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  • PURPLE MOOR-GRASS Molinia caerulea (Poaceae) Height to 80cm. Tussock-forming perennial, usually associated with damp ground on acid heaths and grassy moors. FLOWERS are purplish green spikelets, borne in long, branched spike-like heads (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are grey-green and 3-5mm wide, with purplish leaf sheaths. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    132116.jpg
  • PURPLE MOOR-GRASS Molinia caerulea (Poaceae) Height to 80cm. Tussock-forming perennial, usually associated with damp ground on acid heaths and grassy moors. FLOWERS are purplish green spikelets, borne in long, branched spike-like heads (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are grey-green and 3-5mm wide, with purplish leaf sheaths. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    132115.jpg
  • Grouse Moor, North York Moors National Park, UK
    122973.jpg
  • Twite - Carduelis flavirostris. L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter
    157253.jpg
  • Foxglove mutant - Digitalis purpurea, showing mutation at tip of plant.Height to 1.5m. Familiar, greyish and downy biennial or short-lived perennial. Grows in woodlands and on moors and sea cliffs, thriving best on acid soils and appearing in good quantity on recently cleared ground. FLOWERS are 4-5cm long, the corolla pinkish purple (sometimes white forms are found) with darker spots in the throat; borne in tall and elegant, terminal spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are green capsules. LEAVES are 20-30cm long, downy, oval and wrinkled; form a rosette in the 1st year from which the flowering spike appears in the 2nd. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    157101.jpg
  • Northern Wheatear - Oenanthe oenanthe - female. L 14-16cm. Open-country bird. Reveals white rump and black-and-white tail in flight. In other respects, sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey crown and back, black mask and wings, and pale underparts flushed orange-buff on breast. Adult female has mainly grey-brown upperparts, darkest on wings. Face, throat and breast are pale orange-buff and underparts are otherwise whitish. 1st winter birds have grey- to buffish brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Voice Utters a sharp chak alarm call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is fast and warbling. Status Locally common summer visitor to moors and open grassland.
    156582.jpg
  • Northern Wheatear - Oenanthe oenanthe - Juvenile. L 14-16cm. Open-country bird. Reveals white rump and black-and-white tail in flight. In other respects, sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey crown and back, black mask and wings, and pale underparts flushed orange-buff on breast. Adult female has mainly grey-brown upperparts, darkest on wings. Face, throat and breast are pale orange-buff and underparts are otherwise whitish. 1st winter birds have grey- to buffish brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Voice Utters a sharp chak alarm call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is fast and warbling. Status Locally common summer visitor to moors and open grassland.
    156542.jpg
  • Lapwing Vanellus vanellus L 30cm. Pied-looking wader with a spiky crest. Has rounded, black and white wings and distinctive call. Sexes are separable in summer. Adult male in summer has green- and purple-sheened dark upperparts; underparts are white except for orange vent and black foreneck. Note black and white markings on throat. Adult female in summer has less distinct black neck markings and shorter crest. Winter adult is similar to summer female but throat and foreneck are white, and back feathers have buffish fringes. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but crest is short and back looks scaly. Voice Utters a choked pee-wit call. Status Fairly common nesting species of undisturbed grazed grassland, moors and arable farmland; numbers have declined seriously. Migrants from Europe boost numbers in winter.
    156273.jpg
  • Lapwing Vanellus vanellus L 30cm. Pied-looking wader with a spiky crest. Has rounded, black and white wings and distinctive call. Sexes are separable in summer. Adult male in summer has green- and purple-sheened dark upperparts; underparts are white except for orange vent and black foreneck. Note black and white markings on throat. Adult female in summer has less distinct black neck markings and shorter crest. Winter adult is similar to summer female but throat and foreneck are white, and back feathers have buffish fringes. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but crest is short and back looks scaly. Voice Utters a choked pee-wit call. Status Fairly common nesting species of undisturbed grazed grassland, moors and arable farmland; numbers have declined seriously. Migrants from Europe boost numbers in winter.
    155673.jpg
  • Bell Heather - Erica cinerea (Ericaceae) - on the east side of Lundy, Devon. Height to 50cm<br />
Hairless, evergreen undershrub of acid soils, typically favouring drier locations than Heather or Cross-leaved Heath. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, bell-shaped and purplish red; borne in groups along the stem that sometimes appear like elongated spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, dark green and borne in whorls of 3 up the wiry stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, especially in the N and W; it sometimes becomes the dominant plant on dry heaths and moors.
    155428.jpg
  • Heath Spotted-orchid - Dactylorhiza maculata -Lundy, Pondsbury. Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    155438.jpg
  • Creeping Willow Salix repens Salicaceae Height to 1.5m<br />
Low-growing and creeping shrub. Shoots Sometimes downy and usually reddish brown. Leaves Ovate, usually untoothed, to 4cm long; hairless above when mature, with silky hairs below. Reproductive parts Catkins. Status Locally common on moors, heaths and coastal dune-slacks.
    154626.jpg
  • Mountain Ringlet Erebia epiphron Wingspan 32mm. A small and surprisingly delicate butterfly given the hostile upland habitats it favours. Adult has brown upperwings with an orange band marked with small eyespots. Underwings are brown overall; on forewing note broad yellow-orange central area, with small dark eyespots. Flies June–July but only active in sunshine; drops into cover immediately a cloud obscures the sun. Larva feeds on grasses. Very local on moors and mountains in Lake District and central Scottish Highlands.
    144969.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153629.jpg
  • Common Juniper Juniperus communis Cupressaceae Height to 6m. Aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree. Bark Reddish-brown, peeling. Branches With 3-angled twigs. Leaves Needle-like, to 2cm long, in whorls of 3. Foliage is gin- or apple-scented. Reproductive parts Male cones small and yellow. Female cones to 9mm long and green, ripening through blue-green to black in 2nd year. Status Native of chalk downland in S England and moors and limestone crags in N Britain.
    133008.jpg
  • Common Juniper Juniperus communis Cupressaceae Height to 6m. Aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree. Bark Reddish-brown, peeling. Branches With 3-angled twigs. Leaves Needle-like, to 2cm long, in whorls of 3. Foliage is gin- or apple-scented. Reproductive parts Male cones small and yellow. Female cones to 9mm long and green, ripening through blue-green to black in 2nd year. Status Native of chalk downland in S England and moors and limestone crags in N Britain.
    104952.jpg
  • OBLONG-LEAVED SUNDEW Drosera intermedia (Droseraceae) Height to 20cm. Insectivorous perennial of wet heaths and moors. FLOWERS are white; in spikes on stalks that are a similar length to leaves (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are reddish, 1cm long, narrow and taper abruptly; covered in sticky hairs that trap insects and appear as a basal rosette. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    131884.jpg
  • MARSH SAXIFRAGE Saxifraga hirculus (Saxifragaceae) Height to 20cm. Downy perennial of damp grassy ground in moors and mountains. Easily overlooked when not in flower. FLOWERS are 20-30mm across with bright yellow petals; solitary or in clusters of up to 3 flowers (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are short, narrow and stalked. STATUS-Local and rare in N England, Scotland and Ireland.
    131626.jpg
  • IVY-LEAVED BELLFLOWER Wahlenbergia hederacea (Campanulaceae) Creeping. Charming and delicate, hairless perennial with trailing stems. Grows on damp, shady ground on moors and heaths, typically on acid soils. FLOWERS are 5-10mm long, the corolla pale blue and narrowly bell-shaped with flared, triangular lobes at the mouth; borne on long, slender stalks (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are 5-10mm across, pale green and rounded to kidney-shaped with lobes, sometimes like tiny ivy leaves; on slender stalks. STATUS-Locally common in SW England and Wales.
    131616.jpg
  • JOINTED RUSH Juncus articulatus (Juncaceae) Height to 60cm. Creeping or tufted and upright perennial that grows in marshes and on damp heaths, moors and dune-slacks. FLOWERS are brown and borne in open, branched clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are brown, egg-shaped and abruptly pointed at the tip. LEAVES are curved, narrow and flattened with a transverse joint. STATUS-Locally common.
    131387.jpg
  • HEATH SPOTTED-ORCHID Dactylorhiza maculata (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    131154.jpg
  • COWBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea (Ericaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Straggly, evergreen undershrub, with round twigs that are downy when young. Found on moors and in woodland on acid soils. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, bell-shaped and pink; borne in drooping terminal clusters (May-Jun). FRUITS are shiny, bright red berries, up to 1cm across. LEAVES are leathery, oval and untoothed; they are dark green above but paler below. STATUS-Locally common from N Wales northwards; also in Ireland.
    130346.jpg
  • HEATHER Calluna vulgaris (Ericaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Dense, evergreen undershrub that is also known as Ling. A characteristic plant of acids soils on heath and moors on all but the wettest terrain. Also occurs in mature conifer woodland. FLOWERS are 4-5mm, bell-shaped and usually pink but sometimes white; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are short, narrow and borne in 4 rows along the stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally abundant throughout the region. In many heathland and moorland areas it is the dominant plant.
    128400.jpg
  • HEATH SPOTTED-ORCHID Dactylorhiza maculata (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    128053.jpg
  • WAVY HAIR-GRASS Deschampsia flexuosa Height to 1m<br />
Tufted perennial of dry ground on heaths and moors, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are borne in inflorescences comprising open clusters of purplish spikelets with a long, bent awn (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are inrolled and hair-like. STATUS-Locally common in Britain; scarce in Ireland.
    125054.jpg
  • MOUNTAIN EVERLASTING Antennaria dioica (Asteraceae) Height to 20cm. Downy perennial with rooting runners and leaf rosettes from which flower stems arise. Grows on upland heaths and moors. FLOWERS in compact, woolly, separate-sex heads, borne in umbel-like clusters; male heads 6mm across with white-tipped bracts, female heads 12mm across with pink-tipped bracts (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are green and hairless above, downy below. STATUS-Locally common in upland and N regions.
    116601.jpg
  • Bristle Bent (Agrostis curtisii) HEIGHT to 50cm. Tufted perennial of heaths and moors. FLOWERS Comprising yellow-green spikelets borne in tall, dense, spike-like heads (June-July). FRUITS Small, dry nutlets. LEAVES Grey-green, narrow, bristle-like, with pointed ligules.
    106557.jpg
  • ROUND-LEAVED SUNDEW Drosera rotundifolia (Droseraceae)  Height less than 20cm<br />
Insectivorous plant of boggy heaths and moors. FLOWERS are white; borne in spikes on stalks that are much longer than leaves (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are reddish, rounded, stalked and 1cm across; covered with sticky hairs that trap insects and appear as a basal rosette.
    103214.jpg
  • CROWBERRY Empetrum nigrum (Empetraceae) Height to 10cm. Mat-forming, Heather-like evergreen undershrub with stems that are reddish when young. Found on upland moors on damp, acid ground. FLOWERS are tiny and pinkish, with 6 petals; arise at base of leaves (May-Jun). FRUITS are shiny berries, 5-7mm across, green at first but ripening black in late summer. LEAVES are narrow, shiny and dark green, with inrolled margins. STATUS-Locally common only in N Britain.
    144475.jpg
  • GRASS-OF-PARNASSUS Parnassia palustris (Saxifragaceae) Height to 25cm. Distinctive, tufted and hairless perennial of damp, peaty grassland, marshes and moors. FLOWERS are 15-20mm across and superficially buttercup-like, with 5 white petals and greenish veins; on upright stalks with clasping leaves (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are deep green; basal leaves are heart-shaped and stalked. STATUS-Locally common in N Britain and Ireland; scarce in, or absent from, the S.
    144494.jpg
  • HEATH SPOTTED-ORCHID Dactylorhiza maculata (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    144509.jpg
  • Palmate Newt Triturus helveticus Length 8-9cm A small newt. Adult has yellowish belly and pinkish, unspotted throat at all times. Note hint of pale vertical stripe above hind legs. Breeding male develops diagnostic palmations between toes on hind feet and thin filament projecting from tip of blunt tail. Body is olive-brown with dark marbling; orange-buff band extends along flanks and side of tail. Colours are duller at other times but retains dark eye stripe. Female is yellowish brown. Unspotted throat allows separation from female Smooth Newt (throat is spotted). Juvenile resembles an adult female. Locally common in neutral to acid ponds in breeding season, often on heaths and moors. Found in grassy habitats at other times.
    111989.jpg
  • Palmate Newt Triturus helveticus Length 8-9cm A small newt. Adult has yellowish belly and pinkish, unspotted throat at all times. Note hint of pale vertical stripe above hind legs. Breeding male develops diagnostic palmations between toes on hind feet and thin filament projecting from tip of blunt tail. Body is olive-brown with dark marbling; orange-buff band extends along flanks and side of tail. Colours are duller at other times but retains dark eye stripe. Female is yellowish brown. Unspotted throat allows separation from female Smooth Newt (throat is spotted). Juvenile resembles an adult female. Locally common in neutral to acid ponds in breeding season, often on heaths and moors. Found in grassy habitats at other times.
    143217.jpg
  • Lapwing Vanellus vanellus L 30cm. Pied-looking wader with a spiky crest. Has rounded, black and white wings and distinctive call. Sexes are separable in summer. Adult male in summer has green- and purple-sheened dark upperparts; underparts are white except for orange vent and black foreneck. Note black and white markings on throat. Adult female in summer has less distinct black neck markings and shorter crest. Winter adult is similar to summer female but throat and foreneck are white, and back feathers have buffish fringes. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but crest is short and back looks scaly. Voice Utters a choked pee-wit call. Status Fairly common nesting species of undisturbed grazed grassland, moors and arable farmland; numbers have declined seriously. Migrants from Europe boost numbers in winter.
    127317.jpg
  • Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe L 14-16cm. Open-country bird. Reveals white rump and black-and-white tail in flight. In other respects, sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey crown and back, black mask and wings, and pale underparts flushed orange-buff on breast. Adult female has mainly grey-brown upperparts, darkest on wings. Face, throat and breast are pale orange-buff and underparts are otherwise whitish. 1st winter birds have grey- to buffish brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Voice Utters a sharp chak alarm call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is fast and warbling. Status Locally common summer visitor to moors and open grassland.
    129293.jpg
  • Twite Carduelis flavirostris L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter.
    129404.jpg
  • Lapwing Vanellus vanellus L 30cm. Pied-looking wader with a spiky crest. Has rounded, black and white wings and distinctive call. Sexes are separable in summer. Adult male in summer has green- and purple-sheened dark upperparts; underparts are white except for orange vent and black foreneck. Note black and white markings on throat. Adult female in summer has less distinct black neck markings and shorter crest. Winter adult is similar to summer female but throat and foreneck are white, and back feathers have buffish fringes. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but crest is short and back looks scaly. Voice Utters a choked pee-wit call. Status Fairly common nesting species of undisturbed grazed grassland, moors and arable farmland; numbers have declined seriously. Migrants from Europe boost numbers in winter.
    133053.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    134064.jpg
  • Lapwing Vanellus vanellus L 30cm. Pied-looking wader with a spiky crest. Has rounded, black and white wings and distinctive call. Sexes are separable in summer. Adult male in summer has green- and purple-sheened dark upperparts; underparts are white except for orange vent and black foreneck. Note black and white markings on throat. Adult female in summer has less distinct black neck markings and shorter crest. Winter adult is similar to summer female but throat and foreneck are white, and back feathers have buffish fringes. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but crest is short and back looks scaly. Voice Utters a choked pee-wit call. Status Fairly common nesting species of undisturbed grazed grassland, moors and arable farmland; numbers have declined seriously. Migrants from Europe boost numbers in winter.
    136074.jpg
  • Redshank Tringa totanus L 28cm. Medium-sized wader with shrill alarm call. In flight, note white trailing edge to wings, white back and rump, and trailing red legs. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly grey-brown above and pale below but back is marked with dark spots and neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Note faint, pale supercilium and eyering; base of bill is reddish. In winter, has uniform grey-brown upperparts, head, neck and breast, with paler, mottled underparts. Bill and leg colours are dull. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is overall browner, back feathers have pale marginal spots, and legs and base of bill are dull yellow. Voice Utters a yelping tiu-uu alarm call. Song is musical and yodelling. Status Locally common nesting species in damp grassland, moors and marshes. Migrants boost numbers outside breeding season and common on coasts in winter.
    136820.jpg
  • Redshank Tringa totanus L 28cm. Medium-sized wader with shrill alarm call. In flight, note white trailing edge to wings, white back and rump, and trailing red legs. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly grey-brown above and pale below but back is marked with dark spots and neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Note faint, pale supercilium and eyering; base of bill is reddish. In winter, has uniform grey-brown upperparts, head, neck and breast, with paler, mottled underparts. Bill and leg colours are dull. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is overall browner, back feathers have pale marginal spots, and legs and base of bill are dull yellow. Voice Utters a yelping tiu-uu alarm call. Song is musical and yodelling. Status Locally common nesting species in damp grassland, moors and marshes. Migrants boost numbers outside breeding season and common on coasts in winter.
    137049.jpg
  • Redshank Tringa totanus L 28cm. Medium-sized wader with shrill alarm call. In flight, note white trailing edge to wings, white back and rump, and trailing red legs. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly grey-brown above and pale below but back is marked with dark spots and neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Note faint, pale supercilium and eyering; base of bill is reddish. In winter, has uniform grey-brown upperparts, head, neck and breast, with paler, mottled underparts. Bill and leg colours are dull. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is overall browner, back feathers have pale marginal spots, and legs and base of bill are dull yellow. Voice Utters a yelping tiu-uu alarm call. Song is musical and yodelling. Status Locally common nesting species in damp grassland, moors and marshes. Migrants boost numbers outside breeding season and common on coasts in winter.
    137113.jpg
  • Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus L 35-40cm. Well-marked owl that often hunts in daylight. Flight is leisurely, often with stiffly-held wings. Perches on fenceposts. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have buffish brown plumage, heavily spotted and streaked on upperparts; underparts are streaked but paler. Facial disc is rounded; note yellow eyes and short ‘ear’ tufts. Voice Displaying birds sometimes uttera deep hoots. Status Local and rather scarce. Nests on upland moors but outside breeding season favours lowland marshes, grassland and heaths, particularly near coasts. Influx of birds from Europe boosts winter numbers.
    137269.jpg
  • Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus L 35-40cm. Well-marked owl that often hunts in daylight. Flight is leisurely, often with stiffly-held wings. Perches on fenceposts. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have buffish brown plumage, heavily spotted and streaked on upperparts; underparts are streaked but paler. Facial disc is rounded; note yellow eyes and short ‘ear’ tufts. Voice Displaying birds sometimes uttera deep hoots. Status Local and rather scarce. Nests on upland moors but outside breeding season favours lowland marshes, grassland and heaths, particularly near coasts. Influx of birds from Europe boosts winter numbers.
    137270.jpg
  • Redshank Tringa totanus L 28cm. Medium-sized wader with shrill alarm call. In flight, note white trailing edge to wings, white back and rump, and trailing red legs. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly grey-brown above and pale below but back is marked with dark spots and neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Note faint, pale supercilium and eyering; base of bill is reddish. In winter, has uniform grey-brown upperparts, head, neck and breast, with paler, mottled underparts. Bill and leg colours are dull. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is overall browner, back feathers have pale marginal spots, and legs and base of bill are dull yellow. Voice Utters a yelping tiu-uu alarm call. Song is musical and yodelling. Status Locally common nesting species in damp grassland, moors and marshes. Migrants boost numbers outside breeding season and common on coasts in winter.
    141941.jpg
  • Lapwing Vanellus vanellus L 30cm. Pied-looking wader with a spiky crest. Has rounded, black and white wings and distinctive call. Sexes are separable in summer. Adult male in summer has green- and purple-sheened dark upperparts; underparts are white except for orange vent and black foreneck. Note black and white markings on throat. Adult female in summer has less distinct black neck markings and shorter crest. Winter adult is similar to summer female but throat and foreneck are white, and back feathers have buffish fringes. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but crest is short and back looks scaly. Voice Utters a choked pee-wit call. Status Fairly common nesting species of undisturbed grazed grassland, moors and arable farmland; numbers have declined seriously. Migrants from Europe boost numbers in winter.
    143112.jpg
  • Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe L 14-16cm. Open-country bird. Reveals white rump and black-and-white tail in flight. In other respects, sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey crown and back, black mask and wings, and pale underparts flushed orange-buff on breast. Adult female has mainly grey-brown upperparts, darkest on wings. Face, throat and breast are pale orange-buff and underparts are otherwise whitish. 1st winter birds have grey- to buffish brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Voice Utters a sharp chak alarm call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is fast and warbling. Status Locally common summer visitor to moors and open grassland.
    143352.jpg
  • Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe L 14-16cm. Open-country bird. Reveals white rump and black-and-white tail in flight. In other respects, sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey crown and back, black mask and wings, and pale underparts flushed orange-buff on breast. Adult female has mainly grey-brown upperparts, darkest on wings. Face, throat and breast are pale orange-buff and underparts are otherwise whitish. 1st winter birds have grey- to buffish brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Voice Utters a sharp chak alarm call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is fast and warbling. Status Locally common summer visitor to moors and open grassland.
    143353.jpg
  • Redshank Tringa totanus L 28cm. Medium-sized wader with shrill alarm call. In flight, note white trailing edge to wings, white back and rump, and trailing red legs. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly grey-brown above and pale below but back is marked with dark spots and neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Note faint, pale supercilium and eyering; base of bill is reddish. In winter, has uniform grey-brown upperparts, head, neck and breast, with paler, mottled underparts. Bill and leg colours are dull. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is overall browner, back feathers have pale marginal spots, and legs and base of bill are dull yellow. Voice Utters a yelping tiu-uu alarm call. Song is musical and yodelling. Status Locally common nesting species in damp grassland, moors and marshes. Migrants boost numbers outside breeding season and common on coasts in winter.
    143366.jpg
  • Redshank Tringa totanus L 28cm. Medium-sized wader with shrill alarm call. In flight, note white trailing edge to wings, white back and rump, and trailing red legs. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly grey-brown above and pale below but back is marked with dark spots and neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Note faint, pale supercilium and eyering; base of bill is reddish. In winter, has uniform grey-brown upperparts, head, neck and breast, with paler, mottled underparts. Bill and leg colours are dull. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is overall browner, back feathers have pale marginal spots, and legs and base of bill are dull yellow. Voice Utters a yelping tiu-uu alarm call. Song is musical and yodelling. Status Locally common nesting species in damp grassland, moors and marshes. Migrants boost numbers outside breeding season and common on coasts in winter.
    143365.jpg
  • Redshank Tringa totanus L 28cm. Medium-sized wader with shrill alarm call. In flight, note white trailing edge to wings, white back and rump, and trailing red legs. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly grey-brown above and pale below but back is marked with dark spots and neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Note faint, pale supercilium and eyering; base of bill is reddish. In winter, has uniform grey-brown upperparts, head, neck and breast, with paler, mottled underparts. Bill and leg colours are dull. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is overall browner, back feathers have pale marginal spots, and legs and base of bill are dull yellow. Voice Utters a yelping tiu-uu alarm call. Song is musical and yodelling. Status Locally common nesting species in damp grassland, moors and marshes. Migrants boost numbers outside breeding season and common on coasts in winter.
    143376.jpg
  • Redshank Tringa totanus L 28cm. Medium-sized wader with shrill alarm call. In flight, note white trailing edge to wings, white back and rump, and trailing red legs. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly grey-brown above and pale below but back is marked with dark spots and neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Note faint, pale supercilium and eyering; base of bill is reddish. In winter, has uniform grey-brown upperparts, head, neck and breast, with paler, mottled underparts. Bill and leg colours are dull. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is overall browner, back feathers have pale marginal spots, and legs and base of bill are dull yellow. Voice Utters a yelping tiu-uu alarm call. Song is musical and yodelling. Status Locally common nesting species in damp grassland, moors and marshes. Migrants boost numbers outside breeding season and common on coasts in winter.
    143392.jpg
  • Redshank Tringa totanus L 28cm. Medium-sized wader with shrill alarm call. In flight, note white trailing edge to wings, white back and rump, and trailing red legs. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly grey-brown above and pale below but back is marked with dark spots and neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Note faint, pale supercilium and eyering; base of bill is reddish. In winter, has uniform grey-brown upperparts, head, neck and breast, with paler, mottled underparts. Bill and leg colours are dull. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is overall browner, back feathers have pale marginal spots, and legs and base of bill are dull yellow. Voice Utters a yelping tiu-uu alarm call. Song is musical and yodelling. Status Locally common nesting species in damp grassland, moors and marshes. Migrants boost numbers outside breeding season and common on coasts in winter.
    143631.jpg
  • Redshank Tringa totanus L 28cm. Medium-sized wader with shrill alarm call. In flight, note white trailing edge to wings, white back and rump, and trailing red legs. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly grey-brown above and pale below but back is marked with dark spots and neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Note faint, pale supercilium and eyering; base of bill is reddish. In winter, has uniform grey-brown upperparts, head, neck and breast, with paler, mottled underparts. Bill and leg colours are dull. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is overall browner, back feathers have pale marginal spots, and legs and base of bill are dull yellow. Voice Utters a yelping tiu-uu alarm call. Song is musical and yodelling. Status Locally common nesting species in damp grassland, moors and marshes. Migrants boost numbers outside breeding season and common on coasts in winter.
    144027.jpg
  • Redshank - Tringa totanus  - Flock at Farlilngton Marshes, Hampshire. Medium-sized wader with shrill alarm call. In flight, note white trailing edge to wings, white back and rump, and trailing red legs. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly grey-brown above and pale below but back is marked with dark spots and neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Note faint, pale supercilium and eyering; base of bill is reddish. In winter, has uniform grey-brown upperparts, head, neck and breast, with paler, mottled underparts. Bill and leg colours are dull. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is overall browner, back feathers have pale marginal spots, and legs and base of bill are dull yellow. Voice Utters a yelping tiu-uu alarm call. Song is musical and yodelling. Status Locally common nesting species in damp grassland, moors and marshes. Migrants boost numbers outside breeding season and common on coasts in winter.
    145341.jpg
  • Redshank Tringa totanus L 28cm. Medium-sized wader with shrill alarm call. In flight, note white trailing edge to wings, white back and rump, and trailing red legs. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly grey-brown above and pale below but back is marked with dark spots and neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Note faint, pale supercilium and eyering; base of bill is reddish. In winter, has uniform grey-brown upperparts, head, neck and breast, with paler, mottled underparts. Bill and leg colours are dull. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is overall browner, back feathers have pale marginal spots, and legs and base of bill are dull yellow. Voice Utters a yelping tiu-uu alarm call. Song is musical and yodelling. Status Locally common nesting species in damp grassland, moors and marshes. Migrants boost numbers outside breeding season and common on coasts in winter.
    145754.jpg
  • Redshank Tringa totanus L 28cm. Medium-sized wader with shrill alarm call. In flight, note white trailing edge to wings, white back and rump, and trailing red legs. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly grey-brown above and pale below but back is marked with dark spots and neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Note faint, pale supercilium and eyering; base of bill is reddish. In winter, has uniform grey-brown upperparts, head, neck and breast, with paler, mottled underparts. Bill and leg colours are dull. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is overall browner, back feathers have pale marginal spots, and legs and base of bill are dull yellow. Voice Utters a yelping tiu-uu alarm call. Song is musical and yodelling. Status Locally common nesting species in damp grassland, moors and marshes. Migrants boost numbers outside breeding season and common on coasts in winter.
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  • Twite - Carduelis flavirostris. L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter
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  • Twite - Carduelis flavirostris. L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter
    157254.jpg
  • Twite - Carduelis flavirostris. L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter
    157109.jpg
  • Twite Carduelis flavirostris L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter
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  • Lapwing Vanellus vanellus L 30cm. Pied-looking wader with a spiky crest. Has rounded, black and white wings and distinctive call. Sexes are separable in summer. Adult male in summer has green- and purple-sheened dark upperparts; underparts are white except for orange vent and black foreneck. Note black and white markings on throat. Adult female in summer has less distinct black neck markings and shorter crest. Winter adult is similar to summer female but throat and foreneck are white, and back feathers have buffish fringes. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but crest is short and back looks scaly. Voice Utters a choked pee-wit call. Status Fairly common nesting species of undisturbed grazed grassland, moors and arable farmland; numbers have declined seriously. Migrants from Europe boost numbers in winter.
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  • Northern Wheatear - Oenanthe oenanthe - Juvenile. L 14-16cm. Open-country bird. Reveals white rump and black-and-white tail in flight. In other respects, sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey crown and back, black mask and wings, and pale underparts flushed orange-buff on breast. Adult female has mainly grey-brown upperparts, darkest on wings. Face, throat and breast are pale orange-buff and underparts are otherwise whitish. 1st winter birds have grey- to buffish brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Voice Utters a sharp chak alarm call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is fast and warbling. Status Locally common summer visitor to moors and open grassland.
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  • Northern Wheatear - Oenanthe oenanthe - moulting adult female. L 14-16cm. Open-country bird. Reveals white rump and black-and-white tail in flight. In other respects, sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey crown and back, black mask and wings, and pale underparts flushed orange-buff on breast. Adult female has mainly grey-brown upperparts, darkest on wings. Face, throat and breast are pale orange-buff and underparts are otherwise whitish. 1st winter birds have grey- to buffish brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Voice Utters a sharp chak alarm call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is fast and warbling. Status Locally common summer visitor to moors and open grassland.
    156484.jpg
  • Northern Wheatear - Oenanthe oenanthe. L 14-16cm. Open-country bird. Reveals white rump and black-and-white tail in flight. In other respects, sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey crown and back, black mask and wings, and pale underparts flushed orange-buff on breast. Adult female has mainly grey-brown upperparts, darkest on wings. Face, throat and breast are pale orange-buff and underparts are otherwise whitish. 1st winter birds have grey- to buffish brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Voice Utters a sharp chak alarm call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is fast and warbling. Status Locally common summer visitor to moors and open grassland.
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  • Nightjar - Caprimulgus europeus - Chicks in nest. (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
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  • Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus L 35-40cm. Well-marked owl that often hunts in daylight. Flight is leisurely, often with stiffly-held wings. Perches on fenceposts. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have buffish brown plumage, heavily spotted and streaked on upperparts; underparts are streaked but paler. Facial disc is rounded; note yellow eyes and short ‘ear’ tufts. Voice Displaying birds sometimes uttera deep hoots. Status Local and rather scarce. Nests on upland moors but outside breeding season favours lowland marshes, grassland and heaths, particularly near coasts. Influx of birds from Europe boosts winter numbers.
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  • Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus L 35-40cm. Well-marked owl that often hunts in daylight. Flight is leisurely, often with stiffly-held wings. Perches on fenceposts. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have buffish brown plumage, heavily spotted and streaked on upperparts; underparts are streaked but paler. Facial disc is rounded; note yellow eyes and short ‘ear’ tufts. Voice Displaying birds sometimes uttera deep hoots. Status Local and rather scarce. Nests on upland moors but outside breeding season favours lowland marshes, grassland and heaths, particularly near coasts. Influx of birds from Europe boosts winter numbers.
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  • Redshank Tringa totanus L 28cm. Medium-sized wader with shrill alarm call. In flight, note white trailing edge to wings, white back and rump, and trailing red legs. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly grey-brown above and pale below but back is marked with dark spots and neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Note faint, pale supercilium and eyering; base of bill is reddish. In winter, has uniform grey-brown upperparts, head, neck and breast, with paler, mottled underparts. Bill and leg colours are dull. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is overall browner, back feathers have pale marginal spots, and legs and base of bill are dull yellow. Voice Utters a yelping tiu-uu alarm call. Song is musical and yodelling. Status Locally common nesting species in damp grassland, moors and marshes. Migrants boost numbers outside breeding season and common on coasts in winter.
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  • Lapwing Vanellus vanellus L 30cm. Pied-looking wader with a spiky crest. Has rounded, black and white wings and distinctive call. Sexes are separable in summer. Adult male in summer has green- and purple-sheened dark upperparts; underparts are white except for orange vent and black foreneck. Note black and white markings on throat. Adult female in summer has less distinct black neck markings and shorter crest. Winter adult is similar to summer female but throat and foreneck are white, and back feathers have buffish fringes. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but crest is short and back looks scaly. Voice Utters a choked pee-wit call. Status Fairly common nesting species of undisturbed grazed grassland, moors and arable farmland; numbers have declined seriously. Migrants from Europe boost numbers in winter.
    155623.jpg
  • Heath Spotted-orchid - Dactylorhiza maculata (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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  • HEATHER Calluna vulgaris (Ericaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
 Dense, evergreen undershrub that is also known as Ling. A characteristic plant of acids soils on heath and moors on all but the wettest terrain. Also occurs in mature conifer woodland. FLOWERS are 4-5mm, bell-shaped and usually pink but sometimes white; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are short, narrow and borne in 4 rows along the stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally abundant throughout the region. In many heathland and moorland areas it is the dominant plant.
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  • Lapwing Vanellus vanellus L 30cm. Pied-looking wader with a spiky crest. Has rounded, black and white wings and distinctive call. Sexes are separable in summer. Adult male in summer has green- and purple-sheened dark upperparts; underparts are white except for orange vent and black foreneck. Note black and white markings on throat. Adult female in summer has less distinct black neck markings and shorter crest. Winter adult is similar to summer female but throat and foreneck are white, and back feathers have buffish fringes. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but crest is short and back looks scaly. Voice Utters a choked pee-wit call. Status Fairly common nesting species of undisturbed grazed grassland, moors and arable farmland; numbers have declined seriously. Migrants from Europe boost numbers in winter.
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  • Mountain Ringlet Erebia epiphron Wingspan 32mm. A small and surprisingly delicate butterfly given the hostile upland habitats it favours. Adult has brown upperwings with an orange band marked with small eyespots. Underwings are brown overall; on forewing note broad yellow-orange central area, with small dark eyespots. Flies June–July but only active in sunshine; drops into cover immediately a cloud obscures the sun. Larva feeds on grasses. Very local on moors and mountains in Lake District and central Scottish Highlands.
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  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153713.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153632.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153635.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153645.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153644.jpg
  • Common Juniper Juniperus communis Cupressaceae Height to 6m. Aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree. Bark Reddish-brown, peeling. Branches With 3-angled twigs. Leaves Needle-like, to 2cm long, in whorls of 3. Foliage is gin- or apple-scented. Reproductive parts Male cones small and yellow. Female cones to 9mm long and green, ripening through blue-green to black in 2nd year. Status Native of chalk downland in S England and moors and limestone crags in N Britain.
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  • Creeping Willow Salix repens Salicaceae Height to 1.5m<br />
Low-growing and creeping shrub. Shoots Sometimes downy and usually reddish brown. Leaves Ovate, usually untoothed, to 4cm long; hairless above when mature, with silky hairs below. Reproductive parts Catkins. Status Locally common on moors, heaths and coastal dune-slacks.
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  • Common Juniper Juniperus communis Cupressaceae Height to 6m. Aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree. Bark Reddish-brown, peeling. Branches With 3-angled twigs. Leaves Needle-like, to 2cm long, in whorls of 3. Foliage is gin- or apple-scented. Reproductive parts Male cones small and yellow. Female cones to 9mm long and green, ripening through blue-green to black in 2nd year. Status Native of chalk downland in S England and moors and limestone crags in N Britain.
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  • Creeping Willow Salix repens Salicaceae Height to 1.5m<br />
Low-growing and creeping shrub. Shoots Sometimes downy and usually reddish brown. Leaves Ovate, usually untoothed, to 4cm long; hairless above when mature, with silky hairs below. Reproductive parts Catkins. Status Locally common on moors, heaths and coastal dune-slacks.
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  • Common Juniper Juniperus communis Cupressaceae Height to 6m. Aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree. Bark Reddish-brown, peeling. Branches With 3-angled twigs. Leaves Needle-like, to 2cm long, in whorls of 3. Foliage is gin- or apple-scented. Reproductive parts Male cones small and yellow. Female cones to 9mm long and green, ripening through blue-green to black in 2nd year. Status Native of chalk downland in S England and moors and limestone crags in N Britain.
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  • HEATH SPOTTED-ORCHID Dactylorhiza maculata (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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  • HEATHER Calluna vulgaris (Ericaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Dense, evergreen undershrub that is also known as Ling. A characteristic plant of acids soils on heath and moors on all but the wettest terrain. Also occurs in mature conifer woodland. FLOWERS are 4-5mm, bell-shaped and usually pink but sometimes white; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are short, narrow and borne in 4 rows along the stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally abundant throughout the region. In many heathland and moorland areas it is the dominant plant.
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  • LOUSEWORT Pedicularis sylvatica (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Spreading and hairless perennial with numerous branching stems. Semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on damp heaths and moors, and in bogs, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are 20-25mm long, the corolla pale pink and 2-lipped, the upper lip with 2 teeth; borne in few-flowered leafy spikes (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are inflated capsules. LEAVES are feathery and divided into toothed leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region in suitable habitats.
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  • LOUSEWORT Pedicularis sylvatica (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Spreading and hairless perennial with numerous branching stems. Semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on damp heaths and moors, and in bogs, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are 20-25mm long, the corolla pale pink and 2-lipped, the upper lip with 2 teeth; borne in few-flowered leafy spikes (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are inflated capsules. LEAVES are feathery and divided into toothed leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region in suitable habitats.
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  • COMMON WINTERGREEN Pyrola minor (Pyrolaceae) Height to 20cm. Hairless, evergreen perennial of open, upland woodlands and moors, often found on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 5-6mm across, pinkish white, rounded and rather bell-shaped, with a straight style that does not protrude beyond the petals; borne on upright stalks (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are oval, toothed and stalked; they form a basal rosette. STATUS-Local and generally scarce, least so in N England but declining even there. Note-Intermediate Wintergreen (P. media) is similar but has more elongate leaves and a protruding style; local and scarce, mainly in E Scotland.
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  • LOUSEWORT Pedicularis sylvatica (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Spreading and hairless perennial with numerous branching stems. Semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on damp heaths and moors, and in bogs, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are 20-25mm long, the corolla pale pink and 2-lipped, the upper lip with 2 teeth; borne in few-flowered leafy spikes (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are inflated capsules. LEAVES are feathery and divided into toothed leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region in suitable habitats.
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  • HEATH WOOD-RUSH Luzula multiflora (Juncaceae) Height to 30cm. Tufted perennial that grows on heaths and moors, and in woodlands, on acid soils. FLOWERS are brown and borne in stalked heads of 5-12 flowers, the heads in clusters of 3-10 (May-Jun). FRUITS are brown, globular and shorter than the sepals. LEAVES are grass-like, fringed with white hairs. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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  • STIFF SEDGE Carex bigelowii (Cyperaceae) Height to 30cm<br />
Creeping perennial with stiff, sharply 3-sided stems. Grows on mountains and upland moors. FLOWERS are in inflorescences comprising 1 male spike above 2-3 female spikes (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are short-beaked and green grading to brown. LEAVES are ridged and curved with inrolled margins. STATUS-Locally common only in Scotland.
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  • GRASS-OF-PARNASSUS Parnassia palustris (Saxifragaceae) Height to 25cm. Distinctive, tufted and hairless perennial of damp, peaty grassland, marshes and moors. FLOWERS are 15-20mm across and superficially buttercup-like, with 5 white petals and greenish veins; on upright stalks with clasping leaves (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are deep green; basal leaves are heart-shaped and stalked. STATUS-Locally common in N Britain and Ireland; scarce in, or absent from, the S.
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  • COMMON WINTERGREEN Pyrola minor (Pyrolaceae) Height to 20cm. Hairless, evergreen perennial of open, upland woodlands and moors, often found on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 5-6mm across, pinkish white, rounded and rather bell-shaped, with a straight style that does not protrude beyond the petals; borne on upright stalks (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are oval, toothed and stalked; they form a basal rosette. STATUS-Local and generally scarce, least so in N England but declining even there. Note-Intermediate Wintergreen (P. media) is similar but has more elongate leaves and a protruding style; local and scarce, mainly in E Scotland.
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  • ROUND-LEAVED SUNDEW Drosera rotundifolia (Droseraceae) Height to 20cm. Insectivorous plant of boggy heaths and moors. FLOWERS are white; borne in spikes on stalks that are much longer than leaves (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are reddish, rounded, stalked and 1cm across; covered with sticky hairs that trap insects and appear as a basal rosette. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • OBLONG-LEAVED SUNDEW Drosera intermedia (Droseraceae) Height to 20cm. Insectivorous perennial of wet heaths and moors. FLOWERS are white; in spikes on stalks that are a similar length to leaves (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are reddish, 1cm long, narrow and taper abruptly; covered in sticky hairs that trap insects and appear as a basal rosette. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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  • BELL HEATHER Erica cinerea (Ericaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Hairless, evergreen undershrub of acid soils, typically favouring drier locations than Heather or Cross-leaved Heath. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, bell-shaped and purplish red; borne in groups along the stem that sometimes appear like elongated spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, dark green and borne in whorls of 3 up the wiry stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, especially in the N and W; it sometimes becomes the dominant plant on dry heaths and moors.
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  • BOG ASPHODEL Narthecium ossifragum (Liliaceae) Height to 20cm. Tufted and hairless perennial that grows in boggy heaths and moors. The whole plant turns orange-brown in fruit and persists into early winter at least. FLOWERS are 12-15mm across, yellow and star-like, with woolly orange anthers; borne in spikes (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are splitting capsules. LEAVES are narrow, iris-like and basal; they are borne in a flat fan. STATUS-Widespread in N and W, much more local in S and E.
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  • HEATH RUSH Juncus squarrosus (Juncaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Tufted, sometimes mat-forming perennial with stiff stems. Grows on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are dark brown with pale, silvery margins; borne in terminal clusters (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are brown, egg-shaped and blunt with a small point at the tip. LEAVES are wiry, grooved; appear as basal rosette. STATUS-Locally common in N and W.
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  • TORMENTIL Potentilla erecta (Rosaceae) Height to 30cm<br />
Creeping, downy perennial of grassy places, heaths and moors. FLOWERS are 7-11mm across with 4 yellow petals; borne on slender stalks (May-Sep). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are unstalked and trifoliate, but appear 5-lobed because of two large, leaflet-like stipules at the base.
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