English bird life

My favourite examples of bird life in England

Great spotted woodpecker

Able to grow to a length of 21-23 cm, with a wingspan of 36 cm, at a weight of 65 g they have an average lifespan of 2 years. The great spotted woodpecker can be identified by its black and white feathers, white shoulder patches, red underneath the tail and the males having a red patch at the back of the head. They nest in holes that the excavate in trees and will most commonly be heard rather than seen as they “drum” against the trunk of the tree to communicate with others of its kind. They are omnivores that feed on insects and larvae while in winter they eat berries, nuts and from peanut feeders in gardens. The species widespread in England and are classified as green under the Birds of Conservation Concern 4 the Red List for Birds 2015. This one is not so common where i come from but from my research i simply love seeing them in action pecking at insects or seed.

Robin

Able to grow to a length of 14 cm, with a wingspan of 21 cm, a weight of 18 g they on average have a lifespan of 2 years. The robin is identified by its brown above, white belly and red breast. Young robins are yellow with no red breast. They are known to be extremely territorial and aggressive when defending what is theirs the males and females even have separate territory that the female is only allowed to enter during breeding season. They feed on seeds, insects and fruits making them omnivores. They are a widespread species that are of no particular concern and are listed as green under the Birds of Conservation Concern 4 the Red List for Birds 2015. Little balls of adorable anger they are a common sight in our gardens and a treat if you can catch them hunting for insects on the grass or in the air.