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  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    128405.jpg
  • Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Hemaris fuciformis Wingspan 40-45mm. An intriguing day-flying moth whose appearance and hovering flight make it look remarkably like a bumblebee. Adult has a furry yellowish-brown body with a reddish band across the abdomen, and black hair-like tufts at the tip. The wings have reddish-brown margins but are otherwise transparent. Flies May-June. Larva feeds on Honeysuckle and bedstraws. Local and restricted to open woodland in southern England.
    154627.jpg
  • Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Hemaris fuciformis Wingspan 40-45mm. An intriguing day-flying moth whose appearance and hovering flight make it look remarkably like a bumblebee. Adult has a furry yellowish-brown body with a reddish band across the abdomen, and black hair-like tufts at the tip. The wings have reddish-brown margins but are otherwise transparent. Flies May-June. Larva feeds on Honeysuckle and bedstraws. Local and restricted to open woodland in southern England.
    145203.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    145073.jpg
  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
    144929.jpg
  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
    144928.jpg
  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
    144927.jpg
  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
    144926.jpg
  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
    144925.jpg
  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
    142038.jpg
  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
    141726.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    134527.jpg
  • Hornet Moth Sesia apiformis Wingspan 35-45mm. Strikingly colourful day-flying moth that is passable mimic of a true Hornet, in terms of appearance and behaviour. Adult has yellow and black bands on body and orange-framed clear wings. Flies June-July. Larva burrows inside wood of Black Poplar. Pupal remains and newly-emerged adults are sometimes found on trunks. Local and mainly in southern and central England.
    134362.jpg
  • Hornet Moth Sesia apiformis Wingspan 35-45mm. Strikingly colourful day-flying moth that is passable mimic of a true Hornet, in terms of appearance and behaviour. Adult has yellow and black bands on body and orange-framed clear wings. Flies June-July. Larva burrows inside wood of Black Poplar. Pupal remains and newly-emerged adults are sometimes found on trunks. Local and mainly in southern and central England.
    134299.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    132829.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    131375.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    128420.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    128419.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    128418.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    128416.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    128379.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    128364.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    128365.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    128363.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    128362.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    128250.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    128249.jpg
  • Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Hemaris fuciformis Wingspan 40-45mm. An intriguing day-flying moth whose appearance and hovering flight make it look remarkably like a bumblebee. Adult has a furry yellowish-brown body with a reddish band across the abdomen, and black hair-like tufts at the tip. The wings have reddish-brown margins but are otherwise transparent. Flies May-June. Larva feeds on Honeysuckle and bedstraws. Local and restricted to open woodland in southern England.
    127557.jpg
  • Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Hemaris fuciformis Wingspan 40-45mm. An intriguing day-flying moth whose appearance and hovering flight make it look remarkably like a bumblebee. Adult has a furry yellowish-brown body with a reddish band across the abdomen, and black hair-like tufts at the tip. The wings have reddish-brown margins but are otherwise transparent. Flies May-June. Larva feeds on Honeysuckle and bedstraws. Local and restricted to open woodland in southern England.
    112130.jpg
  • Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Hemaris fuciformis Wingspan 40-45mm. An intriguing day-flying moth whose appearance and hovering flight make it look remarkably like a bumblebee. Adult has a furry yellowish-brown body with a reddish band across the abdomen, and black hair-like tufts at the tip. The wings have reddish-brown margins but are otherwise transparent. Flies May-June. Larva feeds on Honeysuckle and bedstraws. Local and restricted to open woodland in southern England.
    154628.jpg
  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
    145860.jpg
  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
    144924.jpg
  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
    144923.jpg
  • Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Hemaris fuciformis Wingspan 40-45mm. An intriguing day-flying moth whose appearance and hovering flight make it look remarkably like a bumblebee. Adult has a furry yellowish-brown body with a reddish band across the abdomen, and black hair-like tufts at the tip. The wings have reddish-brown margins but are otherwise transparent. Flies May-June. Larva feeds on Honeysuckle and bedstraws. Local and restricted to open woodland in southern England.
    144889.jpg
  • Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth Hemaris fuciformis Wingspan 40-45mm. An intriguing day-flying moth whose appearance and hovering flight make it look remarkably like a bumblebee. Adult has a furry yellowish-brown body with a reddish band across the abdomen, and black hair-like tufts at the tip. The wings have reddish-brown margins but are otherwise transparent. Flies May-June. Larva feeds on Honeysuckle and bedstraws. Local and restricted to open woodland in southern England.
    144888.jpg
  • Six-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.
    128417.jpg
  • Hornet Moth Sesia apiformis Wingspan 35-45mm. Strikingly colourful day-flying moth that is passable mimic of a true Hornet, in terms of appearance and behaviour. Adult has yellow and black bands on body and orange-framed clear wings. Flies June-July. Larva burrows inside wood of Black Poplar. Pupal remains and newly-emerged adults are sometimes found on trunks. Local and mainly in southern and central England.
    136234.jpg
  • Bee Wolf Wasp - Philanthus triangulum flying with Honeybee prey.
    145196.jpg
  • Saxon Wasp - Dolichovespula saxonica<br />
flying to nest
    145147.jpg
  • Marsh Harrier, Circus aeruginosus, flying over flooded Reserve after December 2013 floods at Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk UK
    155699.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    155610.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    155611.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    155162.jpg
  • Oak Eggar Lasiocampa quercus Wingspan 45-70mm. An impressive, broad-winged moth. Male is day-flying, larger female is nocturnal. Adult male has reddish-brown wings with a curved yellowish crossband and white central spot; female has similarly patterned wings but the ground colour is buffish-yellow. Flies July-August. Larva is brown and hairy; feeds mainly on Heather. Widespread and locally common, mainly on heaths and moorland.
    140346.jpg
  • Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing Noctua fimbriata Length 25mm. An active moth that is easily disturbed in the daytime. At rest, the wings are held flat, one forewing overlapping the other. Adult has forewings that are rich brown in the male, paler buff in the female; all individuals have a dark cross band and dark mark near the tip of the leading edge. The hindwings are orange-yellow with a broad black, subterminal band. Has an extended flying season, from July–September. Larva eats a wide range of herbaceous plants. Widespread and common in lowland Britain.
    140241.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153629.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153632.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153633.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153645.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    143083.jpg
  • Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus - male. (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    156328.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    155259.jpg
  • Common Quaker Orthosia cerasi Length 18-20mm. A spring-flying woodland moth that rests with its wings held flat. Adult has forewings whose colour ranges from rich brown to grey-buff. Forewings usually show a pale cross line towards the outer margin and pale-ringed kidney and circular spots. Flies March-April. Larva feeds on deciduous trees, particularly oaks and willows. Widespread and common in lowland Britain, especially in the south.
    143223.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    145982.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153635.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153643.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153644.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    155161.jpg
  • Nightjar - Caprimulgus europaeus - Male. (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    158083.jpg
  • Nightjar - Caprimulgus europaeus - Male. (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
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  • Red-tipped Clearwing - Synanthedon formicaeformis. Length 11-14mm. A fly-like, day-flying moth. Adult has mainly black body with red band on abdomen. Wings are mainly clear but note the red tips and red leading edge to forewing. Larva feeds in stems of sallows and willows. Widespread but commonest in southern England.
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  • Red-tipped Clearwing - Synanthedon formicaeformis. Length 11-14mm. A fly-like, day-flying moth. Adult has mainly black body with red band on abdomen. Wings are mainly clear but note the red tips and red leading edge to forewing. Larva feeds in stems of sallows and willows. Widespread but commonest in southern England.
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  • Six-spot burnet Zygaena filipendulae Length 16-18mm. Well-marked and distinctive day-flying moth. Adult has dark forewings (with a greenish-blue iridescence at certain angles) and six red spots; hindwings are red with a dark border. Larva is yellow with black spots; feeds on Bird’s-foot Trefoil. Pupates in a yellow cocoon attached to plant stem. Widespread and locally common in grassland habitats.
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  • Red-tipped Clearwing Synanthedon formicaeformis Length 11-14mm. A fly-like, day-flying moth. Adult has mainly black body with red band on abdomen. Wings are mainly clear but note the red tips and red leading edge to forewing. Larva feeds in stems of sallows and willows. Widespread but commonest in southern England.
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  • Six-spot burnet Zygaena filipendulae Length 16-18mm. Well-marked and distinctive day-flying moth. Adult has dark forewings (with a greenish-blue iridescence at certain angles) and six red spots; hindwings are red with a dark border. Larva is yellow with black spots; feeds on Bird’s-foot Trefoil. Pupates in a yellow cocoon attached to plant stem. Widespread and locally common in grassland habitats.
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  • Red-tipped Clearwing Synanthedon formicaeformis Length 11-14mm. A fly-like, day-flying moth. Adult has mainly black body with red band on abdomen. Wings are mainly clear but note the red tips and red leading edge to forewing. Larva feeds in stems of sallows and willows. Widespread but commonest in southern England.
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  • Six-spot burnet Zygaena filipendulae Length 16-18mm. Well-marked and distinctive day-flying moth. Adult has dark forewings (with a greenish-blue iridescence at certain angles) and six red spots; hindwings are red with a dark border. Larva is yellow with black spots; feeds on Bird’s-foot Trefoil. Pupates in a yellow cocoon attached to plant stem. Widespread and locally common in grassland habitats.
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  • Six-spot burnet Zygaena filipendulae Length 16-18mm. Well-marked and distinctive day-flying moth. Adult has dark forewings (with a greenish-blue iridescence at certain angles) and six red spots; hindwings are red with a dark border. Larva is yellow with black spots; feeds on Bird’s-foot Trefoil. Pupates in a yellow cocoon attached to plant stem. Widespread and locally common in grassland habitats.
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  • Six-spot burnet Zygaena filipendulae Length 16-18mm. Well-marked and distinctive day-flying moth. Adult has dark forewings (with a greenish-blue iridescence at certain angles) and six red spots; hindwings are red with a dark border. Larva is yellow with black spots; feeds on Bird’s-foot Trefoil. Pupates in a yellow cocoon attached to plant stem. Widespread and locally common in grassland habitats.
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  • Red-tipped Clearwing Synanthedon formicaeformis Length 11-14mm. A fly-like, day-flying moth. Adult has mainly black body with red band on abdomen. Wings are mainly clear but note the red tips and red leading edge to forewing. Larva feeds in stems of sallows and willows. Widespread but commonest in southern England.
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  • Red-tipped Clearwing Synanthedon formicaeformis Length 11-14mm. A fly-like, day-flying moth. Adult has mainly black body with red band on abdomen. Wings are mainly clear but note the red tips and red leading edge to forewing. Larva feeds in stems of sallows and willows. Widespread but commonest in southern England.
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  • Six-spot burnet Zygaena filipendulae Length 16-18mm. Well-marked and distinctive day-flying moth. Adult has dark forewings (with a greenish-blue iridescence at certain angles) and six red spots; hindwings are red with a dark border. Larva is yellow with black spots; feeds on Bird’s-foot Trefoil. Pupates in a yellow cocoon attached to plant stem. Widespread and locally common in grassland habitats.
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  • Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa - in flight. L 32-34cm. Dumpy, well-marked gamebird. Forms small parties (covies), outside breeding season. Hunted and often wary. Prefers to run from danger but flies low on stiffly-held wings. Sexes are similar. Adult has red bill and legs, and white throat bordered with gorget of black spots. Plumage is otherwise mainly blue-grey and warm buff except for black and white barring on flanks. Juvenile has grey-buff plumage with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a loud ke che-che, ke che-che… call. Status Introduced but well established, mainly on arable farmland with mature hedgerows and scattered woods.
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  • Little Auk Alle alle L 20cm. Our smallest auk with a dumpy body, short neck and tiny, stubby bill. Flies on whirring wingbeats and can look almost Starling-like in flight. Swims well and dive frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has black cap, nape and back, and white underparts; at close range, note white lines on wings and tiny white crescent above eye. Not seen in breeding plumage in our region. Voice Silent at sea. Status Winter visitor from Arctic breeding grounds where it is locally abundant. Probably numerous in N North Sea in winter but seldom comes close to land by choice.
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  • Little Auk Alle alle L 20cm. Our smallest auk with a dumpy body, short neck and tiny, stubby bill. Flies on whirring wingbeats and can look almost Starling-like in flight. Swims well and dive frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has black cap, nape and back, and white underparts; at close range, note white lines on wings and tiny white crescent above eye. Not seen in breeding plumage in our region. Voice Silent at sea. Status Winter visitor from Arctic breeding grounds where it is locally abundant. Probably numerous in N North Sea in winter but seldom comes close to land by choice
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  • Razorbill Alca torda L 41cm. Bulky seabird with distinctive bill and essentially black and white plumage. Swims well and flies on whirring wingbeats. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black head, neck and upperparts, and white underparts; note white wingbar. Bill is large and flattened with vertical ridges and white lines. In winter, similar but throat and cheeks are white and bill is smaller. Voice Mostly silent. Status Locally common on rocky coast seabird colonies in W and N. Nests under boulders and in crevices on cliff ledges. Pelagic outside breeding season; healthy birds seldom seen close to land. Vulnerable to oil spills.
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  • Guillemot Uria aalge L 42cm. Familiar seabird that nests in densely packed breeding colonies. Swims well and flies on whirring wingbeats. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has chocolate-brown head and upperparts (darkest in N birds) and white underparts. Bill is dark and dagger-like; so-called ‘Bridled Guillemot’ has white ‘spectacle’ around eye. In winter, has white on cheeks and throat but black line running back from eye. Voice Utters growling calls at breeding colonies. Status Locally numerous at seabird colonies with precipitous cliff ledges. Moves offshore outside breeding season. Suffers badly in oil spills.
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  • Woodpigeon Columba livia L 41cm. Plump, familiar bird whose ‘song’ is a countryside familiar sound, as is loud clatter of wings heard a bird flies off. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are similar.<br />
Adult has mainly blue-grey plumage with pinkish maroon on breast. Note white patch on side of neck and, in flight, prominent, transverse white wingbars, dark wingtips and dark terminal band on tail. Juvenile is similar but white mark on neck is missing. Voice Sings a series of oo-OO-oo, oo-oo phrases. Status Abundant on farmland and lightly wooded countryside generally. Also increasingly in towns
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  • Little Auk Alle alle L 20cm. Our smallest auk with a dumpy body, short neck and tiny, stubby bill. Flies on whirring wingbeats and can look almost Starling-like in flight. Swims well and dive frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has black cap, nape and back, and white underparts; at close range, note white lines on wings and tiny white crescent above eye. Not seen in breeding plumage in our region. Voice Silent at sea. Status Winter visitor from Arctic breeding grounds where it is locally abundant. Probably numerous in N North Sea in winter but seldom comes close to land by choice.
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  • Crane Grus grus L 95-115cm. Stately, long-legged, long-necked bird with bushy tail-end. In flight, wings are broad and long; flies with neck and legs outstretched. Typically wary. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly blue-grey plumage with black and white on head and neck; back sometimes appears rather brown. Note patch of red on hindcrown. Juvenile is similar to adult but head is pale buffish grey and lacks adult’s black and white markings. Voice Utters a loud, trumpeted rolling krrruu. Status Small population is resident in NE Norfolk, and successful breeding has occurred; also a scarce passage migrant and very occasional winter visitor.
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  • Crane Grus grus L 95-115cm. Stately, long-legged, long-necked bird with bushy tail-end. In flight, wings are broad and long; flies with neck and legs outstretched. Typically wary. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly blue-grey plumage with black and white on head and neck; back sometimes appears rather brown. Note patch of red on hindcrown. Juvenile is similar to adult but head is pale buffish grey and lacks adult’s black and white markings. Voice Utters a loud, trumpeted rolling krrruu. Status Small population is resident in NE Norfolk, and successful breeding has occurred; also a scarce passage migrant and very occasional winter visitor.
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  • Woodpigeon Columba livia L 41cm. Plump, familiar bird whose ‘song’ is a countryside familiar sound, as is loud clatter of wings heard a bird flies off. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are similar.<br />
Adult has mainly blue-grey plumage with pinkish maroon on breast. Note white patch on side of neck and, in flight, prominent, transverse white wingbars, dark wingtips and dark terminal band on tail. Juvenile is similar but white mark on neck is missing. Voice Sings a series of oo-OO-oo, oo-oo phrases. Status Abundant on farmland and lightly wooded countryside generally. Also increasingly in towns.
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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.
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  • Guillemot Uria aalge L 42cm. Familiar seabird that nests in densely packed breeding colonies. Swims well and flies on whirring wingbeats. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has chocolate-brown head and upperparts (darkest in N birds) and white underparts. Bill is dark and dagger-like; so-called ‘Bridled Guillemot’ has white ‘spectacle’ around eye. In winter, has white on cheeks and throat but black line running back from eye. Voice Utters growling calls at breeding colonies. Status Locally numerous at seabird colonies with precipitous cliff ledges. Moves offshore outside breeding season. Suffers badly in oil spills.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa - in flight. L 32-34cm. Dumpy, well-marked gamebird. Forms small parties (covies), outside breeding season. Hunted and often wary. Prefers to run from danger but flies low on stiffly-held wings. Sexes are similar. Adult has red bill and legs, and white throat bordered with gorget of black spots. Plumage is otherwise mainly blue-grey and warm buff except for black and white barring on flanks. Juvenile has grey-buff plumage with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a loud ke che-che, ke che-che… call. Status Introduced but well established, mainly on arable farmland with mature hedgerows and scattered woods.
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  • Silver Y Autographa gamma Length 20-22mm. A familiar migrant moth that flies in the daytime as well as at night. It rests with its wings in a tent-like manner. Adult has grey-brown forewings with a bold white ‘Y’ marking that is diagnostic. Flies May–October. Larva feeds on a range of low-growing plants. Widespread and common in most years; it migrates from southern Europe and also breeds in Britain.
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  • Silver Y Autographa gamma Length 20-22mm. A familiar migrant moth that flies in the daytime as well as at night. It rests with its wings in a tent-like manner. Adult has grey-brown forewings with a bold white ‘Y’ marking that is diagnostic. Flies May–October. Larva feeds on a range of low-growing plants. Widespread and common in most years; it migrates from southern Europe and also breeds in Britain.
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  • Silver Y Autographa gamma Length 20-22mm. A familiar migrant moth that flies in the daytime as well as at night. It rests with its wings in a tent-like manner. Adult has grey-brown forewings with a bold white ‘Y’ marking that is diagnostic. Flies May–October. Larva feeds on a range of low-growing plants. Widespread and common in most years; it migrates from southern Europe and also breeds in Britain.
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  • Pheasant Phasianus colchicus L 55-90cm. Male is colourful and unmistakable; female is also hard to confuse. Takes to the wing noisily and explosively when flushed. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male typically has orange-brown body plumage, blue-green sheen on head, large and striking red wattle and long, orange barred tail; some birds have a white collar. Violet-blue birds are sometimes released. Adult female is mottled buffish brown with shorter tail than male. Juvenile resembles a small, short-tailed female. Voice Territorial male utters a loud, shrieking call, followed by bout of vigorous wing beating. In alarm, a loud ke-tuk, ke-tuk, ke-tuk is uttered as bird flies away. Status Introduced and established here since 11th Century. Widespread and commonest in wooded farmland.
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  • Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor Wingspan 70mm. One of our most attractive moths. It is sometimes seen at dusk visiting flowers such as Honeysuckle. Adult has pink and olive-green wings and body. Flies May–June. Larva is brown or green; the head end fancifully resembles an elephant’s trunk and eyespots deter would-be predators; when alarmed the head is contracted, enlarging the eyespots. Larva feeds on willowherbs. Common in southern and central England and Wales, and more locally in lowland Scotland.
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  • Red-green Carpet Chloroclysta siterata Wingspan 30-35mm. An attractive moth whose wings are held flat at rest creating a narrowly- triangular outline. Adult is rather variable in appearance with variable amounts of red and green. The typical form is green overall with dark cross bands and red patches or lines. In some forms, the red is entirely absent. Flies September-October, and again in spring after hibernation. Larva feeds on oaks and Rowan. Widespread and locally common.
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  • Early Thorn Selenia dentaria Wingspan 30-40mm. A well-marked and subtly attractive moth that rests with its wings folded above body. Adult has angular, jagged margins to wings. The undersides of the wings (that seen at rest) are orange-brown with purplish-grey marbling and dark cross lines. Flies August-September. Larva feeds on deciduous trees and shrubs. Widespread and common.
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  • Woodpigeon Columba livia L 41cm. Plump, familiar bird whose ‘song’ is a countryside familiar sound, as is loud clatter of wings heard a bird flies off. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are similar.<br />
 Adult has mainly blue-grey plumage with pinkish maroon on breast. Note white patch on side of neck and, in flight, prominent, transverse white wingbars, dark wingtips and dark terminal band on tail. Juvenile is similar but white mark on neck is missing. Voice Sings a series of oo-OO-oo, oo-oo phrases. Status Abundant on farmland and lightly wooded countryside generally. Also increasingly in towns.
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  • 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.
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  • Razorbill Alca torda L 41cm. Bulky seabird with distinctive bill and essentially black and white plumage. Swims well and flies on whirring wingbeats. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black head, neck and upperparts, and white underparts; note white wingbar. Bill is large and flattened with vertical ridges and white lines. In winter, similar but throat and cheeks are white and bill is smaller. Voice Mostly silent. Status Locally common on rocky coast seabird colonies in W and N. Nests under boulders and in crevices on cliff ledges. Pelagic outside breeding season; healthy birds seldom seen close to land. Vulnerable to oil spills.
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  • 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.
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  • Razorbill Alca torda L 41cm. Bulky seabird with distinctive bill and essentially black and white plumage. Swims well and flies on whirring wingbeats. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black head, neck and upperparts, and white underparts; note white wingbar. Bill is large and flattened with vertical ridges and white lines. In winter, similar but throat and cheeks are white and bill is smaller. Voice Mostly silent. Status Locally common on rocky coast seabird colonies in W and N. Nests under boulders and in crevices on cliff ledges. Pelagic outside breeding season; healthy birds seldom seen close to land. Vulnerable to oil spills.
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  • Razorbill Alca torda L 41cm. Bulky seabird with distinctive bill and essentially black and white plumage. Swims well and flies on whirring wingbeats. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black head, neck and upperparts, and white underparts; note white wingbar. Bill is large and flattened with vertical ridges and white lines. In winter, similar but throat and cheeks are white and bill is smaller. Voice Mostly silent. Status Locally common on rocky coast seabird colonies in W and N. Nests under boulders and in crevices on cliff ledges. Pelagic outside breeding season; healthy birds seldom seen close to land. Vulnerable to oil spills.
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