Page 73 - World of Animals - Issue #36

Wildlife of the Mediterranean maquis

Hawthorn

Also known as the ‘May Tree’ due to its flowering period,
the hawthorn’s deep red fruits – known as ‘haws’ – are
rich in antioxidants and are eaten by birds and small
mammals such as hedgehogs. Its dense and thorny
foliage is ideal for birds to use as a nesting shelter.

Holm oak
The Holm oak is characterised by black, finely

cracked bark and slender twigs covered in felt
like hairs. Known to grow up to 25 metres (82

feet), its dense evergreen leaves offer year-
round shelter for birds. It also provides bees
and other insects with a pollen source, even
during the harsher winter seasons.

Black vulture
This bird’s uniform is a sooty black plumage
and bare black head with white patches or
‘stars’ on the underside of its wingtips. They
are compact birds capable of powerful wing-
beats thanks to broad wings. Due to its poor
sense of smell, it oen follows the turkey

vulture to carcasses.

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