BinocularBase

The Curlew, scientifically known as Numenius arquata, is a stunning wading bird found across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. With its distinctive long, curved bill and streaked brown plumage, this bird is a sight to behold. During the breeding season, the Curlew's haunting calls echo across the moorlands and coastal marshes where they nest. These birds are migratory, spending their winters in warmer climates before returning to their breeding grounds in the spring. Sadly, the Curlew's population has been declining due to habitat loss and other environmental factors, making conservation efforts crucial for their survival. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/curlew/

The cuckoo is a migratory bird that breeds in Europe and Asia before flying to Africa for winter. They're known for their distinctive call that sounds like "cuck-oo". The male cuckoo doesn't build a nest or rear the young. Instead, the female lays her eggs in other birds' nests, tricking them into raising the cuckoo chick. This behaviour is called brood parasitism. The cuckoo chick grows rapidly and pushes out the host's eggs or chicks to get all the food. Cuckoos feed mostly on insects like caterpillars and beetles. They're a greyish bird with a slender body and long tail feathers. In Britain, hearing the cuckoo's call in spring is considered a sign of the changing seasons. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/cuckoo/

The Crossbill is a peculiar little bird, instantly recognisable by its unique beak. Its scientific name, Loxia curvirostra, refers to its crossed mandibles, which are curved and twisted at the tips. This adaptation allows them to expertly pry open conifer cones to extract the seeds inside. Crossbills are found across Europe, Asia, and North America, favouring coniferous forests rich in their preferred food source. These birds are nomadic, wandering in search of areas with abundant cone crops. Interestingly, their breeding cycles are not tied to seasons but to the availability of cones, enabling them to raise chicks whenever food is plentiful. With their distinctive calls and vibrant red plumage, Crossbills are a delight for birdwatchers in the right habitats. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/crossbill/

The Corn Bunting is a charming little bird found across Europe and parts of Asia. These plump birds have a striking black head with a bright yellow stripe above their eye. Their backs are brown, and their bellies are a pale yellow colour. You'll often see them perched on telephone wires or fences, merrily singing away. Corn Buntings like to make their nests on the ground in fields and meadows, where they feast on seeds and insects. Sadly, these birds are declining in numbers due to changes in farming practices. Their population has dropped significantly in the UK over recent decades. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their remaining habitats and help these endearing birds recover. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/corn-bunting/

The cormorant, scientifically known as Phalacrocorax carbo, is a remarkable seabird found across the United Kingdom. These birds are skilled hunters, diving into the water to catch fish with their hooked beaks. Despite their webbed feet, cormorants are often seen perching on rocks or branches with their wings outstretched, drying their feathers after a successful hunt. Cormorants are sociable birds, nesting in large colonies and communicating with guttural calls. Their dark plumage and long, curved necks make them easily recognisable. While they were once persecuted for their perceived impact on fishing stocks, cormorants are now protected and celebrated for their role in coastal ecosystems. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/cormorant/

The Eurasian Coot, or Common Coot, is a familiar sight on ponds and lakes.expand_more These black birds have a bright white bill and an even more striking white shield on their forehead.expand_more It's almost like they forgot their hat! Coots aren't picky eaters.exclamation They'll gobble up plants, insects, anything they find floating on the water, and they can even dive for a bite to eat. They're common across Europe, Asia, Africa, and have even spread to Australia and New Zealand. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/eurasian-coot/

The Common Tern is a seabird that's widespread across Europe, Asia, and North America. These birds are quite small, with a length of around 33-35 cm and a wingspan of 76-86 cm. They have a distinctive black cap, red legs, and a forked tail. During the breeding season, their plumage is a lovely pale grey above and white below, with a black cap. Outside of the breeding season, their cap is just a black streak. These terns feed mainly on small fish, which they catch by plunging into the water from the air. They nest on the ground, often in colonies, laying 2-3 eggs. Common Terns migrate long distances, wintering in coastal areas as far south as the Antarctic. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/common-tern/

The Common Scoter is a large sea duck found in northern parts of Europe and Asia. With their bulky black bodies and distinctive slopes coming to a point at the rear end, these birds are quite unmistakable. The males have a small bulge on the bill that females lack. Though they nest close to inland freshwater sources like lakes and marshes for breeding, they're very much marine birds. They spend the bulk of their lives out at sea, diving underwater to feed on molluscs, shrimp and little fish. Sadly, this species has seen declining numbers over recent decades due to issues such as oil spills, loss of habitat and disturbance from human activities. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/common-scoter/

The Common Sandpiper is a small wading bird found throughout the UK during the breeding season. These birds have a distinctive bobbing motion when walking, which gives them their alternate name "Willie Wagtail." They nest near freshwater sources like rivers, lakes, and streams, where they feed on insects and small aquatic creatures. During migration, they can be spotted on coastal areas too. These sandpipers have brown upperparts and white underparts with black spots on their breast. Their legs are a yellowish-green colour. Common Sandpipers are monogamous and both parents care for their young. Though their populations are stable, they face threats from habitat loss and disturbance from human activities near their nesting sites. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/common-sandpiper/

The Common Rosefinch is a small passerine bird that breeds across northern Europe and Asia. These finches have a pinkish-red colour on their head, breast and rump, with streaky brown feathers on their wings and back. The males are brighter than the females during the breeding season. They migrate to southern Asia and north-eastern Africa for the winter months. Rosefinches prefer open woodland, scrubland and parks with plenty of bushes for nesting. Their cup-shaped nests are built from grass, moss and twigs, lined with finer materials. They mainly eat seeds, berries and insects during the summer. These pretty little finches have a delightful tinkling song and are a joy to spot in parks and gardens. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/common-rosefinch/

The Common Redpoll is a small finch found across northern regions of Europe, Asia and North America. These acrobatic little birds have a reddish forehead patch, black bib and streaked brown back. Their cheerful chattering call and ability to cling to plant stems while feeding make them fun to watch at bird feeders. Redpolls nest in birch and alder trees, laying 4-6 pale blue eggs with dark speckles. They primarily eat seeds from birches, alders and weeds, though they'll visit garden feeders for nyjer seed or peanuts. In winter, redpolls form nomadic flocks that wander in search of food sources. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/common-redpoll/

The Collared Dove is a type of bird that you can find in many different countries these days. They first came from Asia and Turkey originally, but then spread out to places like Europe, Africa and even across to the Americas. These doves have a pale, greyish-brown coloured body with a black ring of feathers around the back of their necks, which is how they got their name. They're quite plump, medium-sized birds, measuring about 30cm in length. Collared Doves tend to live close to where people are, in gardens, parks and on farms. Their main food is seeds and grains that they pick up off the ground. You'll probably recognise their cooing call which they make frequently during the day. For nesting, they build them up in trees or on buildings using twigs, and lay two white eggs at a time. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/collared-dove/

The Coal Tit is a tiny bird, weighing just about 9 grams. It's known for its distinctive black cap, white cheeks, and greyish back. These acrobatic little birds are found across Europe, including all parts of the UK. They're frequent visitors to garden bird feeders, especially during the colder months. Coal Tits mainly eat insects and seeds, but they also enjoy suet balls and peanuts. You might spot them hanging upside down on branches or feeders as they search for food. They nest in holes in trees or walls, laying around 8-12 eggs each spring. With their cheerful "see-see-see" calls, Coal Tits are a delightful addition to any garden. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/coal-tit/

The Chiffchaff is a modest little warbler that's one of the first migrants we see back in spring. These brown birds, smaller than a sparrow, are pretty drab apart from their black legs and eye-stripes. But you'll easily hear the males singing their simple chiff-chaff song to let other Chiffchaffs know they're around. They fly here from southern Europe and north Africa in March to nest in shrubbery and hedgerows across the UK. Chiffchaffs eat little insects they find amongst the leaves. Though well camouflaged, their loud repetitive voices make them noticeable in parks and gardens nationwide. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/chiffchaff/

The Chaffinch, scientifically known as Fringilla coelebs, is a delightful little bird found across Europe and parts of Asia. These perky fellows are easily recognisable with their reddish-brown backs, pinkish faces, and distinctive white wing bars. During breeding season, the males sport a striking blue-grey cap, making them quite the dapper chaps. Chaffinches are a common sight in gardens and parks, where they happily hop about foraging for seeds and insects. They're not shy birds either, often seen flitting about in open spaces. These feathered friends are known for their cheerful song, which adds a pleasant touch to any neighbourhood. While they may be small, Chaffinches play a vital role in controlling insect populations and spreading plant seeds. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/chaffinch/

The Cattle Egret, scientifically known as Bubulcus ibis, is a fascinating bird species. These stocky herons are easily recognizable by their short, thick necks and their mostly white plumage, with a few yellow or reddish-brown feathers on their heads, breasts, and backs during the breeding season. Originally from parts of Southern Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, they've since spread to other regions through natural dispersal. Cattle Egrets are highly social birds, often found in large colonies near bodies of water or foraging in fields and pastures, closely following cattle, horses, or other livestock to feed on insects and small vertebrates stirred up by the grazing animals. Their close association with livestock has earned them the colloquial name "cow birds" in some regions. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/cattle-egret/

The Cetti's Warbler is a small brown bird found across Europe and Asia. These warblers really love dense vegetation like reedbeds and brambles where they can hide and nest. They've got a loud and explosive song that sounds like "cheee-cheee-cheee-chup-chup-chup!" You're most likely to hear them rather than see them as they keep undercover. Cetti's Warblers are quite unique as they're one of the few UK birds that holds a territory and sings throughout winter. They're pretty feisty too, violently defending their patch against rivals. These secretive little birds are doing well and their numbers have increased recently. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/cettis-warbler/

The Capercaillie is a large game bird found across sections of Europe and northwestern Asia. Part of the grouse family, these stocky chaps are the biggest of the lot - the males can weigh up to 4kg! They're easily recognisable with their brownish feathers tinged with green and purple hues. The male birds are considerably bigger than the females, featuring a distinctively curved tail and bright red wattle above their beak. Capercaillies dwell in mature pine forests where they mainly feed on pine needles, buds and berries. Despite being quite timid birds that avoid humans, their numbers have sadly plummeted due to loss of habitat from deforestation and other issues. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/capercaillie/

The Canada Goose, with the scientific name Branta canadensis, is a hefty wild goose species. It's easily identified by its black head and neck contrasted with brown body feathers and white cheek patches. Their breeding grounds stretch across Canada into the northern United States. Come autumn, these geese migrate in V-formations to wintering grounds in the southern US and Mexico. They're known for their unmistakably loud honking calls. Canada Geese are lifelong mated pairs that stick together in large flocks. They construct nests on the ground near water sources, which they vigilantly defend. Although protected, they've adapted so well to urban areas that they're considered a nuisance in some places. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/canada-goose/

The buzzard is a bird of prey found all across the UK. These medium-sized hawks have broad wings and a short hooked beak perfect for tearing meat. Buzzards mainly hunt small mammals like rabbits, voles, and mice by soaring over fields and swooping down. You can spot them gliding on thermals, making circular movements. Their mottled brown feathers provide great camouflage. Buzzards nest in trees or on cliff ledges and usually lay around 3 eggs each spring. Though once persecuted, their numbers have recovered well thanks to protection. You're likely to see these magnificent raptors perched on fence posts or pylons around the countryside. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/buzzard/

Originally from Europe, the stout Bullfinch has a pinkish-red breast and grey wings. The males sport a smart black cap while the females have a dull grey cap. Their diet consists mainly of buds, berries and seeds which they pick from trees and bushes. Bullfinches make their nests from twigs, moss and lichens, hidden away in thick bushes or hedges. The female lays around 4-6 pale blue eggs which incubate for a couple of weeks before hatching. Both mum and dad take turns feeding the chicks a mix of insects and regurgitated plants. These birds are non-migratory, sticking to the same local territory all year. Their pretty tinkling call is a recognisable sound in parks and gardens across Britain. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/bullfinch/

Branta bernicla, more commonly called the Brent Goose, is a small goose species native to the northern latitudes of Europe, Asia and North America. Every summer they head to the Arctic tundra to breed before flying south to warmer coastal areas for winter. Brent Geese live in huge sociable flocks, sometimes over a thousand strong. Their diet consists mainly of grasses, herbs and grains like wheat and rice which they graze on. You can identify them by their black head and neck with brown feathers on their back and belly. Brent Geese form lifelong breeding pairs and both the male and female look after their goslings. Although still numerous, their populations could decline due to habitat destruction and global warming. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/brent-goose/

The Brambling is a small finch with a fairly rounded body and thick bill. These birds breed across northern Europe and Asia, migrating southwards in winter to places like the UK. Bramblings often gather in big flocks with other finches to feast on beech nuts, seeds and berries. The male has a striking black head and back with reddish-orange breast in summer. In winter, the colours are more muted browns. Females lack the bright colours year-round. Bramblings nest in conifer trees, laying 4-7 eggs. Sadly, numbers have declined due to habitat loss on their breeding grounds. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/brambling/

The Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) is a stunner of a little bird that breeds across northern parts of Europe and Asia. As you might guess from its name, the male has a brilliant blue patch on its throat to pull in the ladies during mating season. Closely related to robins and nightingales, these dainty birds migrate amazing distances twice a year between northerly breeding areas and wintering grounds in north Africa and the Middle East. When setting up home for summer, they construct neatly woven cup nests on the ground, hidden away in vegetation. A diet of insects and berries fuels their long journeys. Despite being widespread still, some Bluethroat populations are unfortunately declining thanks to habitat loss and degradation. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/bluethroat/

The Blackcap Warbler is a lovely little bird found across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. These fellas are quite small, only measuring around 5 and a half inches from beak to tail. Despite their modest size, they're real characters with their striking caps of black feathers atop their heads. The males have this jet-black crown, while the females sport a reddish-brown cap. During the breeding season, you might spot them flitting about in woodlands and gardens, munching on insects and berries. Come winter, many Blackcaps head south to warmer climes, though some stick around in mild parts of Britain. They're cracking little songbirds too, with a rich, melodious warble that's a treat for the ears. Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/blackcap-warbler/