Welcome to my blog about common wild birds in the UK! The United Kingdom is home to diverse bird species, from the majestic red kite to the tiny wren. This blog will explore some of the most frequently seen birds in the UK, their unique characteristics, and their habitats. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or simply enjoy observing wildlife, this blog will provide you with interesting insights into the fascinating world of British birds. Let's get started!
Table of Contents
The Robin
The robin is a small, plump, and recognizable bird found in gardens and woodlands throughout Europe, the United Kingdom, and parts of Asia. The European robin (Erithacus rubecula) is a small bird measuring 16–18 cm (6–7 in) in length with a wingspan of 25–28 cm (10–11 in). It has an orange-red breast, a grey back and head, and a black beak. The robin is a popular garden bird and is often seen perched on a fence post or a garden wall, flitting from branch to branch or digging up worms from a lawn. It is a vocal bird with a loud and distinctive song. It is an active feeder and will eat a variety of food, including insects, berries, and seeds. The robin is a social bird and can often be seen in groups of up to ten individuals outside of the breeding season. During this period, they can be aggressive and territorial. They are found in gardens, woodlands, parks, and hedgerows and are particularly common in the UK.
The Barn Owl
The barn owl (Tyto alba) is a medium-sized owl found in many parts of the world. It is characterized by its pale, heart-shaped face and long legs. Barn owls are active at night and are most often seen in fields and meadows. Their long, pointed wings and white-and-brown plumage distinguish them from other owls. Barn owls feed mainly on small mammals, such as mice, voles, and shrews, but will also take birds, reptiles, amphibians, and large insects. The barn owl is a nocturnal hunter, using its excellent eyesight and hearing to locate prey in the dark. Its distinctive call—a soft, rasping “screech”—can be heard in the evening and at night. The barn owl is an important pest controller and is often seen perched in trees or on fence posts, scanning the ground for prey. It is found in a wide variety of habitats, including open grasslands, woodlands, marshes, and agricultural land.
The Hawk
The hawk is a large, powerful bird of prey found in many parts of the world. More than 200 species of hawks range in size from the small sparrowhawk to the large and powerful eagle. Hawks are characterized by their long, pointed wings and sharp talons. They are excellent hunters and use their keen eyesight to spot prey. Hawks feed mainly on small mammals, such as mice, voles, and rabbits, as well as small birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Hawks are mostly found in open habitats, such as fields, grasslands, and woodlands, where they can hunt easily. These birds can often be seen soaring in the sky or perched on tree branches, scanning the ground for prey. Hawks are important predators in the ecosystem and help control smaller animal populations.
The Goldfinch
The goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) is a small, colourful songbird found in gardens, woodlands, and meadows throughout Europe and parts of Asia. It has a red face and a distinctive black-and-white striped head. The goldfinch is a social bird and can often be seen in flocks of up to 30 individuals. It has a sweet, melodious song and is a popular garden visitor. The goldfinch feeds mainly on seeds and small insects and can often be seen perched on thistle heads and other seed-bearing plants. It is an active feeder and will often hang upside down from branches or stems to reach its food. The goldfinch is an important seed disperser and helps spread plant and tree seeds. They are adaptable birds and can be found in a wide variety of habitats, including gardens, parks, and woodlands.
The Common Kestrel
The common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a small bird of prey found in many parts of the world. It is a member of the falcon family and is sometimes referred to as the “sparrowhawk”. The Kestrel is a small and graceful bird, about 30 cm (12 in) in length, with a wingspan of up to 70 cm (27 in). It has a brown back and a white underside, with black spots on its wings and tail. The kestrel is an active hunter and feeds mainly on small mammals, insects, and lizards. It is a strong flier and can often be seen soaring in the sky, searching for prey. The birds are a common sight in open habitats such as fields, grasslands, and woodlands, where these birds can be seen perched on fence posts or tree branches, scanning the ground for food.
The Swift
The swift (Apus apus) is a small, fast-flying bird found in many parts of the world. It is a member of the Apodidae family, which includes other aerial species such as the swallow and the martin. The swift is a remarkable bird and can reach speeds of up to 170 km/h (105 mph) in flight. It is a small bird, measuring 15–17 cm (6–7 in) in length, with a wingspan of up to 36 cm (14 in). It has a brown back and a white underside and is easily recognizable by its long, pointed wings and deeply forked tail. The swift is an aerial feeder and feeds mainly on flying insects. It is a gregarious bird and can often be seen in large flocks, wheeling and circling in the sky. The birds are found in a wide variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and urban areas.
The Common Buzzard
The common buzzard (Buteo buteo) is a large bird of prey found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is a member of the Accipitridae family, which includes other birds such as hawks, eagles, and harriers. The common buzzard is a medium-sized bird, measuring 40–50 cm (16–20 in) in length, with a wingspan of up to 1.2 m (4 ft). It has a brown back, wings, white underside, streaked chest, and barred tail. The common buzzard is an opportunistic feeder and will eat a variety of food, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. It is a strong flier and can often be seen soaring in the sky, using its excellent eyesight to spot prey. These birds are found in a wide variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural land, and are a familiar sight in many parts of Europe.
The Northern Gannet
The northern gannet (Morus bassanus) is a large seabird found in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is a member of the Sulidae family, which includes other seabirds such as gannets, boobies, and cormorants. The northern gannet is a large bird, measuring up to 1 m (3 ft) in length, with a wingspan of up to 1.5 m (5 ft). It has a white body, black wings and tail, and a yellow head and neck. The northern gannet is an aerial feeder and feeds mainly on fish, which it catches by plunge-diving into the sea. It is an impressive sight to behold, as it dives from a height of up to 30 m (98 ft) and can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph). These birds are found mainly in coastal areas and are a common sight along the coasts of Europe and North America.
The Lark
The lark (Alaudidae) is a family of small, ground-dwelling birds found in many parts of the world. More than 90 species of lark range in size from the small woodlark to the large and striking horned lark. Larks are characterized by their long, pointed bills and short tails. Ground-dwelling birds feed mainly on seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates. Larks are often perched on low bushes or fence posts, singing melodious songs. The birds are found in a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, deserts, and agricultural land. The lark is an important part of the ecosystem, as it helps disperse plant and tree seeds.
The Swan
The swan is a large waterfowl species that is native to temperate climates throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Swans are elegant birds with long necks, white feathers, and black bills. Swans are found in a variety of habitats, such as wetlands, shallow lakes, rivers, and estuaries. They are often seen as symbols of beauty and grace in literature and art. The most common swan species is the Mute Swan, which is found in Europe, Asia, and North America. Other swan species include the Whooper Swan, the Black Swan, and the Trumpeter Swan. Swans are omnivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation, insects, and small fish. Swans are social birds that form large flocks, often with other waterfowl species such as geese and ducks. They are territorial and will aggressively defend their territory against intruders. Swans are monogamous and form strong pair bonds with their mate. They are also highly protective of their young and will fiercely defend them against predators.
The Green Woodpecker
Woodpeckers are a group of birds in the family Picidae. They are found throughout the world in various habitats, such as forests, woodlands, and gardens. Woodpeckers are known for their loud, persistent tapping on trees or other surfaces, which they use to excavate cavities for nesting and foraging. The most common woodpecker species is the Great Spotted Woodpecker, which is found in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Other woodpecker species include the Red-headed Woodpecker, the Pileated Woodpecker, and the Northern Flicker. Woodpeckers are primarily insectivorous, feeding on ants, beetles, and other insects. They also eat fruit, nuts, and seeds. Woodpeckers use their strong bills to excavate tree cavities for nesting and to forage for food. They also use their bills to drum on trees and other objects, communicate with other woodpeckers or attract a mate. Woodpeckers are highly territorial and will defend their territory against intruders. The birds are also highly social and often form large flocks during breeding.
The Pheasant
The pheasant is a large, colourful bird that is native to Asia and Europe. There are over 50 species of pheasant, ranging in size from the small, sparrow-sized Painted Fireback to the large, turkey-sized Common Pheasant. Pheasants are found in a variety of habitats, such as grasslands, farmlands, and woodlands. They feed on seeds, insects, and other small animals. Pheasants are highly social birds, forming large flocks during the non-breeding season. Pheasants are most commonly known for their beautiful plumage. Males are usually brightly coloured, while females are usually duller. Pheasants are also popular game birds and are hunted for sport and food in many parts of the world.
The Mallard Duck
The Mallard Duck is a species of duck that is native to North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The Mallard is one of the world's most common and widely distributed ducks. It is a medium-sized dabbling duck with a large, rounded body, long neck, and short tail. The Mallard has a green head and chestnut-coloured breast. It has a white line down its neck and a dark patch near its eyes. The male Mallard has a distinctive, iridescent green head and a black neck and breast. The female Mallard is duller in colour, with a speckled brown head and body. Mallards feed on a variety of plants and animals, including aquatic vegetation, insects, small fish, and grain. They are highly social birds and often form large flocks. They are also territorial and will aggressively defend their territory against intruders.
The Grey Heron
The Grey Heron is a large, long-legged wading bird that is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is a common sight along rivers, lakes, and coasts. The Grey Heron has a greyish-white body, long neck, and long, pointed beak. The Grey Heron is an opportunistic feeder, feeding on a variety of animals, such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and insects. It will also take carrion and scavenge for food. The Grey Heron is highly territorial and will defend its feeding grounds against other herons. Grey Herons are solitary birds, often seen perched on posts or trees. It is also a migratory species and can be seen in large flocks during the winter months.
The Blackbird
The Blackbird is a passerine bird that is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is a medium-sized bird with black plumage, yellow eyes, and yellow bill. The male Blackbird has glossy black plumage, while the female is brown with a mottled pattern on her wings and tail. Blackbirds feed on a variety of foods, such as insects, worms, fruits, and seeds. They are highly social birds and often form large flocks, particularly in winter. They are also highly territorial and will aggressively defend their territory against intruders. The birds are common in gardens and parks, often perched atop trees or posts. It is also a popular songbird, and its melodious song can often be heard during summer.
The Woodpigeon
The Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus) is a species of bird found in much of Europe and parts of Asia. It is a large bird, typically weighing between 36 and 43 cm in length and weighing 350 and 550 grams. The wingspan is between 68 and 78 cm. They are mainly grey-brown in colour, with a white patch on the neck and two white bars on the wings. The head is greyish-brown, and the tail is dark. The Woodpigeon is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of seeds, grains, fruits, shoots, leaves and other vegetation, as well as small invertebrates. They typically feed on the ground but will also take food from trees and shrubs. Woodpigeons are monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds with their mate. The female typically lays two eggs in a nest, which is usually built in a tree or bush. Both parents incubate the eggs for up to 17 days before hatching. The young fledge after around 25 days. Woodpigeons are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, parks, gardens and farmland. They are often seen in urban areas and are a
The Carrion Crow
The Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) is a species of bird found in much of Europe, parts of Asia and parts of North Africa. It is a large bird, typically weighing between 40 and 50 cm in length and weighing 400 and 600 grams. The wingspan is between 95 and 100 cm. They are black in colour, with a glossy sheen to their feathers. The head is black, with a narrow white patch at the base of the bill. The Carrion Crow is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of seeds, grains, fruits, shoots, leaves, carrion and other food sources. They typically feed on the ground but will also take food from trees and shrubs. Carrion Crows are monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds with their mate. The female typically lays four to six eggs in a nest, which is usually built in a tree or bush. Both parents incubate the eggs for up to 18 days before hatching. The young fledge after around 28 days. Carrion Crows are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, parks, gardens and farmland. They are often seen in urban areas and are a familiar
The Chaffinch
The Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) is a species of bird found in much of Europe and parts of Asia. It is a small bird, typically weighing between 13 and 16 cm in length and weighing 20 and 25 grams. The wingspan is between 21 and 26 cm. They are mainly grey-brown in colour, with a white-streaked black head, a yellowish-green chest and a brown back. The Chaffinch is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of seeds, grains, fruits, shoots, leaves and other vegetation, as well as small invertebrates. They typically forage on the ground but will also take food from trees and shrubs. Chaffinches are monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds with their mate. The female typically lays four to six eggs in a nest, which is usually built in a tree or bush. Both parents incubate the eggs for up to 13 days before hatching. The young fledge after around 16 days. Chaffinches are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, parks, gardens and farmland. They are often seen in urban areas and are a common sight in gardens.
The Common Kingfisher
The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is a species of bird found in much of Europe and parts of Asia. It is a small bird, typically measuring between 15 and 17 cm in length and weighing between 25 and 40 grams. The wingspan is between 24 and 28 cm. They are mainly blue-green in colour, with a white belly and a black stripe running through the eye. The Common Kingfisher is an insectivore, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates, such as insects, worms, crustaceans and other aquatic creatures. They typically feed by hovering over the water and diving to snatch food with their beak. Common Kingfishers are monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds with their mate. The female typically lays five to seven eggs in a nest, which is usually built in a hole in the side of a riverbank. Both parents incubate the eggs for up to 16 days before hatching. The young fledge after around 27 days. Common Kingfishers are found near rivers, lakes and other bodies of water, as well as wetlands, parks and gardens. They are often seen in urban areas and are a familiar sight near water.
The Wren
The Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) is a species of bird found in much of Europe and parts of Asia. It is a small bird, typically measuring between 9 and 12 cm in length and weighing between 7 and 15 grams. The wingspan is between 14 and 16 cm. They are mainly brown in colour, with a white-streaked back and a greyish-white belly. The Wren is an insectivore, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates, such as insects, spiders, millipedes and other arthropods. They typically forage on the ground but will also take food from trees and shrubs. Wrens are monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds with their mate. The female typically lays five to nine eggs in a nest, which is usually built in a hole in the ground, such as a tree stump or a rock crevice. Both parents incubate the eggs for up to 13 days before hatching. The young fledge after around 16 days. Wrens are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, parks, gardens and farmland. They are often seen in urban areas and are a familiar sight
The Red Kite
The Red Kite (Milvus milvus) is a species of bird found in much of Europe and parts of Asia. It is a large bird, typically measuring between 58 and 66 cm in length and weighing between 1.8 and 2.5 kg. The wingspan is between 170 and 190 cm. They are mainly reddish-brown in colour, with a white head and tail. The Red Kite is an opportunistic feeder, feeding on a variety of small mammals, birds, insects, carrion and other food sources. They typically soar in the air, searching for food, but will also take food from trees and shrubs. Red Kites are monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds with their mate. The female typically lays two eggs in a nest, which is usually built in a tree. Both parents incubate the eggs for up to 35 days before hatching. The young fledge after around 50 days. Red Kites are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, parks, gardens and farmland. They are often seen in urban areas and are a familiar sight soaring in the sky.
The Sparrow
The Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a species of bird found in much of Europe and parts of Asia. It is a small bird, typically weighing between 13 and 15 cm in length and weighing 25 and 35 grams. The wingspan is between 20 and 25 cm. They are mainly brown in colour, with streaks of black and white on the head and back. The Sparrow is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of seeds, grains, fruits, shoots, leaves and other vegetation, as well as small invertebrates. They typically forage on the ground but will also take food from trees and shrubs. Sparrows are monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds with their mate. The female typically lays four to five eggs in a nest, which is usually built in a tree or bush. Both parents incubate the eggs for up to 12 days before hatching. The young fledge after around 16 days. Sparrows are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, parks, gardens and farmland. They are often seen in urban areas and are familiar in gardens.
The Partridge
The partridge is a medium-sized bird from the family Phasianidae. It is found in Europe, Asia, North Africa, and some parts of North America. Partridges are primarily ground-feeding seed-eaters, with a diet that includes a variety of grains, berries, and insects. They have strong legs and feet, allowing them to move quickly and fly short distances. Additionally, partridges are well-known for their ability to produce a chirp-like call.
The Thrush
The thrush is a family of medium-sized songbirds found throughout the world. The family includes over 200 species, including the robin, bluebird, and blackbird. Thrushes are often identified by their distinct songs, which are composed of repeated phrases or notes. They are omnivorous, eating both plant and animal matter, such as insects, fruit, seeds, and berries. Thrushes have strong legs and feet, allowing them to move quickly and climb trees. They are also known for their attractive plumage, which ranges from browns and greys to blues, oranges, and reds.
The Lapwing
The lapwing is a wading bird from the family Vanellidae, found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is identified by its distinctive crest and its loud, characteristic call. Lapwings are omnivorous, eating a variety of insects, worms, and plant matter. They have strong legs and feet, allowing them to move quickly and fly short distances. They are often found in open fields, grasslands, and near water bodies. They are also known for their elaborate courtship displays involving loud calls and intricate aerial manoeuvres.
The Swallow
The swallow is a small, insectivorous bird from the family Hirundinidae. Swallows are found throughout the world and are easily identified by their pointed wings and distinctive flight patterns. They feed on flying insects, such as flies and gnats, and can often be seen flocking around fields and ponds. Swallows have strong legs and feet, allowing them to move quickly and fly long distances. They are also known for their distinctive calls, which consist of a series of chirps and trills.
The Redshank
The redshank is a medium-sized wading bird from the family Scolopacidae. It is found throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Redshanks are identified by their long red legs and their loud, distinctive call. They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, worms, and plant matter. Redshanks have strong legs and feet, allowing them to move quickly and fly short distances. They are also known for their elaborate courtship displays involving loud calls and aerial manoeuvres.
The Pied Wagtail
The pied wagtail is a small, slender bird from the family Motacillidae. It is found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Pied wagtails are identified by their black and white plumage and their distinctive call. They are omnivorous, eating a variety of insects, worms, and plant matter. Pied wagtails have strong legs and feet, allowing them to move quickly and fly short distances. These birds are also known for their elaborate courtship displays involving loud calls and aerial manoeuvres.
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