Birdwatching Sites
European Roller Coracias garrulous is a widespread summer visitor to much of Europe where over half or it’s breeding range lies, where it is thought to have declined leading to its designation as Vulnerable by the IUCN. As a cavity nester, Roller distribution is largely tied to availability of nest sites within its range. In North Cyprus, Roller are typically associated with the Karpaz Peninsula and the North Coast where habitats are favourable for their nesting due to the availability of cavities in old trees, moreover we recently determined these two sites as IBAs for the protection of this species among others. However, other potential breeding sites of the species, such as Mesarya Plain, were overlooked.
Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur has a long lasting cultural significance for humans in Europe and Asia. It found a place in local lyrics and in religious songs. However, at the same time, it has long been hunted as food through almost all of its range. Turtle dove breeds through Europe and West Asia, yet almost its entire population migrates south to mid-Africa for winter. Its widely distributed breeding population migrates to a relatively narrow wintering range mostly converging on the Mediterranean.