Identifying garden birds
What would our gardens be without birds? Learn about the most common garden species and how to identify them.
A garden isn't complete without birds. Browse our gallery of some of the most common species likely to visit your garden, and see which ones you recognise.
Are you a keen wildlife gardener? Why not take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch on Friday 27th to Sunday 29th January 2023?
Sadly, birdlife in the UK is struggling and according to the RSPB, our bird population has declined by a staggering 38 million over the last 50 years.
The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, is now in its 44th year and a great way for wildlife enthusiasts to get involved as citizen scientists and keep an eye on visiting garden birds. Last year over a million people took part, which helped the RSPB create an accurate picture of how our feathered friends are getting on, as well as highlighting which species most need our help.
Find out more about taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch.
Blue tit, Cyanistes caeruleus
The charming, colourful blue tit is a common sight in many gardens. Feeding on peanuts and sunflower hearts at the feeder, the adults feed caterpillars and other garden pests to their young, in spring and early summer.
Robin, Erithacus rubecula
Fiercely territorial, the robin sings throughout the year, and its trickling song is thought to sound more mournful in winter. Ground feeders, they tend to come to bird tables rather than hanging feeders, and prefer seed mixes and sunflower hearts to peanuts. You'll also spot them searching for worms on your lawn.
Fieldfare, Turdus pilaris
Like the redwing, the fieldfare is a winter visitor to the British Isles. They eat berries and other fruit – keep an eye out on your windfall apples, you may attract a flock of them to your garden to feed.
Starling, Sturnus vulgaris
The starling is a wonderful bird, black with white, green, pink and blue iridescent markings, which become more prominent in winter. They gather in large flocks to feed and roost. At dusk they fly in huge synchronised 'murmurations', thought to ward off predators.
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Great tit, Parus major
Larger than the blue tit and with green-yellow wings, a yellow breast and a black stripe down the breast, the great tit is a common sight in gardens, both on hanging feeders and in deciduous trees.
Blackbird, Turdus merula
Male blackbirds are black all over with an orange beak and orange eye-rings, while females are brown and speckled, more like a song thrush. This juvenile male looks like a cross between the male and female, it won't develop its orange beak and eye ring until next year.
