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  • Neist Point Lighthouse on the Isle of Skye, Inner Hebrides, Scotland
    161187.jpg
  • Moody skies over a tributary of the River Silgachan in the Cuillins, Isle of Skye
    161189.jpg
  • The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye, Scotland
    161186.jpg
  • The River Silgachan in the Cuillins on the Isle of Skye, the 'Land of the Eagles'
    161188.jpg
  • The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye, Scotland
    161185.jpg
  • Common Tern - Sterna hirundo - juvenile. L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    154360.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    154369.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    127062.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    145825.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145884.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145885.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    158059.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    157953.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus - Female. W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    155647.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus - Female. W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    155660.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    154314.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    154317.jpg
  • Common Tern - Sterna hirundo - Juvenile.  L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    154326.jpg
  • Common Tern - Sterna hirundo - Juvenile. L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    154327.jpg
  • Common Tern - Sterna hirundo - juvenile. L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    154359.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    154358.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    154368.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    153850.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    153851.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    153852.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    153853.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    153854.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    153855.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    153856.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    153857.jpg
  • Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe ferrugata Wingspan18-22mm. An attractive moth that is similar to Red Twin-spot Carpet. Wings are spread flat at rest. Adult has forewings marked with a broad dark bluish band and two dark spots near outer margin. Inner margin of dark band is straight with distinct notch near leading edge (inner margin is irregularly jagged without obvious single indent in Red Twin-spot). Larva feeds on low-growing, herbaceous plants. Widespread and common.
    140358.jpg
  • Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe ferrugata Wingspan18-22mm. An attractive moth that is similar to Red Twin-spot Carpet. Wings are spread flat at rest. Adult has forewings marked with a broad dark bluish band and two dark spots near outer margin. Inner margin of dark band is straight with distinct notch near leading edge (inner margin is irregularly jagged without obvious single indent in Red Twin-spot). Larva feeds on low-growing, herbaceous plants. Widespread and common.
    140332.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    113987.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    114577.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    133037.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    133172.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    133320.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    133407.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    136379.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    137615.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    139923.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    140306.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    143025.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    143030.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
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  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    143984.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    145308.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145314.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145315.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145316.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145318.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145317.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    154357.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    133174.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    137614.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145812.jpg
  • Common Tern Sterna hirundo L 35cm. Similar to Arctic Tern but separable with care. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey upperparts, black cap and whitish underparts. Compared to Arctic, note black-tipped orange-red bill, longer red legs, and paler underparts. In flight from below, only inner primaries look translucent and wings have diffuse dark tip. Non-breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late summer) is similar but has white on forehead and dark shoulder bar; bill and legs are dark. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts; in flight from above, leading and trailing edges of inner wing are dark. Voice Utters harsh kreeear call. Status Widespread summer visitor, commonest on coasts; also nests on flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. Widespread coastal passage migrant.
    135904.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    135936.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus - Male. W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
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  • Egyptian Goose - Alopochen aegyptiacus. L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
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  • Merlin - Falco columbarius - adult male. W 60-65cm. Our smallest raptor. Typically seen dashing flight, low over in pursuit of prey such as Meadow Pipit. Also perches on fence posts or rocky outcrops. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey upperparts and buffish, streaked and spotted underparts. In flight from above, note contrast between blue-grey back, inner wings and tail, and dark wing tips and dark terminal band on tail. Adult female has brown upperparts and pale underparts with large, brown spots. In flight from above, upperparts look rather uniformly brown with numerous bars on wings and tail. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent but shrill kee-kee-kee… is uttered in alarm near nest. Status Scarce breeding season, found on upland moorland in spring and summer. Outside breeding season, moves S and to lowland areas and numbers boosted by migrants from Iceland.
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  • Snow Bunting - Plectrophenax nivalis. L 16-17cm. Confiding, plump-bodied bunting. All birds have extensive white on inner wing, rump and tail. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male in summer has mainly white plumage with blackish back, black on wings, and black bill and legs. Adult female in summer is similar but back is brownish and has brown and buff streaking on head, neck and sides of breast. Winter birds have mainly white underparts and buffish orange upperparts. Adult males are whitest on wings, face and underparts. Bill is yellowish and legs are black. Voice Has tinkling flight call. Song is twittering. Status Small numbers breed in Scottish mountains but best known as winter visitor, commonest on E coast; saltmarshes, coastal grassland and beach strandlines are favoured.
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  • Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis L 16-17cm. Confiding, plump-bodied bunting. All birds have extensive white on inner wing, rump and tail. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male in summer has mainly white plumage with blackish back, black on wings, and black bill and legs. Adult female in summer is similar but back is brownish and has brown and buff streaking on head, neck and sides of breast. Winter birds have mainly white underparts and buffish orange upperparts. Adult males are whitest on wings, face and underparts. Bill is yellowish and legs are black. Voice Has tinkling flight call. Song is twittering. Status Small numbers breed in Scottish mountains but best known as winter visitor, commonest on E coast; saltmarshes, coastal grassland and beach strandlines are favoured.
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  • Great Black-backed Gull - Larus marinus. L 64-79cm. Our largest gull species. Bulkier than Lesser Black-backed, adult with darker back, massive bill and pink legs. Sexes are similar. Adult has almost uniformly dark back and upperwings; wingtips only marginally darker than rest of wings. Note white patch at tip of wings and broad white trailing edge. Plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellow with an orange spot. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled and streaked grey brown. In flight, brown upperwings have pale panels and inner primaries. Bill is dark, legs are dull pink and whitish tail is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Utters a deep kaa-ga-ga call. Status Local and coastal in the breeding season. Often nests in vicinity of mixed seabird colonies and pairs are territorial. Outside breeding season, more widespread inland and numbers boosted by migrants from N Europe.
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  • Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus L 64-79cm. Our largest gull species. Bulkier than Lesser Black-backed, adult with darker back, massive bill and pink legs. Sexes are similar. Adult has almost uniformly dark back and upperwings; wingtips only marginally darker than rest of wings. Note white patch at tip of wings and broad white trailing edge. Plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellow with an orange spot. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled and streaked grey brown. In flight, brown upperwings have pale panels and inner primaries. Bill is dark, legs are dull pink and whitish tail is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Utters a deep kaa-ga-ga call. Status Local and coastal in the breeding season. Often nests in vicinity of mixed seabird colonies and pairs are territorial. Outside breeding season, more widespread inland and numbers boosted by migrants from N Europe.
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  • Corn Crake Crex crex L 27-30cm. Easy to hear (in right locations) but secretive and tricky to see. Sexes are similar. Adult has sandy brown upperparts; dark feather-centres create ‘scaly’ look. Face, throat, breast and belly are blue-grey while flanks are barred chestnut and white. In flight, note chestnut patch on inner wing and dangling legs. Juvenile is greyer than adult. Voice Territorial male utters ceaseless crek-crek, crek-crek… mainly at night. Status Migrant visitor; has declined terribly due to modern farming practises. Now restricted to hay meadows and damp grassland.
    157863.jpg
  • Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus L 64-79cm. Our largest gull species. Bulkier than Lesser Black-backed, adult with darker back, massive bill and pink legs. Sexes are similar. Adult has almost uniformly dark back and upperwings; wingtips only marginally darker than rest of wings. Note white patch at tip of wings and broad white trailing edge. Plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellow with an orange spot. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled and streaked grey brown. In flight, brown upperwings have pale panels and inner primaries. Bill is dark, legs are dull pink and whitish tail is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Utters a deep kaa-ga-ga call. Status Local and coastal in the breeding season. Often nests in vicinity of mixed seabird colonies and pairs are territorial. Outside breeding season, more widespread inland and numbers boosted by migrants from N Europe.
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  • Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
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  • Egyptian Goose - Alopochen aegyptiacus. L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
    157641.jpg
  • Egyptian Goose - Alopochen aegyptiacus. L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
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  • Merlin - Falco columbarius - juvenile. W 60-65cm. Our smallest raptor. Typically seen dashing flight, low over in pursuit of prey such as Meadow Pipit. Also perches on fence posts or rocky outcrops. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey upperparts and buffish, streaked and spotted underparts. In flight from above, note contrast between blue-grey back, inner wings and tail, and dark wing tips and dark terminal band on tail. Adult female has brown upperparts and pale underparts with large, brown spots. In flight from above, upperparts look rather uniformly brown with numerous bars on wings and tail. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent but shrill kee-kee-kee… is uttered in alarm near nest. Status Scarce breeding season, found on upland moorland in spring and summer. Outside breeding season, moves S and to lowland areas and numbers boosted by migrants from Iceland.
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  • Pintail - Anas acuta - female.  L 51-66cm. Recognised by elongated appearance; male is unmistakable. In flight, male’s grey wings and green speculum are striking; female’s white trailing edge on inner wing is obvious. Sexes are dissimilar in regards. Adult male has chocolate brown head and nape, with white breast extending as stripe up side of head. Plumage is otherwise grey and finely marked but note cream and black stern, and long, pointed tail, often held at an angle. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains wing pattern. Adult female has mottled buffish brown plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult female. Voice Male utters a whistle, female’s call is grating. Status Rare breeding species (on freshwater marshes) but fairly common in winter, often on estuaries.
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  • Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator L 52-58cm. Slim duck with shaggy, spiky, crest. Dives frequently in search of fish. In flight, all birds show white on upper surface of inner wing; extent is greatest in male. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has narrow red bill, green head, white neck and orange-red breast. Flanks are grey and back is black. In eclipse, similar to adult female but retains extensive white on wing. Adult female has red bill, dirty orange head and nape and paler throat; body is otherwise greyish buff. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Nests beside fish-rich lakes and rivers, mainly in N; locally common. Influx from N Europe boosts numbers in winter and then common on estuaries and sheltered coasts.
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  • Great Black-backed Gull - Larus marinus. L 64-79cm. Our largest gull species. Bulkier than Lesser Black-backed, adult with darker back, massive bill and pink legs. Sexes are similar. Adult has almost uniformly dark back and upperwings; wingtips only marginally darker than rest of wings. Note white patch at tip of wings and broad white trailing edge. Plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellow with an orange spot. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled and streaked grey brown. In flight, brown upperwings have pale panels and inner primaries. Bill is dark, legs are dull pink and whitish tail is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Utters a deep kaa-ga-ga call. Status Local and coastal in the breeding season. Often nests in vicinity of mixed seabird colonies and pairs are territorial. Outside breeding season, more widespread inland and numbers boosted by migrants from N Europe.
    156917.jpg
  • Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus L 64-79cm. Our largest gull species. Bulkier than Lesser Black-backed, adult with darker back, massive bill and pink legs. Sexes are similar. Adult has almost uniformly dark back and upperwings; wingtips only marginally darker than rest of wings. Note white patch at tip of wings and broad white trailing edge. Plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellow with an orange spot. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled and streaked grey brown. In flight, brown upperwings have pale panels and inner primaries. Bill is dark, legs are dull pink and whitish tail is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Utters a deep kaa-ga-ga call. Status Local and coastal in the breeding season. Often nests in vicinity of mixed seabird colonies and pairs are territorial. Outside breeding season, more widespread inland and numbers boosted by migrants from N Europe.
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  • Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis L 16-17cm. Confiding, plump-bodied bunting. All birds have extensive white on inner wing, rump and tail. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male in summer has mainly white plumage with blackish back, black on wings, and black bill and legs. Adult female in summer is similar but back is brownish and has brown and buff streaking on head, neck and sides of breast. Winter birds have mainly white underparts and buffish orange upperparts. Adult males are whitest on wings, face and underparts. Bill is yellowish and legs are black. Voice Has tinkling flight call. Song is twittering. Status Small numbers breed in Scottish mountains but best known as winter visitor, commonest on E coast; saltmarshes, coastal grassland and beach strandlines are favoured.
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  • Corn Crake Crex crex L 27-30cm. Easy to hear (in right locations) but secretive and tricky to see. Sexes are similar. Adult has sandy brown upperparts; dark feather-centres create ‘scaly’ look. Face, throat, breast and belly are blue-grey while flanks are barred chestnut and white. In flight, note chestnut patch on inner wing and dangling legs. Juvenile is greyer than adult. Voice Territorial male utters ceaseless crek-crek, crek-crek… mainly at night. Status Migrant visitor; has declined terribly due to modern farming practises. Now restricted to hay meadows and damp grassland.
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  • Blue-winged Teal - Spatula discors - Female. Length 37-40cm. A small distinctive North American duck. Adult male has a bluish head with a striking and diagnostic white crescent. The body is buffish-brown, marbled with darker spots, and a white patch can be seen on the otherwise black stern. Adult female and juvenile are mainly marbled brown and are similar to their Teal counterparts. However, the plumage is greyer; note the pale spot at the base of the bill and the absence of a pale patch at the side of the base of the tail (seen in Teal). In flight, all the birds reveal an extensive and diagnostic blue panel across much of the upper surface of the inner wing. Ten or so individulas might be recorded in a good year, mainly in autumn and winter. Blue-winged Teals favour freshwater wetlands and occur in similar habitats to those frequented by migrant Garganeys in spring and summer.
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  • Blue-winged Teal - Spatula discors - Female. Length 37-40cm. A small distinctive North American duck. Adult male has a bluish head with a striking and diagnostic white crescent. The body is buffish-brown, marbled with darker spots, and a white patch can be seen on the otherwise black stern. Adult female and juvenile are mainly marbled brown and are similar to their Teal counterparts. However, the plumage is greyer; note the pale spot at the base of the bill and the absence of a pale patch at the side of the base of the tail (seen in Teal). In flight, all the birds reveal an extensive and diagnostic blue panel across much of the upper surface of the inner wing. Ten or so individulas might be recorded in a good year, mainly in autumn and winter. Blue-winged Teals favour freshwater wetlands and occur in similar habitats to those frequented by migrant Garganeys in spring and summer.
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  • Great Black-backed Gull - Larus marinus - Juvenile.  L 64-79cm. Our largest gull species. Bulkier than Lesser Black-backed, adult with darker back, massive bill and pink legs. Sexes are similar. Adult has almost uniformly dark back and upperwings; wingtips only marginally darker than rest of wings. Note white patch at tip of wings and broad white trailing edge. Plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellow with an orange spot. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled and streaked grey brown. In flight, brown upperwings have pale panels and inner primaries. Bill is dark, legs are dull pink and whitish tail is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Utters a deep kaa-ga-ga call. Status Local and coastal in the breeding season. Often nests in vicinity of mixed seabird colonies and pairs are territorial. Outside breeding season, more widespread inland and numbers boosted by migrants from N Europe.
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  • Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea - Breeding Adult.  L 35cm. Graceful seabird with buoyant flight. Plunge-dives for fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey upperparts, black cap, and pale underparts, palest on cheeks, darkest on belly. Has uniformly red bill, short, red legs and long tail streamers. In flight from below, flight feathers look translucent, with narrow, dark trailing edge to primaries. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts. In flight from above, has dark leading edge, and white trailing edge, to inner wing. Legs and bill are dull. Voice Utters harsh krt-krt-krt call near nest. Status Locally common summer visitor and passage migrant. Colonial nester, always near coasts; commonest in N.9
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  • Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea - Breeding Adult.  L 35cm. Graceful seabird with buoyant flight. Plunge-dives for fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey upperparts, black cap, and pale underparts, palest on cheeks, darkest on belly. Has uniformly red bill, short, red legs and long tail streamers. In flight from below, flight feathers look translucent, with narrow, dark trailing edge to primaries. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts. In flight from above, has dark leading edge, and white trailing edge, to inner wing. Legs and bill are dull. Voice Utters harsh krt-krt-krt call near nest. Status Locally common summer visitor and passage migrant. Colonial nester, always near coasts; commonest in N.9
    146249.jpg
  • Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea - Breeding Adult.  L 35cm. Graceful seabird with buoyant flight. Plunge-dives for fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey upperparts, black cap, and pale underparts, palest on cheeks, darkest on belly. Has uniformly red bill, short, red legs and long tail streamers. In flight from below, flight feathers look translucent, with narrow, dark trailing edge to primaries. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts. In flight from above, has dark leading edge, and white trailing edge, to inner wing. Legs and bill are dull. Voice Utters harsh krt-krt-krt call near nest. Status Locally common summer visitor and passage migrant. Colonial nester, always near coasts; commonest in N.9
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  • Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea - Breeding Adult.  L 35cm. Graceful seabird with buoyant flight. Plunge-dives for fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey upperparts, black cap, and pale underparts, palest on cheeks, darkest on belly. Has uniformly red bill, short, red legs and long tail streamers. In flight from below, flight feathers look translucent, with narrow, dark trailing edge to primaries. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts. In flight from above, has dark leading edge, and white trailing edge, to inner wing. Legs and bill are dull. Voice Utters harsh krt-krt-krt call near nest. Status Locally common summer visitor and passage migrant. Colonial nester, always near coasts; commonest in N.9
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  • Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea - Breeding Adult.  L 35cm. Graceful seabird with buoyant flight. Plunge-dives for fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey upperparts, black cap, and pale underparts, palest on cheeks, darkest on belly. Has uniformly red bill, short, red legs and long tail streamers. In flight from below, flight feathers look translucent, with narrow, dark trailing edge to primaries. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts. In flight from above, has dark leading edge, and white trailing edge, to inner wing. Legs and bill are dull. Voice Utters harsh krt-krt-krt call near nest. Status Locally common summer visitor and passage migrant. Colonial nester, always near coasts; commonest in N.9
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  • Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea - Breeding Adult.  L 35cm. Graceful seabird with buoyant flight. Plunge-dives for fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey upperparts, black cap, and pale underparts, palest on cheeks, darkest on belly. Has uniformly red bill, short, red legs and long tail streamers. In flight from below, flight feathers look translucent, with narrow, dark trailing edge to primaries. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts. In flight from above, has dark leading edge, and white trailing edge, to inner wing. Legs and bill are dull. Voice Utters harsh krt-krt-krt call near nest. Status Locally common summer visitor and passage migrant. Colonial nester, always near coasts; commonest in N.9
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  • Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea - Breeding Adult.  L 35cm. Graceful seabird with buoyant flight. Plunge-dives for fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey upperparts, black cap, and pale underparts, palest on cheeks, darkest on belly. Has uniformly red bill, short, red legs and long tail streamers. In flight from below, flight feathers look translucent, with narrow, dark trailing edge to primaries. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts. In flight from above, has dark leading edge, and white trailing edge, to inner wing. Legs and bill are dull. Voice Utters harsh krt-krt-krt call near nest. Status Locally common summer visitor and passage migrant. Colonial nester, always near coasts; commonest in N.9
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  • Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea - Breeding Adult.  L 35cm. Graceful seabird with buoyant flight. Plunge-dives for fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey upperparts, black cap, and pale underparts, palest on cheeks, darkest on belly. Has uniformly red bill, short, red legs and long tail streamers. In flight from below, flight feathers look translucent, with narrow, dark trailing edge to primaries. Juvenile has white underparts, incomplete dark cap and scaly grey upperparts. In flight from above, has dark leading edge, and white trailing edge, to inner wing. Legs and bill are dull. Voice Utters harsh krt-krt-krt call near nest. Status Locally common summer visitor and passage migrant. Colonial nester, always near coasts; commonest in N.9
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  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator L 52-58cm. Slim duck with shaggy, spiky, crest. Dives frequently in search of fish. In flight, all birds show white on upper surface of inner wing; extent is greatest in male. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has narrow red bill, green head, white neck and orange-red breast. Flanks are grey and back is black. In eclipse, similar to adult female but retains extensive white on wing. Adult female has red bill, dirty orange head and nape and paler throat; body is otherwise greyish buff. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Nests beside fish-rich lakes and rivers, mainly in N; locally common. Influx from N Europe boosts numbers in winter and then common on estuaries and sheltered coasts.
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  • Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus L 64-79cm. Our largest gull species. Bulkier than Lesser Black-backed, adult with darker back, massive bill and pink legs. Sexes are similar. Adult has almost uniformly dark back and upperwings; wingtips only marginally darker than rest of wings. Note white patch at tip of wings and broad white trailing edge. Plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellow with an orange spot. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled and streaked grey brown. In flight, brown upperwings have pale panels and inner primaries. Bill is dark, legs are dull pink and whitish tail is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Utters a deep kaa-ga-ga call. Status Local and coastal in the breeding season. Often nests in vicinity of mixed seabird colonies and pairs are territorial. Outside breeding season, more widespread inland and numbers boosted by migrants from N Europe.
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  • Gadwall Anas strepera - Male. L 46-55cm. Rather nondescript dabbling duck. Distant male looks grey and brown but close view reveals intricate feather patterns. In flight, both sexes show white in speculum; male also has chestnut on inner wing. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has buffish head and neck, with a clear separation from grey, finely-patterned breast and flanks. Centre of belly is white; black stern is useful identification feature. Has dark bill and yellow legs. In eclipse, male resembles adult female. Adult female has mottled brown plumage with greyish head and yellow bill. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Male utters croaking call and female utters mallard-like quack. Status Found on shallow freshwater; dabbles for water plants.
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  • Goosander Mergus merganser - Adult Male. L 58-66cm. Large, elegant diving duck. Narrow mandibles have serrated edges. In flight, upper surface of male’s inner wing is white; in female white is restricted to trailing edge. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has bright red bill, green-glossed head (looks dark in poor light), mainly pink-flushed white body and black back. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains white wing pattern. Adult female has reddish bill, orange-red head with shaggy crest, and greyish body palest on breast; chin is white. Juvenile resembles dull adult female. Voice Displaying male utters ringing calls. Status Fairly common freshwater species beside wooded upland rivers; nests in tree holes. Influx from mainland Europe boosts winter numbers; found on reservoirs, lochs and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator L 52-58cm. Slim duck with shaggy, spiky, crest. Dives frequently in search of fish. In flight, all birds show white on upper surface of inner wing; extent is greatest in male. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has narrow red bill, green head, white neck and orange-red breast. Flanks are grey and back is black. In eclipse, similar to adult female but retains extensive white on wing. Adult female has red bill, dirty orange head and nape and paler throat; body is otherwise greyish buff. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Nests beside fish-rich lakes and rivers, mainly in N; locally common. Influx from N Europe boosts numbers in winter and then common on estuaries and sheltered coasts.
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  • Goldeneye - Bucephala clangula - Female. L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Snow Bunting - Plectrophenax nivalis - 1st winter. L 16-17cm. Confiding, plump-bodied bunting. All birds have extensive white on inner wing, rump and tail. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male in summer has mainly white plumage with blackish back, black on wings, and black bill and legs. Adult female in summer is similar but back is brownish and has brown and buff streaking on head, neck and sides of breast. Winter birds have mainly white underparts and buffish orange upperparts. Adult males are whitest on wings, face and underparts. Bill is yellowish and legs are black. Voice Has tinkling flight call. Song is twittering. Status Small numbers breed in Scottish mountains but best known as winter visitor, commonest on E coast; saltmarshes, coastal grassland and beach strandlines are favoured.
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  • Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus L 64-79cm. Our largest gull species. Bulkier than Lesser Black-backed, adult with darker back, massive bill and pink legs. Sexes are similar. Adult has almost uniformly dark back and upperwings; wingtips only marginally darker than rest of wings. Note white patch at tip of wings and broad white trailing edge. Plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellow with an orange spot. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled and streaked grey brown. In flight, brown upperwings have pale panels and inner primaries. Bill is dark, legs are dull pink and whitish tail is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Utters a deep kaa-ga-ga call. Status Local and coastal in the breeding season. Often nests in vicinity of mixed seabird colonies and pairs are territorial. Outside breeding season, more widespread inland and numbers boosted by migrants from N Europe.
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  • Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus L 64-79cm. Our largest gull species. Bulkier than Lesser Black-backed, adult with darker back, massive bill and pink legs. Sexes are similar. Adult has almost uniformly dark back and upperwings; wingtips only marginally darker than rest of wings. Note white patch at tip of wings and broad white trailing edge. Plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellow with an orange spot. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled and streaked grey brown. In flight, brown upperwings have pale panels and inner primaries. Bill is dark, legs are dull pink and whitish tail is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Utters a deep kaa-ga-ga call. Status Local and coastal in the breeding season. Often nests in vicinity of mixed seabird colonies and pairs are territorial. Outside breeding season, more widespread inland and numbers boosted by migrants from N Europe.
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  • Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
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  • Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
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