Previous Preview | Back to thumbnails | Next Preview |
Previous Preview | Back to thumbnails | Next Preview |
Leaves breeding grounds in Aug-Sep to winter in sub-Saharan Africa, returning Apr-May. Occurs on passage throughout southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, regular in small numbers on the Canary Is.
Frequently overshoots on spring migration and rare but annual visitor north to Britain, the North Sea countries and Scandinavia. Has bred in Britain, Scandinavia, Poland and the Canary Is and the first breeding for Switzerland was recorded in 1991. Vagrants recorded on Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde Is. A rare migrant in Britain with under 40 records in most years, the majority in southern England but also recorded north to Shetland.
Habitat Open country with scattered trees, edges and clearings in light woodland,
commonly along riverbanks and in vineyards and other cultivated areas. Nests
colonially in tunnels in sand or earth banks.