Category Archives: Birds

There are two main paternity assurance strategies which are generally found in birds: mate guarding and frequent copulations. The latter is expected particularly in species such as raptors that cannot guard their mates efficiently because of ecological constraints, such as … Continue reading →

The Red Kite (Milvus milvus) is an elegant and graceful raptor. It is readily identified on the wing by its deeply forked tail, which is constantly twisted as an aid to flight control, and by its long bowed wings. The … Continue reading →

Today was my final sample at Redhatch Copse behind Sibly Hall. The weather was again lovely, with sun out and the birds singing, it was a very nice stroll through the woodland, even if it was at 6am this morning. In total, … Continue reading →

Jackdaws prefer safe cavities with small minimum nest-entrance dimensions and avoid those with a high risk of nest predation. In experimental (fed) colonies, however, there is a tendency to use all cavities, which results in an increased breeding density. No … Continue reading →

The Jackdaw (Corvus monedula) is the most widespread of the small corvids. The Jackdaw is an engaging and opportunistic feeder, quick to exploit and new food source. It walks with a characteristic swagger and is acrobatic in flight. Outside the … Continue reading →

Yesterday was my final dusk data collection at Pearman’s copse down by the M4 motorway. The weather was very pleasant, a very nice 18 degrees in fact, and in total 15 bird species were recorded, although none which hadn’t already been … Continue reading →

In Britain, the song thrush (Turdus philomelos) is categorized as a species of high national conservation concern because of a large population decline during the last three decades. Song thrushes ringed as nestlings, juveniles and adults during April–September were used … Continue reading →

The Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) is a dainty and well-marked thrush. Despite its subdued colouration, the Song Thrush ranks as a favourite among bird watchers, and its beautiful and distinctive song contributes in no small way to its appeal. The sexes … Continue reading →

Tonight was the turn of my second dusk sampling at Redhatch Copse behind Sibly hall. The weather held out, and was a pleasant 22C! In total 13 species were recorded, with only the song thrush not being spotted previously. 

Long–tailed tits (Aegithalos caudatus) are cooperative breeders in which helpers exhibit a kin preference in their cooperative behaviour. Experiments have found that there are significant differences in the responses of breeders to the vocalizations of kin and non–kin, suggesting that vocal cues … Continue reading →