Birds on Gotska Sandön

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Scarce during summer. A few flocks can be seen flying by in May and in June. These non-breeding birds sometimes stay for a while.

In winter larger numbers are seen flying southwards when arctic winds force them to. Some winters many weakened Mute Swans remain near the shores and stay until they die. These dead birds can be seen long afterwards on the shores.

First record:

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus

Rare during summer. Migration takes place when birders seldom visit the island. The reason for the date of the first record being in summer could possibly be that the skin was examined at that time.

First record:

Bean Goose Anser fabalis

The Bean Goose migrates past Gotska Sandön mainly when no birders are present on the island. It has been observed on several visits in September and in October.

First record:

Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons

On 7 October 2006, 450 Greater White-fronted Geese migrated past the island on their way south. Apart from this occassion the species has rarely been observed. Migration usually takes place when few or no birders visit the island.

First record:

Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus

One record:

Greylag Goose Anser anser

Non-breeding birds have been seen scarcely in May and in June. Apart from this the species is seldom recorded. Migration usually takes place when few or no birders visit the island.

First record:

Brent Goose Branta bernicla bernicla

Brent Geese migrate regularly past Gotska Sandön during spring season 20 May - 10 June. Highest recorded day total was a little less than 18.000 on 27 May 1995. Winds from the south forces some Brent Geese to make a detour around Bredsandsudde on their way to north Siberia. The normal route would rather be well south of Gotska Sandön and out of sight from the island. In the autumn the species is seen regularly in small numbers.

First record:

Pale-bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla hrota

Five records:

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis

Most often seen in low numbers in May and in June. Highest recorded day count in spring was 106 ind 26 May 2003 and in autumn 400 ind 7 October 2006.

First record:

Canada Goose Branta canadensis

The Canada Goose is probably regular both in spring and in autumn. The species is rarely seen during summer.

First record:

Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis

One record:

Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

The Common Shelduck does not breed on Gotska Sandön. The species is scarce on passage in May and June and also in August.

First record:

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope

Rarely seen in May and in June. In September and in October daily sums often reach 100 migrating birds. Highest recorded number for a single day is 1700 ind migrating past Bredsandsudde on September 9th 2007.

First record:

Gadwall Anas strepera

All records:

Common Teal Anas crecca

Seen scarcely on migration in May and in June. In August, September and in October daily sums reaching 30 Common Teals are recorded regularly. Highest number for a single day was noted on September 4th 2004 when 367 Common Teals migrated past Bredsandsudde. Highest number for a single day in spring was noted on June 4th 2002 when 30 migrating Common Teals were counted.

First record:

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Observations of low numbers have been made on most trips in early summer. Normally migration takes place in April, October and November. Highest number recorded in one day is 25 ind on May 28th 2006.

First record:

Northern Pintail Anas acuta

The species is rarely seen in May and in June. Highest number in one day during autumn migration was recorded on September 9th 2007 when 412 ind migrated past Bredsandsudde .

First record:

Garganey Anas querquedula

All records:

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata

Scarce on spring migration in May and on autumn migration from July to October. Highest number recorded in one day is 10 ind August 9th 2005.

First record:

Common Pochard Aythya ferina

First records:

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Seen scarcely on spring migration which ends in early June as well as on autumn migration from July and onwards.

First record:

Greater Scaup Aythya marila

Rare on spring migration in May.

First record:

Common Eider Somateria mollissima

The Common Eider breeds on Gotska Sandön and can be seen all year around. The females are brooding in grass along all the shores. Hatching takes place in May and in June. Predation from eagles and large gulls is severe. Surviving chicks usually gather between Höga land and Hamnudden where up to 400 chicks have been counted on 26 May 2003. Parties of males can be seen off the island from May to October. 2000 males have been counted at at few occasions. Highest day-count for migrating Common Eiders is 1285 birds flying past Bredsandsudde on 3 October 2002.

First record:

King Eider Somateria spectabilis

First records:

Steller's Eider Polysticta stelleri

Three records:

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis

Common during winter in the waters around Gotska Sandön. Passage migrant in spring and in autumn. Large flocks can remain until late May. Very rare during summer.

First record:

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra

Passage migrant, usually in low numbers in May and June, then in August to October. Highest recorded day-count is 2118 migrating past Bredsandsudde 9.9 2007.

First record:

Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca

Scarce migrant breeder. Hatching takes place in July. The Velvet Scoter is also a passage migrant in small numbers and it can be seen all year round on Gotska Sandön.

First record:

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

Seen regularly in low numbers in spring and in autumn. Highest recorded day count was 45 ind resting on the sea near Hamnudden 11 May 1978.

First record:

Smew Mergus albellus

One record:

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

Scarce migrant breeder. Small chicks have been seen at Gåsemora kammare near Sankt Anna on 10 August 2005. Passage migrant in spring and in autumn. The species can be seen around Gotska Sandön all year around. As many as 187 birds were counted off Högaland on 2 October 2002. A more common sight is a flock of some 30 to 60 birds flying by in summer in search for better fishing.

First record:

Goosander Mergus merganser

Scarce passage migrant in spring and in autumn. Low numbers can be seen all year around. The Goosander is not known to breed on Gotska Sandön.

First record:

Common Quail Coturnix coturnix

Rare passage migrant in spring, taking shelter in grass-covered dunes near the shore.

First records:

Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata

Common passage migrant in spring and autumn. Birds fishing off Gotska Sandön are also seen regularly. Highest day-count is 50 migrating on 1 October 2002. The Red-throated Loon has also been recorded in winter.

First record:

Black-throated Loon Gavia arctica

Common passage migrant in spring and in autumn, scarce during summer. Fishing Black-throated Loons can often be seen off the shores of Gotska Sandön. Single birds or small flocks regularly pass by in search for better waters for fishing. The species has also been recorded in winter. Höjer (1967) declares that migrating flocks of 50-60 birds occur regularly in May. This hasn't been observed in recent years and the highest number recorded this century is 60 birds migrating past Bredsandsudde on 31 May 2004.

First record:

Great Northern Loon Gavia immer

Three records:

Yellow-billed Loon Gavia adamsii

The Yellow-billed Loon is recorded almost annually on Gotska Sandön. A day in late May with good numbers of migrating birds, chances are good you will see a Yellow-billed Loon at Bredsandsudde. The species is often seen fishing along the shores and regularly comes closer to the shore than the Black-throated Loon. With the other loons it shares the habit of flying short distances looking for better fishing, often on the leeward side of the island.

Records until 2003:

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Scarce passage migrant in spring and in autumn. Also recorded in winter. Highest recorded number in a single day is 3 birds.

First record:

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena

Scarce passage migrant in spring and in autumn. Highest recorded number in a single day is three birds migrating past Bredsandsudde on 25 September 2005.

First record:

Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus

Scarce passage migrant in spring and in autumn. Highest recorded number in a single day was on 12 May 1978 when 5 birds were seen on the sea off Bredsandsudde.

First record:

Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis

One record:

Northern Gannet Morus bassanus

Two records:

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

The Great Cormorant is common on Gotska Sandön and can be seen all year around. Birds standing on the shore are most common on the stony shore at Säludden and the sandy beach at Bredsandsudde where up to 400 birds have been counted in August.

First record:

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

One record:

Great Egret Egretta alba

One record:

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Single birds or small flocks seen now and then during summer. Highest number recorded in one day was 10 ind migrating past Bredsandsudde on 8 August 2005.

First record:

White Stork Ciconia ciconia

Two records:

Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis

One record:

In the periodical "Gotska Sandön" from Gotska Sandöns hembygdsförening 9:3-4 December 1990, page 3, there is a photo of a flamingo standing on the beach near Kyrkudden. The photo was taken by one of the rangers in October 1990. From the distribution of black colour on the beak it is obvious that it concerns a Chilean Flamingo. This species is recorded now and then in Sweden and is always considered an escape.

European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus

Scarce passage migrant in spring and in autumn. Most birds have been seen in spring. Rare in summer. Highest day-count in recent years is 6 birds on 2 June 2004.

First record:

Black Kite Milvus migrans

Three records:

White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla

The White-tailed Eagle used to breed since ages on Gotska Sandön until at least the 1910s. The last nest was in a huge pine on the western part of Höga land. After this the White-tailed Eagle was not seen on the island for many years. From the mid 1990s and onwards the number of White-tailed Eagles observed has increased every year and it is most likely that this magnificent species soon can be counted among the breeding birds of Gotska Sandön again.

First record:

Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Seen scarcely in spring and in autumn, a little more common in spring.

First record:

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus

Very scarce passage migrant in May, September and October. Gotska Sandön offers poor hunting habitats for this species since small rodents and shrews are missing completely.

First record:

Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus

Two records:

Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis

Probably breeding regulary on Gotska Sandön.

First record:

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

Often seen preying on small passerines near Bredsandsudde. Breeding regularly on Gotska Sandön.

First record:

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo

Fairly rare during migration. The Common Buzzard feeds mainly on small rodents which are missing on Gotska Sandön.

First record:

Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus

One record:

Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus

Rare on migration in spring and in autumn. The species has been observed in May, June, September, October and in December.

First record:

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos

The Golden Eagle counts among the breeding birds of Gotska Sandön since many years, though it is uncertain if breeding occurs every year. The main prey is Mountain Hare whose numbers vary a lot between years. The Golden Eagle is very secretive during the breeding season and breeding birds are seldom seen during summer.

First record:

Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis

One record:

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Passage migrant seen from May to September, most often in May. Successful fishing in the sea has been observed several times. One bird was both seen and heard on the West Side on 20 May 2002 and a breeding attempt can be suspected.

First record:

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Regular but scarce passage migrant in spring and in autumn. Feeding mainly on small rodents and shrews it is forced to leave Gotska Sandön quickly to escape a certain death. Dead Common Kestrels are sometimes found on the island.

First record:

Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus

Rare occasional visitor in late May and early June. Most often single birds have been recorded but in early June 1973 four birds were seen (Frankenberg 1977).

First record:

Merlin Falco columbarius

Scarce passage migrant in May and in August to October. Some birds probably stay for a while on the island and enjoy the abundance of small passerines in bad condition.

First record:

Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo

Usually four pairs breed every year on Gotska Sandön. They are very noisy and can often be heard from the Camp Site. The Eurasian Hobby on Gotska Sandön most often prey on small passerines which are caught over open sea. Good views of these hunts can often be had from Bredsandsudde.

First record:

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

Rare passage migrant in May and scarce in September and October.

First record:

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

One record:

Spotted Crake Porzana porzana

One record:

Corn Crake Crex crex

Two records:

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Three records:

Eurasian Coot Fulica atra

Occasional records only.

First records:

Common Crane Grus grus

Rare in May and in June. Usually seen in small flocks of up to 6 birds.

First records:

Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

Migrant breeder and passage migrant. Usually around six pairs breed on the north and the south shores as well as in Varvsbukten. Highest day-count during migration is 55 birds migrating NE on 12 May 1978. Eurasian Oystercatchers have been seen from May to September. They probably migrate past Gotska Sandön also in April in fair numbers.

First record:

Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Rare passage migrant in late May and early June.

First record:

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

Little Ringed Plover used to breed on Gotska Sandön, near Stora Beckrevet. Nowadays seen scarcely and almost exclusively in late July and in August.

First record:

Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

Regular as breeding and as passage migrant. The number of breeding pairs shurely is at least ten. The highest number recorded in one single day is 37 ind on the shores near Bredsandsudde on 17 August 2006.

First record:

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus

One record:

Eurasian Dotterel Charadrius morinellus

Four records:

European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

Scarce passage migrant from May to October. Most records concern single feeding birds on sandy beaches.

First record:

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Some years a common passage migrant in late May and early June. Highest recorded number in a single day was on 31 May 2004 when 462 birds were counted when migrating past Bredsandsudde. Scarce passage in autumn from late July to early October.

First record:

Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Scarce passage migrant in spring and in autumn. Biggest flock ever was 27 birds migrating south past Bredsandsudde on 1 June 2007 in easterly gale and rain.

First record:

Red Knot Calidris canutus

Migrating birds most often seen scarcely in late May, in early June and in July and onwards. If weather permits large flocks can bee seen during spring migration. On the 4th of June 2004 there was a mild southerly wind, the air was clear and the sky was blue apart from clouds in the west, making the discovery of wader flocks easier. This day a total of 1130 Great Knots migrated past Bredsandsudde and the single largest flock contained 450 birds.

First record:

Sanderling Calidris alba

The Sanderling occurs regularly but scarcely during spring migration in late May and early June, more commonly during autumn migration from late July and onwards.

First record:

Little Stint Calidris minuta

Seen scarcely during migration in late May and early June, more numerous in August and September.

First record:

Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii

Seen scarcely during spring migration in May and early June, more numerously during autumn migration in July and in August. The Temminck's Stint is almost exclusively seen resting on Bredsandsudde and never in direct migration flight.

First record:

Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos

All records:

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

Rare during spring migration in May and scarce during autumn migration in July and onwards.

First record:

Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima

First records:

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Most often seen scarcely during spring migration in May and early June and commonly during autumn migration from July and onwards. The Dunlin and the Ringed Plover are the most common small waders on Gotska Sandön. Sometimes during spring migration high numbers of Dunlins have been noted. Highest recorded day count was 1500 migrating NE past Bredsandsudde on 31 May 1997.

First record:

Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus

Two records:

Ruff Philomachus pugnax

Rare passage migrant in May, scarce from late June to September.

First record:

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus

Scarce passage migrant in spring, more common in autumn. Migration mainly takes place when few birders visit the island. Highest day count in September and October is 4 birds.

First records:

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Scarce passage migrant in May, regular in autumn from July to October. Highest numbers have been recorded in late September and early October.

First records:

Great Snipe Gallinago media

Four records:

Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

The Eurasian Woodcock is a very conspicuous migrant breeder on Gotska Sandön. Breeds regularly near most of the groves: Vassestensmor, Stora Idemoren, Enekullen etcetera. Displaying Eurasian Woodcocks are often seen and heard in June near the Lighthouse Village and the Camp Site.

First record:

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

One record:

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

Scarce passage migrant in May and early June, then in July and August. Large flocks have been recorded a few times in spring and highest recorded number in a single day is 480 migrating NE on 2 June 2004.

First record:

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Common passage migrant in April and early May, scarce from Midsummer to August.

First record:

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata

According to old sources the Eurasian Curlew is a common passage migrant in April. In recent years sightings mostly concern low numbers in May to August, 198 birds migrating SW on 25 June 2006 being an obvious exception.

First record:

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

Rare passage migrant in May to September. Usually single birds have been seen.

First record:

Common Redshank Tringa totanus

Scarce passage migrant from April to August.

First record:

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Scarce passage migrant from May to October. Single birds most often recorded.

First record:

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

Green Sandpipers on their way south are scarce from late May to August. Most often single birds have been seen.

First record:

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

Scarce passage migrant from May to September. Single birds or small flocks is the most common sight.

First record:

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Scarce but regular during spring and autumn migration. More often than other waders seen on the northern shore rich with gravel.

First record:

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres

The Ruddy Turnstone is a scarce passage migrant mainly in May and June but also in July and August.

First record:

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus

Scarce passage migrant in late May and early June, rare in August and September.

First record:

Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius

First record:

Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus

Two records:

Parasitic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus

Scarce passage migrant in May and early June as well as in August, rare in July and in September.

First record:

Little Gull Larus minutus

Rare from May to October.

First record:

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

Fairly common passage migrant and non-breeding summer visitor. Flocks of between 5 and 50 birds occur regularly in summer. In early summer most of the birds are 2CY and some of these birds can then be seen migrating SW. In mid-summer and autumn adults and 1CY birds migrate SW past the island. They sometimes stay on the island a couple of days.

First record:

Mew Gull Larus canus

Common migrant breeder and passage migrant. The breeding population includes some twenty pairs each at Bredsandsudde and at Tärnudden and a few pairs at Kyrkudden and Stora Beckrevet. In September and October many thousands can be seen around Bredsandsudde.

First record:

Baltic Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus fuscus

Common migrant breeder. There is one large colony at Bredsandsudde which has held between 200 and 300 pairs for many years. There is also a small and rapidly declining colony at Varvsbukten which hold only a few pairs in recent years. The Baltic Lesser Black-backed Gull is a bird giving character to Gotska Sandön. Along with the Mew Gull and the Common tern it is the bird most often seen along the shores.

First record:

Herring Gull Larus argentatus argentatus

Migrant breeder, common passage migrant and regular all year around. The breeding population includes some 20 pairs at Bredsandsudde, some 5 pairs east of Tärnudden and a few other pairs scattered around the island.

First record:

Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans

Vagrant in spring and in autumn.

First records:

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus

First records:

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

A few pairs breed each year near Stora Beckrevet, Sankt Anna, Bredsandsudde and at a few other places. The number of breeding pairs is no doubt lower than ten. The Great Black-backed Gull can be seen all year round and rarely in higher numbers than 15 birds.

First record:

Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla

One record:

Ivory Gull Pagophila eburnea

One record:

Little Tern Sternula albifrons

Uncommon and irregular visitor. Single birds or birds in pairs are most often seen. On 1 August 2007 as many as 25 Little Terns were seen on the beach at Bredsandsudde.

First record:

Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia

Occasional May to August.

First record:

Black Tern Chlidonias niger

First records:

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea

Rare migrant breeder. In 2004 three pairs were nesting on Bredsandsudde on sandy dunes close to the beach. Common passage migrant, at least in July and in August.

First records:

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Common migrant breeder and passage migrant. Four colonies have been used in recent years: On Bredsandsudde, at Stora Beckrevet, at Tärnudden and in Varvsbukten. The largest colony is the one on Bredsandsudde where roughly 100 pairs breed. The Common Tern prefers grass-covered dunes near the shore for its nest.

First record:

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis

Regular but scarce passage migrant in spring and in summer, fairly common in September and in October. Breeding has never been observed on Gotska Sandön.

First record:

Common Murre Uria aalge

Scarce off Gotska Sandön from May to October.

First record:

Razorbill Alca torda

Small flocks regularly seen fishing and flying by during summer. Common on migration in spring and in autumn. When the odd Razorbill is seen standing on the shore the bird is for shure not healthy.

First record:

Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle

Seen scarcely when fishing or flying by near the shores during the summer. The Black Guillemot has been recorded also during the winter.

First record:

Feral Pigeon Columba livia domestica

Unringed Feral Pigeons are seen now and then during summer on Gotska Sandön.

First record:

Stock Dove Columba oenas

Fairly common passage migrant in spring and in autumn. Single birds sometimes remain until late May. The Stock Dove does not breed on Gotska Sandön.

First record:

Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus

Common passage migrant in spring and in autumn. Single singing birds are sometimes heard. Breeding has never been confirmed, though it is not unlikely. A flock consisting of some 1500 Common Wood Pigeons on 7 October 2006 near Bredsandsudde is by far the largest flock ever recorded on Gotska Sandön.

First record:

Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

Rare in May, June and July.

First record:

European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur

The European Turtle Dove is scarce and irregular in late May and early June. The species is not recorded every year.

First records:

Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

Scarce passage migrant seen yearly in spring and in autumn. In May and in June Common Cuckoos can be seen heading out over the sea in full daylight. The song is heard now and then. Breeding has never been confirmed.

First record:

Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus

One record:

Northern Hawk Owl Surnia ulula

One record:

Long-eared Owl Asio otus

Rare in the end of May and in autumn. The Long-eared Owl preys on small rodents which are missing on Gotska Sandön. Dead Long-eared Owls have been found on the island several times.

First record:

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus

The Short-eared Owl is seen scarcely during migration in spring and in autumn. Spring records in June have been noted.

First records:

Tengmalm's Owl Aegolius funereus

Two records:

European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus

The European Nightjar no doubt breeds annualy on Gotska Sandön. It can now and then be heard from the Camp Site. In early summer Nightjars often rest in dunes near the shore during daytime.

First record:

Common Swift Apus apus

Irregular. Rather scarce during spring migration in May and June and during autumn migration in August. The Common Swift does not breed on Gotska Sandön.

First record:

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

One record:

European Bee-eater Merops apiaster

Eight records:

European Roller Coracias garrulus

All records:

Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops

Seven records:

Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla

Regular and scarce passage migrant in spring. Regular all summer and probably breeding with a few pairs near the groves.

First record:

Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius

Two records:

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major

The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a fairly common resident breeding bird on Gotska Sandön.

First record:

White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos

One record:

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor

The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker can be suspected to be irregular in spring and in autumn. Very few recent records are known.

First record:

Three-toed Woodpecker Picoides tridactylus

Two records:

Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla

Five records:

Crested Lark Galerida cristata

One record:

Wood Lark Lullula arborea

Scarce passage migrant in spring and in autumn. Singing birds are heard now and then near Bredsandsudde and breeding can not be excluded.

First record:

Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis

Common on migration in spring and in autumn, mainly when the island is not visited by birders. A few can be seen in June, sometimes singing. Breeding is not probable.

First record:

Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris

One record:

Sand Martin Riparia riparia

Scarce passage migrant in spring and autumn together with other swallows.

First record:

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

Common passage migrant in May, June and August to October. Often seen gathering between Höga land and Hamnudden in spring and in autumn. The Barn Swallow is a casual breeder in the Light-house Village.

First record:

Common House Martin Delichon urbicum

Common passage migrant in May and in June, scarce in August to October. Some years Common House Martins breed on the island. Swallows and Martins often gather near the shore in the lee of land. In the flocks usually Common House Martins and Barn Swallows are found and more seldom also Sand Martins.

First record:

Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi

Five records :

Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris

Occasional in late May to July. Numbers are declining as in the rest of Sweden.

First record:

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis

A few pairs breed in the southern parts of the island. Common on migration both in spring and in autumn.

First record:

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

Common on migration both in spring and in autumn. Spring migration mainly undocumented. In autumn large numbers can be seen migrating past Bredsandsudde. The Meadow Pipit does not breed on Gotska Sandön.

First record:

Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus

Seen scarcely on migration, mainly in May and in September.

First records:

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus

Seen scarcely but regularly both in spring and in autumn. Migration occurs mainly when no birders are present on the island. The Rock Pipit does not breed on Gotska Sandön.

First record:

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava

Regular passage migrant in May, June, August and September, in spring sometimes common. Highest recorded day-count is on 21 May 2004 when 750 birds migrated past Bredsandsudde. The migration direction for the Yellow Wagtail in spring is toward NW which it shares with most other passerines.

First record:

Blue-headed Wagtail Motacilla f. flava

Scarce passage migrant and only seen in spring when the males are easy to distinguish.

First record:

Grey-headed Wagtail Motacilla f. thunbergi

Common passage migrant in May and early June. Mostly found near the beach but sometimes feeding on the lawns in the Lighthouse Village as well as in the Chapel Meadow.

First record:

Black-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava feldegg/?

One record:

Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola

Four records:

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Two records:

White Wagtail Motacilla alba

Common migrant breeder along the sea-shore around the island. A breeding pair each 300 meter makes a total of about 100 breeding pairs on the island. A few pairs are also to be found at the Lighthouse Village, the Camp Site, the Chapel Meadow and Gamla gården. Scarce passage migrant in spring and more common in autumn.

First record:

Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus

Probably regular in late autumn and in winter. Some years single birds or small flocks remain on the island until late May.

First records:

White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus

First record:

Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

Probably a regular and scarce migrant breeder. Singing birds most often heard at Stora Idemoren, Höga åsen and Högaland.

First record:

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Probably a regular and scarce migrant breeder, for example near the Helicopter Field. Common passage migrant in spring and in autumn.

First record:

European Robin Erithacus rubecula

Common passage migrant in spring and in autumn. Probably breeding on Gotska Sandön, though scarce. Singing birds have been heard in late May and in early June several times. Breeding has not been confirmed.

First record:

Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia

Scarce but regular in late May. The Thrush Nightingale is most often seen feeding on grassland and not so often singing. The species is probably not breeding on Gotska Sandön.

First record:

Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos

Two records:

Bluethroat Luscinia svecica

Scarce and regular passage migrant in May, very scarce in August and September. If weather is unsuitable for migration lots of Bluethroats can be seen along the shores of Gotska Sandön. This was the case on 24 May 2004 when as many as 80 Bluethroats were counted along the northern shore and Franska bukten in northerly winds and rain. Apart from near the shores Bluethroats can be seen in the groves, in the Lighthouse Village and at the Camp Site.

First record:

Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus

One record:

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

Scarce passage migrant in May and early June, probably regular in March and in April. Most often seen in the Lighthouse Village and at the Helicopter Field.

First record:

Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus

A scarce and regular migrant breeder in the pine forest. Stopping over in low numbers during spring and autumn migration.

First record:

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

The Whinchat is a very conspicouos migrant in late May because it is often perched visibly. When weather is unsuitable for migration large numbers of Whinchats can aggregate on the island. In the evening before continued migration the birds tend to concentrate in the dunes near Bredsandsudde. The Whinchat is also recorded during migration from August to October in lower numbers.

First record:

Common Stonechat Saxicola torquatus

Six records:

These records concern birds which could not be assigned to a particular subspecies.

Common Stonechat rubicola/hibernans Saxicola torquatus rubicola/hibernans

Two records:

Siberian Stonechat Saxicola torquatus maurus/stejnegeri

Two records:

Caspian Stonechat Saxicola torquatus variegatus

One record:

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

Common passage migrant in May and June, then in August to October. The Northern Wheatear does not breed on Gotska Sandön.

First record:

Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius

One record:

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus

Regular passage migrant in April and early May. Rare later in May and in early June. Only one autumn record in early October.

First record:

Common Blackbird Turdus merula

Scarce migrant breeder. One pair is breeding in almost every grove on the island. The Common Blackbird appears to be the only thrush which is successful in finding its food on Gotska Sandön. Common passage migrant in spring and in autumn. Scarce in winter.

First record:

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

Common passage migrant in spring and in autumn. Scarce in May and in June. The Fieldfare is not known to breed on Gotska Sandön.

First record:

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

Probably a regular and very scarce migrant breeder. Breeding verified in Sälbo lövskog where young birds were recorded in June 1979. Common passage migrant in spring and in autumn.

First record:

Redwing Turdus iliacus

Common passage migrant in spring and in autumn. A few singing birds have been heard until early June. Breeding is not probable.

First record:

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

Fairly common passage migrant in spring and in autumn. A few singing birds have been heard in June.

First record:

Common Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia

Scarce passage migrant in May and early June, then in July to October. Most birds have been found in dunes near the shore. When you have found a Common Grasshopper Warbler chanses are good you will have a fairly good view of the bird on Gotska Sandön. Singing birds have been heard in quite unexpected habitats such as dense pine wood, expecially in mild and moisty conditions.

First record:

River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis

Three records:

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Resting birds are seen scarcely in the migration seasons in spring and in autumn. Most birds have been found in grass near the shore when weather is unfavourable for migration. Sometimes seen and heard singing in the Lighthouse village and near the Chapel.

First record:

Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola

One record:

Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum

Six records:

Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris

Seen and heard scarcely only in the end of May and in June. Higher numbers are achieved when weather is unsuitable for migration.

First record:

European Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus

Resting birds are seen scarcely in the migration seasons in spring and in autumn. Occurs most often near the Chapel and in grass near the shore.

First record:

Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus

Two records:

Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata

One record:

Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina

Regular and rather scarce passage migrant and migrant breeder. The spring passage takes place in May and in June. A few birds probably breed every year in the grooves and breeding has been confirmed in The Lighthouse Village. The Icterine Warbler has not been recorded in autumn.

First record:

Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans

One record:

Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria

The Barred Warbler is an uncommon but regular passage migrant in early summer. Passage usually peaks in early June. Only one autumn record.

First records:

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca

Probably a scarce and regular migrant breeder, for example near Hamnudden. Common passage migrant in spring and sometimes numerous even in late May when weather is unsuitable for migration. Scarce passage migrant in autumn, seen as late as October.

First record:

Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis

Scarce passage migrant in May and June, rare in autumn. Probable breeding near Båthuset in 2006 where a singing bird was heard around Midsummer and in early July.

First record:

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin

Common passage migrant in spring, more scarce in autumn. Scarce migrant breeder.

First record:

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

Fairly common passage migrant in May and early June, also in September and October. Probably a regular migrant breeder in low numbers although no proof of breeding is known.

First record:

Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides

Gotska Sandön is probably one of the best places in Sweden to see and hear the Greenish Warbler. Som years it can be common in early summer, else it is quite scarce. Breeding has been confirmed a few times.

First records and records of many birds:

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix

Common migrant breeder. At least one pair is usually found in every groove and in Stora Idemoren several pairs breed. Common passage migrant in late May and early June, some years abundant.

First record:

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

Scarce migrant breeder. Breeding confirmed at the Helicopter Field on 27 July 2002 where a young bird which hardly was able to fly was seen. Singing birds in summer most often heard in coniferous forest indicating that the breeding birds belong to the northern race abietinus.

First record:

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

Willow Warbler is a fairly common migrant breeder on Gotska Sandön in suitable habitats. Common passage migrant in spring and in autumn.

First record:

Goldcrest Regulus regulus

Probably a common migrant breeder in suitable habitats. The Goldcrest is most often heard in pine forest with spruce in the vicinity for example near the Northern Light-house and at Höga åsen. A brood of newly fledged Goldcrests was observed near Höga åsen on 22 June 2001. The Goldcrest is a common passage migrant, at least in autumn.

First record:

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

According to unanimous evidence the Spotted Flycatcher is the most numerous breeding bird on Gotska Sandön, apparently well fit for the extremly dry pine forest. The Spotted Flycatcher is common also on migration, especially in spring in May and early June. Normally a strictly nocturnal migrant it can often be seen on Bredsandsudde migrating in full daylight in hundreds, most often at a considerable elevation.

First record:

Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva

Scarce but regular on Gotska Sandön in early summer and breeding has been confirmed a couple of times. Most records concern 2CY males singing in June.

Territorial Red-breasted Flycatchers on Gotska Sandön show a preference for places where small pine trees grow in the shadow of taller trees. Deciduous trees are always present and often small rowan bushes and the odd oak.

During the autumn passage the species has been recorded in August, September and October.

First record:

Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis

Seen yearly in May and in June. Breeding is possible though no proof thereof has been recorded.

First record:

Pied X Collared Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca X albicollis

First record:

European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

Common passage migrant in May and early June, uncommon during autumn migration. Scarce or rare breeder in the pine forest, in Stora Idemoren and in The Lighthouse Village.

First record:

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

The Long-tailed Tit is probably regular during spring and autumn migration when the island seldom is visited by birders. In recent years seen scarcely in early summer. No indications of breeding have been noted.

First records:

Coal Tit Parus ater

The Coal Tit is a very common resident breeding bird on Gotska Sandön and they can be heard almost constantly when you walk through the pine forest. In autumn and in winter flocks of Coal Tits are often seen flying by near the sea shore.

First record:

Eurasian Blue Tit Parus caeruleus

A few pairs breed every year in The Chapel Meadow, in Stora idemoren and elsewhere in the groves. The Eurasian Blue Tit can be seen all year around. Migration movements have not been observed.

First record:

Great Tit Parus major

Uncommon breeder in suitable habitats. The Great Tit can be seen all year around on Gotska Sandön. Migration movements have been observed in late September and early October.

First record:

Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea

The Eurasian Nuthatch is a resident breeding bird on Gotska Sandön since a long time. It breeds in Stora Idemoren and probably also in other grooves. It has seldom been recorded by visiting birders. Probably it has been overlooked or perhaps neglected, since it is such a common bird on Gotland and on the Swedish mainland.

First record:

Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

Breeds regularly near the groves. Common during migration in spring and in autumn.

First record:

Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus

Occurs almost yearly in Stora Idemoren where it has been observed from May to July and breeding has been suspected. Eurasian Golden Orioles has a few times been observed migrating over Bredsandsudde in full daylight in late May and early June.

First records:

Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio

Scarce and irregular migrant breeder near Hamnudden, Gamla gården and in The Chapel Meadow. Common passage migrant in May and early June, scarce in July, August and September.

With a shortage of large insects, the Red-backed Shrike has often been observed preying on small passerines in spring on Gotska Sandön. The species most often selected are Spotted Flycatchers and warblers. The Red-backed Shrikes eat only the brain of their bird victims.

First record:

Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor

Vagrant in May and in June.

Six records:

Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor

The Great Grey Shrike has been observed only once in spring, in autumn on two visits in late September and early October. Probably more common passage migrant in autumn than in spring.

First record:

Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator

One record:

Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius

The only record was made in spring the year after a massive autumn migration from Scandinavia.

One record:

Common Magpie Pica pica

Occasional.

All records:

Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes

Irregular visitor and absent for years between visits. Most often seen in the Chapel Meadow and in Stora Idemoren. Breeding has been confirmed at least once.

First record:

Thick-billed Nutcracker Nucifraga c. caryocatactes

Irregular visitor and absent for years between visits. Most often seen in the Chapel Meadow and in Stora Idemoren. Some years probably breeding near the groves.

First record:

Slender-billed Nutcracker Nucifraga c. macrorhynchos

Irregular visitor and absent for years between visits. The Slender-billed Nutcracker bred on Gotska Sandön in 1955. This was the first confirmed breeding of this race in Sweden.

First record:

Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula

Occurs very irregularly in May and in June as well as earlier in spring.

First record:

Rook Corvus frugilegus

Scarce in May and early June, probably more numerous in early spring. The Rook has also been recorded in autumn and in winter.

First record:

Carrion Crow Corvus corone corone

All records:

Hooded Crow Corvus corone cornix

Scarce breeder since long time. Common passage migrant in spring and in autumn.

First record:

Common Raven Corvus corax

Probably breeding annually with at least one pair on Gotska Sandön. The Common Raven was absent from the island during most of the twentieth century. Seen annually since the beginning of the 1990s.

First record:

Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris

Fairly common migrant breeder. Several pairs breed in the Chapel Meadow. Common passage migrant in spring and in autumn.

First record:

Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus

One record:

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Occasional visitor to the Lighthouse Village. No records in recent years.

First records:

Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

Very scarce in spring and in autumn, not recorded every year.

First records:

Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Abundant migrant breeder, common passage migrant and one of the most numerous birds on Gotska Sandön. Breeding all over the island except close to the shores. Occasional in winter. Common Chaffinches on Gotska Sandön regularly visit the shore to drink sea water, a custom they share with few other small passerines.

First record:

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla

Common passage migrant in spring and in autumn. Singing birds can be heard in late May and Bramblings looking healthy have been sen until mid-June.

First record:

European Serin Serinus serinus

Occasional, mainly in May and in June.

First record:

European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris

The European Greenfinch har been increasing in numbers in recent years and the species is now one of the breeding birds on Gotska Sandön. Young birds begging for foad have been recorded in August, and breeding seems probale in the vicinity of the Camp Site. Fairly numerous during migration in spring and in autumn.

First record:

European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Irregular and scarce during migration in spring and in autumn.

First record:

Eurasian Siskin Carduelis spinus

Often seen in large numbers in May and in June. The Eurasian Siskin is probably breeding annualy on Gotska Sandön and evidence for breeding has been recorded. Dry conditions make it easier to see the birds. They then visit the bird baths in The Lighthouse Village and the small pond near the Chapel.

First record:

Common Linnet Carduelis cannabina

Regular and most often scarce during migration in spring and in autumn.

First record:

Twite Carduelis flavirostris

Probably regular on migration in early spring and in late autumn.

All records:

Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea

Most often seen scarcely in spring and in autumn. Sometimes gathers in large flocks. The Common Redpoll has also been recorded in winter.

First record:

Lesser Redpoll Carduelis flammea cabaret

Seen scarcely and irregularly in May.

First record:

Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni

One record:

Two-barred Crossbill Loxia leucoptera

Irregular and only seen in years of eruptive migration.

First records and records with many birds:

Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra

Common in summer and most easy to see under dry conditions when the birds visit the Chapel pond and bird baths in the Lighthouse Village. The Common Crossbill is not known to breed on Gotska Sandön.

First record:

Parrot Crossbill Loxia pytyopsittacus

The Parrot Crossbill is breeding on Gotska Sandön in various numbers in the pine forest. During the summer birds are often observed visiting bird baths in the Light-house Village and the Chapel pond. Apart from this the species is often hard to find. Some years there is an eruptive migration of Parrot Crossbills and they can then be seen in large numbers leaving the island at Bredsandsudde.

First record:

Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus

Some years abundant during spring migration from mid May until Midsummer, scarce during autumn migration in August. Males in adult breeding plumage are rare. The species does not breed on Gotska Sandön.

First record:

Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator

The only record concerns a flock of birds appearing in spring after the biggest invasion in modern history, peaking in November 1976.

One record:

Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Scarce passage migrant in May. Some years more common earlier in spring. Recorded in winter some years. Rare in summer. Irregular passage migrant in late autumn.

First record:

Yellow-billed Grosbeak Eophona migratoria

This species belongs to those who in Sweden are considered being escaped cage birds.

One record:

Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes

Regular and often seen in pairs in the Chapel Meadow in May and in June. There are records both during summer, autumn and winter. It is likely that Hawfinches breed on Gotska Sandön, though no proof thereof has been recorded.

First record:

Lapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus

Rare in May, quite numerous in September and in October.

First records:

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis

The species is never recorded in summer when transportation to the island is available for birders. The Snow Bunting is probably a regular passage migrant in late March, April, late October and November.

First record:

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella

The Yellowhammer does not breed on Gotska Sandön. Scarce in May and in June, more common in September and in October.

First record:

Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana

Most years relatively common passage migrant in two distinct periods: First half of May and late August to early September. Apart from this rare.

First record:

Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica

The decrease of this species in Sweden is well reflected in its occurrence on Gotska Sandön. It is not anymore seen yearly. Best dates are probably the first half of May. The species has also been recorded in September.

First record:

Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla

Six records:

Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola

Two records:

Common Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

Scarce passage migrant in May and in June, common in late September until early October.

First record:

Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala

One record:

Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra

Four records:

Painted Bunting Passerina ciris

All Painted Buntings found in Sweden are considered being escaped cage birds.

One record:

The Species List

Here and away

Birds on Gotska Sandön. Online since 2001.