Our National Birds
England & The Robin
The robin is Britain's most familiar and favourite bird. Its popularity as a Christmas card icon dates back to the Victorians. Still, its place in English folklore dates back to when it was once seen as an afterlife messenger, a symbol of birth, renewal, good fortune and happiness. Whatever the myth or superstition surrounding it, the colourful firey breast of the robin has captured hearts and the imaginations of countless admirers for generations. A welcome garden visitor and typical resident of woodlands, allotments and parks, the robin unofficially remains England’s de facto national bird despite officially becoming Britain's national bird in 2015.
The Gardener's Friend
Robins are well-known for punching above their weight when defending their territories in the same way one might regard one's home as one's castle, but with a year-round song to say so and prove it! A small bird with a bulldog mentality and yet a bird for all seasons, feeding on seeds, fruit and invertebrates. They also have a well-liked disposition for freshly tilled soil, where they can easily find some of their favourite food - worms and insect larvae, but their real charm comes from allowing themselves to be hand-fed when frequently fed. Hence their nickname, the gardener's friend.
Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
Wales & The Red Kite
In many ways, the story of the Red Kite has followed the social and politcal fortunes of Welsh identity and independence. Two growing movements responsible for a more modern self-governing Wales, both comparable to the soaring success of a bird once on the verge of extinction. When red kites disappeared from the rest of the UK two hundred years ago, the few that remained hung on in Wales. Struggling, only to dramatically rise as a symbol for the Welsh language and culture, and to take pride of place as the official national bird in 2007.
The Comeback Kite
Known in the vernacular as The Land of Song, Wales is also the land of the red kite, where hundreds of them can be seen every day at special feeding stations in places like Llanddeusant and Gigrin Farm. Away from the bird tables, these medium-sized raptors prey on small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, but when these become scarce resort to feeding on earthworms and carrion. Since their reintroduction in the 1990s, they've made a remarkable comeback. Kite numbers have increased at such a rate they're now the most successful example of species reintroduction in the UK!
Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
Scotland & The Golden Eagle
Scotland, the last retreat of the golden eagle, owes its divide to its Caledonian landscape – a mountainous landmass with natural borders that have separated the region long enough for its people to claim the right to self-determination. Since Scotland's yearnings for total independence appear to be rooted in her topography, there's no better bird symbolic of Scottish pride, strength and a desire for Sovereignty than a sovereign of the air exclusively found throughout her mountains and isles.
A King of the Sky
Majestic in flight, the magnificent golden eagle, is one of our most prestigious birds of prey. Yet nowhere in Britain does it embody the spirit of wilderness more than when soaring above The Highlands, hunting in places few would dare to venture. Although not yet official, this spectacular two-metre wingspan aerial predator, is regarded by many as Scotland's national bird. Yet some conflict still exists with it taking grouse, resulting in its unlawful persecution, but thanks to a special project, golden eagle numbers in Southern Scotland have improved enough for them to reclaim their title and rightful place as kings of the sky.
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
Northern Ireland & The Oystercatcher
Often referred to as a state, territory or province in the Ulster region, Northern Ireland is a part of the UK bordering the Republic of Ireland. Being a territory with no official motto or flag, it ceremonially uses the Ulster Banner to distinguish itself from the Irish Republic. In 1961 the Eurasian oystercatcher was selected to represent the Region – a fitting choice for its 7,524km coastline renowned for beauty spots like the Giant's Causeway and a certain wild charm for thousands of migrating waders.
Like a foreign state bordering an island nation, the oystercatcher is a true anomaly amongst shorebirds. Whereas most wader chicks usually feed themselves after hatching, the oystercatcher is only one of two* British waders to feed its young! Their diet typically consists of shellfish, crustacea, lugworms and ragworms. However, as wrinkles, mussels, and cockles are a source of human food, human competition is forcing them inland to fare more on a diet of earthworms and snails.
*the other being the stone curlew.
Birds Without Borders
Irish oystercatchers are short to medium distance migrators, and although they tend to stay in Ireland, they hold no truck with borders, territorial waters or restricted air space. Instead, their loyalty comes from where the weather and food sources drive them – be it back to Iceland, or the other side of the divide between the Region and the Republic. As a result of commercial cockle-bed dredging, much has been done on both sides of the border to preserve the loughs, lagoons, salt marshes and mudflats along Ireland's coasts for its wildfowl and waders.
Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)