Twitching In Italy

The Ashy throated Parrotbill (Paradoxornis alphonsianus) is an Eastern Palearctic species now fully naturalised in N Italy and accepted by the official Italian check list as a category C. The origin of the introduction is unknown but it seems likely that a uncertain amount of birds imported by a trader in Varese were released in the wild in the '90s. Since 1998, it was evident that the Ashy throated Parrotbill formed a conspicuous population in Brabbia marsh, a natural reserve area not far from Varese town. Biometrics indicate that birds belong to the nominate subspecies, breeding in Central China, but genetic investigation is needed to rule out other forms of the rather wide Paradoxornis genus. Interestingly, in the official Italian checklist, another species, Paradoxornis webbianus, was also very recently added to category C, indicating that the Brabbia population could embrace both (or more?) forms. Picture showing the two forms here!

The site is close to Varese town in Lombardy, not far from Milan Malpensa International airport. This site is covered by "A birdwatcher's guide to Italy" (site no. 16).

Driving on the highway A8 from Milan to Varese, exit in Azzate, Lago di Varese (last exit before Varese town) and follow the signs to Bodio and then to Inarzo (7 km). When in Inarzo you have to park close to the town hall and follow on foot the trail to LIPU natural reserve Palude Brabbia (map site).

Follow the trail to the first hide where also Ferruginous Ducks can be present (breeding birds, not present when water frozen) and scope carefully inside the reed beds : generally the Ashy throated Parrotbill can be find here, moving along and also beneath the reeds. The research can sometime be frustrating since birds are unobtrusive and shy. Best time of the year runs from Sept to March/April. During winter time the species forms flocks of many dozens of birds (sometime hundreds gather together after snowfall). The call is distinctive and very particular.

The Brabbia area is also good for Bittern, Little Bittern, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron).

Have a look at the paper dealing with Paradoxornis in Italy (in Italian with some pictures) on Quaderni di birdwatching the official EBN Italia magazine:

http://www.ebnitalia.it/QB/QB001/paradoxornis.htm