Print pageStar species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Britain's rarest breeding woodpecker species is easiest to see and hear at Highnam Woods in early spring, before the trees have their leaves. Listen for the males' drumming and their high-pitched trilling call from the canopy. |  |
Less colourful than other members of the tit family, marsh tits can often be seen foraging for food not far from the ground. Listen for their distinctive 'sneezing' 'pitchoo' call. |  |
Nightingales breed in the hedgerows and scrub. Listen for their incredibly rich, musical song in late April and May. If you are lucky, you may spot one sitting among the foliage, its body almost shaking with the effort! |  |
You can hear song thrushes singing from late winter onwards, with their characteristic habit of mimicking other birds and other sounds, and repeating each phrase two or three times. |  |
Spotted flycatchers' preferred habitat is woodland with large clearings to enable them to make their insect-catching flights, so Highnam Woods is ideal for them. Watch as they make repeated flights from (and back to) the same perch. |  |