BIRDS?

<text>

cover page [ next page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 1 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 2 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

Contents

P. 2 - Introduction

P. 3-6 birdwatching

P. 7-8 Parts of a bird

P. 9 - survey

P. 10 - unusual visitors

P. 11-12 sunbathing birds

P. 13-71 facts about birds

P. 72-75 identifying young birds

P. 76-79 bird food and tables

P. 80 - planting gardens for birds

P. 81 - House martins

P. 82-83 nest boxes

P. 84 - RSPB nature reserve

P. 85-116 Birds in your garden

P. 117 - bird search

P. 118-130 YOC

P. 131 bibliography

page 3 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

Introduction

Birds have been around for about a 150,000,000 years starting with Archaeopteryx which was a dinosaur. It was about the size of a magpie with feathers and 4 toes just like modern birds but its bones and brain were more like a <reg>reptile’s</reg>, so it is though that this was the link <reg>between</reg> birds and reptiles. <NOTE desc="uncertain"> Ichthyornis </note> was the first true flying bird, it was rather like the modern terns and lived about 80,000,000 years ago. Hesperonis lived about the same time as <NOTE desc="uncertain"> Ichthyornis </note>, this was a <reg>flightless</reg> bird about 2 <reg>metres</reg> from its bill to the end of its tail, which <unclear> or walked with difficulty. Modern birds vary <reg>a lot</reg>, some are small some are big, some eat meat some eat fish and others eat <reg>insects</reg>, seed, berries <reg>etc.</reg> You can identify birds by <reg>watching</reg> them. To see what shape they are, are they tall and thin like the heron or round like a partridge. What shape is the tail and wings, are the legs thick or thin, <reg>straight</reg> or curled, long or short. Colour and marking such <reg>as</reg> wing bars or patches help to make it <reg>easy</reg> for you to tell birds from each other. The way it <reg>flies</reg> what it eats and where it lives and how it calls are other ways to tell them from one <reg>another</reg>. In this project I am looking at garden birds.

page 4 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 5 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 6 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 7 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 8 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

Key parts of a bird

lower back

Nape

crown

forehead

eye stripe

shoulder

<reg>forewing</reg>

upper back or mantle

primary feathers

secondary feathers

outer tail feathers

central tail feathers

upper tail feathers

rump

page 9 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

key parts of a bird

cheeks

eyering

Upper Mandible

Lower Mandible

Chin

<reg>Throat</reg>

Breast

Flank

Tarsus

First or Hind Toe

Folded Primary Feathers

Folded Secondary Feathers

Neck

page 10 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

Survey

Birds	day 1	day 2	day 3	day 4	day 5	day 6	total
Black bird	-	3	2	1	2	1	9
blue tit	19	2	-	1	2	1	25
Chaffinch	1	1	-	-	-	-	2
Coal tit	1	-	-	1	-	-	2
Crow	-	-	1	1	-	-	2
Dunnock	4	-	2	-	-	-	6
Great tit	2	-	1	1	1	1	6
<reg>Goldfinch</reg>	1	1	1	1	-	-	4
House Sparrow	12	2	30	30	-	6	80
Magpie	1	-	-	1	-	-	2
Robin	3	2	-	1	1	1	8
Starling	18	14	18	23	11	14	98
Song thrush	-	2	-	-	-	-	2
<reg>Woodpecker</reg>	1	-	-	-	-	-	1
<reg>Birds</reg> seen a day	63	27	55	61	17	24	247

The <reg>survey</reg> above was done in my back garden in the morning, after putting food out on the bird table and on the floor by the bird table. I <reg>watched</reg> for 45 minutes each time recording the number of each type in the period I watched so the same bird may be counted more than once. The chart shows starlings and house sparrows were the most frequent visitors as 178 out of 247 were these. A green wood pecker was the most <reg>unusual</reg> visitor during the <reg>survey</reg>, but I have had <sic>Heron gulls</sic>, pheasant and a sparrow hawk in the garden last winter.

page 11 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

Unusual garden visitors!

These 2 herring gulls visited the bird table in my garden during August. They were attracted to some fat that we had put out.

page 12 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 13 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 14 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

<reg>FACTS</reg>

Goldfinch

Description

The Goldfinch is 4 ¾ in (12 cm) long. Our most colourful finch, immediately recognisable by its red, white and black head, boldly marked black and yellow wings, black and white tail and white rump. The sexes are <reg>alike</reg> while the juvenile <sic>lack</sic> the bright facial pattern it has the same yellow markings on the wings. It eats Seeds from thistles particularly. <reg>Its</reg> voice is a twitter. The song is a clear, sweet, liquid twitter, heard March to July.

Habitat

In breeding season; gardens, <reg>orchards</reg> and open <reg>cultivated</reg> land. In autumn and winter it is found on waste land and any open <sic>area</sic> where weeds occur.

Nest and eggs

The nest is like a <reg>chaffinch’s</reg> <sic>like of </sic> grass, moss and lichens and wool lined with <reg>vegetable</reg> down and wool. The 5 to 6 eggs are bluish-white eggs have spots and streaks of dark <reg>chestnut</reg> brown, laid April to May. 2 broods <reg> sometimes</reg> 3.

page 15 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 16 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

<reg>FACTS</reg>

Jenny Wren

Description

The wren is 3¾in (9.5cm) long. <reg>Its</reg> distinctive little round shape with cocked tail identifies it immediately, it swoops down to the ground for insects. Its voice is a <sic>chit-chit</sic> when alarmed, <unclear> notes usually. The jenny wren is brown.

Habitat

Woodland, gardens, <reg>anywhere</reg> with cover, often in reed <reg>beds</reg>.

Nest and <reg>eggs</reg>

The nest is completed made of mostly dead leaves with a <reg>lining</reg> of moss <NOTE desc="no punctuation"> hair and <reg>feathers</reg>. The 5 to 6 eggs are white with <reg>reddish</reg> brown freckles usually at the big end and are laid in april. Two <reg>broods</reg>.

page 17 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 18 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

<reg>FACTS</reg>

Swallow

Description

The swallow is 7½in (19cm) long. The swallow has dark metallic-blue upper-parts, chestnut-red forehead and throat, and creamy white under-<reg>parts</reg> Should <reg>preclude</reg> confusion. It has long slender wings and a <reg>forked</reg> black-grey tail <NOTE desc="no punctuation"> it also has short legs. The male can be distinguished by the very long streamer which is longer than the <reg>female’s</reg>. the young have even shorter ones still. The swallow voice is a <sic>tswit-tswit-tswit</sic>. The swallow swoops down close to the ground for insects.

Habitat

Open <reg>country</reg>, particularly <reg>cultivated</reg> land with farms, rivers, ponds and <reg>streams</reg>.

Nest and eggs

The nest is like a saucer made <sic>a</sic> mud, <reg>pellets</reg> put together with the <sic>bird</sic> saliva, with some grass and straw lined with hair and feathers. The 4 to 5 <note desc="word/s missing?"> are white and pointed with red spots at the large end. <reg>Laid</reg> May onwards 2 broods usually.

page 19 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 20 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 21 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 22 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

<reg>FACTS</reg>

Magpie

Description

The magpie is 18in (46cm) long. Its black and white plumage and long wedged shaped <reg>tail</reg> is <unclear> <reg>immediately</reg> even <reg>from</reg> long <reg>distances</reg>. But in order to appreciate <reg>its</reg> blue-green wing and <reg>purple</reg> gloss tail <NOTE desc="word/s missing?">has to be seen close up <NOTE desc="no punctuation"> Young magpies don’t have long tail feathers. They have a beak to <NOTE desc="word/s missing?"> meat, worms, insects <reg>etc.</reg> Their call is a harsh chattering <sic>ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh</sic>. It hops <reg>sideways</reg> with its wings open and <reg>does</reg> <reg>various</reg> other things.

Habitat

It lives in towns and <reg>countryside</reg>.

Nest and eggs

The nest is made from twigs with a <reg>lining</reg> of earth with <UNCLEAR> of fine <reg>roots</reg> over it with grass. A canopy of twigs give <NOTE desc="word/s missing?"> adorned <reg>effect</reg>. The 5 to 7 eggs are green or yellowish strongly marked with brown and grey laid april 1 brood.

page 23 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 24 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 25 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 26 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 27 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 28 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 29 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 30 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 31 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 32 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

<reg>FACTS</reg>

Carrion crow

<reg>Description</reg>

The carrion crow is 18½in (<reg>approximately</reg> 46cm ) long. It has a beak to eat meat, worms, insects and plants and scraps. The carrion crow <unclear> with a <reg>metallic</reg> sheen.

Habitat

All <reg>sorts</reg> of <reg>country</reg>, from open <reg>moorland</reg> to <reg>woody</reg> areas. Also found in towns, <reg>cities</reg> and the coast and on derelict land. <reg>Its</reg> noise is a deep (<UNCLEAR>) a like a car horn.

Nest and eggs

The nest is made of earth, silk, moss <reg>etc.</reg> lined with hair and wool. It <reg>lays</reg> 4 to 6 eggs <NOTE desc="word/s missing?"> are light blue covered with spots. Laid april onwards one brood.

page 33 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

<reg>FACTS</reg>

Greenfinch

Description

The greenfinch is 5¾in (14.5cm)long. The <sic>males is</sic> a mixture of yellows and greens with dashes of grey. <reg> Its</reg> forked tail has a dark tip. The female is duller and is slightly browner version of the male and could be confused with a female house <reg>sparrow</reg>. The juveniles are browner and <reg>streaked</reg> also easily being mistaken for the female house <reg>sparrow</reg>. They forage for seeds and waste grain <unclear> visit gardens.

Habitat

In <reg>breeding</reg> season, hedgerows, gardens, open scrubby areas and parks. In winter, <reg>fields</reg> stock yards, waste <reg>ground</reg> .

Nest and eggs

The nest is made of twigs, grass and moss it is lined with roots and hair. It’s usually made in a hedgerow or bush. The 4 to 6 eggs are off-white, sparsely streaked, with red-brown <reg>spots</reg>. Laid April to May usually 2 broods maybe 3.

page 34 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 35 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

<reg>FACTS</reg>

Chaffinch

Description

The chaffinch is 6in (15cm) long. The male has a reddish body and a grey-blue head. When resting you can see <reg>its</reg> broad white shoulder patch with a white wing bar behind it. When it <reg>flies</reg> <NOTE desc="word/s missing?"> <reg desc="uncertain">appear</reg> as a double wing bar. It has a greenish rump and black tail with white outer feathers. The female lacks the <reg>male’s</reg> brighter colours. It has similar markings and looks very greenish on the back end in flight. The juveniles are like the females, but are less green on the rump. They often form large flocks in the winter with other finches. They eat all <reg>kinds</reg> of seeds, insects, spiders and small <reg>worms</reg>. The call is a <NOTE desc="tiny?">tinny</note> sound like a wheezing ( <sic>chwink-chwink</sic> ) in a <reg>twittering</reg> song.

Habitat

In the breeding season they live in wood land, hedgerows or other covered places. The rest of the time they live on farm land where they can easily find grain or seeds.

Nest and eggs

The nest is a neat compact cup <sic>shaped</sic> made of moss, grass, <reg>wool</reg> and roots and uses spider webs to attach lichens for decoration. It is found in bushes or the fork of small trees such as hawthorn. It lays 4 or 5 eggs which are blue or light brown with spots and streaks of dark brown in april or May.

page 36 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

A male chaffinch

page 37 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

<reg>FACTS</reg>

Dunnock

Description

The Dunnock measures 5¾in (14cm). It is often called the hedge sparrow, although it is not related to the sparrow at all <reg>its</reg> beak is adapted for eating insects. It has a blue-grey head and breast, a chestnut-brown back and wings with dark streaks, orange legs and a thin beak. The male and female birds are <reg>alike</reg> . Dunnock are quite shy birds, often found creeping around bushes and hedges looking for insects, spiders and worms. They will eat from bird tables when other birds are not around. It flicks <reg>its</reg> wings and is also known as the shuffle wing. It makes a shrill piping " <sic>tsee</sic> " sound during the spring and summer months. It can sound quite musical.

Habitat

The Dunnock lives in gardens, hedgerows and <unclear> bushy areas.

Nest and eggs.

Dunnocks build a neat, cup-shaped nest of moss and hair on a base of moss, twigs, <reg>roots</reg> and leaves. The nest is usually well hidden low down in a hedge or bramble. 4 to 5 eggs are <reg>laid</reg> from April to May The eggs are deep blue and pointed. Two or three <reg>broods</reg> are laid each year.

page 38 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

<reg>FACTS</reg>

Tree sparrow

Description

The tree sparrow measures 5 ½ in (14cm). It is very similar to the house sparrow. It has a rich <reg>chestnut</reg> cap on <reg>its</reg> head and white cheeks with a black spot on them. It is not as <reg>common</reg> as the house sparrow. The male and females look <reg>alike</reg>. The young birds are very similar to the adults. It is a shy bird. It makes a "chip-chip" sound, higher-pitched than the house sparrow’s. Also it makes a rather hoarse "tek-tek" sound when flying.

Habitat

It is not as common in <reg>gardens</reg> as the house sparrow, preferring hedgerows.

Nest and <reg>eggs</reg>

The tree sparrow builds its nest of straw and grass similar to the house sparrow’s, but neater. The nest is usually found in a hole or crevice in a building or tree. It will also use nest boxes. It lays 4 to 6 eggs during April. The eggs are smaller, darker and <sic>browner</sic> than the house sparrow’s. It lays 2 or 3 broods per year.

page 39 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

<reg>FACTS</reg>

House sparrow

Description

The house sparrow is 5 ¾ in (14.5cm). The male has a grey head, black bib, brown back streaked with black and a white bar on <reg>its</reg> <reg>wings</reg>. Females and young are a paler mixture of browns, <reg>buffs</reg> and <reg>greys</reg>. The house sparrow makes a loud "cheep" sound as well as other twittering and chirping noises. It is a sociable bird, <reg>often</reg> living in large groups. <reg>Its</reg> beak is adapted for eating seeds.

Habitat

It <reg>lives</reg> near to humans and will eat almost anything that is put out onto the bird table. They like grain and berries. They also like to eat fruit tree buds and the <reg>tops</reg> of spring plants.

Nest & eggs

House sparrows like to make their nests in holes or cavities of buildings or trees. The nest is an untidy domed structure of <reg>straw</reg> and grass, lined with feathers and wool. They sometimes build their <reg>nests</reg> in bushes or ivy and also will use nest boxes. They lay 3 to 5 eggs which are off-white, speckled and blotched with shades of grey <NOTE desc=" word/s or punctuation missing?"> between May and August. <sic>The</sic> <reg>often</reg> have 3 <reg>broods</reg> per year.

page 40 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 41 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

A flock of house sparrows.

page 42 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

<reg>FACTS</reg>

Great tit

Description

The great tit has long <reg>claws</reg> on <reg>its</reg> feet. It has a similar plumage to the blue tit except the great tit is greyer. It’s 5½in (14cm) long. The great tit is easy to identify with glossy black head & neck, strikingly white <reg>cheeks</reg>, yellowish upper <reg>parts</reg> & a broad black band down the centre <NOTE desc="uncertain"> of </note> yellow under <reg>parts</reg>. <reg>Males</reg> are usually much brighter than the <reg>females</reg>, with a richer yellow on under <reg>parts</reg> the <reg>male’s</reg> cap <reg>tends</reg> to be glossy not dull-looking, while the black stripe down its middle is much wider. Young <reg>birds</reg> look like washed out <reg>adults</reg> but smaller. <reg>Its</reg> voice is usually <sic>pink-Pink</sic>.

Habitat

Deciduous & mixed woodland in the main, but also <reg desc="uncertain">frequents</reg> in orchards, hedgerows & gardens.

Nest & <reg>eggs</reg>

The great tit also nests in a hole in a tree or wall, it <reg>uses</reg> moss & some grass lining it with hair or down. The great tit lays 1 brood of 5 to 12 <reg>eggs</reg> which are white with reddy brown irregular <reg>spots</reg>

Food

It <reg>eats</reg> insects, <reg>spiders</reg>, worms, <reg>seeds</reg> and <reg>buds</reg>. It also may eat baby birds.

page 43 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

<reg>FACTS</reg>

Blue tit

Description

The blue tit has long <reg>claws</reg> on <reg>its</reg> feet. It is 4½in (11.5cm) long. It has long blue tail feathers not as long as the long tailed tit though. The male & female similar in most <reg>respects</reg> but the fledglings have a yellowish neck & look as if they are faded.

Habitat

Blue <reg>tits</reg> tend to feed in <reg>any</reg> position even upside down. They’ll feed from <reg>nooks</reg> and crannies & feed their young on caterpillars. The blue tit is quite an <reg>aggressive</reg> bird it evicts other <reg>birds</reg> from nest <reg>sites</reg>, <reg>tears</reg> paper and milk bottle <reg>tops</reg>.

Nest & <reg>eggs</reg>

Blue <reg>tits</reg> nest in holes in trees, <reg>walls</reg>, gate <reg>posts</reg> & have been known to use letter boxes. They use moss to make the nest and line it with hair <NOTE desc="no punctuation"> wool & <reg>feathers</reg>. They lay 1 brood of <reg>eggs</reg> with 7 to 14 eggs - but usually only 1 <reg>survives</reg>. The <reg>eggs</reg> are <reg>laid</reg> in April or May, the eggs are white & <reg>sometimes</reg> <reg>speckled </reg> with <reg>reddish</reg> brown.

page 44 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 45 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

<reg>FACTS</reg>

Coal tit

Description

The coal tit has long <reg>claws</reg> on <reg>its</reg> feet like most <reg>tits</reg>. A black capped, white-faced bird, it’s different from the great tit not just in size, but in <reg>under-parts</reg>. The thing that’s <reg>easy</reg> to distinguish is the large white patch on <reg>its</reg> nape. The coal tit is 4¼ in (11.5cm) long. The male & female are usually identical & the <reg>fledglings</reg> are too.

Habitat

The coal tit <reg> tends</reg> to eat <reg>nuts</reg>, meat & fat at a bird table & possibly seed. The coal tit is a very active & acrobatic bird it <reg>likes</reg> to stay in large <reg>flocks</reg> & is very sociable.

Nest & eggs

The nest is made up of moss & hair, fur & feathers. the coal tit makes <reg>its</reg> nest in a hole. It freely uses a nest box. The 8 to 11 eggs are white with red-brown speckles, laid april to May. 1 or 2 <reg>broods</reg>.

page 46 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

<reg>FACTS</reg>!!!!!

Blackbird

Description.

The male blackbird is black but the female is brown. It is 10 in (25cm) long. The male <reg>blackbird’s</reg> beak is orange the <reg>female’s</reg> is brown. The feet on the <reg>blackbird</reg> are very long & <sic>claw</sic> are quite sharp. When they land they lift their tail <reg>feathers</reg>. Blackbird’s wing span is very small. The male has a yellow ring around <reg>its</reg> eye. They feed their <reg>babies</reg> <reg>worms</reg>.

Habitat

<reg>Blackbirds</reg> like to eat off the ground. They eat berries but mainly eat <reg>insects</reg> such <reg>as</reg> spiders, <reg>flies</reg> <reg>etc</reg> even molluscs by turning over leaves. They <unclear> with their <reg>tail</reg> up & walk & run. Their voice is a low <sic>tchook-tchook</sic>. It is one of <reg>our</reg> finest <reg>singers</reg>. The song usually <reg>starts</reg> in December full song in <reg>July</reg>.

Nest & <reg>Eggs</reg>

<reg>Blackbirds</reg> build <reg>their</reg> <reg>nests</reg> in bushes & hedgerows. <reg>Their</reg> eggs are <reg desc="uncertain">bluey</reg> green with <reg desc="uncertain">reddy</reg> brown <reg>freckles</reg> & zoned at the end there are 3 to 5 <reg>eggs</reg> in a clutch. The nest is <reg>usually</reg> built in march. They may have <reg>up to</reg> 3 clutches a year.

page 47 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 48 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 49 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

<reg>FACTS</reg>!!!!!

Robin

Description

The robin has long <reg>claws</reg> on <reg>its</reg> feet. It <reg>flicks</reg> <reg>its</reg> <reg>tail</reg> & <reg>wings</reg> frequently, it is 5½ in (14cm) long. The male & female look <reg>alike</reg> but the young have a dark brown speckled plumage. The <reg>adults</reg> have a very <reg>distinctive</reg> (orange not red front), which extends over the eye & forehead & has a <reg>bluish</reg> & grey border. Their song is <sic>tic-tic</sic>.

Habitat

<reg>Robins</reg> hunt small <reg>insects</reg> & <reg>spiders</reg> they eat fruit seed & like <reg>mealworms</reg>. They hunt for <reg>insects</reg> in dead leaves. They are very <reg>aggressive</reg> <sic>bird</sic> and after their <reg>mating</reg> they <reg>defend</reg> their own territory.

Nest & Eggs

Their <reg>nests</reg> are very small & round. They have grass & <reg>twigs</reg> on the <reg>outside</reg> & mud on the <reg>inside</reg>. they are <reg>usually</reg> in very <reg>hidden</reg> places. The <reg>eggs</reg> are white with <reg>speckles</reg> of brown on the bottom of the egg.

page 50 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 51 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 52 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 53 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

<reg>FACTS</reg>

Song Thrush

Description

The Song Thrush is 9 in (23cm) long. <reg>Its</reg> legs are a flesh colour a generally warm brown bird on the <reg>upper-parts</reg>, it is yellowish-buff underneath with small dark brown arrow-headed marks rather than round spots. <reg>There</reg> are no differences between the male, female or fledglings. Song Thrush eat worms, insects, spiders even snails by <reg>hammering</reg> the shell on a rock, they also cock their head as if <reg>listening</reg> and take a few steps forward but <reg>they’re</reg> actually <sic>look</sic> for worms. They have a call like a soft " <sic>sip</sic> ". The alarm call is a short harsh rattle.

Habitat

<reg>Woods</reg>, thickets, hedgerows and gardens.

Nest and eggs

The nest is built of grass and roots and at times moss, leaves and twigs, with a smooth earth cup reinforced with small pieces of rotten wood. The 4 to 5 eggs are blue, sparsely speckled and <reg>blotched</reg> with black <NOTE desc="no punctuation"> laid March to April onward. Two or three <reg>broods</reg>.

page 54 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 55 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 56 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 57 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 58 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 59 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 60 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

The voice of a starling is a grating " <sic>tcheer</sic> ". The song is a mixture of whistles, clicks and chuckles, mixed with the <reg>calls</reg> of other birds. When it sings, it holds its head up and its throat feathers are <reg>stuck</reg> out. The <reg>starling</reg> is 8½ in (21cm) long. Its black feathers have a green or <reg>purple</reg> shine. They have yellow <reg>beaks</reg>. In winter their bodies are covered in white spots. Young birds are grey-brown.

<reg>Starlings</reg> usually live in large flocks. They are very noisy birds. On the ground they rush about with a quick jerky movement.

<reg>Starlings</reg> eat insects and bugs. They will also eat most household scraps

Habitat

Town and country

Nest and eggs

Untidy nests are made from straw in holes in trees or buildings the <reg>starling</reg> lays 4 to 7 pale blue eggs from April onwards for 2 broods.

page 61 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 62 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

Baby <reg>starlings</reg>

A flock of starlings in my front garden.

page 63 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]

page 64 [ next page ] [ previous page ] [ NA5.3 index ]