Current view: Text account
Site description (2000 baseline):
Site location and context
Buskett is the most extensive area of coniferous woodland on the island, through which runs a valley of deciduous woodland (Wied il-Luq).
This area is one of the major known passage sites for birds of prey in the Maltese archipelago. Over 3,000 raptors pass regularly per season, with the site being especially important for roosting
Pernis apivorus and
Circus aeruginosus in autumn, and
Falco tinnunculus,
F. subbuteo and
F. eleonorae also occur in notable numbers. The extensive undergrowth provides feeding sites for wintering passerines as well as many trans-Saharan autumn migrants.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Illegal bird-shooting is a serious problem. There is a management plan for the site.
National High
International None30 ha of IBA covered by Nature Reserve (Buskett Gardens, 30 ha). 30 ha of IBA covered by Bird Sanctuary (Buskett Gardens, 30 ha).
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Buskett and Wied il-Luq (Malta). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/buskett-and-wied-il-luq-iba-malta on 12/12/2024.
