the end. (Or: long 4 second phrases, gradually louder then softer; swoopy or whoopy.) Sings in flight. BirdID: Song very similar to Rock Pipit, but tone less full and more brittle. Lacks Rock Pipit's closing trill, and beginning is less "hammering". - but what does a rock pipit sound like?
Song:

Ähnlich Baumpieper, aber ohne Zia-Rufe. Vollständiger Gesang nur in flatterndem Singflug. Lange Strophen. Mittelstück meist zart und hoch [Link]

Song very similar to Rock Pipit, but tone less full and more brittle. Lacks Rock Pipit's closing trill, and beginning is less "hammering". [Link] Song attributes: Melody: one note, fast, Frequency: medium (1-5 KHz)
♫ (song)

Calls:

fast tonlos „ist, ist.“ [Link]

Contact call a short "eest". Similar to Rock Pipit but shorter,cleaner and most often in quick series. Warning call a sharp, high pitched "tzeet". Also a rattling "trrrrt". [Link] No details but a Xeno-Canto recording.
XC930459 - Meadow Pipit flight call - Anthus pratensis.

♫ (flight call)

Call attributes: flight call Frequency: ,
Details Wikipedia Vogelwarte BirdLife ZH ornitho.ch bird-song.ch Xeno-Canto BirdID NABU YouTube

Where to observe

20 Klingnauer Stausee S. 126 Migrant. 24 Chamoson — Leytron S. 148 Migrant. 25 Leuk S. 153 Migrant. 27 Sörenberg: Salwideli S. 166 Migrant, Breeder. 28 Wauwiler Ebene S. 171 Migrant. 29 Flachsee und Stille Reuss S. 178 Migrant. 31 Reussdelta S. 191 Migrant. 32 Rothenthurm S. 196 Migrant, Breeder. 33 Zürich Chatzenseen S. 202 Migrant, Winter guest. 34 Neeracherried S. 208 Migrant, Winter guest. 36 Greifensee S. 222 Migrant. 37 Oberer Pfäffikersee S. 229 Migrant. 38 Rapperswil-Jona und Frauenwinkel S. 236 Migrant. 39 Nuoler Ried S. 243 Migrant, Winter guest. 40 Kaltbrunner Riet S. 250 Migrant. 41 Klettgau S. 261 Migrant. 45 Steinacher Bucht und Arbon S. 277 Migrant. 46 Obertoggenburg S. 281 Migrant. 47 Bannriet und Spitzmäder S. 287 Migrant. 48 Bolle di Magadino S. 299 Migrant. 49 Magadinoebene S. 300 Migrant, Winter guest. 56 Auenlandschaft Beyer — Samedan S. 336 Migrant. 9 Fanel/Chablais de Cudrefin und La Sauge S. 72 Migrant.

Where to observe

Klingnauer Stausee S. 126: Bearded reedling, Eurasian golden oriole (B), Eurasian penduline-tit (D), Great bittern (W), Lesser whitethroat (D), Meadow pipit (D), Savi's warbler (DB)
Chamoson — Leytron S. 148: Common whitethroat (D), Eurasian golden oriole (DB), Eurasian penduline-tit (D), Lesser whitethroat (D), Meadow pipit (D), Melodious warbler (DB), Turtle dove (D), Western bonelli's warbler (DB), Wood lark (B)
Leuk S. 153: Common whitethroat (DB), Eurasian golden oriole (DB), Eurasian penduline-tit (D), Eurasian scops owl (DB), Lesser whitethroat (DB), Meadow pipit (D), Melodious warbler (DB), Turtle dove (DB), Western bonelli's warbler (DB), Wood lark (DB)
Wauwiler Ebene S. 171: Common whitethroat (DB), Eurasian golden oriole (D), Eurasian penduline-tit (D), Great bittern (DW), Lesser whitethroat (D), Meadow pipit (D), Savi's warbler (DB), Turtle dove (D)
Flachsee und Stille Reuss S. 178: Common whitethroat (DB), Eurasian golden oriole (DB), Eurasian penduline-tit (D), Great bittern (W), Lesser whitethroat (D), Meadow pipit (D), Savi's warbler (DB)
Zürich Chatzenseen S. 202: Common whitethroat (D), Eurasian golden oriole (B), Eurasian penduline-tit (D), Great bittern (W), Lesser whitethroat (D), Meadow pipit (DW), Savi's warbler (B), Turtle dove (D)
Neeracherried S. 208: Bearded reedling, Eurasian penduline-tit (D), Lesser whitethroat (D), Meadow pipit (DW), Savi's warbler (DB)
Greifensee S. 222: Bearded reedling, Eurasian penduline-tit (D), Great bittern (W), Lesser whitethroat (D), Meadow pipit (D), Savi's warbler (DB)
Oberer Pfäffikersee S. 229: Bearded reedling (D), Common whitethroat (D), Eurasian penduline-tit (D), Great bittern (DW), Lesser whitethroat (D), Meadow pipit (D), Savi's warbler (B)
Rapperswil-Jona und Frauenwinkel S. 236: Common whitethroat (D), Eurasian penduline-tit (D), Great bittern (DW), Lesser whitethroat (D), Meadow pipit (D), Savi's warbler (B)
Nuoler Ried S. 243: Common whitethroat (D), Eurasian penduline-tit (D), Lesser whitethroat (D), Meadow pipit (DW), Savi's warbler (DB), Turtle dove (D), Wood lark (D)
Kaltbrunner Riet S. 250: Common whitethroat (D), Eurasian golden oriole (D), Eurasian penduline-tit (D), Great bittern (W), Lesser whitethroat (D), Meadow pipit (D), Savi's warbler (DB), Turtle dove (D)
Ermatinger Becken S. 267: Bearded reedling, Eurasian penduline-tit (D), Great bittern (W)
Bannriet und Spitzmäder S. 287: Common whitethroat (D), Eurasian golden oriole (B), Eurasian penduline-tit (D), Lesser whitethroat (D), Meadow pipit (D)
Bolle di Magadino S. 299: Common whitethroat (D), Eurasian golden oriole (D), Eurasian penduline-tit (D), Great bittern (W), Lesser whitethroat (D), Meadow pipit (D), Savi's warbler (DB), Turtle dove (D)
Fanel/Chablais de Cudrefin und La Sauge S. 72: Bearded reedling, Common whitethroat (D), Eurasian golden oriole (DB), Eurasian penduline-tit (D), Great bittern (DW), Lesser whitethroat (D), Meadow pipit (D), Savi's warbler (DB), Turtle dove (D)
Magadinoebene S. 300: Common whitethroat (D), Eurasian golden oriole (DB), Eurasian scops owl (DB), Great bittern (W), Lesser whitethroat (D), Meadow pipit (DW), Turtle dove (DB)
Aletsch S. 160: Lesser whitethroat (DB), Western bonelli's warbler (DB)
Sörenberg: Salwideli S. 166: Lesser whitethroat (DB), Meadow pipit (DB), Western bonelli's warbler (D)
Urserental und Furkapass S. 185: Lesser whitethroat (DB), Western bonelli's warbler (DB)
Reussdelta S. 191: Common whitethroat (D), Lesser whitethroat (D), Meadow pipit (D), Western bonelli's warbler (D)
Obertoggenburg S. 281: Lesser whitethroat (B), Meadow pipit (D), Western bonelli's warbler (B)
Val Piora: Ritomsee S. 305: Lesser whitethroat (DB), Western bonelli's warbler (DB)
Bündner Herrschaft Malans S. 320: Eurasian golden oriole (DB), Lesser whitethroat (D), Turtle dove (DB), Western bonelli's warbler (DB)
Maloja S. 326: Lesser whitethroat (DB), Western bonelli's warbler (DB)
Stazerwald S. 331: Lesser whitethroat (DB), Western bonelli's warbler (DB)
Auenlandschaft Beyer — Samedan S. 336: Lesser whitethroat (DB), Meadow pipit (D), Western bonelli's warbler (DB)
Schweizerischer Nationalpark — Munt la Schera S. 342: Lesser whitethroat (DB), Western bonelli's warbler (DB)
Ramosch S. 348: Common whitethroat (D), Lesser whitethroat (DB), Western bonelli's warbler (DB)
Thurauen und Niderholz S. 215: Eurasian golden oriole (B), Turtle dove (B)
Klettgau S. 261: Common whitethroat (DB), Eurasian golden oriole (D), Lesser whitethroat (D), Meadow pipit (D), Turtle dove (DB), Wood lark (DB)
Rothenthurm S. 196: Common whitethroat (D), Lesser whitethroat (DB), Meadow pipit (DB)
Vals S. 310: Lesser whitethroat (DB)
Steinacher Bucht und Arbon S. 277: Meadow pipit (D)

Checklist

Images are mostly from Wikipedia, see details via profile.

*Western subalpine warbler / Westliche Weissbart-Grasmücke (Curruca iberiae)* Profile	*Cetti's warbler / Seidensänger (Cettia cetti)* Profile
*Eurasian penduline-tit / Beutelmeise (Remiz pendulinus)* Profile	*Bearded reedling / Bartmeise (Panurus biarmicus)* Profile
*Great bittern / Rohrdommel (Botaurus stellaris)* Profile	*Savi's warbler / Rohrschwirl (Locustella luscinioides)* Profile
*Western bonelli's warbler / Berglaubsänger (Phylloscopus bonelli)* Profile	*Eurasian golden oriole / Pirol (Oriolus oriolus)* Profile
*Tawny owl / Waldkauz (Strix aluco)* Profile	*Turtle dove / Turteltaube (Streptopelia turtur)* Profile
*Lesser whitethroat / Klappergrasmücke (Sylvia curruca)* Profile	*Common whitethroat / Dorngrasmücke (Sylvia communis)* Profile
*Wood lark / Heidelerche (Lullula arborea)* Profile	*Melodious warbler / Orpheusspötter (Hippolais polyglotta)* Profile
*Eurasian scops owl / Zwergohreule (Otus scops)* Profile	*Meadow pipit / Wiesenpieper (Anthus pratensis)* Profile