1.Robin
The North wind doth blow and we shall have snow,
And what will poor robin do then, poor thing?
He'll sit in a barn and keep himself warm
and hide his head under his wing, poor thing.
And what will poor robin do then, poor thing?
He'll sit in a barn and keep himself warm
and hide his head under his wing, poor thing.
The colourful, red-breasted robin was recently voted Britain’s National Bird. For many, it is the symbol of winter - especially the festive season. Robins are a UK native breeding bird, but during the winter months, the resident birds are joined by others who have migrated from Europe. Their cheerful image is often used on Christmas greetings cards.
2. Bullfinch
Thanks to the male's bright red colouring and black cap, the bullfinch is one of the most striking British birds. Although they commonly live on the edge of woodlands, bullfinches are also at home in gardens. They are usually found in small groups or in pairs.
3. Blue tit
Another native breeding species, the blue tit is easily recognised by its beautiful, colourful plumage that includes hues of blue, green, yellow and white feathers. In winter, it will eat a similar diet to most other birds, although it favours seeds. Bird watchers have marvelled at the blue tits' intelligence, as they are renowned for learning how to tap through the foil lid of milk bottles delivered to people's doorsteps.
4. Redwing
The redwing isn't native to Britain, but plenty can be found here in winter, as they migrate from Russia, Northern Europe and Iceland. A similar size to the familiar blackbird, the redwing is commonly found in a mixed flock, alongside fieldfares. Their colouring includes a distinctive red flank, with a light brown stripe above each eye. They feed mainly on berries and other fruit trees.
5. Waxwing
A plump bird with a prominent crest, the waxwing is one of the most beautiful birds that migrates to the UK for winter. Its main colour is reddish-brown, with a contrasting black mask around its eyes, white and yellow in its wings and a yellow-tipped tail. Bird watchers said 2016 was one of the best winters in recent history in terms of large numbers of waxwing flying in. They migrate from Russia's boreal forest regions to spend their winter in the UK, where their favourite food is rowan berries.
6. Long tailed tit
The long-tailed tit is common throughout Europe and Asia and is often found in the UK every winter in flocks that include other tits. They commonly form large groups and are easily recognised by their long, prominent tail. In recent years, they have become a common sight on garden feeders and they particularly enjoy eating fatballs.
If you're keen to welcome a wide variety of winter birds to your garden, be sure to leave out plenty of food and fresh water and you won't be disappointed.
Solent Plastics stocks a range of products that are suitable for storing bird food. Our airtight plastic storage boxes and trunks offer reliable protection from water, dust and damp - they can be stored in your garden shed or in the greenhouse. Please contact us for more information on our range of storage products.