The Red-throated pipit <i>Anthus cervinus</i> is a regular wintering in Sicily

Abstract

We present a review of the phenology of the Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus and its wintering status in Sicily. We collected and analysed 91 different records related to a total of 280 individuals. Data were collected both through direct observations on the field and by consulting recent literature and ornithological databases. The species has been regularly found overwintering during the last 11 winters (December 2012-January 2023), with the only exception of the winter of 2014/2015, likely due to the lack of coverage and targeted research, with an estimated population of 180-190 individuals. The average value is 3.07 individuals/records observed in 18 different locations related to four Sicilian provinces (Caltanissetta, Catania, Siracusa, Trapani), mainly near wetlands and, more specifically, in Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophytic meadows and Mediterranean salt meadows. The number of wintering sites in the recent years appears to be increasing.