First record of the Siberian rubythroat Luscinia calliope in the Maltese Islands

Abstract

During a bird ringing session at Rabat on 25th January 2004 a Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope was caught in a single shelf net placed amongst low grass in a semi flooded field. The site habitat consisted of a small valley characterized mainly with giant reeds surrounded by a number of semi-flooded and uncultivated fields. The bird was immediately suspected to be a Siberian Rubythroat with the conspicuous eye stripe and pinkish tinge to the throat being the main indicators. This was soon confirmed when the bird was compared with an identification guide (Collins Field Guide 1st edition). The bird in question was in fact a second calendar year female. Full measurements and a set of photos were taken and the record was submitted to the Rarities Committee who accepted the record.