Birdwatching in Switzerland

Swifts

Alpine Swift

Breeding throughout mountainous regions of southern Europe and across to the Himalayas these birds are migratory, overwintering in southern Africa or central India. Worldwide, there are a total of ten subspecies from the nominate species, apus melba.

Grebes

Black Necked Grebe

The black-necked grebe is a highly-sociable, small and dark member of the grebe family. Known as the 'eared grebe' in America.

Chats

Black Redstart

The UK has a small resident breeding population of black redstarts supplemented annually by passage migrants, overwintering birds and summer breeders. Often at home as a city dweller choosing derelict sites, old buildings and industrial areas, the black redstart will also choose cliff ledges, gorges, rock and scree habitats.

Grouse

Black Grouse

One of the larger members of the grouse family with seven sub-species, the black grouse, whilst categorised as vulnerable within Europe, is stable throughout its Asian areas of occupation.

Herons, storks and ibises

Bittern

One of the rarest breeding birds in the UK, a secretive and difficult to see member of the heron family.

Ducks, geese and swans

Bewick's Swan

Winter visitors to the UK, formerly considered a full species, but now considered a sub-species of the Tundra Swan.