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GARDEN BIRDWATCH
 LONDON, NEW YORK,
MUNICH, MELBOURNE, DELHI
ORIGINAL EDITION Bird profiles written by
Editor Rebecca Warren Jonathan Elphick
Designers Francis Wong, Sonia Barbate and John Woodward
DTP Designer Laragh Kedwell
Production Editor Luca Frassinetti First published in 2007 by
Production Controller Susanne Worsfold Dorling Kindersley Limited
80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL
REVISED EDITION
DK London This revised edition published in 2014
Senior Editor Peter Frances Copyright © 2007, 2009, 2014
Editor Lili Bryant Dorling Kindersley Limited
Project Art Editor Duncan Turner A Penguin Company
Senior Producer Alice Sykes
2 4 6 8 10 9 7 5 3 1
Pre-production Producer Rachel Ng
001 – 196330 – Jan/2014
Jacket Designer Mark Cavanagh
Jacket Editor Manisha Majithia All rights reserved, no part
Jacket Design Development of this publication may be
Manager Sophia MTT reproduced, stored in a retrieval
Managing Art Editor Michelle Baxter system, or transmitted in any
Managing Editor Angeles Gavira Guerrero form or by any means, electronic,
Publisher Sarah Larter mechanical, photocopying,
Art Director Philip Ormerod recording, or otherwise,
Associate Publishing Director Liz Wheeler without the prior written
Publishing Director Jonathan Metcalf permission of the copyright owner.

DK Delhi A CIP catalogue record for this book

Designers Shreya Anand, Upasana Sharma is available from the British Library
Senior Editor Vineetha Mokkil
Editor Himani Khatreja ISBN 978 1 4093 4627 2
DTP Designers Vishal Bhatia, Sachin Singh
Printed and bound in China by
Managing Editor Rohan Sinha
Leo Paper Products
Deputy Managing Art Editor
Sudakshina Basu
Production Manager Pankaj Sharma Discover more at
Pre-production Manager Balwant Singh www.dk.com
Contents
Introduction 4
About birds 8
Territory 10
Singing 12
Courtship 14
Nesting and rearing 16
Migration 20
Feeding 22
Spring 24
Summer 26
Autumn 28
Winter 30

Birds in your garden 32

The garden habitat 34
Shelter 36
Natural food 38
Types of food 42
Feeders 46
Siting feeders 50
Making food 52
Water 54
Nest boxes 56
Making nest boxes 58
Threats to garden birds 60
Small gardens 62
Urban gardens 64
Suburban gardens 66
Country gardens 68

How to identify 70
Anatomy 72
Plumage and markings 74
Size and shape 76
Beak and tail shape 78
Wing shape 80
Watching 82
Bird profiles 86
Bird Gallery 108

The Big Garden Birdwatch 114

Index 124
Acknowledgments 128
 introduction 5

Introduction
Gardens are havens for a wide variety of fascinating birds.
Any garden, irrespective of its shape, size, or location, can
be made attractive to birds, and you may be surprised at
how many species will actually visit. Follow the advice in
this book and the birds you attract and identify will give
you countless hours of enjoyment.

About garden birds

Garden birds include familiar
residents such as Robins,
Blackbirds, and House
Sparrows, as well as summer
visitors such as Swifts and
House Martins, which fly to
the UK from Africa to breed. There
are also species that come
to the UK for the winter season,
including Redwings, Bramblings,
and Fieldfares.
Garden oasis
More birds than ever before
Providing a source of water will reward
are making use of gardens, you with close-up views of birds bathing
resulting in a rise in the number and drinking, such as this Woodpigeon.
of species classed as garden birds.
Woodland birds such as Great endless display of avian activity on
Spotted Woodpeckers, Siskins, and your own doorstep.
Nuthatches have discovered how to
make use of the feeders and food Bird-garden benefits
provided in gardens. Gardens provide a vital habitat for
Garden birds are easier to birds. Their value increases with
observe than the more reserved the ongoing loss of the countryside
birds of to development. Super-efficient
the countryside. If you get to know pesticides mean less food for birds,
their daily routine, you’ll be able and the loss of hedgerows has
to watch the myriad of changes deprived them of nesting sites.
that occur in the life of a bird. Take Thoughtfully managed, bird-
care of the birds in your garden by friendly gardens can go some way
providing food, water, and shelter to compensate for this. Taking
and you will be rewarded with an steps to help garden birds provides
benefits for you as well.
Each season brings new birds
Feeding station and different behaviour to observe.
Supply the right foods and Greenfinches Seeing birds take to a new feeder
and Blue Tits will become a permanent and watching them raise their
fixture in your garden. You may even
attract species such as Tree Sparrows young are among the many
(upper two birds pictured).
6 introduction

The bird essentials four essential things – a regular

You can cater for birds in any supply of food and water, a place
garden, whether you live in the to nest, and somewhere to roost at
middle of a city or in the country­ night. Provide one, or preferably all,
side. It doesn’t matter if you have of these things in your garden and
an established garden or whether birds will come. Each of these four
you are starting from scratch. It is elements will be looked at in more
even possible to provide food and detail later in the book.
nesting sites for birds if you don’t
have a garden. A caring community
All you have to do is remember If you care for the birds in your
what birds need, and provide it for garden, you are part of a growing
them on a regular basis. This is not community of “bird gardeners”.
difficult and does not need to be More than half a million of these
expensive or time consuming. You take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden
can either transform your garden Birdwatch every January by spending
into a wild bird haven, or keep it an hour counting the birds in their
simple by sticking to the basics garden. The enormous amount
– the choice is yours. Birds need of data collected by keen garden

Woodland visitor
The Nuthatch (left) is a bird of mature
woodland, but providing the right food
could attract it into your garden.

Frequent sight
Greenfinches are a
year-round sight in
gardens, never failing
to entertain with their
bright colours and
comical squabbling
at birdfeeders.
 introduction 7

Record keeping
Have a notebook handy, so that you can
keep a count of the number of birds
visiting your garden, record interesting
behaviour, or even make sketches. You
could even keep a garden bird diary to
record events throughout the year.

Close-up view
A pair of binoculars will show your
garden birds in even greater detail
and provide close-up views of their
behaviour.

94 95

Fieldfare Song Thrush

Turdus pilaris Turdus philomelos
A large, handsome thrush with a striking combination of Small, pale, and neatly spotted below, the Song Thrush
feeds on farmland, breeds and feeds in
plumage colours, the Fieldfare is usually identifiable by its is a familiar bird with a wonderfully vibrant, varied, full-
bushy heaths, woods, broadleaved woodland,
blue-grey head and white underwing. It is a winter visitor to orchards, and gardens throated song. Well-known for its habit of smashing the farmland with trees
most of Europe, like the smaller Redwing, and the two often in winter; breeds shells of snails to extract their soft bodies, it also hauls and hedges, parks and
feed together in mixed flocks, stripping berries in woodland. many earthworms from their burrows. It is declining in gardens with shrubs.
from fruiting trees and shrubs. many areas, particularly on farmland.
black and
blue-grey head yellow bill pale eye-
orange-buff
3 with black mask
underwings
ring
white plain
dark brown orange-buff breast plain olive-
under- wings
back with heavy black spots brown
wings
upperparts

pale
“V”-shaped
grey rump 37 brown spots

black 38
tail
whiter
flanks
dense black
chevrons on
voice Loud, chuckling chak-chak-chak, low, white flanks voice Short, high stip; song exuberant
dark-spotted
nasal weeip; song a rather unmusical mixture repeated phrases of musical and harsh notes. dark- yellowish buff
of squeaks, warbles, and whistles. nesting Grassy cup lined with mud in bush spotted flanks
nesting Cup of grass and twigs in bush or or tree; 3–5 eggs; 2–3 broods; Mar–Jul. white belly
tree; 5–6 eggs; 1–2 broods; May–Jun. feeding Takes earthworms, snails, slugs,
feeding Mostly eats worms and insects on insects, berries, and fruit, mainly from ground.
the ground; also fruit from trees and bushes. similar species Mistle Thrush, Redwing,
similar species Mistle Thrush, Blackbird. female Blackbird. pale pinkish
legs and feet

Mistle Thrush Redwing

Turdus viscivorus bold dark Turdus iliacus
eye
Big, bold, and aggressive, the Mistle Thrush is A small, sociable thrush with a bold head pattern and
the largest of the European thrushes. It has well-defined streaks below, the Redwing is named for its
a tall, long-necked look compared to the breeds on farmland distinctive rusty-red underwings and flanks. It is a winter feeds in winter flocks
Song Thrush, and often flies much slender with tall trees, edges of visitor to much of Europe from the taiga forests of the far on farmland with
higher when disturbed. Males often neck moorland near forest, north, and typically forages in flocks for berries, often hedges, bushy heaths,
sing from the tops of tall trees in all woodland clearings, and gardens.
orchards, and parks. with Fieldfares. In dark cap reddish
weathers, and in winter pale outer hard winters, it bold pale
underwing
white stripe
coverts
single birds defend grey-brown
back
underwings often visits large over eye
berry-laden trees gardens for food.
pale
against Fieldfares, rump
Redwings, and 3 dark brown
back pale stripe under
dark cheeks
other birds.
bold black spots short, dull rust-red
whitish tail on creamy buff square flanks
sides underside tail
3

pale head

pale tip
voice Loud, rattling chatter, tsairrk-sairr- voice Flight call thin, high seeeh, also chuk,
spots
sairr-sairk; song repeated wild, fluty phrases. On calm, clear chittuk; song variable repetition of short
nesting Loose cup of twigs and grass high autumn nights, phrases and chuckling notes.
in tree; 3–5 eggs; 2 broods; Mar–Jun. migrant Redwings nesting Cup of grass and twigs, in low
feeding Hops on ground, taking seeds and can often be heard bush; 4–6 eggs; 2 broods; Apr–Jul.
silvery white
5 invertebrates; also eats berries and fruits. flying overhead, below, with feeding Worms, insects, and seeds taken
similar species Song Thrush, Fieldfare, calling to each other dark streaks from grouawinter.
female Blackbird. to stay in contact. similar species Song Thrush, Skylark.

Bird profiles
These detailed profiles illustrate 40 regular
garden visitors. Each entry gives key information
about the bird’s characteristics and is illustrated
by a photograph of the species in the wild.
 About birds
Understanding bird behaviour will
give you a greater appreciation of the
fascinating lives they lead, from nest
building and raising a brood to migration.
10 about birds

Territory
A bird’s territory contains everything it needs
to survive – food, water, and shelter. Some
species, such as Robins and Blackbirds, occupy
the same area throughout the year, but
most birds have separate territories for the
breeding and non-breeding seasons.

Establishing boundaries Domestic dispute

There is a hierarchy
Breeding territories must contain
among tits, but this
enough food for a bird and its Blue Tit is making
mate, plus their young. Males a valiant effort
to defend its
prefer a choice of nesting sites,
territory against
and need several song posts from the larger, more
which to proclaim the boundaries dominant Great Tit.
of their territory and advertise their
availability for mating. challenge is to find one that is
Breeding territories are large, vacant or make a bid to steal one.
and can incorporate several Many birds start to search for a
gardens. Some birds may only visit breeding territory in late winter
your garden periodically. This is to give them ample time to find
because their territory comprises a mate. Males must choose well
a network of gardens.
Outside of the breeding
season, birds only need to
find food for themselves, and
can patrol a smaller area.
Many species, such as finches,
Starlings, and tits, flock together
once their breeding season is
over – providing added security
from predators. Other birds,
such as Robins, have a solitary
non-breeding territory.

Choosing a home
Finding the ideal home requires
a lot of time and effort for a
bird, but it is time well spent.
Many of the best territories
will already be occupied. The

Musical markers
The male Robin performs a lengthy,
varied song to mark the boundaries
of its territory.
 territory 11

– those with the best territories will

attract the most female attention.
Non-breeding territories may be
selected as early as late summer,
when garden birds, including
juvenile birds, venture away from
their breeding sites.

Territorial defence
Fighting is a common sight during
the breeding season. If warning
signs such as aggressive posturing
and singing fail to deter intruders,
territory-holding birds may be
forced to get physical.
Chases may end with the birds
coming to blows, but don’t be
concerned if you witness this – it is Voice of authority
Listen out for the laugh-like “yaffle” call
natural behaviour and the birds are of the Green Woodpecker – a sure sign
that a male is patrolling his territory.
12 about birds

Singing
Many species of garden bird have an incredibly varied and
musical repertoire – an added incentive to attract birds to
your garden. Birdsong escalates in spring as each species
adds its distinctive song to the chorus, and the battle for
mates and territories commences.

Why birds sing vocal performance is a sign of a

Watching a bird such as a Song healthy male and an attractive
Thrush singing, it is easy to mate. Singing is also used for
believe it is doing it just for fun. marking and defending territorial
However, singing has a serious boundaries. Song is a very effective
purpose. Chiefly a male activity, way of warning other birds in the
it is an essential mechanism for area to stay away.
attracting a mate and luring
females from afar. A good, strong Song and species
Listen to the birds in your garden
and you should be able to pick
Popular song out a variety of different songs
The Blackbird has a mellow, fluty song.
Its simple but melodic sound is a firm – each bird produces its own unique
favourite with many people.
 singing 13

spots for singing

Birds often use exactly the same perches from
which to sing, referred to as song posts. Prominent
places such as roof tops, the tops of bushes, trees,
and fence posts are ideal, as the sound carries over
long distances. Such
Long-distance song
behaviour means that
The Song Thrush has
you can enjoy the same a far-carrying song.
birds regularly It often sings from
performing songs within gate posts and
a particular area. television aerials.

sound. There are many recordings barely audible squeaking of the tiny
available that will help you learn Goldcrest, with practice you will
each species’ distinct song. From learn to recognize distinct songs.
the explosive trill of the Wren, to
the varied repertoire of the Starling Seasonal song
– which even includes mimicking Birdsong becomes increasingly
telephones and road drills – and the evident in spring. After an initial
“tuning up” period during which
birds produce a subsong – a muted,
disjointed type of song – birds soon
find their voices. By late spring, the
dawn chorus provides an uplifting
start to the day. You can sense each

Dusk melodies
Birdsong can
continue well
into the evening,
as this Blue Tit
illustrates. There is
often a resurgence
in song at this
time, after a break
in the middle part
of the day.

Late-night performance
The Robin is a common nocturnal
singer and is often confused with the
Nightingale. At night, Robins regularly
choose to sing by street lights.
14 about birds

Courtship
Male birds have to complete many tasks to ensure they
breed successfully, and securing a relationship is vital.
There are courtship displays to perform and regular
bonding activities to undertake before male and female
accept one other and begin to rear a family.

Courtship displays longer and merely have to renew

Many birds perform visual displays their bonds every year when they
to make sure they attract the return to the same area to breed.
attention of potential mates and In such cases, courtship is rapid
rivals. As with songs, different because of this familiarity. Mature,
species have distinct styles of experienced birds make the best
display. They may show off their parents, and older males are the
colourful plumage, puff out their most skilled at attracting mates.
feathers to seem larger, or perform Females consider all of the
elaborate flight displays. Making attributes each
themselves so obvious carries the
risk of being seen by predators,
but mating successfully makes
Courtship gift
the risk worthwhile.
This male Blue Tit
(left) is presenting a
Choosing a partner female with a gift of
food to seal their
Some birds pair only for a single
relationship and
breeding season. Others pair for prove he is a
suitable mate.

Mating dance
During courtship, Dunnocks
perform a distinct visual
display – shaking their wings
while singing – all done
in an effort to impress a
potential mate.
 courtship 15

prospective male has to offer, but a good provider for her during the
prefer an older mate. incubation period and for future
young. Mutual preening is another
Preparing to mate important part of courtship and
After the initial attraction resulting you can often see pairs of birds
from singing and displaying, pairs preening one another in spring.
of birds become much closer. The Once the courting and bonding
male presents his partner with gifts, process is complete, and male and
in the form of food. This aids the female have accepted each other,
bonding process, but may also and the breeding territory, the pair
prove to the female that he will be move on to nesting.
16 about birds

Nesting and rearing

The nesting season is a busy time for birds and an exciting
time for garden birdwatchers. Breeding successfully is a
challenge that every mature bird must rise to every year.

The nesting season have suffered a nesting failure may

Birds have to reproduce to maintain complete their nesting cycle slightly
their numbers and compensate for later. Flexibility is the key to coping
the inevitable natural losses that with the unpredictable weather
occur. Some garden birds can raise that occurs in the UK during spring
as many as four broods in a year. and summer.
The nesting season for garden Birds nest in this period because
birds lasts from about March to there is plenty of natural cover to
August. Some birds may nest nest in and an abundance of insect
earlier in mild winters. Multi- food. The increased daylight hours
brooded species, and birds that

Early-nesting bird
Mistle Thrushes are early nesters
and this species often builds its
nest in the fork of a tree.
 nesting and rearing 17

allow sufficient time to find enough nests and then select the most
nutrition for the entire family. suitable one to use.
It is vital to select a safe nest
Nest construction site, concealed from predators and
Each bird has a unique style of nest sheltered from the elements, as
and uses different construction this ensures the best chance of
materials, which include vegetation, successfully rearing a brood.
mud, hair, moss, and cobwebs. In spring, you may see birds
Birds nest in a variety of locations, gathering beakfulls of grass,
and many garden birds use nest vegetation, and mud, which is a
boxes. Some birds build multiple sign that they are nesting in, or

Greenfinch nest Blue Tit nest Long-tailed Tit nest

Greenfinches construct Blue Tits build nests in Long-tailed Tits make
their neat, cup-shaped natural cavities such as sealed, ball-shaped
nests in the thickest tree-holes, and also like nests from spiders’
parts of trees. hole-fronted nest boxes. webs, moss, and lichens.
18 about birds

Eggs and laying

Once the nest is ready and
the pair have mated, the
female lays her eggs. She lays
one per day because of the
strain it places on her body
and resources.
A clutch is the total number
of eggs laid and incubated at
one time, and is dependent
on the species. Clutch size
also varies within species,
depending on the female’s Nest repairs
condition, food availability, and A House Sparrow typically builds an
untidy nest with materials such as hair
the weather. and feathers. Nests may need repairs
The parent birds incubate the during the season.
eggs to keep them warm – usually
a job for the female. Incubation have hatched, the adults’ work
starts when the clutch is complete intensifies. They have to brood (sit
so that the eggs hatch at the same on) the nestlings to keep them
time. The incubation period varies warm as chicks cannot maintain
between species. Once the eggs their own body temperature, and
provide them with food.
The chicks are demanding and
Hatching need feeding on a very regular
Breaking out of an egg is not easy basis. Blue Tits make several
for a tiny chick. A special, hard
“egg tooth” on its beak helps hundred visits to their nest every
the chick smash its way out.

Egg tooth Wing

shell
 nesting and rearing 19

Feeding the nestlings

This female Green Woodpecker
is feeding an expectant juvenile.
Young birds grow at a rapid
pace and must be fed
frequently.
day with food to satisfy the
appetites of their chicks.

Leaving the nest

Parents encourage
chicks to leave the
nest by bringing them less
food. Once chicks are fully
grown and
fully feathered, they fly
the nest and become
fledglings.
A fledgling’s maiden
flight could go smoothly
or end in a crash landing.
Pride-denting experiences are
all part of the learning process
for juvenile birds.
Parents still bring food to
their young for a time after
they have left the nest. Some
species learn to fend for
themselves very quickly. House
Sparrows are independent
within a week of leaving the

abandoned birds
Young birds often look lost and vulnerable,
but remember that the parents are
probably not far away. Fledglings of species
such as Robins, Collared Doves,
Woodpigeons, and thrushes spend a day
or two on the ground before they can fly.
In most cases, the baby birds
birds will be fine, so The colourful “gapes”
resist the urge to go encourage parents to
to their aid. put food in their mouths.
20 the bird garden

Migration
Birds earn our admiration through
their ability to fly. Those that
migrate, undergoing incredible,
globe-spanning journeys that cover
thousands of miles, are truly awe-
inspiring. Some birds fly to the UK
from as far away as South Africa.

Why they do it
Migration stretches birds to the
limits of their endurance and leaves
them seriously undernourished. So
why do it? Summer visitors migrate
to Britain and Europe because of
the abundance of food and nesting
sites in the northern hemisphere.
Winter visitors migrate to escape
the icy, food-deprived environs of
northern Europe. Gardens in the
UK are sanctuaries for vast numbers
of finches and thrushes from
Scandinavia and Russian Starlings.
Timing is vital for spring arrivals Mass flight
Millions of Starlings
from Eastern Europe
and Russia flock to
Britain for the winter.

detriments. It is a risk that many

birds have to take to survive.

How they do it
There are many unanswered
questions as to how birds migrate
with such accuracy. One of the
greatest feats of migration is
Welcome nourishment
performed by young birds, which
Here a Fieldfare eats windfall fruit, which
can be a lifesaver in hard weather. Field- instinctively know when to migrate
fares come to the UK in late autumn. and exactly where to go. To
prepare, some species put on as
such as Swifts and House Martins. much extra body fat as possible for
Arrive early and there may not be the journey, without compromising
enough insect food. Arrive late and their ability to fly. Regular routes
the best territory will be taken. The are followed and major landmarks,
benefits of migration outweigh the for example rivers, provide natural
migration 21

Long-haul flier
The Swallow flies
all the way from
Africa to feast
on insects and
nest in barns and
outhouses in the
UK and Europe.
Adults return to
the same nesting
sites every spring.
22 the bird garden

Feeding
Feeding is an everyday
necessity for birds. Birds will
eat both the food you provide
for them and food that is naturally
available, such as insects. Each species
has its own dietary requirements and has
adapted to find and eat different foods.

Importance of feeding
In spring, birds endure numerous
stresses. Feeding on the right food,
and plenty of it, is vital. In summer,
Balancing act
natural insect food is ample, but
This Blue Tit is using its acrobatic skills
there are extra mouths to feed and excellent sense of balance to feast
– providing the right food for adults on a fallen apple.
and young at this time does birds
a great service. In autumn, fewer as they take advantage of the
birds will make use of your garden abundance of food available
in the countryside. Winter is the
most important time to feed
Natural food supply
garden birds. Natural food is scarce
A Song Thrush will turn its head to
one side to help spot worms in the soil and sudden cold snaps can leave
below before extracting one to eat.
 feeding 23

birds tired, hungry, and in need

of our help.

Methods of feeding
Every species of garden bird has
a particular diet and favoured
meal items, and is equipped to
find and eat different foods.
Beak shape varies by family,
from seed-crushing beaks (as
with chunky-beaked finches) to
insect-catching beaks (as with
“tweezer-beaked” Swallows). It
is interesting to watch the ways
in which different species use
their beaks to feed.

Natural foraging
A large percentage of a bird’s
time is spent searching for food.
This uses up valuable energy.
Having access to a reliable and
large supply of food (such as a
well-stocked garden) means
that less effort and time is
required for foraging.
Some birds search for food
over a wide area and may
visit several gardens as

Agile eater
Nuthatches wedge acorns into the bark
of trees and use their chisel-like beaks to
hammer them open. Their beaks are also
used to dig insects out of bark.

hoArding food
Certain garden birds are excellent hoarders of
food. Watch out for Coal Tits and Jays
coming to your feeders and flying off with
peanuts. This is common behaviour in
autumn when they
Accidental planters
carry off their bounty
Jays aid in the regener-
to secret stashes, ation of woodland. Acorns
which they can call they forget to collect from
upon during the hard their underground larders
times of winter. can germinate into oak trees.
 24 about birds

■ SeaSonal tipS
There is much to enjoy
Spring
about the garden
When spring arrives, there is a buzz of
in spring, as well
as plenty of “bird activity in the garden from dawn until
gardening” to dusk. Birdsong fills the air, displays
keep you busy. are performed to attract mates, and
breeding territories are claimed.
1 Food
It is important to
provide bird food in nesting on their mind
spring. It may seem
At the start of spring, birds begin to prepare for
as if the toughest time
of winter is over, but the most important activity of the year – nesting.
a shortage of natural Firstly, they have to get into peak condition
food occurs in March to meet the physical demands of defending a
and April. territory and attracting a mate. Many garden
birds take on a fresh new breeding plumage and

2 Shelter
Have you
provided somewhere
look more colourful than they did in winter.

spring arrivals
for birds to nest? Nest
It is all change in the garden in spring. Some of
boxes are easy to
erect, but you could the birds that spent winter in your garden will
also provide natural disperse to breeding territories elsewhere, while
cover in the form of others arrive in spring to breed. Migrants from
trees and bushes. Africa, such as Swifts and House Martins, begin

3 Cover
Birds are
preoccupied with
ViTal spring food
breeding in spring, In spring, birds need nutritious food to provide
making them enough energy to complete the many tasks they
vulnerable to have at this time of year. Nyjer seeds, sunflower
predators. Ensure seeds, raisins, and sultanas will all be popular,
birdfeeders are and very beneficial to birds.
placed near cover.

spring Bird plumage

pied WagTail sTarling BullfinCH

black and black and Males are red

white with speckled with below with a
long tail an iridescent black cap
sheen
 Spring 25

Noisy neighbour
The “drumming” noise produced by
the Great Spotted Woodpecker is
created by hammering its strong beak
and reinforced skull against a tree.
 26 about birds

■ SeaSonal tipS
There is much to enjoy
Summer
about the garden
We may enjoy relaxing in the garden
in spring, as well
as plenty of “bird on summer days, but garden birds are
gardening” to busy tending to the needs of their
keep you busy. demanding broods. Young birds are
often entertaining to watch.
1 Predator watch
Young birds start
to appear around the baby boom
garden and “squeak”
It is exciting to see the first young birds of the
from flower beds and
within bushes – keep year in your garden, and a relief that birds
cats at bay to help you have become familiar with have bred
them stay safe. successfully. Scaly, short-tailed young Blackbirds
are often the first to appear. Female birds that
have been missing for weeks will reappear, now

2 Water
Provide water for
your garden birds.
that they do not have to brood eggs or young.

Worn out
Natural supplies dry
In contrast to freshly feathered youngsters, adult
up in hot summers,
and even a small birds may look scruffy by summer, with worn
puddle will be plumage and missing feathers. They have less
gratefully received. time to look after their plumage while tending
to their young, so their appearance suffers.

3 Food caution
Young birds can
choke on large food
a helping hand
items, so make sure Parent birds can struggle to find enough food
everything you put for their young. Assist their efforts by putting
out is in small, out mealworms or waxworms. Place them in a
manageable pieces steep-sided tray and adults will carry the worms
that will not swell up to their young, ensuring a nutritious meal.
inside them.

spring bird plumage

hOuse marTin hOuse sparrOW greenFinCh

Males have a Males are
black bib and green with
grey crown yellow wing
flashes

White below
and glossy
blue above
 summer 27

Colourful visitor
The male Chaffinch is a handsome
sight. Provide seed and shrubs and
bushes for cover and this finch may
become a resident in your garden.
 28 about birds

■ SeaSonal tipS
It may seem as if birds Autumn
don’t need our help as
much in autumn, but
In autumn the breeding season is over,
now is the time to do young birds are independent, and
a bit of housekeeping. birds recuperate from the stresses of
the summer. Parents and young go
their separate ways, but all are aware
1 Portion control
If you find that
a surplus of food
that winter is approaching.

remains in your Changing times

feeders, this is a
suitable time to This is the season when adults moult their old,
reduce the amount tatty feathers and replace them with fresh ones.
of food you put out Many birds will go to ground for a time while
for birds. they do this. They must remain hidden from
predators while they are vulnerable. Young birds

2 Sanitize
With the
breeding season over,
are moulting too, and start to look more like
their parents as they attain adult-like feathers.

you should clean out Stocking up

any nest boxes in your
garden with warm, It is important for birds to stock up on food
soapy water to while it is easy to find. As autumn progresses,
prevent the spread birds gain valuable extra weight. You will also
of disease. see flocks of birds forming. These gatherings

3 Prepare
Autumn is a good
time to purchase and
the natural harveSt
site new feeders. Also, In autumn, food is relatively easy to find in
put in any orders for the countryside. Hedgerows are full of berries,
bird food, as the harsh orchards have fruit, and wildflowers are setting
days of winter are seed in meadows. Fewer birds may visit your
quickly approaching. garden at this time, but they will return soon.

autumn bIrd Plumage

gOldCreSt gOldFInCh COal tIt

Yellow
crown Yellow wing
bars

White
nape patch
and buff
below
White wing bars
 autumn 29

Autumn colour
Unusual visitors, such as this colourful
and unmistakable Jay, may visit your
garden in autumn as birds disperse
from their place of birth.
30 about birds

■ SeaSonal tipS
Look after birds in
Winter
winter and you will be
Birds face a battle for survival during
rewarded with regular
visits by a variety of winter. Days are short and nights are
grateful species. long and cold. Natural food is scarce,
so stock your garden with plenty of
nutritious food for birds to feed on.
1 Constant supply
Make sure food
and water are always Feeding frenzy
available. Birds cannot
Birds must eat regularly and well to survive in
afford to waste
valuable time and winter. The cold weather is not a problem as
energy visiting an feathers provide excellent insulation, but being
empty garden. able to find enough food is the difference
between life and death. Birds spend the vast
majority of daylight hours feeding to build up

2 Daily top up
Fill your feeders
and top up your water
sufficient fat reserves to survive the night.

Coming in from the cold

supplies at the
Your resident garden birds will be a regular sight
beginning and end of
each day, as this is in winter, but you may also spot birds from
when birds urgently further afield. Many birds seek sanctuary in
need sustenance. gardens as food dwindles in the countryside.
You may also spot winter migrants such as

3 Ice-free supplies
Keep your bird
tables, feeders, and
VITAL wINTer FooD
water supplies free of This is the time to provide birds with high-energy
snow and ice. These foods such as suet bars, fat balls, and bird cakes
can hamper access to laced with nuts, seed, and dried fruit. By the start
vital supplies of food of winter, much of the natural supply of fruit and
and water. berries will have been eaten.

wINTer BIrD pLumAge

BLACKCAp
black,
white, and BrAmBLINg
orange
FIeLDFAre body
Cap is
black on
males,
brown on
females

brown
back,
speckled
below
 winter 31

Winter insulation
This Robin has fluffed its feathers,
trapping air for extra warmth. The
arrival of hard winter weather brings
tough times for our garden birds.
 Birds in your garden
There are many simple steps you can
take to encourage birds into your garden,
such as providing food, water, and nest
boxes, and adding bird-friendly plants.
34 birds in your garden

The garden habitat

A well planned garden, managed with birds in mind, is as
valuable for birds as parts of the countryside. Provide as
many features as you can, from nesting cover to places to
feed, and you can create your own private nature reserve.

Gardens are important respite from the icy grip of winter.

It is testimony to the value of The climate can be unpredictable
gardens as wildlife habitats that so all year round in the UK and many
many birds are classed as “garden birds, especially thrushes and
birds” despite the fact that they finches, come into towns and cities
are also common residents of during food shortages and spells
the countryside. Many birds seek of adverse weather.
sanctuary in the form of food and Gardens also provide nesting sites
shelter in gardens, where they find for birds in spring and summer.
Allowing birds access to the roof
of your house creates a whole
Garden bird sanctuary host of extra nesting opportunities.
This garden is a haven for birds and
provides everything they need – food, Gardens, and those who own
feeding places, and a variety of plants.
 the garden habitat 35

them and cater for birds, Moveable feast

provide an invaluable service. Earthworms are a great
source of food for garden
birds. Encourage them by
not using pesticides.
Garden offerings
Almost every garden provides
benefits for birds at some stage
of the year. Even gardens that
are not managed with birds in the quick-thinking and
mind can provide something for adaptive species of birds that
are able to live alongside us.
The smallest things
can help birds out,
from the seeds formed by
a patch of weeds, to a
place to nest in
an overgrown bush.
It is easy to build on such
natural attractions and
make a garden into a
haven for birds all year.
A lawn provides insect
Water feature
A pond will provide drinking and
eating, ground-feeding birds such
bathing places for birds, as well as a as thrushes and Starlings with
home for all kinds of wetland wildlife. somewhere to feed. A perimeter
hedge is a place to roost and nest,
and flowerbeds a place to
forage for seeds. Supplementary
bird benefits, such as food, bird-
baths, and nest boxes, will all add
value to a garden.

Natural food source

Berry-bearing bushes are a valuable
source of food for birds in the autumn
and winter. Try to have at least one bush
in your garden.
36 birds in your garden

Shelter
The variety of birds that visit your garden, how they use
it, and the length of time they spend there can all be
influenced by the amount and type of shelter and
cover that you provide.

Why is shelter
important?
Sheltered environments are best for
garden birds. No bird wants to be
blasted by the wind or be seated
on a feeder that blows back and
forth like a pendulum. Birds look
for a solid perch and protection
from the elements. Putting some
careful thought into laying out
your garden will make it an House guests
attractive place for birds. House Martins will build their mud-cup
nests in a sheltered spot under the eaves
Shelter comes from natural of your house.
sources, such as hedges, shrubs,
and trees, as well as fences and place your feeders, nest boxes, and
walls – staple garden features – bird baths in sheltered positions.
and sometimes even your house. Bushes also help to reduce the
You cannot control the direction or effects of the wind.
force of the wind, but you can Birds visiting your
garden will often
Room to roost
Gardens with plenty arrive at the same time
of perching places and follow a fixed
will make birds feel pattern of behaviour.
safer when they
come down to Flocks of birds will
feed. Starlings descend from
usually arrive a particular tree, bush, or
en masse.
fence and then drop onto
feeders or the lawn to
feed. They will get used
to the layout of your
garden and rely on
certain bushes for escaping
dangerous predators.
It is important that you plant
feeders close to cover – so birds
can fly into them if a cat or
Sparrowhawk is on the prowl –
but not so close that they cannot
see danger creeping up unseen.
 shelter 37

Natural cover is a must for try to provide natural cover (see

attracting birds to nest in your p.38) or position fences so they
garden. Nest boxes can be put on give shelter to birds.
walls and fences (see p.24), but You can reduce the effects of the
some cover nearby for extra wind by making good use of a

eddies make the

Incoming wind garden blustery
and draughty

hedge
Wind is
slowed but
allowed to
pass through
Wall or fence

Hedges and solid walls

By allowing some air to pass through hedge.
them, hedges produce less turbulence
than solid barriers such as walls. One advantage of natural cover
such as a hedge over a man-made
perching points will increase the structure is that it provides nesting
likelihood of them being occupied. opportunities and more perching
places. The trees and shrubs in the
How to provide shelter hedge also provide food. See page
The prevailing wind in most parts of
the UK is from the
southwest, and at any
time of year wind
speeds from the
direction can get up to
strong and even gale
force on the Beaufort
scale. Work out which
direction is south and
southwest in your
garden, and either

Planting hedges
Use string and posts to mark out the
position of your hedging plants and
ensure a straight line.

Maintaining hedges
Prune your hedge and keep it under
control. Avoid any maintenance during
the spring and summer nesting season.
38 birds in your garden

Natural food
By selecting trees, shrubs, climbers,
and other plants that provide food
for birds, and supplying
supplementary food in bird
feeders, you will ensure
that your garden will
be visited by a wide
variety of birds
throughout the year.

Trees Cold-weather food

Trees provide an ideal perching spot Rowan, as well as hawthorn and guelder
rose, provide the type of berries that
for birds and a good source of Waxwings gobble up freely.
natural food. Not all gardens can
accommodate a mini-forest or large Many trees are a direct source of
trees, but most should have space food, providing seeds, nuts, and
for at least one well-pruned tree. berries. The cones of birches and
Deciduous trees (those that lose alders offer seeds for species such
their leaves in autumn) are the as Goldfinches, Siskins, and Lesser
best ones to plant for resident Redpolls. Hazels produce nuts and
garden birds. Many conifers are rowans plump berries for thrushes
non-native and have limited wildlife and Waxwings during autumn and
value. Be sure to avoid Leylandii, winter. Don’t forget to plant apple,
a fast-growing, foundation- pear, and plum trees – thrushes and
damaging, quick-to-die-back Starlings love fallen fruit.
conifer that blocks out light from The numerous insects that live in
everything else around it. trees at different stages of their life
cycle are another perennial source
of natural food for birds. Caterpillars
are great “baby food” for Blue and
Great Tits in spring and summer.

Shrubs
Shrubs are the best source of natural
food in gardens. Hawthorn and
guelder rose are among the many
that provide good crops of berries
for garden birds like Blackbirds, and
autumn and winter visitors such as
Fieldfares and Redwings.
Shrubs are also home to a large
Nut larder variety of insects – even the smallest
The hazel tree has delicate catkins – urban garden may be home to
cylindrical flower clusters – and tasty
nuts for birds in autumn and winter.
 Natural Food 39

Be a messy gardener
Try not to be too tidy when
gardening. Let some grass
grow long, and leave a patch of
wildflowers – they provide seeds
and attract insects for birds to
eat. Don’t trim back shrubs too
early, and leave berries intact as a
food source throughout winter.
Avoid chemical pesticides – birds
provide natural pest control.

hundreds of different species, many

of which are preferred by birds.
Watch out for warblers, and tits
picking off insects on and under
leaves and working the branches to
probe into crevices.
The best shrubs provide nesting
sites and food. The hawthorn and
blackthorn – common countryside
plants that look good in gardens too
– are excellent hedging plants. They
can also be grown individually.
It is best to grow a mix of shrubs,
whether you plant them as hedges
or individually. The more
species you grow, the wider
the variety of food you
provide.
Food and cover In summer, when many
Multi-stemmed shrubs, birds start to include insects
such as dogwood, create in their diet, having natural
good cover for birds and
provide winter food in the food on hand is a must.
form of berries (right).

Versatile blackthorn Winter favourite

The blackthorn provides nesting sites, Red berries are an irresistible draw for
and its berries are a source of food for fruit-loving birds. A cotoneaster will be
birds in autumn and winter. steadily stripped of its berries by birds.
40 birds in your garden

Copying nature
Try to create natural profiles in
your garden similar to the natural
woodland edge shown here.
Curved edges make hedges longer,
with more room for wildlife.

Climbers
Ivy is often seen as an unwelcome
climber in gardens, growing fast
and covering walls and fences, but
for birds it is hard to beat. It not
only provides plenty of cover, but
its flowers attract insects in provides. Although honeysuckle
late summer and autumn, and the loses its leaves later on in the
berries are a source of food through year, reducing available cover, it
winter. Do let some ivy grow – you does hang on to them well into
can control it as required and keep autumn. Its stems grow densely,
it in check. Blackbirds, Robins, and creating good roosting habitats in
several other garden residents like winter and nesting sites in summer.
to nest in ivy. House Sparrows like to roost in
Honeysuckle is another good mature honeysuckle.
choice, not only for its sweet- Climbers also help in concealing
smelling flowers that attract holes in fences and chipped and
insects, but also for the cover it cracked bricks, and they can also
add stability to wobbly fences.

Small plants

Multi-tasking plants
Plant a nectar-rich flower border like
this one to encourage insects. A native
wildflower mix will bear seeds for birds.

Woody climber
Wisteria is a good climber for growing
against walls and provides strong
support for birds’ nests.
 natural food 41

Many wildflowers look great in the

garden, offering a variety of flower
shapes and colour, and structural
diversity – from low-growing plants
to tall ones that birds can perch on.
Being native, these plants play host
to more insects than others whose
natural range is outside the UK.
Small plants are also a good
source of seeds, supplying food
to birds throughout winter. Log piles
Leaving a pile of logs in a shaded corner
Goldfinches extract the seeds of will make sure you provide a home for
teasels as they balance on the spiky insects that feed on rotting wood.
flowerheads in autumn and winter.
Thistles are also a perennial favourite other option is to gather the seeds
and leave them in your feeders and
on bird tables in winter, when food
is scarce.
Other excellent plants for
attracting insects include red
campion, cornflower, foxglove, and
cowslip.
Don’t be afraid to pack plants
into borders and beds as this
provides a good habitat for insects.
Protein source You can always thin them out if
Fieldfares and other thrushes make use
of lawns as a good source of protein- required. Make sure you have
rich worms.

with this sought-after species.

Sunflowers are best grown up
against a fence or wall using
stakes – they can shoot up
to
more than 2.5 m (8 ft).
You
can leave them to
produce
seeds and let
Greenfinches and other
birds extract the seeds in
autumn themselves. The

Supporting animals
The rotting vegetation in a
compost bin supports worms,
insects, and other animals
that will, in turn, attract birds.
42 birds in your garden

Types of food
You can buy all kinds of
safe and nutritious food
for your garden birds.
There is a wide variety of
tasty treats available – from
the most popular individual
seeds and specially formulated
seed mixes to bird puddings
and mealworms.
Attracting visitors
Seeds and seed mixes Sunflower hearts in a hanging mesh feeder
will ensure a steady flow of birds, including
Seed mixes are available for Robins (left) and Goldfinches (right).
feeders and bird tables. The RSPB
offers a wide variety of high-quality
specialized mixes, some of which
are formulated for specific seasons.
Key ingredients include millet, flaked
maize, and sunflower seeds. Some
mixes have sultanas, raisins, and
flaked oats.
Black sunflower seeds are an
excellent year-round food. This variety
has a higher oil content than the
striped seeds and is more nutritious.
Sunflower hearts (the husked kernels) Sunflower hearts
Hearts save you the trouble of clearing
are a popular no-mess food. Pinhead up inedible shells and are easy for birds
oatmeal is another year-round staple. to eat. They are rich in oil and protein.
Also try mealworms and nyjer seeds,
both of which are very popular with
garden birds.
Experiment and see what kinds of
food your garden birds prefer.
Putting out a variety of foods will
increase your chances of attracting

Nyjer seeds
Oil-rich and highly nutritious seeds for
Goldfinches, Lesser Redpolls, and Siskins,
nyjer must be served in special feeders
because it is so small.

No-mess sunflower mix

This no-waste, no-mess blend of sunflower
hearts, kibbled maize, husk-free oats, and
canary seed suits all feeders.
 types of food 43

Feeder mix Feeder mix extra

This is a nutritious mix of oil-rich black Added protein and energy from
and striped sunflower seeds, husk-free sunflower hearts combine with
oats, and canary seeds. sunflower seeds, husk-free oats, red
millet, and canary seed in this mix.

Sunflower seeds with shells Table mix

Cheaper than hearts, and high in This mix contains black and striped
energy-giving oils, these seeds can sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts, husk-
be put out on tables or in feeders. free oats, kibbled maize, and wheat.

Table mix extra Ground mix

High proportions of smaller and husk- This shell-less, maximum-energy mix of
free seeds – such as sunflower hearts, sunflower hearts, raisins, husk-free
oats, and millet – make this mix easy to oats, and flaked maize is best for
eat. They also provide extra energy. ground-feeding birds.
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