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  • Puffin Fratercula arctica L 30cm. Endearing seabird. Flies on narrow wings with whirring wingbeats. Swims well and dive frequently for fish. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has mainly dark upperparts with dusky face; underparts are white. Legs are orange-red and bill is huge, flattened and marked with red, blue and yellow. In winter, similar but with dark grey face and smaller, duller bill. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but with small, dark and dull bill. Voice Utters groaning calls at nest. Status Locally common. Only comes ashore in breeding season. Colonial nester, excavating burrows in grassy cliffs. Only storm-driven, sick or oiled birds are seen near land in winter.
    143758.jpg
  • Puffin Fratercula arctica L 30cm. Endearing seabird. Flies on narrow wings with whirring wingbeats. Swims well and dive frequently for fish. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has mainly dark upperparts with dusky face; underparts are white. Legs are orange-red and bill is huge, flattened and marked with red, blue and yellow. In winter, similar but with dark grey face and smaller, duller bill. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but with small, dark and dull bill. Voice Utters groaning calls at nest. Status Locally common. Only comes ashore in breeding season. Colonial nester, excavating burrows in grassy cliffs. Only storm-driven, sick or oiled birds are seen near land in winter.
    144021.jpg
  • COMMON CORNSALAD Valerianella locusta (Valerianaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched and almost hairless annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places including arable land, old walls and dunes. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla pinkish lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1-2cm across (Apr-Aug). FRUITS are flattened and rather ovate. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS-Widespread across the region but only locally common.
    143168.jpg
  • COMMON CORNSALAD Valerianella locusta (Valerianaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched and almost hairless annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places including arable land, old walls and dunes. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla pinkish lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1-2cm across (Apr-Aug). FRUITS are flattened and rather ovate. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS-Widespread across the region but only locally common.
    143165.jpg
  • NARROW-FRUITED CORNSALAD Valerianella dentata (Valerianaceae) Height to 20cm. Branched and almost hairless annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places including arable land, old walls and dunes. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla pinkish lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1cm across (Apr-May). FRUITS are flattened and narrowly ovate. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS-Very rare in southern England.
    141595.jpg
  • Interrupted Brome Bromus interruptus Height to 70cm.<br />
Annual or biennial of disturbed and arable land. Inflorescence is oblong overall, comprising bulbous, awned spikelets arranged in widely separated clusters. Status-Formerly widespread in arable fields but declared extinct in Britain, in the wild, in 1972. Now re-introduced in places but still very rare.
    134174.jpg
  • SMALL-FLOWERED CATCHFLY Silene gallica (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 40cm. Stickily hairy annual of arable land and disturbed, mainly sandy, soils. FLOWERS are 10-12mm across, pinkish or white and sometimes flushed red at the base; in 1-sided spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are inflated capsules. LEAVES are hairy, upper ones narrower than basal ones. STATUS-Widepsread but local and generally scarce.
    132391.jpg
  • GREATER PLANTAIN Plantago major (Plantaginaceae) Height to 20cm. Persistent and usually hairless perennial of lawns, disturbed grassland and arable land. FLOWERS are 3mm across, the corolla pale yellow and anthers that are purple when young, turning yellow later; on slender spikes, 10-15mm long (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are broad, oval, up to 25cm long, with 3-9 veins and a distinct, narrow stalk; in basal rosettes. STATUS-Widespread and extremely common throughout.
    132246.jpg
  • GOOD-KING-HENRY Chenopodium bonus-henricus (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright introduced perennial; stems often streaked red. Favours disturbed arable land and waste ground. FLOWERS are numerous and borne in narrow, leafless spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are ringed by sepals at the base. LEAVES are mealy when young but dark green with age; triangular in outline. STATUS-Widely established and locally common.
    132173.jpg
  • GOOD-KING-HENRY Chenopodium bonus-henricus (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright introduced perennial; stems often streaked red. Favours disturbed arable land and waste ground. FLOWERS are numerous and borne in narrow, leafless spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are ringed by sepals at the base. LEAVES are mealy when young but dark green with age; triangular in outline. STATUS-Widely established and locally common.
    132174.jpg
  • COMMON EVENING-PRIMROSE Oenothera biennis (Onograceae) Height to 1.5m. Downy biennial of waste land. FLOWERS are 4-5cm across, yellow and open only on dull days or evenings (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are lanceolate with red veins. STATUS-Introduced and naturalised. O.glaziovana (flowers 6-8cm across) and O.cambrica (flowers 3-5cm across) also occur; fruits have red, swollen-based hairs.
    132163.jpg
  • FAT-HEN Chenopodium album (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright, branched annual of disturbed arable land and waste places. Often has a mealy appearance. FLOWERS are whitish green and borne in leafy spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS rounded and surrounded by 5 sepals, in a ring. LEAVES are green, and matt-looking due to a mealy coating; vary from oval to diamond-shaped. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    132159.jpg
  • WILD TURNIP Brassica rapa ssp.campestris (Brassicaceae) Height to 1.2m. Grey-green annual or biennial of arable land. FLOWERS are 6-13mm across with yellow petals (May-Sept). FRUITS are cylindrical pods. LEAVES comprise pinnately lobed basal leaves that wither and unlobed, clasping upper stem leaves. STATUS-Common throughout.
    131999.jpg
  • THYME-LEAVED SPEEDWELL Veronica serpyllifolia (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Delicate and often downy perennial, with creeping stems that root at intervals, and typically hairless, upright flowering stems. Grows on bare and disturbed ground including short grassland, cultivated land and woodland clearings. FLOWERS are 5-7mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and pale blue or white; borne on short stalks in loose spikes (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are flattened and rather oval capsules. LEAVES are thyme-like, small, oval and untoothed. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    131852.jpg
  • ANNUAL KNAWEL Scleranthus annuus (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 10cm. Yellowish green annual. Associated with dry, bare soil and arable land. FLOWERS comprise green, pointed sepals and no petals; borne in clustered heads (May-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, pointed and borne in opposite pairs along the wiry stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout.
    131441.jpg
  • COMMON POPPY Papaver rhoeas (Papaveraceae) Height to 60cm. Annual of arable land and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 7-10cm across with 4 papery, overlapping scarlet petals (often dark at the base); on slender stalks with spreading hairs (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are ovoid, flat-topped capsules. LEAVES are much divided into narrow segments. STATUS-Widespread, commonest in S and E England; scarce in N and W.
    131243.jpg
  • LONG-HEADED POPPY Papaver dubium (Papaveraceae) Height to 60cm. Annual of arable land and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 3-7cm across with 4 papery, orange-red overlapping petals with no dark basal blotch; on stalks with adpressed hairs (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are narrow, elongated and hairless capsules. LEAVES are much divided into narrow segments. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common, including the N.
    131242.jpg
  • LONG-HEADED POPPY Papaver dubium (Papaveraceae) Height to 60cm. Annual of arable land and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 3-7cm across with 4 papery, orange-red overlapping petals with no dark basal blotch; on stalks with adpressed hairs (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are narrow, elongated and hairless capsules. LEAVES are much divided into narrow segments. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common, including the N.
    131240.jpg
  • COMMON POPPY Papaver rhoeas (Papaveraceae) Height to 60cm. Annual of arable land and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 7-10cm across with 4 papery, overlapping scarlet petals (often dark at the base); on slender stalks with spreading hairs (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are ovoid, flat-topped capsules. LEAVES are much divided into narrow segments. STATUS-Widespread, commonest in S and E England; scarce in N and W.
    131206.jpg
  • COMMON POPPY Papaver rhoeas (Papaveraceae) Height to 60cm. Annual of arable land and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 7-10cm across with 4 papery, overlapping scarlet petals (often dark at the base); on slender stalks with spreading hairs (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are ovoid, flat-topped capsules. LEAVES are much divided into narrow segments. STATUS-Widespread, commonest in S and E England; scarce in N and W.
    131093.jpg
  • PRICKLY POPPY Papaver argemone (Papaveraceae) Hieght to 30cm. Delicate annual of arable land, mainly on sandy soils. FLOWERS are 2-6cm across with 4 pale red petals that typically do not overlap but which do have a dark basal blotch (May-Aug). FRUITS are narrow, elongated and ribbed with prickle-like bristles. LEAVES are much divided and bristle-tipped. STATUS-Local and scarce, mainly in S England.
    131092.jpg
  • PRICKLY POPPY Papaver argemone (Papaveraceae) Height to 30cm. Delicate annual of arable land, mainly on sandy soils. FLOWERS are 2-6cm across with 4 pale red petals that typically do not overlap but which do have a dark basal blotch (May-Aug). FRUITS are narrow, elongated and ribbed with prickle-like bristles. LEAVES are much divided and bristle-tipped. STATUS-Local and scarce, mainly in S England.
    131076.jpg
  • COMMON RAMPING-FUMITORY Fumaria muralis (Fumariaceae) Height to 10cm. Spreading or upright annual of arable land, banks and walls. FLOWERS are 9-11mm long and pinkish purple with dark tips, the lower petal almost parallel-sided (not paddle-shaped) with erect margins; borne in spikes of 12-15 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are globular and 1-seeded. LEAVES are much divided. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common.
    131061.jpg
  • COMMON RAMPING-FUMITORY Fumaria muralis (Fumariaceae) Height to 10cm. Spreading or upright annual of arable land, banks and walls. FLOWERS are 9-11mm long and pinkish purple with dark tips, the lower petal almost parallel-sided (not paddle-shaped) with erect margins; borne in spikes of 12-15 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are globular and 1-seeded. LEAVES are much divided. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common.
    131062.jpg
  • COMMON RAMPING-FUMITORY Fumaria muralis (Fumariaceae) Height to 10cm. Spreading or upright annual of arable land, banks and walls. FLOWERS are 9-11mm long and pinkish purple with dark tips, the lower petal almost parallel-sided (not paddle-shaped) with erect margins; borne in spikes of 12-15 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are globular and 1-seeded. LEAVES are much divided. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common.
    131059.jpg
  • COMMON RAMPING-FUMITORY Fumaria muralis (Fumariaceae) Height to 10cm. Spreading or upright annual of arable land, banks and walls. FLOWERS are 9-11mm long and pinkish purple with dark tips, the lower petal almost parallel-sided (not paddle-shaped) with erect margins; borne in spikes of 12-15 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are globular and 1-seeded. LEAVES are much divided. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common.
    131060.jpg
  • PETTY SPURGE Euphorbia peplus (Euphorbiaceae) Height to 30cm. Upright, hairless annual that often branches from the base. Found on arable land and cultivated ground. FLOWERS are greenish with oval bracts (sepals and petals are absent); borne in flattish umbel-like clusters (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are smooth. LEAVES are oval, blunt-tipped and stalked. STATUS-Widespread and common almost throughout.
    130844.jpg
  • FIELD PANSY Viola arvensis (Violaceae) Height to 15cm<br />
Variable annual found on arable land and cultivated ground. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across and creamy white with an orange flush on the lower petal; sepals are at least as long as the petals (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES have deeply toothed stipules. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    130720.jpg
  • CORN SPURREY Spergula arvensis (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 30cm. Straggling stickily hairy annual. A weed of arable land with sandy soils. FLOWERS are 4-7mm across and have 5 whitish petals (May-Aug). FRUITS are capsules; longer than sepals and drooping at first. LEAVES are narrow and borne in whorls along the stems. STATUS-Widespread but not as common as it used to be, due to herbicide use.
    130640.jpg
  • TIMOTHY Phleum pratense Height to 1.5m. Robust, hairless and tufted perennial of meadows, agricultural land and waysides. FLOWERS are borne in dense, cylindrical and rough heads, 13-16cm long, with purplish green spikelets, each with a short awn (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are broad, rough and flat, with blunt ligules. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    130611.jpg
  • FIELD BINDWEED Convolvulus arvensis (Convolvulaceae) Creeping or climbing Height to 3m. Familiar perennial that grows in disturbed ground and arable land; a persistent weed in the garden. Twines around other plants to assist its progress. FLOWERS are 15-30mm across, funnel-shaped and either white or pink with broad, white stripes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are arrow-shaped, 2-5cm long and long-stalked. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region, except in N Scotland.
    129746.jpg
  • ANNUAL KNAWEL Scleranthus annuus (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 10cm<br />
Yellowish green annual. Associated with dry, bare soil and arable land. FLOWERS comprise green, pointed sepals and no petals; borne in clustered heads (May-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, pointed and borne in opposite pairs along the wiry stems.
    105912.jpg
  • SMALL-FLOWERED CATCHFLY Silene gallica (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 40cm. Stickily hairy annual of arable land and disturbed, mainly sandy, soils. FLOWERS are 10-12mm across, pinkish or white and sometimes flushed red at the base; in 1-sided spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are inflated capsules. LEAVES are hairy, upper ones narrower than basal ones. STATUS-Widepsread but local and generally scarce.
    143551.jpg
  • Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus W 70-85cm. Skims low over sea on stiffly held wings. Contrasting dark upperparts and mainly white underparts are seen as bird banks and glides. Gregarious when feeding is good. Sexes are similar. Adult has blackish upperparts and mainly white underparts with dark wing margins. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Silent at sea; strangled coughing calls uttered after dark when nesting birds. Status Fairly common summer visitor. Seen mostly at sea; only visits land to breed, after dark. Nests in burrows on remote islands.
    128762.jpg
  • Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus W 70-85cm. Skims low over sea on stiffly held wings. Contrasting dark upperparts and mainly white underparts are seen as bird banks and glides. Gregarious when feeding is good. Sexes are similar. Adult has blackish upperparts and mainly white underparts with dark wing margins. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Silent at sea; strangled coughing calls uttered after dark when nesting birds. Status Fairly common summer visitor. Seen mostly at sea; only visits land to breed, after dark. Nests in burrows on remote islands.
    129514.jpg
  • COMMON CORNSALAD Valerianella locusta (Valerianaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched and almost hairless annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places including arable land, old walls and dunes. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla pinkish lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1-2cm across (Apr-Aug). FRUITS are flattened and rather ovate. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS-Widespread across the region but only locally common.
    141572.jpg
  • MARTIN’S RAMPING-FUMITORY Fumaria reuteri (Fumariaceae) Height to 10cm. Spreading or upright annual of arable land, banks and walls. FLOWERS are 11-13mm long and pinkish purple with dark tips, the lower petal almost parallel-sided (not paddle-shaped) with erect margins; borne in spikes of 12-15 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are globular, smooth and 1-seeded. LEAVES are much divided. STATUS-Very rare. Two sites only, in S England; well know from an Isle of Wight allotment.
    140020.jpg
  • MARTIN’S RAMPING-FUMITORY Fumaria reuteri (Fumariaceae) Height to 10cm. Spreading or upright annual of arable land, banks and walls. FLOWERS are 11-13mm long and pinkish purple with dark tips, the lower petal almost parallel-sided (not paddle-shaped) with erect margins; borne in spikes of 12-15 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are globular, smooth and 1-seeded. LEAVES are much divided. STATUS-Very rare. Two sites only, in S England; well know from an Isle of Wight allotment.
    140019.jpg
  • COMMON RAMPING-FUMITORY Fumaria muralis (Fumariaceae) Height to 10cm. Spreading or upright annual of arable land, banks and walls. FLOWERS are 9-11mm long and pinkish purple with dark tips, the lower petal almost parallel-sided (not paddle-shaped) with erect margins; borne in spikes of 12-15 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are globular and 1-seeded. LEAVES are much divided. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common.
    139941.jpg
  • FAT-HEN Chenopodium album (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, branched annual of disturbed arable land and waste places. Often has a mealy appearance. FLOWERS are whitish green and borne in leafy spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS rounded and surrounded by 5 sepals, in a ring. LEAVES are green, and matt-looking due to a mealy coating; vary from oval to diamond-shaped. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    132158.jpg
  • MUGWORT Artemisia vulgaris (Asteraceae) Height to 1.25m <br />
Upright and aromatic plant, the upper part of which is much branched. The stems are ribbed, reddish and downy. Grows on roadside verges, disturbed land and waste ground. FLOWERS are borne in reddish heads, 2-3mm across, that are arranged in tall, branched spikes (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are pinnate, dark green and hairless above, but silvery downy below; lower leaves are stalked, upper ones are unstalked. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    131953.jpg
  • CORN MINT Mentha arvensis (Lamiaceae) Height to 30cm<br />
Upright but rather straggly, hairy perennial that grows in damp arable land, and on paths and disturbed ground. Has a strong and rather pungent smell of mint. FLOWERS are 3-4mm long and lilac; borne in dense whorls at intervals along the stem and not terminally (May-Oct). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are toothed, oval and short-stalked. STATUS-Widespread and generally common.
    131914.jpg
  • GROUND-PINE Ajuga chamaepitys (Lamiaceae) Height to 20cm. Distinctive and unusual hairy annual. Grows on dry, bare and disturbed ground, including cultivated land, on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 8-15mm long and mainly yellow, with small purple markings; borne at leaf nodes (May-Aug.) FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES wither early at the base; stem leaves diagnostically deeply divided into 3 narrow lobes that smell of pine when rubbed. STATUS-Rare, S England only.
    131788.jpg
  • WILD TURNIP Brassica rapa ssp.campestris (Brassicaceae) Height to 1.2m. Grey-green annual or biennial of arable land. FLOWERS are 6-13mm across with yellow petals (May-Sept). FRUITS are cylindrical pods. LEAVES comprise pinnately lobed basal leaves that wither and unlobed, clasping upper stem leaves. STATUS-Common throughout.
    131776.jpg
  • FAT-HEN Chenopodium album (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, branched annual of disturbed arable land and waste places. Often has a mealy appearance. FLOWERS are whitish green and borne in leafy spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS rounded and surrounded by 5 sepals, in a ring. LEAVES are green, and matt-looking due to a mealy coating; vary from oval to diamond-shaped. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131520.jpg
  • PRICKLY POPPY Papaver argemone (Papaveraceae) Height to 30cm. Delicate annual of arable land, mainly on sandy soils. FLOWERS are 2-6cm across with 4 pale red petals that typically do not overlap but which do have a dark basal blotch (May-Aug). FRUITS are narrow, elongated and ribbed with prickle-like bristles. LEAVES are much divided and bristle-tipped. STATUS-Local and scarce, mainly in S England.
    131241.jpg
  • FIELD MADDER Sherardia arvensis (Rubiaceae) Creeping<br />
Low-growing, hairy annual with square stems. Found on arable and disturbed land. FLOWERS are 3-5mm across and pinkish with 4 corolla lobes; borne in small heads (May-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are narrow, oval and arranged in whorls of 4-6 along the stems. STATUS-Widespread; rather common in the S but becoming scarce further N.
    130866.jpg
  • FIELD FORGET-ME-NOT Myosotis arvensis (Boraginaceae) Height to 25cm. Variable, downy and branching annual. Grows in dry grassland, disturbed soil and arable land and verges. FLOWERS are 5mm across, with 5 blue lobes, the corolla tube shorter than the calyx; borne in forked clusters (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are nutlets. Fruit stalks are longer than calyx, which is coated in spreading, hooked hairs. LEAVES are oblong, the basal ones forming a rosette. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in N.
    130833.jpg
  • COMMON CORNSALAD Valerianella locusta (Valerianaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched and almost hairless annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places including arable land, old walls and dunes. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla pinkish lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1-2cm across (Apr-Aug). FRUITS are flattened and rather ovate. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS-Widespread across the region but only locally common.
    130759.jpg
  • SMALL-FLOWERED CATCHFLY Silene gallica (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 40cm<br />
Stickily hairy annual of arable land and disturbed, mainly sandy, soils. FLOWERS are 10-12mm across, pinkish or white and sometimes flushed red at the base; in 1-sided spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are inflated capsules. LEAVES are hairy, upper ones narrower than basal ones. STATUS-Widepsread but local and generally scarce.
    119728.jpg
  • Ground Pine (Ajuga chamaepitys) HEIGHT to 20cm. Distinctive unusual hairy annual. Grows on dry, bare and disturbed ground, including cultivated land, on calcareous soils. FLOWERS 8-15mm long, mainly yellow, with small purple markings; borne at leaf nodes (May-Aug). FRUITS Nutlets. LEAVES Withering early at the base; stem leaves diagnostically deeply divided into 3 narrow lobes that smell of pine when rubbed.
    106300.jpg
  • LARGE-FLOWERED HEMP-NETTLE Galeopsis speciosa (Lamiaceae)  Height to 50cm. Attractive, branched and bristly-hairy annual with a robust appearance. Grows in cultivated land and on disturbed ground, mainly on peaty soils. FLOWERS are 25-35mm long and yellow with purple on the lower lip, and a corolla tube twice the length of the calyx; borne in whorls (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, toothed and stalked.
    106282.jpg
  • The River Silgachan in the Cuillins on the Isle of Skye, the 'Land of the Eagles'
    161188.jpg
  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
    153943.jpg
  • Steppe Buzzard - Buteo buteo vulpinus
    143857.jpg
  • Golden Plover - Pluvialis apricaria
    162983.jpg
  • Great Egret - Ardea alba
    160560.jpg
  • Turtle Dove - Streptopelia turtur
    159763.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
  • Golden Plover - Pluvialis apricaria. L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
    157149.jpg
  • Hoopoe Upupa epops L 25-28cm. Distinctive, with long, downcurved bill. Habit of creeping along ground often makes it hard to spot. In flight, however, unmistakable thanks to bold black-and-white bird pattern and butterfly-like flight. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile are mainly pale pinkish brown with black and white barring on wings and back; white rump is seen in flight. Erectile crest of barred, pink feathers is raised in excitement. Voice Utters diagnostic hoo-poo-poo call. Status Has bred here, but best known as scarce visitor in spring and autumn.
    156767.jpg
  • Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto L 32cm. Relatively recent arrival to Britain and Ireland but now a familiar sight and sound in urban areas. Often seen in pairs. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly sandy brown plumage with pinkish flush to head and underparts, and dark half-collar on nape. Black wingtips and white outer tail feathers are striking in flight. Bill is dark and legs are reddish. Juvenile is similar duller colours and lacks black half-collar. Voice Utters repetitive song comprising repeated oo-oo-oo phrase. Status Spread NW through Europe in 20th Century and first seen here in 1950s.
    156189.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
  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus - Female. W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
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  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus - Female. W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
    155325.jpg
  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
    155328.jpg
  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
    155331.jpg
  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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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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  • Pacific Golden Plover - Pluvialis fulva - winter adult
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  • Pacific Golden Plover - Pluvialis fulva - winter adult
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
    154347.jpg
  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
    154348.jpg
  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
    154349.jpg
  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
    153944.jpg
  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
    153945.jpg
  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
    153946.jpg
  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • GRASS-OF-PARNASSUS Parnassia palustris (Saxifragaceae) Height to 25cm. Distinctive, tufted and hairless perennial of damp, peaty grassland, marshes and moors. FLOWERS are 15-20mm across and superficially buttercup-like, with 5 white petals and greenish veins; on upright stalks with clasping leaves (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are deep green; basal leaves are heart-shaped and stalked. STATUS-Locally common in N Britain and Ireland; scarce in, or absent from, the S.
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  • GRASS-OF-PARNASSUS Parnassia palustris (Saxifragaceae) Height to 25cm. Distinctive, tufted and hairless perennial of damp, peaty grassland, marshes and moors. FLOWERS are 15-20mm across and superficially buttercup-like, with 5 white petals and greenish veins; on upright stalks with clasping leaves (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are dry capsules. LEAVES are deep green; basal leaves are heart-shaped and stalked. STATUS-Locally common in N Britain and Ireland; scarce in, or absent from, the S.
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  • COMMON CENTAURY Centaurium erythraea (Gentianaceae) Height to 25cm. Variable, hairless annual that is found in dry, grassy places, including verges, chalk downland and sand dunes. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across, unstalked and pink with 5 petal-like lobes that open fully only in sunshine; borne in terminal clusters and on side shoots (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green and oval, those on the stem narrower than the basal ones (10-20mm across), which form a rosette; all leaves have 3-7 veins. STATUS-Widespread and common, except Scotland. Note-dwarf form var. capitatum (so-called Dumpy Centaury) occurs on coasts of England and Wales.
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  • COMMON CENTAURY Centaurium erythraea (Gentianaceae) Height to 25cm. Variable, hairless annual that is found in dry, grassy places, including verges, chalk downland and sand dunes. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across, unstalked and pink with 5 petal-like lobes that open fully only in sunshine; borne in terminal clusters and on side shoots (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green and oval, those on the stem narrower than the basal ones (10-20mm across), which form a rosette; all leaves have 3-7 veins. STATUS-Widespread and common, except Scotland. Note-dwarf form var. capitatum (so-called Dumpy Centaury) occurs on coasts of England and Wales.
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