Favourite British bird?

Been wanting to create this topic for ages, a subject that's pretty close to this forumite's heart. What's your favourite British bird? Please note that by this, I mean any bird that sets, er, wing into the country in the wild. This would include the ring-neck parakeet (see below) and any migratory birds. Immigration!



My vote goes to the humble blackbird. Usually plump regardless of the time of year, you can't travel far from your front door without seeing one; and they're out at all hours, even in the dark. It amuses me how they run, roadrunner-style across the lawn with their heads down. A novelty as most birds hop or simply fly to their destination. Ladies and gentlemen, the humble blackbird (male and female pictured):



Over to you, my fellow budding ornithologists!

The one playing Doctor Who's new assistant isn't bad.

I'm quite fond of pheasants. They're utterly ridiculous, but the male's plumage is really quite beautiful. Of course, they were originally Indian, so I'm not sure if they count as a Daily Mail-sponsored British bird.

Male pheasants are very pretty indeed, and they have an unmistakeable call. Unfortunately, they're very, very good at getting either run over at ground level, or hit by tall vehicles whilst in the air. First-hand experience, sadly; I was on a coach last year when one decided to fly out in front of the thing.

I have three. In no order as I don't want to offend them. Blackbird, robin & sparrow. I love watching the blackbirds when they have a wash in my bird bath. They splash around so much it always makes me grin.

I love the Magpie - they always seem to be bouncing about, in a somewhat cheeky way. And seconded for Robins, especially when their front is fluffed up. Cute!

Do ducks count?

Umm that one? That flies :geek:

I think Shanks should be allowed to do Aussie birds. Then things automatically get more interesting...

sporkhead wrote:

Do ducks count?

Ducks count, absolutely!

I also love magpies, and any member of the crow family really. Jays are extremely pretty. Magpies look like they're wearing a smart little suit,
and seeing one always makes me smile.

shanks: feel free to post some Aussie birds you like. Your fauna is miles more exciting than ours.

Pigeons. I don't class anything else as British.

Mine be this creature:



The wood pigeon. The reason for this is just me being quirky, to be honest: its call has the same rhythm as the French phrase "Ta gueule, toi!", which means "Shut it, you!" It amuses me.

*closes the window into his mind... until next time*

I will never look at a wood pigeon the same way again.

You probably should never look at me the same way again, too!

Keira Knightley.

Overrated. Not that good at acting, and too snappable to be gorgeous.

The face though, the face.

http://twitter.net/

Swans are pretty and the ones that live here have been trained to ring a bell at the cathedral and get food.

Apparently they also attack rowers, which is another thing going for them.

I've always felt that the Egyptian goose looks a bit zombie-ish. It's the flesh-coloured patch around the eye.

The eyes, man... the eyes... I'm not sleeping tonight, then!

Has it given you goosebumps, Buska?

Kate Beckinsale

Ach, he looks alright really, quite harmle-







Oh, hi there goose. Everything alright?







Goose... you're scaring me...







GET AWAY DEMON BIRD NOOOOO






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How about a vote for the capercaillie, a bird so good we had to do a project about it in primary 5.