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  • Moorhen Gallinula chloropus L 32-35cm. Familiar wetland bird. Swims with jerky movements and constantly flicks its tail. Often tame on urban lakes. Sexes are similar. Adult can look all-dark but has dark blue-grey head, neck and underparts, and brownish back, wings and tail. Has yellow-tipped red bill and frontal shield, and yellow legs and long toes. Note white feathers on sides of undertail and a white line along flanks. Juvenile is greyish brown with white on throat, sides of undertail coverts, and along flanks. Voice Utters a loud kurrrk. Status Common resident on all sorts of wetland habitats, from village ponds to flooded gravel pits and lakes.
    137700.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    137381.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    143955.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    143953.jpg
  • Grey Heron - Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    156889.jpg
  • Grey Heron - Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    156892.jpg
  • Grey Heron - Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    156894.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    156637.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    156192.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    153968.jpg
  • Spotted Crake Porzana porzana L 19-22cm. Secretive wetland bird. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly brown upperparts and blue-grey underparts, all adorned with white spots; note dark-centred feathers on back and striking barring on flanks. Bill is yellow with a red base; face is marked with black and undertail coverts are pale buff. Legs and feet are greenish. Juvenile lacks adult’s dark face and throat and blue-grey elements of plumage are buffish grey. Voice Male’s territorial call is a repetitive whiplash-like whistle, uttered after dark. Status Migrant visitor. Favours impenetrable wetlands so breeding status is impossible to assess accurately.
    127301.jpg
  • Spotted Crake Porzana porzana L 19-22cm. Secretive wetland bird. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly brown upperparts and blue-grey underparts, all adorned with white spots; note dark-centred feathers on back and striking barring on flanks. Bill is yellow with a red base; face is marked with black and undertail coverts are pale buff. Legs and feet are greenish. Juvenile lacks adult’s dark face and throat and blue-grey elements of plumage are buffish grey. Voice Male’s territorial call is a repetitive whiplash-like whistle, uttered after dark. Status Migrant visitor. Favours impenetrable wetlands so breeding status is impossible to assess accurately.
    127302.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    128804.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    137004.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    139687.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    139700.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    141206.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    143742.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    143773.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    143950.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    143951.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    143952.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    143954.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    143956.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    144076.jpg
  • Spotted Crake Porzana porzana L 19-22cm. Secretive wetland bird. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly brown upperparts and blue-grey underparts, all adorned with white spots; note dark-centred feathers on back and striking barring on flanks. Bill is yellow with a red base; face is marked with black and undertail coverts are pale buff. Legs and feet are greenish. Juvenile lacks adult’s dark face and throat and blue-grey elements of plumage are buffish grey. Voice Male’s territorial call is a repetitive whiplash-like whistle, uttered after dark. Status Migrant visitor. Favours impenetrable wetlands so breeding status is impossible to assess accurately.
    144699.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    145222.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    145223.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    145776.jpg
  • Grey Heron Ardea cinerea L 90-98cm. Familiar wetland bird. Stands motionless for long periods. Flies on broad wings with slow, deep wingbeats; neck is held hunched. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish grey head, neck and underparts with dark streaks on front of neck and breast; note white forecrown and black sides to crown leading to black nape feathers. Back and upperwings are blue-grey; flight feathers are black. Dagger-like bill is yellowish. Juvenile is similar but crown and forehead are dark grey. Voice Utters a harsh krrarnk in flight. Status Common resident. Favours freshwater wetlands but also on coasts in winter.
    145808.jpg
  • Marsh Harrier -  Circus aeruginosus - Immature male Wingspan 110-125cm.Graceful wetland raptor. Adult male is mostly reddish brown with blue-grey head and grey tail. In flight, note patches of grey and reddish brown on wings, and black wingtips. Adult female is mainly dark brown with pale leading edge to wings and pale cap and chin. Tail is reddish brown. Juvenile is similar to an adult female but tail is dark brown. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Commonest in summer months, but some birds are present year-round. Usually seen in flight over marshes and reedbeds. Easiest to see in East Anglia.
    157029.jpg
  • Marsh Harrier - Circus aeruginosus - Immature male. Wingspan 110-125cm.Graceful wetland raptor. Adult male is mostly reddish brown with blue-grey head and grey tail. In flight, note patches of grey and reddish brown on wings, and black wingtips. Adult female is mainly dark brown with pale leading edge to wings and pale cap and chin. Tail is reddish brown. Juvenile is similar to an adult female but tail is dark brown. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Commonest in summer months, but some birds are present year-round. Usually seen in flight over marshes and reedbeds. Easiest to see in East Anglia.
    156390.jpg
  • Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus L 12-13cm. Well-marked wetland warbler with distinctive song. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark-streaked sandy brown upperparts and pale underparts, flushed orange-buff on breast and flanks. Head has dark-streaked crown, striking pale supercilium and dark eyestripe. Juvenile is similar but breast is faintly streaked. Voice Utters a sharp chek alarm call. Song comprises rasping and grating phrases interspersed with trills and whistles. Status Widespread summer visitor to rank marshy vegetation, scrub patches on fringes of reedbeds and overgrown ditches.
    155727.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus - 1st winter. L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    155645.jpg
  • Water Rail Rallus aquaticus L 23-28cm. Secretive wetland bird. Distinctive call is heard far more frequently than bird is seen. In profile, note dumpy body, short tail and long bill. Seen head-on, body is laterally compressed. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly blue-grey underparts, reddish brown upperparts, and black and white barring on flanks. Bill and legs are red. Juvenile is similar to adult but duller. Voice Utters a pig-like squeal and various choking calls. Status Favours reedbeds and marshes; migrants sometimes found on streams and watercress beds.
    127298.jpg
  • Water Rail Rallus aquaticus L 23-28cm. Secretive wetland bird. Distinctive call is heard far more frequently than bird is seen. In profile, note dumpy body, short tail and long bill. Seen head-on, body is laterally compressed. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly blue-grey underparts, reddish brown upperparts, and black and white barring on flanks. Bill and legs are red. Juvenile is similar to adult but duller. Voice Utters a pig-like squeal and various choking calls. Status Favours reedbeds and marshes; migrants sometimes found on streams and watercress beds.
    136931.jpg
  • Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus L 14-15cm. Well-marked bird of wetland margins. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult summer male has black head, throat and bib, and white collar and submoustachial stripe. Underparts are whitish with faint streaking, back is dark and wings have reddish brown feather margins. In all other plumages head has dark brown and buffish brown stripes and pale submoustachial stripe. Back has brown and buff stripes, wing feathers have reddish brown margin and pale underparts are streaked on flanks and breast. Males show hint of summer head pattern. Voice Utters a thin seeu call. Song is simple, chinking and repetitive. Status Locally common. In winter, flocks found on arable fields.
    139730.jpg
  • Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus L 12-13cm. Well-marked wetland warbler with distinctive song. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark-streaked sandy brown upperparts and pale underparts, flushed orange-buff on breast and flanks. Head has dark-streaked crown, striking pale supercilium and dark eyestripe. Juvenile is similar but breast is faintly streaked. Voice Utters a sharp chek alarm call. Song comprises rasping and grating phrases interspersed with trills and whistles. Status Widespread summer visitor to rank marshy vegetation, scrub patches on fringes of reedbeds and overgrown ditches.
    143753.jpg
  • Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Wingspan 110-125cm.Graceful wetland raptor.  Adult male is mostly reddish brown with blue-grey head and grey tail. In flight, note patches of grey and reddish brown on wings, and black wingtips. Adult female is mainly dark brown with pale leading edge to wings and pale cap and chin. Tail is reddish brown. Juvenile is similar to an adult female but tail is dark brown. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Commonest in summer months, but some birds are present year-round. Usually seen in flight over marshes and reedbeds. Easiest to see in East Anglia.
    145418.jpg
  • Water Rail Rallus aquaticus L 23-28cm. Secretive wetland bird. Distinctive call is heard far more frequently than bird is seen. In profile, note dumpy body, short tail and long bill. Seen head-on, body is laterally compressed. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly blue-grey underparts, reddish brown upperparts, and black and white barring on flanks. Bill and legs are red. Juvenile is similar to adult but duller. Voice Utters a pig-like squeal and various choking calls. Status Favours reedbeds and marshes; migrants sometimes found on streams and watercress beds.
    145457.jpg
  • Water Rail Rallus aquaticus L 23-28cm. Secretive wetland bird. Distinctive call is heard far more frequently than bird is seen. In profile, note dumpy body, short tail and long bill. Seen head-on, body is laterally compressed. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly blue-grey underparts, reddish brown upperparts, and black and white barring on flanks. Bill and legs are red. Juvenile is similar to adult but duller. Voice Utters a pig-like squeal and various choking calls. Status Favours reedbeds and marshes; migrants sometimes found on streams and watercress beds.
    145458.jpg
  • Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus L 12-13cm. Well-marked wetland warbler with distinctive song. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark-streaked sandy brown upperparts and pale underparts, flushed orange-buff on breast and flanks. Head has dark-streaked crown, striking pale supercilium and dark eyestripe. Juvenile is similar but breast is faintly streaked. Voice Utters a sharp chek alarm call. Song comprises rasping and grating phrases interspersed with trills and whistles. Status Widespread summer visitor to rank marshy vegetation, scrub patches on fringes of reedbeds and overgrown ditches.
    139806.jpg
  • Common Snipe - Gallinago gallinago L 25-28cm. Distinctive, even in silhouette: has dumpy body, rather short legs and very long, straight bill. Feeds by probing bill in a sewing machine-like manner. Sexes and ages are similar. Adult and juvenile have mainly buffish brown upperparts, beautifully patterned with black and white lines and bars. Note distinctive stripes on head, streaked and barred breast and flanks, and white underparts. Voice Utters one or two sneeze-like kreech calls when flushed. Performs ‘drumming’ display in breeding season: sound caused by vibrating tail feathers. Status Locally common and invariably associated with boggy ground. In breeding season, favours marshes, meadows and moorland bogs. Winter numbers boosted by migrants and then found on wide range of wetland habitats. Sadly, tens of thousands of birds are shot each year.
    157021.jpg
  • Common Snipe - Gallinago gallinago L 25-28cm. Distinctive, even in silhouette: has dumpy body, rather short legs and very long, straight bill. Feeds by probing bill in a sewing machine-like manner. Sexes and ages are similar. Adult and juvenile have mainly buffish brown upperparts, beautifully patterned with black and white lines and bars. Note distinctive stripes on head, streaked and barred breast and flanks, and white underparts. Voice Utters one or two sneeze-like kreech calls when flushed. Performs ‘drumming’ display in breeding season: sound caused by vibrating tail feathers. Status Locally common and invariably associated with boggy ground. In breeding season, favours marshes, meadows and moorland bogs. Winter numbers boosted by migrants and then found on wide range of wetland habitats. Sadly, tens of thousands of birds are shot each year.
    156937.jpg
  • Common Snipe - Gallinago gallinago L 25-28cm. Distinctive, even in silhouette: has dumpy body, rather short legs and very long, straight bill. Feeds by probing bill in a sewing machine-like manner. Sexes and ages are similar. Adult and juvenile have mainly buffish brown upperparts, beautifully patterned with black and white lines and bars. Note distinctive stripes on head, streaked and barred breast and flanks, and white underparts. Voice Utters one or two sneeze-like kreech calls when flushed. Performs ‘drumming’ display in breeding season: sound caused by vibrating tail feathers. Status Locally common and invariably associated with boggy ground. In breeding season, favours marshes, meadows and moorland bogs. Winter numbers boosted by migrants and then found on wide range of wetland habitats. Sadly, tens of thousands of birds are shot each year.
    156861.jpg
  • Water Rail - Rallus aquaticus L 23-28cm. Secretive wetland bird. Distinctive call is heard far more frequently than bird is seen. In profile, note dumpy body, short tail and long bill. Seen head-on, body is laterally compressed. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly blue-grey underparts, reddish brown upperparts, and black and white barring on flanks. Bill and legs are red. Juvenile is similar to adult but duller. Voice Utters a pig-like squeal and various choking calls. Status Favours reedbeds and marshes; migrants sometimes found on streams and watercress beds.
    156893.jpg
  • Common Snipe - Gallinago gallinago L 25-28cm. Distinctive, even in silhouette: has dumpy body, rather short legs and very long, straight bill. Feeds by probing bill in a sewing machine-like manner. Sexes and ages are similar. Adult and juvenile have mainly buffish brown upperparts, beautifully patterned with black and white lines and bars. Note distinctive stripes on head, streaked and barred breast and flanks, and white underparts. Voice Utters one or two sneeze-like kreech calls when flushed. Performs ‘drumming’ display in breeding season: sound caused by vibrating tail feathers. Status Locally common and invariably associated with boggy ground. In breeding season, favours marshes, meadows and moorland bogs. Winter numbers boosted by migrants and then found on wide range of wetland habitats. Sadly, tens of thousands of birds are shot each year.
    156861.jpg
  • Common Snipe - Gallinago gallinago L 25-28cm. Distinctive, even in silhouette: has dumpy body, rather short legs and very long, straight bill. Feeds by probing bill in a sewing machine-like manner. Sexes and ages are similar. Adult and juvenile have mainly buffish brown upperparts, beautifully patterned with black and white lines and bars. Note distinctive stripes on head, streaked and barred breast and flanks, and white underparts. Voice Utters one or two sneeze-like kreech calls when flushed. Performs ‘drumming’ display in breeding season: sound caused by vibrating tail feathers. Status Locally common and invariably associated with boggy ground. In breeding season, favours marshes, meadows and moorland bogs. Winter numbers boosted by migrants and then found on wide range of wetland habitats. Sadly, tens of thousands of birds are shot each year.
    156854.jpg
  • Snipe Gallinago gallinago L 25-28cm. Distinctive, even in silhouette: has dumpy body, rather short legs and very long, straight bill. Feeds by probing bill in a sewing machine-like manner. Sexes and ages are similar. Adult and juvenile have mainly buffish brown upperparts, beautifully patterned with black and white lines and bars. Note distinctive stripes on head, streaked and barred breast and flanks, and white underparts. Voice Utters one or two sneeze-like kreech calls when flushed. Performs ‘drumming’ display in breeding season: sound caused by vibrating tail feathers. Status Locally common and invariably associated with boggy ground. In breeding season, favours marshes, meadows and moorland bogs. Winter numbers boosted by migrants and then found on wide range of wetland habitats. Sadly, tens of thousands of birds are shot each year.
    156680.jpg
  • Snipe Gallinago gallinago L 25-28cm. Distinctive, even in silhouette: has dumpy body, rather short legs and very long, straight bill. Feeds by probing bill in a sewing machine-like manner. Sexes and ages are similar. Adult and juvenile have mainly buffish brown upperparts, beautifully patterned with black and white lines and bars. Note distinctive stripes on head, streaked and barred breast and flanks, and white underparts. Voice Utters one or two sneeze-like kreech calls when flushed. Performs ‘drumming’ display in breeding season: sound caused by vibrating tail feathers. Status Locally common and invariably associated with boggy ground. In breeding season, favours marshes, meadows and moorland bogs. Winter numbers boosted by migrants and then found on wide range of wetland habitats. Sadly, tens of thousands of birds are shot each year.
    156679.jpg
  • Snipe Gallinago gallinago L 25-28cm. Distinctive, even in silhouette: has dumpy body, rather short legs and very long, straight bill. Feeds by probing bill in a sewing machine-like manner. Sexes and ages are similar. Adult and juvenile have mainly buffish brown upperparts, beautifully patterned with black and white lines and bars. Note distinctive stripes on head, streaked and barred breast and flanks, and white underparts. Voice Utters one or two sneeze-like kreech calls when flushed. Performs ‘drumming’ display in breeding season: sound caused by vibrating tail feathers. Status Locally common and invariably associated with boggy ground. In breeding season, favours marshes, meadows and moorland bogs. Winter numbers boosted by migrants and then found on wide range of wetland habitats. Sadly, tens of thousands of birds are shot each year.
    156678.jpg
  • Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus - male. L 14-15cm. Well-marked bird of wetland margins. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult summer male has black head, throat and bib, and white collar and submoustachial stripe. Underparts are whitish with faint streaking, back is dark and wings have reddish brown feather margins. In all other plumages head has dark brown and buffish brown stripes and pale submoustachial stripe. Back has brown and buff stripes, wing feathers have reddish brown margin and pale underparts are streaked on flanks and breast. Males show hint of summer head pattern. Voice Utters a thin seeu call. Song is simple, chinking and repetitive. Status Locally common. In winter, flocks found on arable fields.
    156460.jpg
  • Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus L 14-15cm. Well-marked bird of wetland margins. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult summer male has black head, throat and bib, and white collar and submoustachial stripe. Underparts are whitish with faint streaking, back is dark and wings have reddish brown feather margins. In all other plumages head has dark brown and buffish brown stripes and pale submoustachial stripe. Back has brown and buff stripes, wing feathers have reddish brown margin and pale underparts are streaked on flanks and breast. Males show hint of summer head pattern. Voice Utters a thin seeu call. Song is simple, chinking and repetitive. Status Locally common. In winter, flocks found on arable fields.
    156436.jpg
  • Marsh Harrier -  Circus aeruginosus - Immature male Wingspan 110-125cm.Graceful wetland raptor. Adult male is mostly reddish brown with blue-grey head and grey tail. In flight, note patches of grey and reddish brown on wings, and black wingtips. Adult female is mainly dark brown with pale leading edge to wings and pale cap and chin. Tail is reddish brown. Juvenile is similar to an adult female but tail is dark brown. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Commonest in summer months, but some birds are present year-round. Usually seen in flight over marshes and reedbeds. Easiest to see in East Anglia.
    156392.jpg
  • Clubiona phragmitis - Female. Strongly associated with reeds and sedges in wetland areas where it hunts through the foliage.
    156292.jpg
  • Clubiona stagnatilis - Male. Hunts in the litter layer of wetland areas but is only locally common.
    156291.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus - adult.  L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    155985.jpg
  • Marsh Harrier - Circus aeruginosus - male - left and centre - female - right. Wingspan 110-125cm.Graceful wetland raptor. Adult male is mostly reddish brown with blue-grey head and grey tail. In flight, note patches of grey and reddish brown on wings, and black wingtips. Adult female is mainly dark brown with pale leading edge to wings and pale cap and chin. Tail is reddish brown. Juvenile is similar to an adult female but tail is dark brown. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Commonest in summer months, but some birds are present year-round. Usually seen in flight over marshes and reedbeds. Easiest to see in East Anglia.
    155902.jpg
  • Snipe Gallinago gallinago L 25-28cm. Distinctive, even in silhouette: has dumpy body, rather short legs and very long, straight bill. Feeds by probing bill in a sewing machine-like manner. Sexes and ages are similar. Adult and juvenile have mainly buffish brown upperparts, beautifully patterned with black and white lines and bars. Note distinctive stripes on head, streaked and barred breast and flanks, and white underparts. Voice Utters one or two sneeze-like kreech calls when flushed. Performs ‘drumming’ display in breeding season: sound caused by vibrating tail feathers. Status Locally common and invariably associated with boggy ground. In breeding season, favours marshes, meadows and moorland bogs. Winter numbers boosted by migrants and then found on wide range of wetland habitats. Sadly, tens of thousands of birds are shot each year.
    155779.jpg
  • Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus - Female. Wingspan 110-125cm.Graceful wetland raptor. Adult male is mostly reddish brown with blue-grey head and grey tail. In flight, note patches of grey and reddish brown on wings, and black wingtips. Adult female is mainly dark brown with pale leading edge to wings and pale cap and chin. Tail is reddish brown. Juvenile is similar to an adult female but tail is dark brown. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Commonest in summer months, but some birds are present year-round. Usually seen in flight over marshes and reedbeds. Easiest to see in East Anglia.
    155731.jpg
  • Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus L 12-13cm. Well-marked wetland warbler with distinctive song. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark-streaked sandy brown upperparts and pale underparts, flushed orange-buff on breast and flanks. Head has dark-streaked crown, striking pale supercilium and dark eyestripe. Juvenile is similar but breast is faintly streaked. Voice Utters a sharp chek alarm call. Song comprises rasping and grating phrases interspersed with trills and whistles. Status Widespread summer visitor to rank marshy vegetation, scrub patches on fringes of reedbeds and overgrown ditches.
    155728.jpg
  • Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus - Male. Wingspan 110-125cm.Graceful wetland raptor. Adult male is mostly reddish brown with blue-grey head and grey tail. In flight, note patches of grey and reddish brown on wings, and black wingtips. Adult female is mainly dark brown with pale leading edge to wings and pale cap and chin. Tail is reddish brown. Juvenile is similar to an adult female but tail is dark brown. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Commonest in summer months, but some birds are present year-round. Usually seen in flight over marshes and reedbeds. Easiest to see in East Anglia.
    155726.jpg
  • Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus L 12-13cm. Well-marked wetland warbler with distinctive song. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark-streaked sandy brown upperparts and pale underparts, flushed orange-buff on breast and flanks. Head has dark-streaked crown, striking pale supercilium and dark eyestripe. Juvenile is similar but breast is faintly streaked. Voice Utters a sharp chek alarm call. Song comprises rasping and grating phrases interspersed with trills and whistles. Status Widespread summer visitor to rank marshy vegetation, scrub patches on fringes of reedbeds and overgrown ditches.
    155725.jpg
  • Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus - Female. Wingspan 110-125cm.Graceful wetland raptor. Adult male is mostly reddish brown with blue-grey head and grey tail. In flight, note patches of grey and reddish brown on wings, and black wingtips. Adult female is mainly dark brown with pale leading edge to wings and pale cap and chin. Tail is reddish brown. Juvenile is similar to an adult female but tail is dark brown. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Commonest in summer months, but some birds are present year-round. Usually seen in flight over marshes and reedbeds. Easiest to see in East Anglia.
    155624.jpg
  • Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus - Female. Wingspan 110-125cm.Graceful wetland raptor. Adult male is mostly reddish brown with blue-grey head and grey tail. In flight, note patches of grey and reddish brown on wings, and black wingtips. Adult female is mainly dark brown with pale leading edge to wings and pale cap and chin. Tail is reddish brown. Juvenile is similar to an adult female but tail is dark brown. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Commonest in summer months, but some birds are present year-round. Usually seen in flight over marshes and reedbeds. Easiest to see in East Anglia.
    155625.jpg
  • Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus - Female.  Wingspan 110-125cm.Graceful wetland raptor. Adult male is mostly reddish brown with blue-grey head and grey tail. In flight, note patches of grey and reddish brown on wings, and black wingtips. Adult female is mainly dark brown with pale leading edge to wings and pale cap and chin. Tail is reddish brown. Juvenile is similar to an adult female but tail is dark brown. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Commonest in summer months, but some birds are present year-round. Usually seen in flight over marshes and reedbeds. Easiest to see in East Anglia.
    155628.jpg
  • Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus - Female. Wingspan 110-125cm.Graceful wetland raptor. Adult male is mostly reddish brown with blue-grey head and grey tail. In flight, note patches of grey and reddish brown on wings, and black wingtips. Adult female is mainly dark brown with pale leading edge to wings and pale cap and chin. Tail is reddish brown. Juvenile is similar to an adult female but tail is dark brown. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Commonest in summer months, but some birds are present year-round. Usually seen in flight over marshes and reedbeds. Easiest to see in East Anglia.
    155627.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus - 1st winter. L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    155644.jpg
  • Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti L 14cm - cut-out of nest. Unobtrusive wetland warbler whose loud song is heard more than bird is seen. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have dark reddish brown upperparts, including tail. Underparts are pale: has whitish throat, grey face and breast, grey-buff belly. Legs are reddish and bill is dark-tipped. Voice Utters a loud pluut call. Song is explosive chee, chippi-chippi-chippi. Most vocal in spring but snatches of song are heard at other times. Status Recent colonist, now a local resident of scrubby margins of marshes and clumps of bushes in extensive reedbeds.
    155546.jpg
  • Cetti’s Warbler - Cettia cetti. L 14cm. Unobtrusive wetland warbler whose loud song is heard more than bird is seen. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have dark reddish brown upperparts, including tail. Underparts are pale: has whitish throat, grey face and breast, grey-buff belly. Legs are reddish and bill is dark-tipped. Voice Utters a loud pluut call. Song is explosive chee, chippi-chippi-chippi. Most vocal in spring but snatches of song are heard at other times. Status Recent colonist, now a local resident of scrubby margins of marshes and clumps of bushes in extensive reedbeds.
    155545.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus - Juvenile.  L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    155535.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus - 1st winter. L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    155115.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus - 1st winter. L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    155114.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus - 1st winter. L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    155112.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus - 1st winter. L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    155111.jpg
  • Reed Bunting - Emberiza schoeniclus - adult male at nest with chicks. L 14-15cm. Well-marked bird of wetland margins. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult summer male has black head, throat and bib, and white collar and submoustachial stripe. Underparts are whitish with faint streaking, back is dark and wings have reddish brown feather margins. In all other plumages head has dark brown and buffish brown stripes and pale submoustachial stripe. Back has brown and buff stripes, wing feathers have reddish brown margin and pale underparts are streaked on flanks and breast. Males show hint of summer head pattern. Voice Utters a thin seeu call. Song is simple, chinking and repetitive. Status Locally common. In winter, flocks found on arable fields.
    154644.jpg
  • Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Wingspan 110-125cm.Graceful wetland raptor. Adult male is mostly reddish brown with blue-grey head and grey tail. In flight, note patches of grey and reddish brown on wings, and black wingtips. Adult female is mainly dark brown with pale leading edge to wings and pale cap and chin. Tail is reddish brown. Juvenile is similar to an adult female but tail is dark brown. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Commonest in summer months, but some birds are present year-round. Usually seen in flight over marshes and reedbeds. Easiest to see in East Anglia.
    154092.jpg
  • Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Wingspan 110-125cm.Graceful wetland raptor.  Adult male is mostly reddish brown with blue-grey head and grey tail. In flight, note patches of grey and reddish brown on wings, and black wingtips. Adult female is mainly dark brown with pale leading edge to wings and pale cap and chin. Tail is reddish brown. Juvenile is similar to an adult female but tail is dark brown. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Commonest in summer months, but some birds are present year-round. Usually seen in flight over marshes and reedbeds. Easiest to see in East Anglia.
    127305.jpg
  • Snipe Gallinago gallinago L 25-28cm. Distinctive, even in silhouette: has dumpy body, rather short legs and very long, straight bill. Feeds by probing bill in a sewing machine-like manner. Sexes and ages are similar. Adult and juvenile have mainly buffish brown upperparts, beautifully patterned with black and white lines and bars. Note distinctive stripes on head, streaked and barred breast and flanks, and white underparts. Voice Utters one or two sneeze-like kreech calls when flushed. Performs ‘drumming’ display in breeding season: sound caused by vibrating tail feathers. Status Locally common and invariably associated with boggy ground. In breeding season, favours marshes, meadows and moorland bogs. Winter numbers boosted by migrants and then found on wide range of wetland habitats. Sadly, tens of thousands of birds are shot each year.
    127385.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    128829.jpg
  • Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti L 14cm. Unobtrusive wetland warbler whose loud song is heard more than bird is seen. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have dark reddish brown upperparts, including tail. Underparts are pale: has whitish throat, grey face and breast, grey-buff belly. Legs are reddish and bill is dark-tipped. Voice Utters a loud pluut call. Song is explosive chee, chippi-chippi-chippi. Most vocal in spring but snatches of song are heard at other times.<br />
Status Recent colonist, now a local resident of scrubby margins of marshes and clumps of bushes in extensive reedbeds.
    129232.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    129521.jpg
  • Snipe Gallinago gallinago L 25-28cm. Distinctive, even in silhouette: has dumpy body, rather short legs and very long, straight bill. Feeds by probing bill in a sewing machine-like manner. Sexes and ages are similar. Adult and juvenile have mainly buffish brown upperparts, beautifully patterned with black and white lines and bars. Note distinctive stripes on head, streaked and barred breast and flanks, and white underparts. Voice Utters one or two sneeze-like kreech calls when flushed. Performs ‘drumming’ display in breeding season: sound caused by vibrating tail feathers. Status Locally common and invariably associated with boggy ground. In breeding season, favours marshes, meadows and moorland bogs. Winter numbers boosted by migrants and then found on wide range of wetland habitats. Sadly, tens of thousands of birds are shot each year.
    132395.jpg
  • Snipe Gallinago gallinago L 25-28cm. Distinctive, even in silhouette: has dumpy body, rather short legs and very long, straight bill. Feeds by probing bill in a sewing machine-like manner. Sexes and ages are similar. Adult and juvenile have mainly buffish brown upperparts, beautifully patterned with black and white lines and bars. Note distinctive stripes on head, streaked and barred breast and flanks, and white underparts. Voice Utters one or two sneeze-like kreech calls when flushed. Performs ‘drumming’ display in breeding season: sound caused by vibrating tail feathers. Status Locally common and invariably associated with boggy ground. In breeding season, favours marshes, meadows and moorland bogs. Winter numbers boosted by migrants and then found on wide range of wetland habitats. Sadly, tens of thousands of birds are shot each year.
    132440.jpg
  • Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Wingspan 110-125cm.Graceful wetland raptor.  Adult male is mostly reddish brown with blue-grey head and grey tail. In flight, note patches of grey and reddish brown on wings, and black wingtips. Adult female is mainly dark brown with pale leading edge to wings and pale cap and chin. Tail is reddish brown. Juvenile is similar to an adult female but tail is dark brown. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Commonest in summer months, but some birds are present year-round. Usually seen in flight over marshes and reedbeds. Easiest to see in East Anglia.
    132915.jpg
  • Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Wingspan 110-125cm.Graceful wetland raptor.  Adult male is mostly reddish brown with blue-grey head and grey tail. In flight, note patches of grey and reddish brown on wings, and black wingtips. Adult female is mainly dark brown with pale leading edge to wings and pale cap and chin. Tail is reddish brown. Juvenile is similar to an adult female but tail is dark brown. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Commonest in summer months, but some birds are present year-round. Usually seen in flight over marshes and reedbeds. Easiest to see in East Anglia.
    133061.jpg
  • Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti L 14cm. Unobtrusive wetland warbler whose loud song is heard more than bird is seen. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have dark reddish brown upperparts, including tail. Underparts are pale: has whitish throat, grey face and breast, grey-buff belly. Legs are reddish and bill is dark-tipped. Voice Utters a loud pluut call. Song is explosive chee, chippi-chippi-chippi. Most vocal in spring but snatches of song are heard at other times. Status Recent colonist, now a local resident of scrubby margins of marshes and clumps of bushes in extensive reedbeds.
    133454.jpg
  • Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus L 12-13cm. Well-marked wetland warbler with distinctive song. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark-streaked sandy brown upperparts and pale underparts, flushed orange-buff on breast and flanks. Head has dark-streaked crown, striking pale supercilium and dark eyestripe. Juvenile is similar but breast is faintly streaked. Voice Utters a sharp chek alarm call. Song comprises rasping and grating phrases interspersed with trills and whistles. Status Widespread summer visitor to rank marshy vegetation, scrub patches on fringes of reedbeds and overgrown ditches.
    133678.jpg
  • Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus L 13-14cm. Wetland warbler with nondescript brown plumage but distinctive song. Sexes are similar. Adult has sandy brown upperparts with reddish brown flush to rump. Underparts are pale with buffish flush to flanks. Legs are dark and bill is needle-like. Note hint of pale supercilium and eyering. Juvenile is similar but upperparts are warmer brown and underparts more intensely flushed buff. Voice Utters a sharp tche call. Song contains grating and chattering phrases (some are repeated 2 or 3 times, plus elements of mimicry. Status Locally common summer visitor to reedbeds.
    133811.jpg
  • Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus L 13-14cm. Wetland warbler with nondescript brown plumage but distinctive song. Sexes are similar. Adult has sandy brown upperparts with reddish brown flush to rump. Underparts are pale with buffish flush to flanks. Legs are dark and bill is needle-like. Note hint of pale supercilium and eyering. Juvenile is similar but upperparts are warmer brown and underparts more intensely flushed buff. Voice Utters a sharp tche call. Song contains grating and chattering phrases (some are repeated 2 or 3 times, plus elements of mimicry. Status Locally common summer visitor to reedbeds.
    133864.jpg
  • Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus L 13-14cm. Wetland warbler with nondescript brown plumage but distinctive song. Sexes are similar. Adult has sandy brown upperparts with reddish brown flush to rump. Underparts are pale with buffish flush to flanks. Legs are dark and bill is needle-like. Note hint of pale supercilium and eyering. Juvenile is similar but upperparts are warmer brown and underparts more intensely flushed buff. Voice Utters a sharp tche call. Song contains grating and chattering phrases (some are repeated 2 or 3 times, plus elements of mimicry. Status Locally common summer visitor to reedbeds.
    133866.jpg
  • Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flavissima L 16-17cm. Long-tailed wetland bird. Sometimes feeds at feet of grazing animals. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has greenish yellow upperparts, yellow underparts, white outer tail feathers and whitish wingbars. Adult female is similar but less colourful. Juvenile has olive-buff upperparts and pale underparts, with whitish throat, yellow flush to undertail, white outer tail feathers and pale wingbars. Blue-headed Wagtail M.f.flava (race from mainland Europe) sometimes turns up; male has bluish cap and ear coverts, and white supercilium. Voice (all birds) Utters a distinctive tsree-ee call. Status Local summer visitor to damp, grazed grassland.
    136343.jpg
  • Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flavissima L 16-17cm. Long-tailed wetland bird. Sometimes feeds at feet of grazing animals. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has greenish yellow upperparts, yellow underparts, white outer tail feathers and whitish wingbars. Adult female is similar but less colourful. Juvenile has olive-buff upperparts and pale underparts, with whitish throat, yellow flush to undertail, white outer tail feathers and pale wingbars. Blue-headed Wagtail M.f.flava (race from mainland Europe) sometimes turns up; male has bluish cap and ear coverts, and white supercilium. Voice (all birds) Utters a distinctive tsree-ee call. Status Local summer visitor to damp, grazed grassland.
    136347.jpg
  • Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus L 12-13cm. Well-marked wetland warbler with distinctive song. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark-streaked sandy brown upperparts and pale underparts, flushed orange-buff on breast and flanks. Head has dark-streaked crown, striking pale supercilium and dark eyestripe. Juvenile is similar but breast is faintly streaked. Voice Utters a sharp chek alarm call. Song comprises rasping and grating phrases interspersed with trills and whistles. Status Widespread summer visitor to rank marshy vegetation, scrub patches on fringes of reedbeds and overgrown ditches.
    136440.jpg
  • Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus L 12-13cm. Well-marked wetland warbler with distinctive song. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark-streaked sandy brown upperparts and pale underparts, flushed orange-buff on breast and flanks. Head has dark-streaked crown, striking pale supercilium and dark eyestripe. Juvenile is similar but breast is faintly streaked. Voice Utters a sharp chek alarm call. Song comprises rasping and grating phrases interspersed with trills and whistles. Status Widespread summer visitor to rank marshy vegetation, scrub patches on fringes of reedbeds and overgrown ditches.
    136439.jpg
  • Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Wingspan 110-125cm.Graceful wetland raptor.  Adult male is mostly reddish brown with blue-grey head and grey tail. In flight, note patches of grey and reddish brown on wings, and black wingtips. Adult female is mainly dark brown with pale leading edge to wings and pale cap and chin. Tail is reddish brown. Juvenile is similar to an adult female but tail is dark brown. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Commonest in summer months, but some birds are present year-round. Usually seen in flight over marshes and reedbeds. Easiest to see in East Anglia.
    136658.jpg
  • Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus L 14-15cm. Well-marked bird of wetland margins. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult summer male has black head, throat and bib, and white collar and submoustachial stripe. Underparts are whitish with faint streaking, back is dark and wings have reddish brown feather margins. In all other plumages head has dark brown and buffish brown stripes and pale submoustachial stripe. Back has brown and buff stripes, wing feathers have reddish brown margin and pale underparts are streaked on flanks and breast. Males show hint of summer head pattern. Voice Utters a thin seeu call. Song is simple, chinking and repetitive. Status Locally common. In winter, flocks found on arable fields.
    139731.jpg
  • Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus L 12-13cm. Well-marked wetland warbler with distinctive song. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark-streaked sandy brown upperparts and pale underparts, flushed orange-buff on breast and flanks. Head has dark-streaked crown, striking pale supercilium and dark eyestripe. Juvenile is similar but breast is faintly streaked. Voice Utters a sharp chek alarm call. Song comprises rasping and grating phrases interspersed with trills and whistles. Status Widespread summer visitor to rank marshy vegetation, scrub patches on fringes of reedbeds and overgrown ditches.
    139807.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
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  • Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Wingspan 110-125cm.Graceful wetland raptor.  Adult male is mostly reddish brown with blue-grey head and grey tail. In flight, note patches of grey and reddish brown on wings, and black wingtips. Adult female is mainly dark brown with pale leading edge to wings and pale cap and chin. Tail is reddish brown. Juvenile is similar to an adult female but tail is dark brown. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Commonest in summer months, but some birds are present year-round. Usually seen in flight over marshes and reedbeds. Easiest to see in East Anglia.
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