Circaetus Gallicus Research Articles

Nesting habitat selection of Mediterranean raptors in managed pinewoods: searching for common patterns to derive conservation recommendations

SummaryInvestigating habitat selection is a key step in improving the population conservation of forest species in areas managed for different purposes, from timber harvesting to hunting or recreation. Because economic resources allocated to conservation are limited, studies that assess cost-effective strategies are necessary, especially when concerning non-threatened species. We studied nest-site habitat selection of two raptor communities (totalling 245 nests from the five most common species: Short-Toed EagleCircaetus gallicus, GoshawkAccipiter gentilis, SparrowhawkA. nisus, Common BuzzardButeo buteoand Booted EagleAquila pennata) in two pinewoods in central Spain separated by 200 km. Using a Generalised Linear Mixed Model for each species and with locality as a random factor, we obtained five models of habitat selection. We highlighted the common nesting patterns in order to facilitate an integrated management of forestry in relation to raptor nesting habitat selection. The most important variable for all species, with the exception of the Sparrowhawk was the nest-tree diameter at breast height, with raptors preferentially selecting nesting trees of large width. Tall trees and a high amount of tree cover around the nesting tree were also important habitat features for several species. Our results suggest that pinewoods should retain unharvested patches with moderate tree coverage (30–70%) containing not only several large trees (diameter at breast height > 40 cm) but also small ones. At the landscape level, open forests and heterogeneous habitats are preferred. These forest patches should be dispersed throughout the landscape.

Invertebrates as Prey of Short-Toed Snake-Eagles (Circaetus gallicus)

INVERTEBRADOS COMO PRESAS DE CIRCAETUS GALLICUS Circaetus gallicus presenta tipicamente una dieta especializada en reptiles. Sin embargo, el analisis del contenido estomacal durante el periodo de migracion revelo la presencia de inverte, brados en la dieta de ejemplares jovenes. La gran concentracion de migrantes en la zona de estudio, el estrecho de Gibraltar, podria haber generado competencia por la presa principal, los reptiles, especialmente en el caso de los juveniles con poca experiencia. Nuestros resultados tambien podrian sugerir la explotacion sistematica de un recurso trofico abundante, las escolopendras, coincidiendo con la finalizacion del verano.

Visible Migration of Short-Toed Snake-Eagles: Interplay of Weather and Topographical Features

Abstract Migratory behavior of raptors is affected by several factors, including weather, geography, and topographical features. Here we provide information on how these factors may affect the behavior and detectability of the Short-toed Snake-Eagle (Circaetus gallicus). We observed passage of Short-toed Snake-Eagles at two watchsites along mountain chains in northeastern Greece (Mount Olympus) and northwestern Italy (Arenzano) during the peak periods of migration in autumn 2009 and spring 2010. More Short-toed Snake-Eagles were observed in spring than in autumn; this difference was more evident at Arenzano. Temperatures influenced the number of migrants observed. In particular, the number of individuals observed decreased drastically when temperatures were higher than 24°C during post-reproductive movements. At both sites, daily patterns showed a lower proportion of raptors observed during midday and early afternoon in autumn than in spring. These results suggest that, during autumn, individuals may pass...

Breeding ornithical communities in the Natural Reserve “Monte Soratte” (Central Italy): composition and structure.

In this study we obtained further data on the breeding bird communities of “Monte Soratte” nature reserve (Latium, central Italy). We sampled 55 breeding species (49 during the standard sampling with point counts) in four habitat types (Quercus ilex oak woods, landscape mosaics, urban habitats and wet habitat mosaics along the Tiber river). Landscape mosaics and wet mosaics along the Tiber river showed higher values both of richness (also normalizing with the Margalef index) and Shannon diversity when compared to the other habitat types. Bird community in urban habitats showed a high mean species richness but a low β-diversity index, probably due to low spatial heterogeneity. The values of mean species richness are not significantly different among habitat types. Further research should be promoted to confirm the nesting of some species, yet observed in this area (e.g., Falco peregrinus, Phylloscopus bonelli). “Monte Soratte” nature reserve may represent a stop-over site and a foraging area for migrant raptors of conservation concern (e.g., for Circaetus gallicus).

Variation in predator species abundance can cause variable selection pressure on warning signaling prey

Predation pressure is expected to drive visual warning signals to evolve toward conspicuousness. However, coloration of defended species varies tremendously and can at certain instances be considered as more camouflaged rather than conspicuous. Recent theoretical studies suggest that the variation in signal conspicuousness can be caused by variation (within or between species) in predators' willingness to attack defended prey or by the broadness of the predators' signal generalization. If some of the predator species are capable of coping with the secondary defenses of their prey, selection can favor reduced prey signal conspicuousness via reduced detectability or recognition. In this study, we combine data collected during three large-scale field experiments to assess whether variation in avian predator species (red kite, black kite, common buzzard, short-toed eagle, and booted eagle) affects the predation pressure on warningly and non-warningly colored artificial snakes. Predation pressure varied among locations and interestingly, if common buzzards were abundant, there were disadvantages to snakes possessing warning signaling. Our results indicate that predator community can have important consequences on the evolution of warning signals. Predators that ignore the warning signal and defense can be the key for the maintenance of variation in warning signal architecture and maintenance of inconspicuous signaling.

Sub-Saharan staging areas of a first-summer Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus

Capsule An immature Short-toed Snake Eagle hatched in France summered at its Sahelian wintering grounds in Mali.

Ecological barriers promote risk minimisation and social learning in migrating short-toed snake eagles

The short-toed snake eagle (Circaetus gallicus) uses mostly soaring flight over land during migration to avoid long sea crossings. In particular, birds breeding in central Italy cross the Mediterranean Sea at the Strait of Gibraltar, using a route through northwestern Italy during both autumn and spring migration. Birds breeding in Greece, such as those breeding in Italy, are expected to use the same strategy passing through northeastern Greece and avoiding the longer sea crossing between southern Greece and Libya. In order to verify this hypothesis, contemporaneous observations were made at two watchsites, in northwestern Italy (Apuane Alps) and northeastern Greece (Mount Olympus), during autumn 2009 and spring 2010. During autumn migration 376 birds were seen migrating at Mount Olympus, nearly all heading NNE. Most birds were seen migrating in flocks, and at least 23 flocks contained both adults and juveniles. Over the Apuane Alps a total of 1042 short-toed snake eagles, all migrating NNW, was counted. At this watchsite the proportion of juveniles was lower than that reported at Mount Olympus. During spring migration, 606 birds were seen at Mount Olympus, 602 heading south. At the Apuane Alps 1307 birds were counted, all heading SSE. The orientation behaviour of short-toed snake eagles confirms that those breeding in Greece, like those breeding in central Italy, use a circuitous route during both spring and autumn. In particular those breeding in Greece are expected to cross the sea at the Dardanelles and/or at the Bosphorus. In addition, the higher proportion of juveniles reported at Mount Olympus during autumn migration would suggest that social learning could have been much favoured by natural selection in the case of birds breeding in Greece rather than in Italy, highlighting a relationship between the length of the barrier and the tendency of juveniles to follow the adults.

Extremely detoured migration in an inexperienced bird: interplay of transport costs and social interactions

We tagged two juvenile short-toed eagles in southern Italian peninsula with GPS satellite transmitters. According to previous visual observations, two different migratory routes for Italian short-toed eagles to reach Africa in autumn have been proposed: via Sicily and via Gibraltar. These routes include different over-water distances to cross the Mediterranean Sea, and thus different proportions of flight modes (soaringgliding vs flappinggliding) with resulting different transport costs. Considering different scenarios of energy cost of transport, with flapping-gliding flight over water being more costly than flying over land using soaringgliding flight, we predicted a maximum optimal detour of 1218 km. Both individuals reached Africa using the longest, detoured, route, avoiding the longest water crossing. To achieve this they began migrating northwards, keeping for ca 700 km a direction opposite to that followed by any other migrating bird from the Northern hemisphere in autumn. The comparison of optimal detour predictions with observed migratory tracks suggests that this migratory strategy prioritizes not only energy minimization, but also safety, given the mortality risk associated with the sea crossing. Finally, it is unlike that these inexperienced individuals followed such a complex route relying only on endogenous information and we therefore suggest, also on the basis of field observations, that social interactions (adult guidance) allow these individuals to learn the detoured route.

Summer staging areas of non-breeding Short-toed Snake Eagles Circaetus gallicus

Capsule Immature Short-toed Snake Eagles hatched in Spain leave their Sahelian wintering grounds to spend the summer in northern Africa.

High seroprevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in wild animals from Portugal

We report an investigation of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in 52 wild birds and 20 wild mammals from northern and central areas of Portugal by using the modified agglutination test. The birds comprised 26 common buzzards (Buteo buteo), five tawny owls (Strix aluco), four white storks (Ceconia ceconia), three Eurasian eagle owls (Bubo bubo), three northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis), two booted eagles (Hieraaetus pennatus), two common barn owls (Tyto alba), two Eurasian sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus), two short-toed eagles (Circaetus gallicus), one black kite (Milvus migrans), one Griffin vulture (Gyps fulvus), and one peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). The mammals were eight wild boars (Sus scrofa), six red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), two common genets (Genetta genetta), two European badgers (Meles meles), one European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and one Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus). Fifty percent of the wild birds and 90% of the wild mammals were seropositive; the overall seroprevalence of infection was 61.1%. When comparing the prevalence of antibodies in birds and mammals from northern Portugal, a significant difference was found, but the same was not true for birds and mammals from central Portugal. Seroprevalence levels were 30.0% in juvenile and 62.5% in adult birds (p=0.046), 0.0% in juvenile and 94.7% in adult mammals (p=0.100), 80.0% in female and 66.7% in male birds (p=1.000), and 81.8% in female and 100% in male mammals (p=0.479). This is the first study performed on T. gondii in birds of prey, white storks, and wild carnivores in Portugal.

Hunting strategies and foraging performance of the short‐toed eagle in the Dadia‐Lefkimi‐Soufli National Park, north‐east Greece

The foraging performance and the hunting strategies of foraging short-toed eagles Circaetus gallicus were studied in Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli National Park during 1996–1998. A general linear model analysis showed that the eagle's hunting mode was related to wind velocity. At low wind speeds, the eagles more frequently soared and/or hovered, whereas on windy days, they hung more frequently than soared or hovered. Individuals appear to compensate for the high-cost foraging method (hovering) with a high capture rate or a low capture rate with low-cost foraging methods (soaring and hanging). In addition, their foraging activities exhibited two patterns. In the early (April) and late (September) breeding season, eagles foraged mainly during midday, while from May to August eagles foraged largely during the morning and a little during the afternoon, reflecting to some extent the diurnal activity of prey (reptiles) throughout the breeding season. Short-toed eagles tended to forage for longer as the breeding season progressed, peaking during August due to additional food requirements before autumn migration. Following a mixed foraging strategy throughout the breeding season, short-toed eagles increased their hunting efficiency, which may benefit increased breeding success and energy reserves for migration.

Modelling the distribution of short-toed eagle (Circaetus gallicus) in semi-arid Mediterranean landscapes: identifying important explanatory variables and their implications for its conservation

Mediterranean semi-arid landscapes are currently experiencing accelerated land use changes which are affecting species distributions. An important fraction of the European short-toed eagle (Circaetus gallicus) population, a specialised snake predator, breeds in this kind of landscapes. Information on the habitat characteristics that may affect the occurrence of this species is of paramount importance to try to evaluate how this species could be affected by ongoing territory changes. In this study, we use hierarchical partitioning analysis to identify environmental variables (natural vegetation, agricultural uses, hydrological web, topography, human pressure and climate) at two resolution scales (1 and 4 km2) that may influence the presence of the short-toed eagle in a populated Mediterranean region in southeastern Spain. Results were highly consistent between scales. Forest was the most important variable determining the presence of the short-toed eagle in the study area, showing a positive effect, particularly those inland forests with nearby presence of sunny open scrublands where the species may find its prey. On the contrary, herbaceous crops and all variables related to human pressure, including urbanisations, dispersed houses and roads, are negatively affecting the occurrence of the species. These variables are strongly related to the main driving forces that change landscapes in our study area, including the abandonment of traditional territory uses and the expansion of urbanised areas. These results indicate that the increasing number of housing developments projected in inland areas would have a detrimental effect on the short-toed eagle, especially if they are located close to pine forests and rivers.

Autumn Migration of Juvenile Short-Toed EaglesCircaetus gallicusfrom Southeastern Spain

This study provides the first description of autumn migration routes of juvenile Short-toed Eagles Circaetus gallicus tagged in southeastern Spain. Three nestlings were tagged with Argos/GPS satellite transmitters, of which two reached their wintering grounds in Mali, close to the Inner Niger Delta. Onset, duration and routes of migration differed between the two individuals, but both eventually settled in approximately the same area (c. 170 km apart). The wintering grounds were located more than 2500 km away from the breeding sites, although the birds covered some 3800–4700 km to reach the wintering area. The observed differences in migration strategies may be related to juvenile eagles migrating, or not, in mixed flocks with adults; the latter depart earlier from the breeding grounds and follow a more direct route to the wintering grounds.

First record of a communal roost of Short‐toed Eagles Circaetus gallicus

IbisVolume 152, Issue 1 p. 173-175 Short communication First record of a communal roost of Short-toed Eagles Circaetus gallicus ANTONIO-ROMÁN. MUÑOZ, Corresponding Author ANTONIO-ROMÁN. MUÑOZ Fundación MIGRES, N-340, Km. 96 Huerta Grande, Pelayo. E-11390 Algeciras, Spain Corresponding author.Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorBERT TOXOPEUS, BERT TOXOPEUS International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), Hengelosestraat 99, PO Box 6, Enschede 7500 AA, Enschede, The NetherlandsSearch for more papers by this authorJAVIER ELORRIAGA, JAVIER ELORRIAGA Fundación MIGRES, N-340, Km. 96 Huerta Grande, Pelayo. E-11390 Algeciras, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorJUAN-MIGUEL GONZALEZ, JUAN-MIGUEL GONZALEZ Fundación MIGRES, N-340, Km. 96 Huerta Grande, Pelayo. E-11390 Algeciras, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorBEATRIZ YÁÑEZ, BEATRIZ YÁÑEZ Fundación MIGRES, N-340, Km. 96 Huerta Grande, Pelayo. E-11390 Algeciras, SpainSearch for more papers by this author ANTONIO-ROMÁN. MUÑOZ, Corresponding Author ANTONIO-ROMÁN. MUÑOZ Fundación MIGRES, N-340, Km. 96 Huerta Grande, Pelayo. E-11390 Algeciras, Spain Corresponding author.Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorBERT TOXOPEUS, BERT TOXOPEUS International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), Hengelosestraat 99, PO Box 6, Enschede 7500 AA, Enschede, The NetherlandsSearch for more papers by this authorJAVIER ELORRIAGA, JAVIER ELORRIAGA Fundación MIGRES, N-340, Km. 96 Huerta Grande, Pelayo. E-11390 Algeciras, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorJUAN-MIGUEL GONZALEZ, JUAN-MIGUEL GONZALEZ Fundación MIGRES, N-340, Km. 96 Huerta Grande, Pelayo. E-11390 Algeciras, SpainSearch for more papers by this authorBEATRIZ YÁÑEZ, BEATRIZ YÁÑEZ Fundación MIGRES, N-340, Km. 96 Huerta Grande, Pelayo. E-11390 Algeciras, SpainSearch for more papers by this author First published: 08 December 2009 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.2009.00974.xCitations: 8Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume152, Issue1January 2010Pages 173-175 RelatedInformation

Validation of Spilornis cheela hoya TaqMan probes for potential gender identification of many Accipitridae species

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that genders of Accipitridae species, with the same or similar sequences to our previously proposed Spilornis cheela hoya ( S. c. hoya) chromo- helicase- DNA binding protein ( CHD) -W-specific and CHD-ZW-common TaqMan probes, can be successfully determined. Eight species of Accipitridae with known genders were collected. After PCR, TA cloning, sequencing, and alignment analyses, sequence length differences of Griffiths P2/P8 PCR amplicons between CHD-Z and CHD-W genes ranged from 2 to 19 bp for these Accipitridae species, and they were unsolved in 3% agarose gel. Using our previous proposed S. c. hoya TaqMan probes, the genders of Circaetus gallicus, completely homologous to the sequences for these CHD probes, were successfully identified. With one nucleotide difference to S. c. hoya CHD-W-specific probe, gender identification of Accipiter gularis, Accipiter soloensis, Accipiter trivirgatus, Accipiter virgatus, and Butastur indicus were validated. With two nucleotide differences in the CHD-W-specific probe and one nucleotide difference in the CHD-ZW-common probe, Pernis ptilorhyncus also performed well for gender identification. In conclusion, the S. c. hoya CHD probes, coupled with the Griffiths P2/P8 primers, were validated to provide accurate and high-throughput gender identification for many Accipitridae species.

Does Migration Flyway of Short-toed Snake-Eagles Breeding in Central Italy Reflect the Colonization History

Does Migration Flyway of Short-toed Snake-Eagles Breeding in Central Italy Reflect the Colonization History

High-throughput gender identification of Accipitridae eagles with real-time PCR using TaqMan probes

The objective was to develop high-throughput gender identification of eagles. Based on BLAST and alignment analyses, the CHD-Z and CHD-W sequences of nine species of eagles were highly homologous with Spilornis cheela hoya (S. c. hoya); therefore, TaqMan probes were designed to target their CHD-ZW-common and CHD-W-specific regions. In S. c. hoya, genders were identified using TaqMan-based, real-time PCR (amplified by P2/P8 primers); this method was validated with anatomically confirmed controls (one of each gender). Both genders had high intensities of the HEX-labeled (CHD-ZW-common) probe, whereas only females had high intensity of the FAM-labeled (CHD-W-specific) probe. The sequence of the CHD-W-specific probe designed for S. c. hoya was completely homologous with the CHD-W-specific region in Circaetus gallicus, Gyps indicus, and Gyps bengalensis, and was only one nucleotide different from those of Accipiter nisus, Spizaetus nipalensis, Aquila chrysaetos, Circus spilonotus, and Milvus migrans. For the CHD-ZW-common probe, all species listed were completely conserved. Using real-time PCR software, we established auto-calling of the genders of 15 individuals of S. c. hoya. In conclusion, this method provided accurate, high-throughput gender identification for S. c. hoya, and has considerable potential for identifying the gender of several related species of eagles.

Raptor population decline in West Africa

The roadside counts conducted in 1969–1973 through Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and northern Cameroon (9 712km) were repeated in 2000–2004 by the same observer, using the same methods, during the same season. Overall, 28 837 Falconiforms from 51 species were recorded. The four large vultures decreased dramatically (98%) outside protected areas. The Hooded Vulture also collapsed over wide regions, but survived locally. Medium-size and large eagles, and the Secretary Bird, similarly declined >90% outside, but not inside, national parks, where woodland species also reach their highest frequency. Other African raptors were either stable or decreased significantly (e.g. Black Kite and Chanting Goshawk 35–70%). Among Palaearctic migrants, Common and Lesser Kestrels declined sharply, Short-toed Eagle, Montagu's and Pallid Harriers less significantly, and Marsh Harrier and Booted Eagle increased. Widespread habitat degradation, overgrazing, desertification, hunting pressure and heavy use of pesticides are probably involved in this massive loss of biodiversity. Protected areas, though covering <2% of the region, will be critical in the conservation of eagles and vultures. Les mêmes recensements de rapaces le long de 9 712km de routes (observateur, méthode et saison) effectués en 1969–1973 à travers le Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger et Nord Cameroun, ont été répétés en 2000–2004. Au total, 28 837 Falconiformes de 50 espèces y ont été identifiés. Les quatre grands vautours ont considérablement diminué hors des zones protégées (>98%). Le percnoptère brun ne se maintient plus que dans quelques régions. Les grands aigles et le serpentaire ont aussi diminué de >90% en dehors, mais non à l'intérieur, des parcs nationaux où tous les rapaces liés aux boisements atteignent leur abondance maximale. Les autres rapaces africains sont restés stables ou ont diminué significativement (35 à 70% pour le Milan noir et l'autour chanteur par exemple). Parmi les migrateurs paléarctiques, crécerelle et crécerellette ont fortement diminué, circaète et busards cendré et pâle ont diminué modérément, tandis que busard des roseaux et aigle botté ont augmenté. Dégradation générale des habitats, surpâturage, désertification, pression de chasse et utilisation des pesticides sont probablement impliqués dans ces diminutions qui reflètent une érosion générale de la biodiversité. Les aires protégées, bien qu'elles couvrent <2% des pays étudiés, joueront un rôle majeur dans la conservation des aigles et des vautours.

The decline of raptors in West Africa: long‐term assessment and the role of protected areas

Comparative large‐scale roadside counts (8353 km), through Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, conducted in 1969–73, were repeated 30–35 years later with the same observer and methodology and at the same season. The transect was divided into three geographical zones and between protected and unprotected areas. All diurnal raptors were recorded (22 801 individuals), as well as large game birds. Large vultures suffered a dramatic decline (98%) outside protected areas. The Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus population also collapsed in some regions, but survived in central Burkina Faso. Conversely, their abundance index did not decrease significantly in national parks. Four eagle species decreased by 86–93% and seven were not even recorded in the later study outside protected areas; by contrast, in national parks, only three species had declined marginally. Smaller Accipitridae (kites, goshawks, buzzards) also exhibited significant declines outside but not within national parks where woodland species reached their highest densities. The Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus, mostly European migrants, declined sharply everywhere. African falcons decreased only outside protected areas. Among Palearctic migrants, Montagu's Circus pygargus and Pallid Harriers C. macrourus decreased significantly, Short‐toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus less markedly, and Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus and Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus not at all. Similar trends had previously been documented in Cameroon. They are associated with human population growth and development, global habitat degradation and ecosystem impoverishment (woodcutting, agricultural intensification, overgrazing, desertification). Heavy use of pesticides, control of locust outbreaks and overhunting have suppressed major food sources. Vultures may suffer from a shortage of carcasses, poisoning for predator control or persecution for trade of meat and body parts. Protected areas play a prominent role in the maintenance of vulture and eagle populations, even though they currently cover less than 2% of the Sudan zone and are virtually absent in the Sahel.

Sjeldne fugler i Norge i 2004 - Rapport fra Norsk sjeldenhetskomité for fugl (NSKF)

This is the 29th annual report and the 30th announcement from the Norwegian Rarities Committee (NSKF). The majority of records treated here are from 2004, but some older records are also included. Norway follows taxonomic advises given by the Taxonomic Advisory Committee (TAC) in the Association of European Rarity Committees (AERC). The systematic list of accepted records is set out in the following system: (1) The birds Norwegian name, (2) scientific name, (3) the numbers in brackets, e.g. (30/32 - 1), refers respectively to the total number of records/total number of individuals up to and including 2003, and in 2004, (4) any limitations given of (3), (5) any breeding, (6) year, (7) county, (8) number of individuals, age (1K = first calendar year etc.), sex (if known) and sometimes circumstances (&laquo;rm&raquo; means that the bird was ringed), (9) site and municipality, (10) date, (11) * indicates if the record was complemented by positive evidence, and type of the evidence (F = photo, V = video-recorded, L = tape-recorded, D = found dead), (12) observers names in brackets, main observer is specified first and emphasized with *, (13) roughly gives the species distribution and (14) comments concerning the records.General trends:2004 was one of the best years in the history of NSKF, With 223 accepted records. 76 accepted records from previous years help to complete the Norwegian Bird list. There are 22 records presented that have been shelved. Half of these are concerning first year &laquo;Eastern Yellow Wagtails&raquo;. This is due to the lack of identification knowledge in the literature for such birds. Also presented are 47 records that for some reason have not been accepted. The records from 2004 shows few extraordinary trends, maybe except for a smaller influx of Sabine&rsquo;s Gulls (16 records). It was the second best year for Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis (10 records) and the best year for Bee-eater Merops apiaster (7 records) and Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans (4 records). Other records of interest are Norway&rsquo;s fourth Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus, sixth Gull-billed Tern Sterna niloctia, fifth Pallid Swift Apus pallidus, second White-winged Lark Melanocorypha leucoptera and second Eastern Bonelli&rsquo;s Warbler Phylloscopus orientalis. Five records of White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus and two records of Whites Thrush Zootera dauma are also more than normal.New species to the Norwegian list:There are a total of five new species to the Norwegian category A list presented in this report, all from 2004. This brings the official Norwegian Bird list to 471 species. Included in this list are accepted records in category A-C. The new species are Baird&rsquo;s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii, Bridled Tern Sterna anaetheus, Thick-billed Warbler Acrocephalus aedon, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida and Eastern Orphean Warbler Sylvia crassirostris.