Summer is a fantastic time to enjoy the colourful and melodious presence of birds in your garden. With longer days and warmer weather, gardens across the UK become havens for a variety of bird species. Here are some common British birds you might spot in your garden during the summer months.
1. Robin
- Description: Known for its bright red breast and cheerful song, the robin is a garden favourite.
- Fun Fact: Robins are quite territorial and can often be seen flitting around, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
2. Blue Tit
- Description: These small birds have striking blue and yellow plumage and are often seen darting through trees and shrubs.
- Fun Fact: Blue tits are acrobatic feeders, frequently hanging upside down to access food.
3. Blackbird
- Description: Male blackbirds are glossy black with a bright yellow beak, while females are brown with speckled plumage.
- Fun Fact: Their melodious song is a common sound in British gardens throughout the summer.
4. House Sparrow
- Description: These small, social birds have brown and grey feathers and are often seen in groups.
- Fun Fact: House sparrows are known for their chattering calls and can often be seen hopping around looking for food.
5. Goldfinch
- Description: With their red faces, bright yellow wing bars, and black and white heads, goldfinches are easily recognizable.
- Fun Fact: Goldfinches love thistle seeds and can often be seen balancing on flower heads to feed.
6. Chaffinch
- Description: Male chaffinches have a distinctive blue-grey cap and rust-red underparts, while females are more subdued in color.
- Fun Fact: Their song is a cheerful, repetitive phrase often heard throughout the garden.
7. Wood Pigeon
- Description: Large and plump, wood pigeons have grey feathers with a distinctive white patch on their neck.
- Fun Fact: Their cooing call is a familiar sound in gardens and parks alike.
8. Wren
- Description: Tiny but with a big voice, wrens are brown with a slightly upturned tail.
- Fun Fact: Wrens are one of the UK’s most common breeding birds, despite their small size and secretive nature.
9. Great Tit
- Description: Larger than the blue tit, great tits have a black head with white cheeks and a greenish back.
- Fun Fact: They have a distinctive two-syllable song that sounds like “teacher-teacher.”
10. Dunnock
- Description: Often mistaken for a sparrow, dunnocks are small, brown birds with a subtle streaky pattern.
- Fun Fact: Dunnocks are shy ground feeders, often seen skittering along the ground under bushes.
Conclusion
British gardens are teeming with birdlife during the summer months. By providing a variety of food, fresh water, and safe nesting spots, you can attract these delightful visitors to your garden. So, keep your binoculars handy and enjoy the vibrant avian activity in your outdoor space!