Key speciesFind out about some of the key bird species that Homes for Wildlife aims to benefit. Follow the advice we provide and hopefully some, if not all, could become a regular sight in your garden. Many of these familiar birds have suffered serious declines, but you can help them by taking part in Homes for Wildlife. For example, populations of house sparrow, starling and song thrush have declined by more than half over the last 25 years. 2007 saw the house sparrow, song thrush and starling added as priority species to the updated UK Biodiversity Action Plan list - meaning these once common birds are now species of conservation concern. Once you have registered, we hope that you will also take part in our Homes for Wildlife surveys and tell us about the birds and other wildlife that you see your home and garden. This will enable us to see how different species are responding to the habitats you are creating. The pleasant warbling of the male blackbird forms the foundation of the spring dawn chorus in woods and gardens everywhere. From February, or even earlier, its brightens any dark morning and is a welcome harbinger of spring.
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The house martin is a summer visitor, familiar to many homeowners for the mud nest it builds under the eaves of houses. These nests are constructed with over 1000 pellets of mud carried from the edges of nearby muddy puddles and tracks. More... |  |
The house sparrow is one of our most familiar birds and is affectionately recognised as being a cheeky and loveable rogue with a promiscuous nature. It is widely distributed throughout Britain, but the population has declined by over 65% in recent years. More... |  |
One of the first signs of an approaching spring is to hear the loud piping call of the song thrush as it sings from the top of a chimney, roof or television aerial. Such is its song's popularity, that it topped an RSPB poll of the nation's favourite songbirds. More... |  |
The spotted flycatcher is a summer visitor, favouring mature gardens, churches and cemeteries in urban and suburban areas. Quiet and unobtrusive, spotted flycatchers are most often seen making aerial feeding forays from prominent perches on mature trees surrounding open lawns. More... |  |
The starling is a familiar bird throughout Britain, associated with farm, wood and urban habitats. It is famed for its ability to mimic the calls of other birds and the mechanical noises in its varied repertoire of song. More... |  |
The swift is one of the last summer migrants to arrive and the first to leave. It is obvious from its screeching calls as excited parties fly above the rooftops and race along the streets. More... |  |
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