A Rocha Portugal Observatory Report 2009-2010

A ROCHA PORTUGAL 

OBSERVATORY REPORT 

2009–2010

Contributors: Paula Banza 

Aleksandra Cisek 

Andrew Cole 

Marcial Felgueiras 

Reda Garmute 

Esther Pawley 

Guillaume Réthoré 

Willem Scheres 

Bert Van der Auwermeulen 

Editor: Esther Pawley 

© Copyright A Rocha Associação Cristã de Estudos e Defesa do Ambiente 

A Rocha was founded in 1983 to put into practice the biblical call to care for all creation. A field 

study centre and bird observatory was established in south-west Portugal in 1986. Similar projects 

now exist in other countries, coordinated by A Rocha International. For more information visit: 

www.arocha.org 

A Rocha Portugal: Marcial and Paula Felgueiras 

Isabel Soares 

Esther Pawley 

Cruzinha, Apt. 41, 8501-903 Mexilhoeira Grande, Portugal. 

Tel: + 351 282 968380. Email: portugal@arocha.org 

International Office: 3 Hooper Street, Cambridge, CB1 2NZ, UK 

Tel +44(0) 1387 710286. Email: international@arocha.org 

Please contact Cruzinha for details of how to receive further copies of this report and other 

A Rocha publications. 

This publication should be referenced as: 

A Rocha Portugal Observatory Report for 2009–10. Associação A Rocha, Portimão, Portugal, (2012). 

Cover photos l-r: Charaxes jasius (Two-tailed Pasha), Muscicapa striata (Spotted Flycatcher), Andrew Cole 

surveying Kentish Plover, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)

Contents 

Preface 

The Great Spotted Cuckoo, Clamator glandarius, in the Ria de Alvor Study Area 6 

Monitoring of Molluscs in the Alvor Estuary, Algarve, 2010 10 

A Study of the Kentish Plover, Charadrius alexandrinus, in the Ria de Alvor, 2010 23 

Butterfly Monitoring around the Alvor Estuary, June – October 2009 29 

Butterfly Recording on Foia, Monchique, in 2009 44 

Ringing Report for 2009 and 2010 48 

Ringing Controls and Recoveries Reported in 2009 and 2010 54 

Moth Trapping at Cruzinha in 2009 and 2010 68 

Cruzinha Weather Report 2009 83 

Cruzinha Weather Report 2010 88

PREFACE 

This report presents the results of recent field studies undertaken at Cruzinha, A Rocha Portugal’s 

field study centre, during the years 2009 and 2010. We are very thankful to all our visitors and 

volunteers that have visited the centre and helped add to a better understanding of the Alvor 

Estuary and its surrounds. The wonderful variety of wildlife and habitats in the Algarve is mirrored 

by the diversity of people who contribute to our work. This is part of the richness of A Rocha 

Portugal and I hope you are inspired by this as you read this Observatory Report. 

Our bird ringing programme, similar to previous years, included a minimum of one weekly ringing 

session in the garden of Cruzinha and a more intensive period during the autumn migration. This 

report includes a summary of ringing statistics and reported controls for 2009 and 2010. 

In 2010 a repeat of the 2004 Kentish Plover survey was undertaken by European Voluntary Service 

(EVS) volunteer Andrew Cole and an update on this important research is provided here. Another 

bird study included in the following pages is a summary of local observations of Great Spotted 

Cuckoo by our valued regular visitor Willem Scheres. 

Local climatic data are a significant addition to details of the wider climatic picture when 

interpreting ecological studies together with biotic factors and other environmental factors. It is 

for this reason that the weather report is an important part of the Observatory Report and we 

hope you find this of interest. 

Our Lepidoptera studies have continued and expanded, with weekly moth trapping continuing at 

Cruzinha. Our EVS volunteer Bert Van der Auwermeulen has undertaken butterfly surveys not 

only at Cruzinha, but elsewhere in the vicinity of the Alvor estuary and Monchique. This report 

includes a list of macro and micro moth species identified for each of the two years and two 

butterfly monitoring report of studies conducted during 2009. 

Aleksandra Cisek, another of our EVS volunteers, has added to our knowledge of the diversity of 

molluscs within the Ria de Alvor. She identified 79 species in total, the majority of which were 

either bivalves or gastropods. Her report is included here and a reference collection of identified 

species can be seen at Cruzinha. 

If you would like further information on the work of A Rocha or would like to undertake some 

research at our field study centre or join in with our regular monitoring projects - please do 

contact us. 

We look forward to hearing from you. 

The Editor, on behalf of the A Rocha Portugal team

6 A Rocha Portugal Observatory Report 2009-2010 

Introduction 

THE GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO, CLAMATOR GLANDARIUS, IN THE RIA DE ALVOR STUDY AREA 

Willem Scheres 

The Great Spotted Cuckoo, Clamator glandarius, is a brood-parasite that occurs in several populations in 

Africa and in the Mediterranean Basin. In Iberia it prefers open woodland of Stone Pines, Pinus pinea, and 

heathland interspersed with Cork Oaks, Quercus suber. It also favours cultivated areas such as olive and 

almond-groves (Cramp, 1985). 

In the Iberian Peninsula the Great Spotted Cuckoo parasitizes mainly on the Magpie, Pica pica, and 

occasionally on other Corvidae like the Carrion Crow, Corvus corone, the Raven, Corvus corax, the Jackdaw, 

Corvus monedula, and the Chough, Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, according to Arias de Reyna (1998). However, 

it is not known to parasitize the nests of the Azure-winged Magpie, Cyanopica cyanus, which is a common 

species in the southern half of Iberia and also belongs to the family of the Corvidae. Extensive field-studies 

including detailed monitoring of many inhabited nests did not show any case of an Azure-winged Magpie 

parasitized by the Great Spotted Cuckoo (Valencia, 2005). Another species that, according to Cramp (1985), 

is visited by the Great Spotted Cuckoo is the Hoopoe, Upupa epops. 

In Portugal the Great Spotted Cuckoo is a scarce migrant breeder and a scarce passage migrant occurring 

from February to August (Moore, 1997). It is more common in the interior parts of Portugal than along the 

coast and it parasitizes on the Magpie and the Carrion Crow (Rufino, 1989). It is a rare breeding bird in the 

Tejo Estuary south of Lisbon and is also recorded during the period February – August (Leitão, 1998). 

This article describes and comments upon the presence of the Great Spotted Cuckoo in the field-study area 

of Quinta da Rocha between 1984 and 2010. Observations have been taken from the A Rocha Observatory 

Reports and from the Observatory Birdlog. 

The presence of the Great Spotted Cuckoo within Quinta da Rocha 

The Great Spotted Cuckoo is a very scarce visitor to Quinta da Rocha. In total there are 19 records of this 

bird species in the period 1986 - 2010. These records are spread over the 8 months between January and 

August. It is most frequently seen in February, with 5 records, and in March, with 3 records. In autumn and 

the first month of winter, December, they are not recorded at all (see Figure 1). The single record in 

January relates to a wintering individual. 

Cramp (1985) mentions that, with the late departure of some juveniles and the early appearance of the 

spring vanguard, the Great Spotted Cuckoo may be absent from the Mediterranean Basin for only a few 

weeks around midwinter. The sighting of 11 January 2002 is a significant midwinter record. 

According to Cramp (1985) the return movement to southern Spain is from early February. Five records in 

the study area were made in February, thus corresponding with early returning birds. 

Mainly juveniles were seen during the months of June, July and August: 5 of the 6 records are related to 

juveniles (see Table 1). This was also the case in Southern France in the Valleé des Baux close to Arles. The 

author saw only juvenile Great Spotted Cuckoos on three successive days during a visit in July 2006 to the 

French A Rocha Centre at Les Tourades, which is situated in this same valley.

A Rocha Portugal Observatory Report 2009-2010 7 

These records were: on 18 July 2006, one individual along the Canal du Vigueirat; on 19 July 2006, one 

individual in a field directly west of Les Tourades and on 20 July 2006, one individual on wire along the 

Route de Coste Basse close to the Étangs de la Gravière. 

Due to the fact that Magpies and Carrion Crows are vagrants at Quinta da Rocha with very few records for 

each species in the period 1986 – 2010, and that Ravens also are uncommon (with most records made in 

September 2010), there appears to be an absence of the favored hosts for the Great Spotted Cuckoo within 

the study area. The Jackdaw is a common visitor on the Quinta da Rocha, but breeds on the rocky cliffs 

along the coast south of the city of Lagos (7 Km from Quinta da Rocha). The Azure-winged Magpie has 

become very common in the last 15 years, often occurring in big groups and known to be breeding on the 

Quinta de Rocha (Scheres, 1999 and 2001), however, this corvid is not recognized to be a real host 

(Valencia, 2005). The increasing abundance of the Azure-winged Magpie has not resulted into more records 

of the Great Spotted Cuckoo on the Quinta da Rocha. The only remaining recognized candidate as a host to 

this cuckoo species is the Hoopoe, a common species within the study area. To date, however, there is no 

confirmation of the use of a Hoopoe’s nest by a parasitizing Great Spotted Cuckoo on the Quinta da Rocha. 

The majority of the Great Spotted Cuckoos seen within the study area are mostly adults arriving in February 

and in the first half of March and juveniles dispersing from their breeding grounds in the summer months, 

especially in July. Moore, 1997, mentions that the best time to see juveniles is in June, but that is within 

the breeding areas when these juveniles start to fly. 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

0 

Figure 1 Number of records of Great Spotted Cuckoo in each month within the period 1986-2010


Record list of the Great Spotted Cuckoo within the A Rocha study area 

The records listed in Table 1 below originate from the A Rocha Portugal Observatory Reports for the period 

1986 to 2008 and from the A Rocha Portugal bird log for the years 2009 and 2010. 

Table 1 

Date Number Remarks 

1986 and 1987 0 

1988, 18 March 1 

1989, 17 February 1 An early arrival. 

1990, 09 July 1 Juvenile. 

1991, 26 February 1 

1992, 06 February 

1992, 31 July 

1993, 25 February 

1993, 19 August 

1994 0 

1 

1 

1 

1 

Adult. Possibly a wintering bird or an early return. 

Juvenile. 

1995, 21 June 1 Juvenile 

1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999 0 

2000, 19 July 1 

2001, 27 February 1 

2002, 11 January 

2002, 27 - 05 

1 

1 

Flying from a tree on the western rim of the eastern 

marsh. 

Juvenile ringed at Cruzinha. Latest record. 

Juvenile. Headland, along the road to the pinewood 

of Quinta da Rocha. 

Adult. Flying from pinewood of Quinta da Rocha and 

landing in the valley east of it. 

Adult. Wintering bird. Earliest record. 

Juvenile. On the pine-bluffs of Quinta da Rocha. 

2003, 01 May 1 Perched on a fence close to Cruzinha. 

2004 and 2005 0 

2006, 28 April 

2006, 06 May 

2007 and 2008 0 

2009, 07 July 1 

2010, 08 March 

2010, 09 March 

1 

1 

1 

2 

Adult. Within the almond-grove directly east of 

Cruzinha and afterwards landing in the garden of the 

A Rocha Portugal centre. 

Calling from the pinewood of Quinta da Rocha. 

Seen in the orchard near the train-station of 

Mexilhoeira Grande 

Heard from Cruzinha, the A Rocha Portugal centre. 

Flying down from the headland into the estuary.

References 


Arias de Reyna, L. (1998). ‘Coevolution of the Great Spotted Cuckoo and its host’. 

In S.J. Rothstein & S.K Robinson (eds.) Parasitic birds and their hosts: Studies in Coevolution, Vol.9: 129 – 

142. Oxford University Press, Oxford, U.K. 

Cramp, S. (1985). The Birds of the Western Palearctic. Volume 4. Oxford University Press, Oxford, U.K. 

Leitão, D., Catry, P., Costra, H., Elias, G.L. and Reino, L.M. (1998). As Aves do Estuário do Tejo. Instituto de 

Conservação da Natureza, Lisboa, Portugal. 

Moore, C.C., Elias, G. and Costa, H. (1997). A Birdwatcher’s Guide to Portugal and Madeira. 

Prion Ltd, Perry, Huntingdon, Great Britain. 

Rufino, R. (1989). Atlas das Aves que nidificam em Portugal Continental. Serviço National de Parques 

Reservas e Conservação de Natureza, Lisboa, Portugal. 

Scheres, W. (1999). The Azure-winged Magpie, Cyanopica cyanus, on Quinta da Rocha. The A Rocha 

Observatory Report for 1999 Associação A Rocha, Portimão, Portugal, pp 48 – 53. 

Scheres, W. (2001). Breeding of Azure-winged Magpie, Cyanopica cyanus, at Quinta da Rocha. The A Rocha 

Observatory Report 2000 - 2001. Associação A Rocha, Portimão, Portugal, pp 43 – 44. 

Valencia, J., de la Cruz, C., Carranza, J and Solís, E. (2005). No brood parasitism by the Great Spotted 

Cuckoo, Clamator glandarius, on the Azure-winged Magpie, Cyanopica cyanus. In Bird Study (2005), pp. 204 

– 209. British Trust for Ornithology, Taylor & Francis, London, U.K.


Introduction 

MONITORING OF MOLLUSCS IN THE ALVOR ESTUARY, ALGARVE, PORTUGAL 

Aleksandra Cisek and Esther Pawley 

Estuaries are very important ecosystems. They are classified as ‘transitional waters’ under the Water 

Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC), where, in Article 2 they are defined as: ” bodies of surface 

water in the vicinity of river mouths which are partly saline in character as a result of their proximity to 

coastal waters but which are substantially influenced by freshwater flows”. As ecosystems existing on the 

boundary between sea and river, they experience big fluctuations of physicochemical factors, mainly due to 

the tidal cycle. Estuarine conditions are very specific and only some organisms are able to withstand such 

stresses as rapid and substantial changes in salinity levels, dissolved oxygen concentrations, turbidity and 

the presence or absence of water (McLusky, 1989; Ysebaert et al, 2003). For these reasons the biological 

diversity within estuaries is quite limited. It has been reported by many authors, for example, Constanza, 

1997, Barnes, 1984, McLusky, 1989, that while the number of different species living in estuaries is quite 

low, the abundance of species is very high. Due to relatively low inter-species competition those species 

which have managed to adapt to the difficult conditions can occur in very high numbers. Estuarine 

organisms are also very often restricted to particular places largely defined by salinity gradient and 

sediment composition (Ysebaert et al, 2003; Sousa et al, 2006). 

In spite of these difficult living conditions, estuaries have been claimed to be amongst the most productive 

natural habitats in the world (McLusky, 1989). For this reason estuaries are very attractive areas for 

secondary consumers, especially for large groups of wading birds, which are higher up the food chain. 

Salt marsh habitats also belong to this group of highly productive ecosystems (e.g. Adam, 1990; Vinagre et 

al, 2008). This habitat is strongly associated with estuaries. It also attracts many species of secondary 

consumers (Hampel et al, 2009) and often provides a safe place for nesting waders (Adam, 1990). 

Molluscs are one of the largest and most abundant groups of estuarine animals (Sousa et al, 2007; Ysebaert 

et al, 2003). In a previous study of the benthic fauna of the Alvor estuary, Portugal it was found to be the 

dominant group (Carpenter 2004). Many estuarine molluscs can feed on a range of food sources and are 

tolerant of low salinities, providing success for this group in the colonization of estuaries (McLusky, 1989). 

As one of the most numerous groups of animals, the impact they have within estuarine and marsh 

ecosystems is not only as a food source for higher trophic levels; by way of feeding they exert a control on 

the biomass of phytoplankton and stimulate primary production by excreting nutrients (Nakamura & 

Kerciku, 2000). In many cases a few species of molluscs, together with (Arthropoda and Crustacea), are 

considered to be the key species within estuarine or salt marsh ecosystems because of their high 

abundance (e.g. Sousa et al, 2007). Many mollusc species are used as indicators of the ecological status of 

transitional waters (Al-Dabbas, 1984). Simboura and Zentos (2002), for example, used benthic organisms as 

indicators of the ecological quality using their new biotic index (BENTIX). 

The aim of this study was to analyse the spatial variability of molluscs within the Alvor Estuary, as they 

comprise a significant part of benthic macro-invertebrates.

Location of the study 


The Alvor Estuary is one of the most important wetlands for wildlife in the Algarve and covers an area of 

1,454 ha. In September 2006 it was established as a Natura 2000 site and is one of 14 Natura 2000 sites in 

the Algarve. Ten years before this designation, in May 1996, it was accredited as a wetland of international 

importance, according to the Convention of Wetlands (Ramsar, 1971). It is one of just three wetlands in the 

Algarve on ‘The Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance’ (Ramsar (Iran). (1971) Due to its 

significance and proximity to the Cruzinha centre, it is the focus of many studies by A Rocha. It is important 

to monitor the ecological health of this area due to its high conservation value. 

Methodology 

Sampling scheme 

Five sampling sites were chosen as being representative of the main habitats within the Alvor Estuary. A 

preliminary site visit was also undertaken to determine accessibility and safety considerations of sampling 

points. The technique employed in a previous invertebrate study at this site (Carpenter, 2004) was 

examined, but not used in this study due to various impracticalities such as the sample not being removed 

effectively. Sampling at the same points as Carpenter (2004) was undertaken where possible. Some 

previous survey sites, such as within the Eastern Marsh and salinas areas of the Alvor Estuary, are no longer 

available for study or public access. 

Figure 1 Location of sampling points within the Alvor Estuary. 

The Western Marsh sample site (4a) was located at the most south-western part of the marsh where the 

sea wall turns north. The Upper Estuary site (5a) was on the muddy area, on the opposite side of the river 

to the fish farm. The Lower Estuary sample site (5b) was in the area where the Alvor and Odiáxere rivers 

join. The Abicada site (6a) was close to the upper end of the Eastern Marsh, located near to a house with a 

jetty. The Alvor sample site (6b) was near to the river mouth.


The sampling was carried out in January, March and May 2010. This was in order to examine the possible 

variation in species and numbers of individuals over time during the period available for fieldwork. 

Sampling took place during the low tide of spring tides (i.e. around a full or new moon), when the sea level 

was at its lowest and the time for collecting samples was the longest. 

Sampling method 

Sediment cores were removed, using a square-bladed spade, from areas of extractable sediment close to 

the main stream of water flowing at low tide. In order to take the same quantity of sample every time a 

15×15cm quadrat was used to demarcate sample areas. The depth of the sample was 20cm. At each 

sampling point 3 core samples were taken. Each core was sieved in situ using a mesh screen of 1 mm 

aperture size to remove the fine sedimentary material and the remaining material taken for analysis. 

Initially each sample was sorted for relatively large living specimens, which would then be released 

immediately, if a positive identification could be made in the field. A number of physicochemical properties 

were measured at the same time that samples were taken in the field. These were air and water 

temperature, water salinity, pH and dissolved oxygen. 

Air and water temperature was measured by aquarium thermometer. To measure water salinity a glass 

hydrometer (made by Boots) was used. The concentration of dissolved oxygen was examined using a 

LaMotte kit (code 5860) and pH was also measured in situ using a pocket-sized pH meter made by HANNA 

instruments. The same instruments and methodology was used as that in the 2003 assessment of water 

quality in the Alvor Estuary made by Boyes and Simonson (2004). 

Laboratory analysis 

The core samples were sorted as soon as possible after collection. Firstly the core sample would be spread 

evenly within a photographic tray and all remaining living molluscs extracted, identified and, as soon as 

possible, released. If necessary for identification purposes a specimen would be preserved in 70% alcohol. 

After dealing with the living specimens, the remaining shells were identified. All shells larger than 1cm in 

length were extracted from the sample, identified and counted. Subsampling was applied to specimens 

smaller than 1cm in length. 

Subsampling method 

After dealing with specimens larger than 1cm in length, the core sample was divided into 12 equally sized 

subsamples. Of these, 4 subsamples were randomly selected and sorted for good condition, i.e. intact 

shells. The number of each species identified in this manner was extrapolated to gain a final figure for the 

core sample. Intact empty shells from within the core samples were also identified and a complete list of 

species, with an indication of abundance, can be found in Appendix 1. 

Results 

Water sampling 

The results of water sampling within the Alvor Estuary are shown below. Figures 2, 3 and 4 display the 

recorded physicochemical measurements in January, March and May 2010. Water sampling was unable to 

be undertaken in January at the Abicada site due to adverse site conditions which would have made 

sampling unsafe. In May the pH meter failed to work at the Abicada (6a) and Alvor (6b) sample sites.


Table 1 Physicochemical factors of water samples measured in January 2010. 

Factor/Site 4a 5a 5b 6a 6b 

Air temperature [ºC] 20 16 18 ----- 21 

Water temperature [ºC] 17 15 17 ----- 17 

Salinity [ppt] (1.022) 

28.7 ppt 

Table 2 Physicochemical factors of water samples measured in March 2010. 

Factor/Site 4a 5a 5b 6a 6b 

Air temperature [ºC] 20 12 15 21 20 

Water temperature [ºC] 14 14 14 16 19 


36 ppt 

(1.014) 

17.6 ppt 

(1.006) 

7.5 ppt 

(1.008) 

10.5 ppt 

(1.020) 

26.9 ppt 

pH 7,87 7,85 7,62 7,45 8,02 

Dissolved oxygen [ppm] 2 ppm 3,6 ppm 4,1 ppm 8,6 ppm 6,6 ppm 

Table 3 Physicochemical factors of water samples measured in May 2010. 

Species results 

(1,014) 

18 ppt 

(1,012) 

15.8 ppt 

----- (1,024) 

31.6 ppt 

pH 7,63 7,36 7,40 ----- 7,90 

Dissolved oxygen [ppm] 5,1 ppm 6,6 ppm 6,8 ppm ----- 2,4 ppm (not 

preserved) 

Factor/ Site 4a 5a 5b 6a 6b 

Air temperature [ºC] 26 21 23 24 25 

Water temperature [ºC] 24 22 24 24 22 


32.5 ppt 

(1.022) 

30.4 ppt 

(1.020) 

27.0 ppt 

(1.004) 

5.9 ppt 

(1.022) 

30.4 ppt 

pH 8,24 8,02/03 7,98 ----- ------ 

Dissolved oxygen [ppm] 3 ppm 8,8 ppm 2,8 ppm 6,4 ppm 5 ppm 

A total of 553 living individuals from 25 species were recorded in this study. Eleven of these species 

belonged to the class Bivalvia and 13 species to the Gastropoda. In addition, one species belonging to the 

class Polyplacophora was found (Figure 5). There were also a few shells of Dentalium sp. (Scaphopoda) 

found in Alvor. In total 79 species were identified from the samples (including intact empty shells). This 

comprised 39 species of Gastropoda, 39 species within the Bivalvia, and two other species outside of these 

two classes. In some cases it was only possible to identify to genus rather than species level. Lists of species 

identified can be found in Appendix I.


A considerably large number of empty Bittium reticulatum shells were recorded. No living specimens were 

found, but numbers of these shells were greater at almost all sampling points than other similar small-sized 

species such as Hydrobia, Turbonilla or Rissoa. Only the sampling site in Alvor gave equal or higher numbers 

of Hydrobia sp. than Bittium reticulatum. 

Table 4 Total number of living specimens found during this study in the Alvor Estuary 2010. 

January March May 

Species 4a 5a 5b 6a 6b 4a 5a 5b 6a 6b 4a 5a 5b 6a 6b 

Abra tenuis 6 3 

Calyptrea chinensis 1 

Cardium edule 1 2 1 14 2 1 1 2 2 1 

Cerithium vulgatum 1 1 1 1 10 

Cyclope neritea 5 1 6 4 

Gibbula umbilicalis 2 4 2 

Haminoea navicula 2 2 

Hydrobia acuta 1 

Hydrobia neglecta 60 

Hydrobia ulvae 3 6 120 12 3 9 3 24 

Jujubinus striatus 1 

Lepidochitona cinereaus 

(Polyplacophora) 

1 3 

Loripes lacteus 43 8 21 

Mesalia mesal 5 10 4 4 2 5 15 

Monodonta lineata 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 

Nassarius pfeifferi 1 2 1 5 8 3 8 1 6 

Nassarius reticulatus 2 2 1 1 2 

Ostrea edulis 1 

Paphia aurea 1 

Paphia rhomboides 1 3 

Scrobicularia plana 1 7 4 

Spisula subtruncata 1 

Tapes decussatus 1 1 

Tellina tenuis 1 10 8 6 7 1 

Venerupis senegalensis 1 

Results by sampling site 

At the Western Marsh (4a) a total of 101 living specimens from 8 species were recorded from the samples. 

As it can be seen in Figure 6 the highest number of living specimens (54) was obtained in January 

comprising largely of individuals of Loripes lacteus (43 specimens). In general the number of species 

recorded at this site was lower than at other sample sites in the Alvor Estuary. Hampel et al (2009) in her 

studies also found lower number of species in salt marsh habitat than in the estuary.


Figure 2 Number of live specimens found at the Western Marsh sampling site (4a). 

At the Upper Estuary sample site (5a) all of the living specimens found (43) belonged to one of 9 species. 

The highest abundance of individuals recorded was found to be Cardium edule (17 individuals in total, 14 in 

the March sample). Nassarius pfeifferi was also quite commonly recorded. In January and May the number 

of different species identified was similar, however in March only 3 of the most common species were 

found alive (Figure 7). 

Figure 3 Number of live specimens found at the Upper Estuary sampling site (5a). 

At the Lower Estuary sample site (5b) 75 live specimens were recorded from a range of 13 species. The 

greatest abundance of a species belonged to Tellina tenuis in the first month’s sample, but the number of 

specimens of other species was more regular over the study period (Figure 8). When undertaking sampling 

in May a big group of Cerithium vulgatum (around 30 individuals) was seen near to the sampling point, but 

not included in graph’s data, because it was not in the sample.


Figure 4 Number of live specimens found at the Lower Estuary sampling site (5b). 

The sampling site at Abicada (6a) was very specific due to the wide diversity of substratum present. The 

majority of the sediment was composed of very fine clay creating an impermeable layer. Some big stones 

were also found. In these conditions it is likely that only a very few species of mollusc can survive due to the 

impermeability of the substrate. Colonies of Scrobicularia plana were recorded comprising mostly of large 

individuals, however, a number of smaller individuals were also found. High numbers of empty shells of this 

species also indicate that this is the main species in the area. Tapes decussatus was recorded at this sample 

site, located on the river bed. In total 25 live specimens were recorded from within only 4 species (Figure 

9). 

Figure 5 Number of live specimens found at the Abicada sampling site (6a). 

The number of species recorded at the Alvor sampling site (6b) was significantly higher than at any of the 

other sampling sites in this study. This is likely to be due to the close proximity of the sea. A total of 309 live 

specimens from within 15 species were recorded from samples taken at this site. Hydrobia ulvae and 

Hydrobia neglecta were the most abundant species, with Cerithium vulgatum appearing quite frequently 

(Figure 10). During the May sampling period a large number of Cerithium vulgatum and Monodonta lineata


were observed around the sample areas (roughly 30 specimens of each species within a 0.5m radius of the 

sample area). 

Figure 6 Number of live specimens found at the Alvor sampling site (6b). 

All the sample sites in this study were located within the subtidal area and had either no, or very limited, 

submerged vegetation present. Aquatic vegetation within the Alvor estuary is in general very poor in 

diversity and extent. 

Discussion and Conclusion 

The species found alive in this study of the Alvor Estuary were also found by Almeida et al (2008) in the Ria 

Formosa which is located in the eastern Algarve, Portugal (Bivalvia: C. edule, O. edulis, S. plana, P. aurea, T. 

decussatus, and Gastropoda: C. chinensis, C. vulgatum, H. ulvae, N. pfeifferi, N. reticulatus, G. umbilicalis, J. 

striatus, M. lineata). 

Some of the species found during this study are included on lists of sensitive, tolerant and opportunistic 

species used by Simboura and Zenetos (2002) in their study. Most of them, like Tellina tenuis, Tapes 

decussatus, Spisula subtruncata, Cerithium vulgatum, Cyclope neritea, Paphia rhomboides are on the list of 

sensitive species; being described as “sensitive to disturbance in general”. Some species like Hydrobia acuta 

and Bittium reticulatum are also on the list of sensitive species but they are described as being tolerant 

species. A very large number of Bittium reticulatum shells were found in this survey, however no living 

specimens were found. Although Bittium reticulatum is an estuarine species it is mostly found on seagrass 

vegetation (Almeida et al, 2008; Fernandez et al, 1988), therefore, it is highly possible that most of the 

shells found in the samples were moved in by the tide. The Upper Estuary site (5a), where the abundance 

of Bittium reticulatum was almost always (with the exception of the March sample) greater than that of any 

other species, may be an exception due to the proximity of the sample site to a large vegetated area. Other 

than in this area, the aquatic vegetation within the Alvor Estuary is poor and this may explain the lack of 

several species of gastropods which are commonly associated with seaweed and other aquatic plants 

(Sousa, 2007).


The most numerous species identified in this study was Hydrobia ulvae, known to be one of the most 

common inhabitants of European estuaries (McLusky, 1989). This species is significantly smaller in size 

than, for example, Cerastoderma edule and therefore we might expect a greater number of individuals per 

mᶾ. In this case, unlike B. reticulatum, many living specimens were recorded. H. ulvae is a species normally 

associated with higher and more fluctuating salinity levels (McLusky, 1989). This study also indicated that 

the highest number of individuals of this species was found in locations with the highest salinity: the 

Western Marsh and the Lower Estuary sample sites. 

The most important physicochemical properties affecting the occurrence and distribution of molluscs in 

estuaries are salinity (Ysebaert et al, 2003; Holland et al, 1987; Hampel et al, 2009), type of sediment 

(Sousa et al, 2006; Ysebaert et al, 2003) and the level of dissolved oxygen (Sousa et al, 2007). Salinity 

readings varied at each of the sample sites over the course of the study, however the salinity was 

consistently higher at the Alvor and Western Marsh sampling sites (Figures 2, 3 and 4). The Alvor sampling 

site (6b) is relatively close to the river mouth, and far from the main stream of the Alvor River, which 

explains the higher salinity readings. In the Western Marsh the relatively high salinity measurements can 

largely be attributed to water evaporation. Seawater enters the Western Marsh at high tide and, as it 

receives no freshwater input from the river or from rain in the summer months, the salinity is likely to 

increase due to evaporation during the summer period. 

The highest diversity of species was recorded in the Lower Estuary (13 species) and Alvor (15 species) 

sample sites. This may be due to the proximity of the sites to the river mouth as the higher salinity levels 

and generally greater stability of hydrological factors, (largely salinity) is conducive to higher levels of 

biodiversity. The mouth of the estuary is also richer in organic matter compared to the Upper Estuary, 

resulting in a greater quantity of potential food particularly for deposit-feeding species (Sousa et al, 2006; 

Ysebaert, et al, 2003). 

Loripes lacteus, which was found in high numbers in the Western Marsh, has been characterised as a 

tolerant species and is also known to be an indicator of instability and/or pollution. The high abundance of 

this species suggests that it may be a key species within the Western Marsh, providing an important food 

resource to other trophic levels at this site, for example wading birds. 

Scrobicularia plana is another species which could be considered to be a key species, and was recorded in 

high abundance at the Abicada sampling site. However, it was less abundant within samples than L. lacteus, 

but this may be related to size as most specimens observed were between 4 and 5 cm in length. Galván 

(2010) in her research of Cambrian estuaries found that Scrobicularia plana was the most abundant 

mollusc. In addition, in research undertaken by Sousa et al (2006), S. plana together with Cardium edule 

were the most abundant species in areas of shallow water. Interestingly, in their study the sediment 

recorded at the sampling station was coarse, while at Abicada it was found to be a very fine sediment 

together with relatively big stones. 

Although the data collected are not sufficient to estimate the ecological quality of the Alvor Estuary, the 

presence of sensitive species suggests that the ecosystem is at least partly in good health. Following on 

from this project, studies could be undertaken using the new biotic index (BENTIX) to establish ecological 

quality within the estuary.


Further monitoring of molluscs within the Alvor Estuary could be undertaken, with additional sampling 

points within the estuary and further upstream in the Odiáxere River. Another interesting issue would be to 

investigate the status of Loripes lacteus in the Western Marsh. 

References: 

Adam P. (1990). Saltmarsh ecology. Cambridge University Press. 

Al-Dabbas, M.A.M., Hubbard, H. and McManus, J. (1984). ‘The shell of Mytilus as an indicator of zonal 

variations of water quality within an estuary’. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 18: 265-270. 

Almeida, C., Coelho, R., Silva, M., Bentes, L., Monteiro, P., Ribeiro, J., Erzini, K. and Gonçalves, J.M.S. (2008). 

‘Use of different intertidal habitats by faunal communities in a temperate coastal lagoon’. Estuarine, Coastal 

and Shelf Science 80: 357–364. 

Barnes R.S.K. (1984). Estuarine Biology, Edward Arnold. 

Boyes, C. and Simonson, W. (2004). A preliminary assessment of water quality In the Alvor Estuary. A Rocha 

Portugal Observatory Report for 2003. Associação A Rocha, Portimão, Portugal. 

Carpenter, B. (2005). Towards better characterisation of the macro-invertebrate fauna of the Alvor Estuary, 

A Rocha Portugal Observatory Report for 2004. Associação A Rocha, Portimão, Portugal. 

Constanza, R., Kemp, M. and Boyton, W. (1997). ‘Scale and biodiversity in coastal and estuarine ecosystems’. 

In C. Perrings, K.G. Mäler, C. Folke and C. S. Holling (eds.) Biodiversity loss: economic and ecological issues. 

Cambridge University Press. 

Fernàndez, E., Anadòn, R. and Fernàndez, C. (1988). ‘Life histories and growth of the gastropods Bittium 

reticulatum and Barleeia unifasciata inhabiting the seaweed Gelidium latifolium’. J. Moll. Stud. 54: 119-129 

Galván C., Juanes J.A., Puente A. (2010). Ecological classification of European transitional waters in the 

North-East Atlantic eco-region, Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 87 p. 442-450 

Hampel, H., Elliott, M. and Cattrijsse, A. (2009). ‘Macrofaunal communities in the habitats of intertidal 

marshes along the salinity gradient of the Schelde Estuary’. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 84: 45–53. 

Holland, A. F., Shaughnessy, A. T. and Hiegel, M. H. (1987). ‘Long-term variation in mesohaline Chesapeake 

Bay macrobenthos: Spatial and temporal patterns’. Estuaries 10: 227-245. 

McLusky, D.S. (1989). The estuarine ecosystem. Second Edition. Blackie, Glasgow. 

Nakamura Y., Kerciku F. (2000). ‘Effects of filter-feeding bivalves on the distribution of water quality and 

nutrient cycling in a eutrophic coastal lagoon’. Journal of Marine Systems 

26 (2): 209-221.


Ramsar (Iran). (1971). Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat. 

UN Treaty Series No. 14583. As amended by the Paris Protocol, 3 December 1982, and Regina 

Amendments, 28 May 1987. 

Sousa R., Antunes C. and Guilhermino L. (2007). ‘Species composition and monthly variation of the 

Molluscan fauna in the freshwater subtidal area of the River Minho estuary’. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf 

Science 75: 90-100. 

Sousa R., Dias S. and Antunes J. C. (2006). ‘Spatial Subtidal Macrobenthic Distribution in Relation to Abiotic 

Conditions in the Lima Estuary, NW of Portugal.’ Hydrobiologia 559: 135–148. 

Vinagre C., Cabral H.N. and Caçador I. (2008). ‘Influence of halophytes and metal contamination on salt 

marsh macro-benthic communities.’ Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 76: 715-722. 

Ysebaert, T., Herman, P.M.J., Meire, P., Craeymeersch, J., Verbeek, H. and Heip, C.H.R. (2003). ‘Large-scale 

spatial patterns in estuaries: estuarine macrobenthic communities in the Schelde estuary, NW Europe’. 

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 57: 335–355. 

Simboura, N. and Zenetos, A. (2002). ‘Benthic indicators to use in Ecological Quality classification of 

Mediterranean soft bottom marine ecosystems, including a new Biotic Index.’ Mediterranean Marine 

Science 3 (2): 77-111. 

Bibliography 

Abbott, R.T. (1990). The pocket guide to seashells of the North Hemisphere, Dragon's World Ltd. 

Campbell, A.C. (1976). The Hamlyn Guide to Seashores and Shallow Seas of Britain and Europe, Hamlyn. 

Littlehampton Book Services Ltd. 

Doneddu, M. and Trainito, E. (2005). Conchiglie del Mediterraneo. Il Castello. 

Consolado Macedo, M.C., Consolado Macedo, M.I. and Borges, J.P. (1999). Conchas Marinhas de Portugal, 

Verbo. 

Acknowledgements 

“I would like to acknowledge all the valuable help with identification from Jose Pedro Borges and José Filipe 

Bragança. I also thank João Monteiro from the Instituto Português de Malacologia for all his help and time 

and Bert van der Auvermeulen for general ideas and to all those people who supported me during this 

project."

APPENDIX I 


List of species (Gastropoda + other) 

+ found just once; o - occasional (2-10); c - common (11-100); n - numerous (>100) 

Site 4a 5a 5b 6a 6b 

Species Month I II II I II III I II III I II III I II III 

1. Acmaea virginea o o o 

2. Alvania lactea o o 

3. Bela oceanica o 

4. Bittium reticulatum n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 

5. Calyptraea chinensis o o c o o 

6. Cerithium vulgatum o o o o c o o o o c 

7. Conus mediterraneus o 

8. Cyclope neritea + o + o n o o 

9. Diodora italica + 

10. Eulima glabra + 

11. Euspira pulchella o + o o o 

12. Gibbula umbilicalis c o o o o o c c o c o c 

13. Gibbula umbilicaris o 

14. Haminoea navicula c o c o o 

15. Hydrobia acuta n n n n 

16. Hydrobia neglecta n n n n n n n n n n 

17. Hydrobia ulvae n n n n n n n n n n n n n n 

18. Jujubinus striatus o c c c o c o o o 

19. Littorina neritoides o o 

20. Littorina saxitilis o 

21. Manzania crassa o o o 

22. Mesalia mesal o o c c c c n c c c c 

23. Monodonta lineata + + o + o o o o o o o 

24. Nassarius pfeifferi c c c c o o + c + c c c 

25. Nassarius reticulatus o o 

26. Ocinebrina aciculata o o o o o 

27. Ovatella myosotis c c c 

28. Patella ullysiponensis + 

29. Pusilina marginata o 

30. Retusa truncatula o o c c o c 

31. Rissoa cinilis o 

32. Rissoa decorata o 

33. Rissoa eulacea o 

34. Rissoa membranacae c c o o o o 

35. Rissoa multicincta c c 

36. Tornus subcarinatus o o 

37. Turbonilla acuta c o o 

38. Turbonilla lactea o o 

39. Turbonilla sp. o c o o 

40. Lepidochitona cineraria (Polyplacophora) o 

41. Dentalium sp.(Scaphopoda) o


List of species (Bivalvia) 

+ found just once; o - occasional (2-10); c - common (11-100); n - numerous (>100) 

Site 4a 5a 5b 6a 6b 

Species Month I II III I II III I II III I II III I II III 

1. Abra alba o 

2. Abra tenuis n n n c c c o c c o o o c c 

3. Acanthocardium aculeata o o + 

4. Anomia ephippium + o o o + o 

5. Cardita calyculata o + 

6. Cardium edule n c c n n n n c n o n o n n n 

7. Chamelea gallina c o c c o c c c c o o o c 

8. Chlamys varia o o o 

9. Clausinella fasciata 

10. Corbulla gibba + o 

11. Digitaria digitaria o o o o o o 

12. Donacilla cornea o o o o c o o o 

13. Donax trunculus o o o o o 

14. Donax vittatus o o + o o o 

15. Ervilla castanea c c c c c n n c c c 

16. Gastrana fragilis c + + + 

17. Glycymeris glycymeris o o o o o 

18. Irus irus o o 

19. Laevicardium crassum + 

20. Loripes lacteus n c c o c o c c c o o + o 

21. Lucinella divaricata o 

22. Lutraria lutraria o 

23. Mytilus edulis o o + + 

24. Mytilus galloprovincialis o + 

25. Nucula nucleus + o 

26. Nucula sp. o o 

27. Nuculana pella + 

28. Ostrea edulis o o o o 

29. Paphia aurea + o o c o + c 

30. Paphia rhomboides + o c c 

31. Parvicardium exiguum o 

32. Scrobicularia plana c o c o o + o o c o o c 

33. Solen marginatus o 

34. Spisula solida o o o c o o + 

35. Spisula subtruncata + o o + 

36. Striarca lactea c o o o o o o 

37. Tapes decussatus c o o o c c c c c o o c c c 

38. Tellina tenuis o + c o c c n n c c o 

39. Venerupis senegaliensis + o o +


A STUDY OF THE KENTISH PLOVER, CHARADRIUS ALEXANDRINUS, IN THE RIA DE ALVOR 

Andrew Cole 

Introduction 

The Kentish Plover, Charadrius alexandrinus, is a geographically widespread wader which breeds in a range 

of different habitats (Cramp & Simmons, 1983). In Portugal there are an estimated 1,500 to 5,000 breeding 

pairs with 1,000 to 4,400 individuals over-wintering (Burfield, et al., 2004). There have been recent declines 

in Kentish Plover populations thought to be due to habitat changes and human disturbance. The declines 

have caused some small subpopulations to disappear, such as in Northern Spain (Norte & Ramos, 2004; 

Cramp & Simmons, 1983). 

The breeding of the Kentish Plover has been studied in many different habitats; inland saline lakes, alkaline 

grasslands, marshes and sandy beaches, although this last habitat has been studied less extensively (Norte 

& Ramos, 2004). In Portugal, however, sandy beaches are the most important natural habitat for breeding 

Kentish Plover, while salinas and fish farms are important man made habitats (Norte & Ramos, 2004; 

Rufino, et al., 1984). An important proportion of Kentish Plovers in Portugal are also found in non-estuarine 

habitats (Mendes, et al., 2008). 

Different techniques have been used when estimating the number of Kentish Plovers in a given area, 

ranging from the number of individuals to the number of pairs (Burfield, et al., 2004; Lorenzo & Emmerson, 

1995). Because Kentish Plovers nest close together, territorial behaviour can be used to aid in the 

estimation of the number of territories in an area (Cramp & Simmons, 1983). Territories can be counted in 

addition to counting the number of individuals, juveniles and nests. This study was carried out on the Alvor 

Estuary in southern Portugal and studied Kentish Plovers in three distinct habitats; sand dunes, salinas and 

salt marshes. The study was undertaken during the 2010 breeding season and repeated the same 

methodology carried out in 2004 and 2005 (Hayden & Heleno, 2004; Hayden & Heleno, 2005; Sousa, et al., 

2007). This facilitates across year comparisons, showing any long term trends in Kentish Plover numbers. 

Methods 

The research was carried out on the Alvor Estuary (37°07’57N 08°37’03W), a Natura 2000 site and the 

location of many studies carried out by A Rocha Portugal. Observations were carried out in five locations 

covering one marshland (Western Marsh, WM), two salt pans (Western Marsh Salinas, WMS; Odiaxere 

Salinas, OS) and two dune systems (Meia Praia, MP; Alvor Praia, AP). These five sites had been previously 

identified as encompassing the main habitat types of the estuary and the majority of known Kentish Plover 

breeding areas (Hayden & Heleno, 2005; Sousa, et al., 2007). 

Fieldwork was carried out in the breeding season in 2004, 2005 and 2010 following, as closely as possible, 

the same methodology (Hayden & Heleno, 2004). Each of the five sites was visited every three weeks from 

30 March to 13 July; a total of five visits in both 2004 and 2005, and six visits in 2010. 

From a number of fixed observation points the location of every individual was recorded and the type of 

behaviour observed, with behaviour grouped into: ‘apparently non-territorial’, ‘territorial’, ‘sitting on a 

nest’, an ‘adult with juveniles’ and ‘juveniles’ on their own. ‘Juveniles’ or chicks were classified as very 

young, medium age and close to fledging, based on size and moult progress as classified by Hayden and


Heleno (2004). The length of time spent at each site was equal for each visit and across all the years as also 

prescribed in Hayden & Heleno’s methodology (2004; 2005). 

The number of breeding pairs was estimated by counting the number of territories which were apparently 

being defended. An apparently held territory (AHT) was counted if a bird was sitting on a nest, the presence 

of chicks, more than three occurrences of territorial behaviour at the same location across different dates, 

or two occurrences of territorial behaviour with supporting non territorial behaviour (Hayden & Heleno, 

2005). 

Wader counts were conducted every fortnight on the Ria de Alvor estuary at high tide. These surveys cover 

both the western marsh and western marsh salinas. These counts have been carried out from 1999 to 2010 

by staff and volunteers at A Rocha. The maximum count utilised within this report is taken from surveys 

carried out in April, May or June to coincide with the Kentish plover breeding period. 

Results 

The number of apparently held territories declined throughout the period from 53 in 2004, 43 in 2005 and 

finally 30 in 2010. Similarly the number of birds seen sitting and the number of juveniles also declined. The 

number of adult individuals shows greater variation from 344 in 2004 to 84 in 2005 (Figure 1). The 2010 

figure (178 adult individuals) was between the numbers found in the two previous studies. 

Figure 1 The total numbers across the last five visits of individuals (adults), juveniles, apparently held 

territories and sitting birds. The last five visits are used so that all the years are comparable. 

There is a significant difference in number of individual Kentish Plover over the years between the different 

sites studied (Figure 2). In all four measures (number of individuals, sitting birds, juveniles and AHTs) the 

Western Marsh showed greater abundance than the other sites, however it also showed the greatest 

decrease from 2004 to 2010. The Western Marsh Salinas have generally shown the least decline over this 

period, and actually showed an increase or the same result in three of the measures. 

In 2010 the number of sitting birds in each site correlated significantly with the number of AHTs 

(Spearman’s rank, rs= 1.6, d.f=3, p


number of AHTs in each site correlated significantly with the number of individuals (Spearman’s rank, rs= 

212.3, d.f=13, p


Figure 3 Maximum number of Kentish Plovers recorded in the Alvor Estuary on fortnightly wader counts. 

The number is the highest observed number of Kentish Plovers on any given wader count in April, May or 

June. The linear regression line is plotted indicating a decline. 

Supporting data 

Before the current methodology was adopted in 2004 A Rocha carried out numerous surveys on Kentish 

Plover. From 1991 to 1999 surveys of Kentish Plover were carried out in six of the years with estimates of 

the number of breeding pairs ranging from 45 to over 200. However, almost every survey used a different 

methodology with different amounts of time spent in observation, therefore any comparisons with data 

gathered before 2004 must be made with caution. 

A Rocha has also conducted fortnightly wader counts over the study period and going back to 1999. Figure 

3 reports the maximum number of Kentish Plover observed on any one wader count in the months of April, 

May or June. Results from months before or after these three have been excluded to avoid including the 

influx of individuals stopping in the estuary while on migration. Figure 3 indicates that wader counts show 

a slight decline in the number of individual Kentish Plovers seen during the breeding season (linear 

regression: y=-0.395x + 34.65), from 1999 to 2010. The highest numbers range from 20 to 48, indicating a 

great variation in the number of individuals; some years have double the number counted in other years , 

with the linear regression having a low r-squared value (r 2 =0.07, d.f.=10, p=0.67).

Discussion 


Salinas 

The importance of salinas has changed through the period this study encompasses. For all observed sites 

2010 had lower numbers of individuals and fewer sitting birds, except for the Western Marsh Salinas which 

showed slight increases for both. Importantly, due to changes in land access, not all of the salt pans could 

be accessed in 2010, which means the latest figure may be a slight underestimate compared with previous 

years. The other salt pans, at Odiaxere, showed similar declines to all the other sites. 

This increase in Kentish Plover on the Western Marsh Salinas is potentially made up of individuals from 

Western Marsh itself. In 2010 the sluice gate controlling the water levels in the Western Marsh was open 

allowing water to flow in and out with changes in the tide level of the neighbouring estuary. The result of 

the sluice gate being open is that high tides caused water levels to be higher in the marsh than in previous 

year. This may have caused Kentish Plover to nest on the neighbouring Salinas. 

A previous study by Rufino, et al., (1984) looking at the use of salinas by waders at Ria Formosa, also in 

southern Portugal, found that over 89% of Kentish Plover roosted in the salinas, and when feeding 61% 

were in the salinas compared to 39% in the Ria. This study therefore complements their findings in 

emphasising the importance of salinas for waders, and extends their importance for breeding in addition to 

roosting and feeding. 

Sand dunes 

A possible reason for the dunes having very low numbers of Kentish Plover may be due to the extensive 

disturbance that they have suffered. During the end of 2009 and up until April 2010 dredging was carried 

out in the Alvor Estuary which resulted in the dredged sand being placed on the Meia Praia and Alvor dunes 

before being transported to beaches. This obviously caused major disturbance and change to the 

topography and vegetation of the dunes. 

In the summer the beaches neighbouring the dunes are very popular with tourists, with people regularly 

walking through the dunes and walking their dogs which are most often not on a lead. This obviously 

causes major disturbance for the Kentish Plover. In 2005 signboards were used to try to reduce the number 

of people walking through the dunes and encourage people to have dogs on leads (Sousa, et.al, 2007). 

Calculating territories 

The measure AHT was found to positively correlate with the number of sitting birds in 2010. When 

combining results from all years the number of AHTs correlated with all the measures (number of 

individuals, sitting birds and juveniles). This suggests that AHT successfully incorporates the results as the 

number of territories would be expected to increase with individuals, sitting birds and juveniles. It is not 

necessarily surprising that the correlations are not always significant for a single year due to their only 

being five values which often results in ties in the ranking making p-values impossible to predict accurately. 

Additionally, calculating the number of territories can sometimes be difficult given that many of the birds 

are seen very close together over numerous visits. This can make it hard to determine how many territories 

have been seen. Therefore the decline in the number of AHTs must be interpreted cautiously. However, it 

is promising that 2010 had a much higher number of individuals counted than 2005. 

The results suggest that the Kentish Plover population in the Alvor Estuary is very variable in the number of 

individuals, although this variation is not seen in the number of juveniles or sitting birds, which probably


explains why the number of apparently held territories does not vary greatly. Additional surveys will show 

whether 2010 was a particularly unusual year, or whether the decline in AHTs continues beyond 2010. The 

results may suggest that in 2005 adults were overall more successful at breeding and producing juveniles. If 

this is the case, in years with many adults a large proportion do not contribute to the number of juveniles. 

Potentially these adults breed in less suitable habitat or locations prone to disturbance or predation and 

therefore have very little effect on the number of successfully fledged juveniles. Again, further surveys will 

help show any patterns, and particular experiments designed to look at geographical variation in breeding 

success and density will show if these suggestions are accurate. 

References 

Burfield I, van Bommel F & Gallo-Orsi, U (2004) Birds in Europe: population estimates, trends and 

conservation status. BirdLife International, Cambridge. 

Cramp, S. & Simmons, K. E. L. 1983. (Eds.) The Birds of the Western Palearctic. Vol. III. Oxford University 

Press. Oxford. 

Hayden, J. & Heleno, R. (2004) An Informal Guide to the Kentish Plover Annual Survey on the Ria de Alvor 

Natura 2000 site. A Rocha Portugal Internal Report. Associação A Rocha, Portimão, Portugal. 

Hayden, J. & Heleno, R. (2005) Monitoring breeding numbers and success of Kentish Plovers Charadrius 

alexandrinus on the Alvor Estuary. In Simonson, W (ed.) A Rocha Observatory Report for 2004. Associação A 

Rocha, Portimão, Portugal. 

Lorenzo, J.A. & Emmerson, K.W. (1995) Recent information on the distribution and status of the breeding 

population of Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus in the Canary Islands. Wader Study Group Bulletin, 76, 

43-46. 

Mendes, L., Dias, M. & Rufino, R. 2008. Assessment of the importance of non-estuarine coastal habitats for 

wintering waders in Portugal –January/February 2000. pp. 59–63. In: N.H.K. Burton, 

M.M. Rehfisch,D.A. Stroud & C.J. Spray (eds). The European Non-Estuarine Coastal Waterbird Survey. 

International Wader Studies 18. International Wader Study Group, Thetford, UK. 

Norte, A. & Ramos, J. (2004) Nest-site selection and breeding biology of Kentish Plover Charadrius 

alexandrinus in sandy beaches of the Portuguese west coast. Ardeola, 51, 255-268. 

Rufino, R., Araujo, A., Pina, J.P. & Miranda, P.S. (1984) The use of Salinas by Waders in the Algarve, South 

Portugal. Wader Study Group Bulletin, 42, 41-42.

Introduction 


BUTTERFLY MONITORING AROUND THE ALVOR ESTUARY, JUNE – OCTOBER 2009 


This project is a follow-up to the 2004 butterfly monitoring project on Quinta da Rocha by the Alvor 

estuary (Hayden & Carpenter, 2005), which compared results with a study undertaken in 1991 (Gardiner, 

1992). Due to a change of landownership, none of the transects used in the previous studies were still 

accessible, therefore it was necessary to create a series of new transects. Three transects were created 

near the Roman ruins in Abicada and one on the north side of the N125 in Mexilhoeira Grande. 

Casual observations in Quinta da Rocha during the weekly bird surveys in 2009, and an additional survey 

conducted in the Cruzinha garden (Van der Auwermeulen, unpublished), provided more information 

regarding the presence or absence of species in the locality throughout the year. 

Aims and objectives 

The aim of this study was to acquire an understanding of butterfly abundance and species diversity across a 

variety of habitats around the Alvor Estuary during the summer of 2009, and to make a comparison with 

previous surveys undertaken in Quinta da Rocha. 

Methods 

The methods followed in this study were based on those described in the Butterfly Monitoring Scheme 

(Pollard & Yates, 1993) that was used for the studies in 1991 and 2004. 

Using transect lines passing through different habitat types in a given area, provides a representative index 

of butterfly species diversity and abundance. Whilst walking a set transect, records were made of each 

butterfly seen in the defined area: three metres either side of the transect line, and five metres in front of 

the recorder. This did not lead to an estimate of population size, but allowed a comparison to be made with 

previous studies. 

The transects were chosen in order to sample a variety of habitats found in Abicada and Mexilhoeira 

Grande around the Alvor estuary. An obvious location-marker was used (and photographed) as the starting 

point for each transect to help future relocation. The surveys took place between 09:00 and 13.30 hrs in 

sunny conditions or, if cloudy, when the temperature exceeded 20 °C. 

Four transects, each 300m in length, were walked once a week from the beginning of June until the end of 

August, and once in both September and October. On 2 nd June records were limited to transects 1, 2 and 3. 

The time taken to walk each transect was longer than in the previous studies and the vegetation was 

disturbed in order to flush resting individuals. The time to complete one transect was often 30 minutes, 

especially at the beginning when there were more identification difficulties. Some transects were 

necessarily crossed again on the way back. In such cases counts were also made of any species which were 

not recorded the first time. 

A location map is presented in Appendix 1 and brief habitat descriptions of each transect follows.


Transects 1 – 4 (Abicada and Mexilhoeira Grande) 

Abicada 1 (Starting point coordinates: 37°09’03.89’’N 8°35’53.58’’W) followed a SSE direction from the 

starting point and lay between the central fresh water channel and a small (ruinous) aqueduct through the 

lowland of Abicada. 

During the survey the grassy vegetation at the beginning of the track was 1 - 2m tall, with an abundance of 

herbs (mainly Apiaceae), this then reduced in height to approximately 1m and became more dominated by 

grasses from the middle of the transect until its end. Some low bushes (2-5m) were growing in the first half 

of the transect. The fresh water channel east of the transect always contained water and was overgrown 

with tall reeds for the first 200m; the remainder was clear of reeds. The majority of the vegetation in the 

surrounding area was very short and under the influence of freshwater, with channels and temporary 

ponds. The habitats here became established after the construction of dykes in the 1950s and 1960s, and 

expanded when the former rice cultivation was abandoned. Simonson (1993 and 2005) provides more 

information about the history and vegetation of the Abicada area. 

Abicada 2 (37°09’07.10’’N 8°35’47.79’’W) followed the unpaved road from the farm ruins northwards until 

the first crossroads. Trees (mainly conifers) and shrubs grew along one side of the road – first on the east 

side, later on the west side. The other side of the road was grassy with a varying abundance of herbs. The 

surrounding area was abandoned farmland and comprised dry grassland with scattered bushes and trees. 

The irrigation channel along the left hand side of the road rarely contained water, but supported flowering 

plants when water was present, including Mentha sp. 

Abicada 3 (37°09’16.72’’N 8°35’50.26’’W) followed the track that leads through abandoned farmland to the 

dam on the Alvor estuary. The habitat was open grassland with scattered trees and shrubs. This was the 

most “open” transect of the four. There was a nearby irrigation channel that contained water on an 

irregular basis, allowing some nectar plants to flower during the dry season. 

Mexilhoeira Grande 4 (37°09’33.88’’N 8°35’38.01’’W) was situated on the north side of the N125, on a 

south facing hillside. The transect passed through an abandoned orchard with a row of bushes and trees 

bordering an allotment. It followed the track leading around this allotment, no more than 10m from the 

field boundary. The vegetation was grassy with an abundance of summer-flowering herbs (including 

Mentha sp.) particularly at the start. 

Results 

A total of 604 butterflies representing 22 different species were recorded in this study and summarised 

below in Table 1 and Figure 1a. Appendix 2 provides a full record of the species numbers noted in the 

weekly transects. Nearly fifty percent of individuals recorded were Pyronia cecilia (Southern Gatekeeper). 

Other numerous species included Thymelicus acteon (Lulworth Skipper), Pararge aegeria (Speckled Wood) 

and Aricia cramera (Southern Brown Argus). Figure 1b provides an overview of the number of individuals 

recorded for each species, excluding records of P. cecilia.


Table 1 List of species and total number recorded along transects at Abicada and Mexilhoeira Grande in 

2009. 

Scientific name 1 English name 

Number 

recorded 

Papilio machaon Swallowtail 9 

Iphiclides podalirius ssp. feisthamelii (Southern) Scarce Swallowtail 3 

Pieris brassicae Large White 1 

Pieris rapae Small White 19 

Colias croceus Clouded Yellow 14 

Gonepteryx cleopatra Cleopatra 4 

Satyrium spini Blue-spot Hairstreak 1 

Lycaena phlaeas Small Copper 14 

Leptotes pirithous Lang's Short-tailed Blue 15 

Lampides boeticus Long-tailed Blue 1 

Celastrina argiolus Holly Blue 4 

Aricia cramera Southern Brown Argus 34 

Polyommatus icarus Common Blue 15 

Vanessa atalanta Red Admiral 2 

Vanessa cardui Painted Lady 21 

Maniola jurtina Meadow Brown 19 

Pyronia cecilia Southern Gatekeeper 293 

Coenonympha pamphilus Small Heath 7 

Pararge aegeria Speckled Wood 37 

Muschampia proto Sage Skipper 21 

Carcharodus tripolina False Mallow Skipper 10 

Thymelicus acteon Lulworth Skipper 60 

Figure 1a Total number of butterflies across the transects in Abicada and Mexilhoeira Grande 

1 Fauna Europaea (2011)


Figure 1b Total number of butterflies recorded in Abicada and Mexilhoeira Grande with the 

exception of Pyronia cecilia. 

Table 2 shows the number of individuals recorded for each transect and Table 3 shows the number of 

species recorded. The most consistently species-rich site was M4 (Mexilhoeira Grande), which recorded a 

mean of 6.3 species per week. The largest number of individuals was recorded along transect A3 (Abicada 

grassland), this transect totalled 219 individuals over the course of the survey period. The least diversity 

was observed along transect A1 (Abicada lowland), with a mean of 2.7 species per week, and a survey total 

of only 47 individuals recorded. 

Table 2 Number of individuals recorded for 

each transect each week. 

Date Transects 

A1 A2 A3 M4 

02-06-09 5 19 42 0 

09-06-09 14 15 47 31 

16-06-09 10 22 11 27 

23-06-09 2 16 14 21 

30-06-09 3 15 13 15 

07-07-09 0 9 10 12 

14-07-09 3 3 5 9 

22-07-09 0 10 3 7 

28-07-09 1 14 15 7 

04-08-09 2 6 9 10 

12-08-09 1 3 11 12 

19-08-09 0 6 16 6 

25-08-09 2 2 4 12 

22-09-09 2 10 4 4 

13-10-09 2 14 15 1 

Total 47 164 219 174 

Mean 3.1 10.9 14.6 11.6 

Table 3 Number of species recorded 

for each transect each week. 

Date Transects 

A1 A2 A3 M4 

02-06-09 2 10 7 0 

09-06-09 3 6 8 10 

16-06-09 3 4 3 8 

23-06-09 1 6 4 8 

30-06-09 2 6 4 6 

07-07-09 0 1 1 3 

14-07-09 2 1 2 3 

22-07-09 0 3 2 3 

28-07-09 1 2 2 6 

04-08-09 2 1 1 4 

12-08-09 1 3 2 5 

19-08-09 0 2 2 5 

25-08-09 2 2 2 4 

22-09-09 2 3 3 3 

13-10-09 2 7 6 1 

Total 8 17 16 16 

Mean 2.7 3.5 3.9 6.3


Figure 2 The mean number of individuals and species recorded on each transect. 

The maximum number of species recorded during a single week (inclusive of all transects) was 27, recorded 

on 9 th June; the maximum number of individuals recorded during a single week was 107, also on 9 th June. 

Figure 3 shows the relationship between the number of species and number of butterflies recorded in any 

given week. 

Number of species recorded each week 

16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

A1 A2 A3 M4 

Mean number of species per transect 

Mean number of individuals per transect 

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 

Number of individuals recorded each week 

Figure 3 The relationship between the number of species and number of individuals recorded 

on the transects each week. 

Comparison with previous surveys 

In order to draw a comparison with previous studies undertaken in the area, the relevant data from 1991, 

2004 and 2009 were extracted. The surveys in 1991 and 2004 took place over a longer period of time, the 

longest period of overlap being between 8 th June and 17 th August; a period of 11 weeks. As previous survey 

data were recorded by ‘week-ending’ the data from this survey were analysed similarly.


The following figures and tables aid a general comparison of species diversity in the Alvor Estuary area. 

Figures 4 and 5 show an overview of the total number of species and individuals recorded along transects in 

1991, 2004 and 2009. 

Figure 4 Number of species recorded 

along transects in 1991, 2004 and 2009. 

Discussion 

Comparison with previous studies - 1991, 2004 and 2009 

Figure 5 Number of individuals recorded 

along transects in 1991, 2004 and 2009, 

with the exception of P. Cecilia. 

From the outset, it was recognised that the results from this study would not be directly comparable to 

those from previous studies undertaken in the vicinity (Gardiner, 1992, Hayden & Carpenter 2005). 

Gardiner (1992) stated that the numbers recorded along the transects do not necessarily provide a realistic 

indication of butterfly species abundance on the rest of the Quinta. It was therefore to be expected that 

the species diversity and abundance of butterflies on the survey sites in Abicada and Mexilhoeira Grande 

would be different to those in Quinta da Rocha. It is important to remember that due to the different 

recording technique used in this study (see Methods) the relative number of species and individuals are 

likely to be higher in 2009 than in 2004 and 1991. 

There were a number of notable differences regarding the species identified across the surveys, as 

summarised in Table 4 below. An overview of species data from the three surveys within the comparable 

months (June-August) is provided in Table 1 of Appendix 3. 

Pieris brassicae (Large White) and Lasiommata megera (Wall Brown), for example, were not recorded in the 

2009 survey. It is unlikely that these species were overlooked, but there is the possibility that this was the 

case with Pontia daplidice (Bath White) and Thymelicus lineola (Essex Skipper). Many of the skippers and 

whites were able to be caught and positively identified, however, many others were not and they were 

assumed to be the commoner species of their respective groups. This may be an explanation for the 

apparent disappearance of the latter two species in the locality.

Table 4 Differences of species recorded during the surveys 

Species Common name Presence 1991 

(1 st Jun – 17 th Aug) 

Pontia 

daplidice 

Pieris 

brassicae 

Lasiommata 

megera 

Pyronia 

cecilia 

Thymelicus 

lineola 

Thymelicus 

acteon 

Bath white Recorded weekly in 

Quinta da Rocha 

Large white Present throughout 

– 134 records (all 

transects) 

Wall brown Recorded weekly in 

Quinta da Rocha 

Southern 

gatekeeper 


Present throughout 


transects) 

Essex skipper Present until 22 nd 

Lulworth 

skipper 

June –107 records 

(all transects) 

Present until 6 th July 


transects) 

Presence 2004 

(1 st Jun – 17 th Aug) 

Present in July – 

8 records (4 transects) 

Present until 6 th July– 

23 records (5 

transects) 

Sporadic records – 

9 records (3 transects) 

Present throughout – 

185 records (8 

transects) 

Present until 29 th June 

- 14 records (4 

transects) 

Present until 22 nd 

June – 15 records (4 

transects) 

Presence 2009 

(2 nd Jun – 19 th Aug) 

Not recorded 

Not recorded during 

the survey, 4 casual 

records on Quinta da 

Rocha 

Not recorded 

Present throughout - 

280 records within 4 

transects 

Not recorded 

Present until 30 th June 

– 60 records (4 

transects) 

Seven of the species mentioned in the discussion (those underlined in the paragraphs below) are listed in 

the European Butterfly Indicator for Grassland species (Van Swaay and Van Strien, 2010), six of them 

reported to be in decline on a European scale. The status of Lasiommata megera (Wall Brown) being in 

“Steep decline” is most concerning and, although the results of the European Butterfly Indicator are mainly 

based on data collected in other countries, it suggests that the absence of this species in this 2009 survey 

could be analogous to the general trend in Europe. 

The structure, composition and abundance of vegetation within the survey areas are likely to have a major 

impact on the butterfly fauna. The vegetation on the Abicada peninsula is rather uniform when compared 

to that of the previous surveys undertaken on the Quinta da Rocha. It might, therefore, be expected that 

the number and diversity of butterflies would be less in this survey whilst acknowledging that many other 

variables may also apply. 

Other than extensive grazing, the majority of the Abicada headland had largely been agriculturally 

abandoned. The vegetation in the vicinity of the transects was mainly dry grassland with scattered fig, 

carob and olive trees (Transects A2, A3, M1). Unsurprisingly, the butterfly species that feed 2 on diverse 

grasses were the most numerous in those transects (Pyronia cecilia, Thymelicus acteon), along with other 

grassland species 3 that feed on various Fabaceae (Polyommatus icarus, Colias croceus), various Geraniaceae 

(Aricia cramera), various Malvaceae (Carcharodus tripolina), Phlomis purpurea (Muschampia proto) and 

Rumex acetosella (Lycaena phlaeas). Coenonympha pamphilus (Small Heath), have previously been 

observed on Quinta da Rocha but was never recorded in very high numbers. Maniola jurtina (Meadow 

2 Feeding refers to the food plant of the caterpillars and not to the nectar source used by the adults 

3 Butterfly species having grassland as their main habitat (Van Swaay and Van Strien, 2010) 

Trend 

↘ 

↘ 

↘ 

↗ 

↘ 

↗


Brown) was ending its flight period at the beginning of the survey period, thus one would expect the 

numbers of this species to be low, however it might also have been more common in previous years. Some 

of the Pieridae had also just ended their expected flight period (Euchloe belemia, Euchloe crameri) as well 

as Medanargia ines (Spanish Marbled White) and Euphydryas aurinia (Marsh Fritillary). The low number of 

Pieris brassicae (Large White) recorded was assumed to be caused by the scarcity of available food plants. 

This species clearly takes advantage of Cruciferae growing abundantly in cultivated fields on Quinta da 

Rocha, a rare situation in Abicada due to the current lack of agricultural activity. In addition, the conditions 

in 1991 might have been unusually favourable for Pieris brassicae. Regarding the absence of Lasiommata 

megera (Wall Brown) in 2009, it should be noted that it never appeared in very high numbers and it used to 

be most numerous on the limestone scrubland and coastal scrubland (transect 3, 5 in 1991), these habitat 

associations were not represented in the current survey and are no longer accessible on Quinta da Rocha. 

During the period of this survey the lowlands of Abicada were rather poor both in flowering plants and host 

plants. The most common butterfly species along Transect A1 was Pararge aegeria (Speckled Wood) which 

appeared to be taking advantage of the shade provided by the high reeds. Pyronia cecilia (Southern 

Gatekeeper) was present, but in low numbers. The rest of the butterflies recorded along this transect 

(Pieris rapae, Pieris brassicae and Papilio machaon), were mainly fast flying, attempting to reach a more 

sheltered area in the usually windy conditions. The observation of Celastrina argiolus (Holly Blue) was 

interesting because although widespread and common, this species is most commonly seen in woodland 

margins rather than in open marshland habitats. However, the individuals observed were seen crossing the 

open areas and seeking shelter around the reedbed, perhaps indicating that this species is more mobile 

than many other Lycaenidae. 

Although the butterfly species diversity in transects A2, A3 and M1 were dominated by grassland species, 

they clearly differed from each other in terms of composition. Transect A2 was the most sheltered site and 

included the greatest number of wood/scrubland specialists 4 . In comparison the vegetation around 

transects A3 and M1 was more open and, as might be expected, a higher number of grassland specialists 5 

was recorded at these locations. Muschampia proto (Sage Skipper) and Carcharodus tripolina (False Mallow 

Skipper), species observed mostly at the Mexilhoeira Grande site, M1, are known to show a strong 

correlation with their food plants. 

Conclusions and recommendations 

The diversity of butterfly species in the wider Alvor Estuary area was similar to that observed in previous 

studies in Quinta da Rocha. One notable difference in 2009 was the great abundance of Pyronia cecilia 

(Southern Gatekeeper), representing 48.5% of the total number of recorded individuals. A potential 

explanation for this difference includes the fact that the Abicada peninsula had less habitat diversity than 

Quinta da Rocha and the predominant habitat type (grassland) is very favourable for this species. 

While recognising the fact that populations fluctuate every year, the infrequent occurrence of Pieris 

brassicae (Large White) and Pontia daplidice (Bath White) was notable. Again the difference in habitat type, 

in this case the lack of cultivated fields on the Abicada peninsula, may have been a major contributing 

factor. These two species are not currently endangered but it would be interesting to continue to monitor 

their population dynamics. 

4 Iphiclides podalirius, Satyrium spini, Celastrina argiolus, Pararge aegeria 

5 Lycaena phlaeas, Aricia cramera, Polyommatus icarus, Maniola jurtina, Pyronia cecilia, Coenonympha pamphilus, 

Muschampia proto, Carcharodus tripolina, Thymelicus acteon


The status of Lasiommata megera (Wall Brown) and Thymelicus lineola (Essex Skipper) in this region are 

unable to be determined by this survey, but potentially indicated a downward trend reflecting the trend on 

a European level (Van Swaay et. al., 2010). Hayden & Carpenter (2005) stated that this decline could be 

caused by a change of land use; this would warrant further investigation. Several butterflies present in the 

Alvor estuary area would benefit from a conservation programme since they have a limited distribution in 

Portugal or Europe, or because the known populations in Europe are in serious decline. Species of 

conservation concern in this region include those listed in Table 5. 

Table 5 Species of conservation concern in the region. 

Scientific name English name Red list status Notes 

Gonepteryx cleopatra Cleopatra Uncommon (PT 6 ) 

Thymelicus lineola Essex Skipper Uncommon (PT) 

Thymelicus acteon Lulworth Skipper Uncommon (PT) 

Near threatened (EU 7 ) 

Decline (EBI) 8 

Euphydryas aurinia Marsh Fritillary Habitat directive – Annex II 

Uncertain (EBI) 

Lasiommata megera Wall Brown Decline (EBI) 

Lycaena phlaeas Small Copper Decline (EBI) 

Coenonympha pamphilus Small Heath Decline (EBI) 

Spialia sertorius Red-underwing 

Skipper 

Uncertain (EBI) 

EU: Declining rapidly in parts 

of its range and in urgent 

need for conservation action 

Annex II: Species that require 

the designation of special 

areas of conservation (LIFE) 

It would be useful to direct future butterfly monitoring programmes towards identifying existing 

populations of the above species in the Alvor estuary area and developing practical conservation action 

plans. Two suggested projects: 

The Lulworth skipper should become the main priority for a future butterfly study. At present it is 

still common and widespread in the area, without showing signs of a decline. The implementation 

of a comprehensive conservation strategy may prevent this population from following the current 

decline in the great majority of Europe. 

The Marsh fritillary is known to be very vulnerable to habitat loss and is therefore listed on Annex II 

of the Habitat directive. It occurs commonly (although localised) in the Alvor estuary and it is 

strongly correlated to its food plants Lonicera implexa and Scabiosa atropurpurea. The imagos, 

caterpillars and food plants are all easy to recognise, making it an ideal species for a monitoring 

scheme carried out by volunteers. 

For both species, possible threats and suggestions for conservation measures are described in the Red data 

book of European butterflies (Van Swaay & Warren, 1999).Recommended future studies could include 

further investigations into invertebrate associations (particularly lepidoptera) with habitat types occurring 

in the Alvor estuary area. There is benefit in sharing butterfly records with national (Tagis) and European 

species recording schemes in order to assist monitoring efforts. A locally developed database for the 

recording of butterfly observations would aid this suggestion. 

6 PT: Red list status of Portugal based on As Borboletas de Portugal (Marvalhas, 2003) 

7 EU: Red list status of Europe based on European Red list of butterflies (Van Swaay, Cuttelod, et.al., 2010) 

8 EBI: The European Butterfly Indicator for Grassland species 1990-2009 (Van Swaay et.al., 2010)


References 

Fauna Europaea, Taxonomic Hierarchy version 2.4, http://www.faunaeur.org, Update January 2011 

Gardiner, A.J. (1992). The phenology, abundance and habitat associations of Butterflies in the Western 

Algarve - March to September 1991. A Rocha Portugal Observatory Report for 1991 (pp. 53-69), A Rocha 

Trust 

Gardiner, A.J. (1993). The butterflies of Quinta da Rocha for the year 1992. A Rocha Portugal Observatory 

Report 1992 (pp. 77-80), A Rocha Trust 

Hayden, J. and Carpenter, B. (2005). Butterfly monitoring on Quinta da Rocha May-August 2004. A Rocha 

Observatory Report 2004 (pp. 27-38), A Rocha Trust 

Maravalhas, E. (2003). As borboletas de Portugal. Apollo Books 

Pollard, E. and Yates, T.J. (1993). Monitoring butterflies for ecology and conservation. Chapman and Hall, 

London. 

Simonson, W. (1993). Wild flowers of the Alvor Estuary. A Rocha Portugal Occasional Publication Number 3. 

A Rocha Trust 

Simonson, W. (2005). The Abicada wetlands – vegetation and flora of the freshwater marshlands. A Rocha 

Portugal Observatory report 2004 (pp. 66-68), A Rocha Trust 

Van Swaay, C.A.M. & Warren, M.S. (1999) Red Data book of European butterflies (Rhopalocera). Nature and 

Environment, No. 99, Council of Europe Publishing, Strasbourg. 

Van Swaay, C., Cuttelod, A., Collins, S., Maes, D., Lopez Munguira, M., Šašić, M., Settele, J., Verovnik, R., 

Verstrael, T., Warren, M., Wiemers, M. and Wynhof, I. (2010). European Red List of Butterflies. Luxembourg: 

Publications Office of the European Union. 

Van Swaay, C.A.M., Van Strien, A.J., Harpke, A., Fontaine, B., Stefanescu, C., Roy, D., Maes, D., Kühn, E., 

Õunap, E., Regan, E., Švitra, G., Heliölä, J., Settele, J., Warren, M.S., Plattner, M., Kuussaari, M., Cornish, N., 

Garcia Pereira, P., Leopold, P., Feldmann, R., Jullard, R., Verovnik, R., Popov, S., Brereton, T., Gmelig 

Meyling, A., Collins, S. (2010). The European Butterfly Indicator for Grassland species 1990-2009. Report 

VS2010.010, De Vlinderstichting, Wageningen

Appendix 1. 2009 butterfly survey transect maps 

Transect 1-3 (Abicada) 

Transect 4 (Mexilhoeira Grande) 

A Rocha Portugal Observatory Report 2009-2010 39

Appendix 2. Weekly transect data from Abicada and Mexilhoeira Grande. 

02-06-2009 09-06-2009 16-06-2009 23-06-2009 30-06-2009 

A1 A2 A3 M4 Total A1 A2 A3 M4 Total A1 A2 A3 M4 Total A1 A2 A3 M4 Total A1 A2 A3 M4 Total 

Papilio machaon Swallowtail 2 2 0 1 1 0 0 

Iphiclides podalirius ssp. 

feisthamelii Southern Scarce Swallowtail 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 

Pieris brassicae Large White 0 0 0 0 0 

Pieris rapae Small White 1 2 3 2 2 4 3 1 1 5 1 1 2 0 

Colias croceus Clouded Yellow 1 2 3 2 5 1 8 0 0 0 

Gonepteryx cleopatra Cleopatra 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 

Satyrium spini Blue-spot Hairstreak 1 1 0 0 0 0 

Lycaena phlaeas Small Copper 1 1 1 1 2 0 3 3 1 1 

Lampides boeticus Long-tailed Blue 0 0 0 0 0 

Leptotes pirithous Lang's Short-tailed blue 0 0 0 0 0 

Celastrina argiolus Holly Blue 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 

Aricia cramera Southern Brown Argus 1 1 1 8 9 3 3 1 4 5 3 1 4 

Polyommatus icarus Common Blue 5 5 4 3 7 0 1 1 1 1 

Vanessa atalanta Red Admiral 0 0 0 0 0 

Vanessa cardui Painted Lady 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 

Maniola jurtina Meadow Brown 1 4 5 1 1 2 0 0 0 

Pyronia cecilia Southern Gatekeeper 4 13 17 1 6 13 7 27 1 18 6 13 38 11 11 8 30 1 8 10 10 29 

Coenonympha pamphilus Small Heath 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 

Pararge aegeria Speckled Wood 4 2 6 11 4 15 6 6 2 1 3 2 1 1 4 

Muschampia proto Sage Skipper 0 2 2 1 1 1 2 3 1 1 

Carcharodus tripolina False Mallow Skipper 0 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 

Thymelicus acteon Lulworth Skipper 3 16 19 1 21 4 26 2 4 6 12 1 1 1 1 2 

NUMBER OF SPECIES 2 10 7 0 13 3 6 8 10 14 3 4 3 8 11 1 6 4 8 11 2 6 4 6 11 

NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS 5 19 42 0 66 14 15 47 31 107 10 22 11 27 70 2 16 14 21 53 3 15 13 15 46



Papilio machaon Swallowtail 0 0 0 1 2 3 0 


feishamelii Southern Scarce Swallowtail 0 0 0 0 0 

Pieris brassicae Large White 0 0 0 0 0 

Pieris rapae Small White 0 1 1 0 0 0 

Colias croceus Clouded Yellow 0 0 0 0 0 

Gonepteryx cleopatra Cleopatra 0 0 0 0 0 

Satyrium spini Blue-spot Hairstreak 0 0 0 0 0 

Lycaena phlaeas Small Copper 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Lampides boeticus Long-tailed Blue 0 0 0 0 0 

Leptotes pirithous Lang's Short-tailed blue 0 0 0 0 0 

Celastrina argiolus Holly Blue 0 0 0 0 1 1 

Aricia cramera Southern Brown Argus 2 2 0 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 

Polyommatus icarus Common Blue 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Vanessa atalanta Red Admiral 0 0 0 0 0 

Vanessa cardui Painted Lady 0 0 0 0 0 

Maniola jurtina Meadow Brown 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 

Pyronia cecilia Southern Gatekeeper 9 10 9 28 3 4 5 12 8 2 4 14 13 13 1 27 6 9 6 21 

Coenonympha pamphilus Small Heath 0 0 0 1 1 0 

Pararge aegeria Speckled Wood 0 2 2 0 0 1 1 

Muschampia proto Sage Skipper 1 1 1 3 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 

Carcharodus tripolina False Mallow Skipper 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 

Thymelicus acteon Lulworth Skipper 0 0 0 0 0 





Papilio machaon Swallowtail 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 


feisthamelii Southern Scarce Swallowtail 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Pieris brassicae Large White 0 0 1 1 0 0 

Pieris rapae Small White 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 2 

Colias croceus Clouded Yellow 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 3 

Gonepteryx cleopatra Cleopatra 0 0 0 0 0 

Satyrium spini Blue-spot Hairstreak 0 0 0 0 0 

Lycaena phlaeas Small Copper 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 0 2 2 

Lampides boeticus Long-tailed Blue 0 0 0 1 6 1 2 10 1 3 1 5 

Leptotes pirithous Lang's Short-tailed blue 0 0 0 1 1 0 

Celastrina argiolus Holly Blue 1 1 0 0 0 0 

Aricia cramera Southern Brown Argus 0 2 1 3 1 1 2 0 0 

Polyommatus icarus Common Blue 0 0 0 0 0 

Vanessa atalanta Red Admiral 0 0 0 0 2 2 

Vanessa cardui Painted Lady 1 2 3 0 0 3 3 5 7 1 13 

Maniola jurtina Meadow Brown 1 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 4 1 3 4 

Pyronia cecilia Southern Gatekeeper 1 10 5 16 4 15 2 21 1 3 9 13 0 0 

Coenonympha pamphilus Small Heath 0 0 0 0 0 

Pararge aegeria Speckled Wood 0 0 0 0 0 

Muschampia proto Sage Skipper 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 

Carcharodus tripolina False Mallow Skipper 2 2 0 1 1 0 0 

Thymelicus acteon Lulworth Skipper 0 0 0 0 0 



Appendix 3. 

Table 1: Selected data for comparison between the surveys in 1991, 2004 and 2009 

1991 (11 transects) 2004 (11 transects) 2009 (4 transects) 

June July August June July August June July August 

Common name 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 8* 15 22 29 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 

Swallowtail 12 10 1 4 4 4 1 1 4 2 * 3 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 

Southern (Scarce) Swallowtail * 1 * 1 2 * * * 1 1 

Large White 25 18 19 7 10 12 5 4 3 3 3 13 2 3 1 

Small White 7 6 3 * * * 1 * * 23 26 13 18 5 1 3 4 5 2 1 

Bath White 1 * * * * * 1 * * * 4 2 2 

Green-striped White 1 1 

Clouded Yellow 13 9 14 1 2 * 2 1 * 4 3 4 2 3 3 8 

Brimstone 2 1 

Cleopatra 8 2 * * 1 1 2 4 1 2 1 1 

Blue-spot Hairstreak 1 * 3 2 1 

Small Copper * 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 * 1 3 4 2 2 2 1 1 2 3 1 1 1 

Holly Blue 1 1 1 1 

Long-tailed Blue 1 * * 1 * * 1 1 1 2 1 

Brown Argus * 1 1 * 2 5 3 * 3 2 1 1 4 3 5 1 2 3 2 1 9 3 5 4 2 2 2 1 

Common Blue 11 19 11 4 7 11 15 16 11 9 7 9 7 7 14 4 3 11 3 6 4 4 5 7 1 1 1 

Painted Lady 2 3 * * * * 3 1 1 1 1 3 

Red Admiral 1 * 

Meadow Brown 64 45 12 2 2 1 1 3 * 3 5 37 25 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 5 2 1 1 1 

Southern Gatekeeper 21 28 28 15 5 6 6 4 4 4 4 21 9 10 4 21 21 18 21 21 16 9 17 27 38 30 29 28 12 14 27 21 16 

Small Heath 1 1 1 1 2 * * 4 1 1 3 1 1 

Speckled Wood 3 3 1 * * * * * * * * 5 6 15 6 3 4 2 1 

Wall Brown 5 4 3 * 1 1 1 5 2 1 * 2 2 1 1 1 

Monarch 1 1 

Sage Skipper 2 1 4 9 16 19 10 2 1 4 4 2 2 1 3 1 1 4 2 2 2 2 

Mallow Skipper 1 2 3 1 * * * * * 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 

Lulworth Skipper 10 10 10 4 2 3 4 2 19 26 12 1 2 

Essex Skipper 30 28 2 7 1 

Number of individuals 212 195 114 39 40 49 46 54 49 36 23 137 86 54 49 54 31 36 32 39 28 15 66 107 70 53 46 31 20 20 37 27 27 

Number of species 15 21 16 9 14 12 12 11 9 10 7 16 13 13 9 13 7 7 5 7 6 3 13 14 11 11 11 3 5 5 7 6 8 

(*) – the week of 8 th June 2009 includes observations from 3 transects (instead of 4)


Introduction 

BUTTERFLY RECORDING ON FOIA, MONCHIQUE, IN 2009 


This short study of butterfly species on Foia, in the Monchique hills of the Algarve region, was 

undertaken as an addition and comparison to the 2009 butterfly survey conducted around the Alvor 

estuary. 

Methods 

The transect on Foia was walked on an irregular basis due to difficulties of reaching the site, 20 km 

north of the A Rocha study centre. Observations were made on three days during September and on 

two days in October. Unfortunately, on two of these days the weather conditions were not optimal 

for butterfly flight. On 15 th September 2009 the weather was windy and largely cloudy with a 

temperature around 20°C. On 30 th October the observations were made late in the afternoon when 

the temperature was under 20°C. 

The Foia transect (Starting point coordinates: 37°19’23.73’’N 8°35’37.70’’W) was situated on the 

north side of the peak of Foia at an altitude of 790m above sea level. The transect headed eastwards 

from the starting point, following a rough track through extensive pasture, grazed by cattle and 

sheep. The vegetation comprised of grassland with many shrubs and trees, commonly including 

Cistus and Ulex species and Eucalyptus globulus. Towards the end of the transect, the vegetation 

became denser on the north side of the road, with more Eucalypts, Pteridium aquilinum (bracken) 

and Rubus fruticosus (bramble). 

Figure 1 Transect location - Foia, Monchique.

Results 


The observations from the Monchique survey are presented in Table 1. A total of 150 butterflies 

from 17 different species were recorded at this site. The most numerous species was Leptotes 

pirithous (Lang’s Short-tailed Blue), providing more than a third of the number of individuals 

recorded during the survey. Other common species were Lampides boeticus (Long-tailed Blue), 

Polyommatus icarus (Common Blue), and Pyronia tithonus (Gatekeeper). 

Table 1 List of species and number of individuals recorded on the Foia transect in 2009 

Date: 1-9-09 8-9-09 15-9-09 16-10-09 30-10-09 

Time (UTC): 10:50 11:15 10:00 10:00 16:00 

Scientific name Common name Total 

Pieris rapae Small White 1 1 5 7 

Pontia daplidice Bath White 3 4 1 8 

Colias croceus Clouded Yellow 1 1 1 3 

Gonepteryx sp. Brimstone/Cleopatra 2 2 

Leptidea sinapis Wood white 1 1 

Lycaena phlaeas Small Copper 2 1 3 

Lampides boeticus Long Tailed Blue 4 5 2 1 2 14 

Leptotes pirithous Lang's Short-tailed Blue 12 8 10 13 9 52 

Aricia cramera Southern Brown Argus 1 1 2 

Polyommatus icarus Common Blue 6 7 13 

Charaxes jasius Two-tailed Pasha 1 1 

Vanessa cardui Painted Lady 1 1 

Hipparchia statilinus Tree Grayling 1 6 7 

Maniola jurtina Meadow Brown 4 2 6 

Pyronia tithonus Gatekeeper 12 7 1 20 

Pararge aegeria Speckled Wood 1 1 2 

Lasiommata megera Wall Brown 6 2 8 

Discussion 

NUMBER OF SPECIES: 13 14 4 7 2 

NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS: 54 47 14 24 11 150 

The presence of Hipparchia statilinus (Tree Grayling) and Leptidea sinapis (Wood white) is of interest 

since these species are known to have only patchy distributions within the Western Algarve (S. 

Wates pers. comm.; Gardiner, 2000). Both species were also observed near the transect (around the 

reservoir – see transect location) on the 18 th and 26 th August 2009.


Figure 2 Polygonia c-album (Comma). 

Data from 2009, comparison of the transects in Abicada and Mexilhoeira Grande with the 

transects on Foia 

Comparing data collected at the same time of year enables us to conclude that the two areas are 

very different regarding butterfly diversity. The transect on Foia, in the Monchique hills, provided 

both a higher number of species recorded and a higher number of individuals observed than any of 

the transects in the near vicinity of the Alvor estuary (see Butterfly Monitoring Around The Alvor 

Estuary, June – October 2009 in this report by the same author). 

The number of individuals recorded in September on the Foia transect was higher than the sum of 

the number of individuals recorded on the other transects. A summary is provided in Table 2. 

Table 2 Comparison between the transects in Abicada and Mexilhoeira Grande with Foia 

Site and date 

Abicada / M. Grande 

(total of transects 1-4) 

Pyronia tithonus sub spp. decolorata (Gatekeeper) is 

considered to be scarce in the Algarve, but is more 

abundant in the Monchique area. The observed 

individuals all belonged to the subspecies decolorata 

common in Southern Europe (Tolman, 1997). 

Another point of interest was the presence of Polygonia 

c-album (Comma) in the same area near the reservoir, 

although not recorded during the survey. On 18 th August 

two individuals were observed, and one on 26 th August. 

This species is not known to have populations in the 

Algarve, however, the territorial behaviour observed on 

the forest path close to its main breeding plant (Urtica 

sp.) suggests that this may be an isolated population 

which has been overlooked in the past. The photograph 

taken of this species on 18 th August (see Photo 1), is the 

first in the Algarve (N. Fonseca pers. comm.). It would be 

of interest to continue to monitor this species in the 

future. 

Number of 

individuals 

Number of 

species 

25-08-2009 20 7 

22-09-2009 20 6 

13-10-2009 32 8 

Foia 

01-09-2009 54 13 

08-09-2009 47 14 

16-10-2009 24 7


The range of species observed along the transect in Foia, Monchique, was significantly different to 

those observed in Abicada and Mexilhoeira Grande. Six additional species were observed at the 

former site from a total of 17 species, the rest of which were also recorded at Abicada and 

Mexilhoeira Grande. 

This difference can be attributed to a number of factors which vary between these sites such as 

altitude, average climatic conditions and habitat/vegetation type. To gain a more inclusive list of 

species from the Monchique area, it would be valuable to survey further sites, preferably during 

each month of the year. 

References 

Gardiner, A.J. (2000). Annual report to recorders 1999, Algarve Butterfly Atlas, unpublished 

Tolman, T. (1997). Collins Field Guide to Butterflies of Britain and Europe. HarperCollins, London 

Van der Auwermeulen, B. (2012). Butterfly Monitoring Around The Alvor Estuary, June – October 

2009. A Rocha Portugal Observatory Report 2009–2010. (pp. 25-40), Associação A Rocha, Portimão, 

Portugal.


RINGING REPORT FOR 2009 AND 2010 


The ringing programme at Cruzinha continued throughout 2009 and 2010 providing interesting 

results. Marcial Felgueiras continued in charge of operations supported by myself and trainees that 

were always willing to give a helping hand: Katharina Kühnert in 2009, Andrew Cole in 2010 and 

Filipa Bragança, Sara Roda and Leila Duarte during both years. In 2010 I obtained my full ringing 

licence and was able to help Marcial to a greater degree. We are very thankful to the many other 

ringers who joined us for a few days, a week or even longer, particularly Heather Coats whose 

company and help we regularly enjoy. Also worthy of mention are Matt Prior, Elisabeth White, Geoff 

White, David Leat, Eliza Leat, Gui McIvor, Richard Barnes, Helen Williams, Roger Gettry Short, 

Timothée Schwartz, Muriel Gervais, Kelly Thomas, William Mc Deritt, John Lapton Swallow, Ginny 

Weisner and Peter Stewart Weiser. Many thanks to them all. 

As usual, ringing took place weekly, all year round including some ringing demonstrations for school 

groups, using the ten established net locations in the Cruzinha garden. During the autumn migration 

period ringing effort became more intense. Storm Petrel ringing continued in both 2009 and 2010, 

for which we are particularly thankful to Rob Thomas and Renata Medeiros of Cardiff University for 

their scientific coordination and for gathering so many willing volunteers to help in the night time 

fieldwork on the rocks of Ponta de Almadena. 

2009 was a rewarding year for ringing including some uncommon species: we caught two Quails in 

the Cruzinha garden and our second and third Red-rumped Swallows. The autumn migration brought 

some more rare birds as two Yellow-browed Warblers were caught in October and November. Over 

the course of 109 ringing sessions in 2009 a total of 1659 new birds were caught. Particularly 

important are the 357 new Storm Petrels (Table 1). 

Figure 1 Yellow-browed Warbler in the hand 

In 2010 we caught our third Barn Owl at Cruzinha, two Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers and our first 

three Iberian Chiffchaffs (now considered to be a separate species from the Northern Chiffchaff). 

Overall 1492 birds were ringed in 110 sessions. This was not as many as in 2009 due to a bad Storm 

Petrel ringing season with only 55 new birds. It was, however, a good year for Golden Oriole records, 

with 11 new birds caught – a new record for the station! (Table 3).


Table 1 Monthly and annual totals of birds ringed by A Rocha in 2009, and in all years together 

Species J F M A M J J A S O N D 2009 Grand Total 

Quail 2 2 8 

Cory's Shearwater 1 1 6 

Storm Petrel 139 218 357 5043 

Yellow-legged Gull 3 3 5 

Collared Dove 1 3 3 5 2 1 1 16 62 

Little Owl 1 1 89 

Hoopoe 4 6 1 4 1 1 1 18 493 

Kingfisher 1 2 3 209 

Wryneck 1 1 2 28 

Barn Swallow 1 1 4 3 9 1552 

Red-rumped Swallow 1 1 2 3 

Grey Wagtail 1 1 52 

Robin 1 5 1 4 34 1 46 2598 

Nightingale 1 4 5 580 

Redstart 2 2 310 

Black Redstart 1 1 2 145 

Song Thrush 1 6 6 2 15 573 

Blackbird 4 9 13 21 12 1 5 21 4 90 1736 

Garden Warbler 23 17 40 3854 

Blackcap 19 10 6 4 1 1 11 172 50 15 289 10194 

Whitethroat 2 5 7 459 

Sardinian Warbler 1 3 14 2 1 1 1 23 1355 

Subalpine Warbler 1 5 1 7 247 

Sedge Warbler 1 1 250 

Grasshopper Warbler 1 1 151 

Cetti's Warbler 1 1 139 

Reed Warbler 4 2 12 5 23 2295 

Melodious Warbler 1 1 4 2 8 793 

Willow Warbler 1 5 11 4 21 2345 

Bonelli's Warbler 1 1 1 3 88 

Northern Chiffchaff 3 2 4 1 1 2 42 29 4 88 8192 

Yellow-browed Warbler 1 1 2 10 

Wren 2 2 16 

Spotted Flycatcher 2 2 183 

Pied Flycatcher 3 1 20 6 30 1484 

Great Tit 1 1 5 6 4 3 2 3 1 1 27 692 

Blue Tit 1 1 1 1 4 96 

Penduline Tit 1 1 2 167 

Short-toed Treecreeper 1 1 31 

Woodchat Shrike 1 1 1 3 323 

Azure-winged Magpie 1 2 5 1 6 2 2 19 157 

Golden Oriole 2 1 3 52 

House Sparrow 3 5 6 5 17 29 28 47 41 49 7 5 242 1172 

Spanish Sparrow 1 1 2 66 

Common Waxbill 5 6 6 3 12 13 24 7 76 1506 

Chaffinch 2 5 1 3 11 966 

Goldfinch 1 9 12 2 1 2 6 6 4 4 1 48 2098 

Greenfinch 2 5 2 2 5 3 11 20 6 15 14 1 86 2524 

Serin 3 1 1 3 2 2 12 1437 

Totals 33 41 49 48 209 322 77 117 180 420 132 31 1659


Table 2 Birds ringed between 1987 and 2008 but not in 2009 

Species Total of birds Species Total of birds 

Teal 1 Turnstone 33 

Red-legged Partridge 1 Dunlin 2449 

Little Grebe 2 Curlew Sandpiper 74 

Madeiran Storm Petrel 3 Little Stint 37 

Swinhoe's Storm Petrel 1 Wood Sandpiper 3 

Little Bittern 3 Green Sandpiper 11 

Cattle Egret 17 Common Sandpiper 105 

Little Egret 1 Redshank 306 

Osprey 4 Greenshank 17 

Short-toed Eagle 7 Black-tailed Godwit 1 

Marsh Harrier 1 Bar-tailed Godwit 19 

Montagu's Harrier 1 Curlew 4 

Sparrowhawk 1 Whimbrel 35 

Black-winged Kite 4 Snipe 79 

Kestrel 6 Jack Snipe 13 

Water Rail 3 Semipalmated Sandpiper 1 

Spotted Crake 1 Ruff 15 

Moorhen 12 Buff-breasted Sandpiper 1 

Oystercatcher 1 Pectoral Sandpiper 1 

Avocet 3 Black-headed Gull 19 

Black-winged Stilt 15 Herring Gull 23 

Stone Curlew 8 Lesser Black-backed Gull 16 

Little Ringed Plover 12 Little Tern 295 

Ringed Plover 384 Sandwich Tern 4 

Kentish Plover 448 Common Tern 2 

Grey Plover 76 Turtle Dove 16 

Golden Plover 1 Cuckoo 3 

Lapwing 1 Great Spotted Cuckoo 1 

Knot 132 Long-eared Owl 3 

Sanderling 3 Barn Owl 2 

Scops Owl 12 Dartford Warbler 11 

Nightjar 1 Aquatic Warbler 2 

Red-necked Nightjar 29 Zitting Cisticola 353 

Swift 111 Marsh Warbler 16 

Pallid Swift 69 Paddyfield Warbler 1 

Bee-eater 95 Great Reed Warbler 62 

Green Woodpecker 1 Icterine Warbler 2 

Great Spotted 

1 Wood Warbler 3 

Woodpecker 

Lesser Spotted 

3 Dusky Warbler 2 

Woodpecker 

Skylark 24 Goldcrest 10 

Crested Lark 83 Firecrest 67 

Thekla Lark 2 Red-breasted Flycatcher 3 

Woodlark 1 Long-tailed Tit 16 

Short-toed Lark 58 Iberian Grey Shrike 17 

Sand Martin 55 Jay 1 

Crag Martin 7 Spotless Starling 13 

House Martin 68 Tree Sparrow 185 

Tawny Pipit 8 Rock Sparrow 1 

Water Pipit 17 Brambling 3 

Meadow Pipit 221 Linnet 64 

Tree Pipit 32 Siskin 72 

Olive-backed Pipit 1 Bullfinch 1 

White Wagtail 56 Hawfinch 46 

Yellow Wagtail 179 Crossbill 36 

Dunnock 6 Common Rosefinch 1 

Rufous Bush Robin 4 Reed Bunting 37 

Bluethroat 188 Rustic Bunting 1


Species Total of birds Species Total of birds 

Wheatear 51 Ortolan Bunting 36 

Black-eared Wheatear 4 Cirl Bunting 1 

Stonechat 276 Corn Bunting 183 

Redwing 3 Scaly-breasted Munia 17 

Rock Thrush 1 Senegal Parrot 1 

Orphean Warbler 7 Chestnut Mannikin 1 

Spectacled Warbler 5 

Table 3 Monthly and annual totals of birds ringed by A Rocha in 2010, and in all years together 

Species J F M A M J J A S O N D 2010 Grand Total 

Storm Petrel 1 54 55 5098 

Barn Owl 1 1 3 

Little Owl 2 1 3 92 

Hoopoe 1 1 3 1 1 1 8 501 

Kingfisher 5 2 7 216 

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker 1 1 2 5 

Wryneck 1 1 29 

Barn Swallow 2 3 2 1 8 1560 

White Wagtail 1 1 57 

Robin 2 2 50 10 4 68 2666 

Nightingale 2 8 1 11 591 

Redstart 3 3 6 316 

Black Redstart 2 2 147 

Stonechat 1 1 2 278 

Song Thrush 1 2 3 3 9 582 

Blackbird 1 1 1 1 4 12 14 10 7 7 2 2 62 1798 

Garden Warbler 1 4 60 4 69 3923 

Blackcap 1 1 6 5 3 13 158 109 41 337 10531 

Whitethroat 2 6 1 9 468 

Sardinian Warbler 2 6 9 6 5 1 29 1384 

Subalpine Warbler 1 1 2 249 

Reed Warbler 1 2 18 1 1 23 2318 

Melodious Warbler 9 8 17 810 

Willow Warbler 2 8 28 6 44 2389 

Wood Warbler 1 1 4 

Bonelli's Warbler 1 1 2 90 

Northern Chiffchaff 2 6 1 6 4 34 46 8 107 8299 

Iberian Chiffchaff 1 1 1 3 3 

Wren 1 1 17 

Spotted Flycatcher 4 1 5 188 

Pied Flycatcher 3 26 17 46 1530 

Great Tit 1 15 3 4 3 8 1 1 1 2 39 731 

Blue Tit 1 4 1 1 7 103 

Short-toed Treecreeper 1 2 3 34 

Azure-winged Magpie 1 2 3 5 7 1 19 176 

Golden Oriole 10 1 11 63 

House Sparrow 1 2 7 17 37 56 90 38 10 12 4 274 1446 

Spanish Sparrow 1 1 67 

Common Waxbill 2 1 5 1 21 30 20 6 4 90 1596 

Chaffinch 1 1 3 4 9 975 

Goldfinch 6 1 2 4 1 8 4 3 1 30 2128 

Greenfinch 2 1 1 5 1 3 17 13 1 6 2 52 2576 

Siskin 4 1 1 6 78 

Serin 2 3 2 1 8 1445 

Hawfinch 1 1 47 

Corn Bunting 1 1 184 

Total 9 7 31 38 43 136 99 225 287 332 206 78 1492


Table 4 Birds ringed between 1987 and 2009 but not in 2010 

Species Grand total Species Grand total 

Teal 1 Curlew Sandpiper 74 

Red-legged Partridge 1 Little Stint 37 

Quail 8 Wood Sandpiper 3 

Little Grebe 2 Green Sandpiper 11 

Cory's Shearwater 6 Common Sandpiper 105 

Madeiran Storm Petrel 3 Redshank 306 

Swinhoe's Storm Petrel 1 Greenshank 17 

Little Bittern 3 Black-tailed Godwit 1 

Cattle Egret 17 Bar-tailed Godwit 19 

Little Egret 1 Curlew 4 

Osprey 4 Whimbrel 35 

Short-toed Eagle 7 Snipe 79 

Marsh Harrier 1 Jack Snipe 13 

Montagu's Harrier 1 Semipalmated Sandpiper 1 

Sparrowhawk 1 Ruff 15 

Black-winged Kite 4 Buff-breasted Sandpiper 1 

Kestrel 6 Pectoral Sandpiper 1 

Water Rail 3 Black-headed Gull 19 

Spotted Crake 1 Herring Gull 23 

Moorhen 12 Yellow-legged Gull 5 

Oystercatcher 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 16 

Avocet 3 Little Tern 295 

Black-winged Stilt 15 Sandwich Tern 4 

Stone Curlew 8 Common Tern 2 

Little Ringed Plover 12 Collared Dove 62 

Ringed Plover 384 Turtle Dove 16 

Kentish Plover 448 Cuckoo 3 

Grey Plover 76 Great Spotted Cuckoo 1 

Golden Plover 1 Long-eared Owl 3 

Lapwing 1 Scops Owl 12 

Knot 132 Nightjar 1 

Sanderling 3 Red-necked Nightjar 29 

Turnstone 33 Swift 111 

Dunlin 2449 Pallid Swift 69 

Bee-eater 95 Grasshopper Warbler 151 

Green Woodpecker 1 Cetti's Warbler 139 

Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Marsh Warbler 16 

Skylark 24 Paddyfield Warbler 1 

Crested Lark 83 Great Reed Warbler 62 

Thekla Lark 2 Icterine Warbler 2 

Woodlark 1 Dusky Warbler 2 

Short-toed Lark 58 Yellow-browed Warbler 10 

Sand Martin 55 Goldcrest 10 

Crag Martin 7 Firecrest 67 

Red-rumped Swallow 3 Red-breasted Flycatcher 3 

House Martin 68 Long-tailed Tit 16 

Tawny Pipit 8 Penduline Tit 167 

Water Pipit 17 Woodchat Shrike 323 

Meadow Pipit 221 Iberian Grey Shrike 17 

Tree Pipit 32 Jay 1 

Olive-backed Pipit 1 Spotless Starling 13 

Yellow Wagtail 179 Tree Sparrow 185 

Grey Wagtail 52 Rock Sparrow 1 

Dunnock 6 Brambling 3 

Rufous Bush Robin 4 Linnet 64 

Bluethroat 188 Bullfinch 1 

Wheatear 51 Crossbill 36


Species Grand total Species Grand total 

Black-eared Wheatear 4 Common Rosefinch 1 

Redwing 3 Reed Bunting 37 

Rock Thrush 1 Rustic Bunting 1 

Orphean Warbler 7 Ortolan Bunting 36 

Spectacled Warbler 5 Cirl Bunting 1 

Dartford Warbler 11 Corn Bunting 183 

Sedge Warbler 250 Scaly-breasted Munia 17 

Aquatic Warbler 2 Senegal Parrot 1 

Zitting Cisticola 353 Chestnut Mannikin 1


RINGING CONTROLS AND RECOVERIES REPORTED DURING 2009 AND 2010 


The following list refers to birds which were reported from sites other than the original 

ringing location. This includes two groups of birds: those ringed during the course of 

Observatory operations in the Algarve and subsequently reported elsewhere; and those 

which had been ringed elsewhere and were subsequently controlled at Quinta da Rocha or 

reported to the Observatory. The recovery circumstances are given. 

The following codes are used: 

Condition at recovery 

R caught and released by a ringer XF found freshly dead or dying 

VV rings or colour marks read in the field F found probably healthy and 

released 

Age when ringed 

1 nestling 

2 fully grown, year of hatching unknown 

3 ringed during calendar year of hatching 

4 hatched before calendar year of ringing, but exact year of hatching unknown 

5 hatched during calendar year prior to ringing 

6 hatched before year prior to ringing, but exact year unknown etc. 

Abbreviations used for foreign ringing schemes 

BLB Brussels, Belgium 

DKC Copenhagen, Denmark 

FRP Paris, France 

ESI ICONA, Spain 

NLA Arnhem, Netherlands 

IAB Bologna Ozzano (BO), Italy 

ISR Reykjavik, Iceland 

DEW Wilhelmshaven (Helgoland), Germany 

Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus 

N00896 6 17-06-1999 Ponta de Almádena, Faro, Algarve 37 04' N 08 47' W 

Portugal 

R 08-07-2007 Svinoya, Möre og Romsdal 62 19' N 05 16' E 

Norway 

2963 Km 2943 days 



R 08-07-2007 Tullagh Point, Donegal 55 18' N 07 30' W 

Rep. Ireland 

2028 Km 412 days


N03755 6 27-05-2008 Ponta de Almádena, Faro, Algarve 


37 04' N 08 47' W 

R 18-07-2008 Eilean Nan Ron, Highland Region, 

Scotland Great Britain 

58 33' N 04 26' W 

2408 Km 52 days 



R 05-08-2008 Tullagh Point, Donegal 55'18 N 07 30' W 

Rep. Ireland 

2028 Km 59 days 



R 27-07-2008 Tullagh Point, Donegal 55 18' N 07 30' W 

Rep. Ireland 

2028 Km 45 days 



37 04' N 08 47' W 

R 24-06-2008 Lunga Island, Treshunish Isles, 

Strathclyde Great Britain Region, Scotland 

56 29' N 06 26' W 

2165 Km 381 days 



R 26-08-2002 Hornoy, Finmark 70 23' N 31 09' E 

Norway 

4374 Km 54 days 



R 27-07-2002 Lindesness, Vest-Agder 57 58' N 07 03' E 

Norway 

2594 Km 403 days 



37 04' N 08 47' W 

R 08-08-2008 Sanda Island, Strathclyde Region, 


55 17' N 05 34' W 

2039 Km 58 days 



37 04' N 08 47' W 

R 05-08-2008 Sanda Island, Strathclyde Region, 


55 17' N 05 34' W 

2039 Km 1160 days 



R 05-08-2008 Isle of May, Fife Region, Scotland 56 11' N 02 34' W 

Great Britain 

2174 Km 61 days




R 28-08-2008 Annagh Head, Mayo 54 14' N 10 07' W 

Rep. Ireland 

1910 Km 94 days 

D014458 4 14-06-1996 Ponta de Almádena, Faro, Algarve 37 04' N 08 47' W 


R 04-08-2004 Banneg, Finistère 48 21' N 04 46' W 

France 

1296 Km 2973 days 

D014458 4 14-06-1996 Ponta de Almádena, Faro, Algarve 


37 04' N 08 47' W 

R 10-08-2000 Banneg, Finistère 

France 

48 26' N 05 01' W 

1299 Km 1518 days 

1296 Km 1518 days 



R 13-07-2008 Eilean An Taighe, Western Isles, Scotland 57 53' N 06 21' W 

Great Britain 

2320 Km 33 days 



R 28-07-2008 Eilan Nan Ron, Highland Region, Scotland 58 33' N 04 26' W 

Great Britain 

2408 Km 53 days 



R 28-06-2008 Sheepland, Down, Northern Ireland 54 17' N 05 34' W 

Great Britain 

1929 Km 24 days 



R 26-07-2008 East Light, Northern Ireland 55 18' N 06 10' W 

Great Britain 

2036 Km 408 days 



R 13-08-2007 Inishglora, Galway 54 13' N 10 08' W 

Rep. Ireland 

1909 Km 65 days 




Rep.Ireland 

1910 Km 400 days




R 28-07-2008 Eilean Nan Ron, Highland Region, Scotland 58 33' N 04 26' W 

Great Britain 

2408 Km 46 days 



R 11-07-2008 Souter Lighthouse, Tyne and Wear, England 54 57' N 01 22' W 

Great Britain 

2065 Km 31 days 



R 18-07-2008 Twinyess, North Ronaldsay, Orkney, Scotland 59 21' N 02 27' W 

Great Britain 

2065 Km 31 days 



R 21-07-2008 Eilean Nan Ron, Highland Region, Scotland 58 33' N 04 26' W 

Great Britain 

2408 Km 45 days 



R 03-07-2008 Faraid Head, Highland Region, Scotland 58 36' N 04 46' W 

Great Britain 

2410 Km 28 days 



R 26-07-2008 Isle of Canna, Highland Region, Scotland 57 03' N 06 35' W 

Great Britain 

2226 Km 46 days 



R 05-08-2008 Twinyess, North Ronaldsay, Orkney, Scotland 59 21' N 02 27' W 

Great Britain 

2517 Km 60 days 



R 04-08-2008 Isla de Mouro, Santander 43 29' N 03 45' W 

Spain 

831 Km 51 days 



R 13-06-2009 Cabo Tourinan, Coruña 43 04' N 09 19' W 

Spain 

668 Km 378 days




R 21-06-2008 Cabo Tourinan, Coruña 43 04' N 09 19' W 

Spain 

668 Km 11 days 



R 04-08-2008 Isla de Mouro, Santander 43 29' N 03 45' W 

Spain 

831 Km 490 days 



R 30-07-2008 Eilan Nan Ron, Highland Region, Scotland 58 33' N 04 26' W 

Great Britain 

2408 Km 419 days 



R 26-07-2008 St Kilda, Western Isles, Scotland 57 49' N 08 34' W 

Great Britain 



R 11-08-2008 Fair Isle, Scotland 59 32' N 01 38' W 

Great Britain 

2548 Km 52 days 

N03901 6 24-05-2009 Ponta de Almádena, Faro, Algarve 37 04' N 08 47' W 


R 01-07-2009 Fladda, Strathclyde Region, Scotland 56 30' N 06 24' W 

Great Britain 

2167 Km 38 days 




Rep.Ireland 

1910 Km 33 days 

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia 

NLA 8048716 1 21-05-2007 Schiermonnikoog, Oosterkwelder 53 29' N 06 09' E 

Netherlands 

VV 16-04-2008 Ria de Alvor, Faro, Algarve 37 08' N 08 35' W 


2147 Km 331 days 


Netherlands 



2147 Km 320 days


NLA 8048371 1 20-06-2006 Vlieland, Bomenland 53 17' N 04 59' E 

Netherlands 



2079 Km 666 days 

NLA 8050695 1 29-07-2009 Den Oever, Banaan 52 56' N 05 02' E 

Netherlands 

VV 25-11-2009 Ria de Alvor, Faro, Algarve 37 08' N 08 35' W 


2043 Km 119 days 

NLA 8048665 1 08-06-2009 Vlieland, Bomenland 53 17' N 04 59' E 

Netherlands 



2073 Km 170 days 

NLA 8050212 1 31-05-2009 Schiermonnikoog, Oosterkwelder 53 29' N 06 09' E 

Netherlands 



2141 Km 178 days 

NLA 8050615 1 08-06-2009 Markiezaat, Spuitkop 51 27' N 04 16' E 

Netherlands 



1880 Km 170 days 


Netherlands 



2147 Km 1228days 


Netherlands 



2147 Km 1020 days 


Netherlands 



2141 Km 299 days 


Netherlands 



2073 Km 4657 days


DEW 268797 1 29-05-2010 Schleswig-Holstein, Oland 54 41' N 08 43' E 

Germany 



2352 Km 115 days 


Netherlands 



2079 Km 891 days 

DEW 253979 1 15-06-2010 Niedersachsen, Mellum 53 44' N 08 10' E 

Germany 



2250 Km 158 days 

NLA8048371 1 20-06-2006 Vlieland, Bomenland 53 17' N 04 59' E 

Netherlands 



2079 Km 1614 days 

NLA 8052515 1 20-07-2010 Terschelling, Boschplaat, 2e d 53 25' N 05 28' E 

Netherlands 



2110 Km 123 days 

FRP CA69166 1 08-05-2009 Lac de Grand-Lieu, Loire Atlantique 47 10' N 01 68' W 

France 




Netherlands 



2147 Km 201 days 

Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus 

FRP X5192 1 23-07-2009 Etang du Fangassier, Bouches du 

Rhône France 

43 25' N 04 37' E 



1305 Km 

wWwW 

A3/7V 1 31-07-2009 Garaa Ezzemoul, Sebkhet Ez Zemoul, 

W.Oum Algeria el Bouagh 

35 53' N 06 33' E 

VV 03-12-2010 Ria de Alvor, Faro, Algarve 


37 08' N 08 35' W 

1350 Km No metal ring


IAB E0008338 1 12-07-2006 Saline di Comacchio, Ferrara 44 39' N 12 12' E 

Italy 



1998 Km 

IAB E0008782 1 29-07-2006 Saline di Macchiareddu, Cagliari 39 13' N 09 02' E 

Italy 



1577 Km 

ESI 1015482 1 01-07-2007 Punta de la Banya, PNDE, Tarragona 40 34' N 00 40' E 

Spain 



902 Km 


Spain 



912 Km 


Spain 



1041 Km 


Spain 



932 Km 


Spain 



874 Km 

FRP X4830 1 26-07-2006 Etang du Fangassier, Bouches du 

Rhône France 

43 25' N 04 37' E 

VV 08-07-2008 Ria de Alvor, Faro, Algarve 


1370 Km 

37 08' N 08 35' W 


Rhône France 

43 25' N 04 37' E 



3342 Km 

37 08' N 08 35' W



Rhône France 

43 25' N 04 37' E 



1315 Km 

37 08' N 08 35' W 


Rhône France 

43 25' N 04 37' E 



1429 Km 

37 08' N 08 35' W 


Rhõne France 

43 25' N 04 37' E 



1363 Km 

37 08' N 08 35' W 

ESI 10-17303 1 15-07-2006 Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, Malaga 37 06' N 04 46' W 

Spain 



363 Km 


Spain 



388 Km 


Spain 



362 Km 


Spain 



337 Km 


Spain 



326 Km 


Spain 



350 Km


ESI 10-09196 1 13-08-2004 Vetones del Burro, Huelva 37 00' N 06 24' W 

Spain 



195 Km 


Spain 



2690 Km 


Spain 



3173 Km 


Spain 



337 Km 


Spain 



1591 Km 


Spain 



337 Km 


Spain 



337 Km 


Spain 



1230 Km 


Spain 



337 Km


A0/6N 1 11-08-2006 Garaa Ezzemoul, Sebkhet Ez Zemoul, 


35 53' N 06 33' E 



37 08' N 08 35' W 

1394 Km No metal ring 

A0/3P 1 11-08-2006 Garaa Ezzemoul, Sebkhet Ez Zemoul, 


35 53' N 06 33' E 



37 08' N 08 35' W 

1345 Km No metal ring 


Spain 



1040 Km 


Spain 



874 Km 

IAB E0009501 1 12-07-2007 Saline di Comacchio, Ferrara 44 39' N 12 12' E 

Italy 



1914 Km 

IAB E12386 1 01-08-2009 Saline di Macchiareddu, Cagliari, 

Sardegna Italy 

39 13' N 09 02' E 



1540 Km 

37 08' N 08 35' W 

IAB E12463 1 01-08-2009 Saline di Macchiareddu, Cagliari, 

Sardegna Italy 

39 13' N 09 02' E 



1743 Km 

37 08' N 08 35' W 

ESI 10-12182 1 08-08-2003 Lucio Serrado Garrido, Sevilla 37 04' N 06 23' W 

Spain 



2765 Km 


Spain 



330 Km


ESI 10-19963 1 19-07-2008 Marismas del Odiel, Huelva 37 15' N 06 53' W 

Spain 



268 Km 

ESI 1023336 1 08-08-2009 Marismas del Odiel, Huelva 37 15' N 06 53' W 

Spain 



139 Km 

ESI 1024945 1 07-08-2010 Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, Malaga 37 06' N 04 46' W 

Spain 



326 Km 

ESI 1022738 1 18-07-2009 Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, Malaga 37 06' N 04 46' W 

Spain 



330 Km 

ESI 1022881 1 18-07-2009 Laguna de Fuente de Piedra 37 06' N 04 46' W 

Spain 



468 Km 

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus 

FRP aBY/OfL 2 04-06-2009 RN du Banc d'Arguin 44 59' N 01 23' W 

France 



Ring number not communicated by ringer 

FRP BY/Of 2 07-05-2008 RN du Banc d'Arguin 44 59' N 01 23' W 

France 



Ring number not communicated by ringer


Redshank Tringa totanus 

G1946 6 10-05-1990 Ponta de Almádena, Faro, Algarve 


37 04' N 08 47' W 

R 28-04-2006 Reserve Natural de Moeze, Charente- 

Maritme France 

45 54' N 01 02' W 

1158 Km 5832 days 

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa 

ISR OO/WO 1 29-05-2002 Austurey, Árnessýsla 64 20' N 20 67' W 

Iceland 




ISR OO/ORf 1 15-07-2007 Dalvik sub-station, Eyjafjordur 65 99' N 18 52' W 

Iceland 




ISR WR/YRf 1 02-07-2009 Hollustadir, Reykholar 65 67' N 22 26' W 

Iceland 




Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus 

BLB E909863 1 18-05-2005 Verrebroek, Verrebroekse Plassen, 

Antwerpen 

Belgium 

51 15' N 04 12' E 



37 08' N 08 35' W 

BLB E916984 1 20-06-2009 Total, Antwerpen, province of 

Antwerpen 

Belgium 

51 15' N 04 19' E 



37 08' N 08 35' W 

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus 

NLA 5420834 1 14-06-2007 Moerdijk, Shell Chemie-West, Noord- 

Brabant Netherlands 

51 41' N 04 33' E 



37 08' N 08 35' W 

DKC 4L1134 1 01-07-2008 Langli, Blåvandshuk 

Brabant 

Denmark 

55 31' N 00 81' E 



37 08' N 08 35' W

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin 


A220082 3 30-09-2004 Mexilhoeira Grande, Faro, Algarve 37 07' N 08 38' W 


R 10-07-2009 Pibe Lodge, Devon, England 50 29' N 03 52' W 

Great Britain 

1533 Km 1744 days 

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus 

085169 3 03-10-2009 Mexilhoeira Grande, Faro, Algarve 37 07' N 08 38' W 


XF 22-05-2010 Elmevej, Jylland, Juttland 55 39' N 08 41' W 

Denmark 

2413 Km 231 days 

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca 

A244292 3 06-10-2006 Mexilhoeira Grande, Faro, Algarve 37 07' N 08 38' W 


R 09-10-2008 Manecorro, P.N. Donana, Huelva 36 54' N 06 28' W 

Spain 

194 Km 734 days


MOTH TRAPPING AT CRUZINHA IN 2009 - 2010 

Bert Van der Auwermeulen, Paula Banza and Aleksandra Cisek 

This report shows the results of moth trapping undertaken in the garden of Cruzinha between 15 

January 2009 and 16 December 2010. Some 106 trapping nights were undertaken over the course of 

the two years, 55 in 2009 and 51 in 2010. A Skinner trap, with a 125W mercury vapour lamp, located 

in the Cruzinha front garden near the weather station, was used on average once a week (every 

Thursday). A more intensive programme of trapping was undertaken on occasion, particularly 

during the European Moth Nights 9 which were held over 21 - 25 May 2009 and 9 – 13 September 

2010. From May 2009 onwards, white sheets were spread around the moth trap to act as an 

additional attraction to moths. The list of species also includes a few casual observations made at 

Cruzinha during the daytime. 

The one hectare garden at Cruzinha contains many mature shrubs and trees, mostly native species 

such as Olive, Almond, Cistus species, Mastic and Stone pine. There is an orchard of fruit trees 

including citrus, peaches and loquats and a number of organic vegetable plots. Around the garden 

are three pond areas and a small reedbed planted for water filtration purposes. With the exception 

of areas of grass lawn, the herbs and grasses are native species and left to grow naturally. Cruzinha 

is located in an area of extensive grazing, abandoned orchards and traditional small scale farming. In 

addition there are a number of private properties with associated gardens. It lies close to the Alvor 

Estuary. 

In 2009 a total of 5111 individual moths were identified from 301 species at Cruzinha. In 2010 a total 

of 7919 individuals from 314 species were identified from those recorded at Cruzinha. The 

percentage of individuals trapped and identified within each family, are displayed in Figure 4 and 

Figure 6 for 2009 and 2010 respectively. 

Much of the dedicated trapping and identification work was undertaken by Paula Banza. She also 

gave training to keen long-term volunteers: Bert Van der Auwermeulen and Aleksandra Cisek, who 

became very proficient themselves over the course of their time at A Rocha. Aleksandra became 

particularly interested in micro-moth identification. This helps to explain the greater number of 

individuals and species identified in 2010 compared to previous years. 

9 The aim of European Moth Nights is to gather a wide-ranging snapshot of the macro-moths flying during the 

period, paying particular attention to migrant species and those in need of conservation within Europe.


Figure 1 Ethmia bipunctella – a very common micro moth species recorded at Cruzinha, with its most 

important host plant – Echium vulgare (Viper’s bugloss). (Photo E. Pawley) 

. 

Figure 2 Palpita vitrealis (Jasmine moth) – One of 

the species most commonly identified each year at 

Cruzinha. 

Figure 3 Pseudozarba bipartita. (Photo A. Cisek) 

The 5 most common species identified in 2009 were: Eilema caniola, Ethmia bipunctella (Figure 1), 

Palpita unionalis (Figure 2), Spodoptera exigua, Hoplodrina ambigua and Rhodometra sacraria; and 

in 2010: Ethmia bipunctella, Palpita unionalis, Eilema caniola, Lamoria anella, Rhodometra sacraria, 

and Thaumetopoea pityocampa. 

In 2009 we had our first record of Nola subchlamydula at Cruzinha (28 May 2009) and our second 

record of Aglaope infausta, the very descriptively named Almond-tree Leaf Skeletonizer Moth. 

During the European Moth Nights trapping programme in 2010 the first record at Cruzinha of 

Pseudozarba bipartita was made (see figure 3). Also during 2010 (12 August 2010), we made our 

second record of Hypomecis punctinalis (Pale Oak Beauty). 

One or two of the micro-moth species records were awaiting verification by the time this report was 

complied. Any corrections will be noted in future Observatory Reports.


Figure 4 Percentage of individuals trapped within each most well represented family (including 

number of species identified in each family) in 2009. 

Figure 5 Percentage of individuals trapped within each most well represented family (including 

number of species identified in each family) in 2010.


Figure 6 Number of individuals and species trapped each month in 2009, with an indication of the 

number of trapping nights each month. 

Figure 7 Number of individuals and species trapped each month in 2010, with an indication of the 

number of trapping nights each month.


Table 1: Species and numbers of individuals trapped and identified in 2009 

Family Species J F M A M J J A S O N D Total 

Alucitidae Alucita palodactyla 1 2 3 

Alucitidae Alucita sp. 1 1 2 

Arctiidae Apaidia mesogona 1 9 1 11 

Arctiidae Coscinia cribraria 1 3 1 2 5 9 21 

Arctiidae Cymbalophora pudica 12 41 53 

Arctiidae Eilema caniola 9 187 20 40 14 21 46 8 345 

Arctiidae Eilema pygmaeola 3 1 3 4 2 1 14 

Arctiidae Phragmatobia fuliginosa 2 2 

Arctiidae Utetheisa pulchella 1 1 2 

Blastobasidae Blastobasis acuta 1 1 36 1 39 

Blastobasidae Blastobasis phycidella 1 1 

Coleophoridae Coleophora hieronella 1 1 

Cosmopterigidae Eteobalea dohrnii 1 1 

Cosmopterigidae Eteobalea intermediella 1 1 

Cosmopterigidae Pyroderces argyrogrammos 3 2 3 1 9 

Cossidae Dyspessa ulula 1 1 

Cossidae Zeuzera pyrina 2 1 3 

Depressariidae Agonopterix thapsiella 1 1 

Drepanidae Watsonalla uncinula 2 2 1 6 4 15 

Ethmiidae Ethmia bipunctella 1 5 11 58 37 9 6 71 28 226 

Gelechidae Anarsia lineatella 1 1 2 4 

Gelechidae Aproaerema anthyllidella 1 3 4 

Gelechidae Bryotropha sp. 1 1 

Gelechidae Dichomeris alacella 10 15 25 

Gelechidae Dichomeris lamprostoma 5 5 4 14 

Gelechidae Dichomeris limbipunctella 1 1 

Gelechidae Helcystogramma triannulella 1 1 

Gelechidae Mesophleps corsicella 1 3 4 

Gelechidae Mesophleps silacella 1 1 

Gelechidae Ornativalva plutelliformis 2 2 

Gelechidae Ornativalva pseudotamariciella 1 1 

Gelechidae Palumbina guerinii 3 1 4 

Gelechidae Phthorimaea operculella 1 1 

Gelechidae Platyedra subcinerea 3 7 10 

Gelechidae Scrobipalpa ocellatella 1 1 

Gelechidae Stomopteryx basalis 1 1 

Gelechidae Stomopteryx detersella 1 1 

Geometridae Adactylotis gesticularia 2 2 

Geometridae Aleucis distinctata 5 1 6 

Geometridae Aspitates ochrearia 1 1 2 

Geometridae Campaea honoraria 1 4 1 3 6 15 

Geometridae Camptogramma bilineata 1 1 

Geometridae Catarhoe basochesiata 17 4 1 22 

Geometridae Compsoptera opacaria 9 9 

Geometridae Costaconvexa polygrammata 1 1 

Geometridae Crocallis dardoinaria 5 1 6 

Geometridae Cyclophora puppillaria 2 3 2 7 

Geometridae Dysstroma citrata 1 1 

Geometridae Eupithecia breviculata 2 2 

Geometridae Eupithecia centaureata 1 1 7 1 43 3 4 6 7 4 77 

Geometridae Eupithecia dodoneata 1 1 

Geometridae Eupithecia innotata 1 1 2 

Geometridae Eupithecia laquaearia 1 1 

Geometridae Eupithecia sp. 1 1 

Geometridae Eupithecia venosata 1 1 

Geometridae Eupithecia weissi 2 2 

Geometridae Gnopharmia stevenaria 1 1 

Geometridae Gymnoscelis rufifasciata 1 2 1 2 6 5 17 

Geometridae Idaea belemiata 3 5 6 1 15 

Geometridae Idaea bigladiata 6 6



Geometridae Idaea carvalhoi 1 1 2 

Geometridae Idaea degeneraria 2 11 11 1 7 32 

Geometridae Idaea dimidiata 1 1 

Geometridae Idaea efflorata 1 1 

Geometridae Idaea elongaria 3 2 3 4 2 14 

Geometridae Idaea eugeniata 4 1 4 2 3 16 1 31 

Geometridae Idaea hispanaria 9 9 

Geometridae Idaea incisaria 1 1 20 22 

Geometridae Idaea longaria 12 12 

Geometridae Idaea minuscularia 1 2 1 8 3 3 2 8 9 1 38 

Geometridae Idaea ochrata 2 2 

Geometridae Idaea rusticata 15 29 44 

Geometridae Idaea subsericeata 1 3 2 24 6 1 37 

Geometridae Isturgia inconspicuaria 1 1 2 

Geometridae Isturgia pulinda 2 2 

Geometridae Itame vincularia 1 1 1 2 4 9 

Geometridae Larentia malvata 8 12 1 21 

Geometridae Menophra abruptaria 1 3 1 5 

Geometridae Menophra japygiaria 2 2 2 2 3 9 2 1 23 

Geometridae Microloxia herbaria 2 1 3 

Geometridae Nebula ibericata 3 1 4 

Geometridae Pachycnemia hippocastanaria 5 5 

Geometridae Peribatodes ilicaria 1 3 6 6 23 39 

Geometridae Phaiogramma etruscaria 1 1 17 17 36 

Geometridae Phaiogramma faustinata 6 1 4 1 12 

Geometridae Pseudoterpna coronillaria 1 1 1 3 

Geometridae Rhodometra sacraria 1 9 22 11 14 21 32 25 10 145 

Geometridae Scopula imitaria 1 4 1 7 13 

Geometridae Scopula marginepunctata 1 4 4 3 3 3 3 21 

Geometridae Scopula minorata 7 4 1 1 1 13 27 

Geometridae Scopula ornata 1 3 4 

Geometridae Scotopteryx peribolata 4 1 5 

Geometridae Semiaspilates ochrearia 5 6 11 

Geometridae Stegania trimaculata 1 1 2 

Geometridae Tephronia codetaria 2 79 12 5 17 3 118 

Geometridae Tephronia sepiaria 4 5 5 14 

Geometridae Timandra comae 1 1 2 

Geometridae Xanthorhoe fluctuata 1 3 1 5 

Lasiocampidae Lasiocampa trifolii 2 2 

Lecithoceridae Eurodachtha canigella 4 1 10 4 2 21 

Lecithoceridae Ilieroxestes briantiella 1 1 2 

Lymantrydae Lymantria atlantica 2 6 8 

Lymantrydae Ocneria rubea 2 2 

Noctuidae Abrostola tripartita 1 1 

Noctuidae Acontia lucida 1 3 3 4 4 1 16 

Noctuidae Acronicta psi 1 1 2 

Noctuidae Acronicta rumicis 1 5 4 1 1 12 

Noctuidae Aedia leucomelas 4 1 3 1 9 

Noctuidae Aegle vespertinalis 1 1 2 

Noctuidae Agrochola lychnidis 5 7 12 

Noctuidae Agrotis crassa 1 1 14 16 

Noctuidae Agrotis exclamationis 1 2 3 

Noctuidae Agrotis ipsilon 5 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 17 

Noctuidae Agrotis puta 6 3 3 15 27 

Noctuidae Agrotis segetum 1 1 3 1 3 7 6 22 

Noctuidae Agrotis spinifera 2 2 1 5 

Noctuidae Agrotis trux olivina 2 6 2 2 6 13 1 32 

Noctuidae Allophyes alfaroi 3 3 

Noctuidae Aporophyla nigra 12 17 3 32 

Noctuidae Atethmia algirica 1 1 

Noctuidae Autographa gamma 1 2 2 2 3 10 

Noctuidae Bryonicta pineti 4 6 1 7 7 10 6 1 42 

Noctuidae Calophasia platyptera 2 1 1 4 

Noctuidae Cardepia sociabilis 2 1 1 1 5



Noctuidae Catocala conjuncta 1 1 

Noctuidae Catocala elocata 1 1 1 1 4 

Noctuidae Catocala nupta 1 1 

Noctuidae Catocala nymphagoga 1 1 

Noctuidae Cerastis faceta 5 2 2 1 10 

Noctuidae Chloantha hyperici 1 1 

Noctuidae Chortodes pygmina 1 1 

Noctuidae Chrysodeixis chalcites 1 1 2 1 1 6 

Noctuidae Clytie illunaris 1 1 2 

Noctuidae Coccidiphaga scitula 1 1 2 

Noctuidae Condica viscosa 1 2 6 9 

Noctuidae Conisania andalusica 1 1 

Noctuidae Cryphia algae 1 4 21 40 6 72 

Noctuidae Cryphia muralis 3 3 

Noctuidae Cryphia petrea 1 1 

Noctuidae Ctenoplusia accentifera 1 1 

Noctuidae Cucullia calendulae 1 2 1 1 5 

Noctuidae Discestra sodae 1 1 1 3 10 6 2 2 3 9 1 39 

Noctuidae Discestra trifolii 1 1 1 1 4 

Noctuidae Dysgonia algira 1 2 8 11 

Noctuidae Earias insulana 1 20 1 22 

Noctuidae Eremochlaena orana 1 1 

Noctuidae Eublemma ostrina 2 2 9 1 8 4 26 

Noctuidae Eublemma parva 4 10 5 3 4 26 

Noctuidae Eublemma pulchralis 1 1 

Noctuidae Eublemma pura 2 6 1 9 

Noctuidae Eutelia adulatrix 5 5 

Noctuidae Gortyna puengeleri 1 1 

Noctuidae Hadena confusa 2 2 

Noctuidae Hadena perplexa 4 3 7 

Noctuidae Hadena sancta 1 1 2 

Noctuidae Hecatera corsica 1 5 6 

Noctuidae Hecatera dysodea 1 7 3 11 

Noctuidae Helicoverpa armigera 1 1 2 5 11 24 2 46 

Noctuidae Heliothis nubigera 1 2 1 4 

Noctuidae Heliothis peltigera 2 1 5 4 12 

Noctuidae Hoplodrina ambigua 16 86 4 1 14 47 2 170 

Noctuidae Hypena obsitalis 1 1 2 

Noctuidae Lacanobia oleracea 14 10 2 26 

Noctuidae Leucania loreyi 6 6 

Noctuidae Leucania punctosa 2 2 

Noctuidae Leucochlaena oditis 4 4 

Noctuidae Lithophane leauteri 2 2 

Noctuidae Luperina dumerilii 1 10 11 

Noctuidae Mesoligia furuncula 1 1 2 

Noctuidae Metachrostis velox 1 1 

Noctuidae Mniotype spinosa 29 8 2 39 

Noctuidae Mythimna albipuncta 2 16 4 3 2 1 1 29 

Noctuidae Mythimna ferrago 1 1 

Noctuidae Mythimna L-album 2 2 1 3 10 1 19 

Noctuidae Mythimna riparia 11 2 1 14 

Noctuidae Mythimna scirpi 4 25 11 2 11 53 

Noctuidae Mythimna unipuncta 1 3 1 1 1 1 2 10 

Noctuidae Mythimna vitellina 5 9 1 1 3 3 22 

Noctuidae Noctua comes 2 9 11 

Noctuidae Noctua pronuba 4 16 19 1 1 24 24 3 92 

Noctuidae Nodaria nodosalis 1 3 1 8 7 1 21 

Noctuidae Ochropleura leucogaster 11 9 9 3 6 2 5 45 

Noctuidae Omphalophana serrata 1 1 

Noctuidae Omphaloscelis lunosa 3 1 4 

Noctuidae Paradrina clavipalpis 2 5 2 2 24 11 1 47 

Noctuidae Paradrina flavirena 1 11 4 16 

Noctuidae Paradrina noctivaga 14 3 17 

Noctuidae Pechipogo plumigeralis 1 1 2



Noctuidae Peridroma saucia 1 3 5 2 2 5 11 5 3 37 

Noctuidae Phlogophora meticulosa 1 1 

Noctuidae Photedes pygmina 1 1 

Noctuidae Platyperigea aspersa 1 1 

Noctuidae Platyperigea germainii 1 1 2 

Noctuidae Platyperigea proxima 4 3 7 

Noctuidae Polyphaenis sericata 1 5 6 

Noctuidae Proxenus hospes 7 18 13 3 14 3 58 

Noctuidae Pseudenargia ulicis 1 1 

Noctuidae Shargacucullia verbasci 1 1 

Noctuidae Spodoptera cilium 1 1 1 5 39 13 1 61 

Noctuidae Spodoptera exigua 47 5 68 54 2 8 10 8 7 1 210 

Noctuidae Spodoptera littoralis 2 2 4 

Noctuidae Synthymia fixa 2 2 

Noctuidae Thalpophila vitalba 5 5 

Noctuidae Thysanoplusia orichalcea 2 1 1 4 

Noctuidae Trichoplusia ni 2 2 3 5 1 1 1 15 

Noctuidae Trigonophora flammea 6 1 7 

Noctuidae Tyta luctuosa 1 5 5 2 13 

Noctuidae Xestia agathina 6 6 

Noctuidae Xestia c-nigrum 2 3 1 6 

Noctuidae Xestia xanthographa 1 71 2 74 

Noctuidae Xylocampa areola 1 1 2 

Noctuidae Zebeeba falsalis 1 1 1 7 1 11 

Nolidae Meganola togatulalis 1 1 

Nolidae Nola chlamitulalis 1 13 8 22 

Nolidae Nola subchlamydula 1 1 

Notodontidae Harpyia milhauseri 1 1 2 

Plutellidae Plutella xylostella 2 1 2 1 2 8 

Pterophoridae Emmelina monodactyla 1 1 

Pterophoridae Pterophorus sp. 2 5 3 15 2 27 

Pyralidae Acrobasis bithynella 2 12 14 

Pyralidae Acrobasis obliqua 1 12 2 7 22 

Pyralidae Acrobasis romanella 1 1 2 6 1 1 12 

Pyralidae Actenia brunnealis 3 17 10 30 

Pyralidae Aglossa brabanti 1 1 

Pyralidae Aglossa caprealis 1 1 

Pyralidae Agriphila geniculea 1 10 13 24 

Pyralidae Agriphila latistria 1 1 

Pyralidae Agriphila sp. 2 2 

Pyralidae Agriphila tersella 3 3 

Pyralidae Ancylolomia inornata 3 1 4 

Pyralidae Ancylolomia tentaculella 1 1 2 

Pyralidae Ancylosis oblitella 1 1 

Pyralidae Antigastra catalaunalis 1 1 1 6 6 18 6 39 

Pyralidae Apomyelois ceratoniae 4 9 9 20 6 48 

Pyralidae Cadra figulilella 16 7 2 3 28 

Pyralidae Dioryctria mendacella 1 1 2 4 

Pyralidae Dolicharthria punctalis 2 3 10 5 20 

Pyralidae Duponchelia fovealis 1 1 

Pyralidae Endotricha flammealis 4 1 3 1 9 

Pyralidae Ephestia parasitella 4 3 1 8 

Pyralidae Ephestia welseriella 1 1 

Pyralidae Epischnia bankesiella 1 1 

Pyralidae Epischnia illotella 1 3 4 

Pyralidae Epischnia peroni 2 2 

Pyralidae Etiella zinckenella 1 4 1 2 8 

Pyralidae Euchromius gozmanyi 3 1 4 

Pyralidae Eudonia angustea 2 8 73 2 85 

Pyralidae Eudonia lineola 1 4 2 1 1 9 

Pyralidae Evergestis isatidalis 1 1 2 4 

Pyralidae Galleria mellonella 1 1 

Pyralidae Hellula undalis 2 1 6 1 10 

Pyralidae Herculia incarnatalis 1 1



Pyralidae Herpetogramma licarsisalis 1 1 21 7 30 

Pyralidae Homoeosoma sinuellum 7 13 8 28 

Pyralidae Hydriris ornatalis 1 3 4 

Pyralidae Hypotia corticalis 1 1 

Pyralidae Hypsopygia costalis 1 4 3 1 5 14 

Pyralidae Lamoria anella 8 3 78 49 2 140 

Pyralidae Mecyna asinalis 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 2 13 

Pyralidae Metasia suppandalis 1 2 3 3 9 

Pyralidae Myelois circumvoluta 3 3 

Pyralidae Nomophila noctuella 21 2 1 6 6 3 5 1 1 46 

Pyralidae Oncocera semirubella 1 1 

Pyralidae Oxybia transversella 1 1 

Pyralidae Palpita vitrealis 9 2 3 8 26 43 34 31 18 39 5 2 220 

Pyralidae Phycitodes inquinatella 1 1 

Pyralidae Phycitodes saxicola 3 51 2 1 57 

Pyralidae Psorosa dahliella 1 2 1 4 

Pyralidae Pyralis farinalis 1 1 1 3 

Pyralidae Pyralis obsoletalis 1 2 2 9 14 

Pyralidae Pyrausta aurata 1 1 2 

Pyralidae Pyrausta despicata 2 1 2 4 2 11 

Pyralidae Pyrausta sanguinalis 1 1 1 3 

Pyralidae Spoladea recurvalis 1 4 5 

Pyralidae Synaphe punctalis 2 2 

Pyralidae Udea ferrugalis 5 1 4 6 4 13 33 

Pyralidae Udea numeralis 1 3 1 2 15 27 6 55 

Pyralidae Ulotricha egregialis 2 2 

Pyralidae Uresiphita gilvata 1 1 1 3 

Sphingidae Hippotion celerio 1 1 2 

Sphingidae Hyles livornica 2 1 1 1 5 

Sphingidae Macroglossum stellatarum 1 1 1 1 4 

Symmocidae Apatema mediopallidum 1 1 2 

Symmocidae Oegoconia quadripuncta 1 1 

Symmocidae Symmoca signatella 2 9 9 20 

Symmocidae Symmocoides oxybiella 1 10 4 15 

Thaumetopeidae Thaumetopoea pityocampa 62 62 2 126 

Tineidae Neurothaumasia ragusaella 1 1 

Tineidae Trichophaga bipartitella 1 1 2 6 4 1 15 

Tortricidae Acleris variegana 2 2 1 1 2 8 2 18 

Tortricidae Aethes bilbaensis 2 3 5 

Tortricidae Aethes francillana 2 1 3 

Tortricidae Ancylis sparulana 1 1 

Tortricidae Clepsis consimilana 1 5 7 1 4 11 9 38 

Tortricidae Clepsis siciliana 1 1 1 1 4 

Tortricidae Cnephasia conspersana 2 1 3 

Tortricidae Crocidosema plebejana 2 1 2 1 6 

Tortricidae Cydia amplana 1 1 

Tortricidae Cydia fagiglandana 2 1 3 

Tortricidae Cydia splendana 1 1 2 

Tortricidae Epinotia thapsiana 4 14 27 45 

Tortricidae Lobesia botrana 1 2 3 

Tortricidae Lozotaenia cupidinana 1 1 

Tortricidae Lozotaeniodes cupressanus 1 1 2 

Tortricidae Phalonidia contractana 1 1 2 

Tortricidae Phtheochroa duponchelana 6 1 7 

Tortricidae Phtheochroa ecballiella 3 3 

Tortricidae Pseudococcyx tessulatana 1 1 

Tortricidae Rhyacionia buoliana 1 1 

Yponomeutidae Zelleria oleastrella 2 1 1 4 

Zygaenidae Aglaope infausta 1 1 

Total 41 38 209 231 858 416 302 617 837 1167 392 77 5185 

Species name highlighted indicates that identification is awaiting confirmation.


Table 2: Species and numbers of individuals trapped and identified in 2010 


Alucitidae Alucita palodactyla 1 1 

Amphisbatidae Pseudatemelia xanthosoma 1 1 

Arctiidae Apaidia mesogona 3 3 1 23 21 51 

Arctiidae Coscinia cribraria 1 3 2 12 2 20 

Arctiidae Cymbalophora pudica 4 24 28 

Arctiidae Eilema caniola 2 36 9 117 12 211 77 1 465 

Arctiidae Eilema pygmaeola 8 3 4 15 3 33 

Arctiidae Lithosia quadra 1 2 3 

Arctiidae Phragmatobia fuliginosa 1 1 

Blastobasidae Blastobasis acuta 4 1 8 124 42 4 2 185 

Blastobasidae Blastobasis phycidella 4 1 6 34 24 4 5 3 81 

Coleophoridae Coleophora crepidinella 1 1 

Coleophoridae Coleophora glaucicolella 1 1 2 

Coleophoridae Coleophora rectilineella 3 3 

Cosmopterigidae Pyroderces argyrogrammos 2 1 1 4 

Depressariidae Agonopterix ciliella 1 1 

Drepanidae Watsonalla uncinula 4 3 5 2 1 15 

Elachistidae Mendesia echiella 2 2 

Ethmiidae Ethmia bipunctella 3 1 13 98 41 12 389 88 5 650 

Gelechidae Anarsia lineatella 10 2 1 13 

Gelechidae Aproaerema anthyllidella 1 1 1 3 

Gelechidae Bryotropha figulella 1 1 

Gelechidae Dichomeris acuminata 2 2 

Gelechidae Dichomeris alacella 10 27 1 38 

Gelechidae Dichomeris lamprostoma 1 4 17 11 4 37 

Gelechidae Epidola stigma 9 3 12 

Gelechidae Helcystogramma lutatella 2 1 3 

Gelechidae Isophrictis kefersteiniella 2 1 3 

Gelechidae Mesophleps corsicella 1 1 2 4 

Gelechidae Nothris verbascella 1 1 2 

Gelechidae Ornativalva pseudotamariciella 1 1 

Gelechidae Palumbina guerinii 1 4 10 8 23 

Gelechidae Platyedra subcinerea 5 5 

Gelechidae Ptocheuusa paupella 3 3 

Gelechidae Recurvaria nanella 1 1 2 

Gelechidae Scrobipalpa ocellatella 1 1 1 1 4 

Gelechidae Scrobipalpa salinella 2 2 

Gelechidae Scrobipalpa vasconiella 3 3 

Gelechidae Sophronia exustella 1 1 

Gelechidae Stomopteryx remissella 2 2 4 

Geometridae Aleucis distinctata 1 1 1 3 

Geometridae Aplasta ononaria 1 1 

Geometridae Campaea honoraria 4 2 2 1 2 11 

Geometridae Catarhoe basochesiata 3 3 1 3 10 

Geometridae Chloroclysta siterata 1 1 

Geometridae Costaconvexa polygrammata 1 1 2 

Geometridae Cyclophora puppillaria 1 2 1 3 3 1 11 

Geometridae Eupithecia centaureata 3 8 1 23 15 20 6 14 11 3 104 

Geometridae Eupithecia cocciferata 2 2 

Geometridae Eupithecia dodoneata 2 1 1 4 

Geometridae Eupithecia innotata 1 1 

Geometridae Gymnoscelis rufifasciata 2 3 5 

Geometridae Hypomecis punctinalis 1 1 

Geometridae Idaea belemiata 2 20 27 5 1 55 

Geometridae Idaea bigladiata 4 2 1 7 

Geometridae Idaea cervantaria 1 1 1 3 

Geometridae Idaea degeneraria 4 4 4 24 36 

Geometridae Idaea elongaria 10 4 11 6 3 34 

Geometridae Idaea eugeniata 1 2 2 2 14 7 1 4 33 

Geometridae Idaea hispanaria 1 6 2 9



Geometridae Idaea incisaria 1 2 1 1 11 10 1 27 

Geometridae Idaea longaria 1 1 2 9 13 

Geometridae Idaea lutulentaria 3 15 1 19 

Geometridae Idaea minuscularia 1 2 3 5 7 5 14 8 45 

Geometridae Idaea obsoletaria 1 1 2 

Geometridae Idaea ochrata 3 8 11 

Geometridae Idaea predotaria 1 1 2 

Geometridae Idaea rusticata 2 74 76 

Geometridae Idaea subrufaria 1 1 

Geometridae Idaea subsericeata 1 2 3 12 5 4 1 2 30 

Geometridae Isturgia pulinda 2 2 

Geometridae Itame vincularia 1 1 4 5 12 1 24 

Geometridae Larentia malvata 1 3 4 

Geometridae Menophra abruptaria 1 5 1 1 1 9 

Geometridae Menophra japygiaria 1 1 8 11 8 6 2 1 38 

Geometridae Microloxia herbaria 1 3 3 7 

Geometridae Nebula ibericata 1 1 2 

Geometridae Orthonama obstipata 2 2 1 5 

Geometridae Peribatodes ilicaria 2 8 8 4 1 3 13 7 46 

Geometridae Petrophora convergata 1 1 

Geometridae Phaiogramma etruscaria 1 3 2 27 33 66 

Geometridae Phaiogramma faustinata 1 4 3 10 3 21 

Geometridae Pseudoterpna coronillaria 1 1 2 

Geometridae Rhodometra sacraria 2 4 204 47 72 23 12 364 

Geometridae Scopula imitaria 3 1 4 4 2 3 5 22 

Geometridae Scopula marginepunctata 1 1 7 3 3 10 2 1 28 

Geometridae Scopula minorata 3 3 5 5 6 14 10 1 47 

Geometridae Scopula ornata 1 1 3 3 8 3 19 

Geometridae Semiaspilates ochrearia 1 1 2 10 4 18 

Geometridae Stegania trimaculata 1 1 1 3 

Geometridae Tephronia codetaria 4 31 1 30 21 87 

Geometridae Tephronia sepiaria 2 3 13 18 

Geometridae Xanthorhoe fluctuata 1 2 1 4 

Gracillariidae Dialectica scalariella 6 6 

Lasiocampidae Lasiocampa trifolii 1 1 

Lasiocampidae Psilogaster loti 1 1 

Lecithoceridae Eurodachtha canigella 1 1 15 3 6 5 2 33 

Lecithoceridae Ilieroxestes briantiella 3 3 

Lymantrydae Lymantria atlantica 1 4 5 

Lymantrydae Ocneria rubea 1 1 

Noctuidae Abrostola triplasia 1 1 

Noctuidae Acontia lucida 2 13 6 2 20 4 47 

Noctuidae Acronicta psi 1 2 3 3 9 

Noctuidae Acronicta rumicis 2 5 5 2 3 17 

Noctuidae Aedia leucomelas 1 1 10 2 3 1 18 

Noctuidae Aegle vespertinalis 2 2 4 3 11 

Noctuidae Agrotis crassa 14 1 15 

Noctuidae Agrotis exclamationis 2 2 

Noctuidae Agrotis ipsilon 4 5 2 3 7 12 1 34 

Noctuidae Agrotis puta 3 2 3 2 1 1 9 1 22 

Noctuidae Agrotis segetum 4 6 1 19 4 34 

Noctuidae Agrotis spinifera 1 1 7 2 14 6 1 32 

Noctuidae Agrotis trux olivina 1 2 1 1 2 1 4 11 14 3 40 

Noctuidae Allophyes alfaroi 2 1 3 

Noctuidae Aporophyla chioleuca 1 1 

Noctuidae Aporophyla nigra 1 1 8 1 11 

Noctuidae Autographa gamma 3 4 2 2 1 12 

Noctuidae Bryonicta pineti 3 4 3 10 4 29 1 54 

Noctuidae Calophasia platyptera 1 1 3 2 3 10 

Noctuidae Cardepia sociabilis 1 1 1 1 4 

Noctuidae Catocala conjuncta 1 1 

Noctuidae Catocala conversa 1 1 

Noctuidae Catocala elocata 1 1 2 4 

Noctuidae Catocala mariana 2 1 3



Noctuidae Catocala nymphagoga 1 1 

Noctuidae Cerastis faceta 2 1 2 5 

Noctuidae Chrysodeixis chalcites 1 2 3 1 7 

Noctuidae Cleonymia baetica 1 1 

Noctuidae Clytie illunaris 1 1 2 

Noctuidae Coccidiphaga scitula 2 1 4 7 

Noctuidae Cryphia algae 3 37 29 88 10 167 

Noctuidae Cryphia muralis 2 3 1 6 

Noctuidae Cryphia petrea 1 1 

Noctuidae Cucullia calendulae 2 1 3 

Noctuidae Cucullia chamomillae 1 1 

Noctuidae Discestra sodae 3 5 10 12 2 2 4 38 

Noctuidae Discestra trifolii 1 1 

Noctuidae Dysgonia algira 1 7 17 25 

Noctuidae Earias insulana 1 3 4 

Noctuidae Eublemma ostrina 1 1 2 

Noctuidae Eublemma parva 1 2 10 3 3 19 

Noctuidae Eublemma pura 2 3 5 

Noctuidae Eutelia adulatrix 4 1 5 

Noctuidae Hadena perplexa 2 3 1 1 7 

Noctuidae Hadena sancta 1 2 3 

Noctuidae Hecatera corsica 2 1 3 

Noctuidae Hecatera dysodea 2 2 

Noctuidae Hecatera weissi 2 8 1 11 

Noctuidae Helicoverpa armigera 1 1 1 3 3 1 33 3 1 47 

Noctuidae Heliothis peltigera 2 2 4 

Noctuidae Hoplodrina ambigua 11 59 2 1 24 70 10 177 

Noctuidae Hypena obsitalis 1 1 

Noctuidae Lacanobia oleracea 1 4 3 1 1 1 1 12 

Noctuidae Leucania loreyi 1 1 

Noctuidae Leucania punctosa 1 2 3 

Noctuidae Leucania putrescens 4 4 

Noctuidae Leucania zeae 1 1 

Noctuidae Lithophane leauteri 2 2 

Noctuidae Mamestra brassicae 1 1 

Noctuidae Mesapamea secalis 1 2 3 

Noctuidae Mesoligia furuncula 3 3 

Noctuidae Metopoceras felicina 1 1 

Noctuidae Mniotype spinosa 8 2 10 

Noctuidae Mythimna albipuncta 2 2 1 3 8 

Noctuidae Mythimna l-album 5 8 1 1 1 16 

Noctuidae Mythimna loreyi 1 1 

Noctuidae Mythimna riparia 1 5 2 1 9 

Noctuidae Mythimna scirpi 1 4 22 1 28 

Noctuidae Mythimna unipuncta 3 16 4 1 8 3 1 1 37 

Noctuidae Mythimna vitellina 3 4 6 6 19 

Noctuidae Noctua comes 1 8 9 

Noctuidae Noctua pronuba 1 3 16 1 36 91 148 

Noctuidae Nodaria nodosalis 1 2 1 16 1 21 

Noctuidae Ochropleura leucogaster 2 8 6 1 13 15 1 1 4 8 59 

Noctuidae Ochropleura plecta 1 1 

Noctuidae Omphalophana serrata 2 1 3 

Noctuidae Ophiusa tirrhaca 2 1 2 1 6 

Noctuidae Paradrina clavipalpis 1 2 12 1 1 2 1 5 6 4 1 36 

Noctuidae Paradrina noctivaga 1 2 8 7 18 

Noctuidae Peridroma saucia 2 3 5 1 6 3 20 

Noctuidae Platyperigea aspersa 1 1 

Noctuidae Platyperigea germainii 3 3 

Noctuidae Platyperigea proxima 1 4 1 6 

Noctuidae Polyphaenis sericata 5 1 6 

Noctuidae Proxenus hospes 3 18 1 26 48 

Noctuidae Pseudozarba bipartita 1 1 

Noctuidae Shargacucullia verbasci 1 2 3 

Noctuidae Spodoptera cilium 6 2 23 14 45



Noctuidae Spodoptera exigua 3 3 7 20 5 21 4 63 

Noctuidae Spodoptera littoralis 1 5 6 

Noctuidae Thalpophila vitalba 6 6 

Noctuidae Thysanoplusia orichalcea 1 4 2 2 9 

Noctuidae Trichoplusia ni 2 1 1 1 1 6 

Noctuidae Tyta luctuosa 4 1 9 2 2 21 9 48 

Noctuidae Xestia c-nigrum 2 1 2 2 7 

Noctuidae Xestia xanthographa 1 1 35 10 47 

Noctuidae Xylocampa areola 3 3 

Noctuidae Zebeeba falsalis 2 1 1 4 3 6 1 18 

Nolidae Bena bicolorana 3 3 

Nolidae Nola chlamitulalis 2 4 6 2 14 

Oecophoridae Batia lunaris 2 2 4 

Oecophoridae Esperia sulphurella 1 1 

Oecophoridae Pleurota amaniella 1 2 3 

Plutellidae Plutella xylostella 1 1 

Pterolonchidae Pterolonche traugottolseniella 1 1 2 

Pterophoridae Agdistis frankeniae 2 1 3 

Pterophoridae Agdistis manicata 1 1 2 

Pterophoridae Amblyptilia acanthadactyla 1 1 1 2 3 2 10 

Pterophoridae Crombrugghia laeta 2 2 4 

Pterophoridae Emmelina monodactyla 1 1 4 1 7 

Pterophoridae Pterophorus sp. 1 1 

Pterophoridae Stangeia siceliota 1 1 

Pyralidae Achyra nudalis 2 3 2 7 

Pyralidae Acrobasis bithynella 1 6 4 4 3 1 19 

Pyralidae Acrobasis obliqua 4 5 2 2 13 

Pyralidae Acrobasis romanella 2 7 3 6 10 2 30 

Pyralidae Actenia brunnealis 7 11 18 

Pyralidae Aglossa caprealis 1 1 

Pyralidae Agriphila geniculea 4 18 1 23 

Pyralidae Agriphila latistria 1 1 

Pyralidae Agriphila tersella 3 3 

Pyralidae Ancylolomia inornata 2 1 7 10 

Pyralidae Antigastra catalaunalis 1 5 17 79 40 2 144 

Pyralidae Apomyelois ceratoniae 14 4 11 22 44 30 1 126 

Pyralidae Cadra figulilella 22 36 53 57 4 1 173 

Pyralidae Cryptoblabes gnidiella 1 1 

Pyralidae Diasemiopsis ramburialis 2 2 1 5 

Pyralidae Dioryctria mendacella 3 4 7 1 1 16 

Pyralidae Dolicharthria punctalis 2 3 8 5 4 22 

Pyralidae Duponchelia fovealis 1 1 4 1 7 

Pyralidae Endotricha flammealis 13 2 2 4 1 22 

Pyralidae Ephestia parasitella 3 14 12 6 13 4 52 

Pyralidae Ephestia welseriella 1 1 

Pyralidae Epischnia illotella 5 2 3 10 

Pyralidae Epischnia peroni 2 3 5 

Pyralidae Etiella zinckenella 2 1 1 3 7 

Pyralidae Euchromius gozmanyi 2 1 2 4 2 11 

Pyralidae Eudonia angustea 16 3 2 1 2 24 

Pyralidae Eudonia lineola 1 15 5 37 8 66 

Pyralidae Evergestis isatidalis 1 1 

Pyralidae Hellula undalis 1 3 4 2 10 

Pyralidae Herculia incarnatalis 1 1 

Pyralidae Herpetogramma licarsisalis 4 23 6 5 2 40 

Pyralidae Homoeosoma sinuellum 1 21 7 17 46 

Pyralidae Hydriris ornatalis 3 1 1 1 6 

Pyralidae Hypotia corticalis 1 1 1 3 

Pyralidae Hypotia delicatalis 1 1 1 3 

Pyralidae Hypsopygia costalis 3 1 5 4 13 

Pyralidae Hypsotropa vulneratella 2 2 

Pyralidae Lamoria anella 1 45 10 21 150 146 7 380 

Pyralidae Mecyna asinalis 1 1 2 4 4 4 16 

Pyralidae Metasia suppandalis 1 1 1 1 1 5



Pyralidae Nomophila noctuella 1 12 2 1 2 1 19 

Pyralidae Oncocera combustella 1 1 

Pyralidae Oncocera semirubella 17 17 

Pyralidae Palpita incoloralis 1 1 

Pyralidae Palpita vitrealis 2 2 10 23 81 235 116 56 28 3 556 

Pyralidae Pempelia palumbella 3 1 4 

Pyralidae Phycitodes saxicola 11 34 21 16 4 86 

Pyralidae Psorosa dahliella 1 1 3 1 6 

Pyralidae Pyralis farinalis 1 1 2 

Pyralidae Pyralis obsoletalis 12 15 30 14 7 78 

Pyralidae Pyrausta aurata 5 1 6 

Pyralidae Pyrausta despicata 1 1 1 1 4 

Pyralidae Pyrausta purpurata 1 1 

Pyralidae Pyrausta sanguinalis 1 2 3 

Pyralidae Spoladea recurvalis 1 1 2 

Pyralidae Udea ferrugalis 13 3 6 6 6 3 37 

Pyralidae Udea numeralis 1 1 2 2 4 6 3 9 24 3 55 

Pyralidae Ulotricha egregialis 1 1 2 

Pyralidae Uresiphita gilvata 8 3 2 1 14 

Scythrididae Episcythris triangulella 5 2 7 

Scythrididae Scythris limbella 1 3 4 

Sphingidae Hippotion celerio 2 1 1 4 

Sphingidae Hyles livornica 4 5 2 11 

Sphingidae Macroglossum stellatarum 1 1 2 

Symmocidae Symmoca signatella 3 2 14 19 

Symmocidae Symmocoides oxybiella 1 5 5 3 12 3 29 

Thaumetopeidae Thaumetopoea pityocampa 23 275 21 319 

Tineidae Crassicornella agenjoi 1 1 5 3 10 

Tineidae Monopis imella 1 2 3 

Tineidae Neurothaumasia ragusaella 1 2 3 

Tineidae Reisserita chrysopterella 2 2 

Tineidae Trichophaga bipartitella 1 7 24 2 6 9 49 

Tortricidae Acleris variegana 4 3 1 9 1 18 

Tortricidae Aethes bilbaensis 1 1 1 2 1 6 

Tortricidae Aethes francillana 1 1 2 

Tortricidae Bactra venosana 2 2 

Tortricidae Clepsis consimilana 1 10 5 1 3 5 1 26 

Tortricidae Clepsis siciliana 1 1 

Tortricidae Cnephasia alfacarana 7 3 10 

Tortricidae Cnephasia chrysantheana 2 2 

Tortricidae Cnephasia conspersana 16 16 

Tortricidae Cnephasia incertana 1 2 3 

Tortricidae Cnephasia longana 2 2 4 

Tortricidae Cnephasia stephensiana 4 4 8 

Tortricidae Cochylidia heydeniana 1 1 

Tortricidae Crocidosema plebejana 1 8 4 1 1 15 

Tortricidae Cydia fagiglandana 1 1 

Tortricidae Cydia pomonella 1 1 

Tortricidae Endothenia gentianaena 1 1 2 

Tortricidae Endothenia marginana 5 1 6 

Tortricidae Epinotia thapsiana 6 1 2 14 5 5 8 1 42 

Tortricidae Lobesia botrana 1 4 2 1 8 

Tortricidae Lozotaeniodes cupressanus 1 1 2 

Tortricidae Phalonidia contractana 1 1 1 3 

Tortricidae Phtheochroa duponchelana 3 3 

Tortricidae Phtheochroa ecballiella 2 2 

Tortricidae Pseudococcyx tessulatana 2 2 4 

Tortricidae Rhyacionia buoliana 1 1 

Yponomeutidae Prays citri 1 1 2 

Yponomeutidae Prays oleae 1 1 

Yponomeutidae Zelleria oleastrella 1 10 34 14 1 4 64 

Zygaenidae Aglaope infausta 2 2 

Total 57 70 165 169 617 940 1434 922 2404 933 205 3 7919


Acknowledgements 

The authors would like to thank Martin Corley for his help with identification of difficult species and 

to Esther Pawley for her contribution to this article. 

Bibliography 

Calle, J. A. (1982). Noctuidos españoles. Boletín del servicio contra plagas e inspección fitopatológica, 

Fuera de serie 1, 430 pp, Madrid. 

Corley, M. (2011). Checklist of the Portuguese Lepidoptera. Unpublished. 

Gardiner, A.J. (2000). Macrolepidoptera on Quinta da Rocha (@ 3.3.2000). Unpublished. 

Gardiner, A.J. (2000). Microlepidoptera on Quinta da Rocha (@ 18.3.2000). Unpublished. 

Leraut, P. (2006). Papillons de nuit d'Europe, Volume 1. NAP Editions, 387 pp. 

Leraut, P. (2009). Moths of Europe, Volume 2. NAP Editions, 808 pp. 

Manley, C. (2008). British Moths and Butterflies: A Photographic Guide. A&C Black, 352 pp, London. 

Waring, P. and Townsend, M. (2003). Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland. British 

Wildlife Publishing, 432 pp, Hook.


CRUZINHA WEATHER REPORT 2009 

Andrew Cole 

Introduction 

Weather data has been recorded every day at Cruzinha, A Rocha’s field study centre, since 

September 2002 and continued throughout 2009. The measurements are taken at 09:00 UTC and 

consist of: 

Current temperature (˚C) 

Maximum and minimum temperatures for the previous 24 hours (˚C) 

Relative humidity (%) 

Rainfall over previous 24 hours 

Wind direction and strength (compass bearing, Beaufort scale and km/h) 

Cloud cover 

Visibility 

Additional notes 

Summary of the year 2009 

The maximum temperature, 40.0˚C, was recorded on 21 June. 

The minimum temperature, -2.5˚C, was recorded on 9 January. 

Total annual rainfall: 616.5mm. 

Maximum rainfall in 24 hours: 61.5mm. 

Prevailing wind direction was NW on 52 of 333 days recorded. 

The maximum wind strength was level 4 on the Beaufort scale which only occurred on 4 

February. 

Air temperature and relative humidity 

2009 was slightly warmer than 2008 but very similar to previous years. Average maximum 

temperatures in 2009 were 0.5˚C higher than in 2008 and average minimum temperatures were 

0.9˚C higher. January had much lower maximum temperatures than average while March had much 

higher maximum and minimum temperatures; April had lower temperatures. June had higher 

minimum temperatures and August had higher maximum temperatures than average. October, 

November and December saw generally higher temperatures than average. In 2009 the relative 

humidity was generally lower than in previous years with the exception of January and February. In 

particular the summer months had very low relative humidity both compared with other months, as 

expected, and when compared with previous years.


Figure 1 Average monthly maximum and minimum air temperatures for 2009 and averages for 2003- 

2008. To show the across year variation in the 2003-2008 data, error bars are plotted which 

represent one standard error. 

Figure 2 Monthly relative humidity for 2009 and the average of 2003-2008. To show the across year 

variation in the 2003-2008 data, error bars are plotted which represent one standard error.


Rainfall 

Rainfall was 89mm lower in 2009 than 2008, but above the average for 2003-2008 which is 542mm 

per year (Fig 3). This higher rainfall is mainly caused by the very wet December when 284.5mm fell 

across the month. Other than the very large peak in December, the months September, October and 

November were lower than average while January had higher rainfall. 

Figure 3 Monthly rainfall for 2009 and average rainfall for each month from 2003-2008. To show 

variation across different years (2003-2008) error bars are plotted which represent one standard 

error. 

Wind direction, strength, cloud cover and visibility 

The predominant wind direction in 2009 was NW recorded on 52/333 days (15.6%). The second 

most common wind direction was N with 37 days (11.1%), while the directions NNE, NE, SE, SW, W 

and NNW were all recorded on more than 20 days. In 2008 the predominant direction was NW and 

in 2007 it was NE. 

The maximum wind speed was on 4 th February and was 4 on the Beaufort scale or 21.7km/h. This 

was the only day with a wind speed of 4 on the Beaufort scale out of the 334 days recorded; 3 on the 

Beaufort scale was recorded on 15 days. 

Predominantly Cruzinha had clear skies (42%) and good visibility (63%). 67/336 days were overcast; 

only 30/335 days had poor visibility.


Figure 4 Wind direction showing the number of days each direction was recorded. 

Figure 5 Wind speed (Beaufort scale) measured at Cruzinha for 2009.

Figure 6 Cloud cover at Cruzinha measured on 336 days. 

Figure 7 Visibility at Cruzinha measured on 335 days. 

References 


Hof, A. (2007) Cruzinha weather report 2005. A Rocha Observatory report for 2005-2006. A Rocha, 

Portimão, pp. 66-71. 

Hawkins, B. (2007) Cruzinha weather report 2006. A Rocha Observatory report for 2005-2006. A 

Rocha, Portimão, pp. 72-75. 

Cisek, A. & Pawley, E. (2010) Cruzinha weather report 2007. A Rocha Observatory report for 2007- 

2008. A Rocha, Portimão, pp. 72-77. 


2008. A Rocha, Portimão, pp. 78-82.


Introduction 

CRUZINHA WEATHER REPORT 2010 

Reda Garmute 

Weather data has been recorded every day at Cruzinha, A Rocha’s field study centre, since 

September 2002 and continued throughout 2010. The measurements were taken as close as 

possible to 9 am UTC and consisted of: 

Current temperature (˚C) 

Maximum and minimum temperatures for the previous 24 hours (˚C) 

Relative humidity (%) 

Rainfall over previous 24 hours 

Wind direction and strength (compass bearing, Beaufort scale and km/h) 

Cloud cover 

Visibility 

Additional notes 

Summary of the year 2010 

The maximum temperature, 41.5˚C, was recorded on 10 August. 

The minimum temperature, 1.9˚C, was recorded on 3 December. 

Total annual rainfall: 889.0 mm. 

Maximum rainfall in 24 hours: 50.0 mm on 25 December. 

Prevailing wind direction was N on 36 out of 351 days recorded. 

The maximum wind strength was level 4 on the Beaufort scale and was reached on six days 

in December-November. 

Air temperature and relative humidity 

2010 was slightly warmer than 2009 but very similar to previous years. Average maximum 

temperatures in 2010 were 0.4˚C higher than in 2009 and average minimum temperatures were 

0.3˚C higher. The average maximum temperatures recorded in 2010 were very similar to previous 

years, excluding April and the hottest months of the year: July, August and September which showed 

much higher maximum temperatures than in previous years. The minimum temperatures recorded 

in 2010 varied more than maximum temperatures around the average of previous years this century. 

Throughout January - April the minimum temperatures were higher, whilst in June temperatures 

were lower. Changing again, the minimum temperature in August was higher, in October - lower and 

in December higher again. 

In 2010 the relative humidity was generally lower than in previous years. In particular, the summer 

months had a very low relative humidity both compared with other months, as expected, and when 

compared with previous years.


Figure 4 Average monthly maximum and minimum air temperatures for 2010 and averages for 2003- 

2009. To show the across year variation in the 2003-2009 data, error bars are plotted which 

represent one standard error. 

Figure 5 Monthly relative humidity for 2010 and the average for 2003-2009. To show the across 

year variation in the 2003-2008 data, error bars are plotted which represent one standard error.


Rainfall 

2010 was the wettest year since 2003. The total rainfall for the year was 273mm higher in 2010 than 

in 2009 and was 336 mm (37.8%) higher than the yearly average for 2003-2009 which is 553 mm per 

year (Figure 3). The higher total rainfall was largely due to the very wet months of December, 

January and February. 

Figure 6 Monthly rainfall for 2010 and average rainfall for each month from 2003-2009. To show 

variation across different years (2003-2009) error bars are plotted which represent one standard 

error. 

Wind direction, strength, cloud cover and visibility 

The predominant wind direction in 2010 was N which was recorded on 36/351 days (10.2%). The 

second and third most common wind directions were W with 34 days (9.7%) and NNW 33 days 

(9.4%), while the directions E, ENE, NE, S and SSE were all recorded on more than 20 days. In 2009 

and 2008 the predominant direction was NW (Figure 4).


Figure 7 Wind direction showing the number of days each direction was recorded. 

The maximum wind speed recorded during 2010 at Cruzinha was on 12 January, measuring 4 on the 

Beaufort scale or 16.6km/h. (Figure 5). 

Figure 8 Wind speed (Beaufort scale) measured at Cruzinha for 2010. 

Cruzinha predominantly had clear skies (39%) and good visibility (68%). 74/331 days were overcast; 

only 29/331 days had poor visibility (Figure 6 and Figure 7).


Figure 9 Cloud cover at cruzinha measured on 331 days. 

Figure 10 Visibility at cruzinha measured on 331 days. 

References 


2008. A Rocha, Portimão, pp. 72-77. 


2008. A Rocha, Portimão, pp. 78-82.

Associação Cristã de Estudo e Defesa do Ambiente

A Rocha Portugal Observatory Report 2009-2010

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