Birds of Hymettus: what to look for in spring and autumn
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Hymettus is a known bird watching spot, very close to the centre of Athens. Its habitats are sparse forest, olive groves, maquis vegetation and rocky slopes, and they host mainly small passerines.
The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn. Around Kaisariani monastery the species Ficedula parva is reported in autumn.
Species mentioned for the mountain
The names that follow are the scientific ones, as the source gives them, and have not been given common names that were not verified.
- Curruca ruppeli, a warbler of the Sylviidae family, in English Rüppell's warbler
- Circaetus gallicus, an eagle that feeds on snakes
- Strix aluco, a nocturnal owl species
- Ficedula parva, a small flycatcher species
- Oenanthe hispanica and Oenanthe melanoleuca, wheatear species
On weekends with good weather the area around Kaisariani monastery fills with people.
Sources: Birdingplaces, page Mt Hymettus.