Medium Sized Garden Birds
Here's a list of all the UK Medium Sized Garden Birds:
Whinchat
Whinchats, small perching birds resembling the European robin, measure around 13 centimetres in length and weigh between 13-26 grams. They boast streaky brown upperparts, buff throats and breasts, and a black-coloured tail with feathers that have white bases.
Whinchats are often mistaken for stonechats, but they can be differentiated by their conspicuous supercilium and whiter belly.
Differences Between Male And Female Whinchats
The males that are in their breeding plumage exhibit a striking black face mask that’s circled by a white-coloured supercilium, a malar stripe, and a vibrant orange throat and breast.
Females, on the other hand, are duller in colour. Their distinctive features include a noticeable white eye stripe, and during the breeding season, males showcase small white wing marks.
Learn moreStarling
Starlings are often mistaken for blackbirds due to their similar size. However, these birds are distinguished by their shorter tails, pointed heads, and triangular wings.
At a distance, Starlings may appear black, but a closer look reveals a glossy sheen with hints of purple and green. Their feathers are speckled, particularly visible in their brown winter plumage adorned with bright white spots.
Starlings are known for their confident walk and run on the ground, and their flight is characterised by its speed and directness.
Differences Between Male and Female Starlings
Male and female Starlings can be differentiated by subtle changes in their beak colour. While both sexes have yellow beaks, the male’s beak turns black during the winter. Additionally, the females tend to have a slightly duller hue in their plumage compared to the males.
Learn moreSong Thrush
Song thrushes are charming birds with a warmish brown back, head, and wings. Their cream breasts are speckled with dark brown, heart-shaped spots.
These birds are quite smaller than blackbirds, measuring about 23 cm in length. Unlike their relatives, the mistle thrush and the redwing, song thrushes lack a white eyestripe and red and orange underwings, making them easy to distinguish.
Differences Between Male And Female Song Thrushes
In song thrushes, males and females share a similar appearance. However, careful observation may reveal subtle differences in size or spot patterns, though these distinctions are not always pronounced.
Learn moreLinnet
Linnets are charming, small finches, known for their sprightly flight.
Males are particularly striking with crimson foreheads and breasts, while females are more subdued in brown tones. In winter, Linnets often gather in large flocks, their twittering chorus a delightful feature of the season.
Differences Between Male And Female Linnets
Males flaunt a bold crimson on the forehead and breast, setting them apart from the much browner females. Both share a sleek, streamlined appearance and a buoyant flight style.
Learn moreGreenfinch
Greenfinches are small, stout finches, easily identified by their conical bills and distinctive yellow wing patches.
Males are particularly striking with their olive-green plumage, complemented by brown backs and large grey patches on their wings, flanks, and tails.
Their pinkish bills and legs, along with dark eyes, add to their charm. Females and juveniles are generally duller, sporting more brown and grey with yellow markings on their wings and tails.
Differences Between Male And Female Greenfinches
Male Greenfinches boast a vivid olive-green coat, setting them apart from the females, who display a more subdued mix of brown and grey.
The males’ vibrant green plumage is complemented by yellow markings, whereas the females’ colouration is more muted, with faint yellowish hues around the eyes, shoulders, and belly.
Learn moreGreen Woodpecker
Green Woodpeckers are remarkable for their vibrant and distinctive appearance. They are the largest among Britain’s breeding woodpeckers, with a robust body, a relatively short tail, and a strong, elongated bill.
Their upper parts dazzle in shades of green, leading to a paler belly and a strikingly bright yellow rump. The cherry on top is the red crown they sport.
The males are identifiable by a black ‘moustache’ with a red centre, a feature absent in females. In flight, their wings reveal dark green hues, and their distinctive, bouncing flight pattern is complemented by their loud, resonant calls.
Differences Between Male and Female Green Woodpeckers
The most noticeable difference between male and female Green Woodpeckers lies in their facial markings.
Males boast a red centre in their black moustache, whereas females display a plain black moustache without the red. This subtle yet distinct variation aids birdwatchers in identifying the sexes from a distance.
Learn moreEurasian Coot
Eurasian Coots, known for their slate-black body and glossy black head, boast a striking white bill and frontal shield.
These birds typically measure 36–38 cm in length and have a wingspan of 70–80 cm. Their strong toes have partial webbing, aiding their swimming prowess.
Differences Between Male And Female Eurasian Coots
In Eurasian Coots, both sexes appear similar, making it a challenge to distinguish between them based on physical characteristics alone.
Learn moreBlackbird
Blackbirds are a familiar sight, renowned for their striking appearance. Male Blackbirds sport a glossy black plumage, complemented by a vivid orange-yellow beak and a yellow eye-ring.
In contrast, female Blackbirds exhibit a brown colouration, often adorned with spots and streaks on their breasts.
Differences Between Male And Female Blackbirds
The most noticeable difference lies in their colouration. Males are distinctly black with their bright beaks, while females are predominantly brown with a softer tone on their beaks.
Learn moreCarrion Crow
Carrion Crows boast an impressive, glossy black coat that gleams under sunlight. These birds are medium-sized with a robust build, sporting a wingspan of 92 – 105cm and weighing between 365 – 655g.
Their sharp, slightly hooked black bill is adept at handling a variety of foods, from seeds to small animals. The distinct orange-yellow eyes, encircled by black feathers, give them a striking appearance.
Differences Between Male And Female Carrion Crows
Male and female Carrion Crows are similar in size and colour, making them difficult to distinguish by appearance alone. Both genders share the same sleek black plumage and intense yellow-eyed gaze.
Learn more