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Winters can be harsh and gardens become havens for birds. The presence of birds in our gardens in winter is a sure sign that we take care of our environment and provide them with a safe haven. In this article, we will look at what kind of birds can be found in our gardens in winter and what to do to attract them.
Bird watching in our gardens in winter
Winter is a season rich in bird watching, especially in our gardens. We can observe many species, including black-throated accentorthe robin and the Woodpecker. These birds all have unique characteristics that make them very interesting to watch.
The Black-throated Accentor is distinguished by its dark color and vivid patterns. The male is dark brown with white spots on the belly, while the female is duller. It measures about 11 cm in length and is recognizable by its very varied and delicate song.
The Robin is one of the most familiar birds that can be seen in our gardens. Its bright red plumage and black beak are easily recognizable. This bird has a medium size and a melodious song that often serves as a background sound on winter days.
The Woodpecker is characterized by its elegant green and blue plumage, as well as by the characteristic noise it makes with its beak when digging holes in trees. It measures between 17 and 20 cm in length and feeds mainly on fruits, seeds and insects.
In winter, the gardens offer observers the unique opportunity to observe these three magnificent species of birds which are an integral part of the French winter landscape.
Characteristics of the Black-throated Accentor
© Canva
The Black-throated Accentor is a small species of bird that is recognizable by its dark colors. The adult male has grey-brown plumage, while the adult female’s plumage is darker. Its chest is barred with thin transverse bands and its wings are blue-grey. This small bird also has a black patch on its throat and a black beak. It has a short, pointed tail, and it’s about 11cm long. The Black-throated Accentor nests in mixed forest and coniferous forest in winter. In summer, it can be found in a variety of habitats, including glades, wooded hills, and grasslands. It feeds mainly on insects, berries and seeds.
Characteristics of the Robin
© Canva
The Robin is a medium-sized, reddish-brown bird, distinguished by its red throat and chin. Its very melodious song, with varied series of notes, is very easily identifiable. He is considered one of the most beautiful singers in Europe. The Robin feeds mainly on insects and small worms that it finds by digging in the ground with its beak. It can also consume seeds and fruits. It is very common in Europe and is usually found in gardens, meadows and wooded areas. The Robin’s nest is usually built by the male, who builds it using twigs and moss. The female lays between 4 and 8 white eggs with red spots. The chicks leave the nest after 12 to 15 days.
Characteristics of the Woodpecker
© Canva
The Woodpecker is a very common and recognizable little bird in our gardens in winter. This bird is medium-sized, with a length that varies between 16 and 18 cm and a weight of about 40 g. Its plumage is mostly gray, with shades of brown and black on its wing feathers. He has a yellow spot on the top of his head, which is very characteristic of this species. Its tail is well furnished and pointed at its end. In addition, it has a strong beak that allows it to drill holes in trees to build its nest.
The Woodpecker feeds mainly on small arthropods found in trees or on the ground, but it also eats fruits and seeds. It is very agile and can perform acrobatics to catch its prey. It can therefore be observed 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-throated Accentor, Robin and Woodpecker. These fascinating birds each have unique characteristics that make them highly prized by observers. The different plumages, songs and eating habits are all features to discover and admire in winter.
