Some recent rarities: Moltoni’s Warbler, Franklin’s Gull, Lesser Flamingo and Dunn’s Lark in Morocco and a Terek Sandpiper in Tunisia.
Moltoni’s Warbler (Sylvia subalpina)
A bird was captured and ringed at Merzouga Ringing Station, Morocco, on 18 April 2019 (Marc Illa and his co-workers).
Only four records have been accepted by the Moroccan Rare Birds Committee, so this bird would be the fifth if accepted. These low numbers most likely doesn’t show the true occurrence of the Moltoni’s Warbler in Morocco.
Read about the split of the ‘Subalpine Warbler’ complex into three species.
Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus)
A bird photographed at Thyna, Sfax, on 26 April 2019 (Habib Dlensi). The species has been observed a couple of times before in Tunisia, but still a rarity there as in the rest of the Northwest Africa.
Other rarities in Morocco
– The Franklin’s Gull (Leucophaeus pipixcan) is apparently enjoying its stay at Dayet Srij, Merzouga. It was still present on 23 April.
– A Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus minor) was also present at the same lake on 18 April.
– African Dunn’s Lark (Eremalauda dunni) at Merzouga: 2 birds observed at some 7 Km south of Tisserdmine on 23 April.