Despite Malta's small size and arid climate, it hosts a surprising amount of endemic plant and animal species. Here's some to look out for in spring.
Birds
Hundreds of species of migrating birds are seen annually at Malta's nature reserves. These birds stop to rest and refuel in Malta before continuing their long migration journeys.
At Is-Simar Nature Reserve, the distinct call of the cetti’s warbler can be heard, while the reed beds offer a good hiding place for secretive species such as water rails, herons, egrets and shy warbler species. Other birds include kingfishers, while coots and little grebes, and for the first time in 2014, a pair of black-winged stilts successfully bred at Is-Simar. Spring time also brings the migrating barn swallows that feed on insects above the pools. Catch sight of black-winged stilts, little ringed plovers, migrating Eurasian spoonbills, and even greater flamingos at this time of year.
Reptiles
The small local lizards can be found virtually everywhere, scurrying around as you walk along paths or streets. Geckos also run rife, and while there are quite a few Mediterranean chameleons on the islands, they tend to be more difficult to spot. Endemic to Malta, the Maltese wall lizard (aka Filfola lizard) has four subspecies. The unique species found on the tiny island of Fifla meanwhile, is rumoured to have two tails!
Meanwhile, there are four types of snake that begin slithering around the Maltese Islands when the weather warms up: the cat snake, leopard snake, Algerian whip snake, and the two metre-long black whip snake. And as the legend of St Paul goes, none of these snakes are dangerous to humans.
Mammals
Although rare to spot, dolphins can sometimes be seen off the coast of Cirkewwa and in St Thomas Bay in Marsascala in the South during the early summer months.
Also found in Sicily (as the name suggests), a sub species of the little Sicilian shrew likes the scrubland of Gozo.
You may also spot the adorable vagrant hedgehog, (aka Algerian hedgehog, which is covered with characteristic long, rigid and spiny hairs, which aren't poisonous or barbed like the quills of a porcupine. Most wild hedgehogs can hibernate, although the one found in Malta doesn't, yett isn't active until temperatures reach at least 20°C.
Flora
From March to May are the best months to enjoy Malta’s floral display before the hot summer comes in. Find species such as the English weed, borage, crown daisy, anemone, crimson corn flag, red snapdragon, scarlet corn poppy, and purple clover.
Also in May, caper bushes begin to flower, displaying their beautiful white-pink feathery flowers, while native Maltese thyme begins to bloom its small, deep purple flowers on cliff tops.
Experience Maltese nature for yourself
Take advantage of the spring season before it's too hot, and visit some of Malta's nature reserves and parks to experience hundreds of bird species, reptiles, mammals and fauna.
Ghadira Nature Reserve
With over 140 different bird species migrating from this reserve annually, the Ghadira Nature Reserve is the most well-known reserve on the islands. Stop by its location next to Mellieha Bay to learn all sorts of facts about the bird species in Malta.
Xrobb l-Ghagin Nature Park
Spread over 155,000 square metres of land, this park is located close to Marsaxlokk fishing village on a jutting peninsula, with scenic views of Delimara and the white cliffs of Munxar. The overall objective of this nature park is to increase renewable energy and wastewater management in the park itself and Malta as a whole. Set up specifically for nature enthusiasts, accommodation at the park's hostel is available with walking and cycling paths leading through the park, making it easy to explore the surroundings.
Is-Simar Nature Reserve
An oasis amongst a valley of agricultural landscape with wetlands, Is-Simar is the second national park in Malta and is listed as a bird sanctuary, home to a variety of breeding, wintering, and passage birds, as well as various native trees and plants. The park is also home to a host of snakes and chameleons.