Birdwatching in The United Kingdom

Swifts

Alpine Swift

Breeding throughout mountainous regions of southern Europe and across to the Himalayas these birds are migratory, overwintering in southern Africa or central India. Worldwide, there are a total of ten subspecies from the nominate species, apus melba.

Shrikes

Woodchat Shrike

With boldly marked plumage and a habit of perching in prominent positions, the Woodchat Shrike is not difficult to spot. However, the species occurs only as an occasional vagrant in the UK, breeding regularly in mainland Europe to the south.

Buntings

Yellowhammer

A large member of the bunting family, the Yellowhammer is best known as a farmland bird. The bright yellow head of the male, combined with its high-pitched twittering whistle, makes it stand out against countryside hedgerows and freshly ploughed fields.

Gulls and terns

Yellow-Legged Gull

Until fairly recently yellow-legged gulls were considered a subspecies of the caspian gull or the herring gull. In 2007, the British Ornithologists’ Union first listed it as a distinct species with key differences in appearance and distribution range from similar-looking gulls.

Warblers

Yellow-Browed Warbler

Pipits and wagtails

Yellow Wagtail

This colourful, regular, ground nesting summer visitor breeds throughout Europe, many overwintering across the vast plains of Africa.