Lake Montepulciano Nature Reserve

The Lake Montepulciano Nature Reserve and the protected area of Lake Chiusi are proof of the huge swamp that once occupied the Val di Chiana. Both form one of the most important wetlands in central Italy with an incredible environmental heritage: migratory birds, reeds and rare aquatic plants, such as water lilies, marsh orchids, adder's-tongue ferns and an equally rare fern. Specific species of heron nest here, while the areas of water are home to the tufted duck, diving duck (considered endangered), kingfisher, moorhen, various species of woodpeckers, swallows, as well as the hobby falcon, kestrel, buzzard, black kite, sparrow hawk, peregrine falcon and hen harrier, oriole and nightingale. The fish species include perch, carp, eels, pike and tench: fish that are roasted with the reeds from the lake to make a delicious dish, known as “brustico”, seasoned with olive oil.