Fauna: the birds of Hymettus and what we do not yet know

The fauna of Hymettus is known mainly through its birds. There, official published data exist. For other animals we found no reliable survey, and we say so plainly.

Important Bird Area. Hymettus is area GR126, 8,098 hectares, with an altitude from 68 to 1,026 metres. It was designated under criteria A3, B3 and C6. The Ornithological Society writes that the breeding species include seven of the 21 European species restricted to the Mediterranean biome.

The Society's table (records from 2000 to 2007, unless noted):

• Curruca ruppeli (Rüppell's warbler): breeds, common.
• Curruca melanocephala (Sardinian warbler): resident, abundant.
• Curruca cantillans (subalpine warbler): breeds, common.
• Sitta neumayer (western rock nuthatch): resident, common.
• Oenanthe hispanica (black-eared wheatear): breeds, common.
• Emberiza caesia (Cretzschmar's bunting): breeds, common.
• Emberiza melanocephala (black-headed bunting): breeds, common.
• Falco peregrinus (peregrine falcon): one pair, resident.
• Buteo rufinus (long-legged buzzard): one pair, resident.
• Falco vespertinus and Neophron percnopterus: passage only and only up to 1997, listed as rare.

Note: we use scientific and English names, because we did not verify the Greek common names species by species. The Society adds that the steep eastern slopes with rocky outcrops are ideal nesting sites for birds of prey. The Kaisariani Aesthetic Forest is the best place for woodland birds, and the Karea and Ilioupoli area has the highest density of Mediterranean biome species.

What birdwatchers say. The Birdingplaces platform (page text by Spyros Skareas, last updated 12 July 2022) suggests spring and autumn. Around Kaisariani Monastery it mentions, in autumn, the red-breasted flycatcher and breeding tawny owl, cirl bunting, Sardinian warbler, firecrest, long-tailed tit and Eurasian scops owl. At the summit, in spring, it mentions Rüppell's warbler, subalpine warbler, black-eared wheatear, blue rock thrush, western rock nuthatch and long-legged buzzard. It advises avoiding sunny weekends, because the area around the monastery gets very crowded. These are birdwatchers' recommendations, not an official survey.

Threats. According to the Ornithological Society: fires, habitat loss from building expansion, new roads and illegal hunting.