Roman Coastal State Nature Reserve - Coccia di Morto

Roman Coastal Reserve

Zones

Coccia di Morto

Fauna

The area is highly populated by passing and wintering birds, also due to the fact that in the colder months all fishing activity in the area is suspended and therefore any disturbance on the banks of the pod is considerably reduced.

Among the most commonly seen aquatic birds, are the Coot (Fulica atra), the Cormorant, the Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), the Little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus), and also various species of ducks, above all the Pochard (Aythya ferina) and the Wigeon (Anas penelope), though many other, more rare species can be found frequently. In the colder winter-seasons it is even possible to see marine ducks and, occasionally, gannets who, on these rare occasions, leave their normal salt-water fishing without, however, abandoning their spectacular dives.

Coot (Fulica atra)

Little Grebe

On the residual dunes, in front of the Pond and in the inner sandy area, the Little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius) deposits its eggs in springtime while, in winter, numerous Black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus) pass their days in the area, together with Mediterranean gulls (Larus melanocephalus) and Little gull (Larus minutus). Regular visitors, during the winter, are the Great-crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus), the Little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) and the Red-necked grebe (Podiceps nigricollis). The Grey herons (Ardea cinerea) also likes to frequent the zone together with a contingent of Little egret (Egretta egretta) whose tendency to nest in the area is increasing.
Among the birds of prey in the area, it is easy to come across the Marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and, in autumn, the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus).

Kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) and Magpies nest in the tall pine trees and are often in conflict with the ever-present Hooded Crows.
To be found in the greatest numbers are Blackbirds and other small birds such as the Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), the Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), Reed warbler (Acrocephalis scirpaceus) and the Cetti's warbler (Cettia cetti).
In the open areas, Skylarks, Meadow pipits and White wagtails (or Grey wagtails, closer to the Pond) are always present, whereas, in the marginal areas, the chirping-noise of a thrush made from within the thick shrubs, can easily send the Song thrush (Turdus philomenus) into flight.

Great-crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

A large colony of Wild rabbits take advantage of the open, sandy area and have spread their burrows and tunnels all over the territory. The presence of the small earth tortoise has also been noticed in the area, as well as that of the Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and of the weasel.

This Web Site has been realized and updated by the Lega Italiana Protezione Uccelli
(Italian Society for the Protection of Birds) - Roman Coastal Branch. For any information contact us:

Lipu Ostia

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English translation by Christine Kinniburg