The pygmy cormorant Microcarbo pygmaeus in central Italy: the status in the Marche region and the first confirmed breeding record in the province of Pesaro e Urbino (PU)

Abstract

We report the first confirmed breeding record of the pygmy cormorant Microcarbo pygmaeus within the province of Pesaro e Urbino, in a recently discovered heronry located along the Metauro river, where at least 4 nests were found occupied in 2021. In the same year, a further breeding attempt occurred at Miralfiore urban park in the city of Pesaro, proving the species’ distribution expansion at regional level and affirming its breeding status.