Large Birds

Here's a list of all the UK Large Birds:

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Caspian Tern

Caspian Terns are easily recognised by their large size and striking appearance. They have a robust red-orange bill with a black tip, black legs, and a distinctive black cap on their heads.

Their bodies are white with pale grey upper wings and dark primary feathers on the undersides. Unlike many other terns, they retain some black streaking on their foreheads even in winter.

Differences Between Male And Female Caspian Terns

Male and female Caspian Terns are similar in appearance, making them difficult to distinguish by sight alone.

Both sexes have the same colouration and size, with males typically being slightly larger than females.

Behavioural differences, particularly during breeding season, can help in identifying the sexes. Males are often more active in nest building and territorial displays.

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Woodpigeon

Woodpigeons are a prominent sight in the UK, notable for their large size and distinctive colouration. They typically have a grey body, a white patch on their neck, and white wing patches that are particularly visible during flight.

These birds are adaptable, behaving shyly in rural areas while being more approachable in urban settings. Their wings create a loud noise when flying away, making them easily recognisable.

Differences Between Male And Female Woodpigeons

Male and female Woodpigeons are quite similar in appearance, making it challenging to distinguish between them. Both genders share the same grey and white colouration, including the characteristic white neck patch. However, subtle differences can be observed in their size and behaviour, especially during the breeding season.

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Whooper Swan

Whooper Swans are majestic birds, easily recognised by their large size and pure white feathers. They stand out with a long, straight neck and striking black legs. Their black bill is adorned with a distinctive large, triangular yellow patch, making them unmistakable.

These swans are larger than the Bewick’s Swan and hold a regal posture with their necks usually held erect.

Differences Between Male and Female Whooper Swans

Male and female Whooper Swans share a similar elegant appearance, but males are generally larger. On average, males weigh between 9.8 to 11.4 kilograms and have a slightly longer wingspan, whereas females typically weigh around 8.2 to 9.2 kilograms.

Despite these size differences, both sexes exhibit the same stunning white plumage and yellow-and-black beak, making them a spectacular sight.

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White-Tailed Eagle

White-Tailed Eagles, the UK’s largest birds of prey, are majestic creatures with a distinctive appearance. These birds boast broad wings with ‘fingered’ ends and a wedge-shaped tail. Adults are recognisable by their brown body plumage, pale head and neck, which may appear almost white in older birds, and their signature white tail feathers.

Look for their yellow beaks and watch for their unique flight pattern, where their head protrudes, creating an imposing silhouette against the sky.

Differences Between Male And Female White-Tailed Eagles

Males and females can be tricky to distinguish, but generally, females are slightly larger. Both genders share similar plumage, but keen observers might note subtle differences in their size and wingspan, with females typically boasting a more robust frame.

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Tundra Bean Goose

Tundra Bean Geese are notable for their darker, browner shades compared to other grey geese species. These geese feature striking orange legs, a darker head and neck, and a bill typically showcasing a smaller yellow-orange patch.

They are generally smaller and sturdier than the Taiga Bean Goose, with a more compact body and a relatively shorter neck.

Differences Between Male And Female Tundra Bean Geese

While both genders exhibit similar plumage, males are slightly heavier than females. The male Tundra Bean Goose averages around 3.2 kg, while females tend to weigh about 2.84 kg. This subtle difference in size is one of the few distinguishing features between the sexes.

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Taiga Bean Goose

The Taiga Bean Goose stands out in the UK for its distinct, darker brown plumage compared to other ‘grey geese’. It’s recognised by its orange legs, a darker head and neck, and a noticeable yellow-orange patch covering more than half of its bill.

Typically larger than the Tundra Bean Goose, it boasts a sleek body, a longer neck, and a wingspan ranging between 147-175 cm.

Differences Between Male and Female Taiga Bean Geese

While both sexes share a similar appearance with brown upper parts and an orange bill band, the female is slightly smaller than the male. This size difference is subtle but can be noted upon careful observation.

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Spoonbill

Spoonbills are distinguished waterbirds, noticeable for their striking white feathers and long, broad bills with a unique black colour. These tall birds are characterised by their long necks and legs, which they stretch out during flight.

During the breeding season, adults are adorned with a hint of yellow on their chest and bill tip, adding a touch of elegance to their appearance. With a wingspan of 120-135 cm and weighing between 1,300-2,000g, these birds are a magnificent sight, especially in flight.

Differences Between Male And Female Spoonbills

Male and female spoonbills are similar in appearance, with both showcasing the same white plumage and distinctive bill. However, during the breeding season, males may display more pronounced yellow colouring and a more noticeable crest, which are subtle yet fascinating distinctions.

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Sooty Shearwater

Sooty Shearwaters, known scientifically as Ardenna grisea, are distinguished by their dark, chocolate-brown plumage. These medium-large seabirds measure 40-51 cm in length with a wingspan stretching 94-110 cm.

Their flight is characterised by a unique “shearing” pattern, gliding effortlessly over water surfaces with stiff, straight wings. In certain lights, a silvery strip can be seen along the centre of their underwing, adding to their distinct appearance.

Differences Between Male and Female Sooty Shearwaters

Typically, male and female Sooty Shearwaters are similar in appearance, making it challenging to distinguish between them based solely on plumage. Both sexes share the same dark colouration and physical features.

However, subtle differences in size or behaviour during mating and nesting periods might offer clues for differentiation.

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Snow Goose

Snow Geese are captivating birds, easily recognised by their two colour morphs: the classic white, with black-tipped wings, and the less common blue-grey phase. These birds are medium-sized with stout bills and long, thick necks.

The blue phase is characterised by a white head and predominantly blue-grey body, while the white phase is almost entirely snow-white except for black wingtips.

Differences Between Male And Female Snow Geese

Sexual dimorphism in Snow Geese is subtle, with males and females appearing similar in plumage. However, males are generally slightly larger than females. The key to differentiating them lies in their size and, during interactions, in their behaviours.

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Shag

Shags are goose-sized waterbirds, draped in dark hues with long, slender necks. Notably, they have a distinct steep forehead and a slight size advantage, making them slimmer and smaller than their cormorant cousins.

Adults boast a dark, glossy green sheen during breeding season, highlighted by a recurved crest at the head. They typically range between 65-80 cm in length, with a wingspan of about 90-105 cm and weigh around 1750-2250g.

Differences Between Male And Female Shags

Male and female Shags are quite similar in appearance, but keen observers might note the males are generally larger with more pronounced crests during the breeding season.

Additionally, males might display slightly brighter plumage, a subtle yet fascinating distinction.

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Rough-Legged Buzzard

Rough-legged buzzards are striking birds of prey, distinguishable by their black-tipped white tails, paler overall appearance compared to common buzzards, and notably longer wings.

They have a characteristic behaviour of ‘hanging’ in the air while hunting, often seen hovering more frequently than common buzzards. Look out for the heavily feathered legs, which are a key identifier and the source of their name. However, be cautious, as their appearance can be confused with the variable plumage of pale common buzzards.

Differences Between Male And Female Rough-Legged Buzzards

In rough-legged buzzards, males and females can be differentiated by subtle differences. Males generally exhibit a slightly smaller size and less heavy markings compared to females. Females are usually larger and often have more bands on their white tails, along with more prominent markings on their bellies. Both sexes share a common palette of brown, grey, black, and white feathers.

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Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon

Rock Doves, commonly known as Feral Pigeons, are a familiar sight with their varied palette of colours. Their plumage ranges from shades of blue to black, pale grey with chequered patterns, and even unique tones of brick-red or cinnamon-brown. Some may closely resemble their wild counterparts, the wild Rock Doves.

Differences Between Male and Female Rock Doves

Males and females of this species show little distinction in appearance, making them less sexually dimorphic compared to other birds. Generally, males may exhibit slightly more intense iridescence on their necks and are a bit larger in size than females.

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Red-Legged Partridge

Red-Legged Partridges are larger than their Grey Partridge counterparts, measuring 32-34 cm in length with a wingspan of 47-50cm. They are distinguished by their large white chins and throat patches that are bordered by black.

Their body is greyish, adorned with bold black flank stripes and a chestnut-sided tail.

Differences Between Male And Female Red-Legged Partridges

The adult male partridge has a rounded orange head, red bill, and black breast, with white flanks, a brown back, and a black tail. Females are primarily pale brown with a darker back and crown, and a whitish face. Eclipse males resemble females but retain the red bill.

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Red-Throated Diver

Red-Throated Divers are recognised by their grey and brown plumage and up-tilted bill. In summer, they are known for their characteristic red throat. They are agile in water but quite clumsy on land, coming ashore only for breeding.

Differences Between Male And Female Red-Throated Divers

There are no significant visible differences between male and female Red-Throated Divers. Both sexes share a similar grey-brown plumage, with males slightly larger in size.

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Red-Crested Pochard

Red-Crested Pochards are large diving ducks, boasting a length of 53-57cm and a wingspan of 85-90cm. These ducks are known for their remarkable appearance and robust build.

Differences Between Male And Female Red-Crested Pochards

Males are vibrant, featuring a rounded, orange head and a red bill, contrasting with a black breast and white flanks. The female, however, has palish brown body, white cheeks, and a brown cap.

In flight, both sexes display a thick white wing stripe and whitish underwings.

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Red Kite

Red Kites are splendid birds of prey with a unique reddish-brown body, angled wings, and a deeply forked tail. They’re easily recognised by their soaring flight and distinctive colouration.

Differences Between Male And Female Red Kites

Males and females are similar in appearance, but males tend to be slightly larger. Both genders exhibit the same striking plumage.

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Common Raven

The Common Raven is a large, all-black bird, known for its size and unique characteristics. Measuring 60-68 cm in length with a wingspan of 120-150 cm, it is one of the largest members of the crow family.

Its glossy black plumage and wedge-shaped tail make it unmistakable.

Differences Between Male And Female Common Ravens

Males and females are similar in appearance, making it challenging to distinguish between them based solely on physical characteristics. However, males are generally larger with a more robust build.

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Pink-Footed Goose

Pink-Footed Geese are medium-sized birds, easily identified by their pinkish-grey bodies, dark heads and necks, a pink bill, and, of course, their namesake pink feet and legs. They are smaller than a Mute Swan but larger than a Mallard, striking a graceful balance in size.

Differences Between Male And Female Pink-Footed Geese

Both sexes are similar in appearance, with females being slightly smaller. Juveniles share the adults’ colouration but are duller and less vibrant, with legs and feet not as vividly pink.

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Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine Falcons are striking birds of prey, known for their blue-grey backs, barred white underparts, and a distinctive black head. This large, crow-sized falcon is celebrated for its incredible speed and agility in flight.

Differences Between Male And Female Peregrine Falcons

Peregrine Falcons exhibit sexual dimorphism, with females being quite bigger than males. Otherwise, both sexes share similar plumage characteristics.

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Osprey

Ospreys are majestic birds of prey, identifiable in flight by their white or slightly mottled underparts and angled wings. From below, their wings have a distinctive black patch, a contrast to their white wing linings, making them sometimes mistaken for large gulls.

Adult ospreys are distinguishable by their deep, glossy brown upperparts and predominantly greyish head and underparts.

Differences Between Male And Female Ospreys

Male and female Ospreys are similar in appearance, but females are generally larger with a more marked brown ‘necklace’ feathering across the chest.

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Mute Swan

The Mute Swan, a magnificent waterfowl, is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. Notable for its size, ranging from 125 to 160 cm in length, it’s recognized by its pronounced knob atop the beak, larger in males. These swans are characterised by their majestic S-shaped necks and powerful, slow wingbeats in flight.

Differences Between Male And Female Mute Swans

Males are generally larger with a more prominent knob on their bill. They also tend to be heavier than females. However, apart from these subtle differences, both genders share the same elegant white plumage and distinctive orange beak.

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Mistle Thrush

Mistle Thrushes are robust birds, easily recognised by their upright posture and bold demeanour. They measure around 27 cm in length with a wingspan of 42-48 cm.

Their upperparts are pale grey-brown, and their underparts are white, heavily spotted with brown. These spots form a unique necklace-like pattern around the throat. The tail is long with distinctive white tips on the outer feathers, and the legs are pale yellow-brown.

Differences Between Male And Female Mistle Thrushes

Male and female Mistle Thrushes are similar in plumage, making it challenging to distinguish them visually. Both sexes share the same size and colouration, with no significant differences in markings or hue.

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Manx Shearwater

Manx Shearwaters are medium-sized seabirds, recognizable by their distinct black and white plumage. Their long, narrow wings and streamlined bodies make them skilled fliers over the ocean.

Differences Between Male And Female Manx Shearwaters

There are no significant visual differences between male and female Manx Shearwaters. Both sexes share the same sleek black and white colouring, with dark upper parts and white underparts.

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Little Egret

Little Egrets are striking birds with a pure white plumage, contrasting black legs, and a sleek black beak. In the breeding season, they are adorned with elegant plumes on their head and neck, adding to their graceful appearance.

Differences Between Male and Female Little Egrets

Male and female Little Egrets are similar in size and colouration. However, females tend to be slightly smaller than males, a subtle difference that can be observed when the birds are seen side by side.

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Hobby

Resembling a giant swift in flight, Hobby Falcons are distinguished by their pointed wings and dynamic flight. They are approximately the size of a Kestrel, with a sleek grey back and intricately streaked underparts. Their wings, shaped like a scythe, make them unmistakable in the sky.

Differences Between Male And Female Hobby Falcons

Male and female Hobby Falcons are visually similar, making it challenging to distinguish between them. However, females tend to be slightly larger than their male counterparts.

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Herring Gull

Herring Gulls are big and striking birds. Adults are known for their light grey-coloured backs and white underparts, with characteristic black wing tips marked with ‘mirrors’.

Their legs are pink and they have webbed feet, with strong, slightly curved bills marked with red. Young birds display a mottled brown appearance.

Differences Between Male And Female Herring Gulls

While both male and female Herring Gulls share the same plumage, males are typically larger than females. This size difference is often the key to telling them apart.

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Hen Harrier

Hen Harriers are distinguished raptors, known for their agility in flight. The males are recognised by their pale grey plumage and the females and juveniles, referred to as ‘ringtails’, exhibit brown feathers with a striking white rump and banded tail.

Differences Between Male And Female Hen Harriers

Male Hen Harriers boast a ghostly grey hue with black wingtips, while females and young birds are predominantly brown with white rumps and distinctively striped tails.

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Egyptian Goose

Egyptian geese, members of the duck family Anatidae, are distinctive birds. They are 63–73 cm (25–29 in) long and appear heavy in flight, resembling geese more than ducks.

Both sexes have similar plumage, featuring grey and brown tones, with males being slightly larger. Their most striking features are the large white wing patches visible during flight and the chocolate brown patches around their eyes.

Differences Between Male And Female Egyptian Geese

While male and female Egyptian geese have similar plumage, males are generally larger with a more robust neck. Females tend to be slightly smaller and less vivid in coloration.

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Grey Heron

Grey Herons are majestic long-legged wading birds, native across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.

Adults stand about a metre tall, with a wingspan reaching nearly two metres. They are characterised by their ashy-grey plumage, with striking white heads and necks adorned by a broad black stripe extending from the eye to a black crest. Their underparts are greyish-white, accented with black on the flanks.

Notably, their long beak is pinkish-yellow, and their legs are a contrasting brown.

Differences Between Male And Female Grey Herons

While male and female Grey Herons are similar in plumage, females tend to be slightly smaller with shorter crest feathers, known as aigrets, compared to their male counterparts.

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Great White Egret

The Great White Egret is a majestic bird, boasting a pure white plumage that makes it a standout in wetlands.

Larger than the Little Egret and comparable in size to the Grey Heron, it features black feet and a yellow beak, which turns black during the breeding season.

Differences Between Male And Female Great White Egrets

Males and females are visually similar, making them hard to distinguish in the field. The males are generally slightly larger and heavier, but these differences are subtle and can be challenging to spot.

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Great Skua

Great Skuas, with their scientific name Stercorarius skua, are formidable seabirds, roughly the size of a herring gull. They have a robust build and sport a predominantly dark plumage with striking white wing flashes visible in flight.

Adults are streaked greyish brown with a black cap, whereas juveniles are warmer brown without streaking below. Their powerful flight and short, blunt tail make them easily distinguishable.

Differences Between Male And Female Great Skuas

Males and females are similar in appearance, though females are typically a bit larger. Juveniles, in contrast, lack the adults’ streaking and are darker overall.

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Great Crested Grebe

The Great Crested Grebe is a symbol of elegance on UK waters. Distinguished by its striking white and black plumage, this bird is the largest member of the grebe family in the Old World.

In summer, adults boast a black head with a ruff of chestnut and black, and a white face. The body is adorned in shades of grey-brown, rust, and white, while the bill is pinkish and it has deep red eyes. During winter, the plumage is duller and lacks the ruff.

Differences Between Male and Female Great Crested Grebes

Males and females share a similar appearance, although males tend to be slightly larger. Both sexes display the same intricate plumage and colours throughout the year.

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Great Black-Backed Gull

The Great Black-Backed Gull stands out as the largest member of the gull family.

Adults boast a striking black back and wings, contrasting sharply with their white head, neck, and underparts. This gull’s wingspan stretches an impressive 150 to 170 cm, and it has a robust, powerful build.

The gull’s hefty beak is yellow with a reddish spot on its lower mandible, while its legs are a soft pink.

Differences Between Male and Female Great Black-Backed Gulls

Males and females are similar in appearance, but males are generally larger. Both genders display the same distinctive black and white plumage and the characteristic yellow beak with a red spot.

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Goshawk

Goshawks are formidable birds, nearly as large as buzzards. They have a striking appearance, characterised by their vivid red eyes and distinctive white eyebrow, which gives them a fierce look.

Their broad wings enable them to hunt with agility, darting between trees at high speeds. Goshawks are sexually dimorphic, with females significantly larger than males. These birds are renowned for their impressive ‘sky-dance’ during late winter and spring.

Differences Between Male And Female Goshawks

The most noticeable difference between male and female goshawks is their size. Females are much larger, which is a common trait among birds of prey. This size difference plays a crucial role in their hunting strategies and territorial displays.

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Glaucous Gull

Glaucous Gulls are large, powerful seabirds, boasting a pale grey mantle and white wingtips.

Adults display a pale grey back with a white tail and underparts, complemented by a thick, yellow bill.

Juveniles exhibit very pale grey plumage with a pink and black bill. These gulls are distinguishable by their size, being larger and bulkier than the similar Iceland Gull.

Differences Between Male And Female Glaucous Gulls

Male and female Glaucous Gulls share similar plumage, with females being marginally smaller. Both exhibit the same pale colouring and stout build characteristic of the species.

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Gannet

Gannets are large seabirds, predominantly white with black wingtips. Their long neck, pointed beak, and elongated tail and wings make them distinctive.

These birds glide gracefully over the water, often in small groups, and are known for their dramatic plunge-diving behaviour.

Differences Between Male And Female Gannets

Male and female Gannets look similar, with both sporting a bright white plumage, black-tipped wings, and a yellowish head. However, males are slightly larger than females, with a longer beak and wingspan.

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Eider

Eiders are the UK’s heaviest and fastest-flying ducks, part of the genus Somateria.

Adult males are striking with a mix of black and white plumage and a distinctive sloping forehead that often extends almost to its crown. They boast a wingspan of 80-108 cm and can measure up to 71cm in length.

Eiders are easily recognisable by their size and unique bill shape.

Differences Between Male And Female Eiders

Male eiders are mostly white on their upper bodies and black below, with a black cap and pale green nape. The females, however, are warmish brown with dense black barring. Both sexes have a green to black beak and brown legs.

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Crane

Cranes are majestic, tall wading birds known for their long legs and necks. They have streamlined bodies, large rounded wings, and long secondary feathers extending over their tails.

Most species exhibit muted grey or white feathers, often accented in black, and have distinctive red-coloured bare patches on their faces.

Differences Between Male And Female Cranes

Males and females of crane species are similar in external appearance. However, males are generally slightly larger than females, a subtle difference that might require a keen eye to notice.

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Cormorant

Cormorants are striking large, black waterbirds, easily spotted due to their size and colour.

With a wingspan of 130-160 cm and weighing between 2.1-2.5kg, they possess a reptilian-like neck and an almost prehistoric appearance. Their unique stance of standing with wings spread to dry is a familiar sight along UK coastlines.

Differences Between Male And Female Cormorants

Male and female Cormorants are similar in appearance, making it challenging to distinguish between them based on looks alone.

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Brent Goose

Brent Geese are small, dark geese, akin in size to a Mallard. They exhibit a black head and neck with a grey-brown back.

The belly’s colour varies depending on the subspecies.

Differences Between Male And Female Brent Geese

Both male and female Brent Geese are similar in appearance, with subtle differences in size. Adult Brent Geese have a distinguishing small white neck patch, making them easily identifiable.

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Capercaillie

Capercaillies are the largest members of the grouse family, with a significant presence in woodland habitats.

The males, known for their sizable, glossy black bodies with a green sheen on their chests and striking red eye markings, are unmistakably majestic.

Females are smaller, with mottled brown feathers and an orange-brown throat.

Differences Between Male And Female Capercaillie

There’s a striking difference between the sexes.

Males are about twice the size of their female counterparts, weighing around 4kg, while females weigh approximately 2kg.

Males display glossy black feathers and red eye markings, whereas females exhibit a brown and mottled appearance with an orange-brown throat.

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Black Grouse

Black Grouse are striking birds, with males showcasing an all-black plumage, contrasted by a distinctive red wattle above the eye and a white stripe along each wing in flight. Their notable feature is the lyre-shaped tail, which they fan out to display white under-tail feathers during courtship rituals.

Females, smaller in size, don a grey-brown plumage with a slightly notched tail, blending seamlessly into their natural habitat.

Differences Between Male And Female Black Grouse

Males are predominantly black with eye-catching white wing bars and red wattles above their eyes.

In contrast, females are grey-brown with a pattern of black barring, offering them excellent camouflage in the wild.

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Bewick’s Swan

Bewick’s Swans charm observers with their elegant, compact bodies and slender necks. Adults showcase a pristine white plumage contrasted sharply by black beaks and legs.

One distinguishing feature is the males’ small black feather patch under the wings during breeding season—an absent trait in females and juveniles.

Typically smaller than the Whooper Swan, they possess a wingspan of 170-195 cm, and their heads appear more rounded with a delicate build.

Differences Between Male And Female Bewick’s Swans

Male Bewick’s Swans can be spotted by the unique black plumage displayed under their wings, known as breeding plumage.

Females and young swans, on the other hand, lack this characteristic. Males generally have a slightly larger and more robust form compared to the more slender females.

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Barn Owl

Barn Owls are remarkable for their striking heart-shaped face and ghostly appearance.

These medium-sized owls feature a distinctive pale colouration with golden-buff mottled upperparts and pristine white underparts.

Their large, dark eyes and absence of ear tufts give them a unique, otherworldly look that is unmistakable in the bird realm.

Differences Between Male And Female Barn Owls

Females generally exhibit a slightly richer, more speckled plumage compared to the males and are somewhat larger.

This dimorphism isn’t just for show; it plays a crucial role during mating and territorial disputes.

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Canada Goose

Canada Geese are a familiar sight with their distinctive black heads and necks contrasted by white cheeks and chinstraps. Their bodies are primarily brown, with large, powerful wings that span up to 180 cm. These features make them one of the most recognisable waterfowl species.

Differences Between Male and Female Canada Geese

Male and female Canada Geese are similar in appearance, but males are generally larger and have slightly thicker necks than their female counterparts. Observing their behaviour during mating season, when males display more aggressively, can also help distinguish them.

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Greylag Goose

The Greylag Goose, a majestic wild goose native to the UK and Europe, is the largest and bulkiest among its kind.

With mottled and barred grey and white plumage, complemented by an orange beak and pink legs, this bird is a sight to behold.

Differences Between Male And Female Greylag Geese

Male and female Greylag Geese are similar in appearance. However, males tend to be slightly larger and bulkier than their female counterparts, a subtle distinction observed more keenly in the field.

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