Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (DK - RSPB)

BUNTINGS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Emberiza cirlus
Cirl Bunting
bright yellow above
and below eye
streaked, dark greenish
cap (with stronger
olive-buff stripes in winter)
rump
black
black eye-stripe MALE (WINTER)
chin
MALE strongly
(SUMMER) striped
head
rusty patch
on side of
breast
pale yellow
olive- underside
brown
rump
fine streaks
on underside
FEMALE black tail with
white sides
FEMALE
MALE
IN FLIGHT (SUMMER)
ith a song that recalls both Yellowhammer and Bonelli’s FLIGHT: flitting, undulating with bursts of
WWarbler (see p.335), the Cirl Bunting is a common bird of relatively weak wingbeats; straighter over long
open, bushy slopes and well-treed farmland with hedges and distance with longer, shallow undulations.
thickets. It needs old, unimproved grassland, especially
with a great many grasshoppers, so is suffering in the
face of agricultural intensification. Males sing from
bush tops but also from inconspicuous perches part
way up trees, quite difficult to spot and likely to sit
quite still for minutes on end.
VOICE Call very simple, short, high, thin sip; song
fast, rattling trill on one note, or slower, lighter, more
bubbling variant, t-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r or ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-ti-
ti-ti-ti.
NESTING Rough nest of grass and stalks, low in
shrub or hedge; 3 or 4 eggs; 2 broods;April–July. FEMALE BIRD
FEEDING Needs to eat grasshoppers and similar The female Cirl Bunting has a strongly striped pale yellow and blackish
insects in summer; otherwise takes seeds from ground. head. The wings have rusty patches and the breast is pale yellowish.
SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRENCE
Breeds in extreme SW England,
YELLOWHAMMER 32; REED BUNTING 2 bolder head France, Spain, Portugal, and east
rusty rump; similar to 32; pattern
see p.154 see p.395 to Balkans. Found all year on warm,
bushy, often stony slopes, around
more
pale rufous tall, leafy orchard edges, and in
chin olive groves. In winter, in weedy
or grassy fields and gardens.
Seen in the UK
J F M A M JJ A S O N D
Length 15–16cm (6–6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 22–26cm (9–10in) Weight 21–27g ( 3 ⁄4 – 15 ⁄16oz)
Social Small flocks Lifespan 2–3 years Status Secure
399

BUNTINGS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Emberiza cia
Rock Bunting black stripes on crown,
through eye, and
below cheek
duller head
stripes slim body
rusty broad buffish grey chest
rump wings
rusty brown
streaks on
back
MALE
MALE
(WINTER) grey head
and chest
IN FLIGHT
orange-
brown
underside
less grey
on breast
than male
white-edged,
black tail
FEMALE
MALE (SUMMER)
his is a small, slim, colourful
Tbunting but can be frustratingly
difficult to see. It tends to sit somewhere on a stony slope, often
among thick bushes, calling frequently with a short, very thin, high
note that is hard to pinpoint. In winter, it gathers in small flocks,
often in grassy or weedy fields. It may be seen foraging beside roads FLIGHT: quite slow, low, erratic, with bursts of
in stony cuttings,or around archaeological sites with plenty of fallen wingbeats; also flitting between bushes.
stones and rough grass.
VOICE Call very thin,
short, high sip, monotonous
and elusive; song high, clear,
erratic warbling phrase.
NESTING Nest of grass,
roots, and bark on ground
in thick cover; 4–6 eggs;
2 broods;April–June.
FEEDING Feeds on insects
in summer; takes seeds GROUND FEEDER
from or near ground at Rock Buntings feed on grassy clearings, among low rocks and shrubs,
other times. around tumbled boulders, and often along roadside cuttings.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds throughout Spain and
Portugal, in Mediterranean region,
black and grey and ORTOLAN BUNTING 32; and locally in Alps and C Europe.
yellow on orange 2has yellow and black In rocky areas with dry, bushy
head head stripes on head;
see p.397 slopes and crags and boulders, in
alpine meadows and grassy places
greenish
and yellow alongside road cuttings. Seen all
head 3 year in majority of range.
CRETZSCHMAR’S
CIRL BUNTING 32; BUNTING 32; Seen in the UK
see p.399 see p.453 JF M A M J JA S ON D
Length 15cm (6in) Wingspan 22–26cm (9–10in) Weight 21–27g ( 3 ⁄4 – 15 ⁄16oz)
Social Small flocks Lifespan 2–3 years Status Vulnerable
400

BUNTINGS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Plectrophenax nivalis
Snow Bunting white head

black back
and wingtips
dark grey head
small white and back white
wing patch stocky body below
with short legs
IMMATURE red- or orange-
brown cap
black and cheeks
tail with
white MALE (SUMMER)
sides JUVENILE
dark-tipped
MALE (WINTER)
white yellow bill
wings
sandy brown
back
red-brown
black breast sides brown cap
IN FLIGHT wingtips
black and brown streaks
on back (plumage
greyer in summer)
MALE short black
(WINTER) legs
n summer, Snow white
IBuntings are in the underside
far north or on the FEMALE
highest peaks, usually (WINTER)
where snow is still present.
In winter, they roam widely over
high ground, from ski resorts to barren, FLIGHT: bouncy, erratic, as if swept by wind, with
exposed mountainsides, but are more easily seen where they flurries of wingbeats and deep undulations; long wings.
winter on the coast. Flocks prefer shingle banks and sheltered,
muddy or gravelly marshes just inland of the beach, sometimes
mixed with other buntings, finches, and larks.Their complex
face and chest patterns may be confusing but the extensive
white areas seen when they fly are good clues.
VOICE Loud call deep, clear pyew or tsioo, frequent lighter,
trilling, rippling tiri-lil-il-il-il-ip; song short, clear, ringing phrase.
NESTING Nest of moss, lichen, and grass stems in cavity
among rocks; 4–6 eggs; 1 or 2 broods; May–July.
FEEDING Takes insects in summer, mainly seeds and strandline ATTRACTED BY SEEDS
invertebrates on beaches in winter. Snow Buntings can be attracted to patches of seeds scattered
on the ground at the edge of a shingle beach in winter.
SIMILAR SPECIES
OCCURRENCE
REED BUNTING 2 LAPLAND BUNTING Breeds very locally in N Scotland,
similar to 32 juvenile; see p.402
winter; Iceland, and N Scandinavia, on
see p.395 tundra or similar mountain top
streaked habitat. In winter, on coasts in S to
below N France and inland E Europe, at
fringes of breeding range.
Seen in the UK
J F M A M JJ A S O N D
Length 16–17cm (6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 32–38cm (12 1 ⁄2 –15in) Weight 30–40g (1 1 ⁄16 –1 7 ⁄16oz)
Social Flocks Lifespan 2–3 years Status Secure†
401

BUNTINGS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Calcarius lapponicus
Lapland Bunting dark stripes patchy head
pattern
each side of
pale crown
rufous
head
rufous wing dark ear covert
panel corners
streaked
back
JUVENILE MALE (WINTER)
rufous panel
between white
bars on wings pale stripe black cap,
face, and
curves breast
whitish down from
underside behind eye
with black
IN FLIGHT streaks bright rusty
nape
short dark tail
with white sides black legs white
belly
JUVENILE

MALE (SUMMER)
FLIGHT: quite direct, shallow undulations; bursts
of fast wingbeats between glides.
n summer, a bird of remote, wild places,
Ithe Lapland Bunting is more familiar as HARD TO SEE
This female Lapland
a winter bird or autumn migrant. It appears Bunting, feeding among
near the coast, on grassy places such as golf long grassy vegetation at
courses, in dunes, and around grassier parts the edge of coastal salt
of salt marshes. It tends to creep marshes, is hard to spot.
inconspicuously until flushed from almost
underfoot, or is noticed flying overhead with its distinctive calls. Its plumage
patterns are superficially like those of a Reed Bunting, although more complex
and richly marked, but its shape and actions recall a Snow Bunting.
VOICE Calls typically hard, quick, staccato rattle and clear whistle, t-r-r-r-r-ik teu or
tikikikiktik teu; song in flight like short bursts of Skylark’s song.
NESTING Nest of moss, lichens, and grass on ground, in hollow in tussock, or
among rocks; 5 or 6 eggs; 1 brood; May–June.
FEEDING Shuffles on ground, finding seeds; feeds on insects in summer.
SIMILAR SPECIES
OCCURRENCE
darker crown RUSTIC BUNTING SNOW BUNTING 32; Breeds in N Scandinavia, in tundra
and cheek see p.452 see p.401 and high plateaux. In winter,
patch
mostly on salt marsh and short,
rusty rump wet grassland close to coasts,
around North Sea and Baltic.
Quite rare inland.
big white
duller REED BUNTING 2 area on Seen in the UK
wingbars similar to 2; wings
see p.395 JF M A M J JA S ON D
Length 14–15cm (5 1 ⁄2 –6in) Wingspan 25–28cm (10–11in) Weight 20–30g ( 11 ⁄16 –1 1 ⁄16oz)
Social Small flocks Lifespan 2–3 years Status Secure†
402

BUNTINGS
Order Passeriformes Family Emberizidae Species Miliaria calandra
Corn Bunting weak head
pattern
dark stripes
on crown
dark eye with
thin pale ring
stocky
shape large, triangular
pale yellowish bill
streaked, pale
brown back
dark lower
edge to cheeks
row of dark SINGING
spots on
wing coverts
dark streaks below
plain plain often merge into
tail wings central spot
IN FLIGHT pale breast

plain brown
tail
large bunting, the
ACorn Bunting is
superficially like a
Skylark, being a similarly
pale, streaky brown. It is, however, plain on both wings and tail, and
it perches on wires, fence posts, clumps of earth, or bushes, singing
a short, simple phrase repeated with little variation. It feeds on the FLIGHT: long undulations; powerful bouts of
ground like other buntings, hopping and creeping rather than wingbeats between looping glides with closed wings;
walking like a lark. It can often be seen flying over in small groups, in display, sometimes flies off with legs lowered.
calling distinctively, towards dusk,
heading for communal roosts which
may be scores or even hundreds strong.
VOICE Call short, abrupt, clicking
plip or quit; song jangling, dry, fast
rattled phrase like rattled keys or
broken glass, ti-ti-ti-tchee-iriririrr.
NESTING Nest of grass and roots,
lined with finer material, on ground; WINTER FLOCKS
3–5 eggs; 1 or 2 broods;April–June. Where they remain common, Corn Buntings feed in
FEEDING Picks insects and seeds in small groups or even larger flocks in winter, resorting
summer, seeds in winter, from ground. to hedges when disturbed.
OCCURRENCE
SIMILAR SPECIES Breeds locally in UK, across Europe
north to Baltic, most commonly in
REED BUNTING 2; small dark crest YELLOWHAMMER 2; S Europe. Around meadows,
see p.395 bill see p.398
cereal prairies, and farmland with
smaller
white tail hedges and scattered trees.
white tail sides Present all year except in E Europe,
sides rusty rump where summer visitor only but
white tail declining in many areas.
SKYLARK sides
walks on ground; Seen in the UK
see p.265 J F M A M JJ A S O N D
Length 18cm (7in) Wingspan 26–32cm (10–12 1 ⁄2in) Weight 38–55g (1 3 ⁄8 –2oz)
Social Small flocks Lifespan 2–3 years Status Secure†
403

RARE SPECIES/DIVERS AND GREBES
RARE SPECIES

urope has a remarkably wide variety of species every year, others not so regularly.
E habitats and extends over a huge They are always, however, recorded in very
geographical spread from the Arctic to the small numbers.
Mediterranean, from the Atlantic to the Black The birds on the following pages include
Sea.There are regular European species that some that are rare everywhere in Europe and
breed only in very small areas of this range always unpredictable, most of which one
(for example, the Pied Wheatear along the cannot really plan to see,and others that are
Black Sea shores), or appear only as migrants rare or restricted in range, but easily seen if
in small parts of the continent (for instance, one visits the right place
the Great Shearwater that regularly sweeps at the right time of year.
past the southwest of Ireland on its oceanic
SUMMER SPECIAL
migrations).These are, nevertheless, seen every Sooty Shearwaters from the southern
year in the right areas. Some, for example, hemisphere appear off northwest
Mediterranean Shearwaters that are numerous European coasts during their
“winter” travels, in our
in the Mediterranean in summer, but rare summer and autumn.
elsewhere, are relatively numerous. Others,
with abbreviated treatment here, such as the
Pied-billed Grebe from North America, are
really rarities, properly belonging to the
avifauna of other continents.A few
individuals stray far from their breeding
range to turn up in Europe, some
Family Gaviidae Species Gavia adamsii Family Podicipedidae Species Podilymbus podiceps
White-billed Diver Pied-billed Grebe
If anything, this massive diver is even bigger than a This stocky, big-headed grebe is like a large Little
Great Northern Diver (see p.58), similarly chequered Grebe (see p.59) with a much stouter bill, which is
in summer but with an uptilted, yellowish white bill. plain yellowish in winter, but uniquely white with a
The bill lacks a complete dark ridge and tip in winter, black band in summer. In summer, it also has a black
when the sides of the face are also paler than a Great throat. Juveniles have dark head stripes. Rare visitors
Northern Diver’s. In flight, its heavy head and longer from North America may remain for some weeks on
feet are sometimes noticeable. a suitable lake or reservoir.They tend to keep quite
OCCURRENCE Rare in summer in Arctic Europe; in close to well-vegetated shores.
winter, very few south into North Sea. OCCURRENCE Rare in W Europe in autumn/winter,
VOICE Silent in winter; loud wailing and laughing from Americas.
notes in summer. VOICE Silent when stout white bill
with black band
uptilted, yellowish not breeding.
white bill
WINTER ADULT (SUMMER)
pale cheeks
black throat








Length 80–90cm (32–35in) Wingspan 1.35–1.5m (4 1 ⁄2 –5ft) Length 31–38cm (12–15in) Wingspan 50cm (20in)
404

PETRELS AND SHEARWATERS
Family Procellariidae Species Puffinus gravis Family Procellariidae Species Puffinus assimilis
Great Shearwater Little Shearwater
Breeding in the southern oceans The Little Shearwater is like a small, slightly dumpy
and migrating north in the Manx Shearwater (see p.67), often with a paler grey
northern summer and autumn, inner wing/black outer wing contrast and with more
the Great Shearwater is a master brown extensive white on its face quite easy to see at
of its challenging marine back moderate range. It must nevertheless be watched with
environment. It banks steeply dark care in order to prove its identity, especially outside its
and often to a great height, brown normal range. It flies with rather fast wingbeats and
gliding at speed with cap few, short glides.
few flaps. Its dark OCCURRENCE Breeds in Azores, Madeira, and
brown cap looks Canaries;rare off NW Europe,in summer and autumn.
black at a distance, VOICE Rhythmic laughing notes at colony at night.
and the brown back, narrow narrow
white
white collar, white over the tail, collar dark upperparts extensive white
and dark patches under the wing on face
all aid identification.
OCCURRENCE Rare to
moderately common well out at
sea off W Europe, from August
to October.
VOICE Silent.



Length 43–51cm (17–20in) Wingspan 1.05–1.22m (3 1 ⁄2 –4ft) Length 25–30cm (10–12in) Wingspan 58–67cm (23–26in)

Family Procellariidae Species Puffinus yelkouan Family Procellariidae Species Puffinus griseus
Mediterranean Shearwater Sooty Shearwater
Mediterranean “Manx” shearwaters are now separated One of the southern ocean seabirds that migrates
as a full species or even split into two species. East north in the European summer, the Sooty Shearwater
Mediterranean birds (Yelkouan) are like small, more is regularly seen off some headlands and ferry routes
flappy Manx Shearwaters with feet projecting slightly in West European seas. It is slightly pot-bellied, with
beyond the tail, while the western ones (Balearic) are long, narrow, angular wings, and appears all dark
browner both above and below, but paler and smaller except for a variably pale underwing panel that
than Sooty Shearwaters.These birds may be seen on typically looks like a soft, silvery white central patch.
or low over the sea off Mediterranean shores in summer. The Sooty Shearwater is quite noticeably larger than
OCCURRENCE Breeds in coast and islands in a Manx Shearwater (see p.67) when they are seen
Mediterranean; a few north to North Sea. together, and can resemble a dark skua at times.
VOICE OCCURRENCE Biscay, Irish and British coasts, from
Strangled, August to October.
brownish
yodelling above VOICE Silent.
notes over
colonies at all-dark appearance
night.








Length 34–39cm (13 1 ⁄2 –15 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 78–90cm (31–35in) Length 40–50cm (16–20in) Wingspan 0.95–1.1m (3–3 1 ⁄2ft)
405

SHEARWATERS AND PETRELS/CORMORANTS AND PELICANS
Family Procellariidae Species Oceanites oceanicus Family Procellariidae Species Oceanodroma castro
Wilson’s Storm-petrel Madeiran Storm-petrel
Abundant in Antarctic seas,Wilson’s Storm-petrels Very like Leach’s Petrel (see p.69), the Madeiran
rarely stray north of the equator.They remain well Storm-petrel is distinguished with difficulty by its
out at sea, sometimes with Storm Petrels (see p.68), broader white rump, extending well
feeding on floating offal and sometimes approaching around the sides, and less forked
fishing vessels or following ships.The white rump is tail. It is an entirely marine bird
very broad, the upperwing has a pale band but the except when visiting nesting
underwing is all-dark.The long wings and legs give colonies at night; it is rather
a particularly buoyant action. solitary at sea and does not follow
OCCURRENCE Very rare off NW Europe in late ships. It breeds in burrows and
summer. crevices on rocky islands.
VOICE Silent. OCCURRENCE Breeds off
Portugal and in
Madeira; rare at
sea north of this
range.
VOICE Cooing
purrs and squeaky
notes from burrow
long legs pale band
at night. on inner
wings


Length 16–18cm (6 1 ⁄2 –7in) Wingspan 38–42cm (15–16 1 ⁄2in) Length 19–21cm (7 1 ⁄2 –8 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 43–46cm (17–18in)

Family Pelecanidae Species Pelecanus onocrotalus Family Pelecanidae Species Pelecanus crispus
White Pelican Dalmatian Pelican
Huge and contrasted black and white,the White Pelican Globally rare and endangered, the Dalmatian Pelican
is rose-pink in summer (the juvenile is duller). It has is one of the world’s largest birds. Its obvious pelican
an orange-yellow bill pouch and a dark eye in a patch form, greyish head and body, reddish bill pouch in
of pink. Overhead it shows black trailing edges and tips summer, and dull wings (with no sharp black and
to the wings, like a White Stork (see p.85), but it lacks white contrast) identify it. Close views reveal a pale
the stork’s long legs and slender neck. Flocks circle eye in a whitish area (dark on pink on the White
and soar in a more coordinated fashion than storks. Pelican). In flight, it is a magnificent sight, soaring
OCCURRENCE Breeds in Balkans and E Europe, on effortlessly in warm air.
large lakes and marshes. OCCURRENCE Breeds in Greece and Danube Delta,
VOICE Various grunts at nest. on large reedy lakes and swamps.
pale eye in
dark eye in VOICE Silent. whitish
pink area orange- area
yellow bill reddish bill
pouch ADULT pouch
greyish body
(juvenile duller)
black
under-
wings
ADULT




Length 1.4–1.75m (4 1 ⁄2 –5 3 ⁄4ft) Wingspan 2.45–2.95m (8–9 3 ⁄4ft) Length 1.6–1.8m (5 1 ⁄4 –6ft) Wingspan 2.7–3.2m (8 3 ⁄4 –10ft)
406

CORMORANTS AND PELICANS/EGRETS AND IBISES/WILDFOWL
Family Phalacrocoracidae Species Phalacrocorax pygmeus Family Ardeidae Species Egretta gularis
Pygmy Cormorant Western Reef Egret
A typical cormorant, the Pygmy Cormorant is Like a thick-billed Little Egret (see p.80), the Western
nevertheless stocky, round-headed, short- Reef Egret is typically dark grey with a white chin in
billed, and thick-necked. Close views West Africa, but white with pale grey or dark irregular
reveal a brown head and neck; in winter marks in the Red Sea. Its legs are dull and
the throat is pale and the head less brownish, the bill brown or blackish,
brown.The juvenile is paler below. with a yellower base. It is generally
When perched, or in flight, a rather seen on the coast (but Little Egrets white
long and rounded tail is evident. also frequent rocky shores), and chin
Groups often swim amongst often on piers and quays and
vegetation or perch in associated structures.
overhanging trees or reeds, OCCURRENCE Sinai and Red
sometimes visiting coasts Sea; very rare in
in winter. Morocco.
OCCURRENCE Balkans VOICE Silent.
and Black Sea coasts, on dark grey
body
rivers and deltas.
VOICE Croaks
and grunts at
colonies.
long, rounded
tail
ADULT (SUMMER)
Length 45–55cm (18–22in) Wingspan 75–90cm (30–35in) Length 55–68cm (22–27in) Wingspan 88–112cm (35–44in)

Family Threskiornithidae Species Plegadis falcinellus Family Anatidae Species Anser caerulescens
Glossy Ibis Snow Goose
Extremely slender but round-winged in flight, and Appearing especially brilliant white, even in the
elegant, round-bodied, but long-necked on the company of swans, the Snow Goose has a grey patch
ground, the Glossy Ibis looks almost black unless seen adjacent to bold black wingtips, a thick reddish bill,
closely in good light.Then it shows reflections of and deep pink legs. Some are grey-brown, bluer on
bronze and deep coppery red. Its slim, downcurved the wings, with a white head, sometimes called “blue
bill is distinctive as it wades and probes for food at the geese”. Hybrid Canada x Greylag Geese are much
water’s edge. Flocks tend to fly in wavy lines. bigger but may have a similar pattern, and “farmyard”
OCCURRENCE Rare in S Europe; white geese occasionally fly free.
more in Balkans and Middle East. OCCURRENCE Rare visitor to NW reddish
VOICE Mostly silent. Europe from N America, or escapee. bill
VOICE Soft, rising, cackling notes.
coppery red
and bronze brilliant white
body ADULT
body (juvenile
duller and greyer)
slim, black
curved wingtips
bill






Length 55–65cm (22–26in) Wingspan 88–105cm (35–41in) Length 65–75cm (26–30in) Wingspan 1.33–1.56m (4 1 ⁄4 –5ft)
407

WILDFOWL
Family Anatidae Species Anser erythropus Family Anatidae Species Branta ruficollis
Lesser White-fronted Goose Red-breasted Goose

Now extremely rare, numbers of this goose are being Uniquely patterned black, white, and deep red, the
boosted by birds “fostered” under other geese, blurring Red-breasted Goose is an easy bird to identify but is
the true wild pattern. In a winter goose flock, its faster sometimes surprisingly difficult to spot in a dense flock
action, long wingtips, neat round head, and very short, of slightly larger Brent or Barnacle Geese (see pp.99,98).
shocking-pink bill help to identify it; Strong sunlight makes even White-fronted Geese
other useful features are the bold white large white (see p.93) very contrasty, and white spot
forehead
blaze over the crown and bright yellow blaze the Red-breasted can be hard on face
eye-ring. Juveniles lack the white blaze. to find among them.
OCCURRENCE Very rare breeder OCCURRENCE Large flocks in
in N Scandinavia; rare in W Europe winter around Black Sea;very rare
in winter. in W Europe.
VOICE High, quick, VOICE Loud, sharp,
yelping notes. double pik-wik.
ADULT
ADULT

striking black,
long white, and red
wingtips plumage



Length 56–66cm (22–26in) Wingspan 1.15–1.35m (3 3 ⁄4 –4 1 ⁄2ft) Length 54–60cm (21 1 ⁄2–23 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 1.1–1.25m (3 1 ⁄2 –4ft)

Family Anatidae Species Tadorna ferruginea Family Anatidae Species Alopochen aegyptiacus
Ruddy Shelduck Egyptian Goose
Clearly a shelduck in shape and actions, the Ruddy Introduced as an ornamental bird to England, the
Shelduck is instantly identifiable by its mostly rich Egyptian Goose has established itself in the wild but
rust-orange plumage.The males have a pale head and not spread far beyond eastern England. It looks a
narrow black collar; females have whiter faces. In little like a pale brown Shelduck (see p.100),
flight, the forewing is strikingly white. Other shelduck with a short pink bill, a brown eye
species that may escape from collections look similar patch, and big white wing brown
but differ in head and neck details. Periodic patches. Some look quite rufous, eye
patch
appearances of Ruddy Shelducks in the UK in late others greyer.
summer may involve truly wild birds. OCCURRENCE E England;
OCCURRENCE Rare in E Greece and Turkey; occasional wanderers elsewhere.
vagrant in W Europe. VOICE Loud, raucous,
VOICE Nasal honking calls. staccato cackling.
pale face
MALE rust-orange narrow ADULT
body black
collar
large white
wing patch
long pink
legs




Length 58–70cm (23–28in) Wingspan 1.1–1.35m (3 1 ⁄2 –4 1 ⁄2ft) Length 63–73cm (25–29in) Wingspan 1.1–1.3m (3 1 ⁄2 –4 1 ⁄4ft)
408

WILDFOWL
Family Anatidae Species Aix galericulata Family Anatidae Species Aix sponsa
Mandarin Wood Duck

Suitably exotic-looking for a duck of Southeast Asian Rather like the Mandarin, the Wood Duck has
origin, the Mandarin has been introduced into south escaped into the wild but is far less well-established.
Great Britain. Drakes have bushy orange “whiskers” Males have a long, dark, drooped crest, bold white face
and triangular orange “sails” on the back, and a black marks, and a white band between the dark chest and
chest; females are dark grey-brown, mottled paler on orange flanks; females look like female Mandarins but
the sides, with fine white “spectacles”.They often with a dark-tipped (not pale-tipped) bill and shorter
perch in trees near freshwater lakes and rivers. and broader “spectacles”.
OCCURRENCE Locally in Great Britain, around OCCURRENCE Very rare in Iceland, from North
wood-fringed lakes and slow rivers. America; scattered escapees in UK.
VOICE Short, rising whistling note. VOICE Mostly silent.
white on
bushy head dark, drooping
orange crest
orange
“sails” whiskers
MALE pale orange flanks
MALE







Length 41–49cm (16–19 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 65–75cm (26–30in) Length 43–51cm (17–20in) Wingspan 68–78cm (27–31in)

Family Anatidae Species Anas rubripes Family Anatidae Species Anas americana
Black Duck American Wigeon
Clearly related to the Mallard (see p.101), the Black Bearing an obvious resemblance to the European
Duck is like a plainer, darker female Mallard with a Wigeon (see p.105), the male American Wigeon is
contrasted pale head, blue hindwing patches lacking moderately easy to identify by the white forehead
the white edges shown by a Mallard, and a bold white and broad dark green band across a pale, speckled
underwing that is viewed when flying or flapping its face and a dusky pinkish body. Females, however, are
wings.The bill is greenish yellow and the legs rich very difficult, but a contrasted greyer head and dark
orange.Various farmyard Mallard derivatives may eye patch sometimes help in identification; white
look superficially similar. “wingpits” are diagnostic if seen clearly.
pale
OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant bill OCCURRENCE Regular but rare visitor from North
from North America in America to W Europe, in autumn/winter.
NW Europe. VOICE Drake has Wigeon-like whistle.
VOICE Mallard-like quacks.
dark eye patch
dusky pinkish
plain dark MALE
wings body



dark overall
ADULT


Length 53–61cm (21–24in) Wingspan 80–90cm (32–35in) Length 48–56cm (19–22in) Wingspan 75–85cm (30–34in)
409

WILDFOWL
Family Anatidae Species Anas discors Family Anatidae Species Marmaronetta angustirostris
Blue-winged Teal Marbled Duck

This small, long-billed surface-feeding duck is usually Rare and local, the Marbled Duck is a pale, mottled
seen in immature plumage which is dark, mottled, and grey-brown bird with a distinctive dark mask running
Teal-like (see p.106), with a broken pale line over the into a slight tuft on the nape.The bill looks dark, the
eye and whitish spot near the bill, pale blue forewings, tail and rear end of the bird pale. In flight, the wings
and yellowish legs. Males have a bold, vertical white show little pattern except for darker tips and an
blaze on the face and bright blue on the wings; females almost-white trailing edge. Pale spots on the flanks are
are duller.The face pattern is echoed by summer male distinctive if seen at close range. Most Marbled Ducks
Shovelers (see p.104), a species with which Blue- found in NW Europe are suspected to be escaped
winged Teals at times associate. Occasionally one may birds from collections.
remain for some time on a suitable lake in Europe. OCCURRENCE Very rare, in S Spain, Morocco, and
OCCURRENCE Rare autumn/winter Turkey. dark
vagrant from North America. VOICE Silent. slight tuft mask
VOICE Mostly silent. vertical white at nape
blaze on face ADULT pale spots
on flanks
dark, mottled
MALE body







Length 37–41cm (14 1 ⁄2 –16in) Wingspan 55–65cm (22–26in) Length 39–42cm (15 1 ⁄2 –16 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 63–70cm (25–28in)

Family Anatidae Species Aythya nyroca Family Anatidae Species Aythya collaris
Ferruginous Duck Ring-necked Duck
A fast-declining bird, the Ferruginous Duck is a sleek, This is a close relative of the Tufted Duck (see p.110),
rich mahogany-red diving duck, with broad, dazzling identified by a more pointed head shape with no tuft,
white wing stripes. Drakes have white eyes and dark and grey wingbars.Drakes have grey flanks with a white
grey bills fading to whitish before a black tip. Females “peak” at the front, brown females a Pochard-like
are duller and brown-eyed.All have a pure white (see p.108) pale face and white “spectacle”.Hybrid
patch under the tail and peaked heads. Hybrid diving ducks with similar patterns cause identification
ducks may look very similar and require close problems.A whitish ring behind the black bill tip is
attention to features such as eye and bill colours. the sign of a true Ring-necked Duck.
OCCURRENCE Declining breeder in C and OCCURRENCE Very rare but regular vagrant
E Europe; rare visitor in NW Europe. from North America to W Europe. whitish ring
VOICE Quiet; occasional purring growls. VOICE Low growling notes. behind black
dark grey bill tip
white eye bill with pointed
black tip head
white patch white “peak” on
under tail grey flanks
MALE MALE








Length 38–42cm (15–16 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 60–67cm (23–26 1 ⁄2in) Length 37–46cm (14 1 ⁄2 –18in) Wingspan 65–75cm (26–30in)
410

WILDFOWL
Family Anatidae Species Aythya affinis Family Anatidae Species Somateria fischeri
Lesser Scaup Spectacled Eider

A black-fronted, pale-bodied diving duck (resembling A rare and elusive northern species, this is a large
Tufted Duck and Scaup, see pp.110, 109), this rare bird duck but smaller than the Eider (see p.111); the drake
has a rounded head with a very slight bump on the is similarly white above and black below, and has a
nape but no tuft. Its bill is pale blue-grey with a tiny wedge-shaped face with a pale green head marked by
black tip.The back is quite coarsely marked with wavy a large whitish disc around the eye.The brown female
grey bands (greyer and more thickly marked than has a pale buff version of this pattern. Unlike the King
Scaup).The white flanks are sullied with pale grey, and Eider, this species has not been found accompanying
faintly barred, unlike the pure white of an adult Scaup. Eider flocks in NW Europe and remains a very
Females are like female Scaup with a peaked nape. difficult bird to see.
OCCURRENCE Very rare vagrant to blue-grey bill OCCURRENCE Breeds in Siberia wedge-shaped
head
W Europe in autumn/winter, from with small and Alaska; very rare in Norway.
N America. black tip VOICE Silent in
VOICE Mostly silent. small bump winter. large whitish disc
on nape around eye
wavy grey bands black and white
on back plumage
MALE MALE






Length 38–45cm (15–18in) Wingspan 70cm (28in) Length 50–58cm (20–23in) Wingspan 80–95cm (32–37in)

Family Anatidae Species Somateria spectabilis Family Anatidae Species Polysticta stelleri
King Eider Steller’s Eider
This big, striking eider occasionally appears among This is a small and unusual eider, with a “normal”
large flocks of common Eiders (see p.111).The male head and bill shape.The drake is largely pale, with a
looks darker, with black upperparts and deep salmon black stern and collar and bold black eye-spot. Females
foreparts, and has a striking bulbous orange bill base; and immatures are dark, with two narrow white bars
the female is warm gingery brown, with a slim grey on the hindwing and white under the wing; the
bill and a “smiling” upturned gape line.At very close thick bill is grey, the head rather square
thick grey
range, it shows tiny “sails” on the back. grey head with a slight bump slight bump bill
OCCURRENCE Most often in on the nape. on nape
N Scandinavia and Iceland, but OCCURRENCE Arctic
rare; occasional in NW Europe. breeder, regular in N Norway,
VOICE Deep cooing notes rare in Baltic in winter.
in spring. VOICE Mostly silent.

sails black and white
wing feathers
white
patch

MALE MALE




Length 55–63cm (22–25in) Wingspan 87–100cm (34–39in) Length 42–48cm (16 1 ⁄2 –19in) Wingspan 68–77cm (27–30in)
411

WILDFOWL
Family Anatidae Species Melanitta perspicillata Family Anatidae Species Netta rufina
Surf Scoter Red-crested Pochard

Big, bulky, and almost Eider-like (see p.111) in its This large, bulky duck behaves more like a surface-
deep bill and wedge-shaped head, the Surf Scoter is feeder than a diving duck. Drakes have obvious “fuzzy”
worth looking for in large scoter flocks offshore.Very ginger heads,red bills,and black chests;females are plain
similar to Coots (see p.159) when asleep, drakes show brown with a dull whitish lower face. Both have very
a bold white nape patch and multi-coloured bill, but broad white wingbars.They tend to turn up amongst
females are difficult to identify, looking like Velvet flocks of Tufted Ducks (see p.110) and Pochards (see
Scoters (see p.113) with all-dark wings.The deep, dark p.108) on fresh water.
bill is distinctive only at close range. OCCURRENCE Breeds locally in S and E Europe;
OCCURRENCE Rare but regular vagrant from elsewhere occasional (usually escapees).
North America; exceedingly rare inland. VOICE Various quiet barking notes.
VOICE Silent.
multi-coloured bill ginger head
MALE
(SUMMER)
white nape patch red bill
MALE white flanks








Length 45–56cm (18–22in) Wingspan 85–95cm (34–37in) Length 53–57cm (21–22 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 85–90cm (34–35in)

Family Anatidae Species Histrionicus histrionicus Family Anatidae Species Bucephala islandica
Harlequin Duck Barrow’s Goldeneye
Harlequin Ducks prefer rushing rivers, moving to Like a large Goldeneye (see p.115), this Icelandic
coasts and lakes in winter, but rarely travelling far. species has a squarer, bigger head, marked on the drake
Drakes are boldly patterned but look essentially dark, by a long, kidney-shaped white patch where the
with strange white stripes and spots on the head, neck, Goldeneye has a rounder spot.The back is more solidly
and chest. Females are dark brown, dumpy diving black. Females are harder to tell, with a rounder crown,
ducks, with a diffuse white face patch and bright bulkier nape, and more yellow on the bill in summer.
white ear-spot. OCCURRENCE Breeds and winters in Iceland;
OCCURRENCE Iceland; exceedingly rare vagrant in rare vagrant elsewhere.
NW Europe. VOICE Deep growling notes
VOICE Mostly silent. from female. kidney-shaped
white spot
blue-grey
MALE body with white face MALE yellow eye
brown white stripes patch
flanks angular
pointed nape
tail
solid black
back






Length 38–45cm (15–18in) Wingspan 63–70cm (25–28in) Length 42–53cm (16 1 ⁄2 –21in) Wingspan 67–82cm (26–32in)
412

WILDFOWL/BIRDS OF PREY
Family Anatidae Species Oxyura leucocephala Family Accipitridae Species Gypaetus barbatus
White-headed Duck Lammergeier

Stiff-tailed ducks include the introduced Ruddy Duck One of Europe’s most spectacular birds, the
(see p.119) and native White-headed Duck in Europe. Lammergeier is a massive, long-tailed vulture, flying
The latter is bulkier, paler, and less rich red in colour: with occasional deep,slow wingbeats but mostly with
drakes have more white on the head and swollen, pale long, flat-winged, magnificent glides.Adults have
sky-blue bills, while females have grey bills with a white heads and rusty underparts and look shiny
swollen base and black and whitish bands across the charcoal-grey above. Immatures are more uniformly
cheek. Immatures have black heads. grey or dark-hooded and paler-bellied.The long,
OCCURRENCE Rare in S Spain and Turkey, on large wedge-shaped tail is most obvious on males.
freshwater lakes. OCCURRENCE Rare in Pyrenees, Crete, and Balkans;
VOICE Mostly silent. reintroduced in Alps.
MALE
(SUMMER) VOICE Silent.
stiff tail white flat wings
head sky-blue
bill
white head





diamond-shaped tail
ADULT
Length 43–48cm (17–19in) Wingspan 60–70cm (23 1 ⁄2 –28in) Length 1.05–1.25m (3 1 ⁄2 –4ft) Wingspan 2.35–2.75m (7 3 ⁄4 –9ft)

Family Accipitridae Species Torgos tracheliotus Family Accipitridae Species Aquila heliaca
Lappet-faced Vulture Imperial Eagle
A massive vulture, the Lappet-faced Vulture resembles This large, dark eagle has a pale grey base to the tail
the Black Vulture (see p.122) but has a paler body and and white marks on the shoulders. Immatures are
shows narrow pale lines across the underwing. Close paler, with a bold pale rump, white upperwing bands,
views reveal a bluish white head and very deep pale and contrasted underwings with a pale patch behind
bill.The wings are broad, deeply fingered, and the angle.They have buffish bodies, with heavy,dark
bulging on the rear edge; the tail is extremely short. streaks.The wings are held flat or drooped in a glide,
The wings are held flat or slightly arched in flight, unlike the Golden Eagle (see p.126).
which consists mostly of a series of long glides and OCCURRENCE Rare in upland forests in Balkans.
high, circling soaring. VOICE Loud, barking notes.
OCCURRENCE Very rare, in Middle East.
VOICE Silent.
deeply fingered wings
dark brown streaks
on breast
narrow
pale lines
dark
hindwings
saw-toothed
rear edge
pale window on
ADULT JUVENILE
inner primaries
Length 0.98–1.12m (3 1 ⁄4 –3 3 ⁄4ft) Wingspan 2.5–2.8m (8 1 ⁄4 –9 1 ⁄4ft) Length 70–80cm (28–32in) Wingspan 1.75–2.05m (5 3 ⁄4 –6 3 ⁄4ft)
413

BIRDS OF PREY
Family Accipitridae Species Aquila adalberti Family Accipitridae Species Aquila pomarina
Spanish Imperial Eagle Lesser Spotted Eagle
One of Europe’s big eagles, the Spanish Imperial Eagle This eagle migrates in large flocks into Africa for the
is a bird of lowlands and forested areas. It flies on winter. It is plain brown when adult except for a pale
rather flat wings, unlike the Golden Eagle (see p.126), mark at the base of the primary feathers; the forewing
adults showing a bold white front edge, a pale head, is paler than the hindwing (often uniform, or reversed,
and a two-tone, dark-tipped tail. Juveniles are ginger- on Spotted Eagle).Juveniles have a single line of white
brown with dark wingtips, hindwings, and tail, a pale across the upperwings, a white band above the tail, and
rump, and a whitish band along the upperwing. pale patches on the outer wings.
OCCURRENCE Rare resident in C and OCCURRENCE Breeds in SE
S Spain. Europe north to E Baltic;
VOICE Deep, barking notes. migrates to Africa through
Middle East.
VOICE High-pitched
dark and
pale bands yapping barks.
on wings
pale spots
on wings plain
brown
body
JUVENILE
JUVENILE


Length 72–85cm (28–34in) Wingspan 1.8–2.1m (6–7ft) Length 55–65cm (22–26in) Wingspan 1.43–1.68m (4 3 ⁄4 –5 1 ⁄2ft)

Family Accipitridae Species Aquila clanga Family Accipitridae Species Aquila nipalensis
Spotted Eagle Steppe Eagle
Of the big brown eagles, this is the stockiest and One of the massive, heavy eagles of Asia, migrating
broadest-winged in silhouette.Adults are very dark into Africa for the winter, the Steppe Eagle is closely
except for a small pale patch at the base of the related to the Tawny Eagle. It flies on flat or drooped
primaries and a paler patch above the tail; immatures wings, and immatures have a broad white band
are marked by rows of pale feather tips across the along the middle of the underwings, gradually lost
wings and a white crescent over the tail. over several years until the all-dark adult plumage is
strong,
The strong legs are heavily feathered. yellow- attained. It has a particularly long, protruding head
OCCURRENCE Rare in summer based bill compared with the chunkier spotted eagles.
in E Europe. OCCURRENCE Migrant in Middle East.
VOICE Occasional low barking VOICE Silent on migration.
notes.
pale feather tips broad white band on
across wings underwings
IMMATURE long, protruding
head








IMMATURE
Length 59–69cm (23–27in) Wingspan 1.53–1.77m (5–5 3 ⁄4ft) Length 62–74cm (24–29in) Wingspan 1.65–1.9m (5 1 ⁄2 –6 1 ⁄4ft)
414

BIRDS OF PREY
Family Accipitridae Species Elanus caerulescens Family Accipitridae Species Circus macrourus
Black-shouldered Kite Pallid Harrier
A medium-sized, blunt-headed, broad-winged bird of Of the harriers,the male Pallid Harrier is the palest and
prey with a short, narrow tail, the Black-shouldered most ghost-like, identified by its white breast
Kite is often seen hovering towards dusk, like a big, and narrow dark wedge-shaped wingtip
clumsy Kestrel (see p.140). It is uniquely grey with patch. Females are like Montagu’s
black shoulder patches and a white Harriers (see p.134) with darker
underside, the wingtips grey above but broad hindwings and a pale collar, while
black beneath. Juveniles are duller head juveniles have a bolder whitish
with pale scaly feather edges on a collar beneath dark cheeks and
darker grey back. a dark band around the hind
OCCURRENCE Rare in S and W neck.All have white rumps.
Spain and Portugal, common OCCURRENCE Rare
in Egypt, near marshland. migrant in SE Europe.
VOICE Sharp, high VOICE High,
kree-ak sound. whinnying, trilling
chatter.
very pale
black shoulder grey body
patch
dark, wedge-shaped
ADULT wingtip patch
MALE
Length 31–36cm (12–14in) Wingspan 71–85cm (28–34in) Length 40–50cm (16–20in) Wingspan 0.97–1.18m (3 1 ⁄4 –3 3 ⁄4ft)

Family Accipitridae Species Buteo rufinus Family Accipitridae Species Accipiter brevipes
Long-legged Buzzard Levant Sparrowhawk
A big, bright buzzard with a pale cinnamon or rusty Clearly a long-tailed, broad-winged, bird-eating hawk,
tail and whitish flight feathers with narrow black tips, Levant Sparrowhawk is more sociable than the
the Long-legged Buzzard often hovers over open Sparrowhawk (see p.138) and migrates in flocks. Males
ground. It has a long-winged, eagle-like appearance. have black-tipped, rather pointed wings, which are
The belly or at least flank patches are dark and the mostly white beneath; females also show dark
upperwing has a dark wrist patch against a paler outer wingtips. Both have dark eyes (Sparrowhawk’s are
mark.The tail is not black-tipped. yellow) and a black chin stripe, while males have grey
pale head
OCCURRENCE Breeds in Greece, cheeks (rusty on Sparrowhawk).
Turkey, and N Africa; moves south OCCURRENCE Breeds in Balkans and E Europe;
for winter. migrates to Africa in autumn.
VOICE Mostly silent. VOICE Shrill, repeated ke-wik.
grey orange
dark flanks cheeks underside
(female white
with dark
bars)
black-
tipped,
pointed
wings


MALE
Length 50–60cm (20–23 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 1.3–1.5m (4 1 ⁄4 –5ft) Length 30–37cm (12–14 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 63–76cm (25–30in)
415

BIRDS OF PREY
Family Falconidae Species Falco vespertinus Family Falconidae Species Falco eleonorae
Red-footed Falcon Eleonora’s Falcon
Small, delicate, slightly rounded in its contours, the This is a large, rakish, long-tailed, sharp-winged falcon
Red-footed Falcon is between a Hobby and Kestrel of Mediterranean regions. One form is all-dark and
(see pp.142, 140) in shape and behaviour. It hovers, blackish,and another has a white collar,dark moustache,
but also swoops gracefully in pursuit of insects. Old and rufous underside.The underwing is two-toned,
males are smoky grey with paler wingtips, dark in front.Juveniles are plainer with narrow bars and
young ones grey with dark wingtips pale cheeks. Eleonora’s Falcons catch small
and reddish belly patches. Females migrant birds over the sea or big insects
are barred grey and smoky grey over lakes and marshes.
brown, and pale buff body OCCURRENCE Scarce white
neck
on the crown and on Mediterranean
underside. islands and coasts.
OCCURRENCE Breeds VOICE Sharp, nasal,
in E Europe, regular but grating chatter.
rare in spring/summer
in W Europe. ADULT
VOICE High, quick, (PALE FORM)
staccato chatter.

paler wingtips

MALE
Length 28–34cm (11–13 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 65–76cm (26–30in) Length 37–42cm (14 1 ⁄2 –16 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 87–104cm (34–41in)

Family Falconidae Species Falco rusticolus Family Falconidae Species Falco cherrug
Gyr Falcon Saker
The biggest and most heavily built falcon, the Gyr A massive, powerful, broad-winged falcon, equal to a
Falcon may be dark brownish (juveniles), slaty grey, or male Gyr Falcon in size, and paler and browner than
almost pure white according to age and location: the a Peregrine (see p.143), the Saker has a pale buff head
grey birds breed in N Europe, while the white ones with only a thin dark moustache, and usually dark
visit mostly in late winter or spring from thigh feathers.The underwing is strongly two-toned.
Greenland.The outer wing has paler Juveniles are darker, blackish on the flanks, and dark
areas underneath and the forewing under the tail unlike a young Lanner.
is rather darker than the OCCURRENCE Rare in SE Europe, in hills,
trailing edge. forests, and semi-arid
OCCURRENCE Rare grassland. pale buff
vagrant in W Europe, and VOICE Loud, harsh, head
rare breeder in Iceland ringing chattering calls.
and N Norway.
VOICE Deep, hoarse, brownish upperparts
rattling chatter.
ADULT dark thigh
feathers
white body and
wings with
black spots

ADULT
(PALE FORM)

Length 53–63cm (21–25in) Wingspan 1.09–1.34m (3 1 ⁄2 –4 1 ⁄2ft) Length 47–55cm (18 1 ⁄2 –22in) Wingspan 1.05–1.29m (3 1 ⁄2 –4 1 ⁄4ft)
416

BRIDS OF PREY/GAMEBIRDS
Family Falconidae Species Falco biarmicus Family Tetraonidae Species Bonasa bonasia
Lanner Hazel Grouse
This is one of the big falcons, longer-tailed and In its dense forest habitat, the Hazel Grouse is very
slimmer-winged than a Peregrine (see p.143), and hard to see, typically flying off from the ground well
darker and greyer than a Saker. It has a paler breast before anyone gets close. It is always secretive, looking
than a Peregrine and its head is dark, and only revealing a spotted chest and underside
marked with buff or rufous.The buff or rufous at close range; males have black throats. In flight, the
head
juvenile is browner, heavily striped brown wings and paler grey rump, contrasting with
below, but paler under the tail. a black tail band, may be glimpsed.
All have a dark forewing band OCCURRENCE Forest
underneath the wing, most and mountains of black
throat
obvious on young birds. C and E Europe,
OCCURRENCE Rare in and Scandinavia.
S Italy and Balkans, VOICE Very thin,
in semi-arid areas blue- high notes from
grey
and mountains. back displaying male
VOICE Harsh, loud, almost Goldcrest-
rasping chatter. like (see p.337).
grey rump
ADULT
MALE

Length 43–50cm (17–20in) Wingspan 95–105cm (37 1 ⁄2 –41 1 ⁄4in) Length 34–39cm (13 1 ⁄2 –15 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 48–54cm (19–21 1 ⁄2in)

Family Phasianidae Species Alectoris graeca Family Phasianidae Species Alectoris barbara
Rock Partridge Barbary Partridge
A rare partridge of mountains and rocky slopes, best A rare bird very restricted in range in Europe, the
identified by distribution and habitat, the Rock Barbary Partridge has striped flanks, a mostly whitish
Partridge has a pure white throat, black curving down grey face without a dark eye-stripe, and a spotted,
beside the bill, and very little white behind the eye. reddish brown collar. Its breast is grey, the belly pale
It is a plain-backed, barred-flanked bird, like a Chukar orange, and legs pale reddish.A dark central stripe
or Red-legged Partridge (see pp.418, 150) in general shows on the crown. It is very like a Red-legged
appearance, with a short red bill and red legs and Partridge (see p.150) when seen flying off and its
a rufous tail showing in flight. general behaviour is similar.
black stripe
OCCURRENCE Scarce on OCCURRENCE Gibraltar,
through eye
alpine slopes, in Alps, Italy, Corsica,Atlantic islands, whitish grey
face
and Balkans. and N Africa.
VOICE Short, hard, VOICE Series of quick, reddish brown
collar
choking notes in rhythmic, hoarse notes.
long series, more
varied than
Chukar’s. striped flanks (less
neatly patterned
barred flanks on juvenile)
(less regular
on juvenile)
ADULT
ADULT
Length 33–36cm (13–14in) Wingspan 46–53cm (18–21in) Length 15–16cm (6–6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 8–9cm (3 1 ⁄4–3 1 ⁄2in)
417

GAMEBIRDS
Family Phasianidae Species Alectoris chukar Family Phasianidae Species Turnix sylvatica
Chukar Small Button-quail

A large, pale, rather plain partridge with bold flank This tiny bird is an enigma and may even be extinct
stripes, the Chukar is characterized by black on the in Europe, but is common in Africa. It may survive in
forehead but not beside the bill, a creamy throat dry, heathy places with palmetto scrub. If flushed, it
sometimes spotted at the base, and reveals a tiny, Quail-like form (see p.152) with obvious
a broad pale line behind the eye. broad white line pale upperwing patches. On the ground, its pale
Only when introduced birds are behind eye greyish face with no dark stripes would be distinctive.
encountered do these subtle The Small Button-quail calls at dusk and dawn.
points matter too much as distribution OCCURRENCE Very rare in S Spain;scarce in Morocco.
is usually sufficient to identify it. VOICE Deep, booming spots on orange
OCCURRENCE Common in Middle hoooo hoooo hoooo notes. breast
East; rare in NE Greece.
VOICE Loud, rhythmic, ADULT
hollow cha-cha-cha-chaker
chaker chaker.

bold stripes
on flanks

ADULT



Length 32–35cm (12 1 ⁄2 –14in) Wingspan 47–52cm (18 1 ⁄2 –20 1 ⁄2in) Length 15–17cm (6–6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 25–30cm (10–12in)

Family Phasianidae Species Chrysolophus amherstiae Family Phasianidae Species Chrysolophus pictus
Lady Amherst’s Pheasant Golden Pheasant
This striking pheasant is very difficult to see in dense Introduced but not spreading far from old release sites,
undergrowth beneath dark conifer forest. Males are the Golden Pheasant is difficult to see, despite its bright
uniquely patterned black and white with yellow on colours. Males are strikingly red and yellow, with long,
the rump; they have long red feathers beside the marbled, golden-brown tails. Females, which are much
1
extremely long tail. Females are dark rufous, closely smaller at 60–80cm (23 ⁄2–32in) long, are pale brown
barred black, with a paler, unbarred belly unlike the with black barring all over, and much less spotted
1
Golden Pheasant; at 60–80cm (23 ⁄2–32in) long, they than a Pheasant (see p.153).
are much smaller than the males. OCCURRENCE Rare; very local in S Scotland and
OCCURRENCE Introduced but rare resident in S and E England.
C England. VOICE Loud, shrieking eh-aik.
VOICE Loud, strident aaahk-aik-aik at dusk.
MALE red and yellow
striking black and plumage
white plumage
very long long golden-
tail brown tail
long red
feathers

MALE


Length 1.05–1.2m (3 1 ⁄2 –4ft) Wingspan 70–85cm (28–34in) Length 90–105cm (35–41in) Wingspan 65–75cm (26–30in)
418

CRAKES AND COOTS
Family Rallidae Species Porzana parva Family Rallidae Species Porzana pusilla
Little Crake Baillon’s Crake

A tiny, elusive bird of dense waterside vegetation and Compared with the Little Crake, this is a rounder,
ditches, sometimes emerging onto open mud or weed, dumpier, short-winged, and short-tailed bird. Sexes are
the Little Crake looks like a tiny Water Rail (see p.156) alike: brown above with black-edged white flecks, grey
with a short bill. Males are blue-grey and unmarked below with white bars on the flanks; the bill is green
below, and brown with blackish streaks and a few long (red at base on Little and Spotted Crakes, see p.157)
buff lines above. Females are pale brown, buff beneath, and the legs greenish. Juveniles are greyer and more
with a few blackish streaks on top. barred than paler young Little Crakes.
OCCURRENCE Sporadic across C and E Europe; OCCURRENCE Rare and very local in W Europe;
vagrant in W. vagrant in NW.
VOICE Nasal, yapping notes accelerate into fast trill. VOICE Quiet, short, soft, dry rattle.
green bill
blackish streaks on short wings with no
long wings pale brown back red
and tail red base ADULT
to bill

FEMALE






Length 17–19cm (6 1 ⁄2 –7 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 34–39cm (13 1 ⁄2 –15 1 ⁄2in) Length 16–18cm (6 1 ⁄2 –7in) Wingspan 33–37cm (13–14 1 ⁄2in)

Family Rallidae Species Fulica cristata Family Rallidae Species Porphyrio porphyrio
Crested Coot Purple Gallinule
Rare in Europe, this bird is very like a Coot (see This huge Moorhen-like (see p.158) bird is often
p.159). It is best distinguished by a duller bill against elusive in thick, reedy swamps, but comes into the
the white facial shield, a rather more rounded shape open at times. It is immediately obvious: large and
to the black face against the bill base, often a “bump” purplish blue (in Egypt, with a green back and
near the tail when swimming, and a plainer turquoise face).The massive red bill and shield and
upperwing with no pale trailing edge.The small red long pink-red legs are easy to see, as is the bold white
knobs on the forehead which give it its name are patch under the short tail.
usually hard to see but can be quite obvious in spring. OCCURRENCE SW Spain, Corsica, Egypt.
OCCURRENCE Very rare in SW Spain, Morocco. VOICE Loud, abrupt, bleating and hooting red
shield
VOICE Shrill double note, unlike Coot, and hollow, calls, hardly bird-like in tone.
nasal ka-hah.
purplish blue
red knobs on body
ADULT (SPRING)
forehead
bulging greyish body large
rump red
bill
bold white
patch under tail
long pink-red legs

ADULT
Length 39–44cm (15 1 ⁄2 –17 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 75–85cm (30–34in) Length 45–50cm (18–20in) Wingspan 90–100cm (35–39in)
419

CRANES/WADERS
Family Gruidae Species Anthropoides virgo Family Burhinidae Species Burhinus senegalensis
Demoiselle Crane Senegal Thick-knee

Obviously a crane, this large grey bird is not always This is a close relative of the Stone-curlew (see p.167)
easy to tell from the common Crane (see p.160), and can be distinguished only with care in a close
especially in flight. Good views reveal a white head view by a broad greyish band across the closed wing
plume, long black breast feathers, and neat, narrow (narrow black and white bands on Stone-curlew).
feathers (not bushy) cloaking the tail; in flight, the In flight, the white wingtip spots are slightly larger.
upperwing is less contrasted than on the Common Senegal Thick-knees are often seen on buildings or
Crane but wear increases the contrast as a pale grey in groups on muddy riverbanks,
“bloom” fades, and the smaller size is not obvious. unlike Stone-curlews.
Demoiselles are mainly Middle Eastern birds, regular OCCURRENCE In delta, along
in Cyprus, but very rare farther west. Nile, and Cairo, Egypt.
OCCURRENCE Rare in extreme VOICE Loud, ringing
E Europe. whistles varying
VOICE High, sharp in pitch and
trumpeting notes. volume.

ADULT
ADULT broad greyish
band


long black breast
feathers
Length 85–100cm (34–39in) Wingspan 1.55–1.8m (5–6ft) Length 38–45cm (15–18in) Wingspan 76–88cm (30–35in)

Family Glareolidae Species Cursorius cursor Family Glareolidae Species Glareola nordmanni
Cream-coloured Courser Black-winged Pratincole
This is a desert bird, only rarely straying beyond this Pratincoles are beautiful, elegant, aerial birds, although
harsh environment. It is hard to spot on the ground, they spend much time hunched on the ground.The
on which it moves in quick, jerky runs, Black-winged Pratincole is rather dark, with little red
head high, but striking in flight with on the bill, quite extensive black on the face, and a tail
black wingtips above and solidly black shorter than the wingtips (unlike Collared Pratincole,
underwings. Pale grey-buff or pinkish see p.168). It is easier to identify in flight, but lighting
buff, except for a grey nape and black effects demand care:the underwings are solidly blackish,
and white stripes behind the eye onto and the upperwing dark with no pale trailing
the nape, it has long, pale whitish- edge (Collared shows a white line).
grey legs. Juveniles have soft dark OCCURRENCE Breeds around
mottles above and the head Black Sea; rare migrant/vagrant
stripes are duller, the nape pale in W Europe mostly in summer.
grey-brown. VOICE Hard, grating flight
OCCURRENCE Breeds call, kettek or kit-i-kit.
in Middle East, North
Africa; rare vagrant ADULT (SUMMER)
farther north.
VOICE Short,high,
sharp flight calls. long pale
legs
ADULT


Length 24–27cm (9 1 ⁄2 –10 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 70cm (28in) Length 24–28cm (9 1 ⁄2 –11in) Wingspan 60–70cm (23 1 ⁄2 –28in)
420

WADERS
Family Glareolidae Species Glareola maldivarium Family Charadriidae Species Charadrius semipalmatus
Oriental Pratincole Semipalmated Plover

While obviously a pratincole, this is not an easy species Very much like the Ringed Plover (see p.170), it is
to identify, sharing characteristics with both Collared unlikely that a vagrant Semipalmated Plover will usually
Pratincole (see p.168) and Black-winged Pratincole. be noticed. In summer, it has less white behind the eye
It looks short-tailed (with only a shallow fork and no and a thinner black breast-band than a Ringed. In
streamers), and combines the dark upperwing and lack winter or immature plumages, the shorter bill, narrow
of a white trailing edge of Black-winged with the breast-band, and fractionally smaller size are useful;
chestnut-red underwing coverts of Collared.A worn suspicions need to be confirmed by the call.
or moulting Collared is the likeliest source of confusion. OCCURRENCE Very rare vagrant to W Europe, from
It is similarly elegant in the air, and a proficient hunter North America.
of flying insects. VOICE Bright,rising,double whistle,
OCCURRENCE Very rare vagrant to W Europe, chi-weee, more clearly articulated dark
from Asia, mostly in late summer. than a Ringed Plover’s. bill
VOICE Strident and tern-like.
ADULT
ADULT (WINTER)
short tail

narrow black
breast-band




Length 23–27cm (9–10 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 50–60cm (20–23 1 ⁄2in) Length 16–17cm (6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 33–38cm (13–15in)

Family Charadriidae Species Charadrius vociferus Family Charadriidae Species Charadrius mongolus
Killdeer Lesser Sand Plover
The Killdeer is larger than a Ringed Plover (see p.170) In summer, this species has a more solidly dark reddish
and has a long tail, a tall but horizontal stance, and an breast-band than the Greater Sand Plover. It is also
obvious double black breast-band. Its legs are dull, the stockier, with a broad, round head that is not so
rather long bill black. In flight, it is striking because of disproportionately large, and a slightly shorter, more
its long tail and contrastingly rusty rump, unlike any tapered bill. It has blackish or dark grey-green legs.
other ringed plover type, and bold white stripe on In winter and immature plumages, it shows a neat dark
almost black wings. It may turn up almost anywhere patch on each side of the breast and a rather narrow
on open, flat, sandy or wet or derelict ground. pale stripe over the eye.
OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant to W Europe in autumn OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant in Europe,
narrow
or winter, from North America. from Asia, nowhere regular.
pale stripe
VOICE Loud, fluty double black VOICE Hard, short, trilled or over eye
whistle, klu-eee breast-band repeated trrrk or tirrik.
or kil-deeee.
long ADULT (WINTER)
black
ADULT bill
thick
blackish or dark black
long tail grey-green legs bill




Length 23–26cm (9–10in) Wingspan 45–50cm (18–20in) Length 17–19cm (6 1 ⁄2 –7 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 45–58cm (18–23in)
421

WADERS
Family Charadriidae Species Charadrius leschenaultii Family Charadriidae Species Charadrius asiaticus
Greater Sand Plover Caspian Plover
Much bigger than a Ringed Plover (see p.170), the This small- to medium-sized plover is long-legged,
Greater Sand Plover is also longer-legged,more upright, small-billed, and elegant. Pale brown above and white
larger-billed, and has a big, broad, bulbous head. In below, it has a broad chestnut breast-band in summer;
summer,it is rusty red on the head and chest;in winter, winter birds and immatures have pale earthy buff across
it is plain with dusky chest sides on the white under- the chest, more extensively dark than on a sand plover.
side.Young birds have pale scaly feather edges on the The legs are greenish, the wings show a white stripe,
back. Care is needed to separate this from the and the rump is all-dark in flight.
Lesser Sand Plover. OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant
OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant in in Europe from Asia; scarce
Europe;regular in Israel and Egypt. migrant in Middle East.
VOICE Trilling trr-rr, often VOICE Short chup.
repeated quickly.
ADULT
(WINTER)
JUVENILE large
black
bill long legs
pale, scaly dusky chest
feather edges sides
long, dull
green legs



Length 19–22cm (7 1 ⁄2 –9in) Wingspan 57–64cm (22 1 ⁄2 –25in) Length 19–21cm (7 1 ⁄2 –8 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 57–64cm (22 1 ⁄2 –25in)

Family Charadriidae Species Pluvialis fulva Family Charadriidae Species Pluvialis dominica
Pacific Golden Plover American Golden Plover
More similar to the Golden Plover (see p.174) than Difficult to find in Golden Plover flocks (see p.174), a
the American Golden Plover, this slightly smaller, winter American Golden Plover tends to look greyer,
longer-legged plover is hard to detect. In summer, it with a bolder head pattern, slightly longer legs, and
has bolder black chequering above and more black longer wingtips.In summer,it is less yellow above,more
below than the Golden Plover. In winter, it is similar extensively black beneath, with bold white chest sides.
to the American species but less grey, longer-billed, In flight, the dusky grey underwing is a crucial clue.
and longer-legged.The dusky underwing is visible in Grey Plovers (see p.173) are larger and much bigger-
flight. It has longer tertials than the American bird. billed; Pacific Goldens are more difficult to separate.
OCCURRENCE Very rare vagrant from OCCURRENCE Regular but very rare white over
Siberia to W Europe, mostly late summer. vagrant in W Europe, from North eye
VOICE Sharp, whistled chu-wit like America,in autumn-winter.
Spotted Redshank (see p.188). VOICE Klu-i,stressed
on first syllable.
long
bill
black
short wingtips long wingtips ear-spot
beyond tertials long legs beyond tertials
JUVENILE white underparts
JUVENILE



Length 21–25cm (8 1 ⁄2 –10in) Wingspan 45–50cm (18–20in) Length 24–27cm (9 1 ⁄2 –10 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 50–55cm (20–22in)
422

WADERS
Family Charadriidae Species Vanellus spinosus Family Charadriidae Species Vanellus gregarius
Spur-winged Lapwing Sociable Lapwing
A big and boldly marked plover, scarcely reaching A rather large,bulky plover,typically associating with
Europe, this is a common species along riversides and Lapwings, the Sociable Lapwing looks grey with a dark
on sandy places in the Middle East. It is easily belly and a black and white striped face in summer. In
distinguished by its black cap and breast, bold white winter, the body is more uniform sandy grey and the
neck, and grey-brown back. It often stands in head less boldly marked, but still showing a dark cap
pairs or forms noisy groups. black and pale stripes over the eye. In flight, dark
cap
In flight, the wings show white the wings reveal a broad white cap
cheeks
black tips and a broad white triangular patch and black tips;
diagonal band on top. the tail has a black band.
OCCURRENCE Rare in OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant white over
eye
Greece; common in to W Europe from Asia,
Israel, Egypt, especially sometimes in winter; rare
along Nile. migrant in SE Europe.
VOICE Loud, black VOICE Harsh,
metallic, breast chattering notes
repeated, in flight, but
high titi-tirik grey- usually silent.
and similar notes. brown
back
JUVENILE
ADULT

Length 25–28cm (10–11in) Wingspan 60–65cm (23 1 ⁄2 –26in) Length 27–30cm (10 1 ⁄2 –12in) Wingspan 60–65cm (23 1 ⁄2 –26in)

Family Charadriidae Species Vanellus leucurus Family Scolopacidae Species Limicola falcinellus
White-tailed Lapwing Broad-billed Sandpiper
More upright, long-legged, and elegant than other A small, short-legged wader, this bird has a contrasting
lapwings, this species is identified by its white tail dark back and white belly. In spring, it has a “frosty”
with no black band, and long yellow legs look, fading to darker brown with coppery edges in
that extend well behind the tail in flight. pale grey- late summer, with long whitish stripes on the back.
brown
It may show a dark grey breast-band head In winter, it is much paler and plainer grey.The best
against a whiter belly.The wings have a feature is then the two white lines over each eye that
neat black-edged white band and large become bolder in summer.The bill is rather heavy,
black tips.Young birds are spotted above. faintly kinked down,and thinner at the tip.
double
OCCURRENCE Very rare in Romania; OCCURRENCE Breeds in Scandinavia, white line
very rare vagrant in W Europe migrates through E Europe; rare in west, over eye
in late summer. mostly in late spring.
VOICE Usually silent. VOICE A high,
buzzing trill, dark
back
bree-eeet.
dark grey
breast-
band
ADULT
long yellow (SUMMER)
legs
ADULT


Length 26–29cm (10–11 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 60cm (23 1 ⁄2in) Length 15–18cm (6–7in) Wingspan 30–34cm (12–13 1 ⁄2in)
423

WADERS
Family Scolopacidae Species Xenus cinereus Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris minutilla
Terek Sandpiper Least Sandpiper
Disproportionately large-billed, this rare, short-legged Rather like a tiny Pectoral Sandpiper (see p.426), the
sandpiper has a rather low,forward-leaning carriage that Least Sandpiper is distinguished from the Little Stint
is exaggerated as it lurches and runs over muddy shores. (see p.181) by its pale legs and from Temminck’s (see
It is plain dull greyish brown with a whiter underside, p.180) by its streakier back, darker breast, and fine pale
marked by a white trailing edge to the wing (but the “V” on the upperparts on juveniles. Pale legs instantly
rump is grey). In summer, it has blackish bands along indicate something quite rare; the tiny (barely sparrow)
the back.The legs are pale to rich orange-yellow. size and angular shape are also distinctive.The Long-
OCCURRENCE Rare migrant in E Europe, very rare toed Stint is very similar but even rarer.
vagrant in W Europe, from Asia. OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant in W Europe, from
VOICE Soft notes in short, North America.
rapid series in flight. VOICE Sharp, abrupt keek, ki-keek or tree-eep.
streaked back
large, ADULT
upturned
bill pale legs tiny
bill
ADULT yellow legs
(SUMMER)



Length 22–25cm (9–10in) Wingspan 38–40cm (15–16in) Length 13–14cm (5–5 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 25–30cm (10–12in)

Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris subminuta Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris tenuirostris
Long-toed Stint Great Knot
A small, long-legged, long-toed, slightly curve-billed With some resemblance to the Knot (see p.176),
stint, the Long-toed Stint tends to creep about like especially in winter, the Great Knot is nevertheless
a tiny crake, or stretch upwards and look very upright. larger, with a small head, longer bill, slightly longer
It is like a bright Least Sandpiper or a tiny Wood legs, and a longer, more tapered rear end. Juveniles are
Sandpiper (see p.185), with yellowish legs, a dark cap browner than young Knots, with dark scaly upperparts;
reaching the bill, dark cheeks, a pale bill base, and they have dark breasts with rows of neat dark spots.
bright upperpart “V”s on autumn juveniles. Winter adults are grey but have darker breast spots,
OCCURRENCE Very rare vagrant from E Siberia. unlike a Knot.The bill is thick-based, tapered,
VOICE Short trill, chrrip. and slightly downcurved; the rump
cream stripes is grey, like a Knot’s.
ADULT on back OCCURRENCE Very rare vagrant
in NW Europe and Middle
East, from Siberia.
short VOICE Vagrants
bill
mostly silent.

pale legs
spotted
tapered underside
rear end short legs
ADULT (SUMMER)
Length 14–15cm (5 1 ⁄2 –6in) Wingspan 25–30cm (10–12in) Length 24–27cm (9 1 ⁄2–10 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 40cm (16in)
424

WADERS
Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris bairdii Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris fuscicollis
Baird’s Sandpiper White-rumped Sandpiper
Of the vagrant small North American sandpipers, Almost as slim and tapered as Baird’s Sandpiper, the
Baird’s Sandpiper is the buffiest and longest-tailed, juvenile White-rumped Sandpiper in autumn is told
looking low-slung and tapered, with a short black bill by its less scaly upperside, with more rufous and black,
and short blackish legs. Immatures have particularly a tiny pale bill base, a whiter stripe over the eye, and
well-marked pearly white, scaly feather edges on the white “V” lines on the back.Adults are plain and grey
upperparts and a buff breast above very white in winter, also with long, tapered wingtips. In flight,
underparts. In flight, the rump is mostly dark and the the white patch above the tail is an obvious feature.
wings have a thin white stripe. OCCURRENCE Very rare in W Europe, in autumn,
OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant from short black bill from North America.
North America, mostly in autumn. VOICE Thin, sharp, squeaky tzeet.
VOICE Short, purring trill, trreeet.
ADULT (WINTER) short
scaly back bill
JUVENILE long wings
very long
wings
black
short legs
legs





Length 14–17cm (5 1 ⁄2 –6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 30–33cm (12–13in) Length 14–17cm (5 1 ⁄2 –6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 30–33cm (12–13in)

Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris pusilla Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris maura
Semipalmated Sandpiper Western Sandpiper
This is like a dull Little Stint (see p.181) with less clear Very rare in Europe, and very difficult to tell from
pale “V”s above, a thicker, blunter bill, and with tiny a Semipalmated Sandpiper or Little Stint (see p.181),
webs between the toes. Bright juveniles have some the Western Sandpiper is a tiny, stint-like wader with
gingery rufous on the head and back, others are long legs and a slim, quite long, slightly curved bill. It
greyer with a little buff around the neck and chest has a slight pale “V”on its back in autumn,with a band
sides.Western Sandpipers are very similar, with of rufous feathers on each side, a broad pale band over
slightly longer bills and more distinct streaks on the the eye, and tiny webs between its toes.
long, slightly
sides of the breast. OCCURRENCE Very rare vagrant curved bill
OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant from North America. in W Europe, in autumn, from
VOICE Short, muffled tchrp, stint-like tip. North America.
greyish or gingery VOICE High, thin,
rufous back rough jeet.
JUVENILE
ADULT
thick,
blunt tiny webs
bill
partly between
webbed toes
toes





Length 13–15cm (5–6in) Wingspan 25–30cm (10–12in) Length 14–17cm (5 1 ⁄2 –6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 28–31cm (11–12in)
425

WADERS
Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris ruficollis Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris acuminata
Red-necked Stint Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
In summer, the largely rust-red neck and upper chest A smallish wader, the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper is like
of the Red-necked Stint are distinctive, although the rather less rare Pectoral Sandpiper without the
larger Sanderlings (see p.177) look similar in late closely streaked breast-band.Adults have a cap that
summer. However, autumn vagrants are confusingly is streaked dark and pale rufous, and a streaked breast
like Semipalmated Sandpipers and Little Stints (see petering out in a scattering of loose spots; immatures
p.181), requiring close study for identification.The have a plain peachy breast, finely marked at the sides.
very short bill, unwebbed feet, short legs, and deep All have greenish yellow legs and a yellowish
body may help; grey wings against the brighter back, base to the short, slightly curved bill. streaked
and a lack of white “V”s above are also useful. OCCURRENCE Very rare vagrant rufous
OCCURRENCE Very rare in Europe, from E Siberia. in NW Europe, from SE Asia, cap
VOICE High, hoarse chrit. early autumn. short
VOICE Soft, quiet wheep. bill
ADULT rust-red
(SUMMER) neck
diffuse
breast-
JUVENILE band


short bill



Length 13–16cm (5–6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 25–30cm (10–12in) Length 17–21cm (6 1 ⁄2–8 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 40cm (16in)

Family Scolopacidae Species Calidris melanotos Family Scolopacidae Species Tryngites subruficollis
Pectoral Sandpiper Buff-breasted Sandpiper
One of the commoner North American birds in Although often near water on migration,this sandpiper
Europe (but still rare), this Ruff-like (see p.200) wader is as likely to be seen on open,dry ground where it runs
is quite small, with bright buff feather edges above and in short, quick bursts. It is small, rounded, with long
a white “V” on the back, a dark cap, and, most usefully yellow legs and a short black bill, rather like a tiny Ruff
for identification, a closely streaked breast sharply (see p.200).The upperparts are spangled dark with
defined against the white belly. In flight, the rump scaly pale fringes.The whole neck and breast area is
shows oval white sides.The legs are yellow. a warm, rich buff, slightly spotted at the sides. In
OCCURRENCE Rare but regular in W Europe in flight, the rump looks dark, the wings
autumn, from North America. have just a diffuse paler central band.
VOICE Short, quite deep, throaty trill, trrr’t. OCCURRENCE Regular but rare
dark cap vagrant to NW Europe, from
bright buff closely streaked North America.
feather edges breast scaly pattern
on upperparts VOICE Mostly on back
rather silent.
JUVENILE buff
breast
JUVENILE
defined
breast-band long yellow
legs




Length 19–23cm (7 1 ⁄2–9in) Wingspan 38–44cm (15–17 1 ⁄2in) Length 18–20cm (7–8in) Wingspan 35–37cm (14–14 1 ⁄2in)
426

WADERS
Family Scolopacidae Species Tringa flavipes Family Scolopacidae Species Tringa melanoleuca
Lesser Yellowlegs Greater Yellowlegs
This looks like a small,delicate,greyer,slender Redshank More Greenshank-like (see p.189) than the Lesser
or small Greenshank, and is also similar to the smaller, Yellowlegs, the Greater Yellowlegs is nevertheless not
rounder Wood Sandpiper (see pp.187,189,185).It has always easy to distinguish from the Lesser.The bill is
long,bright,pale yellow to orange-yellow legs and, in thicker, slightly paler-based, and faintly upturned, and,
flight, reveals plain wings and a square white rump.The in most birds, there are more obvious white spots on
bill is thin and straight (Greater Yellowlegs has a thicker the upperparts (which are browner than a summer
bill, faintly upturned). It often wades Greenshank’s or Lesser Yellowlegs’).The
quite deeply and so may be confused thin, straight bill square white rump differs from the
with Wilson’s Phalarope. “V”-shaped wedge on a Greenshank.
OCCURRENCE Regular but rare OCCURRENCE Very rare vagrant to
vagrant from North America to W Europe,from North America.
W Europe. VOICE Loud, often with
VOICE High, clear tew, three notes, with third note
sometimes repeated at lower pitch, tew-tew-
at same pitch. tew, but sometimes
very like Lesser.

yellow legs
square
JUVENILE JUVENILE white rump



Length 23–25cm (9–10in) Wingspan 45–50cm (18–20in) Length 30–35cm (12–14in) Wingspan 53–60cm (21–23 1 ⁄2in)

Family Scolopacidae Species Tringa solitaria Family Scolopacidae Species Actitis macularia
Solitary Sandpiper Spotted Sandpiper
A small Tringa sandpiper, much like the Green Sand- Very like a Common Sandpiper (see p.184), the
piper (see p.186),this species is distinguished by its dark shorter-tailed Spotted Sandpiper is distinguished in
rump.It has a less obvious white face stripe but a bolder summer by a scattering of small or large black spots
white eye-ring than the Green Sandpiper,and is darker, underneath. In autumn or winter, adults are plainer,
duller, and shorter-legged than a Wood Sandpiper greyer, with brighter yellow legs and a sharper call.
(see p.185).Its long,tapered rear end is often bobbed up Juveniles are plainer, less spotted on the edges of the
and down,as with the Green Sandpiper and the smaller, longer wing feathers, but more contrastingly barred
browner Common Sandpiper (see p.184). on the wing coverts.
OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant to NW Europe, from OCCURRENCE Very rare visitor from North America,
North America. sometimes winters.
VOICE Rich tewit-weet. VOICE Sharp, thin peet or peet-weet.
bold white ADULT
eye-ring plain greyish
dark, dull (WINTER)
plumage upperparts
short tail
dark rump
ADULT






Length 18–21cm (7–8 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 35–39cm (14–15 1 ⁄2in) Length 18–20cm (7–8in) Wingspan 32–35cm (12 1 ⁄2 –14in)
427

WADERS
Family Scolopacidae Species Bartramia longicauda Family Scolopacidae Species Micropalama himantopus
Upland Sandpiper Stilt Sandpiper
An unusual, slim-necked, long-tailed wader of dry In water, when its long green legs are hidden, this
ground, the Upland Sandpiper looks rather like a slim, species is often mistaken for a grey Ruff, Redshank
young Ruff (see p.200) with shorter legs, a thin bill, (see pp.200, 187), or some other medium/small wader
and a dark-capped crown.The dark eyes stand out in winter plumage. Its long, thick, slightly downcurved
well on its pale face.The Upland Sandpiper bill is a useful clue. In summer, the barred underparts
is all-dark on wings and tail, dark dark and a rusty cheek patch are obvious. Juveniles are
and the underwing is dark crown eye marked with rufous above, streaked on the flanks, and
and closely barred. show a dark cap and pale stripe over the eye (dowitcher-
OCCURRENCE Very rare in like).A square white rump shows in flight.
autumn, from North America. thin OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant long,
VOICE Whistling, bubbling bill to NW Europe from North pale stripe thick
over eye
note, quip-ip-ip-ip America. bill
in flight. VOICE Soft, chirrupy trrr-p.
ADULT (WINTER)
JUVENILE
long tail






Length 28–32cm (11–12 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 50–55cm (20–22in) Length 18–23cm (7–9in) Wingspan 37–42cm (14 1 ⁄2 –16 1 ⁄2in)

Family Scolopacidae Species Limnodromus scolopaceus Family Scolopacidae Species Gallinago media
Long-billed Dowitcher Great Snipe
This wader looks something like a cross between a Difficult to identify when out of its usual range, the
Redshank and a Snipe (see pp.187, 196): it is typically Great Snipe is a big, dark, heavy snipe with a rather
quite pale and rather plain in autumn or winter, with thick bill and heavy, dark underpart barring.The closed
a dark cap edged by a bold white line over each eye wing shows lines of white feather tips.In flight,the adult
(an obvious “V” from the front).The bill is long, thick, shows big white tail sides, reduced on a juvenile.The
and snipe-like, the legs short and greenish. In flight, it upperwing is a better clue, with a central dark band,
reveals a white wedge or long oval on the back and a edged with white,right across to the outer edge.Its low,
whitish trailing edge to the wing. Good views reveal heavy, quiet flight is also a fair clue.
broad black and narrow white OCCURRENCE Breeds in Scandinavia, Baltic
long,
bars on the tail. thick area, and eastwards; rare migrant
OCCURRENCE Regular bill in E Europe, vagrant in W.
thick
but still rare vagrant to VOICE Occasional bill
W Europe from deep croaks.
North America. ADULT
white tips
VOICE Short, to coverts
sharp kik or dark
barring on
keek, often underparts
repeated in
series such as close dark relatively short,
kip-ip-ip-ip. bars on tail green legs
JUVENILE
Length 27–30cm (10 1 ⁄2 –12in) Wingspan 42–49cm (16 1 ⁄2 –19 1 ⁄2in) Length 26–30cm (10–12in) Wingspan 43–50cm (17–20in)
428

WADERS/SKUAS, GULLS,AND TERNS
Family Scolopacidae Species Phalaropus tricolor Family Laridae Species Larus genei
Wilson’s Phalarope Slender-billed Gull
The largest phalarope, and most prone to feed on mud, This looks very like the Black-headed Gull (see p.206),
Wilson’s is slender but short-legged, less elegant on except for the fact that it has a white head: there is no
land than when swimming. In summer, a striking dark trace of a hood. It has a rather thick, long, orange-red
band curves back from the eye and down the neck. In to blackish bill and long, orange-red legs. Juveniles
winter, the back is pale grey, and there is only a hint of have weak brown markings on the wings and a narrow
the neck stripe. Immatures have dark feathers with tail band.A close view reveals a pale eye (unlike any
buff edges on the upperparts, and yellowish legs.All similar gulls), but this is hard to see at any distance.
have a long, fine, straight bill and a white OCCURRENCE Rare breeder, locally along white
rump in flight.Yellowlegs and Wood Mediterranean coastal area; vagrant elsewhere. head
Sandpipers (see p.185) are very similar. VOICE Low, strained version of Black-
OCCURRENCE Vagrant to long, headed Gull calls.
W Europe from North America, fine bill
in late spring and autumn. ADULT (SUMMER)
VOICE Short, nasal
vit in flight.

ADULT long red
(WINTER) pale legs to black
long, orange- bill
red legs



Length 22–24cm (9–9 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 38–44cm (15–17 1 ⁄2in) Length 37–42cm (14 1 ⁄2 –16 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 90–102cm (35–40in)

Family Laridae Species Larus philadelphia Family Laridae Species Larus delawarensis
Bonaparte’s Gull Ring-billed Gull
Resembling a small, delicate Black-headed Gull (see Like a stocky Common Gull (see p.207), but paler
p.206), Bonaparte’s has a slim, black bill like a Little above, the Ring-billed Gull has less white between the
Gull’s (see p.213) and a light, airy flight like a tern’s. Its grey of the back and black wingtip, a pale eye (looking
upperwing is like a Black-headed’s (with a white outer dark at a distance), and a thicker bill, with a black band
triangle and black trailing edge), but the underwing is near the tip.The legs are greenish to yellow. One-year
pure white except for a sharp, thin, black edge towards olds are more spotted on the neck and flanks, the
the tip.Adults in summer have slaty-black hoods; in black tail band less clear-cut.
winter and on immatures, the head is white with a OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant in
black band
dark ear-spot. Juveniles have a darker diagonal band NW Europe, regular in SW
on thick bill
across the wing coverts and darker trailing edge than Britain, from North America.
a Black-headed Gull. VOICE Raucous, squealing calls.
black slim
OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant to hood black
W Europe from North America. bill pale grey
back
VOICE High, sharp, tern-like notes pale
ADULT
and squealing calls. (SUMMER) iris
ADULT
(SUMMER) yellowish
legs



Length 31–34cm (12–13 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 79–84cm (31–33in) Length 41–49cm (16–19 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 1.12–1.24m (3 3 ⁄4 –4ft)
429

SKUAS, GULLS,AND TERNS
Family Laridae Species Larus audouinii Family Laridae Species Larus ichthyaetus
Audouin’s Gull Great Black-headed Gull
Once very rare, now increasing,Audouin’s Gull is In summer, this huge gull has a black hood, pale grey
slimmer-winged, narrower-tailed, and stubbier-billed back, white outer wings, and small black wingtips, set
than the Herring Gull (see p.209).Adults are very pale off by yellow legs and a long yellow bill banded black
grey, their wingtips extensively black with tiny white and red. In winter, the hood is lost and immature birds
spots on the feather tips.They have grey or greenish have a grey smudge through the eye. Often confused
legs and dark red bills, banded black and tipped yellow. with Herring Gulls (see p.209), the flat forehead and
The dark eye and long white face shape are distinctive. long bill profile are useful for identification.
Young birds are dark, with mostly black dark OCCURRENCE Very rare in jet-black
tails, very long wings, and blackish legs. eye Europe, regular in Middle East hood
OCCURRENCE Breeds in E Spain, outside breeding season.
Balearics, Morocco, and Mediter- VOICE Deep, nasal, pale grey
ranean islands, rare in Atlantic. throttled call in flight back
VOICE Low, nasal calls. but mostly silent.

ADULT


yellow legs
ADULT
grey legs (SUMMER)

Length 44–52cm (17 1 ⁄2 –20 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 1.17–1.28m (3 3 ⁄4 –4 1 ⁄4ft) Length 58–67cm (23–26in) Wingspan 1.46–1.62m (4 3 ⁄4 –5 1 ⁄4ft)

Family Laridae Species Larus sabini Family Laridae Species Larus pipixcan
Sabine’s Gull Franklin’s Gull
This rare autumn migrant is brought close inshore in A small, dark, short-legged gull, Franklin’s Gull looks
northwest Europe by Atlantic gales. It resembles a like a Laughing Gull but has a white band crossing the
juvenile Kittiwake (see p.216) but the wing pattern is wing near the black and white tip.The bill is typically
composed of three sharp triangles, dark (grey on adults, short, less tapered, and less drooping in appearance than
grey-brown on juveniles) in front, black at the tip, and a Laughing Gull’s, but some are difficult to separate on
pure white at the back, with no diagonal the ground.Young birds have white on the breast and
short dark
black band. Unlike immature Kittiwakes, bill with flanks where Laughing Gulls are dark, and dark outer
which lose most of their black yellow tip primaries unlike the much paler
dark head dark hood
and look dull and scruffy, (pale in Black-headed Gulls (see p.206). (jet-black in
Sabine’s Gull looks very neat. autumn, Common Gulls are paler and summer)
winter)
OCCURRENCE Regular in much larger (see p.207). pale eye-
autumn off W Europe,rare in North Sea. OCCURRENCE Very rare in ring
VOICE Tern-like calls unlikely to be NW Europe, from North America.
heard from migrants. VOICE Soft nasal calls, but
usually rather silent.


ADULT
ADULT black legs (WINTER)
(SUMMER)


Length 30–36cm (12–14in) Wingspan 80–87cm (32–34in) Length 32–36cm (12 1 ⁄2 –14in) Wingspan 80–87cm (32–34in)
430

SKUAS, GULLS,AND TERNS
Family Laridae Species Larus atricilla Family Laridae Species Pagophila eburnea
Laughing Gull Ivory Gull
A long-winged, sharp-featured gull with a long black Almost pigeon-like with its dumpy form and short legs,
bill and black legs, the Laughing Gull is usually easy the Ivory Gull is longer and more tapered at the back
to identify. Summer adults have jet-black hoods with and longer-winged in flight.It has black legs,dark eyes,
thin white eyelids. In winter, the head has only dusky and a grey bill with a yellow tip. Juveniles are lightly
smudges.The back is a deep mid-grey.Young birds are spotted with black and smudged dark on the face.
browner on the wings with black along the hind edge, Albino Kittiwakes and Common Gulls (see pp.216,207)
have black tail bands, and are smoky grey across the may cause identification problems: the bill colours are
breast and along the flanks, looking very contrasty with then important.
their white rump and underside. OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant in W
OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant in W Europe, black Europe; breeds in Svalbard and high
from North America. bill Arctic islands.
VOICE Loud, squealing notes. VOICE Loud, shrill tern-like calls
but mostly silent in winter.
IMMATURE
(1ST WINTER)
white body with
dark spots
IMMATURE
(1ST WINTER)
long wings black legs




Length 36–41cm (14–16in) Wingspan 0.98–1.1m (3 1 ⁄4 –3 1 ⁄2ft) Length 41–47cm (16–18 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 1–1.13m (3 1 ⁄4 –3 3 ⁄4ft)

Family Laridae Species Rhodostethia rosea Family Sternidae Species Sterna maxima
Ross’s Gull Royal Tern
A rare Arctic species,Ross’s Gull is pigeon-like in form, This is a large, magnificent tern, almost the size of a
with rather broad-based but long wings and a wedge- Caspian Tern (see p.223) but more elegant.A very pale
shaped tail. Its very short bill is black, the short legs red bird, it has white underwings marked only by narrow
or pinkish. Summer adults are flushed bright pink and dark feather tips (Caspian Tern has a big black patch)
have a thin black collar; winter birds are duller and the and a white rump (the smaller Lesser Crested Tern is
black is reduced or replaced by smudges of grey.Young greyer). It is white-headed with a black nape, but has
birds have a Little Gull-like (see p.213) dark zigzag a black cap in summer; the bill is dagger-like, and rich
pattern but the hindwing is all white; they show a dark orange. Immatures have dark primaries and hindwing
ear-spot and a smoky grey hindneck. bars, like a young Common Gull (see p.207).
OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant, OCCURRENCE Very rare vagrant in NW Europe,from
thin black
mostly in winter, sometimes collar North America and/or Africa.
spring, from Arctic. VOICE Rather weak, strident, long orange
bill
VOICE Mostly silent. scratchy calls.
ADULT (SUMMER)
ADULT (WINTER)
no black on
wings

black legs



Length 29–32cm (11 1 ⁄2 –12 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 73–80cm (29–32in) Length 42–49cm (16 1 ⁄2 –19 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 86–92cm (34–36in)
431

SKUAS, GULLS,AND TERNS
Family Sternidae Species Sterna bengalensis Family Sternidae Species Sterna fuscata
Lesser Crested Tern Sooty Tern
Large and elegant, like a slightly darker-backed A large black and white tern,the Sooty Tern is a tropical
Sandwich Tern (see p.218), the Lesser Crested has a bird, spending most of its time well out over the sea. It
grey rump (hard to see), black legs, and a long, slim, looks boldly pied,with a long and deeply forked tail,the
dagger-like, bright orange bill. In summer, it has a streamers tipped with a blob of white; feather textures
ragged black crest, in differ, causing slight variations in some lights.The
winter a white forehead has a deep, wide white patch that reaches to
forehead and crown. just above the eye. Young birds are dark above with
It is difficult to pale bars, and mostly very dark brown below.
separate in isolation from the OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant in summer and autumn;
Royal Tern which is bigger, breeds in Red Sea, Caribbean.
thicker-billed, and whiter- VOICE Mostly silent away from white forehead
rumped. Immatures have dark orange breeding areas.
bill
wing markings like a young
Common Gull ADULT
(see p.188), but
less bold than on deeply
a Royal Tern. forked tail
OCCURRENCE Occasional birds
in Sandwich Tern colonies in
summer, but a rare vagrant.
VOICE Loud, grating, ADULT
Sandwich Tern-like kirrik. (SUMMER)

Length 33–40cm (13–16in) Wingspan 76–82cm (30–32in) Length 42–45cm (16 1 ⁄2 –18in) Wingspan 72–80cm (28–32in)

Family Sternidae Species Sterna anaethetus Family Sternidae Species Sterna forsteri
Bridled Tern Forster’s Tern
Like the Sooty Tern, the Bridled Tern is a tropical Very like a Common Tern (see p.220),Forster’s has paler
seabird that looks very dark above and white below, wingtips (all frosty-white or pearly grey in winter) and
with a long,forked,white-edged,dark tail.Good views white underparts in summer. In winter, it shows a bold
reveal a contrast between the brownish grey back and blackish mask and a black bill (like the Gull-billed Tern,
black cap and wingtips; the white forehead tapers back see p.219); the bill is shorter than on a Sandwich Tern
into a point behind the eye. Care is required to rule (see p.218) and slimmer than a Gull-billed’s. Juveniles
out the larger, blacker Sooty Tern, which is also a rare have a black mask and dusky grey centres to the tertials.
vagrant in Europe. Juveniles are dark and barred above, The shape,size,and behaviour are much the same as for
paler below. the Common Tern.
white
OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant mostly in OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant to W Europe, mostly
over
late summer; breeds in Red Sea,W Africa. eye late autumn or winter, from North America.
VOICE Mostly silent. VOICE Mostly silent in winter.
brown back black ear patch
ADULT (WINTER)


forked, white-
edged, dark tail
ADULT


Length 37–42cm (14 1 ⁄2 –16 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 65–72cm (26–28in) Length 33–36cm (13–14in) Wingspan 64–70cm (25–28in)
432

SKUAS, GULLS,AND TERNS/AUKS/SANDGROUSE
Family Sternidae Species Chlidonias leucopterus Family Alcidae Species Uria lomvia
White-winged Black Tern Brünnich’s Guillemot
The three Chlidonias terns, Black,Whiskered Extremely like a Guillemot (see p.229), Brünnich’s is
(see pp.224, 225), and White-winged Black, are the more thickset and thicker-billed, with a white streak
“marsh” terns; this is the smallest and dumpiest, with a along the gape and a pointed white breast against the
slightly quicker flight action than the other two. In dark foreneck (rounded on Guillemot). Its flanks are
summer, it is boldly black with white wings and tail; pure white, not streaked. In winter, the head is dark
autumn juveniles have a dark back, pale wings, whitish to below the eye, without the dark eye-stripe of a
rump, and clean white breast sides (no dark spot as on Guillemot or the white patch behind the eye of
Black); winter adults are much paler, with a Razorbill (which it otherwise resembles, see p.230).
whitish rumps. It looks the most solid, short-necked, and deep-bellied
OCCURRENCE Breeds in E Europe, of the auks in flight.
rare migrant elsewhere, mostly OCCURRENCE Breeds in Iceland, far
in autumn. N Scandinavia; vagrant in NW Europe.
VOICE Short, simple, squeaky VOICE Crow-like growling notes.
kek notes in flight.
ADULT (SUMMER)
white
stripe on
black black bill
upper-
parts
white
white tail forewings
ADULT (SUMMER)
Length 20–24cm (8–9 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 50–56cm (20–22in) Length 40–44cm (16–17 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 64–75cm (25–30in)

Family Pteroclididae Species Pterocles orientalis Family Pteroclididae Species Pterocles alchata
Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pin-tailed Sandgrouse
Sandgrouse are pigeon-like in form, partridge-like in Slimmer than the Black-bellied Sandgrouse, the Pin-
plumage, with tiny bills, short legs, long, tapered wings, tailed has a fine tail spike,a bright white belly,and white
and long tails.The Black-bellied has a short tail, and is underwings with bold black tips (like Black-bellied).
chunky, with an obvious bold black underside and On the ground, the face looks rufous with a black eye-
white underwings with black tips. On the ground, the stripe, the breast narrowly banded with black, the back
male’s plain face and breast (one narrow bar at the beautifully spotted (male) or barred (female) with buff
lower edge) are distinctive; the back is in a delicate and complex pattern. Large flocks visit
spotted on the male and closely barred in pools to drink each morning.
a complex pattern on the spotted female. OCCURRENCE Rare breeder in C and
Black-bellied Sandgrouse are shy; they fly S Spain, very rare in S France, in arid,
long distances each morning to drink. stony areas. spotted
OCCURRENCE Breeds in C and VOICE In flight, rhythmic, back
S Spain,Turkey, in wide open, grating, descending cata-
dry plains. cata or rrria-rrria.
VOICE Rolling, bubbling
flight call, fast trill MALE
slowing to stutter.


FEMALE

black underside

Length 30–35cm (12–14in) Wingspan 60–65cm (23 1 ⁄2 –26in) Length 28–32cm (11–12 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 55–63cm (22–25in)
433

CUCKOOS/PARROTS/OWLS
Family Cuculidae Species Clamator glandarius Family Cuculidae Species Coccyzus americanus
Great Spotted Cuckoo Yellow-billed Cuckoo

This unusual-looking bird is quite unlike the Cuckoo A small, neat, white-breasted cuckoo, the Yellow-billed
(see p.237). In flight, it is long and slim, with broad- Cuckoo is pale brown above with rusty wingtips
based, tapered, slightly rounded wings and a long, and black tail sides with big white spots. black-tipped
narrow tail, its head small and held up, the chest rather The white tail feather tips may be yellow bill
deep.Adults are grey above, with white spots, whitish obvious when perched.
below, and grey on the crown. Juveniles have a black The small eyes are dark, pale
brown
cap, darker back with pale spots, and a rusty outer and the bill short and above
wing.The yellowish chest and white belly are striking. slightly curved. In flight
It perches with wings and tail drooped. the long wings and tail and
OCCURRENCE Breeds in Spain, Portugal, and the slender, raised head give
S France; rare in Italy; vagrant farther north. a typically cuckoo appearance:
VOICE Loud, rattling or cackling trill it usually swoops upwards to a
often given from cover. white perch.Yellow-billed Cuckoos
below rarely survive more than a day
white-spotted, grey
ADULT or so when they reach Europe.
upperparts
OCCURRENCE Very rare
vagrant to NW Europe in
late autumn, from North
America.
VOICE Vagrants are silent. white spots
on tail when
spread
Length 35–39cm (14–15 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 55–65cm (22–26in) Length 29–32cm (11 1 ⁄2 –12 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 48–52cm (19–20 1 ⁄2in)

Family Psittacidae Species Psittacula krameri Family Strigidae Species Strix nebulosa
Ring-necked Parakeet Great Grey Owl
This introduced bird to Europe and the Middle East Sitting upright in a tree this owl looks enormous; in
thrives in very localized areas.The typical long-tailed flight it is very impressive. It is very large-headed with
parakeet form, with a short bill and bright green a grey facial disc and white
broad
plumage, as well as the loud calls, are distinctive marks between the eyes. white crescents grey
between small
(but other species escape at times and red nape The outer wings have yellow eyes facial
could be confused). Males have a buff patches and dark disc
black chin and dark neck-ring bars.Young birds look
(red on the nape);females dark grey; watching
have a plain green head. them may attract
OCCURRENCE Various dangerous attacks
populations from SE black from angry parents.
chin of
England to Istanbul male OCCURRENCE
and Cairo, mostly in Breeds in boggy
towns and suburbs. northern forests,
VOICE Loud, in NE Sweden
squealing, and Finland; rare
squawking calls. vagrant elsewhere.
VOICE Deep,
growling notes;
MALE
song is series of
slow, booming hoots.
long tail massive
ADULT body
Length 39–43cm (15 1 ⁄2 –17in) Wingspan 42–48cm (16 1 ⁄2 –19in) Length 59–68cm (23–27in) Wingspan 1.28–1.48m (4 1 ⁄4 –4 3 ⁄4ft)
434

OWLS
Family Strigidae Species Strix uralensis Family Strigidae Species Nyctea scandiaca
Ural Owl Snowy Owl

This big,grey-brown owl has a longer tail than a Tawny A huge owl, big-headed and broad-winged, with a
(see p.239) or Great Grey Owl, a plainer, pale grey-buff tiny hint of ear tufts,the Snowy Owl is nearly all-white
face, and small dark eyes (with no white crescents).The (male) or white with narrow dark bars (female).Young
back has two lines of pale spots; the birds are mostly grey-brown. Barn Owls (see p.246) in
underside is white with dark streaks. car headlights can look big and white but Snowy
The wings are more uniform than Owls are giants, with a distinctive fast-up, slow-down
a Great Grey’s, although the tips wingbeat and a liking for remote landscapes.
are closely barred.Young birds OCCURRENCE Rare breeder in Iceland and yellow
are paler-faced and browner N Scandinavia; vagrant elsewhere. eye
than young Great Greys, VOICE Grating, chattering,
distinguished by their and barking notes.
eye colour.
OCCURRENCE Rare all-white
body
breeder in mountain forest
in E Scandinavia, NE MALE
Europe, and E Europe.
VOICE Deep, cooing
hoots, two, then two,
then three with pauses.
dark streaks
ADULT on pale
underside
long tail
Length 50–59cm (20–23in) Wingspan 1.03–1.24m (3 1 ⁄2 –4ft) Length 53–65cm (21–26in) Wingspan 1.25–1.5m (4–5ft)

Family Strigidae Species Surnia ulula Family Strigidae Species Glaucidium passerinum
Hawk Owl Pygmy Owl
As it perches on a treetop or,more especially,flies across This tiny owl is round-headed with no trace of “ear”
a forest clearing, this owl gives a hawk-like effect. tufts, and has a medium-length, narrow tail. It perches
It has a much bigger head, with a bold in the open in moderate light, revealing short white
black “frame”
black “frame” to the white face and eyebrows, yellow eyes, and a white underside with
to white
fierce yellow eyes; the back is dark, face heavy brown bars on the flanks and streaks in the
broadly smudged and spotted middle. In flight, it looks very small, rounded, and
with white.Young Hawk Owls woodpecker-like,both in shape
are darker and more uniformly and its undulating action.
grey. No other owl has the Young birds are darker
same big-headed, long- on the breast and crown.
tailed, upright shape OCCURRENCE Breeds in
of the Hawk Owl. Scandinavia,NE Europe,
OCCURRENCE Breeds Alps, and C European
in N Scandinavia in mountain forests.
boggy areas or VOICE Song is series
clearings in forest. of even, short, soft
VOICE Long, white whistles (little more
rapid, bubbling underside than a second apart).
with grey
song and fast, bars
chattering calls. brown-streaked
white underside
long tail
ADULT
ADULT
Length 35–43cm (14–17in) Wingspan 69–82cm (27–32in) Length 15–19cm (6–7 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 32–39cm (12 1 ⁄2 –15 1 ⁄2in)
435

NIGHTJARS/SWIFTS/WOODPECKERS AND WRYNECKS
Family Caprimulgidae Species Caprimulgus ruficollis Family Apodidae Species Apus caffer
Red-necked Nightjar White-rumped Swift

This nightjar is restricted in range and habitat and best Overhead the White-rumped Swift is a fast-moving,
separated from the common Nightjar (see p.247) by narrow-winged,shapely swift,very dark except for paler
its call. Its rusty collar is distinctive in good light; both marks on the hindwing and sometimes a paler midwing
sexes have white wing and tail spots and usually a band. It has narrow, swept-back, scythe-shaped, stiff
large white throat patch.The shape and actions are the wings and a narrow, forked tail, often held closed in a
same as a Nightjar’s, very short- and broad-headed, single spike.The white rump is a narrow, curved band
long-tailed, and long-winged; the tail is often fanned barely visible from below (unlike the broad, easily seen
and broad, almost like a third wing. rump of the Little Swift).
OCCURRENCE Breeds almost throughout Spain and OCCURRENCE Breeds very locally
Portugal, rare in S France; rare vagrant elsewhere. in SW Spain; winters in Africa.
VOICE Repetitive, wooden, hollow, slightly squeaky VOICE Short, hard notes stiff
double tap, ko-tok ko-tok ko-tok ko-tok. running together as dark
wings
fast trill.
rusty collar
crescentic white
rump

pale
underwing
narrow,
forked tail
Length 30–34cm (12–13 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 60–65cm (23 1 ⁄2 –26in) Length 14–15cm (5 1 ⁄2 –6in) Wingspan 33–37cm (13–14 1 ⁄2in)

Family Apodidae Species Apus affinis Family Picidae Species Pacus canus
Little Swift Grey-headed Woodpecker
With straight, blade-like wings and a short, square tail, A brief view of this bird shows an obvious resemblance
the Little Swift looks paler-winged and darker-bodied to a GreenWoodpecker (see p.259): the Grey-headed
overhead, with a dull white throat, but in any other Woodpecker is slightly duller, with a plain grey
view the square white rump is very obvious. In head except for a thin
comparison, House Martins (see p.277) are less stiff- black line from the red forehead
and narrow-winged, and white beneath as well as on short, spiky bill (and
the rump;White-rumped Swifts have scythe-like a red forehead only thin
wings, a narrow white rump, and a deeply forked tail. on the male).The black
Flocks of Little Swifts are often seen over towns and rear flanks are line
villages in areas where this species is common. unmarked (faintly
OCCURRENCE Very rare vagrant from barred on Green)
N Africa and Middle East. dull white and the tail sides are
VOICE Fast, twittering sounds. throat also plain (not barred).
OCCURRENCE Widespread
broad white
rump in France, east through
C Europe and S Scandinavia.
VOICE “Laughing” call like
Green Woodpecker, much green
less ringing, with distinctive back
deceleration and fading away.
MALE
square
tail
Length 12–13cm (4 3 ⁄4 –5in) Wingspan 32–34cm (12 1 ⁄2 –13 1 ⁄2in) Length 27–30cm (10 1 ⁄2 –12in) Wingspan 45–50cm (18–20in)
436

WOODPECKERS AND WRYNECKS/LARKS
Family Picidae Species Dendrocopos syriacus Family Picidae Species Dendrocopos leucotos
Syrian Woodpecker White-backed Woodpecker

This is the most similar woodpecker to the common A rare, large woodpecker of undisturbed forest,
Great Spotted Woodpecker (see p.260). Male (red this obvious pied type has barred
nape), female (black nape), and juvenile (red crown) wings (no white shoulder
variations are like Great Spotted but patch) and a white rump. red
crown
the red under the tail is Close views are difficult,
replaced by pale pink- but show a red crown
red on Syrian.The on males and buffish
black face-stripe does underparts deepening
not join the black hind- to pinkish red under
neck (hard to tell when the tail.A white band
the bird is hunched), and between the dark back
the bill is rather long. and cheek patches is
OCCURRENCE Common distinctive. Old
in SE Europe, scarce but woodland is important
spreading northwest into for this declining species.
E Europe. OCCURRENCE Very rare in
VOICE Soft kik; drumming Pyrenees; scattered resident
slightly longer and less abrupt in E Europe and S Scandinavia.
than Great Spotted’s. VOICE Dull, throaty kik,
sometimes repeated;
pale pink-red pinkish red
under tail drumming accelerates.
under tail
FEMALE MALE
Length 23–25cm (9–10in) Wingspan 38–44cm (15–17 1 ⁄2in) Length 25–28cm (10–11in) Wingspan 40–45cm (16–18in)

Family Picidae Species Picoides tridactylus Family Alaudidae Species Calandrella rufescens
Three-toed Woodpecker Lesser Short-toed Lark
A small, elusive woodpecker of coniferous forest, the This small, pale, streaky lark is much like the Short-
Three-toed is unique in Europe in having a yellowish toed Lark (see p. 269), but distinguished by a gorget
cap, but this is hard to see, and the black and white of fine, dark streaks;it also has more uniform wings (less
striped face is a better feature. contrasted rows of dark feather centres). In some ways
yellowish cap
The back is largely it looks more like an undersized Skylark (see p. 265),
black, with a patch but lacks the pale hind edge to the
of white bars (in the wings. Close views should show
Alps and SE Europe) a longer wingtip point.The calls
or a white central are important in helping to
stripe (N Europe). make identification certain.
Dead spruce branches OCCURRENCE Rare in
stripped of bark and S and E Spain and Turkey,
holes chipped out to Middle East, and N Africa.
collect sap are clues to the VOICE Dry, buzzing
presence of this shy bird. trill, drrrrt; song rich,
OCCURRENCE Local in varied, quick, with streaked
Scandinavia and NE Europe; buzzy calls breast
rare in Alps, Balkans, and intermixed.
E Europe, in hilly forest
with dead trees. long wing
point
VOICE Soft, nasal, short no red
kik; drumming loud, long, under tail
slightly accelerating.
Length 22–24cm (9–9 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 40cm (16in) Length 13–14cm (5–5 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 24–32cm (9 1 ⁄2 –12 1 ⁄2in)
437

LARKS/PIPITS AND WAGTAILS
Family Alaudidae Species Chersophilus duponti Family Motacillidae Species Anthus richardi
Dupont’s Lark Richard’s Pipit
In its hot, sandy, open, often saline habitat, Dupont’s This is a large pipit, Skylark-like (see p.265) in its size,
Lark is usually difficult to see: it prefers to run rather bulk, and general plumage. It often stands upright,
than fly when disturbed.This streaky breast pushed out, on long, thick legs, its bold, strong
lark stands upright, showing a closely flattish curved bill quite distinct.There is no trace of a crest.The face
bill
crown
streaked breast and white underside. is marked by a bold whitish area around the eye with
In flight, the wings look a dark mark beneath; there is a thick black line
plain above, pale below long, on each side of the throat (less marked on
(unlike Skylark or Calandra narrow a Tawny Pipit, see p.279).The long tail
Lark, see p.265, 270), and neck is often bobbed.
the tail a little longer than on OCCURRENCE Regular, but
Crested Lark (see p.266). rare, late autumn migrant in
OCCURRENCE Rare and local NW Europe, from Asia.
in E Spain and North Africa, VOICE Loud, rasping schreep
in short, sparse, vegetation. and quieter variations.
VOICE Call thin
choo-chee; song short,
whistling, fluty notes.
long blackish tail
with white sides
very long
hind claws

Length 17–18cm (6 1 ⁄2 –7in) Wingspan 30cm (12in) Length 17–20cm (6 1 ⁄2 –8in) Wingspan 29–33cm (11 1 ⁄2 –13in)

Family Motacillidae Species Anthus godlewski Family Motacillidae Species Anthus hodgsoni
Blyth’s Pipit Olive-backed Pipit
Only recently observed with any regularity in Europe, Looking rather dark and uniform above or bright and
Blyth’s Pipit is difficult to identify,resembling Richard’s streaked in front in a brief view, this pipit reveals a
and juvenile Tawny Pipits (see p.279). It is fractionally subtle pattern on closer examination. It is greenish,
smaller than Richard’s, with a shorter tail, a slightly with very soft streaking above, and has a dark cap, a
richer underside colour, a slightly shorter, pointed bill, broad, bright cream stripe above the eye, a dark stripe
and shorter hind claws. It may look more like a small through the eye, and a cream spot on the ear coverts.
pipit species and more wagtail-like than The underside is bright yellow-buff to buff
Richard’s, but only close observation with bold black
and several clearly heard calls can streaks. It frequently bold dark
streaks on
separate them for certain. walks in longish pale
OCCURRENCE Very rare vagrant vegetation, bobbing underside
in NW Europe, from Asia. its tail, but flies into
VOICE Slightly higher than trees if disturbed.
Richard’s, less explosive, OCCURRENCE Rare
with fading, breathy vagrant in NW Europe
quality, psh-eee. from Asia, mostly in
late autumn.
VOICE Tree Pipit-
wagtail-like
short shape like hoarse or
tail buzzing spees
or tees.


Length 15–17cm (6–6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 28–30cm (11–12in) Length 14–15cm (5 1 ⁄2 –6in) Wingspan 24–27cm (9 1 ⁄2 –10 1 ⁄2in)
438

PIPITS AND WAGTAILS/THRUSHES
Family Motacillidae Species Anthus gustavi Family Motacillidae Species Motacilla citreola
Pechora Pipit Citrine Wagtail
Slim and streaky like most pipits, the Pechora Pipit has In spring, male Citrine Wagtails look like Yellow
bolder pale stripes on the back (edged black), striking Wagtails (see p.286), but with a greyer back and a
white wingbars, a buff breast, a white belly streaked narrow black band between the back and yellow head.
with black, and a pinkish-based bill. It is difficult to see Females lack the black, have less yellow, but show
well and crouches when disturbed.The breast/belly yellow around dark cheeks (which have a paler centre).
contrast, wingbars, and longer wingtips help Autumn juveniles are like young Pied Wagtails (see
separate it from a juvenile Red- p.285), with a plainer chest; they have
throated Pipit (see p.284). pale-centred cheeks, and are pale buffish
OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant between the eye and bill. black
in autumn in NW Europe, OCCURRENCE Regular in collar
from Asia. bold Middle East, rare in SE Europe,
VOICE Short, slightly streaks vagrant (mostly autumn) in
buzzed, clicking dzep, NW Europe.
not often heard. two VOICE Like Yellow, but
wingbars harsh, distinctly
buzzed tzsip.

yellow
underside

MALE
(SPRING)
Length 14–15cm (5 1 ⁄2 –6in) Wingspan 23–25cm (9–10in) Length 16–17cm (6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 24–27cm (9 1 ⁄2 –10 1 ⁄2in)

Family Turdidae Species Luscinia luscinia Family Turdidae Species Cercotrichas galactotes
Thrush Nightingale Rufous Bush Robin
Looking very much like the Nightingale (see p.296), Bush robins, mostly an African group, are small, long-
this is a somewhat drabber species, more olive-grey, tailed chats, often raising and fanning their tails and
with a less obvious rufous tail. It typically has a clouded bounding along in leaping hops on the ground.This
greyish chest, with soft, diffuse, darker mottles and species is bright buff, with a ginger-orange tail tipped
faint streaks on the breast (Nightingales are usually with narrow black and big white spots. A bold white
plainer on the throat and breast).The yellow gape of line over the eye and black eye-stripe are
a Thrush Nightingale is often more distinct. In SE Europe and the Middle bold white
line
obvious than on a Nightingale. East, birds have dull sandy brown on the
OCCURRENCE Breeds in head and back, with a contrasted rufous
S Scandinavia and NE and rump.The tail spots are especially
E Europe; rare migrant obvious in flight.
in W Europe. OCCURRENCE Scarce breeder
VOICE Sharp whistle, in S Spain, Balkans, Middle East,
and croaked, creaky and North Africa.
call; song very rich VOICE Clicking
and varied, loud and buzzing
faint
and far-carrying. calls; high,
markings
on breast clear, thrush- rufous tail
like song. with white
spots
dull tail


Length 15–17cm (6–6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 24–26cm (9 1 ⁄2 –10in) Length 15–17cm (6–6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 22–27cm (9–10 1 ⁄2in)
439

CHATS AND THRUSHES
Family Turdidae Species Tarsiger cyanurus Family Turdidae Species Oenanthe isabellina
Red-flanked Bluetail Isabelline Wheatear

This rare bird inhabits dense northern forests. Males A pale, female or young Wheatear (see p.300),
are slaty blue above, brighter on the crown, with a especially of the large Greenland race, can look very
white chin and pale underside edged orange. Females much like this rarer species. Greyish brown
and immatures are browner, with dusky chests and above, with slightly darker and weakly
orange flanks; the tail is dull steel-blue.The white marked wings, it has a tapering
throat stands out as a well-defined wedge. In general, whitish stripe over the eye (less
the form and behaviour resemble the Robin (see p.295), broad and flared than on Wheat- thick,
but it is a shy bird.It frequently flicks its wings and tail. ear).The tail has a broad black long bill
OCCURRENCE Breeds in extreme band with a very short central
NE Europe; very rare vagrant “T” stem, leaving a squarish,
in NW Europe in autumn. slightly creamy white rump.
VOICE Short whistle and OCCURRENCE Breeds in dark
hard, short tak; song short, NE Greece,Turkey, and spot on
wings
bright, melancholy Middle East; rare vagrant
phrases. in NW Europe.
VOICE Short, hard call; creamy buff
underside
song includes short,
repeated whistles.
steel-blue orange
tail flanks black tail
FEMALE

Length 13–14cm (5–5 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 21–24cm (8 1 ⁄2 –9 1 ⁄2in) Length 15–16cm (6–6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 27–31cm (10 1 ⁄2 –12in)

Family Turdidae Species Catharus minimus Family Turdidae Species Zoothera dauma
Grey-cheeked Thrush White’s Thrush
Several North American thrushes are small, like softly Only a juvenile Mistle Thrush (with bright, pale
marked miniature Song Thrushes (see p.307).The Grey- speckling above and pale wingbars; see p.309) looks
cheeked Thrush is dull olive-brown, with a greyer face much like a White’s Thrush.The latter is a difficult
marked by a thin, weak eye-ring and cold greyish chest bird to observe, being wary and flighty and keeping
marked by rounded, blurry, dark spots.The underwing to low cover where it creeps and shuffles secretively.
(hard to see) has several dark and whitish bands.This is It is a pale, sandy buff bird with black crescents below;
a shy bird, usually remaining on or close to the ground the back has black-edged buff spots. In flight, the tail
in thick bushes. looks dark with pale sides and the underwing flashes
OCCURRENCE Very rare late autumn vagrant in striking black and white stripes (Mistle Thrush has
NW Europe, from North America. plain white underwings).
VOICE Shrill tsee. OCCURRENCE Rare vagrant, typically in late autumn,
in NW Europe, from Asia.
rounded, blurry dark VOICE Silent bird on migration.
spots on grey chest
black-edged,
olive-brown buff spots
body
on back
AUTUMN
black
crescents
below


Length 15–17cm (6–6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 28–32cm (11–12 1 ⁄2in) Length 27–31cm (10 1 ⁄2 –12in) Wingspan 40–45cm (16–18in)
440

CHATS AND THRUSHES
Family Turdidae Species Zoothera sibirica Family Turdidae Species Turdus ruficollis
Siberian Thrush Dark-throated Thrush

Like the other Zoothera species,White’s Thrush, this The two forms, the Black-throated and the Red-
bird has bold black and white bands under the wings, throated, are both Blackbird-like (see p.311) with pale
sometimes visible as it flies off.Males are slate-grey, grey-brown backs and dull white underparts with
blacker on the face, with a white stripe over each eye, dusky streaking.The face and chest are black on male
a white belly, and white tips to the outer tail feathers; Black-throateds and dusky rust-red on Red-throateds.
immature males are duller. Females are brown, barred Immatures are streaked on the face and breast, with
with black crescent-shaped marks below, a hint of the black or red colour developing in males.
with a buff line over the eye and a The rump is a paler grey than the tail.
broader buff band under the cheeks. OCCURRENCE Both very rare in W Europe,
The white tail corners and banded in autumn/winter, from Asia.
underwings are distinctive. buff VOICE Fieldfare-like (see p.310)
OCCURRENCE Very rare band chacking calls. grey dark
vagrant in NW Europe under back chest
in autumn/winter, cheeks JUVENILE MALE
from Asia. (BLACK-THROATED)
VOICE Thin,
simple call, tsee.
dark crescent-
shaped marks
below
FEMALE


Length 20–21cm (8–8 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 34–36cm (13 1 ⁄2 –14in) Length 23–26cm (9–10in) Wingspan 37–40cm (14 1 ⁄2 –16in)

Family Turdidae Species Turdus obscurus Family Turdidae Species Turdus naumanni
Eyebrowed Thrush Dusky Thrush
A neat, smallish thrush, the Eyebrowed Thrush shares The two forms of this species are very different: the
the pale stripe over the eye with a Redwing (see p.308). “Dusky Thrush” has rich, dark upperparts, bold black
It has a white spot under the eye, and orange flanks and white face stripes, and white underparts spotted
and breast-band.The bill is yellowish at the base and black (concentrated in a breast-band and flank spots),
the legs look dull orange-yellow. The underside is and “Naumann’s Thrush” has orange-buff on the face,
more uniformly orange than any Redwing’s and orange spots on the underside, and a rusty rump and
entirely lacks streaks or spots.Adults have a grey tail. Both are obvious medium-large thrushes, bold
hood, more contrasted than the autumn immatures. and upright like a Song Thrush (see p.307), but shy
OCCURRENCE Rare autumn vagrant and likely to fly off low and fast if approached.
in NW Europe, from Siberia. OCCURRENCE Very rare vagrant in W Europe,
VOICE Thin, Redwing-like from Siberia, mostly in autumn/winter.
tseeee note. VOICE Rather hard, sharp alarm note.
pale stripe white
over eye spot white stripes
AUTUMN
under DUSKY FORM on face
eye








Length 21–23cm (8 1 ⁄2 –9in) Wingspan 36–38cm (14–15in) Length 20–23cm (8–9in) Wingspan 36–39cm (14–15 1 ⁄2in)
441

WARBLERS AND ALLIES
Family Sylviidae Species Sylvia hortensis Family Sylviidae Species Sylvia melanothorax
Orphean Warbler Cyprus Warbler
A big warbler of olive groves and bushy slopes, the A typical Sylvia warbler in its spiky-billed, capped
Orphean Warbler is rather like a massive Lesser appearance with an inquisitive expression, bulky body,
Whitethroat (see p.317). Males have dark grey heads, and slim, sometimes raised tail, this is a Sardinian
somewhat blacker on the cheeks, with big white Warbler-like (see p. 318) bird with dusky markings
throats and whitish eyes. Females and immatures are beneath. Males show a white streak between the black
slightly browner above and slightly buffer on the chest head and dark-spotted throat;the underparts are spotted
(not so white beneath or pure grey above as the male), blackish. Females are greyer, the chest more subtly
and have dark eyes.The long dark tail has white sides, mottled. Both have a red orbital ring and a thin white
unlike a Blackcap’s (see p.316). outer eye-ring.All have dark spots
OCCURRENCE Breeds in Mediterranean region pale under the white-edged tail. black head
and N to C France; very rare outside this range. eye OCCURRENCE Breeds in
VOICE Hard tak; simple/repetitive in Cyprus; rare migrant through
SW, more prolonged in SE Europe. Middle East.
VOICE Dry, ticking notes
and rattling alarm call.
buff
chest
long tail
spotted
MALE underparts
MALE (SPRING)


Length 15–16cm (6–6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 20–25cm (8–10in) Length 13cm (5in) Wingspan 15–18cm (6–7in)

Family Sylviidae Species Sylvia rueppelli Family Sylviidae Species Sylvia conspicillata
Rüppell’s Warbler Spectacled Warbler
Bigger than a Sardinian Warbler (see p.318), Rüppell’s This warbler looks very like a small Whitethroat (see
Warbler is even more striking, with its black face, grey p.319).The male has a grey head with a white throat
nape, white moustachial stripe, and big black throat.A (greyer in the centre) and a black patch between the
red eye-ring is also obvious. Females have a grey face eye and the bill; the eye is encircled by white.The
and a pale throat with darker spots. Juveniles are paler back is grey-brown, and the wings have a rusty patch;
still, grey-faced,with a faint reddish eye-ring; they share the breast is darker pinkish than a Whitethroat’s.The
the adults’ dark-centred, pale-edged wing feathers and female is browner-headed,like the female Whitethroat,
at least a hint of a white moustache. white but the wing is more uniform rust-brown,the wingtip
All have pale reddish red moustache projection shorter. Juveniles in autumn are similar.
brown legs. eye-ring OCCURRENCE Breeds in Spain east to Italy and
OCCURRENCE Breeds in the Canaries; very rare vagrant farther north.
in SE Europe; very rare VOICE Distinctive buzzing dzz or d-rrr, sometimes
vagrant elsewhere; longer, dry, hesitant rattle.
black
winters in Africa.
throat
VOICE Sharp,
hard zak and
rattle. white
throat
rusty patch
on wings
pink
breast
bright legs
MALE
MALE
Length 13cm (5in) Wingspan 18–21cm (7–8 1 ⁄2in) Length 12–13cm (4 3 ⁄4 –5in) Wingspan 14–17cm (5 1 ⁄2 –6 1 ⁄2in)
442

WARBLERS AND ALLIES
Family Sylviidae Species Sylvia sarda Family Sylviidae Species Acrocephalus paludicola
Marmora’s Warbler Aquatic Warbler
Similar to a Dartford Warbler (see p.321) in size, shape, Rare and declining, the Aquatic Warbler is much like
behaviour, and general character, Marmora’s Warbler a bright,strongly patterned Sedge Warbler (see p.322),
is a much more restricted bird in range. It is a greyer especially the immature Sedge that tends to have a pale
bird, the male rather plain smoky grey except for a crown stripe and some faint breast streaks resembling
paler throat, red bill base, red eye, and red legs. Females the marks on Aquatic.A peach-buff bird with streaks
are paler,duller but equally grey,with no trace of brown; of black and cream, it has a striped head with a sharply
immatures are just slightly tinged with olive-brown defined pale crown stripe. Fine streaks on the chest
above, a little less so on the wings than a juvenile and flanks are distinctive in summer.
Dartford Warbler, and a little paler, purer grey, A cream “V” on the back
on the throat than the commoner bird. is characteristic.
OCCURRENCE Scarce breeder in OCCURRENCE Rare breeder
Balearics, Corsica, and Sardinia; south of Baltic; regular but
very rare vagrant elsewhere. very rare migrant in
VOICE Dull, buzzy tshek or reedbeds in W Europe.
tsak notes; song quite soft, VOICE Short, metallic
fast rattling warble with tak; song varied, less black and
cream
brighter trill at end. energetic than stripes on
that of Sedge body
Warbler.
MALE
(SUMMER)
ADULT
Length 13–16cm (5–6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 25–30cm (10–12in) Length 12–13cm (4 3 ⁄4 –5in) Wingspan 17–19cm (6 1 ⁄2 –7 1 ⁄2in)

Family Sylviidae Species Locustella fluviatilis Family Sylviidae Species Locustella lanceolata
River Warbler Lanceolated Warbler
Small warblers with rounded tails, very long undertail The most-streaked Locustella species,this is a particularly
coverts, and rounded outer edges to the closed wings, secretive bird,creeping and hiding in the sparsest cover
the Locustella species have a thick, tapered rear end and and very difficult to watch. It looks like a small, dark
a sharp bill.Their songs are insect-like, prolonged Grasshopper Warbler (see p.328) with striped underparts
trillings: that of the River Warbler is the best way to (or in autumn at least a gorget of diffuse streaks) and
locate it.This is a dark brown bird, with whitish tail quite distinct, narrow dark spots under the tail (softer,
feather tips and a gorget of soft, brown streaks (unlike longer marks on Grasshopper).Narrower,more defined
Reed, Savi’s, or Cetti’s Warblers; see pp.324, 329, 330) pale edges to the tertials may aid identification but,
but a plain back (unlike Grasshopper or Sedge while typical ones are distinctive,there is a problem with
Warblers; see pp.328, 322). overlapping features with these two species.
OCCURRENCE Breeds in NE Europe OCCURRENCE Very rare but regular
from Baltic south to Black Sea; rare in vagrant in NW Europe, from
summer in W Europe. Siberia, in autumn.
plain
VOICE Song has back VOICE Short clicking call
rhythmic, fast, note, rarely heard.
hissing, mechanical
quality, tsi-tsi-tsi-
pale edges
tsi-tsi-tsi-tsi-tsi. to tertials
ADULT
ADULT
rounded
edge of
wings
Length 15–16cm (6–6 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 8–9cm (3 1 ⁄4 –3 1 ⁄2in) Length 12cm (4 3 ⁄4in) Wingspan 15–16cm (6–6 1 ⁄2in)
443

WARBLERS AND ALLIES
Family Sylviidae Species Acrocephalus dumetorum Family Sylviidae Species Acrocephalus agricola
Blyth’s Reed Warbler Paddyfield Warbler
This species is dull and plain in appearance,with This small, pale, reed-type warbler is marked by a
markedly uniform wings.It has a long bill and a pale strong pale stripe over the eye, edged darker above
stripe from the bill to the eye (less clear behind the and below. Its bill is quite short and pale, with a dark
eye). Its wingtips are short and its legs dark (Marsh tip.A rufous rump may be obvious (less so on autumn
Warbler’s are long and pale, respectively; see p.325). juveniles).The short wings, with quite strongly
The wingtips are plain dark (Marsh has sharp pale patterned tertials (dark centres and pale edges), help to
feather edges) and the bill has a pale separate it from Blyth’s Reed Warbler.The unrelated
base,the lower mandible tipped darker pale stripe Booted Warbler can also look very similar.
(completely pale on Marsh). from bill OCCURRENCE
to eye
OCCURRENCE Breeds in NE Europe, Breeds around
rare vagrant in W Europe in summer Black Sea; very
and autumn. rare vagrant in strong pale
VOICE Short, hard, clicking W Europe. stripe over
call; song rich, varied, VOICE Short, eye
each phrase slowly hard tack and
repeated chek notes; fast,
several varied song short
times. with much wingtips
short mimicry.
wingtips



Length 13–14cm (5–5 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 17–19cm (6 1 ⁄2 –7 1 ⁄2in) Length 12–13cm (4 3 ⁄4 –5in) Wingspan 15–17cm (6–6 1 ⁄2in)

Family Sylviidae Species Hippolais olivetorum Family Sylviidae Species Hippolais languida
Olive-tree Warbler Upcher’s Warbler
The largest of the Hippolais group, the Olive-tree A rather large Hippolais warbler, with a pale, broad-
Warbler is one of Europe’s largest warblers, typically based, dagger-like bill, Upcher’s Warbler has short
seen moving heavily through olive, almond, or holm undertail coverts and long, square tail with whitish
oak foliage. It has a pale, strong, dagger-like bill, thick sides.The wings have a paler central panel when
dark legs, and a long, square,white-edged dark tail. Its closed, formed by pale feather edges. Strong dark legs
wingtip projection is particularly long. It appears very and a habit of swaying its tail from side to side are
grey (less so on more olive-hued juveniles) with a helpful identifying features. It is slightly
marked pale wing panel.There is a short white line larger and rounder-headed than the
from the bill to just above (not behind) the eye. very similar Olivaceous Warbler.
OCCURRENCE Scarce breeder in Balkans and Middle OCCURRENCE Rare
East; winters in Africa. summer visitor in pale sandy
VOICE Short, hard tack; harsh, Middle East; grey above
grating, repetitive song. winters in Africa.
VOICE Hard,
long metallic tack
wingtips
dagger- note; energetic paler
like pale warbling song. below
bill
thick dark legs contrasted
dark tail



Length 16–18cm (6 1 ⁄2 –7in) Wingspan 24–26cm (9 1 ⁄2 –10in) Length 14–15cm (5 1 ⁄2 –6in) Wingspan 20–23cm (8–9in)
444

WARBLERS AND ALLIES
Family Sylviidae Species Hippolais pallida Family Sylviidae Species Hippolais caligata
Olivaceous Warbler Booted Warbler
The neat, long, flat-headed, long-billed, pale coloured This Hippolais warbler is like a Willow Warbler (see
Olivaceous Warbler is distinguished as much by its lack p.333) in general form, and also recalls the Paddyfield
of marked features as anything else. It has an all-pale Warbler in pattern. Pale sandy grey or warmer brown,
lower mandible and greyish legs.The wings are plain it has a spiky, dark-tipped pale bill and
although the feather tips are paler.The wingtip point a slight dark stripe through the eye dark sides to
crown
is short (longer on Icterine, and a thin pale line above it, sometimes
p.331, shorter on Booted). quite marked.The broad-based bill,
It frequently dips its tail, short undertail coverts, and long,
like a Chiffchaff (see p.336). slim, square-tipped tail (bobbed
OCCURRENCE Scarce upwards but not flicked down)
breeder in Spain, more help to identify it.
common in SE Europe; OCCURRENCE Breeds in
rare vagrant in NW extreme NE Europe; rare
Europe. vagrant in W Europe in
VOICE Sparrow-like autumn.
twitter and hard, dry VOICE Dry, hard,
tack calls; song unmusical, tapping tak or tek.
fast warble with
recurring pattern.
narrow whitish pale sandy
sides of tail grey body
long, slim
tail
Length 12–14cm (4 3 ⁄4 –5 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 18–21cm (7–8 1 ⁄2in) Length 11–12cm (4 1 ⁄4 –4 3 ⁄4in) Wingspan 18–20cm (7–8in)

Family Sylviidae Species Phylloscopus fuscatus Family Sylviidae Species Phylloscopus swarzi
Dusky Warbler Radde’s Warbler
Stockier than a Chiffchaff (see p.336), the Dusky A rare and highly prized warbler, skulking and elusive
Warbler is browner, tinged grey or olive, with a broad, but calling often, Radde’s Warbler looks dark, bulky,
long pale stripe over the eye (whitest in front, buff and strong-billed. Its legs are thick and bright pinkish.
behind), pale orange-brown legs, and pale underparts A long, slightly kinked pale stripe runs over each eye,
with slightly brighter, buffer flanks.The dark eye- edged darker above and below.The back is olive green,
stripe often sharpens the effect of the line over the eye. less brown than the Dusky Warbler’s, and the underside
OCCURRENCE Rare but annual vagrant in NW more brightly flushed with orange-buff on the flanks
Europe, from Asia, in late autumn. and rusty-buff on the undertail coverts.
pale stripe
VOICE Hard tchuk or tak notes, or repeated tek tek. OCCURRENCE Very rare but regular
over eye
late autumn vagrant to NW Europe,
from Asia.
broad pale
dark eye-stripe stripe over VOICE Soft, repeated, slightly
eye chuckling chup or chep.
fine,
pointed thick
pale bill pale
underparts legs






Length 11–12cm (4 1 ⁄4 –4 3 ⁄4in) Wingspan 14–20cm (5 1 ⁄2 –8in) Length 12cm (4 3 ⁄4in) Wingspan 15–20cm (6–8in)
445

WARBLERS AND ALLIES
Family Sylviidae Species Phylloscopus borealis Family Sylviidae Species Phylloscopus trochiloides
Arctic Warbler Greenish Warbler
The Phylloscopus warblers, including the Willow This delicate, fast-moving warbler is grey-green above
Warbler (see p.333), are greenish, delicate, and quick- and silvery white below.The yellowish stripe over the
moving birds.The Arctic Warbler is rather thickset eye typically reaches the top of the bill (unlike Arctic
and solid with a stout bill (pale lower mandible with Warbler).A single narrow cream wingbar is usual, a
a dark tip), a thick, dark stripe through the eye and second short one occasional.Whiter flanks help to give
a long cream line above it, and a thin cream wingbar it a lighter look than the Arctic Warbler; but it may be
(sometimes two). Larger than the Greenish Warbler, confused with some Chiffchaffs with a pale wingbar.
it has longer wingtips, and pinker legs in autumn. OCCURRENCE Breeds in NE Europe; rare migrant in
OCCURRENCE Breeds in extreme N Scandinavia; late summer; occasional in late spring in W Europe.
very rare migrant/vagrant in autumn in NW Europe. VOICE Loud, sweet, disyllabic schu-weet or tshi-li;
VOICE Call hard, sharp dzit; song quick, trilling song.
low, fast trill. pale wingbar
thin wingbar
AUTUMN AUTUMN
long wingtips








Length 12–13cm (4 3 ⁄4 –5in) Wingspan 16–22cm (6 1 ⁄2 –9in) Length 10cm (4in) Wingspan 15–21cm (6–8 1 ⁄2in)

Family Sylviidae Species Phylloscopus inornatus Family Sylviidae Species Phylloscopus humei
Yellow-browed Warbler Hume’s Leaf Warbler
A very small, strongly patterned, beautiful warbler, the A very close and very similar relative of the Yellow-
Yellow-browed Warbler is clear grey-green or olive- browed Warbler, Hume’s is another tiny, but slightly
green above,whiter beneath,with black-centred,white- duller, warbler. It is dusky grey-green, whiter below,
tipped tertials and two yellowish cream wingbars; the with a long, cream stripe over the eye, an all-dark bill
upper one is thin and short, the lower longer and (no pale base), and two pale wingbars, one broad and
broad, edged dark green and black, catching the eye in obvious, the upper one short, weak, and often
the briefest view. It is an elusive, active little bird, often inconspicuous. Its tertials are dull with pale tips, less
hard to see well against the sky in leafy trees. blackish than on the Yellow-browed.
OCCURRENCE Rare but regular long cream OCCURRENCE Very rare vagrant in NW Europe,
migrant in NW Europe, in late stripe over eye from Asia. dark
autumn, from Asia. VOICE Loud, cheeping tsee- bill
VOICE Penetrating, oo, falling at end, or
sharp, rising sweeet flatter tsweeet.
or chi-weet.
AUTUMN
white
tips

two pale
wingbars
AUTUMN


Length 9–10cm (3 1 ⁄2 –4in) Wingspan 14–20cm (5 1 ⁄2 –8in) Length 9–10cm (3 1 ⁄2 –4in) Wingspan 14–20cm (5 1 ⁄2 –8in)
446

WARBLERS AND ALLIES/FLYCATCHERS
Family Sylviidae Species Phylloscopus proregulus Family Muscicapidae Species Ficedula parva
Pallas’s Warbler Red-breasted Flycatcher
The tiniest and most boldly patterned leaf warbler, This delightful, tiny flycatcher is best identified by its
Pallas’s Warbler is eye-catching but not easy to separate black tail with a long rectangle of white on each side
from the Yellow-browed unless the crown and rump at the base.Males have a grey hood and a small orange-
are visible. It is brighter green and neckless, its head red throat patch. Females and juveniles have plainer
boldly striped yellow and dark green-black,with a long heads, with marked pale eye-rings, and smudgy marks
central crown stripe. Its rump is pale, lemon-yellow beside the throat.The legs are short and black, the tail
or cream, best seen as it hovers briefly while feeding. often cocked upwards. Migrants can be very tame.
OCCURRENCE Very rare but regular late autumn OCCURRENCE Breeds in E and NE Europe; rare but
vagrant in NW Europe, from Asia. regular autumn migrant in NW Europe.
VOICE Rising, soft chuee call. VOICE Short, dry,Wren-like trr- pale eye-ring
r-rt and tut; song high, sharp,
boldly striped
broad lower head rhythmic, falling away in
wingbar, purer cadence.
edged darker long
wings
JUVENILE
AUTUMN
white on tail





Length 9cm (3 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 12–16cm (4 3 ⁄4 –6 1 ⁄2in) Length 11–12cm (4 1 ⁄4 –4 3 ⁄4in) Wingspan 18–21cm (7–8 1 ⁄2in)

Family Muscicapidae Species Ficedula albicollis Family Muscicapidae Species Ficedula semitorquata
Collared Flycatcher Semi-collared Flycatcher
This is very similar to the Pied Flycatcher (see p.340), A difficult bird of restricted range, the Semi-collared
plumages other than the adult male’s being difficult. Flycatcher is best identified when breeding, by the
Females are greyer than Pied, with a greyish rump; the adult males: the white throat hooks around under the
wing patch is thinner, but there is a larger white patch ear coverts in a half collar,the wings have a lot of white
on the primaries. Juveniles may have a short upper with a very big primary patch, and the rump is pale
wingbar. Confusions arise with hybrids, as well as grey; Iberian Pied Flycatchers (see p.340), however,
Semi-collared Flycatchers. look very similar. Females have very thin white wing
OCCURRENCE Breeds in marks, but a strong upper wingbar.
bold white patch
E Europe, north to Baltic OCCURRENCE Breeds
near bill
islands; rare vagrant in white in Balkans and Turkey; white
W Europe in spring. collar migrates through Middle half
collar
VOICE Thin tseeeep and East in spring and autumn.
short tek; song slow, harsh VOICE Call low, piping
whistles of varying pitch. whistle; song slow, like
Collared Flycather’s,
MALE large white
wing patch more rhythmic
like Pied’s.
upper
wingbar
MALE
(SUMMER)
Length 12–13cm (4 3 ⁄4 –5in) Wingspan 12–13cm (4 3 ⁄4 –5in) Length 12–13cm (4 3 ⁄4 –5in) Wingspan 12–13cm (4 3 ⁄4 –5in)
447

TITS AND ALLIES/NUTHATCHES
Family Paridae Species Parus cyanus Family Paridae Species Parus cinctus
Azure Tit Siberian Tit

A rare bird of remote places, this is a little-known With a pattern recalling a Willow Tit (see p.346), this
species in Europe. It has a basic Blue Tit-like look bigger bird also has a richer,brighter brown back and
(see p.344), but lacks yellow and green entirely, and rusty flanks, contrasting with grey wings, white cheeks,
has a longer tail with broad white sides.The crown and a dark brownish cap and bib.The cap is often dull,
is all white (no blue cap), the back pale grey, and washed grey or grey-brown. From the front, the bib
wings blue with broad white bands.The underside makes a broad wedge under the large, almost bulbous
is all white. Hybrids of Azure and Blue Tits cheeks. In very cold conditions in northern conifer
have a pale blue cap and bluer tails with all-white forest,it is often fluffed out,looking unexpectedly large.
crown
less white at the corners. OCCURRENCE Breeds in N Scandinavia
OCCURRENCE Breeds in extreme in old, remote forest and birch wood.
NE Europe in damp woods VOICE Basic zi-zi-tah tah tah much
and willow stands. like Willow but less emphatic;
VOICE Most calls song more nasal and buzzing.
very like Blue
Tit’s; song more
stuttering.
grey wings
long tail
brown flanks


Length 12–13cm (4 3 ⁄4 –5in) Wingspan 19–21cm (7 1 ⁄2 –8 1 ⁄2in) Length 13–14cm (5–5 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 20–21cm (8–8 1 ⁄2in)

Family Paridae Species Parus lugubris Family Sittidae Species Sitta whiteheadi
Sombre Tit Corsican Nuthatch
The same size as a Great Tit (see p.342), the Sombre A tiny nuthatch of pine forest in Corsica, this
Tit’s basic pattern is more like a Willow Tit’s (see p.346). unmistakable bird has a typical stout,tapered nuthatch
It has a deep, grey-black cap, a very large, wide black form, with a spike-like bill, short legs but strong feet,
bib, and a restricted wedge of white between these and short, square tail held well clear of its perch. Males
across the cheeks. It is a rather heavy have a blackish cap and eye-stripe separated by a long
white wedge
little bird, with a thick bill. Relatively on cheeks white line. Females have the black replaced by grey,
quiet, it does not draw attention to but the white line over the eye is equally distinctive.
itself unless calling. OCCURRENCE Only found in spiky bill
OCCURRENCE Breeds in woods Corsica, in mature pine forest in
or on bushy slopes, in Balkans, high mountain valleys.
grey
Turkey, and Middle East. VOICE Throaty,
above
VOICE Like Blue Tit harsh call, repeated
(see p.344), plus at intervals; song
grey
Great Tit-like back an even, fast,
grating churrs. high trill.
pale,
pale streak dull grey
on wings below buff-
grey
square below
tail
FEMALE
Length 13–14cm (5–5 1 ⁄2in) Wingspan 21–23cm (8 1 ⁄2 –9in) Length 11–12cm (4 1 ⁄4 –4 3 ⁄4in) Wingspan 21–22cm (8 1 ⁄2 –9in)
448