Rare birds and unusual observations in Switzerland in 2004 Oiseaux rares et observations inhabituelles en Suisse en 2004 14e rapport de la Commission de lavifaune suisse
Schweizer, M.; Piot, B.
Nos Oiseaux. Decembre; 524: 245-260 No 482
2005
Document Number: 500855
In 2004 the Swiss Rarities Committee examined 186 reports of 88 species, 88% of which were accepted; an additional 22 records refer to past years. The highlights in 2004 were the 3rd record of a Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni and the 4th record of a Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata. In addition, the second broods for both Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans and Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon were found. Four breeding records confirmed the establishment of the White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos as a breeding bird in the eastern part of Switzerland. Other highlights included the probable overwintering of a Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla, a Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis (8th record), the trapping of a Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus at the same locality as in 2003 (8th record), the 5th record of a Pallid Swift Apus pallidus away from the breeding colony in Locarno (canton of Ticino), a Sociable Plover Chettusia gregaria (recorded yearly since 2000), the 2nd winter record of a European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur and the earliest record for both Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola and Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus. Included in this report are the 1st records of a Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola from 1986, of a Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus from 2003 and of a "Taiga Bean Goose" Anser fabalis fabalis from 1985. Following a revison, the Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus was removed from the Swiss list. The Swiss list comprises 391 species in categories A, B (birds of wild origin) and C (introduced species), 384 of which have been recorded since 1900. Eight species of uncertain origin remain in category D (doubtful origin). In the text, the three figures after the German and scientific names refer to the number of records/individuals, 1900-1991, 1992-2003 and in 2004, respectively. The species are listed systematically, and within species records are listed in alphabetic order of cantons and by date. Detailed information is given as follows: location, date(s), number of individuals (one individual if not specified), age and sex if known, available documentation (photographs, video, skins) and in brackets the name(s) of the observer(s).