Birds

If you have a home in France and you're looking for potential birding sites, the best investment you could make is to buy IGN mapping of your local area, the blue series Carte de randonnee, scale 1:25000 (1cm = 250m), generally covering 200-250 square kilometres per sheet. Secondly, visit your Mairie and ask for information on public footpaths (sentiers) in the locality. There is an extensive network of well-signposted public rights of way throughout the country, most are well maintained if somewhat under-used. Departments/regions produce maps, one per sentier, usually a long loop or connected loops, and they are free. Tourist offices also stock them. Route signs, normally painted brown, carry the name of the sentier

I have found most local sites this way, also doing surveys for the LPO opened up new areas I may not have discovered otherwise. Most private land is fenced off securely, partly a legacy of the hunting regime, and it’s best to obtain permission to access land off the sentier, e.g. promising areas of open water. Generally farmers are far more open to these requests than in UK, although some may refuse permission if they are active hunters or have frequent hunting on their land and don't want people getting shot!

Basically the birding situation is the reverse of the UK one - there is lots of good habitat here but very few nature reserves

A Birdwatching circuit in the Southern Vienne - A drive/walk in the communes of Saulge/Moulismes

BIRD NEWS/INFORMATION

WHERE TO WATCH BIRDS IN THE VIENNE - Where's hot and where's not - LPO Vienne website based on Google Earth. This website is part of the VisioNature network developed by the LPO and other organisations to record and publish observations in real-time. Once you have created your account, the same access info can be used to access all similar VisioNature websites throughout France and Spain. This is an excellent tool for sending your info to those who need it, and for disseminating information generally to other birders. There are one or two pitfalls, see SUBMISSION OF RECORDS below, but overall it works very well

WHERE TO WATCH BIRDS IN THE BRENNE - A recent development (2017) has been the launch of the live Indre Nature database, Obs'Indre making life much easier for those searching for Brenne bird/nature news. It is fairly easy to use, after the initial account creation. There are one or two bizarre anomalies, for example the selection of species deemed to be rare (in red) on the obs lists, and some of those that aren't. Also the selection of sensitive species deemed to be at risk of disturbance; any obs that accompany these observations are also filtered out to remove the location. For example, ALL obs of Osprey, with accompanying obs from the same location made at the same time, are masked for location. Conversely, obs of Peregrine Falcon in breeding season (or any other time) aren't masked.... and so on. If you find that certain obs have the location masked it will be because somewhere there, there is a 'sensitive' species (espèce sensible). Some of the anomalies can admittedly be explained by the fact that the area covered is the departement Indre, not only the Brenne PN. The search facility has some useful features. One annoying thing for Brits – the site is accent sensitive, so any entry with an accent missing won't be recognised

Of the Brenne related websites mentioned below, Maison de la Nature has a document for download 'Brenne nature 2017' here covering most of the key sites in the Brenne. This publication is available at the two visitor centres mentioned below

The VisioNature website for bird/nature obs just south of the Vienne/Brenne - faune-limousin

For what it's worth, my own obs blog is here Latest sightings including images

SUBMISSION OF RECORDS

Recording to the LPO Vienne/Obs'Indre live database(s) can definitely add another dimension to one’s birding experience, but there are a few points worth remembering;

- This is a live system based on Google Earth. If you don’t want others following in your footsteps, because you are on private land for example, beware… I had several problems around Moulismes with birders from Poitiers trespassing, flushing birds, and generally having no regard for the sensitivity of some local sites. This can cause obvious problems for local birders

- Think carefully before advertising nesting sites of scarce or vulnerable breeding birds; there is a 'protection system' provided on the website, but other observers may not share your opinion. An example here locally were 'birders' that entered an active sandpit at weekends to photograph nesting Bee-eaters very close to the entrance holes; they were probably on eggs at the time. The information was available to all on the LPO Vienne website - this has now been changed and info relating to breeding Bee-eaters, amongst other species, is now suppressed

- Because this is a live system, accuracy with identification helps to keep the database credible... if in doubt, ask. Contact either the relevant conservation body or I will help if possible

NB Disturbance of birds by 'photographers' at nest sites, also of migratory birds, is a growing problem throughout France. In my view this shouldn't deter observers from sending their observations to the LPO/Indre Nature via live recording websites - bearing in mind the points made above...

LPO Vienne

Rare birds in France

CHN - Official adjudicator of rare bird records in France. The website gives the species & taxa currently assessed by the CHN

BIRDING AND THE HUNTING REGIME - LA CHASSE

Broadly speaking, the hunting season runs from mid-August until the end of March. Hunters also use the sentiers and public woodland, so nowhere should be regarded as ’safe’ from hunting. People die every year in shooting accidents; whilst these are often other hunters, walkers and birders are obviously vulnerable. Weekends, particularly Sundays, and public holidays are the most active hunting days

Whilst finding 'La chasse en cours' frustrating when arriving at one’s chosen destination, it is worth remembering that without the hunting regime probably much good habitat here would be lost. So always having a ‘Plan B’ (and even 'C'...) is good practice. Hunting often takes place on public woodland sites, forêts domaniales, and those owned by local authorities. Walking dogs off the lead is definitely not recommended close to hunting activity, the hunting dog pack is a great danger to other dogs. Most of these dogs have never seen the inside of a house and are kept hungry. Where hunting occurs next to a public road or land open to the public there is an obligation to post warning signs and marshals. However, this obligation is frequently ignored in my experience. 'Cowboy' hunting like this does nothing to dispel the notion that the hunting fraternity are, in reality, a law unto themselves

Whatever one's views on hunting, pragmatism pays, and an understanding of how the hunting regime and habitat management often go hand in hand in France

Inland, by far the most sought after species are wild boar, roe deer and red deer. Of the smaller quarry species rabbit, hare, pheasant and both partridge species are the most commonly hunted, also wildfowl. Of the migratory/semi-migratory species, woodcock, wood pigeon and quail probably top the list. This list is long (see protected status, main list on this page) although the geographical position of the Vienne/Brenne means in reality the list is fairly short



My personal experience is that farmers, who often form the core of the hunting community, are usually quite friendly, telling you when and where there is hunting going on so that one can avoid that area. They will also sometimes advise on access across their land

There is of course another aspect to hunting; that of culling. Taking the wild boar - the sanglier, as an example, the estimated French population in 2013 was in excess of two million, with a population explosion in recent years as a result of human activity - global warming and radical changes in agricultural land use. The wolf is historically the principle natural predator - a species virtually non-existent in France despite a mini revival in the French alps and Massif Central. Needless to say this will never be a viable future solution here. So it follows that assuming numbers need to be controlled, hunting is probably the only solution. Sangliers certainly love maize, as well as root vegetables and vines, amongst much else on this adaptable omnivore's varied menu. In an attempt to stop the boars roaming into fields and vineyards, hunters have been encouraged to create feeding zones in woods and forests - often maize. This has actually exacerbated the problem by artificially concentrating large populations, thereby creating perfect breeding grounds and leading to even larger packs of well-nourished animals. These zones have also apparently been responsible for accelerating the time it takes to reach adulthood (i.e. they can now breed at a younger age)
Interestingly, the hunters have recently been forced to reimburse farmers for crop damage, a bill that has much increased in recent years to a massive 50 million Euros (in 2011). Despite this, they don’t seem to be able to keep the population increase in check. And as a sign of innate intelligence, according to hunters sangliers have recently developed a new tactic when devouring maize. When they enter the fields, they leave the outer parts of the crop intact, effectively hiding their presence deeper in the field, completely out of sight !

Roe and Red Deer cause damage to trees, woodland flora and other wildlife habitats. Damage to farm crops, traffic accidents and poor health for the deer themselves if left to overpopulate (i.e. if their numbers are greater than the habitat can support) indicate a need to control numbers. In the UK humane culling is used. Apparently to prevent a deer population from increasing, around 20–25% of the adults would need to be shot each year. Whether or not this is feasible in a country the size of France with the size of deer populations involved I've no idea. However, the question is largely irrelevant, as hunting is the way in France

So if one can look beyond the 4 x 4's, hip flasks, firearms, dangerous dogs and macho, 'we can go anywhere' mentality, there almost certainly is a need for controlling the numbers of wild boar and deer - and hunting provides probably the most practical solution

Although some of the above also applies to hunting on the coast, there's a decidedly different approach there that most of us find totally unacceptable – not only the quarry species, but also the methods used. Live decoy ducks tethered by thin steel hawsers are a common sight, as are wooden decoys. The hunting can be on an enormous scale, totally exposing the myth that hunting is on the wane in France. As a result, many waders seen have missing or damaged legs or feet

Generally the hunting of migratory species including those in global decline is a bitter pill one just has to swallow; by joining the LPO you have a voice…

LPO - Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux

In my experience of living here, hunting is so ingrained in French culture it will always enjoy the support of the vast majority of French people, even though most don't hunt. Rights of the 'common man' to hunt almost anywhere, enshrined in the August Decrees of the French Revolution, mean that hunting is more aligned to the US 'right to bear arms' than anything else



PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography here is fairly difficult, there are very few hides or nature reserves away from the Brenne. Birds tend to be difficult to approach and easily flushed - another legacy of La Chasse. A new reserve, St-cyr, near Poitiers (Vienne) has 3+ hides. I take many photos in the garden, although most are taken 'on the run', i.e. opportunistic shots whilst out birding. Of course, hides in the Brenne at Cherine NR, as with other reserves in France, provide good photographic opportunities

BIRDS GALLERY

THE BRENNE

Covering some 10,000 hectares and with over 1200 etangs, man-made lakes, the Brenne has reedbeds, meadows, rough pasture, cereal production and woodland, also two river valleys and some calcareous zones. Over 280 species have been recorded; Common Cranes winter here, Whiskered Terns (c1000 pairs) and Black-necked Grebes (150+ pairs) nest, as do Purple Heron, Cattle Egret, Night Heron, Black-winged Stilt, a few pairs of Short-toed Eagle, and 30+ pairs of Bee-eater
There are two good visitor centres, one at Cherine Nature Reserve (Maison de la Nature), and one at Le Bouchet (Maison du Parc), with a total of 12+ hides throughout the park, 6 of which are on Cherine reserve
As with the Vienne, the biggest problem with the Brenne is that most etangs are privately owned and the surrounding land difficult to access. However, apart from the reserve and other parts open to the public, there is an extensive network of well sign-posted sentiers that really open up the Park and provide some of the best birding – details from either visitor centre, also here:

Brenne Regional Park website

Maison de la Nature

Indre Nature

RARITIES, SCARCE BIRDS

The Brenne clearly has more potential for rarities than the Vienne, due to the existence of some very large etangs - virtually non-existent in the Vienne. However, local patch-work in the southern Vienne can pay dividends – see A Birdwatching circuit in the Southern Vienne

Scarcities/rarities I've personally recorded since January 2006 in the southern Vienne/Brenne are in the list below

In central/northern Vienne, Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria) - Tichodrome echelette, is rare but regular in winter, Poitiers cathedral being a favoured location. Occasionally one will winter in the southern Vienne/Brenne
The winter of 2011-12 brought an influx of Alpine Accentors (Prunella collaris) - Accenteur alpin, some sharing sites with Wallcreepers. One site in the southern Vienne (at Chauvigny) was used
In the northern Vienne small breeding populations of Little Bustard and Ortolan Bunting exist. The habitat north of Poitiers is very different to that of the south, with vast cereal plains, and a reserve at St-Cyr that attracts large numbers of gulls in winter. These can include Common, Lesser Black-backed, Herring and Yellow-legged - all rare elsewhere in the Vienne. Other rarities are increasingly being found on this site much frequented by the Poitiers birding community

Local bird rarities/scarcities (gallery)



COMMON BIRDS

It is worth remembering when birding here that most of the Vienne is over two hours from the Biscay coast, the Brenne over three hours. Virtually all gull, tern and wader species are rare, with one or two obvious exceptions. Another surprise for many visiting birders is the relative abundance of species here that are scarce or specialized in their habitat preferences in the UK. Classic examples are Woodlark (on the northern edge of range in UK) and Tree Pipit (gone from much of SE England); both are fairly common farmland species here, the latter obviously in summer only. Owls, conversely, are rarely seen; Scops and Short-eared are rare, Barn, Little, Tawny and Long-eared are statistically fairly common, but only usually seen at night. With such an abundance of food these species appear to have remained truly nocturnal. Finally, one of the delights of winter are the large flocks of passerines on winter stubble or fields left fallow. These include Yellowhammers, Cirl, Reed and Corn Buntings in good numbers, with Skylarks in the hundreds and Bramblings with the multi-species finch flocks

The best reference source for the Vienne is the 'Guide des Oiseaux de Poitou-Charentes et Vendee' Dubrac/Nicolle/Michel, published by Editions Hypolais, 2000

Official French bird list with English names (2007) BUBO

Liste des Oiseaux de France (29/08/2018) faune-france.org

List compiled 2019 based on a list c.2009 by Indre Nature but no longer available on-line - Oiseaux de l'Indre

List compiled 2019 based on a list 1/3/2006 by LPO Vienne - Oiseaux de la Vienne

LIST OF BIRDS OBSERVED IN THE SOUTHERN VIENNE & BRENNE SINCE OUR ARRIVAL IN JANUARY 2006

The status/abundance guide may help if you are birding the general area

This is based solely on my observations since January 2006 and may or may not reflect the true status/abundance within the Vienne/Brenne. Obviously generally it does, but the odd striking anomaly can occur, for various reasons. For example, Barn Owls are virtually impossible to observe here in daylight hours, but statistically they are a fairly common breeding species. The same can be said for Little Owl, although populations have now become fragmented. Eurasian Bullfinch is another bizarre one, again a fairly common breeding species but almost impossible to find, certainly outside of the winter period. Northern Goshawk is as difficult here as anywhere, and although officially quite common, I have found Wood Warbler numbers to have slumped to a point of becoming a rarity

Differences in overall habitat between the southern Vienne and the Brenne mean there are differences in status/abundance for some species, most strikingly with water birds – obviously there are many more in the Brenne! Conversely, Hen and Montagu's Harriers, Stone Curlews and others benefit from the cereal fields widely seen in the Vienne

W = winter visitor
S = summer visitor, usually breeding
M = on migration, eruptive or erratically displaced
SD = seen all-year, breeds locally, sedentary

1 = very common
2 = fairly common
3 = scarce
4 = rare; vagrant; accidental; rarities in yellow

(Brenne) = Observed in the Brenne only, (Vienne) = observed in the southern Vienne only (my personal observations only, regardless of status within those areas)

Status of protection in France:

P = Protected

Taxonomic order follows Collins Bird Guide 2nd edn. (2009)



Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) - Cygne tubercule ------SD2 Vienne/SD1 Brenne---P
Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) - Oie rieuse ------W4
Bean Goose (Anser fabalis) - Oie des moissons ------W4 (Vienne)
Greylag Goose (Anser anser) - Oie cendree ------M,W3
------ Feral birds now breeding in the Brenne, flocks of migrating birds spring and autumn. French cat. A,C*
Greater Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) - Bernache du Canada ------SD3 (Brenne)---P
------ (200+ Brenne only). French cat. C*
Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) - Tadorne de Belon -----W3---P
Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) - Tadorne casarca ------?4 (Brenne)------ French cat. B, C*
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus) - Ouette d'Egypte ------4 ------ French cat. B, C*

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) - Canard carolin -------4 (Vienne)------ French cat. E*.
Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) - Canard mandarin -------4 ------ French cat. C*

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) - Canard colvert ------SD1
Gadwall (Anas strepera) - Canard chipeau ------SD3 Vienne/SD2 Brenne
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) - Canard pilet ------W/M3
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) - Canard souchet ------SD2
Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) - Canard siffleur ------W3
Common Teal (Anas crecca) - Sarcelle d'hiver ------SD2
Garganey (Anas querquedula) - Sarcelle d'ete ------S3
Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) - Sarcelle à ailes bleues ------W/M4(Brenne)
------ 1m Beauregard (Brenne) 4/4/23
Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) - Fuligule milouin ------SD2
Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina) - Nette rousse ------M3 Vienne/S2 Brenne
Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) - Fuligule nyroca -----W4---P
Greater Scaup (Aythya marila) - Fuligule milouinan ------W4 (Brenne)
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) - Fuligule à tête noire ------W4 (Brenne)
------ Individual males in 2007, 2009 and 2014 (Brenne)
Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) - Fuligule morillon ------SD3 Vienne/SD2 Brenne

Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca) - Macreuse brune ------W4 (Brenne)
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis) - Harelde boréale ------W4 (Brenne)
------ 3 Mer Rouge (Brenne) 27/11/13
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) - Garrot à l'oeil d'or ------W4
Smew (Mergus albellus) - Harle piette ------W4---P
Goosander (Mergus merganser) - Harle bièvre ------W4---P
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) - Harle huppé ------W4 (Brenne)---P

Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) - Perdrix rouge ------SD2------ French cat. A, C*
Grey Partridge (Perdrix perdrix) - Perdrix grise ------SD3------ French cat. A, C*
Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) - Caille des bles ------S3
Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) - Faison de colchide ------SD1------ French cat. C*

Great Northern Diver (Gavia immer) - Plongeon imbrin ------W4 (Brenne)---P
------- 1 ad Mer Rouge (Brenne) 9/12/2011

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus) - Grèbe esclavon ------M4 (Brenne)---P
------ 1 ad Pechevreau (Brenne) May 2019, 1 Foucault (Benne) 22/11/24
Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) - Grebe a cou noir ------M3 Vienne/S2 Brenne---P
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) - Grebe castagneux ------SD2---P
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) - Grebe huppe ------SD2---P
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) - Grèbe jougris ------ M/W4 (Brenne)---P
------ 1 Etang de Moury (Brenne) 12/2/2020

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) - Grand Cormoran ------SD2---P

Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) - Butor étoilé ------W/M4 (Brenne)---P
Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) - Blongios nain ------S4 (Brenne)---P
Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) - Bihoreau gris ----M3 Vienne/S3 Brenne--P
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) - Heron gardeboeufs -------W,M3 Vienne/SD2 Brenne---P
Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) - Crabier chevelu ------S4 (Brenne)---P
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) - Aigrette garzette ------M3 Vienne/SD2 Brenne ---P
Great Egret (Egretta alba) - Grande Aigrette ------W,S,M1/SD1 Brenne---P
------ 1 breeding record Brenne
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) - Heron cendre ------SD1---P
Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) - Heron pourpre ------S3 Vienne/S2 Brenne---P
White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) - Cigogne blanche ------M3/M,S3 Brenne---P
Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) - Cigogne noir ------M3/M,S3 Brenne---P
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) - Ibis falcinelle ------M4 (Brenne)
Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) - Spatule blanche ------ M4 (Brenne)---P
Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) - Flamant rose ------M4 (Brenne)---(P)
------ 1 ad (unringed) Gabriere July/August 2015, 1 adult (unringed) Blizon April 2019 (Brenne)



Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) Vautour fauve ------M4 (Brenne)
------ A single bird Chapelle Saint-Sulpice (Brenne) 6/2009

White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) - Pygargue à queue blanche ------W/M4 (Brenne)---P
------ Most, but not all observations in winter (Brenne)

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) - Balbuzard pecheur ------M3/M,S3 Brenne---P
Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) - Circaete Jean-le-Blanc ------S3---P
Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) - Aigle botté ------S/M4 (Brenne)---P
------ Has bred in the Brenne
Red Kite (Milvus milvus) - Milan royal ------M3---P
Black Kite (Milvus migrans) - Milan noir ------S2---P
Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) - Busard des roseaux ------M3 Vienne/SD2 Brenne---P
Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) - Busard St-Martin ------SD2 Vienne/SD3 Brenne---P
Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus) - Busard cendre ------S2 Vienne/S3 Brenne---P
Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) - Buse variable ------SD1---P
European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus) - Bondree apivore ------S3---P
Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) - Epervier d'Europe ------SD3---P
Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) - Autour des palombes ------?SD4---P

Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus) - Elanion blanc ------SD---P
------ In 2012 an influx of these enigmatic raptors into northern France included 2 near Moulismes (a probable pair) and a single bird briefly in the Brenne. Subsequent events proved this to be the start of a genuine range expansion rather than isolated sporadic events. Sadly the Moulismes pair were flushed twice by 'photographers' and disappeared in early spring. Bred in Deux-Sèvres (79) in 2012. November 2016 produced a remarkable three birds on one site in the Brenne, near Lignac, with two adults again near Lignac in November 2018 and singles elsewhere in the Brenne. Local sightings continued to increase along with the national trend. Today, although no longer regarded as a rarity, the species is still very localized. Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus) – A Local Invasion, October 2021

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) - Faucon crecerelle ------SD2---P
Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) - Faucon hobereau ------S3---P
Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) - Faucon pelerin ------SD3---P
------ Scarce breeding bird Vienne/Brenne
Merlin (Falco colombarius) - Faucon emerillon ------W/M3---P

Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus) - Rale d'eau ------SD3
Spotted Crake (Porzana porzana) - Marouette ponctuee ------M4 (Vienne)---P
------ 3 Plaisance (Vienne) 13/8/2007. Has bred in the Brenne
Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) - Gallinule poule-d'eau ------SD2
Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) - Foulque macroule ------SD1

Common Crane (Grus grus) - Grue cendree ------W/M2---P

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) - Avocette elegante ------M4---P
Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) - Echasse blanche -----S, M4 Vienne/S2 Brenne---P
Stone Curlew (Burhinus œdicnemus) - Oedicneme criard ------S,M3 Vienne/M4 Brenne---P
Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) - Petit gravelot ------S/M3---P
Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) - Grand gravelot ------M4---P
Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) - Pluvier argenté ------M4 (Brenne)
Eurasian Dotterel (Eudromias morinellus) - Pluvier guignard ------M4 (Vienne)---P
European Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) - Pluvier doré ------W3
Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) - Vanneau huppé ------SD2
Sociable Lapwing (Chettusia gregaria) - Vanneau sociable -----M4---P
------ 3 individuals Vienne, 1 Brenne
White-tailed Plover (Vanellus leucurus) - Vanneau à queue blanche ------M4 (Brenne)---(P?)
------ 1 adult D21 Mezieres (Brenne) June 2009 (2.5kms from a Sociable Plover)
Red Knot (Calidris canutus) - Bécasseau maubèche ------M4 (Brenne)
Sanderling (Calidris alba) - Bécasseau sanderling ------M4 (Brenne)---P
Dunlin (Calidris alpina) - Becasseau variable ------W/M3---P
Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferrugineau) - Becasseau cocorli ------M/S3---P
Temminck's Stint (Calidris temminckii) - Becasseau de Temminck ---M4 (Vienne)---P
Little Stint (Calidris minuta) - Becasseau minute ------W/M3---P
Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) - Chevalier sylvain ------M3---P
Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus) - Chevalier culblanc ------W/M2---P
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) - Chevalier guignette ------M2---P
Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) - Chevalier gambette ------M3
Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus) - Chevalier arlequin ------M3
Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) - Chevalier aboyeur ------M3
Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) - Barge à queue noire ------M4 (Brenne)
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) - Barge rousse ------M4 (Brenne)
Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) - Courlis cendré ------SD3
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) - Courlis corlieu ------M4
Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) - Becasse des bois -----SD4
Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) - Becassine des marais ------W/M2
Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) - Combattant varié ------W/M3



Arctic Skua (Stercorarius parasiticus) - Labbe parasite ------W4 (Brenne)---P
------ A single juvenile after Atlantic depressions Piegu (Brenne) 28/11/22

Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) - Mouette rieuse ------M2 Vienne/SD1 Brenne---P
Common Gull (Larus canus) - Goéland cendré ------W4 (Brenne)---P
------ 1 ad Etang de la Mer Rouge (Brenne) 12/2/20
Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus) - Mouette mélanocéphale -----M3 Vienne/S,M3 Brenne---P
Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) - Goeland leucophée ------M3 Vienne/SD2 Brenne---P
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) - Goéland brun ------- W4 (Brenne)--- P
------ A single adult Ciron (Brenne) 6/11/19
Little Gull (Larus minutus) - Mouette pygmée ------M3---P
Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) - Mouette tridactyle ------W4 ---P
------ 1 adult Mer Rouge (Brenne) 11/2/09, many (max. 18) 25-28/11/22 throughout Brenne. Always only after severe Altantic storms

Little Tern (Sterna albifrons) - Sterne naine ------M4 (Vienne)---P
------ 1 adult Beaufour (Vienne) June 2007
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) - Sterne pierregarin -----M3/S
------ Breeding recorded Brenne, where occurrence is increasing---P
Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) - Guifette noire ------M3/S---P
White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) - Guifette leucoptère ------M4 (Vienne)---P
------ 1 adult Beaufour (Vienne) May 2008
Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus) - Guifette moustac ------M3 Vienne/S2 Brenne---P

Stock Dove (Columba oenas) - Pigeon colombin ------W3
Common Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus) - Pigeon ramier ------SD1
Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) - Tourterelle turque ------SD1
European Turtle Dove (Streptopelian turtur) - Tourterelle des bois ------S2

Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) - Coucou gris ------S2---P

Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) - Hibou des marais ------W/M4---P
Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) - Chouette hulotte ------SD2---P
Barn Owl (Tyto alba) - Effraie des clochers ------SD(2?)---P
Little Owl (Athene noctua) - Cheveche d'Athena ------SD(4?)---P

European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) - Engoulevent d'Europe ------S4---P

Common Swift (Apus apus) - Martinet noir ------S1---P

Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) - Huppe fasciée ------S2---P
Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) - Martin-pecheur d'Europe ------SD2---P
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) - Guepier d'Europe ------S3---P

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) - Pic noir ------SD3---P
European Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis) - Pic vert ------SD2---P
Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) - Pic épeiche ------SD1---P
Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius) - Pic mar ------SD4 (Brenne)---P
------ Scarce breeder Brenne, breeds in northern Vienne only
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos minor) - Pic épeichette ------SD3---P
Eurasian Wryneck (Juynx torquilla) - Torcol fourmilier ------S/M4---P

Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis) - Alouette des champs ------SD2
Woodlark (Lullula arborea) - Alouette lulu ------SD2---P

Sand Martin (Riparia riparia) - Hirondelle de rivage ------S2---P
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) - Hirondelle rustique ------S1---P
Common House Martin (Delichon urbica) - Hirondelle de fenêtre ------S2---P

Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris) - Pipit rouseline -------S/M4 (Vienne) ---P
------ Rare breeder southern Vienne, has bred in the Brenne
Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta) - Pipit spioncelle ------W/M2---P
Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) - Pipit farlouse ------W/M2---P
Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis) - Pipit des arbres ------S2---P



White Wagtail (Motacilla alba alba) - Bergeronnette grise ------SD1---P
Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii) - Bergeronnette de Yarrell -----W/M4 (Vienne)---P
Blue-headed Wagtail (Motacilla flava flava) - Bergeronnette printanière ------S/M3---P
Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava flavissima) - Bergeronnette flavéole -----M4---P
Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) - Bergeronnette des ruisseaux ------SD2---P

Dunnock (Prunella modularis) - Accenteur mouchet ------SD1---P
European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) - Rougegorge familier ------SD1---P
Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) - Rossignol philomèle ------S1---P
Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) - Rougequeue a front blanc ------S/M3---P
Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) - Rougequeue noir ------SD1---P
Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) - Traquet motteux ------M3---P
Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra) - Tarier des pres ------M3---P
Common Stonechat (Saxicola torquata) - Tarier patre ------SD1---P

Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) - Grive musicienne ------SD2
Redwing (Turdus iliacus) - Grive mauvis ------W3
Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus) - Grive draine ------SD2
Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) - Grive litorne ------W3
Common Blackbird (Turdus merula) - Merle noir ------SD1
Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) - Merle a plastron ------W/M4 (Vienne)---P

Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin) - Fauvette des jardins ------S3---P
Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) - Fauvette à tête noire ------SD1---P
Common Whitethroat (Sylvia communis) - Fauvette grisette ------S2---P
Dartford Warbler (Sylvia undata) - Fauvette pitchou ------SD3---P
Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) - Phragmite des joncs ------S3---P
Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis) - Cisticole des joncs ------M/S4---P
Common Grasshopper Warbler (Locustella naevia) - Locustelle tâchetée ------S3---P
Savi's Warbler (Locustella luscinioides) - Locustelle luscinioïde ------S4 (Brenne)---P
------ Rare breeder Brenne
Cetti's Warbler (Cettia cetti) - Bouscarle de Cetti ------SD2---P
European Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) - Rouserolle effarvatte ------S2---P
Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) - Rousserolle turdoïde ------S4 (Brenne)---P
------ Rare breeder Brenne
Melodious Warbler (Hippolais polyglotta) - Hypolais polyglotte ------S2---P
Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) - Pouillot fitis ------S3---P
Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) - Pouillot siffleur ------S3---P
------ Numbers much depleted in recent years
Western Bonelli's Warbler (Phylloscopus bonelli) - Pouillot de Bonelli ------S2---P



Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) - Pouillot véloce ------SD1---P
Goldcrest (Regulus regulus) - Roitelet huppé ------W3---P
Firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus) - Roitelet triple-bandeau ------SD2---P

Eurasian Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) - Troglodyte mignon ------SD2---P

Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) - Gobemouche gris ------S3---P
Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) - Gobemouche noir ------M3---P

Great Tit (Parus major) - Mesange charbonnière ------SD1---P
Coal Tit (Parus ater) - Mesange noire ------W3---P
Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus) - Mesange bleue ------SD1---P
Crested Tit (Parus cristatus) - Mesange huppée ------SD3---P
Marsh Tit (Parus palustris) - Mesange nonette ------SD2---P
Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus) - Mesange a longue queue ------SD2---P
Eurasian Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus) - Rémiz penduline ------M4 (Vienne)---P

Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea) - Sittelle torchepot ------SD1---P
Short-toed Treecreeper (Certhia brachydactyla) - Grimpereau des jardins ---SD2---P

Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor) - Pie-grièche grise -----W/M4---P
Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) - Pie-grièche écorcheur ------S2---P
Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) - Pie-grièche à tête rousse ------S3---P
------ numbers/pairs increasing, particularly in the southern Vienne

Common Magpie (Pica pica) - Pie bavarde ------SD1---NP
Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius) - Geai des chênes ------SD1---NP
Western Jackdaw (Corvus monedula) - Choucas des tours ------SD1---P
Rook (Corvus frugilegus) - Corbeau freux ------SD2---NP
Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) - Corneille noire ------SD1---NP

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) - Etourneau sansonnet ------SD1---NP

Eurasian Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus) - Loriot d'Europe ------S2---P

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) - Moineau domestique ------SD1---P
Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) - Pinson des arbres ------SD1---P
Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla) - Pinson du nord ------W3---P
Common Linnet (Carduelis cannabina) - Linotte melodieuse ------SD2---P
European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) - Chardonneret elegant ------SD1---P
European Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris) - Verdier d'Europe ------SD1---P
European Siskin (Carduelis spinus) - Tarin des aulnes ------W/M3---P
European Serin (Serinus serinus) - Serin cini ------SD2---P
Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) - Bouvreuil pivoine ------W3---P
Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) - Grosbec casse-noyaux ------SD3---P
Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) - Bec-croisé des sapins -----W/M4 (Vienne)---P

Common Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) - Bruant des roseaux ------W2---P
Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) - Bruant jaune ------SD2---P
Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus) - Bruant zizi ------SD1---P
Corn Bunting (Miliaria calandra) - Bruant proyer ------SD2---P

*Categories, national, France
Cat. A; Wild state, observed since 1950
Cat. B; Wild state, NOT observed since 1950
Cat. C; Introductions, escapes, self-supporting populations
Cat. D, E; Species not on official list. Holding categories for escaped species. Potentially species that could progress to Cat. C
For more details see www.faune-france.org

(226 species)

Additional species observed just outside the principal area of interest


Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata) - Plongeon catmarin ------ 1 juv. Azerables (23) 27/12/18

Black-throated Diver (Gavia arctica) - Plongeon arctique ------ 1 juv. Razes (87) 25/12/18

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) - Bernache nonnette ------ 1 Azat-le-Ris (87) January 2020 (Origin unknown)

Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) - Fuligule à bec cerclé ------ 1 fem. Lussac-les-Eglise (87) January 2021

Little Bustard (Tetrax tetrax) - Outarde canepetière ------ Small breeding population in the northern Vienne (86)

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) - Goéland argenté ------ Occasional sightings St-Cyr, Poitiers (86), January/February

Crested Lark (Galerida cristata) - Cochevis huppé ------ Occasional sightings Chateauroux (36)

Eurasian Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris) - Hirondelle de rochers ------ Occasional River Creuse, Indre (36)

White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) - Cincle plongeur ------ Occasional sightings river Creuse, Indre (36)

Alpine Accentor (Prunella collaris) - Accenteur alpin ------ 1 Chauvigny (86)18/11/11


Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) - Gorgebleue à miroir ------ 1-3 Lussac-les-Eglise (87) September 2023

Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria) - Tichodrome échelette ------ Poitiers cathedral, Chauvigny, etc, Vienne (86)

Common Raven (Corvus corax) - Grand Corbeau ------ River Creuse, Indre (36). Breeds Indre, also Vienne (86)

Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana) - Bruant ortolan ------ Small breeding population in the northern Vienne (86)