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  • Black-headed Gull - Larus ridibundus<br />
left = 1st winter, middle = adult winter, right = adult summer<br />
L 35-38cm. Our most numerous medium-sized gull. Plumage variable but white leading edge to outerwings is consistent feature. Forms single-species flocks. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings, white underparts and chocolate-brown hood. Legs and bill are red. In flight, trailing edge of outerwing is black. In winter, loses dark hood; white head has dark smudges above behind eye. Juvenile has orange-brown flush to upperparts, dark feathers on back, dark smudges on head, and dark tip to tail. Acquires adult plumage by 2nd winter through successive moults. 1st winter bird retains many juvenile plumage details but loses rufous elements and gains grey back. 1st summer bird still has juvenile-type wing pattern but gains dark hood. Voice Raucous calls include a nasal kaurrr. Status Widespread and numerous. Commonest on coasts and inland freshwater sites, but also in towns and on farmland; often follows the plough. Nests colonially beside water. Migrants from Europe boost winter numbers.
    154290.jpg
  • Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus showing various plumages. L 35-38cm. Our most numerous medium-sized gull. Plumage variable but white leading edge to outerwings is consistent feature. Forms single-species flocks. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings, white underparts and chocolate-brown hood. Legs and bill are red. In flight, trailing edge of outerwing is black. In winter, loses dark hood; white head has dark smudges above behind eye. Juvenile has orange-brown flush to upperparts, dark feathers on back, dark smudges on head, and dark tip to tail. Acquires adult plumage by 2nd winter through successive moults. 1st winter bird retains many juvenile plumage details but loses rufous elements and gains grey back. 1st summer bird still has juvenile-type wing pattern but gains dark hood. Voice Raucous calls include a nasal kaurrr. Status Widespread and numerous. Commonest on coasts and inland freshwater sites, but also in towns and on farmland; often follows the plough. Nests colonially beside water. Migrants from Europe boost winter numbers.
    136081.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    133975.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    133973.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    133540.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    137338.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    127323.jpg
  • Bluethroat Luscinia svecica L 13-14cm. Robin-sized bird that feeds on ground. Unobtrusive but obvious when seen well. Red sides to base of tail are diagnostic. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly grey-brown upperparts and whitish underparts, with white supercilium and iridescent blue throat and breast, bordered below by bands of black, white and red; typically, blue ‘throat’ has white or red central spot depending on race. Blue colour masked by pale feather fringes in autumn. In other plumages Blue on throat is obscured by pale feather margins, or replaced by cream or white, depending on individual’s sex and age. Voice Utters a sharp tchick call. Status Scarce passage migrant.
    129283.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    154261.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    157939.jpg
  • Dunlin - Calidris alpina - Adult in Summer Plumage.  (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    135470.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    135792.jpg
  • Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola L 28cm. Plump-bodied coastal wader. Best known in winter plumage but breeding plumage sometimes seen in newly-arrived, or shortly-to-depart, migrants. In flight, note black ‘armpits’ on otherwise white underwings. Typically solitary. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter looks overall grey but upperparts are spangled with black and white and underparts are whitish. Legs and bill are dark. In summer plumage, has striking black underparts (sometimes rather mottled in females) separated from spangled grey upperparts by broad white band. Juvenile resembles winter adult but has buff wash to plumage. Voice Utters diagnostic, trisyllabic pee-oo-ee call, like a human wolf-whistle. Status Nests in high Arctic; coastal, non-breeding visitor to Britain and Ireland.
    133972.jpg
  • Glaucous Gull - Larus hyperboreus - 1st winter.  L 62-68cm. Bulky, pale-looking gull. Similar size to Great Black-backed but closer to Herring in plumage terms. Note adult’s white wing tips; bill is massive and legs are pinkish at all times. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has pale grey back and upperwings with white wingtips and trailing margin. Plumage is otherwise mainly white with variable dark streaking on head and neck. Eye has pale iris and orbital ring is yellow. In breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late winter) similar but without dark streaks. Juvenile and 1st winter are mainly pale buffish grey but very pale primaries. Pink bill is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter is very pale with faint streaks marbling. 3rd winter is overall paler still. Voice Utters a kyaoo and an anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Scarce non-breeding visitor, commonest on N coasts in late winter.
    155849.jpg
  • Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus - Winter Adult. L 62-68cm. Bulky, pale-looking gull. Similar size to Great Black-backed but closer to Herring in plumage terms. Note adult’s white wing tips; bill is massive and legs are pinkish at all times. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has pale grey back and upperwings with white wingtips and trailing margin. Plumage is otherwise mainly white with variable dark streaking on head and neck. Eye has pale iris and orbital ring is yellow. In breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late winter) similar but without dark streaks. Juvenile and 1st winter are mainly pale buffish grey but very pale primaries. Pink bill is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter is very pale with faint streaks marbling. 3rd winter is overall paler still. Voice Utters a kyaoo and an anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Scarce non-breeding visitor, commonest on N coasts in late winter.
    155320.jpg
  • Glaucous Gull - Larus hyperboreus - 1st winter. L 62-68cm. Bulky, pale-looking gull. Similar size to Great Black-backed but closer to Herring in plumage terms. Note adult’s white wing tips; bill is massive and legs are pinkish at all times. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has pale grey back and upperwings with white wingtips and trailing margin. Plumage is otherwise mainly white with variable dark streaking on head and neck. Eye has pale iris and orbital ring is yellow. In breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late winter) similar but without dark streaks. Juvenile and 1st winter are mainly pale buffish grey but very pale primaries. Pink bill is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter is very pale with faint streaks marbling. 3rd winter is overall paler still. Voice Utters a kyaoo and an anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Scarce non-breeding visitor, commonest on N coasts in late winter.
    155066.jpg
  • Grey Plover - Pluvialis squatarola - Adult moulting into full Summer Plumage. L 28cm. Plump-bodied coastal wader. Best known in winter plumage but breeding plumage sometimes seen in newly-arrived, or shortly-to-depart, migrants. In flight, note black ‘armpits’ on otherwise white underwings. Typically solitary. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter looks overall grey but upperparts are spangled with black and white and underparts are whitish. Legs and bill are dark. In summer plumage, has striking black underparts (sometimes rather mottled in females) separated from spangled grey upperparts by broad white band. Juvenile resembles winter adult but has buff wash to plumage. Voice Utters diagnostic, trisyllabic pee-oo-ee call, like a human wolf-whistle. Status Nests in high Arctic; coastal, non-breeding visitor to Britain and Ireland.
    135466.jpg
  • Glaucous Gull - Larus hyperboreus - 1st winter.  L 62-68cm. Bulky, pale-looking gull. Similar size to Great Black-backed but closer to Herring in plumage terms. Note adult's white wing tips; bill is massive and legs are pinkish at all times. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has pale grey back and upperwings with white wingtips and trailing margin. Plumage is otherwise mainly white with variable dark streaking on head and neck. Eye has pale iris and orbital ring is yellow. In breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late winter) similar but without dark streaks. Juvenile and 1st winter are mainly pale buffish grey but very pale primaries. Pink bill is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter is very pale with faint streaks marbling. 3rd winter is overall paler still. Voice Utters a kyaoo and an anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Scarce non-breeding visitor, commonest on N coasts in late winter.
    157017.jpg
  • Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus - First Winter. L 62-68cm. Bulky, pale-looking gull. Similar size to Great Black-backed but closer to Herring in plumage terms. Note adult’s white wing tips; bill is massive and legs are pinkish at all times. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has pale grey back and upperwings with white wingtips and trailing margin. Plumage is otherwise mainly white with variable dark streaking on head and neck. Eye has pale iris and orbital ring is yellow. In breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late winter) similar but without dark streaks. Juvenile and 1st winter are mainly pale buffish grey but very pale primaries. Pink bill is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter is very pale with faint streaks marbling. 3rd winter is overall paler still. Voice Utters a kyaoo and an anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Scarce non-breeding visitor, commonest on N coasts in late winter.
    155848.jpg
  • Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus L 62-68cm. Bulky, pale-looking gull. Similar size to Great Black-backed but closer to Herring in plumage terms. Note adult’s white wing tips; bill is massive and legs are pinkish at all times. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has pale grey back and upperwings with white wingtips and trailing margin. Plumage is otherwise mainly white with variable dark streaking on head and neck. Eye has pale iris and orbital ring is yellow. In breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late winter) similar but without dark streaks. Juvenile and 1st winter are mainly pale buffish grey but very pale primaries. Pink bill is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter is very pale with faint streaks marbling. 3rd winter is overall paler still. Voice Utters a kyaoo and an anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Scarce non-breeding visitor, commonest on N coasts in late winter.
    127671.jpg
  • Glaucous Gull - Larus hyperboreus - First Winter.  L 62-68cm. Bulky, pale-looking gull. Similar size to Great Black-backed but closer to Herring in plumage terms. Note adult’s white wing tips; bill is massive and legs are pinkish at all times. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has pale grey back and upperwings with white wingtips and trailing margin. Plumage is otherwise mainly white with variable dark streaking on head and neck. Eye has pale iris and orbital ring is yellow. In breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late winter) similar but without dark streaks. Juvenile and 1st winter are mainly pale buffish grey but very pale primaries. Pink bill is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter is very pale with faint streaks marbling. 3rd winter is overall paler still. Voice Utters a kyaoo and an anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Scarce non-breeding visitor, commonest on N coasts in late winter.
    155915.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    143049.jpg
  • Glaucous Gull - Larus hyperboreus - 1st winter.  L 62-68cm. Bulky, pale-looking gull. Similar size to Great Black-backed but closer to Herring in plumage terms. Note adult’s white wing tips; bill is massive and legs are pinkish at all times. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has pale grey back and upperwings with white wingtips and trailing margin. Plumage is otherwise mainly white with variable dark streaking on head and neck. Eye has pale iris and orbital ring is yellow. In breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late winter) similar but without dark streaks. Juvenile and 1st winter are mainly pale buffish grey but very pale primaries. Pink bill is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter is very pale with faint streaks marbling. 3rd winter is overall paler still. Voice Utters a kyaoo and an anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Scarce non-breeding visitor, commonest on N coasts in late winter.
    157946.jpg
  • Black-headed Gull - Chroicocephalus ridibundus - summer adult.  L 35-38cm. Our most numerous medium-sized gull. Plumage variable but white leading edge to outerwings is consistent feature. Forms single-species flocks. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings, white underparts and chocolate-brown hood. Legs and bill are red. In flight, trailing edge of outerwing is black. In winter, loses dark hood; white head has dark smudges above behind eye. Juvenile has orange-brown flush to upperparts, dark feathers on back, dark smudges on head, and dark tip to tail. Acquires adult plumage by 2nd winter through successive moults. 1st winter bird retains many juvenile plumage details but loses rufous elements and gains grey back. 1st summer bird still has juvenile-type wing pattern but gains dark hood. Voice Raucous calls include a nasal kaurrr. Status Widespread and numerous. Commonest on coasts and inland freshwater sites, but also in towns and on farmland; often follows the plough. Nests colonially beside water. Migrants from Europe boost winter numbers.
    157668.jpg
  • Common Scoter - Melanitta nigra - male. L 44-54cm. Male is our only all-black duck. Rather long tail is sometimes raised when swimming. Gregarious outside breeding season. In flight, looks mainly dark but paler flight feathers can sometimes be seen. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has uniformly black plumage. Head sheen only visible at close range. Bill is mostly dark but with yellow ridge; base is bulbous base. 1st winter male has browner plumage are all-dark bill. Adult female has mainly dark brown plumage with pale buff cheeks. Juvenile resembles aadult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding bird, found on vegetated N lakes and lochs. Locally fairly common in winter, found on coasts with sandy seabeds.
    137585.jpg
  • Black-headed Gull - Chroicocephalus ridibundus - winter adult.  L 35-38cm. Our most numerous medium-sized gull. Plumage variable but white leading edge to outerwings is consistent feature. Forms single-species flocks. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings, white underparts and chocolate-brown hood. Legs and bill are red. In flight, trailing edge of outerwing is black. In winter, loses dark hood; white head has dark smudges above behind eye. Juvenile has orange-brown flush to upperparts, dark feathers on back, dark smudges on head, and dark tip to tail. Acquires adult plumage by 2nd winter through successive moults. 1st winter bird retains many juvenile plumage details but loses rufous elements and gains grey back. 1st summer bird still has juvenile-type wing pattern but gains dark hood. Voice Raucous calls include a nasal kaurrr. Status Widespread and numerous. Commonest on coasts and inland freshwater sites, but also in towns and on farmland; often follows the plough. Nests colonially beside water. Migrants from Europe boost winter numbers.
    157079.jpg
  • Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus L 53-56cm. Similar to Herring Gull but adult has dark grey back and upperwings and bright yellow legs. Note, confusion possible with adult Yellow-legged (upperparts paler). Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has dark grey back and upperwings. Black wingtips are darker than rest of upperwing except for white trailing edge; plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellow with orange spot. Iris is yellow and orbital ring is red. In winter, similar but with streaks on head and neck, and duller leg and bill colours. Juvenile and 1st winter have streaked and mottled grey-brown plumage, palest on head. Upperwings dark brown and whitish tail is dark-tipped. Eye and bill are dark. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter similar to 1st winter but with grey back, pinkish legs and dark-tipped pink bill; 3rd winter resembles heavily streaked winter adult. Voice Utters a distinctive kyaoo and anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Locally common in summer, nesting colonially on seacliffs and islands. Most migrate S to Mediterranean outside breeding season; small numbers remain, often roosting on reservoirs.
    154277.jpg
  • Common Scoter Melanitta nigra L 44-54cm. Male is our only all-black duck. Rather long tail is sometimes raised when swimming. Gregarious outside breeding season. In flight, looks mainly dark but paler flight feathers can sometimes be seen. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has uniformly black plumage. Head sheen only visible at close range. Bill is mostly dark but with yellow ridge; base is bulbous base. 1st winter male has browner plumage are all-dark bill. Adult female has mainly dark brown plumage with pale buff cheeks. Juvenile resembles aadult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding bird, found on vegetated N lakes and lochs. Locally fairly common in winter, found on coasts with sandy seabeds.
    154227.jpg
  • Common Scoter Melanitta nigra L 44-54cm. Male is our only all-black duck. Rather long tail is sometimes raised when swimming. Gregarious outside breeding season. In flight, looks mainly dark but paler flight feathers can sometimes be seen. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has uniformly black plumage. Head sheen only visible at close range. Bill is mostly dark but with yellow ridge; base is bulbous base. 1st winter male has browner plumage are all-dark bill. Adult female has mainly dark brown plumage with pale buff cheeks. Juvenile resembles aadult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding bird, found on vegetated N lakes and lochs. Locally fairly common in winter, found on coasts with sandy seabeds.
    128852.jpg
  • Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis L 35-43cm. North American species with established feral populations. Tail is regularly cocked up. Male is unmistakable but female could be mistaken for winter plumage Little Grebe. Adult male has orange-chestnut body plumage, white cheeks and stern, black cap and nape, and bright blue bill; colours are brightest in spring. Adult female has grey-brown plumage with paler cheeks and dark line from base of bill; bill is dull blue-grey. Voice Mostly silent. Status Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits with vegetated margins. Escaped from Slimbridge several decades ago, now locally common in lowland Britain.
    128872.jpg
  • Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus L 35-38cm. Our most numerous medium-sized gull. Plumage variable but white leading edge to outerwings is consistent feature. Forms single-species flocks. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings, white underparts and chocolate-brown hood. Legs and bill are red. In flight, trailing edge of outerwing is black. In winter, loses dark hood; white head has dark smudges above behind eye. Juvenile has orange-brown flush to upperparts, dark feathers on back, dark smudges on head, and dark tip to tail. Acquires adult plumage by 2nd winter through successive moults. 1st winter bird retains many juvenile plumage details but loses rufous elements and gains grey back. 1st summer bird still has juvenile-type wing pattern but gains dark hood. Voice Raucous calls include a nasal kaurrr. Status Widespread and numerous. Commonest on coasts and inland freshwater sites, but also in towns and on farmland; often follows the plough. Nests colonially beside water. Migrants from Europe boost winter numbers
    129077.jpg
  • Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus L 35-38cm. Our most numerous medium-sized gull. Plumage variable but white leading edge to outerwings is consistent feature. Forms single-species flocks. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings, white underparts and chocolate-brown hood. Legs and bill are red. In flight, trailing edge of outerwing is black. In winter, loses dark hood; white head has dark smudges above behind eye. Juvenile has orange-brown flush to upperparts, dark feathers on back, dark smudges on head, and dark tip to tail. Acquires adult plumage by 2nd winter through successive moults. 1st winter bird retains many juvenile plumage details but loses rufous elements and gains grey back. 1st summer bird still has juvenile-type wing pattern but gains dark hood. Voice Raucous calls include a nasal kaurrr. Status Widespread and numerous. Commonest on coasts and inland freshwater sites, but also in towns and on farmland; often follows the plough. Nests colonially beside water. Migrants from Europe boost winter numbers.
    136080.jpg
  • Common Scoter Melanitta nigra L 44-54cm. Male is our only all-black duck. Rather long tail is sometimes raised when swimming. Gregarious outside breeding season. In flight, looks mainly dark but paler flight feathers can sometimes be seen. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has uniformly black plumage. Head sheen only visible at close range. Bill is mostly dark but with yellow ridge; base is bulbous base. 1st winter male has browner plumage are all-dark bill. Adult female has mainly dark brown plumage with pale buff cheeks. Juvenile resembles aadult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Rare breeding bird, found on vegetated N lakes and lochs. Locally fairly common in winter, found on coasts with sandy seabeds.
    128892.jpg
  • Starling Sturnus vulgaris L 20-22cm. Familiar urban and rural bird with swaggering walk. Forms large flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are separable in summer. Adult male in summer has dark plumage with iridescence seen in good light. Legs are reddish and bill is yellow with blue base to lower mandible. Adult female in summer is similar but has some pale spots on underparts and pale yellow base to lower mandible. Winter adult (both sexes) has numerous white spots adorning dark plumage and dark bill. Juvenile is grey-brown, palest on throat; bill is dark; spotted body plumage acquired in winter. Voice Varied repertoire of clicks and whistles including mimicry. Status Widespread and common but declining. Found in all kinds of open habitats in winter. Often nests in house roofs.
    129342.jpg
  • Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus L 35-38cm. Our most numerous medium-sized gull. Plumage variable but white leading edge to outerwings is consistent feature. Forms single-species flocks. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings, white underparts and chocolate-brown hood. Legs and bill are red. In flight, trailing edge of outerwing is black. In winter, loses dark hood; white head has dark smudges above behind eye. Juvenile has orange-brown flush to upperparts, dark feathers on back, dark smudges on head, and dark tip to tail. Acquires adult plumage by 2nd winter through successive moults. 1st winter bird retains many juvenile plumage details but loses rufous elements and gains grey back. 1st summer bird still has juvenile-type wing pattern but gains dark hood. Voice Raucous calls include a nasal kaurrr. Status Widespread and numerous. Commonest on coasts and inland freshwater sites, but also in towns and on farmland; often follows the plough. Nests colonially beside water. Migrants from Europe boost winter numbers.
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  • Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus L 53-56cm. Similar to Herring Gull but adult has dark grey back and upperwings and bright yellow legs. Note, confusion possible with adult Yellow-legged (upperparts paler). Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has dark grey back and upperwings. Black wingtips are darker than rest of upperwing except for white trailing edge; plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellow with orange spot. Iris is yellow and orbital ring is red. In winter, similar but with streaks on head and neck, and duller leg and bill colours. Juvenile and 1st winter have streaked and mottled grey-brown plumage, palest on head. Upperwings dark brown and whitish tail is dark-tipped. Eye and bill are dark. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter similar to 1st winter but with grey back, pinkish legs and dark-tipped pink bill; 3rd winter resembles heavily streaked winter adult. Voice Utters a distinctive kyaoo and anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Locally common in summer, nesting colonially on seacliffs and islands. Most migrate S to Mediterranean outside breeding season; small numbers remain, often roosting on reservoirs.
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  • Knot Calidris canutus L 25cm. Dumpy, robust wader. Forms large flocks in winter. Has white wingbar but otherwise lacks distinctive features in non-breeding plumage. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Bill is dark and legs are dull yellowish green. In summer plumage (sometimes seen in late spring or early autumn) has orange-red face, neck and underparts; back is marked with black, red and grey. Legs and bill are dark. Juvenile resembles winter adult but has scaly-looking back and peachy flush to breast. Voice Utters a sharp kwet call. Status Non-breeding visitor to Britain and Ireland. Locally common in winter on estuaries and mudflats.
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  • Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus - Adult. L 25-28cm. Our smallest gull. Has buoyant, tern-like flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has pale grey upperwings with white wingtips, dark hood, dark bill and short, reddish legs. In flight, upperwings have white trailing edge and rounded white wingtip; underwings are dark with white trailing edge. In winter, similar but loses dark hood; otherwise white head has dark smudges on crown and ear coverts. Juvenile has striking black bar (forming letter ‘W’) on upperwings and back. Note dark markings on mantle, nape and ear coverts, and dark tail band; plumage is otherwise white. 1st winter is similar to juvenile but back is pale grey, hence dark bar is seen only on wings. Adult plumage acquired over next 2 years. Voice Utters a sharp kyeck call. Status Regular but scarce passage migrant and winter visitor; mainly coastal.
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  • Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius L 15-17cm. Slim-bodied little plover that lacks white wingbar. Sexes are similar. Summer adult has sandy brown upperparts and white underparts with black collar and breast band, and black and white markings on head. Has black bill, yellow legs and yellow eyering. Female has duller black elements of head plumage than male. Juvenile has black elements of plumage replaced by sandy brown. Breast band is usually incomplete, leg and eyering colours are dull, and head lacks pale supercilium seen in juvenile Ringed Plover. Voice Utters a pee-oo call. Status Locally fairly common, nesting around margins of flooded gravel pits and other manmade sites. Migrants turn up at freshwater sites outside breeding range and sometimes on coast.
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  • Sanderling Calidris alba - Adult intermediate stage growing into breeding plumage. L 20cm. Small, robust wader. Seen in flocks running at speed along edges of breaking waves on sandy beaches. Has white wingbar and black legs and bill. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has grey upperparts and white underparts. In summer (sometimes seen in late spring or early autumn) plumage is flushed with red on head and neck and has dark-centred feathers on back; underparts are white. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but many back feathers have dark centres. Voice Utters a sharp plit call. Status Locally common non-breeding visitor, mainly to sandy beaches; occasional on shingle or mudflats.
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  • Whimbrel - Numenius phaeopus. L 40-45cm. Smaller cousin to Curlew with shorter bill, diagnostic head markings and distinctive call. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown to buffish brown plumage with fine, dark streaking on neck and breast. Head pattern comprises two broad, dark lateral stripes on otherwise pale crown, and pale supercilium. Juvenile is similar but plumage is overall warmer buff. Voice Distinctive bubbling call comprises seven notes that descend slightly in pitch from start to finish. Song is confusingly similar to that of Curlew. Status Rare breeding species, favouring boggy moorland; Shetland is a hotspot. Fairly common passage migrant in spring and autumn on coasts; overwinters in S in very small numbers.
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  • Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus - Winter Adult. L 25-28cm. Our smallest gull. Has buoyant, tern-like flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has pale grey upperwings with white wingtips, dark hood, dark bill and short, reddish legs. In flight, upperwings have white trailing edge and rounded white wingtip; underwings are dark with white trailing edge. In winter, similar but loses dark hood; otherwise white head has dark smudges on crown and ear coverts. Juvenile has striking black bar (forming letter ‘W’) on upperwings and back. Note dark markings on mantle, nape and ear coverts, and dark tail band; plumage is otherwise white. 1st winter is similar to juvenile but back is pale grey, hence dark bar is seen only on wings. Adult plumage acquired over next 2 years. Voice Utters a sharp kyeck call. Status Regular but scarce passage migrant and winter visitor; mainly coastal.
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  • Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus - Winter Adult. L 25-28cm. Our smallest gull. Has buoyant, tern-like flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has pale grey upperwings with white wingtips, dark hood, dark bill and short, reddish legs. In flight, upperwings have white trailing edge and rounded white wingtip; underwings are dark with white trailing edge. In winter, similar but loses dark hood; otherwise white head has dark smudges on crown and ear coverts. Juvenile has striking black bar (forming letter ‘W’) on upperwings and back. Note dark markings on mantle, nape and ear coverts, and dark tail band; plumage is otherwise white. 1st winter is similar to juvenile but back is pale grey, hence dark bar is seen only on wings. Adult plumage acquired over next 2 years. Voice Utters a sharp kyeck call. Status Regular but scarce passage migrant and winter visitor; mainly coastal.
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  • Knot Calidris canutus L 25cm. Dumpy, robust wader. Forms large flocks in winter. Has white wingbar but otherwise lacks distinctive features in non-breeding plumage. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Bill is dark and legs are dull yellowish green. In summer plumage (sometimes seen in late spring or early autumn) has orange-red face, neck and underparts; back is marked with black, red and grey. Legs and bill are dark. Juvenile resembles winter adult but has scaly-looking back and peachy flush to breast. Voice Utters a sharp kwet call. Status Non-breeding visitor to Britain and Ireland. Locally common in winter on estuaries and mudflats.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts
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  • Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus - second summer plumage. (L 36-42cm) recalls an Arctic Skua but is slimmer with much longer tail streamers in adult; long, pointed wings lack Arctic’s white patch. Adult has mainly grey-brown upperparts, dark cap and whitish neck and underparts; note faint yellow flush on cheeks. Juvenile is variably barred grey-brown, palest on nape and chest. Look for it during storms on Outer Hebrides in spring, Cornish coasts in autumn.
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  • Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus L 60-90cm. Huge, impressive gamebird. Explodes into flight when disturbed, revealing long wings and tail. Male is almost half as big again as female and sexes are dissimilar in plumage terms. Adult male often looks all-dark but greenish sheen on breast is sometimes seen. Has brownish wings, red wattle above eye and rounded white spot at base of folded forewing. Tail is fanned elevated in display. Adult female has finely barred grey-brown plumage with orange-brown patch on breast. Juvenile resembles a small, dull female. Voice Male utters bizarre sequence of clicks followed by noise that resembles a cork being pulled from a bottle. Status Confined to mature Scots Pine forest in Scotland. Became extinct in 18th Century; current population results from re-introductions. Status Easiest to see at RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve.
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  • Grey Phalarope - Phalaropus lobatus. L 20-21cm. Confiding wader that habitually swims and spends its non-breeding life at sea. Bill is shorter and stouter than similar Red-necked, and has yellow base. Sexes are dissimilar in breeding plumage (seen here occasionally). Winter adult has grey upperparts, white underparts, dark cap and nape, and black ‘panda’ mark the eye. Adult female in summer has orange-red neck and underparts, dark crown, white face patch, and buff-fringed dark back feathers. Adult male in summer is similar but duller. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is tinged buff and back feathers are dark with buff fringes. Voice Utters a sharp pit flight call. Status Nests in high Arctic, winters in tropical seas and seen here on migration, mostly in autumn but sometimes spring. Mainly coastal but sometimes on reservoirs.
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  • Grey Phalarope - Phalaropus lobatus. L 20-21cm. Confiding wader that habitually swims and spends its non-breeding life at sea. Bill is shorter and stouter than similar Red-necked, and has yellow base. Sexes are dissimilar in breeding plumage (seen here occasionally). Winter adult has grey upperparts, white underparts, dark cap and nape, and black ‘panda’ mark the eye. Adult female in summer has orange-red neck and underparts, dark crown, white face patch, and buff-fringed dark back feathers. Adult male in summer is similar but duller. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is tinged buff and back feathers are dark with buff fringes. Voice Utters a sharp pit flight call. Status Nests in high Arctic, winters in tropical seas and seen here on migration, mostly in autumn but sometimes spring. Mainly coastal but sometimes on reservoirs.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Pintail Anas acuta 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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  • Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus L 11cm. Similar to Chiffchaff but separable using subtle plumage details, colour and voice. Sexes are similar. Adult has olive-green upperparts, yellow throat, whitish underparts and pale supercilium. Overall, plumage is brighter than Chiffchaff and primary feathers project further. Note pale supercilium and pinkish yellow legs. Juvenile is similar but paler and more yellow, particularly on underparts. Voice hueet call is similar to Chiffchaff. Song is a tinkling, descending phrase that ends in a flourish. Status Widespread and common summer visitor to wooded habitats including birch woodland and willow scrub.
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  • Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus L 40-45cm. Smaller cousin to Curlew with shorter bill, diagnostic head markings and distinctive call. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown to buffish brown plumage with fine, dark streaking on neck and breast. Head pattern comprises two broad, dark lateral stripes on otherwise pale crown, and pale supercilium. Juvenile is similar but plumage is overall warmer buff. Voice Distinctive bubbling call comprises seven notes that descend slightly in pitch from start to finish. Song is confusingly similar to that of Curlew. Status Rare breeding species, favouring boggy moorland; Shetland is a hotspot. Fairly common passage migrant in spring and autumn on coasts; overwinters in S in very small numbers.
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  • Mute Swan - Cygnus olor. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Capercaillie - Tetrao urogallus L 60-90cm. Huge, impressive gamebird. Explodes into flight when disturbed, revealing long wings and tail. Male is almost half as big again as female and sexes are dissimilar in plumage terms. Adult male often looks all-dark but greenish sheen on breast is sometimes seen. Has brownish wings, red wattle above eye and rounded white spot at base of folded forewing. Tail is fanned elevated in display. Adult female has finely barred grey-brown plumage with orange-brown patch on breast. Juvenile resembles a small, dull female. Voice Male utters bizarre sequence of clicks followed by noise that resembles a cork being pulled from a bottle. Status Confined to mature Scots Pine forest in Scotland. Became extinct in 18th Century; current population results from re-introductions. Status Easiest to see at RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve.
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  • Capercaillie - Tetrao urogallus L 60-90cm. Huge, impressive gamebird. Explodes into flight when disturbed, revealing long wings and tail. Male is almost half as big again as female and sexes are dissimilar in plumage terms. Adult male often looks all-dark but greenish sheen on breast is sometimes seen. Has brownish wings, red wattle above eye and rounded white spot at base of folded forewing. Tail is fanned elevated in display. Adult female has finely barred grey-brown plumage with orange-brown patch on breast. Juvenile resembles a small, dull female. Voice Male utters bizarre sequence of clicks followed by noise that resembles a cork being pulled from a bottle. Status Confined to mature Scots Pine forest in Scotland. Became extinct in 18th Century; current population results from re-introductions. Status Easiest to see at RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve.
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  • Capercaillie - Tetrao urogallus L 60-90cm. Huge, impressive gamebird. Explodes into flight when disturbed, revealing long wings and tail. Male is almost half as big again as female and sexes are dissimilar in plumage terms. Adult male often looks all-dark but greenish sheen on breast is sometimes seen. Has brownish wings, red wattle above eye and rounded white spot at base of folded forewing. Tail is fanned elevated in display. Adult female has finely barred grey-brown plumage with orange-brown patch on breast. Juvenile resembles a small, dull female. Voice Male utters bizarre sequence of clicks followed by noise that resembles a cork being pulled from a bottle. Status Confined to mature Scots Pine forest in Scotland. Became extinct in 18th Century; current population results from re-introductions. Status Easiest to see at RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve.
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  • Mediterranean Gull - Larus melanocephalus - adult in transition to breeding plumage. L 36-38cm. Similar to Black-headed but has stouter bill; adult has uniformly pale wings. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has pale grey back and wing coverts, and white flight feathers. Note black hood and white ‘eyelids’; bill is mainly red, with yellow tip and black sub-terminal band. Legs are deep red. In winter, loses dark hood; whitish head has menacing look created by dark smudges. Juvenile has grey-brown upperparts with pale margins to back feathers. Note darkish flush on breast. Bill and legs are dark; tail has dark terminal band. 1st winter bird is similar to juvenile but with plain grey back and dark smudges on head. Adult plumage is acquired by 3rd winter. 2nd year bird resembles adult (at respective times of year) but with variable black in wingtips. Voice Utters cow-cow-cow call. Status Very locally common, usually with Black-headeds. Small numbers nest in S England. More widespread outside breeding season.
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  • Little Gull - Larus minutus - 1st summer immature. L 25-28cm. Our smallest gull. Has buoyant, tern-like flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has pale grey upperwings with white wingtips, dark hood, dark bill and short, reddish legs. In flight, upperwings have white trailing edge and rounded white wingtip; underwings are dark with white trailing edge. In winter, similar but loses dark hood; otherwise white head has dark smudges on crown and ear coverts. Juvenile has striking black bar (forming letter ‘W’) on upperwings and back. Note dark markings on mantle, nape and ear coverts, and dark tail band; plumage is otherwise white. 1st winter is similar to juvenile but back is pale grey, hence dark bar is seen only on wings. Adult plumage acquired over next 2 years. Voice Utters a sharp kyeck call. Status Regular but scarce passage migrant and winter visitor; mainly coastal.
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  • Mute Swan - Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle - Winter plumage. L 34cm. Charming, coastal auk. Swims well and dives for Butterfish and other bottom-dwellers. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has mainly sooty-brown plumage except for striking white patch on wing. Has red legs and orange-red gape. In winter, has scaly grey upperparts and white upperparts; black wings and contrasting white wing patch are retained. 1st winter bird is similar to a winter adult but white wing patch contains dark markings. Voice Utters high-pitched whistling calls. Status Local year-round resident in inshore waters of Ireland and N and W Scotland.
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  • Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle - Winter plumage. L 34cm. Charming, coastal auk. Swims well and dives for Butterfish and other bottom-dwellers. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has mainly sooty-brown plumage except for striking white patch on wing. Has red legs and orange-red gape. In winter, has scaly grey upperparts and white upperparts; black wings and contrasting white wing patch are retained. 1st winter bird is similar to a winter adult but white wing patch contains dark markings. Voice Utters high-pitched whistling calls. Status Local year-round resident in inshore waters of Ireland and N and W Scotland.
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  • Black Guillemot - Cepphus grylle - winter plumage.  L 34cm. Charming, coastal auk. Swims well and dives for Butterfish and other bottom-dwellers. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has mainly sooty-brown plumage except for striking white patch on wing. Has red legs and orange-red gape. In winter, has scaly grey upperparts and white upperparts; black wings and contrasting white wing patch are retained. 1st winter bird is similar to a winter adult but white wing patch contains dark markings. Voice Utters high-pitched whistling calls. Status Local year-round resident in inshore waters of Ireland and N and W Scotland.
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  • Black Guillemot - Cepphus grylle - winter plumage.  L 34cm. Charming, coastal auk. Swims well and dives for Butterfish and other bottom-dwellers. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has mainly sooty-brown plumage except for striking white patch on wing. Has red legs and orange-red gape. In winter, has scaly grey upperparts and white upperparts; black wings and contrasting white wing patch are retained. 1st winter bird is similar to a winter adult but white wing patch contains dark markings. Voice Utters high-pitched whistling calls. Status Local year-round resident in inshore waters of Ireland and N and W Scotland.
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  • Black Guillemot - Cepphus grylle - winter plumage.  L 34cm. Charming, coastal auk. Swims well and dives for Butterfish and other bottom-dwellers. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has mainly sooty-brown plumage except for striking white patch on wing. Has red legs and orange-red gape. In winter, has scaly grey upperparts and white upperparts; black wings and contrasting white wing patch are retained. 1st winter bird is similar to a winter adult but white wing patch contains dark markings. Voice Utters high-pitched whistling calls. Status Local year-round resident in inshore waters of Ireland and N and W Scotland.
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  • Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus - Winter Adult. L 25-28cm. Our smallest gull. Has buoyant, tern-like flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has pale grey upperwings with white wingtips, dark hood, dark bill and short, reddish legs. In flight, upperwings have white trailing edge and rounded white wingtip; underwings are dark with white trailing edge. In winter, similar but loses dark hood; otherwise white head has dark smudges on crown and ear coverts. Juvenile has striking black bar (forming letter ‘W’) on upperwings and back. Note dark markings on mantle, nape and ear coverts, and dark tail band; plumage is otherwise white. 1st winter is similar to juvenile but back is pale grey, hence dark bar is seen only on wings. Adult plumage acquired over next 2 years. Voice Utters a sharp kyeck call. Status Regular but scarce passage migrant and winter visitor; mainly coastal.
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  • Herring Gull Larus argentatus - Winter Adult. L 56-62cm. Noisy, familiar bird and our most numerous large gull species. Often follows boats. Bold when fed regularly. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey black and upperwings, with white-spotted, black wingtips; plumage is otherwise white. Legs are pink, bill is yellow with orange spot, and eye is yellow with orange-yellow ring. In winter, similar but with dark streaks on head and nape. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled grey-brown with streaked underparts. Legs are dull pink, bill is dark and spotted pale tail has dark tip. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter bird is similar but has grey back and grey areas on upperwing. Tail is white with dark tip. 3rd winter resembles winter adult but has more black on wingtips and hint of dark tail band. Voice Utters distinctive kyaoo and anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Common, mainly coastal in summer, nesting on seacliffs and in seaside towns. Widespread and more numerous in winter due to migrant influx.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor - juvenile. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Slavonian Grebe - Podiceps auritus - winter plumage. L 31-38cm. Buoyant little waterbird with beady red eye. Flattish crown and white-tipped, even-shaped bill (both mandibles are curved) allow separation from Black-necked. White patches on both leading and trailing edges of wings are seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has reddish orange neck and flanks. Back is black and black head has golden-yellow plumes. In winter, has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between black cap and white cheeks. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters trills and squeals at nest. Status Scarce winter visitor to sheltered coastal waters. Rare breeding bird in Scotland, on shallow lochs with abundant sedges.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus L 150-160cm. Similar to Mute Swan but separable using bill shape and colour. Typically holds neck straight, not curved. Seen in medium-sized flocks comprising several family groups. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly pure white plumage although head and upper neck is sometimes stained orange. Bill is triangular and rather long, with yellow patch that extends beyond nostril. Juvenile has grubby buffish grey plumage and dark-tipped pale pink bill. Voice Utters loud, bugling calls. Status Handful of pairs breed here each year, but best known as a winter visitor; several thousand present Oct-Mar.
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  • Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus L 150-160cm. Similar to Mute Swan but separable using bill shape and colour. Typically holds neck straight, not curved. Seen in medium-sized flocks comprising several family groups. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly pure white plumage although head and upper neck is sometimes stained orange. Bill is triangular and rather long, with yellow patch that extends beyond nostril. Juvenile has grubby buffish grey plumage and dark-tipped pale pink bill. Voice Utters loud, bugling calls. Status Handful of pairs breed here each year, but best known as a winter visitor; several thousand present Oct-Mar.
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  • Greater Scaup Aythya marila L 42-51cm. Bulky diving duck. Recalls Tufted Duck but has rounded head without tufted crown. Gregarious outside breeding season. In flight, has striking white wingbar. Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has green-glossed head and dark breast (look black in poor light). Belly and flanks are white, back is grey and stern is black. Has yellow eye and dark-tipped grey bill. In eclipse, dark elements of plumage are buffish brown. Adult female has mainly brown plumage, palest and greyest on flanks and back. Note white patch at base of bill. Juvenile is similar to adult female but white on face is less striking. Voice Mostly silent. Status A few pairs breed but known best as local winter visitor, mostly to sheltered coasts.
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  • Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus L 60-90cm. Huge, impressive gamebird. Explodes into flight when disturbed, revealing long wings and tail. Male is almost half as big again as female and sexes are dissimilar in plumage terms. Adult male often looks all-dark but greenish sheen on breast is sometimes seen. Has brownish wings, red wattle above eye and rounded white spot at base of folded forewing. Tail is fanned elevated in display. Adult female has finely barred grey-brown plumage with orange-brown patch on breast. Juvenile resembles a small, dull female. Voice Male utters bizarre sequence of clicks followed by noise that resembles a cork being pulled from a bottle. Status Confined to mature Scots Pine forest in Scotland. Became extinct in 18th Century; current population results from re-introductions. Status Easiest to see at RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve.
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  • Yellow-legged Gull - Larus michahellis. L 52-60cm. Similar plumage to Herring Gull but adult has yellow legs. Typically, consorts with other large gull species. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings (darker than Herring Gull) with more black and less white in wingtips. In winter, similar, sometimes with small dark streaks on head. Juvenile and 1st winter have grey-brown back and wing coverts, and otherwise dark wings. Head, neck and underparts are streaked, are paler than similar age Herring Gull. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Similar to Herring Gull but perhaps more nasal. Status S European counterpart of Herring Gull and a rather scarce non-breeding visitor to Britain and Ireland. Most frequent in winter.
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  • Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros (L 14cm) has benefited from urban sprawl and indeed often thrives in areas where industrial dereliction prevails. It is a bold bird that perches conspicuously, quivering striking red tail in an obvious manner. Adult males are particularly striking, with slate-grey body plumage darkest on the face and breast. By comparison, female and immature birds are rather drab, with mainly grey-brown body plumage. In a strange way, the Black Redstart’s song sometimes match its surroundings and includes curious crackling, static-like phrases. Between 50 and 100 pairs attempt to nest here each year but the species is more numerous as a passage migrant and occasional winter visitor to south coasts.
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  • Yellow-legged Gull - Larus michahellis. L 52-60cm. Similar plumage to Herring Gull but adult has yellow legs. Typically, consorts with other large gull species. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings (darker than Herring Gull) with more black and less white in wingtips. In winter, similar, sometimes with small dark streaks on head. Juvenile and 1st winter have grey-brown back and wing coverts, and otherwise dark wings. Head, neck and underparts are streaked, are paler than similar age Herring Gull. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Similar to Herring Gull but perhaps more nasal. Status S European counterpart of Herring Gull and a rather scarce non-breeding visitor to Britain and Ireland. Most frequent in winter.
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  • Herring Gull Larus argentatus L 56-62cm. Noisy, familiar bird and our most numerous large gull species. Often follows boats. Bold when fed regularly. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey black and upperwings, with white-spotted, black wingtips; plumage is otherwise white. Legs are pink, bill is yellow with orange spot, and eye is yellow with orange-yellow ring. In winter, similar but with dark streaks on head and nape. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled grey-brown with streaked underparts. Legs are dull pink, bill is dark and spotted pale tail has dark tip. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter bird is similar but has grey back and grey areas on upperwing. Tail is white with dark tip. 3rd winter resembles winter adult but has more black on wingtips and hint of dark tail band. Voice Utters distinctive kyaoo and anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Common, mainly coastal in summer, nesting on seacliffs and in seaside towns. Widespread and more numerous in winter due to migrant influx.
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  • Sanderling - Calidris alba - Adult Moulting in to Summer Plumage. L 20cm. Small, robust wader. Seen in flocks running at speed along edges of breaking waves on sandy beaches. Has white wingbar and black legs and bill. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has grey upperparts and white underparts. In summer (sometimes seen in late spring or early autumn) plumage is flushed with red on head and neck and has dark-centred feathers on back; underparts are white. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but many back feathers have dark centres. Voice Utters a sharp plit call. Status Locally common non-breeding visitor, mainly to sandy beaches; occasional on shingle or mudflats.
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  • Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus L 40-45cm. Smaller cousin to Curlew with shorter bill, diagnostic head markings and distinctive call. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown to buffish brown plumage with fine, dark streaking on neck and breast. Head pattern comprises two broad, dark lateral stripes on otherwise pale crown, and pale supercilium. Juvenile is similar but plumage is overall warmer buff. Voice Distinctive bubbling call comprises seven notes that descend slightly in pitch from start to finish. Song is confusingly similar to that of Curlew. Status Rare breeding species, favouring boggy moorland; Shetland is a hotspot. Fairly common passage migrant in spring and autumn on coasts; overwinters in S in very small numbers.
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  • Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides L 52-60cm. Similar to Glaucous but smaller, less bulky and longer-winged. Has a rounded head and rather small bill. Legs are pink at all times. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has pale grey back and upperwings with white primaries and white trailing edge to wings. Plumage is otherwise mainly white with dark streaks on head and neck. Bill is yellowish with an orange spot. Eye is yellowish with red orbital ring. In summer, similar but without streaks. Juvenile and 1st winter are pale grey-buff with white primaries. Bill is dark with dull pink base. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter is similar but paler. 3rd winter is paler still. Voice Utters a kyaoo call and anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Very scarce non-breeding visitor, mainly to coasts in late winter.
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  • Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos W 190-225cm. Majestic raptor. Distant flight view could be confused with soaring Buzzard but note proportionately longer wings (narrow appreciably towards base) and relatively long tail. Catches Mountain Hares and Red Grouse but also feeds on carrion in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly dark brown plumage with paler margins to feathers on back and golden-brown feathers on head and neck. Tail is dark-tipped and barred but can look uniformly dark in flight silhouette. Juvenile is similar to adult but has white patches at base of outer flight feathers; tail is mainly white but with broad, dark tip. Subadult gradually loses white elements of juvenile plumage by successive moults over several years. Voice Mainly silent. Status Resident of remote, upland regions, mainly in Scotland. Favours open moorland and mountains.
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  • Capercaillie - Tetrao urogallus - female L 60-90cm. Huge, impressive gamebird. Explodes into flight when disturbed, revealing long wings and tail. Male is almost half as big again as female and sexes are dissimilar in plumage terms. Adult male often looks all-dark but greenish sheen on breast is sometimes seen. Has brownish wings, red wattle above eye and rounded white spot at base of folded forewing. Tail is fanned elevated in display. Adult female has finely barred grey-brown plumage with orange-brown patch on breast. Juvenile resembles a small, dull female. Voice Male utters bizarre sequence of clicks followed by noise that resembles a cork being pulled from a bottle. Status Confined to mature Scots Pine forest in Scotland. Became extinct in 18th Century; current population results from re-introductions. Status Easiest to see at RSPB’s Loch Garten reserve.
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  • Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis - Winter Adult. L 41cm. Striking seabird with buoyant flight and distinctive call. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has pale grey back and upperwings; dark, crested cap, and otherwise white plumage Legs are black and long, black bill is yellow-tipped. Looks very white in flight. Non-breeding plumage (seen from late summer onwards) is similar but forehead is white. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but back is barred and scaly. Voice Utters a harsh chee-urrick call. Status Locally common summer visitor and an early-returning migrant. Coastal, nesting on shingle beaches and islands.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle - Winter plumage. L 34cm. Charming, coastal auk. Swims well and dives for Butterfish and other bottom-dwellers. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has mainly sooty-brown plumage except for striking white patch on wing. Has red legs and orange-red gape. In winter, has scaly grey upperparts and white upperparts; black wings and contrasting white wing patch are retained. 1st winter bird is similar to a winter adult but white wing patch contains dark markings. Voice Utters high-pitched whistling calls. Status Local year-round resident in inshore waters of Ireland and N and W Scotland.
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  • Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle - Winter plumage. L 34cm. Charming, coastal auk. Swims well and dives for Butterfish and other bottom-dwellers. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has mainly sooty-brown plumage except for striking white patch on wing. Has red legs and orange-red gape. In winter, has scaly grey upperparts and white upperparts; black wings and contrasting white wing patch are retained. 1st winter bird is similar to a winter adult but white wing patch contains dark markings. Voice Utters high-pitched whistling calls. Status Local year-round resident in inshore waters of Ireland and N and W Scotland.
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  • Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus - Summer Adult. L 25-28cm. Our smallest gull. Has buoyant, tern-like flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has pale grey upperwings with white wingtips, dark hood, dark bill and short, reddish legs. In flight, upperwings have white trailing edge and rounded white wingtip; underwings are dark with white trailing edge. In winter, similar but loses dark hood; otherwise white head has dark smudges on crown and ear coverts. Juvenile has striking black bar (forming letter ‘W’) on upperwings and back. Note dark markings on mantle, nape and ear coverts, and dark tail band; plumage is otherwise white. 1st winter is similar to juvenile but back is pale grey, hence dark bar is seen only on wings. Adult plumage acquired over next 2 years. Voice Utters a sharp kyeck call. Status Regular but scarce passage migrant and winter visitor; mainly coastal.
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  • Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis - Winter Adult. L 41cm. Striking seabird with buoyant flight and distinctive call. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has pale grey back and upperwings; dark, crested cap, and otherwise white plumage Legs are black and long, black bill is yellow-tipped. Looks very white in flight. Non-breeding plumage (seen from late summer onwards) is similar but forehead is white. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but back is barred and scaly. Voice Utters a harsh chee-urrick call. Status Locally common summer visitor and an early-returning migrant. Coastal, nesting on shingle beaches and islands.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor - juvenile. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor - juvenile. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus - Adult. L 25-28cm. Our smallest gull. Has buoyant, tern-like flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has pale grey upperwings with white wingtips, dark hood, dark bill and short, reddish legs. In flight, upperwings have white trailing edge and rounded white wingtip; underwings are dark with white trailing edge. In winter, similar but loses dark hood; otherwise white head has dark smudges on crown and ear coverts. Juvenile has striking black bar (forming letter ‘W’) on upperwings and back. Note dark markings on mantle, nape and ear coverts, and dark tail band; plumage is otherwise white. 1st winter is similar to juvenile but back is pale grey, hence dark bar is seen only on wings. Adult plumage acquired over next 2 years. Voice Utters a sharp kyeck call. Status Regular but scarce passage migrant and winter visitor; mainly coastal.
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  • Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus L 25-28cm. Our smallest gull. Has buoyant, tern-like flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has pale grey upperwings with white wingtips, dark hood, dark bill and short, reddish legs. In flight, upperwings have white trailing edge and rounded white wingtip; underwings are dark with white trailing edge. In winter, similar but loses dark hood; otherwise white head has dark smudges on crown and ear coverts. Juvenile has striking black bar (forming letter ‘W’) on upperwings and back. Note dark markings on mantle, nape and ear coverts, and dark tail band; plumage is otherwise white. 1st winter is similar to juvenile but back is pale grey, hence dark bar is seen only on wings. Adult plumage acquired over next 2 years. Voice Utters a sharp kyeck call. Status Regular but scarce passage migrant and winter visitor; mainly coastal.
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