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Winters can be harsh and gardens become a haven for birds. The presence of birds in our gardens in winter is a sure sign that we are looking after our environment and providing a safe haven for them. In this article, we look at what species of birds we might see in our gardens in winter and what we can do to attract them.
Birds in our gardens in winter
Winter is a rich season for bird watching, especially in our gardens. We can observe many species, including the Black-toothed Accentoran Robin and Pivert. All of these birds have unique characteristics that make them very interesting to watch.
The Black-throated Accentor is characterised by its dark colouring and distinctive markings. The male is dark brown with white patches on the abdomen, while the female is duller. It is about 11 cm long and can be recognised by its very colourful and soft song.
The Robin is one of the most famous birds we see in our gardens. Its bright red plumage and black bill are easy to spot. It is a medium-sized bird with a melodious song that often serves as a background sound on winter days.
The woodpecker is characterised by its elegant green-blue plumage and also by the distinctive sound it makes with its bill when digging holes in trees. It is 17 to 20 cm long and feeds mainly on fruit, seeds and insects.
In winter, the gardens provide a unique opportunity to observe these three magnificent bird species, which are an integral part of the French winter landscape.
Characteristic features of the black-throated accentor
The black-throated accentor is a small bird species that can be recognized by its dark coloration. The adult male has grey-brown plumage, while the adult female has darker plumage. The chest has thin transverse stripes and the wings are blue-grey. This small bird also has a black throat patch and a black bill. It has a short, pointed tail and is about 11 cm long. The black-billed accentor breeds in mixed and coniferous forests in winter. In summer, it is found in a variety of habitats including clearings, wooded hills and pastures. It feeds mainly on insects, berries and seeds.
Characteristics of the common swift
The Robin is a medium-sized, reddish-brown bird, characterized by a red throat and chin. Its very melodious song with a variety of tones is easily recognizable. He is considered one of the most beautiful songbirds in Europe. Robin feeds mainly on insects and small worms, which it seeks out with its bill on the ground. It can also feed on seeds and fruit. It is very common in Europe and is usually found in gardens, meadows and forests. The nest is usually built by the male, who builds it out of twigs and moss. The female lays 4 to 8 white eggs with red spots. The chicks leave the nest after 12 to 15 days.
Characteristics of the woodpecker
The woodpecker is a very common and recognisable small bird in our gardens in winter. It is a medium-sized bird with a length of 16-18 cm and a weight of about 40 g. Its plumage is predominantly grey, with shades of brown and black on the wing feathers. It has a yellow patch on the top of its head which is very distinctive. characteristic of this species. Its tail is well furnished and pointed at the tip. In addition, it has a robust bill that allows it to drill holes in trees for nest building.
The woodpecker feeds mainly on small arthropods found in trees or on the ground, but also eats fruit and seeds. It is very agile and can perform acrobatics when catching prey. It can therefore be seen jumping between branches or on the ground in search of food.
In conclusion, gardens are ideal places for birdwatching in winter. The most common species in our gardens are the black-capped chickadee, the common swift and the black woodpecker. Each of these fascinating birds has unique characteristics that make them popular with birdwatchers. Their different plumage, song and feeding habits are all characteristics that can be discovered and admired in winter.
