Corsica – The Scented Isle Naturetrek Tour Report

8 - 15 May 2016

Corsican Nuthatch

Helicodiceros muscivorus

Spotted Orchid

Corsican Wall Brown

Report and Images compiled by Andrew Bray

Naturetrek

Mingledown Barn

Wolf's Lane

Chawton

Alton

Hampshire

T: +44 (0)1962 733051 E: [email protected]

W: www.naturetrek.co.uk

GU34 3HJ

UK

Corsica – The Scented Isle

Tour Report

Tour participants:

Day 1

David Tattersfield and Andrew Bray (leaders) with 15 Naturetrek clients

Sunday 8th May

After an early flight from Gatwick, we arrived in Bastia in warm sunshine. The vehicles were in the hire area and once loaded we headed for Borgo where we found a shop to buy bread which was conveniently located by a cafe for a much deserved drink. Our next stop was on the north-east side of Etang de Biguglia where three Audouin’s Gulls, a rare bird but on the increase, were perched on poles in the water. Other birds included numerous Yellow-legged Gulls and on the open water were Eurasian Coots and Great Crested Grebes. We were already being introduced to the variety and scent of local vegetation including Cistus which we came to know, especially Cistus greticus and Cistus salvifolis. Also everywhere the scent of French Lavender Lavendula stoechas permeated the air. We stopped halfway down the etang for a flock of European Bee-eaters that gave us great displays in the maquis. The reedbeds made any other views of the etang impossible so we stopped beside La Canonica church, south of the etang, for lunch. Here there were more European Bee-eaters and of course the Italian Sparrow. All morning we had seen Red Kites and they were to feature on our list every day. We then headed inland to Ponte Leccia for a coffee stop where Grey Wagtail was seen on the river. Our next stop was by the graveyard at Trelonca, just north of Corte, where there was an amazing display of orchids including Early Spider, Green-winged, Lady, Pink Butterfly and Provence Orchids. We finally reached our hotel, E Caselle by the banks of the le Vecchio River where we had time to get ourselves organised before dinner.

Day 2

Monday 9th May

An early morning walk produced Spotted Flycatcher, glimpses of Moltoni’s Warbler (recently split from Subalpine Warbler) plus four Common Sandpipers by the bridge. After breakfast we shopped in Venaco and then drove a short distance south to the Verghello Valley, where Gustav Eiffel’s dramatic railway bridge and the elegant modern road bridge span the gorge. We were able to watch a train cross the bridge and disappear into a tunnel on the south side. We encountered the renowned maquis vegetation’s delightful smells, making this the Scented Isle. Amongst the memorable plants were Prickly Juniper Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus and the smelly Helichrysum italicum from the Daisy family. We walked slowly up the road seeing Sage-leaved Cistus Cistus salvifolius, Tree Heather Erica arborea, and Cytinus hypocistus. We were able to tell the difference between Maritime Pine with its reddish panels and Corsican Pine with its small fir cones. There were not many butterflies, which became a trend mainly due to the cool weather, however we did find a male Corsican Wall Brown amongst the vegetation. We continued our drive up the road stopping near running water where Royal Fern was aplenty, and there were more orchids including Tongue Orchid Searapias cordigera. At the top of the road by the helicopter landing site we had lunch where the cyclamens were in full bloom alongside the track in the wood. More orchids were there as well including Dense-flowered Orchid. We also saw our only Golden Eagles as they flew above the valley. Our next stop was the Col de Vizzavona where beech forest made way for pine with several trees lying on the ground. Here we saw our first treecreeper of the variety found in UK; Eurasian Treecreeper. The cloud kept

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May 16

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Corsica – The Scented Isle

Tour Report

parting to offer views of Monte D’Oro at 2,389 metres. The cafe at Refuge de la Gare de Vizzavona was our final new stop of the day where we warmed by the fire with a drink. This is where the GR20 Trail takes a welcome break for mountaineers. This is the highest station of the railway line that connects Bastia with Ajacio. Our final stop was back at the bridge then we took the old road with lots of Eurasian Crag and Common House Martins flying around.

Day 3

Tuesday 10th May

It was a reasonable morning as we headed to Corte, stopping at the old bridge for views of the citadel painted by Edward Lear. These were so different from the views we had had during our walk. We had a stop by a hotel to look for breeding birds but none were seen, however our next stop made up for this as we had great views of the endemic Corsican Nuthatch at a nest site. There was also another Eurasian Treecreeper close by. After everyone had enjoyed good views, we headed to the top of the Restonica Valley. We drove up the valley to the end of the road and to a car park by a cafe. We had a walk and there was still some snow on the sides of the valley and the path crossed quite a few streams. Where the snow had retreated there were masses of Corsican Crocus Crocus corsicus in bloom. We walked upwards in the sunshine by low-growing Corsican Alder Alnus alnobetula subsp. suaveolens that dominates the landscape. There were plenty of Pulsatilla Alpina cyrnea to admire as well. We stopped for lunch near some buildings just short of the crocuses. Afterwards roughly half the party decided that the start of the endemic crocus fields was far enough before turning back. The other half negotiated the chains and ladders to reach the Lac de Melu at 1,711 metres. At the top the Alpine Chough fed from the hand and Water Pipit was easily seen. Meanwhile the others were enjoying a well deserved coffee and cake at the cafe when a Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture) drifted over them.

Day 4

Wednesday 11th May

After breakfast we stopped at the Ponte Nocetta where, on our morning walk, we all saw Dipper plus Moltoni’s Warbler. We then set off to the coast. At a shop at Aleria, European Honey Buzzards soared on thermals above us. We stopped for coffee on the beach where Scopoli’s Shearwater and Common Tern passed by and in the fields Corn Bunting was singing. We were soon on our way to Etang d’Ubino and made a quick stop above the lake from where we could see Greater Flamingo and egrets. It was then down to the lake for lunch. There were plenty of flowers growing in the fenced off areas, some of which were covered in small metallic beetles Chrysolina geminata. It was then back to the stop overlooking part of the etang for a walk down to the marsh area. Here were two Eurasian Stone-curlews which showed well in the telescope from the top. We walked down onto the marsh and were treated to flypasts by Purple and Squacco Herons. In the flora we saw the endemic Blue-tailed (Island) Damselfly. Our final stop in the late afternoon was the Roman ruins at Aleria where tickets were bought in the old Genoese fort. The fort was built to protect the port but now-a-days it holds a museum full of pottery dating back to a few hundred years BC. The ruins had been excavated and were laid out with the town square , shops and temples

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May 16

Corsica – The Scented Isle

Tour Report

dominating one area and the baths another. The weather, which had behaved all day, produced a few spots of rain.

Day 5

Thursday 12th May

Our transfer day started with a visit to Corte and a walk up to the viewpoint by the citadel. There was then time to explore the town starting by the statue of General Gaffori, a leader of the militia. Bullet holes still pepper the houses down to the main square where there is a statue of Pascal Paoli, the Corsican General of the nation before he fled to England in 1769 following defeat by the French. Our next stop in the wind was near the turn off at Francardo. Once again the maquis dominated the landscape and a Scarce Swallowtail butterfly flew past the avid birdwatchers. We had lunch by the entrance to the Scala di Santa Regina with some shelter from the strong wind. A Bonelli’s Eagle flew above us. Next we stopped in the gorge where the Helicodiceros muscivorus was out in bloom; an event that happens only once in about 5 years. We continued out of the gorge and stopped for coffee in the sun in the village of Calacuccia where a Eurasian Wryneck called. We dragged ourselves away from the sheltered spot and drove up the valley to the Col de Vergio which, at 1,477 metres, is the highest pass in Corsica. Here we were blown away in the strong winds with the temperature in single figures. A short walk to a slightly sheltered spot along the GR20 trail allowed some of us to see a lone Corsican Finch and a lot of the Pine Processionary Moths on the ground starting to pupate. We did not stay long before we headed for the Hotel Aitone in Evisa at 850 metres. That night we dined on wild boar casserole.

Day 6

Friday 13th May

The day started with a stroll down through Evisa to the start of the old mule trail that led down into the depths of the Spelunca Gorge. The sky was overcast as we headed down the steep, zig-zag path. Things started well as we found our first Snowflake Lecojum lonifolium at the top. We also had good views of Corsican Crossbill in the pine trees at the top. After finding our first Snowflake, finding others became easier, especially as so many were mixed with the Three-cornered Leek Allium triquetrum. At an impromptu camp site for walkers a pair of Common Firecrest came to visit us with their bright white stripe above the eye easily seen. There was also a lot of Corsican Saxifrage Saxifraga corsica. There were spectacular views from various places of the massive steep red crags of the gorge. We stopped at the bottom of the path for lunch at the old Genoese Zaglia Bridge built in 1797. The walk then followed the river to the road bridge where the sun was shining. Whilst relaxing at the bridge a small herd of goats trotted across it. Some of us took a lift to the cafe at Ota whilst others continued along the Tra Mare e Monti Nord Trail to the next old Genose bridge and then up the embankment to the road to Ota, where we were picked up by the minibus for a well deserved drink in the cafe overlooking the valley. The minibus did two trips back to the hotel, stopping en route to show where the trail descended a steep mountain side covered in trees of Holm Oak Quercus ilex, Strawberry Tree Arbutus unedo and pines.

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May 16

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Corsica – The Scented Isle

Day 7

Tour Report

Saturday 14th May

Our early morning walk produced a very noisy Eurasian Hoopoe. After breakfast, we drove up to the Col de Vergio where we had excellent views of Corsican Finch. It was not as cold as the transfer day. Our next stop was by a large expanse of granite tops in the Forêt d’Aitone dominated by Corsican Pine Pinus nigra subsp. laricio. Our first walk was along the Sittelle Trail to an area of Corsican Mint Mentha requinii and walking amongst it, the smell was fantastic. Back at the slabs we found some Bedriaga’s Rock Lizards to add to our list of Tyrrhenian and Italian Wall Lizards which were more common. It had rained heavily that night and the rocks were covered in pools of water. We looked for Corsican Nuthatch but no birds were seen although they were heard calling. Also there were some promising nest holes but none appeared. We then drove to Col de Sevi for lunch and a walk up the road built to access transmitter towers. After lunch just south of the col, the only Marmora’s Warbler of the trip was seen as the cloud started to build up above us. We then headed down to the coast to the mouth of the Liamone River south of Sagone. We parked by the new bridge where a Red-backed Shrike was well seen. There were a few waders at the entrance to the river but the strong surf was crashing over the beach. Besides the Yellow Flag Iris Iris pseudacorusthere were a few Jersey Orchids Anacamptis laxiflora. We stopped south of the bridge as well before heading to the cafe where a refreshing drink in the sun was enjoyed before a short walk along the windy dunes. In the dunes there was a range of Sea Stocks including Three-horned Stock Matthiola tricuspidata as well as Yellow Horned Poppy Glaucium flavum. Our final stop was at the local rubbish dump. All good bird tours have at least one not so salubrious site to visit. The skies above were dominated by Northern Ravens with some Red Kites as some drops of rain fell. As we drove back, our earlier lunch stop was covered in thick cloud with visibility down to metres.

Day8

Sunday 15th May

An early start of 5.30am hours for breakfast was required for our drive back to Bastia Airport. As we drove east we could see the sun come up and en route added more birds to our list. We stopped by a model village for a leg stretch as we drove down the Golo Valley. We arrived at the airport in good time to allow us to have a drink. We left three of our party behind as they had later flights and the rest of us flew back to the UK where another Naturetrek adventure came to an end. Our week was over and we had enjoyed some dramatic scenery plus interesting birds, a few butterflies and of course the aromatic plants of the maquis making Corsica a Scented Isle

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Corsica – The Scented Isle

Tour Report

Species Lists Plants (• = endemic to Corsica or nearby region, ‡ = cultivated or naturalised) Scientific name

Common name

LYCOPODIOPSIDA

CLUBMOSSES

Selaginellaceae Selaginella denticulata

Lesser Clubmoss Family Toothed Clubmoss

EQUISETOPSIDA

HORSETAILS

Equisetaceae Equisetum arvense Equisetum ramosissimum Equisetum telmateia

Horsetail Family Field Horsetail Branched Horsetail Giant Horsetail

PTEROPSIDA

FERNS

Aspleniaceae Asplenium ceterach Asplenium obovatum Asplenium onopteris Asplenium ruta-muraria Asplenium septentrionale Asplenium trichomanes

Spleenwort Family Rustyback Lanceolate Spleenwort Sharp-leaved Spleenwort Wall-rue Forked Spleenwort Maidenhair Spleenwort

Rocks Shaded rocks. Spelunca Walls Foret d'Aitone, Restonica Shaded mountain rocks Shaded rocks

Blechnaceae Blechnum spicant

Hard-fern Family Hard-fern

Foret d'Aitone

Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium aquilinum

Bracken Family Bracken

Common

Dryopteridaceae Dryopteris cambrensis Dryopteris dilatata Dryopteris expansa Dryopteris oreades Polystichum setiferum

Buckler-fern Family Narrow Male-fern Broad Buckler-fern Northern Buckler-fern Mountain Male-fern Soft Shield-fern

Common Forests Mountain rocks and scrub Common Foret d'Aitone

Osmundaceae Osmunda regalis

Royal Fern Family Royal Fern

Common by rivers

Polypodiaceae Polypodium cambricum Polypodium vulgare

Polypody Family Southern Polypody Common Polypody

Occasional on rocks Occasional on rocks

Pteridaceae Adiantum capillus-veneris Anogramma leptophylla Cryptogramma crispa

Maidenhair Fern Family Maidenhair Fern Jersey Fern Parsley Fern

Wet rocks. Spelunca Damp places. Spelunca Mountain rocks. Restonica

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May 16

Notes

Damp earth. Common

Occasional in pasture Hedges Occasional in ditches

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Tour Report

Scientific name

Common name

Notes

Woodsiaceae Athyrium distentifolium Athyrium felix-femina Cystopteris fragilis

Lady-fern Family Alpine Lady-fern Lady-fern Brittle Bladder-fern

Above Lac de Melo Foret d'Aitone Shaded rocks

PINOPSIDA

CONIFERS

Cupressaceae Cupressus sempervirens ‡ Juniperus communis subsp. alpina Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus

Cypress Family Italian Cypress Juniper Prickly Juniper

Cultivated Common in mountains Common in maquis

Pinaceae Abies alba Larix decidua ‡ Pinus halepensis ‡ Pinus nigra subsp. laricio • Pinus pinaster Pinus pinea ‡ Pseudotsuga menziesii ‡

Pine Family European Silver-fir Larch Aleppo Pine Corsican Pine Maritime Pine Umbrella Pine Douglas Fir

Foret d'Aitone, Vizzavona Occasional. Foret d'Aitone Planted Forests Common in lower forests Planted near coasts Planted. Foret d'Aitone

GNETOPSIDA

GNETOPHYTES

MAGNOLIOPSIDA

FLOWERING PLANTS

MAGNOLIIIDAE

DICOTYLEDONS

Aceraceae Acer monspessulanum Acer pseudoplatanus

Maple Family Montpelier Maple Sycamore

Spelunca Restonica

Aizoaceae Carpobrotus acinaciformis ‡ Carpobrotus edulis ‡

Dewplant Family Red Hottentot-fig Yellow Hottentot-fig

Coastal alien Coastal alien

Anacardiaceae Pistacia lenticus

Sumach Family Mastic Tree

Common in maquis

Apiaceae Bunium alpinum subsp. corydalinum • Bupleurum fruticosum Bupleurum stellatum Chaerophyllum temulum Conopodium majus Crithmum maritimum Daucus carota Eryngium campestre Eryngium maritimum Ferula communis Foeniculum vulgare subsp. vulgare Imperatoria ostruthium Mutellina corsica var. corsica • Oenanthe crocata

Carrot Family A Pignut Shrubby Hare's-ear Starry Hare's-ear Rough Chervil Pignut Rock Samphire Wild Carrot Field Eryngo Sea Holly Giant Fennel Fennel Masterwort A Lovage Hemlock Water-dropwort

Mountain pasture Rocky places in maquis Rocks. Restonica Roadsides Frequent Coastal rocks Common Frequent Coast Frequent Common Mountain streamsides Restonica Occasional. Riversides

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Corsica – The Scented Isle

Tour Report

Scientific name

Common name

Notes

Oenanthe fistulosa Oenanthe pimpinelloides Peucedanum paniculatum • Pseudorlaya pumila Sanicula europaea Scandix pecten-veneris Smyrnium olusatrum Tordylium apulum Torilis arvensis Torilis nodosa

Tubular Water-dropwort Corky-fruited Water-dropwort Panicled Hog's Fennel Dune Carrot Sanicle Shepherd's-needle Alexanders Tordylium Spreading Hedge-parsley Knotted Hedge-parsley

Watermeadows. Liamone Damp pasture Maquis and forests Coastal sands Occasional in forests Dry rocky places Weedy places Occasional Weedy places Dry sandy places

Apocynaceae Nerium oleander Vinca difformis

Oleander Family Oleander Intermediate Periwinkle

By streams in maquis Evisa

Aquifoliaceae Ilex aquifolium

Holly Family Holly

Common in forests

Araliaceae Hedera helix

Ivy Family Ivy

Common

Aristolochiaceae Aristolochia tyrrhena •

Birthwort Family Tyrrhenian Birthwort

Spelunca

Asclepiadaceae Vincetoxicum hirundinaria

Milkweed Family Swallow-wort

Restonica. Verghello

Asteraceae Achillea ligustica Adenostyles briquetii • Anthemis arvensis Anthemis maritimus Aster tripolium Bellis perennis Bellis sylvestris Bellium bellidioides • Calendula arvensis Carduus pycnocephalus Carduus tenuiflorus Carlina corymbosa Carlina macrocephala subsp. macrocephala • Centaurea sphaerocephala Chondrilla juncea Cichorium intybus Cirsium vulgare Crupina crupinastrum Dittrichia viscosa Doronicum corsicum • Eupatorium cannabinum subsp. corsicum • Filago gallica Filago minima Filago pygmaea

Daisy Family Southern Yarrow Briquet's Adenostyles Corn Chamomile Sea Chamomile Sea Aster Daisy Southern Daisy False Daisy Field Marigold Plymouth Thistle Slender Thistle A Carline Thistle

Common Restonica Ruderal Sand dunes. East coast Saltmarsh. East coast Occasional Frequent Common Frequent Common. Waste ground Coast Common to 1000 metres

Large-headed Carline Thistle

Occasional above1000 metres

A Knapweed Rush Skeletonweed Chicory Spear Thistle Crupina Stink Aster Corsican Leopard's-bane A Hemp-agrimony Narrow-leaved Cudweed Small Cudweed Pygmy Cudweed

Sand dunes. East coast Waste places Roadsides Grassy and waste places Weedy places Roadsides . Common Wet rocks Wet forests Dry places Rocky places Dry places

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Tour Report

Scientific name

Common name

Notes

Galactites tomentosa Geropogon glaber ‡ Glebionis coronaria var. coronaria Glebionis coronaria var. discolor Glebionis segetum Gnaphalium supinum Helichrysum frigidum • Helichrysum italicumsubsp. Italicum Hyoseris radiata Hypochaeris achyrophorus Hypochaeris glabra Hypochaeris radicata Inula crithmoides Lapsana communis Mycelis muralis Pallenis spinosa Phagnalon saxatile Pilosella lactucella Pilosella officinarum Ptilostemon casabonae • Pulicaria dysenterica Pulicaria odora Rhagadiolus edulis Robertia taraxacoides • Santolina corsica • Scolymus hispanicus Senecio lividus Senecio transiens • Senecio vulgaris Silybum marianum Solidago virgaurea Sonchus asper Sonchus oleraceus Taraxacum sp. Tragopogon porrifolius Urospermum dalechampii Urospermum picroides Xanthium italicum ‡

Galactites Slender Salsify Crown Daisy Crown Daisy Corn Marigold Dwarf Cudweed An Everlastingflower A Curry Plant Hyoseris Mediterranean Cat's-ear Smooth Cat's-ear Common Cat's-ear Golden Samphire Nipplewort Wall Lettuce Spiny Golden-star A Shrubby Cudweed

A Sea Groundsel Grounsel Milk Thistle Goldenrod Prickly Sow-thistle Smooth Sow-thistle A Dandelion Salsify Urospermum Prickly Golden-fleece A Cocklebur

Waste places Rare ruderal Waste places Waste places Liamone beach Lac de Melo Mountain rocks Rocky places Ruderal Frequent Frequent Sand dunes Etang d'Urbino Waste places Walls Frequent Rocks at low altitude Common Frequent Verghello. Restonica Damp places. Roadsides Common in maquis Common Widespread Local in maquis, on schist Roadsides Ruderal Sand dunes. Liamone Waste places Waste places and fields Mountains Waste places Waste places Occasional Frequent Locally common Weedy places Coasts. Alien

Berberidaceae Berberis aetnensis •

Barberry Family Etna Barberry

Mountains

Betulaceae Alnus alnobetula subsp. suaveolens • Alnus cordata • Alnus glutinosa Betula pendula

Birch Family Corsican Alder Italian Alder Common Alder Silver Birch

Restonica Occasional Common by rivers Forests to treeline

Boraginaceae Anchusa italica Borago officinalis Cynoglossum creticum Echium italicum

Borage Family Large Blue Alkanet Borage Blue Hound's-tongue Italian Viper's-bugloss

Occasional Common Frequent Roadsides

Mouse-ear Hawkweed A Ptilostemon Common Fleabane Mediterranean Fleabane A Star Hawkbit Corsican Lavender-cotton Spanish Oyster Plant

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Corsica – The Scented Isle

Tour Report

Scientific name

Common name

Notes

Echium plantagineum Myosotis discolor Myosotis ramosissima

Purple Viper’s-bugloss Changing Forget-me-not Early Forget-me-not

Common Damp places Frequent

Brassicaceae Alliaria petiolata Arabidopsis thaliana Arabis alpina subsp. alpina Arabis hirsuta Arabis verna Barbarea rupicola • Cakile maritima Capsella bursa-pastoris Cardamine flexuosa Cardamine hirsuta Cardamine resedifolia Coincya monensis subsp. cheiranthos Draba muralis Erophila verna Isatis tinctoria Lepidium graminifolium Lepidium hirtum subsp. oxyotum Lobularia maritima Lunaria annua ‡ Matthiola tricuspidata Nasturtium officinale Sinapis alba Sinapis arvensis Sisymbrium officinale

Cabbage Family Garlic Mustard Thale Cress Alpine Rock-cress Hairy Rock-cress Spring Rock-cress Rock Winter-cress Sea Rocket Shepherd's-purse Wavy Bitter-cress Hairy Bitter-cress Mignonette-leaved Bitter-cress Wall Whitlowgrass Common Whitlowgrass Woad Tall Pepperwort A Pepperwort Sweet Alison Honesty Three-horned Stock Water-cress White Mustard Charlock Hedge Mustard

Ruderal Frequent Restonica Rocky places Frequent Damp rocks Coasts Widespread Frequent Widespread Mountain rocks Mountain rocks Rocks Rocks Roadsides Ruderal Mountains Coastal sands Near habitation Coastal Wet ditches Waste places Waste places Waste places

Buddlejaceae Buddleja davidii ‡

Butterfly-bush Family Butterfly-bush

Near habitation

Buxaceae Buxus sempervirens

Box Family Box

Spelunca

Cactaceae Opuntia ficus-indica ‡

Cactus Family Prickly Pear

Widely planted

Campanulaceae Campanula erinus Campanula rapunculus Jasione montana Phyteuma serratum •

Bellfower Family Annual bellflower Rampion Bellflower Sheep's-bit Toothed Rampion

Rocks and walls Frequent Mountain rocks Mountain rocks. Restonica

Cannabaceae Humulus lupulus

Hop Family Hop

Rare

Caprifoliaceae Lonicera etrusca Sambucus ebulus Sambucus nigra Viburnum tinus

Honeysuckle Family Etruscan Honeysuckle Danewort Elderberry Laurustinus

Occasional Foret d'Aitone. Vizzavona Occasional Shaded maquis

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Tour Report

Scientific name

Common name

Caryophyllaceae Arenaria balearica • Arenaria serpyllifolia Cerastium boissierianum Cerastium fontanum Cerastium glomeratum Corrigiopla telephiifolia Dianthus sylvestris subsp. longicaulis • Minuartia verna Moehringia trinervia Moenchia erecta Paronychia argentea Paronychia polygonifolia Petrorhagia prolifera Petrorhagia velutina Polycarpon tetraphyllum subsp. diphyllum Sagina pilifera • Sagina procumbens Saponaria ocymoides subsp. alsinoides • Saponaria officinalis Scleranthus annuus Silene gallica Silene latifolia Silene sericea • Silene vulgaris Spergularia salina Spergularia rubra Stellaria media Stellaria nemoreum Stellaria neglecta

Pink Family Balearic Sandwort Thyme-leaved Sandwort A Mouse-ear Mouse-ear Chickweed Sticky Mouse-ear A Strapwort A Wood Pink Vernal Sandwort Three-nerved Sandwort Upright Chickweed Silvery Paronychia A Paronychia Proliferous Pink Kohlrauschia Four-leaved Allseed A Pearlwort Procumbent Pearlwort A Soapwort Soapwort Annual Knawel Small-flowered Catchfly White Campion Bladder Campion Lesser Sea Spurrey Sand Spurrey Common Chickweed Wood Stitchwort Greater Stitchwort

Shaded rocks Rocky places Mountains Frequent Waste places Sand dunes. Liamone Rocks and cliffs Mountains Frequent Frequent Sandy coasts Mountains Rocky places Rocky places Ruderal Mountains. Common Common Col de Vergio. Verghello Occasional. Roadsides Rocky places Common Occasional Sand dunes. Liamone Frequent Coastal Rocky places Waste places Shaded habitats Frequent

Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium album Chenopodium bonus-henricus Halimione portulacoides Salsola kali Sarcocornia fruticosa

Goosefoot Family Fat-hen Good-King-Henry Sea Purslane Prickly Saltwort A Perennial Glasswort

Occasional weed Animal pens Beaches Sandy beaches Salt marsh. Etang d'Urbino

Cistaceae Cistus creticus Cistus monspeliensis Cistus salvifolius Halimium halimifolium Tuberaria guttata

Rockrose Family Cretan Cistus Narrow-leaved Cistus Sage-leaved Cistus A Halimium Spotted Rockrose

Common in maquis Common in maquis Common in maquis East coast Occasional. Open places

Convolvulaceae Calystegia sepium Calystegia soldanella Convolvulus altheoides Convolvulus arvensis Cuscuta epithymum subsp. corsicana •

Bindweed Family Hedge Bindweed Sea Bindweed Mallow-leaved Bindweed Field Bindweed A Dodder

Occasional weed Liamone dunes Frequent Occasional weed Frequent

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Notes

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May 16

Corsica – The Scented Isle

Tour Report

Scientific name

Common name

Crassulaceae Crassula tillaea Sedum album Sedum brevifolium Sedum caeruleum • Sedum cepaea Sedum dasyphyllum Sedum rubens Sedum rupestre Sedum stellatum Umbilicus rupestris

Stonecrop family Mossy Stonecrop White Stonecrop Short-leaved Stonecrop Blue Stonecrop Thick-leaved Stonecrop Red Stonecrop Large Rock Stonecrop Starry Stonecrop Wall Pennywort

Seasonally wet rocks Rocks. Frequent Rocks. Common Spelunca Frequent Rocks and walls Rocks. Common Rocks. Occasional Occasional Rocks. Common

Cucurbitaceae Ecballium elaterium

Cucumber Family Squirting Cucumber

Waste places

Cytinaceae Cytinus hypocistis subsp. hypocistis

Cytinus Family Cytinus

Parastic on white Cistus

Dipsacaceae Dipsacus fullonum Knautia integrifolia

Teasel Family Teasel Entire-leaved Scabious

Occasional. Roadsides Waste places

Ericaceae Arbutus unedo Erica arborea Vaccinium myrtillus

Heather Family Strawberry Tree Tree Heather Bilberry

Maquis Maquis Restonica

Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia amygdaloides subsp. semiperfoliata • Euphorbia characias subsp. characias Euphorbia helioscopia Euphorbia hirsuta Euphorbia hyberna subsp. insularis • Euphorbia lathyris Mercurialis annua

Spurge Family

Fabaceae Anthyllis hermanniae Anthyllis vulneraria subsp. rubriflora Bituminaria bituminosa Calycotome infesta Calycotome villosa Ceratonia siliqua Cercis siliquastrum ‡ Cytisus villosus Dorycnium hirsutum Genista corsica • Genista monspessulana Genista salzmannii var. lobelioides • Genista salzmannii var. salzmannii • Laburnum anagyroides ‡ Lathyrus aphaca

Pea Family Herman's Kidney Vetch Mediterranean Kidney Vetch Pitch Trefoil Thorny Broom Hairy Thorny Broom Carob Judas Tree Hairy Broom Dorycnium Corsican Broom Montpellier Broom

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Notes

A Wood Spurge

Frequent. Forests

Large Mediterranean Spurge Sun Spurge Hairy Spurge An Irish Spurge Caper Spurge Annual Mercury

Widespread Waste ground Damp places. Liamone Aitone Forest Evisa Common

Laburnum Yellow Vetchling

Common Occasional Common Maquis Maquis Occasional Frequent Occasional Locally common Maquis Maquis Mountains Lower altitudes than var. lobelioides Vizzavona Occasional

11

Corsica – The Scented Isle

Tour Report

Scientific name

Common name

Notes

Lathyrus clymenum Lathyrus cicera Lathyrus hirsutus Lathyrus latifolius Lathyrus setifolius Lathyrus sphaericus Lathyrus venetus Lotus conimbricensis Lotus corniculatus Lotus cytisoides Lotus edulis Lupinus angustifolius Medicago arabica Medicago lupulina Medicago marina Medicago orbicularis Medicago polymorpha Medicago sativa ‡ Melilotus albus ‡ Melilotus indicus Onobrychis viciifolia ‡ Ononis variegata Ornithopus compressus Ornithopus perpusillus Ornithopus pinnatus Robinia pseudoacacia ‡ Scopiurus muricatus Spartium junceum Trifolium angustifolium Trifolium arvense Trifolium campestre Trifolium fragiferum Trifolium incarnatum ‡ Trifolium pratense Trifolium repens Trifolium resupinatum Trifolium scabrum Trifolium stellatum Trifolium subterraneum Trifolium tomentosum Vicia benghalensis Vicia bithynica Vicia cracca subsp. tenuifolia Vicia hirsuta Vicia lathyroides Vicia lutea Vicia sativa subsp. nigra Vicia sativa subsp. sativa

Crimson Pea Red Vetchling Hairy Vetchling Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea Red Pea Round Pea

Bird's-foot Trefoil Grey Bird's-foot Trefoil Edible Lotus Narrow-leaved Lupin Spotted Medick Black Medick Sea Medick Large Disc-medick Toothed Medick Lucerne White Melilot Small Melilot Sainfoin Spiny Restharrow Compressed Bird's-foot Common Bird's-foot Orange Bird's-foot False-acacia Scorpion-vetch Spanish Broom Narrow-leaved Crimson Clover Hare's-foot Clover Hop Trefoil Strawberry Clover Crimson Clover Red Clover White Clover Reversed Clover Rough Clover Star Clover Burrowing Clover Wooly Trefoil Bengal Vetch Bithynican Vetch A Tufted Vetch Hairy Tare Spring Vetch Yellow Vetchling Narrow-leaved Common Vetch Common Vetch

Waste places Frequent Brackish reedbeds Open forest Frequent Widespread Forests Open places Frequent Coastal rocks Common Occasional Common Frequent Sand dunes Occasional Waste places Open places. Liamone Ruderal Occasional Waste places Maquis Dry places Rocky places Rocky places Cultivated Frequent Roadsides Open places Occasional Occasional Widespread Field crop Common Common Waste places Common. Tracksides Common Open places Occasional Widespread Frequent Common Waste places Widespread Frequent Frequent Common

Fagaceae Castanaea sativa ‡ Fagus sylvatica Quercus coccifera

Oak Family Sweet Chestnut Beech Kermes Oak

Widely planted Forests to tree-line Maquis

12

© Naturetrek

May 16

Corsica – The Scented Isle

Tour Report

Scientific name

Common name

Notes

Quercus ilex Quercus pubescens Quercus suber

Holm Oak Downy Oak Cork Oak

Maquis Venaco Lowland maquis

Fumariaceae Fumaria capreolata Fumaria officinalis

Fumitory Family White Ramping Fumitory Common Fumitory

Common Verges

Gentianaceae Blackstonia perfoliata Centaurium erythraea Centaurium tenuiflorum subsp. acutiflorum Gentiana asclepiadea

Gentian Family Yellow-wort Common Centaury Slender Centaury Willow-leaved Gentian

Frequent Dry places Coastal Foret d'Aitone. Restonica

Geraniaceae Erodium cicutarium Erodium botrys Erodium malacoides Erodium moschatum Geranium columbinum Geranium dissectum Geranium lucidum Geranium molle Geranium pyrenaicum Geranium robertianum Geranium rotundifolium

Crane's-bill Family Common Stork’s-bill Mediterranean Stork's-bill Mallow-leaved Stork's-bill Musk Stork’s-bill Long-stalked Crane's-bill Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill Shining Crane's-bill Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill Hedgerow Crane's-bill Herb Robert Round-leaved Crane's-bill

Coast and waste places Weedy places Open places Open places Verges. Waste places Waste places Spelunca Frequent Frequent Widespread Frequent

Hypericaceae Hypericum australe Hypericum hircinum Hypericum montanum Hypericum perfoliatum Hypericum perforatum Hypericum tetrapterum

St John's-wort Family Southern St John's-wort Stinking Tutsan Pale St John's-wort Perfoliate St John's-wort Perforate St John's-wort Square-stalked St John's-wort

Frequent. Maquis Streamsides, damp rocks Forests Frequent Wet places Damp places

Juglandaceae Juglans regia‡

Walnut Family Walnut

Occasional

Lamiaceae Ballota nigra Clinopodium calamintha Clinopodium vulgare Lamium amplexicaule Lamium purpureum Lavandula stoechas Marrubium vulgare Mentha aquatica Mentha requienii • Mentha suaveolens subsp. insularis • Micromeria filiformis Prunella vulgaris Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia verbenaca

Dead-nettle Family Black Horehound Lesser Calamint Wild Basil Henbit Dead-nettle Red Dead-nettle French Lavender White Horehound Water Mint Corsican Mint A Round-leaved Mint Thread-leaved Micromeria Self-heal Rosemary Wild Clary

Roadsides Waste places. Widespread Common Ruderal Ruderal Rocky places in maquis Roadsides. Ruderal Wet places Foret d'Aitone Wet places Santa Regina Gorge Frequent Hot rocky places Frequent

© Naturetrek

May 16

13

Corsica – The Scented Isle

Tour Report

Scientific name

Common name

Notes

Stachys corsica • Stachys glutinosa • Teucrium marum • Teucrium scorodonia Thymus herba-barona •

Corsican Woundwort Sticky Woundwort A Germander Wood Sage A Thyme

Frequent Rocky places Rocky places Common in forests Common in mountains

Lentibulariaceae Pinguicula corsica •

Butterwort Family Corsican Butterwort

Wet places. Restonica

Linaceae Linum bienne

Flax Family Pale Flax

Locally common

Loranthaceae Viscum album subsp. austriacum

Mistletoe Family Mistletoe

Common on Pine and Fir

Malvaceae Lavatera arborea Lavatera cretica Malva neglecta Malva parviflora Malva sylvestris

Mallow Family Tree Mallow Small Tree Mallow Dwarf Mallow Least Mallow Common Mallow

Near coast Occasional Animal pens. Ruderal Occasional Roadsides

Moraceae Ficus carica Morus alba ‡

Fig Family Fig White Mulberry

Frequent in maquis Cultivated

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus camaldulensis ‡ Eucayptus globulus Myrtus communis

Myrtle Family River Red Gum Southern Blue-gum Common Myrtle

Cultivated Cutivated Frequent in maquis

Oleaceae Fraxinus ornus Olea europaea subsp. oleaster Phillyrea angustifolia Phillyrea latifolia

Olive Family Manna Ash Wild Olive Narrow-leaved Mock Privet Mock Privet

Common in maquis Maquis Common in maquis Frequent in maquis

Onagraceae Epilobium anagallidifolium Epilobium hirsutum Epilobium montanum Epilobium parviflorum

Willowherb Family Alpine Willowherb Great Willowherb Broad-leaved Willowherb Hoary Willowherb

Damp mountain rocks Damp places Frequent Streamsides

Orobanchaceae Orobanche minor

Broomrape Family Common Broomrape

Frequent

Oxalidaceae Oxalis articulata ‡ Oxalis corniculata Oxalis pes-caprae ‡

Wood-sorrel Family Pink Oxalis Procumbent Yellow Sorrel Bermuda Buttercup

Garden escape Ruderal Alien weed

Papaveraceae Glaucium flavum

Poppy Family Yellow Horned-poppy

Sand dunes

14

© Naturetrek

May 16

Corsica – The Scented Isle

Tour Report

Scientific name

Common name

Notes

Papaver dubium subsp. dubium Papaver hybridum Papaver rhoeas

Long-headed Poppy Round-headed Prickly Poppy Common Poppy

Ruderal Ruderal Common

Phytolaccaceae Phytolacca acinos ‡

Pokeweed Family Pokeweed

Waste places

Plantaginaceae Plantago afra Plantago bellardii Plantago coronopus Plantago lagopus Plantago lanceolata Plantago major Plantago sarda var. sarda •

Plantain Family Glandular Plantain Hairy Plantain Buck’s-horn Plantain Hare's-foot Plantain Ribwort Plantain Greater Plantain A Plantain

Rocky places. Common Dry rocky places Coastal Common Widespread Waste ground Mountains

Platanaceae Platanus x hispanica ‡

Plane Family London Plane

Cultivated

Plumbaginaceae Armeria leucocephala • Armeria multiceps • Limoniastrum monopetalum Limonium sp. Plumbago europaea

Thrift Family White-headed Thrift Multi-headed Thrift Limoniastrum A Sea Lavender European Plumbago

Santa Regina Gorge Mountains. Common Shore. Etangd'Urbino Edge of saline lagoon. Etang d'urbino Santa Regina Gorge

Polygalaceae Polygala nicaeensis subsp. corsica • Polygala vulgaris

Milkwort Family Corsican Milkwort Common Milkwort

Frequent Foret d'Aitone

Polygonaceae Polygonum maritimum Rumex acetosella subsp. pyrenaicus Rumex bucephalophorus Rumex conglomeratus Rumex crispus Rumex pulcher

Dock Family Sea Knotgrass A Sheep’s Sorrel Horned Dock Clustered Dock Curled Dock Fiddle Dock

Sand dunes. Liamone Common Common Damp places Liamone estuary Waste places

Portulacaceae Montia fontana Portulaca oleracea

Purslane Family Blinks Common Purslane

Ephemeral pools Occasional

Primulaceae Anagallis arvensis Asterolinon linum-stellatum Cyclamen hederifolium subsp. hederifolium Cyclamen repandum Samolus valerandi

Primrose Family Scarlet Pimpernel Asterolinon Ivy-leaved Sowbread Spring Sowbread Brookweed

Frequent Frequent Locally common Shady places. Locally common Damp rocks. Spelunca

Pyrolaceae Pyrola chlorantha

Wintergreen Family Green-flowered Wintergreen

Occasional in Pine forest

© Naturetrek

May 16

15

Corsica – The Scented Isle

Tour Report

Scientific name

Common name

Ranunculaceae Anemone hortensis subsp. hortensis Aquilegia dumeticola • Clematis flammula Clematis vitalba Ficaria verna Helleborus argutifolius • Pulsatilla alpina subsp. cyrnea • Ranunculus bulbosus Ranunculus flammula Ranunculus lanuginosus Ranunculus muricatus Ranunculus platanifolius Ranunculus repens Ranunculus sceleratus Ranunculus velutinus

Buttercup Family An Anemone A Columbine Fragrant Clematis Old Man's Beard Lesser Celandine Corsican Hellebore An Alpine Pasqueflower Bulbous Buttercup Lesser Spearwort Wooly Buttercup Rough-fruited Buttercup Maple-leaved Buttercup Creeping Buttercup Celery-leaved Buttercup

Resedaceae Reseda luteola Sesamoides clusii

Mignonette Family Weld Sesamoides

Ruderal Col de Vergio

Rhamnaceae Rhamnus alaternus

Buckthorn Family Mediterranean Buckthorn

Occasional in maquis

Rosaceae Amelanchier ovalis var. rhamnoides • Crataegus monogyna Fragaria vesca Malus sylvestris Potentilla crassinervia • Potentilla erecta Potentilla micrantha Potentilla reptans Poterium sanguisorba Prunus avium Prunus spinosa Pyrus spinosa Rosa canina Rosa sempervirens Rosa serafinii Rubus ulmifolius Sorbus aria Sorbus aucuparia subsp. praemorsa • Sorbus domestica

Rose Family A Juneberry Hawthorn Wild Strawberry Crab Apple

Rubiaceae Cruciata laevipes Galium aparine Galium mollugo Galium odoratum Galium rotundifolium Galium scabrum Rubia peregrina

Bedstraw Family Crosswort Cleavers Hedge Bedstraw Sweet Woodruff Round-leaved Bedstraw

16

Tormentil Creeping Cinqufoil Salad Burnet Wild Cherry Blackthorn Almond-leaved Pear Dog-rose Evergreen Rose A Blackberry Whitebeam Corsican Rowan Service-tree

Wild Madder

Notes

Near Corte Foret d'Aitone. Restonica Maquis. Common Common Frequent Common Restonica Meadows Foret d'Aitone Frequent Common Col Vizzavona Common Damp places Damp places

Restonica Common Frequent Occasional Rocks. Lac de Melo Mountain pasture Frequent Common. Waste places Common Occasional Frequent. Frequent. Maquis Roadsides Roadsides Foret d'Aitone Common Occasional in forests Restonica Spelunca

Frequent Occasional Occasional Spelunca Spelunca Shaded maquis Forests and maquis

© Naturetrek

May 16

Corsica – The Scented Isle

Tour Report

Scientific name

Common name

Notes

Sherardia arvensis

Field Madder

Common

Rutaceae Ruta chalepensis

Rue Family Fringed Rue

Occasional

Salicaceae Populus alba Populus nigra Populus tremula Salix alba Salix cinerea subsp. oleifolia Salix purpurea

Willow Family White Poplar Black Poplar Aspen White Willow Grey Willow Purple Willow

Frequent Frequent Occasional Common Common Occasional

Santalaceae Osyris alba

Sandalwood Family Osyris

Maquis

Saxifragaceae Saxifraga corsica • Saxifraga pedemontana subsp. cervicornis • Saxifraga rotundifolia

Saxifrage Family Corsican Saxifrage A Piedmont Saxifrage Round-leaved Saxifrage

Damp rocks. Spelunca Shaded mountain rocks Shaded damp places

Scrophulariaceae Bartsia trixago Cymbalaria aequitriloba • Digitalis purpurea subsp. gyspergerae • Linaria pelisseriana Linaria vulgaris ‡ Misopates orontium Odontites lutea Parentucellia latifolia Parentucellia viscosa Scrophularia canina Scrophularia peregrina Verbascum sinuatum Verbascum thapsus Veronica arvensis Veronica cymbalaria Veronica hederifolia Veronica officinalis Veronica persica ‡ Veronica verna

Figwort Family Bellardia Foxglove Jersey Toadflax Common Toadflax Weasel's Snout Yellow Odontites Southern Red Bartsia Yellow Bartsia French Figwort Nettle-leaved Figwort Wavy-leaved Mullein Great Mullein Wall Speedwell Pale Speedwell Ivy-leaved Speedwell Heath Speedwell Common Speedwell Spring Speedwell

Occasional Shaded rocks. Foret d'Aitone Common Dry places Corte Occasional Locally common. Maquis Common Common Rocky slopes Common Frequent Occasional Frequent Ruderal Ruderal Foret d'Aitone Occasional Common

Simaroubaceae Ailanthus altissima ‡

Tree-of-heaven Family Tree-of-heaven

Widespread

Solanaceae Atropa belladonna Hyocyamus albus Nicotiana glauca ‡ Solanum nigrum

Nightshade Family Deadly Nightshade White Henbane Shrub Tobacco Black Nightshade

Foret d'Aitone, Vizzavona Corte Roadsides. Alien Waste ground

Tamaricaceae Tamarix africana

Tamarisk Family African Tamarisk

Near coasts

© Naturetrek

May 16

17

Corsica – The Scented Isle

Tour Report

Scientific name

Common name

Notes

Thymelaeaceae Daphne gnidium

Mezereon Family Mediterranean Mezereon

Widespread in maquis

Tiliaceae Tilia cordata Tilia platyphyllos ‡

Lime Family Small-leaved Lime Broad-leaved Lime

Occasional Planted

Ulmaceae Celtis australis ‡ Ulmus minor

Elm Family European Nettle Tree Small-leaved Elm

Planted Frequent

Urticaceae Parietaria judaica Parietaria lusitanica Urtica atrovirens • Urtica dioica Urtica membranacea Urtica pilulifera Urtica urens

Nettle Family Pellitory-of-the-Wall A Pellitory-of-the-Wall A Nettle Common Nettle Membranous Nettle Roman Nettle Small Nettle

Walls and rocks Occasional. Walls and rocks Widespread Waste places Ruderal Ruderal Ruderal

Valerianaceae Centranthus calcitrapa Centranthus ruber ‡ Valeriana rotundifolia var. rotundifolia • Valerianella carinata Valerianella locusta

Valerian Family Small Red Valerian Red Valerian A Valerian A Cornsalad Common Cornsalad

Common Garden escape Restonica Tracksides Tracksides

Verbenaceae Lantana camara ‡

Vervain Family Lantana

Cultivated

Violaceae Viola arvensis Viola biflora Viola corsica • Viola kitaibeliana Viola reichenbachiana Viola riviniana

Violet Family Field Pansy Yellow Wood Violet Corsican Violet Dwarf Pansy Early Dog-violet Common Dog-violet

Occasional Shaded wet places Restonica Dry places Forests. Frequent Frequent

Vitaceae Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris

Grape-vine Family Wild Vine

Spelunca

LILIIDAE

MONOCOTYLEDONS

Amaryllidaceae Acis longifolia • Allium pendulinum Allium roseum Allium subhirsutum Allium triquetrum Allium ursinum Pancratium illyricum Pancratium maritimum

Daffodil Family Long-leaved Snowflake Italian Garlic Rosy Garlic Hairy Garlic Three-cornered Leek Ramsons Illyrian Sea Daffodil Sea Daffodil

18

Spelunca gorge Locally common Occasional Aleria Common Vizzavona Local. Shaded damp places Sand dunes. Biguglia

© Naturetrek

May 16

Corsica – The Scented Isle

Tour Report

Scientific name

Common name

Notes

Araceae Arisarum vulgare Helicodiceros muscivorus •

Lords-and-Ladies Family Friar's Cowl Dragon's Mouth

Shaded maquis Rare. Santa Regina Gorge

Asparagaceae Agave americana ‡ Asparagus acutifolius Asparagus albus Brimeura fastigiata • Leopoldia comosa Ornithogalum pyrenaicum Ornithogalum umbellatum ‡ Polygonatum odoratum Ruscus aculeatus

Asparagus Family Centuryplant Mediterranean Wild Asparagus White Asparagus Brimeura Tassel Hyacinth Spiked Star-of-Bethlehem Common Star-of-Bethlehem Angular Solomon's-seal Butcher’s-broom

Cultivated Maquis Maquis Locally common Common Occasional Near habitation Rare. Foret d'Aitone Shaded maquis

Colchicaceae Colchicum neapolitanum

Meadow Saffron Family A Meadow Saffron

Frequent

Cyperaceae Bolboschoenus maritimus Carex caryophyllea Carex distachya Carex divisa Carex divulsa Carex distans Carex echinata Carex flacca Carex leporina Carex nigra Carex pendula Carex remota Carex viridula subsp. oedocarpa Cyperus capitatus Cyperus longus Eleocharis palustris Scirpoides holoschoenus Schoenus nigricans

Sedge Family Sea Club-rush Spring Sedge Divided Sedge Grey Sedge Distant Sedge Star Sedge Glaucous Sedge Oval Sedge Common Sedge Pendulous Sedge Remote Sedge Small Yellow Sedge A Galingale Galingale Common Spike-rush Round-headed Club-rush Black Bog-rush

Saline lagoons Common Forests and maquis Damp sandy places Dry places Wetplaces Wet places Wet places Wet places. Restonica Common Foret d'Aitone Frequent Wet places. Mountains Coastal sands Liamone estuary Wet borders of lagoons Occasional. Biguglia Occasional. Wet places

Dioscoreaceae Tamus communis

Yam Family Black Bryony

Shaded maquis

Iridaceae Crocus corsicus • Gladiolus italicus Iris germanica ‡ Iris pseudacorus Romulea columnae

Iris Family Corsican Crocus Field Gladiolus Tall Bearded Iris Yellow Flag A Sand Crocus

Mountains. Locally common Occasional Occasional Liamone Occasional

Juncaceae Juncus acutus Juncus articulatus Juncus bufonius Juncus bulbosus

Rush Family Sharp Rush Jointed Rush Toad Rush Bulbous rush

Liamone, Etang d'Urbino Wet places Damp sands Wet places

© Naturetrek

May 16

19

Corsica – The Scented Isle

Tour Report

Scientific name

Common name

Notes

Juncus conglomeratus Juncus effusus Luzula campestris Luzula forsteri Luzula luzulina Luzula multiflora Luzula nivea Luzula pedemontana Luzula spicata subsp. italica

Compact Rush Soft Rush Field Wood-rush Southern Wood-rush Heath Wood-rush Snowy Wood-rush Piedmont Wood-rush Spiked Wood-rush

Common Common Common Foret d'Aitone Corsican Alder thickets Damp places Foret d'Aitone Frequent Frequent

Liliaceae Gagea soleirolii •

Lily Family A Yellow star-of-Bethlehem

Locally common. Mountains

Nartheciaceae Narthecium reverchonii •

Bog Asphodel Family Corsican Bog Asphodel

Wet rocks. Foret d'Aitone, Restonica

Orchidaceae Anacamptis laxiflora Anacamptis morio Anacamptis papilionacea subsp. papilionacea Cephalanthera longifolia Dactylorhiza insularis Dactylorhiza saccifera Limodorum abortivum Neotinea maculata Neottia ovata Ophrys incubacea Ophrys morisii • Orchis anthropophora Orchis provincialis Orchis purpurea Serapias cordigera Serapias lingua Serapias parviflora Serapias vomeracea

Orchid Family Jersey Orchid Green-winged Orchid

Watermeadows. Liamone Occasional. Maquis

Pink Butterfly-orchid

Maquis

Sword-leaved Helleborine Barton's Orchid Wedge-lipped Orchid Violet Bird's-nest Orchid Dense-flowered Orchid Twayblade An Early Spider-orchid Man Orchid Provence Orchid Lady Orchid Heart-shaped Tongue-orchid Tongue-orchid Small-flowered Tongue-orchid Long-lipped Tongue-orchid

Verghello valley Verghello valley Verghello valley Occasional. Forests Occasional. Maquis Occasional. Wet places Occasional. Maquis Local in maquis Soveria Occasional. Maquis Shaded maquis Restonica and Verghello Locally common Occasional Occasional in maquis

Poaceae Aegilops geniculata Aira caryophyllea Aira cupaniana Ammophila arenaria Anisantha diandra Anisantha sterilis Anthoxanthum odoratum Arrhenatherum elatius subsp. sardoum • Arundo donax ‡ Avena barbata Avena sterilis Briza maxima Briza minor Bromus diandrus Bromus hordeaceus

Grass Family Ovate Goat-grass Silver Hair-grass A Hair-grass Marram Great Brome Barren Brome Sweet Vernal-grass A False Oat-grass Giant Reed Bristle Oat Barren Oat Greater Quaking-grass Lesser Quaking-grass Great Brome Soft Brome

Occasional Dry places Dry places Sand dunes Dry places Ruderal Common Frequent Wet places. Lowland Ruderal Ruderal Sandy places Waste places Frequent Frequent

20

© Naturetrek

May 16

Corsica – The Scented Isle

Tour Report

Scientific name

Common name

Notes

Bromus madritensis Bromus sterilis Calamagrostis varia subsp. corsica • Catapodium marinum Catapodium rigidum Cynosurus echinatus Elytrigia juncea Holcus lanatus Hordeum murinum Lagurus ovatus Lamarckia aurea Melica ciliata Nardus stricta Phragmites australis Poa alpina Poa annua Poa bulbosa Poa trivialis Vulpia ciliata Vulpia myuros

Mediterranean Brome Barren Brome A Small-reed Sea Fern-grass Fern-grass Rough Dog's-tail Sand Couch Yorkshire-fog Wall Barley Hare’s-tail Grass Golden Dog's-tail Hairy Melick Mat-grass Common Reed Alpine Meadow-grass Annual Meadow-grass Bulbous Meadow-grass Rough Meadow-grass Bearded Fescue Rat's-tail Fescue

Common Frequent Streamsides Sand dunes Common Mountains Sand dunes Wet pasture Dry places Dry places Dry places Rocky places Mountain grassland Wet areas Mountains Pathways Common Occasional Common Common

Posidoniaceae Posidonia oceanica

Neptune Grass Family Neptune Grass

Sub-marine

Smilacaceae Smilax aspera

Smilax Family Common Smilax

Common in maquis

Typhaceae Typha latifolia

Bulrush Family Great Reedmace

Liamone estuary, Etang d'Urbino

Xanthorrhoeaceae Asphodelus ramosus

Asphodel Family Branched Asphodel

Common

Zosteraceae Zostera marina

Eelgrass Family Eelgrass

Sub-marine

Birds (=recorded but not counted; h = heard only, • = endemic, ‡ = introduced) Common name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Red-legged Partridge Common Shelduck Mallard Scopoli's Shearwater Little Grebe Great Crested Grebe Greater Flamingo Squacco Heron Grey Heron Purple Heron Great Egret Little Egret Great Cormorant

© Naturetrek

May 16

Scientific name Alectoris rufa Tadorna tadorna Anas platyrhynchos Calonectris diomedea Tachybaptus ruficollis Podiceps cristatus Phoenicopterus roseus Ardeola ralloides Ardea cinerea Ardea purpurea Ardea alba Egretta garzetta Phalacrocorax carbo

8

9

10

May 11 12

13

14

15

2 4 2 3 2 2

1

10 2 1 2 1 4 15 12

1

1

21

Corsica – The Scented Isle

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64

22

Common name European Honey Buzzard Red Kite Bearded Vulture Western Marsh Harrier Eurasian Sparrowhawk Common Buzzard Golden Eagle Bonelli's Eagle Common Kestrel Peregrine Falcon Common Moorhen Eurasian Coot Eurasian Stone-curlew Common Ringed Plover Common Sandpiper Audouin's Gull Yellow-legged Gull Common Tern Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Common Wood Pigeon Eurasian Collared Dove Common Cuckoo Eurasian Scops Owl European Nightjar Common Swift European Bee-eater European Roller Eurasian Hoopoe Eurasian Wryneck Great Spotted Woodpecker Red-backed Shrike Woodchat Shrike Eurasian Golden Oriole Eurasian Jay Alpine Chough Hooded Crow Northern Raven Coal Tit Great Tit Eurasian Blue Tit Barn Swallow Eurasian Crag Martin Common House Martin Cetti's Warbler Long-tailed Tit Zitting Cisticola Eurasian Blackcap Garden Warbler Common Whitethroat Marmora's Warbler Moltoni's Warbler

Tour Report

Scientific name Pernis apivorus Milvus milvus Gypaetus barbatus Circus aeruginosus Accipiter nisus Buteo buteo Aquila chrysaetos Hieraaetus fasciatus Falco tinnunculus Falco peregrinus Gallinula chloropus Fulica atra Burhinus oedicnemus Charadrius hiaticula Actitis hypoleucos Ichthyaetus audouinii Larus michahellis Sterna hirundo Columba livia Columba palumbus Streptopelia decaocto Cuculus canorus Otus scops Caprimulgus europaeus Apus apus Merops apiaster Coracias garrulus Upupa epops Jynx torquilla Dendrocopos major Lanius collurio Lanius senator Oriolus oriolus Garrulus glandarius Pyrrhocorax graculus Corvus cornix Corvus corax Periparus ater Parus major Cyanistes caeruleus Hirundo rustica Ptyonoprogne rupestris Delichon urbicum Cettia cetti Aegithalos caudatus Cisticola juncidis Sylvia atricapilla Sylvia borin Sylvia communis Sylvia sarda Sylvia subalpina

8

9

10





 1

1 1 2

1

May 11 12 35  

13

14

15







1 3

2

2

1

1 1

1 3 2

1 2 1

2 1

5

47 2 3 3 1 

4 3    2h h 12 42 1

1

 3  2h h

 1  1h h

6



2

1

 6 



 1h h

 3h 2h

 12

 2



1

1 h 2

h

2

 2  1h h

  1h h

   h h 

6

2

h h 3 1

 

1 1

4

 1

 2   

    h 1 

2 10  2   

 



10

3

 h



h 2        h

3

6

6



 3      

2 3   

     



 h



 



3 4 



1

h

2

4

h



3 

2 2

1

© Naturetrek

May 16

Corsica – The Scented Isle

65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89

Common name Sardinian Warbler Common Firecrest Goldcrest Eurasian Wren Corsican Nuthatch • Eurasian Treecreeper Spotless Starling Common Blackbird Mistle Thrush European Robin Common Nightingale European Stonechat Spotted Flycatcher White-throated Dipper Italian Sparrow Grey Wagtail Water Pipit Common Chaffinch European Serin European Greenfinch European Goldfinch Corsican Finch • Corsican Crossbill • Corn Bunting Cirl Bunting

Tour Report

Scientific name Sylvia melanocephala Regulus ignicapilla Regulus regulus Troglodytes troglodytes Sitta whiteheadi Certhia familiaris Sturnus unicolor Turdus merula Turdus viscivorus Erithacus rubecula Luscinia megarhynchos Saxicola rubicola Muscicapa striata Cinclus cinclus Passer italiae Motacilla cinerea Anthus spinoletta Fringilla coelebs Serinus serinus Carduelis chloris Carduelis carduelis Carduelis corsicana Loxia curvirostra corsicana Emberiza calandra Emberiza cirlus

8 h

9 h

1

2 

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1  2 3

10 1 1 1  2 1  3 1 10

h 2  1

 2

1 h 3 5

 5 3

2 1  1 3  1 3 2 2

h 3

1

May 11 12 2 2 h h  

13 7 

14 2 5

15

 h 1 6  2 6 h 2 4

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 

 

1 

2 2h 1 1 1 

1

h

3

2

 6

 1

 3 2 4 2

 2 1 6 2 8

2  2 2 3 14 3

 2

2

1

4

D

D

D



 

 2 5 4

   





 

Mammals (D=dead) 1

Hedgehog

Erinaceus europaeus

Reptiles 1 2 3

Bedriaga's Rock Lizard • Tyrrhenian Wall Lizard • Italian Wall Lizard

Archaeolacerta bedriagae Podarcis tiliguerta Podarcis sicula

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Amphibians 1 2 3

Corsican Painted Frog • Tyrrhenian Tree Frog • Italian Pool Frog ‡

Discoglossus montalentii Hyla sarda Rana bergeri

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Butterflies 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Swallowtail Scarce Swallowtail Brimstone Clouded Yellow Large White Green-veined White Green Hairstreak Small Copper Holly Blue

© Naturetrek

May 16

Papilio machaon Iphiclides podalirius Gonepteryx rhamni Colias crocea Pieris brassicae Pieris napi Callophrys rubi Lycaena phlaeus Celastrina argiolus

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23

Corsica – The Scented Isle

10 11 12 13 14 15

Common name Common Blue Red Admiral Southern Speckled Wood Corsican Wall Brown • Meadow Brown Small Heath

Tour Report

Scientific name Polyommatus icarus Vanessa atalanta Pararge aegeria aegeria Lasiommata paramegaera Maniola jurtina Coenonympha pamphilus

8 

9

10 

May 11 12  

13

14 

15

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Moths (L = Lava, B = Bivouac) 1 2

Giant Peacock Moth Pine Processionary Moth

Saturnia pyri Thaumetopoea pityocampa

B

L

 B

 BL

B

B

Dragonflies 1 2

Island Bluetail • Small Red Damsel

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Ischnura genei Ceriagrion tenellum

Other Insects 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Fire Bug Rose Chafer Scarab Dung Beetle Wasp Spider Red-tailed Bumblebee Buff-tailed Bumblebee A Leaf Beetle

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Pyrrhocoris apterus Cetonia aurata Scarabaeus laticollis Agriope bruennchii

Bombus lapidarius Bombus terrestris Chrysolina geminata

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Col de Verghio

24

© Naturetrek

May 16