Birds of France (Pocket Photo Guides) 1472949013, 9781472949011

Table of contents :
Cover
Title Page
Contents
Introduction
How to use this book
How to identify a bird
Natural France – an overview
Birdlife in France
Where and when to watch birds in France
Species descriptions
Resources
Photo credits
List of species names
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgments
eCopyright

Citation preview

CONTENTS Introduction How to use this book How to identify a bird Natural France – an overview Birdlife in France Where and when to watch birds in France Species descriptions Resources Acknowledgements Photo credits List of species names

INTRODUCTION France is the largest country entirely within Europe – more than twice the size of the United Kingdom. It has impressively varied natural landscapes – from wetlands to stony deserts, vast forests to montane meadows – plus coastlines that encompass three seas (the Mediterranean, North Sea and Atlantic Ocean) and the English Channel (La Manche in French). France imbibes influences from both northern and southern Europe – and its wildlife, specifically its birdlife, reflects this. France also serves as a thoroughfare for migrant birds – typically those that breed further north and winter further south. All this is found in a country with roughly half the population of the UK, meaning that many natural landscapes are unfettered by substantial human activity. In turn, this means that birds and other animals thrive. Not only wildlife prospers in France; tourism does too. UK residents made more than 8 million visits to France in 2016 – more than to any other country except Spain. Many of those visits were to areas that throng with birdlife: from the Atlantic coast to the Alps, and from the Channel to the world-famous Camargue. Yet, until now, there has never been an Englishlanguage field guide to the birds of France. Birdwatchers and tourists alike have had to make do with field guides to British birds (which do not cover all common species in France) or to the birds of the whole of Europe (which have the potential for confusion, illustrating numerous species that do not occur in France). This book aims to make amends, illustrating and describing 252 bird species that are most likely to be encountered on a visit to France,

including Corsica. The book is designed for English-speaking tourists visiting France or expats resident in France who have an interest in identifying birds they see. It aims to meet the needs of ecotourists and novice birdwatchers more than expert birders – although the latter should still get plenty of use from it. This is deliberately a pocket guide, compact enough to carry around and perfect to throw in a suitcase for a family holiday where birdwatching is a sideline. This guide does not seek to be comprehensive, but to home in on birds most likely to be seen while exploring the French countryside (or urban areas, for that matter; birds get everywhere!). Importantly, it seeks to avoid the use of birding jargon, instead conveying in layman’s language the features you should look for to identify correctly the bird in your sights.

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK This book describes and depicts the 252 species you are most likely to see in the country. Where it makes sense to do so, images of flying birds are included for species often seen in flight. Each species description is headed by the English and scientific names, plus the total body length (and wingspan for birds frequently seen in flight). The names used, taxonomy (the arbitration on what constitutes a full species rather than subspecies) and the order of families all follow the expert advice of the Association of European Records and Rarities Committees (www.aerc.eu). Here, there is a section on French names, which may be useful if you chat to local birdwatchers. Each species description starts with a summary of the distribution, status, seasonality and habitat of the bird in question. This helps start the identification process: you are unlikely to see a summer visitor in winter, or to encounter in Normandy a bird that occurs only in the Alps. If you are unfamiliar with the geography of France, bookmark the map, which illustrates the country’s administrative regions. The text suggests the best ways to distinguish the bird concerned from similar-looking species. Quite intentionally, we neither provide a feather-by-feather description nor recount what you can see in the photographs. Instead, we adopt a more user-friendly approach that directs your attention to the diagnostic characteristics of the species. If Bird A differs from all similar-looking creatures by a bold white band on the wing, why laboriously describe the colour and pattern of

every other feather tract – particularly since you can see these in the accompanying photograph(s)? Finally, where relevant to identification (or to getting the ‘feel’ of a bird), we include choice details on vocalisations (such as distinctive calls) and behaviour (showy or skulking, solitary or gregarious).

HOW TO IDENTIFY A BIRD To help you identify an unfamiliar bird, it is useful to have a mental checklist of things to look out for. Putting these together should narrow down the list of candidate species. Things to focus on include: • How does the bird’s size compare to a species with which you are familiar (and which, ideally, is nearby)? Is it bigger or smaller? • How does the shape compare: is it longer- or shorterlegged? Does it have a long, fine bill or a short, chunky one? • Where is the bird? Is it in a tree, on the ground, on the water or on a muddy estuary? You are unlikely to see a wader perched in a leafy canopy, or a thrush hopping around on a mudflat. • What is the bird doing? Specifically, how is it moving? Is it running or hopping? Is it moving quickly through vegetation or flying high in the sky? • Is the bird silent or vocal? If vocal, can you describe its call or song? • Are there any obvious patches of white on the bird’s plumage? If so, where exactly (see the illustration)? • Finally, look for prominent patches of other colours: perhaps a black stripe on the head, a yellow flash on the wing, or red legs. Where is this and why is it noticeable? Scientists pride themselves on being very precise when it

comes to describing animals. Ornithologists are no different, and have developed detailed topographic charts to ensure everyone is clear on what parts of a bird they are referring to. This is important when distinguishing between similar-looking species, for example. However, for the lay reader, and even for many birdwatchers, the particular terms used can be confusing and difficult to remember. Although most people will be able to guess where on a bird’s body its rump lies, pinpointing the primaries and supercilium may be trickier. Accordingly, we take care to minimise the use of overly technical terms when referring to parts of a bird’s body. For the ease of reading, we simplify descriptions. For example, instead of ‘supercilium’ we refer to the ‘stripe over the eye’ and use ‘wing-tip’ instead of ‘primaries’. All this said, there is merit in familiarising yourself with the formal terms. It may help, for example, in conversations with other birdwatchers who help you differentiate between a Common Chaffinch and Brambling by referring to the colour of their wing coverts. To help prepare for such scenarios, have a look at the annotated illustration of a bird (below), which contains the official names for particular body parts.

NATURAL FRANCE – AN OVERVIEW Three sides of L’Hexagone (a casual synonym for mainland France, reflecting the territory’s shape) comprise coastline. Two – the English Channel/North Sea and the Atlantic – are similar in character. The third, the Mediterranean, is very different. The northern and western coastlines have extensive, unspoilt intertidal and coastal habitats. There are large estuaries and also vast expanses of saltmarsh – perfect for wildfowl and waders. The southern coast is warmer and calmer, comprising beaches with the odd delta, such as the Camargue, which lies where the River Rhône strives to meet the Mediterranean Sea. France is rarely thought of as mountainous, yet it has many peaks topping 3,500m, including Europe’s highest (Mont Blanc, at 4,810m). These summits lie in eastern France, which is dominated by land at high altitude stretching from the Vosges in the north-east to the Alpes Maritimes in the south-east. The Vosges are comparatively rounded for a mountain chain. The Jura, further south, are higher, with spectacular limestone landscapes, while the Alps themselves are without peer in Europe – lofty, rugged and fresh. At their southern edge, the Queyras and Alpes Maritimes harbour a hotter, drier climate – which means that the wildlife here is quite different from that of the Vosges. In contrast to these hilly regions, the northern third of France is largely low-lying. The underlying sedimentary rocks produce soils that furnish France’s expansive agricultural plains. Around Paris, and thus across much of north-central France, is a ring of chalk. Soils here are

acidic and poorly drained, discouraging agriculture and allowing the formation of heathland and forest. The western extremity of northern France – Brittany, in particular – lies atop a hard bedrock of granite. This allows a wilder landscape to predominate, with moors, forests and rocky outcrops. Central France is dominated by the hilly Massif Central, which includes renowned landscapes such as Auvergne–Rhône-Alpes (volcanic in origin), the Cévennes (granites) and the Causses (limestone plateaus). Several well-known rivers (the Loire, Lot and Dordogne) rise here, flowing north and east – including through the remarkable wetlands of La Brenne. Southern France is different again. In addition to the Camargue, there are limestone hills, warm hillsides covered with garrigue scrubland, lofty cliffs and broad river valleys. Heading south-west towards Spain, the land rises into the great wall of the Pyrenees, which separates France from Iberia. Isolated from mainland France, but a regular tourist destination and thus within the scope of this book, is Corsica. This island is a world unto itself, with precipitous mountains plunging into pristine coastlines, vast forests, and abundant coastal and high-altitude lakes.

BIRDLIFE IN FRANCE Although more than 600 species of bird have been recorded in France, many are unusual or exceptional visitors. Roughly 350 to 400 species occur regularly, of which more than 250 routinely breed (of which about 150 do so commonly). A good proportion of the birds seen in France will be familiar to visitors coming from the British Isles. Pleasingly, however, many species that are rare (or effectively unknown) in the UK and Ireland transpire to be common and widespread in France, including Black Redstart, Cirl Bunting and European Serin. You will soon notice other differences too. Although climate change is pushing species north into the UK, longlegged waterbirds such as various egrets, herons and spoonbills are still more frequently encountered in France. There is a wider variety of woodpeckers in French forests than in UK woodlands, a much broader diversity of birds of prey (including several eagles and vultures) and many more warblers to tick off. Wildfowl, waders and gulls may feel pretty familiar, but not so colourful, exoticlooking creatures such as Hoopoe, European Bee-eater and Blue Rock Thrush. High-altitude zones have their own special birds – including such exotically named species as Alpine Chough, Alpine Accentor and White-winged Snowfinch. The following section suggests where you might see some of these exciting birds. According to current classifications by BirdLife International and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, 15 species regularly occurring in France are considered globally threatened (which means

they face a very real chance of extinction). One of these, Corsican Nuthatch, occurs in no other country but France (indeed, as its name suggests, in no other place but Corsica). Among non-threatened species, two other Corsican specialities, Marmora’s Warbler and Corsican Finch, otherwise exist solely on the adjacent Italian island of Sardinia. France is special!

WHERE AND WHEN TO WATCH BIRDS IN FRANCE You can see birds anywhere in France, and need make no special trips to enjoy watching some attractive species. But one thing is clear: you will not see precisely the same suite of species wherever you travel. The birds you see at any given place depend on habitats at the location, on altitude and on season. Accordingly, below is an overview of some of the most interesting birds occurring in particular sites or areas (many of them in tourist regions). This section is intended to be illustrative, not exhaustive, and clearly it is no substitute for detailed information on particular locations, as might be found in excellent online databases (see ‘Resources’). English Channel and Atlantic coasts France’s premier seabird colonies are in Brittany, notably on the Sept Îles. Northern Gannet is the star here, but other species include European Shag, Black-legged Kittiwake and Sandwich Tern. Off northwesternmost France, the island of Ouessant (Ushant) is famous for students of bird migration, attracting a mouth-watering list of rare migrants and vagrants. The Baie de Somme on the English Channel is very good for waterfowl and waders, particularly in winter. South of Brittany, the Atlantic coast abounds in good birdwatching sites, including Baie de l’Aiguillon, where the marshes hold breeding birds such as Black-winged Stilt and Black-tailed Godwit. The intertidal feeding grounds here may host hundreds of thousands of waders in autumn, many of which overwinter. Nearby Bourgneuf

holds similar species. North-east and central France Lac du Der-Chantecoq, in the north-east, is renowned for the thousands of geese and Common Cranes that pause on migration or spend the winter here. To the east, deciduous forests at Troisfontaines are a stronghold for France’s contingent of woodpeckers. South of Paris, in central France, are the famous Sologne and La Brenne wetlands. Both abound in birds associated with damp places, from Black-necked Grebe and Red-crested Pochard to Bearded Reedling. The hills of the Massif Central are too low for truly montane species to breed, but some, such as Citril Finch and Alpine Accentor, occur in winter. Extensive forests here are home to Black Woodpecker, European Crested Tit and Red Crossbill. The Cévennes and Causses regions offer excellent birdwatching, with open-country species such as shrikes and various warblers complemented by cliffdwelling birds such as Eurasian Eagle-owl and Eurasian Crag Martin.

The Alps and Pyrenees You can expect to see truly montane birds in the Alps, such as Alpine Chough, Whitewinged Snowfinch, Alpine Accentor and Water Pipit. Birds of prey include Golden Eagle, and the Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier) is being reintroduced. France’s other major mountain chain, the Pyrenees, holds similar species – although both the number and variety of aerial birds, from vultures and eagles to Eurasian Crag Martin, are generally greater. Up high, look for Citril Finch and both species of chough. The forests are also productive, with Black Woodpecker and Western Bonelli’s Warbler among the specialities. The Mediterranean coast and Corsica The Mediterranean region is very different, with southern species such as Cirl Bunting, Hoopoe and European Bee-eater being particularly welcome. Coastal waterbodies, notably in the Camargue, often thrill, with flocks of Greater Flamingo

turning the vista pink, and a wide variety of gulls, terns, waders, ducks and raptors adding to the attraction. Nearby, the stony desert of La Crau attracts a special avifauna, including Eurasian Stone-curlew, Little Bustard and Ortolan Bunting. A short distance further is the Alpilles, where the rugged habitat hosts Bonelli’s Eagle, Eurasian Eagle-owl, Blue Rock Thrush and, in winter, Wallcreeper. Finally, Corsica provides a lesson in avian evolution, for there are birds here that occur nowhere else in the world (or pretty much so), among a wide range of exciting species. Examples are Corsican Nuthatch, Marmora’s Warbler and Corsican Finch.

Adult (left), Adult in flight (right)

MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor 150cm Widespread waterbird, frequenting plains, valleys and vegetated lakes. Massive, white and long-necked. Usually seen floating on water, grazing in fields or flying, when wings make a unique musical throbbing sound. Stockier than similarly huge Whooper Swan, with neck often held in an ‘S’ shape, black triangle at the base of orange (adult) or grey (juvenile) bill, and longer tail (best seen in upending birds). Short legs eliminate Eurasian Spoonbill or egrets as possible confusion species. Displaying males cruise rapidly across water with wings raised like sails. Often aggressive, hissing and even attacking when intruders threaten their young.

Adult (left), First-winter plumage, in flight (right)

WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus 150cm Rare winterer in north-east France, favouring quiet waterbodies (particularly for roosting) and nearby fields. Same size as Mute Swan (i.e. massive), but slimmer and with very long neck often held straight. As other swans, adults have white plumage, juveniles greyish. Even at a distance, has a distinctly ‘snoutier’ head and bill shape than Mute, with wide head and very long, tapering bill. At closer range, extensive yellow bill base contrasts with broad black tip (Mute has black at base of orange bill). These features also rule out smaller Bewick’s Swan (Cygnus columbianus; not illustrated), which winters rarely in parts of France.

Adult (left), Adult in flight (right)

GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser 80cm Resident along much of the northern and Atlantic coasts, and winters particularly in north-west half of country. Frequents a variety of waterbodies, pastures and crop fields. Second-largest goose (smaller only than Canada Goose), stocky and thick-necked. Only goose with a deepbased, wholly orange bill and pink legs. Plumage greyer than other geese, with striking (and unique) pale grey bands on forewings prominent in ponderous flight. Loud, nasal cackling calls (recall a ‘farmyard goose’).

CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis 80–105cm Non-native birds breed widely across the northern half of France, and may range more widely in winter. Frequents any freshwater lakes, including in urban areas. Huge, swarthy, long-necked, bulky goose with diagnostic broad white chin-strap on otherwise black head and neck. White face-patch (rather than neck collar) distinguishes it from smaller Brent Goose, and breast is pale, not black. Loud, trumpeting call – particularly given in heavy, noisy flight.

BRENT GOOSE Branta bernicla 58cm Common, gregarious winterer on northern and Atlantic coasts as far south as northern Aquitaine, favouring muddy bays, adjacent marshy grasslands and rocky, seaweed-strewn shores. France’s (and Europe’s) smallest goose, no larger than Common Shelduck. White collar on throat is diagnostic, and stands out on the wholly black head and neck. At a distance, bright white undertail is distinct against mostly dingy brown plumage. Looks slim and elegant in flight, with sharply pointed wings. Flocks issue a distinctive gargling or chuckling call, particularly in flight.

Adult male in flight (left), Adult male, on left, and adult female (right)

COMMON SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna 60cm Resident along Mediterranean coasts and northern Aquitaine, frequenting fresh- and saltwater habitats. Unmistakable large, goose-like duck. At a distance, appears white with bold black patches. At closer range, head, neck and inner portion of rear wing have a green sheen, breast-band is chestnut, bill is a vibrant strawberry red and legs are shocking pink. Looking, in flight strikingly white, with dark head, neck, rear third of wing, shoulder-patches and upper back. Calls include a nasal, conversational ga-ga-ga-ga.

Adult male in flight (left), Adult female (right)

MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos 55cm France’s commonest duck, occurring countrywide even in urban areas. Long, stocky and familiar duck that provides the benchmark for identifying other ducks. In flight, looks heavy and dark, with two white lines along wings flanking a blue rectangle (speculum). Orange legs – visible when on land – are unlike those of any other French duck except the massive-billed Northern Shoveler. Male’s combination of green head, thin white neck collar, purple-brown breast and curly black tail feathers is unique. Female differs from female Gadwall in its stripier face and limited (rather than extensive) orange sides to grey bill. Beware oddly plumaged birds (black, white, etc.) deriving from captive stock.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

EURASIAN WIGEON Anas penelope 46cm Widespread winterer on and around waterbodies and marshes, particularly in major wetland areas. Midway between Mallard and Eurasian Teal in size, with short neck and round head. Bill pattern is unique among European dabbling ducks: pale bluish with a black tip. Male’s chestnut head and yellow forehead stripe are distinctive; in flight, shows a striking white patch on forewing. Female dull brown, differing from other ducks by subtly chestnut flanks and (visible when on land) contrasting white belly. Gregarious, sometimes in large groups that utter evocative whistling calls and take to the air in rapid, wheeling flocks.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

GADWALL Anas strepera 51cm Widespread but thinly distributed winterer and scarce breeder, frequenting larger, well-vegetated freshwater bodies. Slightly smaller and more slender than Mallard. Male is the only duck with almost wholly silvery-grey plumage and contrasting black bill. In flight, white patch at rear of wing (speculum) catches eye. Female resembles female Mallard but has a plainer face, white wing patch and more extensive orange sides to bill. Usually occurs in pairs; flocks are rare.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

EURASIAN TEAL Anas crecca 36cm Rare breeder in northern France. Winters commonly, particularly in extensive wetlands, marshes and large estuaries. The smallest dabbling duck – compact, appearing particularly so during its urgent, twisting flight. Often in dense flocks. Attractive males have a rufous head partitioned by a broad green mask with yellow edges. Grey body is divided by two horizontal stripes (one black, one white), and a yellow triangle on vent glows on gloomy afternoons. Size distinguishes female from brown female ducks, e.g. Eurasian Wigeon. Differs from female Garganey in plainer head, white line along side of tail and (often) orange base to bill.

NORTHERN PINTAIL Anas acuta 56cm (+ 10cm tail in male) Uncommon winterer throughout France, with more birds on passage in spring/autumn. Prefers well-vegetated lakes and estuaries. Both sexes are slender, long-necked, sharp-winged, graceful ducks – the male with elongated tail streamers. Male (pictured) is distinctive, with a chocolate-brown head contrasting with white breast, and cream stripe on rear flanks contrasting with black vent and undertail. Female differs from female Mallard and Gadwall in lacking any orange on bill, and having an entirely plain head and strongly pointed tail. Usually occurs as loose groups in flocks of other ducks.

Adult male (left, centre), and adult female (right)

GARGANEY Anas querquedula 39cm Localised breeder (summer visitor), particularly in northern France. Shy, preferring secluded, well-vegetated lakes, especially flanked by reeds. Slightly larger than Eurasian Teal, but unlike that species, upends only rarely to feed, preferring to dabble on surface. At a distance, male is a duck of two halves – dark-fronted but pale at the rear. At closer range, head pattern (long white stripe from eye to nape, on chocolate-brown head) is distinctive. Female/immature resemble female Eurasian Teal but differ in boldly striped face (with double supercilium), contrastingly creamy chin and all-dark bill (Eurasian Teal often has orange bill base).

Adult male (left), Eclipse male (right)

NORTHERN SHOVELER Anas clypeata 48cm Localised breeder in major wetlands; more widespread in winter but still scarce. Favours shallow, well -vegetated waterbodies. Smaller, stockier and with bigger head than Mallard, and with a massive spatulate bill (the origin of its name). Male is distinctive, with green head (like male Mallard) but white breast and rusty flanks. In flight, male has eye-catching large, pale blue upperwing patch (grey in female). Female/immature recalls female Mallard in plumage, but has a plainer head. Forages undemonstratively, usually in pairs and never in big flocks.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina 55cm Sparse, shy breeder of well-vegetated lakes in major inland wetlands such as La Brenne and the Rhône valley. Large flocks winter in the Camargue and on alpine lakes. Large, big-headed duck, the size of a Mallard, which feeds by dabbling and upending. At range, male can look largely dark and white, but diagnostic burnt-orange head and vivid red bill remain highly visible. Female/immature is uniform, unmarked brown but with a contrastingly bicolored head (dark cap, pale cheeks) – a far more striking pattern than superficially similar female Common Scoter. In flight, shows a prominent white wing-stripe.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

COMMON POCHARD Aythya ferina 46cm Local breeder in northern France, but relatively common and widespread in winter, even on urban waters. Diving ducks such as Common Pochard are fairly small – about the size of Eurasian Wigeon – but compact and stocky. They feed by diving fully underwater and are typically gregarious. Both sexes have a distinctive profile, with a gently sloping forehead and longish bill. Male’s head is a deeper chestnut than in male Red-crested Pochard and bill is blue-grey/black (red on latter). Female/immature has a dark eye surrounded by diffuse pale ‘spectacles’ – quite unlike the staring yellow eye of female Tufted Duck.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula 42cm Breeds locally in northern France, but more common and widespread in winter, including on urban lakes. Marginally smaller and slighter than Common Pochard, with a shorter bill. Female differs from female of that species by having a vibrant yellow eye and pale blue bill with black tip. Female may also have hint of tuft on rear crown, which becomes a long crest in male. Latter is unmistakable, being all black with white flanks. In flight, both sexes have a prominent white stripe on rear wing (indistinct in Common Pochard).

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra 49cm Gregarious seaduck, with good wintering populations on northern and Atlantic coasts as far south as NouvelleAquitaine, and in the Mediterranean around the Camargue. Occurs offshore, and occasionally on inland waters. Between Eurasian Wigeon and Mallard in size, but stockier. Both sexes are wholly dark (or almost so), males black and females sooty brown, with no white on wing. Female has a pale cheek-patch – more indistinct than in female Red-crested Pochard (and lacking that species’ conspicuous white wing-stripe). Typically seen in large groups bobbing on the sea, or flying in long lines (when seen as chunky, short-necked, all-dark ducks).

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

COMMON GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula 44cm Small groups frequent undisturbed large lakes, particularly in northern France. Compact diving duck between Common Pochard and Tufted Duck in size. Dives actively. Eye-catching white wing panels show clearly in flight, which is rapid and whirring, with noisy wingbeats. Male is more squat than superficially similar Common Merganser (Goosander), from which it is easily differentiated by gleaming golden eye and white spot next to short triangular black bill. White breast rules out male Tufted Duck – and it is noticeably whiter overall. Female differs from female Tufted Duck in dark grey bill, white eye, and brown head contrasting with grey body.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

COMMON MERGANSER (GOOSANDER) Mergus merganser 63cm Breeds on large alpine lakes and rivers, wintering in eastern France and the Rhône valley. France’s largest duck: noticeably long, streamlined and water-hugging. Slender red bill (‘sawbill’) eliminates confusion with all ducks other than Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator; not illustrated, occurs sparingly on northern coasts). Male shares green head with Northern Shoveler, but – as well as bill – differs in white (not chestnut) flanks. White breast and lack of punky crest distinguishes male from male Red-breasted Merganser. Female (‘redhead’) has a shaggier rear crest than female Redbreasted Merganser and white (not grey) breast.

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa 34cm Common, gregarious Mediterranean species introduced to northern France, where population is sustained only by releases for hunting. Partridges are fat-bodied, smallheaded birds that dot agricultural fields. They are wary, preferring to run when feeling threatened, but may fly low, with rapid wingbeats and stiff-winged glides. Redlegged is more colourful and boldly patterned than Grey Partridge, with red (not grey) bill and legs. In flight, shows plain wings (barred in Grey). Call often heard: a rhythmic, grating, jerky spluttering. Locally in the Alps, Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca; not illustrated) frequents open areas above the treeline. It differs by larger area of white on throat, neat black collar and black at bill base.

HAZEL GROUSE Tetrastes bonasia 37cm Scarce resident in shady, moist montane (Vosges, Jura, Alps, Massif Central) forests with a dense understorey, particularly dominated by birches or pines. Reclusive forest grouse, scurrying discreetly over ground or along branches. Best detected by male’s song: a surprisingly high, weedy whistling like that of a Goldcrest. Surprisingly small: barely larger than Eurasian Jay and much smaller than Black Grouse, which occupies a similar habitat. Flies readily and rapidly, the subterminal black tail-band standing out against pale tail. Both sexes are cryptically plumaged, mottled grey and brown (occasionally more chestnut, see photo) – more variegated than Black Grouse.

Transitional plumage (left), Non-breeding plumage (right)

ROCK PTARMIGAN Lagopus muta 33cm Resident in the Alps and Pyrenees on bare rocky mountain slopes, summits and meadows, typically above 2,000m near permanent snowline. The only grouse occurring at high altitude outside forest (and never frequent woodland). Montane specialist renowned for moulting into plumage that offers camouflage pertinent to the season: blotchy grey-brown and white in summer, wholly white (bar a small red eye-wattle) in winter. Wings white and tail black throughout the year, the contrast eyecatching in flight.

BLACK GROUSE Tetrao tetrix 54cm Resident in the Alps (and rarely in the Ardennes), inhabiting borders and clearings in upland pine forest. Particularly obvious in early spring, when males gather at communal display grounds (leks); otherwise elusive. Male (pictured) glossy blue-black save for white wing-bar, undertail-coverts and ‘trousers’, and red wattle above eye. Differs from male Western Capercaillie by smaller size, white on wings and undertail, and black (not white) bill. Differs from black variant of Common Pheasant in short tail and lack of red facial wattle. Female similar to female Western Capercaillie, but smaller and with wholly brown underparts.

WESTERN CAPERCAILLIE Tetrao urogallus 75–90cm Resident in open, old-growth pine forests – usually at high altitude – in the Alps, Vosges, Pyrenees and (reintroduced but declining) the Cévennes. Only confusion species is Black Grouse, with which it overlaps solely in the Alps. Massive turkey-like gamebird, far larger and stockier than Black Grouse, the male (pictured) with a diagnostic white bill and all-brown wings. In display, fans tail and postures aggressively. Female also heftier than Black Grouse, differing in plumage by chestnut-orange breast and boldly barred white belly.

GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix 30cm Resident in agricultural plains and grassy meadows in the northern two-thirds of France; particularly common in Hauts-de-France and Normandy. Montane birds inhabit the Pyrenees and limestone plateaus (Causses) of the Massif Central. Plumage is duller, more uniform and more camouflaged than in Red-legged Partridge. Diagnostic orange face and dark brown breast-patch are most intense on male. In the Pyrenees, Grey Partridges are mountaineers, so overlap in range with Rock Ptarmigan, which is superficially similar in summer plumage. Latter is easily excluded, however, by red wattle over eye, white patches in plumage, and combination of shocking white wings and black tail in flight (brown and chestnut, respectively, in Grey Partridge).

COMMON QUAIL Coturnix coturnix 17cm Summer migrant, inhabiting grassy plains and valleys throughout France, particularly in hotter, drier areas. Quails are tiny, skulking gamebirds – the size of a Eurasian Skylark – that stay hidden in vegetation. Best located by male’s song: a far-carrying, liquid, trisyllabic wit-wi-wit. Diminutive stature rules out Grey Partridge as a confusion species (although streaky, camouflaged brown plumage is not dissimilar). Also much longerwinged than Grey in flight (surprisingly so) and drops into cover after short flight. Crakes (Porzana spp.; not illustrated in this guide) could also cause confusion, but inhabit marshes rather than dry grasslands.

COMMON PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus 55–90cm (including tail) Occurs throughout lowland France in or near deciduous or mixed woodland, and in farmland with hedgerows. Nonnative species, populations boosted each year with releases for hunting. Unmistakable chicken-sized gamebird with a very long tail. No confusion species for typically plumaged (bronze) male (pictured), although black variants conceivably prompt confusion with male Black Grouse. Tailless female or juvenile/first-winter might recall female Black Grouse, but differentiated by paler, buffier plumage and largely unmarked underparts. Much smaller than female Western Capercaillie.

Breeding plumage (left), Non-breeding plumage (right)

LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis 26cm Common resident of freshwater bodies throughout lowland France. Gregarious in winter. Tiny and rounded: the smallest bird likely to be seen swimming on lakes etc. (much smaller than Eurasian Teal). Shorter-necked and dumpier than other grebes. Markedly fluffy, with a shaggy rear end. The brownest grebe – never strikingly black and white like winter-plumaged Black-necked and Horned (Slavonian) grebes (both of these also have black bills, unlike winter Little, which has a yellow bill). In summer plumage, adults have a unique chestnut cheek and butter-yellow patch by bill.

Adult, breeding plumage (left), First-winter plumage (right)

GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus 49cm Common throughout on sheltered, vegetated waterbodies. More widespread in winter, when it also occurs offshore. Largest grebe, the size of a Northern Shoveler, but much more rakish. Longer- and thinnernecked than other grebes. In summer plumage, no other grebe has a black crest, white face and white neck. In winter garb, long pink bill and white stripe above dark eye rule out Black-necked and Horned (Slavonian) grebes. First two characters plus white (not dusky) neck also eliminate Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena; not illustrated, winters rarely on northern and western coasts).

HORNED (SLAVONIAN) GREBE Podiceps auritus 35cm Uncommon winter visitor to coasts (thus seen in nonbreeding plumage), particularly in the north but occasionally as far south as the Mediterranean. Usually solitary. Mid-sized grebe, roughly the size of Eurasian Teal but slighter and longer-necked. Much smaller than Great Crested Grebe, from which it also differs by extensive black ‘beret’, red eye and short, dark bill. Red eye and dark bill also distinguish Horned from Little Grebe, compared to which it is larger, longer-necked, and cleanly black and white (without any brown). Similar, however, to Black-necked Grebe (see that species for identification tips).

Breeding plumage (left), Non-breeding plumage (right)

BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis 31cm Common winter visitor to all coasts and to large inland waterbodies. Also breeds in the Camargue, and the northeast quarter of France. Distinctive in breeding plumage, with a golden fan of feathers behind eye, contrasting with red eye, predominately black plumage and chestnut flanks. In winter plumage, differs from Little Grebe by being black and white, not buff and brown. Compared to Horned (Slavonian) Grebe, Black-necked is slightly smaller, with a fluffy ‘bottom’ (rather like Little Grebe), slightly upturned bill and steeper forehead (which lend it a different profile), and typically much duskier neck.

Adult in flight (left), Adult (right)

NORTHERN FULMAR Fulmarus glacialis 47cm, wingspan 109cm Seabird breeding in colonies on sea-cliff ledges in Brittany, Normandy and Hauts-de-France. Winters offshore but may be seen from land, particularly in strong winds. At breeding sites, often first seen as white blobs on broad, grassy ledges. At rest, slightly larger and more heavily built than Common Gull, and with a short, thick bill with tubular nostrils. In flight, may recall a gull, but differs in grey rump and tail (neither white nor black); long, straight, wholly grey wings (no black tips); short neck; and very round head. The flight is markedly stiffwinged, with none of the easy flapping of gulls.

Adult in flight (left), Adult (right)

SCOPOLI’S SHEARWATER Calonectris diomedea 53cm, wingspan 113cm Seabird breeding on small Mediterranean islands off Marseille, Hyères and Corsica, and in northern Aquitaine at Europe’s tallest sand dune (Pilat). Most likely seen from ships or when seawatching. Markedly larger than Northern Fulmar (the size of Lesser Black-backed Gull), with longer, slimmer wings. Brown coloration, dark rump and tail, and dusky head also eliminate Northern Fulmar. Flies differently too – lethargic downbeats and long glides on bowed wings. Beware confusion with young Northern Gannet, which is much larger, with angled wings, and a longer bill and tail. Formerly considered same species as very similar Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris borealis; not illustrated, an uncommon visitor to Atlantic coasts).

Adult in flight (left), Adult (right)

YELKOUAN SHEARWATER Puffinus yelkouan 31cm, wingspan 77cm Seabird breeding on Mediterranean islands off Hyères (95% of the French breeding population), Marseille and Corsica. Resident along the Mediterranean coast, but rare in the Atlantic. Mediterranean version of Balearic Shearwater (formerly classified as same species), although the pair overlaps along those coasts. Differs from other seabirds in similar ways to Balearic (see that species), although more easily confused with Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus; not illustrated), which has cleaner black/white coloration and a white vent (black in Yelkouan), and lacks Yelkouan’s dark flank-bar. Differs from Balearic in smaller size, paler plumage (never dusky on belly) and dark diagonal line on whitish underwing (generally dusky underwings on Balearic).

Adult (left), Adult in flight (right)

BALEARIC SHEARWATER Puffinus mauretanicus 36cm, wingspan 84cm Seabird wandering to Bay of Biscay coasts and the Mediterranean after breeding, when it forms large flocks that loaf off Brittany and Gascony. Smaller seabird than Northern Fulmar; in flight looks longer-tailed (due to projecting toes), more compact and distinctly dusky (particularly on head and underparts). Rapid flight on quick wingbeats, generally low over water. More heavily built and duskier than black-and-white Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus; not illustrated, uncommon on Atlantic coasts). Lacks cruciform shape, high/looping glides and silvery underwings of almost blackish Sooty Shearwater (P. griseus; not illustrated, uncommon on Atlantic coasts). Formerly considered same species as Yelkouan Shearwater, with which it overlaps in the Mediterranean (for differences, see that species).

Sub-adult (left), Adult in flight (right)

NORTHERN GANNET Morus bassanus 92cm, wingspan 180cm Breeds on islands off Brittany and feeds offshore along all coasts, including the Mediterranean in winter. France’s largest seabird, substantially larger than Great Blackbacked Gull, although its elegance belies its size. Flies with deep, airy wingbeats. Catches attention by dramatically plunging into sea when foraging. Unique shape is key to identification of distant birds (particularly youngsters): long wings angled back from ‘elbow’; long, slender tail; and elongated head and bill. First-winter brown, gradually whitening with age until reaching adult plumage (all white save for extensive black wing-tips and orange-yellow wash to head) at about four years.

Adult (left) and immature (right)

GREAT CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo 85cm Breeds locally in central and northern France, with treetop colonies near water. Common in winter throughout lowlands, including coasts. Large, long-billed, dark waterbird. Swims low in water with bill tilted upwards. Stands erect, often stretching out wings to dry. Flocks typically fly in ‘V’ formation like geese, but look broader-winged than latter, with long, wide tail, and often glide. Most likely confusion species in France is European Shag (for differences, see that species). Divers (Gavia spp.; not illustrated) are also superficially similar but are almost exclusively coastal, and their longer wings and trailing feet are obvious in their more powerful flight.

Adult in flight (left), Adult (right)

EUROPEAN SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis 73cm Frequents Brittany and Normandy coasts (rare elsewhere), breeding on rocky islands and ledges. Winters offshore, including around harbours. Very similar to Great Cormorant but markedly smaller and more slender, with a thin neck. Often dives with a pronounced leap (cormorant tends to roll underwater). Adult European Shag lacks Great Cormorant’s white patches on cheek and (in breeding plumage) thigh/head, shows no bronzy sheen on wings, and has a more angular head and a tousled crest. Immature differs from Great Cormorant in more uniform underparts, smaller area of yellow facial skin and white chin.

Adult (left), Adult in flight (right)

EURASIAN BITTERN Botaurus stellaris 75cm Resident in major wetlands, rare on smaller lakes. Reedbed specialist. Male’s far-carrying spring call is unmistakable: a deep boom, like blowing over a bottle. Large, bulky heron with cryptically variegated brown and buff plumage. Only confusion species are female Little Bittern (less than half the size!) and immature Blackcrowned Night Heron (smaller; spotted, not striped). While not shy, it tends to stay deep within reedbed habitat, often immobile. Accentuates camouflage by extending neck skywards and swaying in time with reeds. Often seen in flight, when distinctive: broad, arched wings; thick neck coiled up; and long legs.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

LITTLE BITTERN Ixobrychus minutus 36cm Uncommon, sparsely distributed breeder in reedbeds and well-vegetated waterbodies. Very small heron, size of Common Moorhen. Clandestine, making only short appearances in the open – normally in flight, when it flies rapidly for a short distance on elastic wingbeats. Male distinctively plumaged: black back and crown (shared only with larger Black-crowned Night Heron), but otherwise cream and striped (not grey/white and plain). Bicoloured wings are eye-catching in flight. Female and immature resemble a tiny Eurasian Bittern, but buffier, with a streakier back and stripier underparts.

Adult in flight (left), Juvenile (right)

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON Nycticorax nycticorax 62cm Summer visitor throughout France, but most common in the south, along the Atlantic coast and in river valleys. Prefers marshy vegetation, often by waterbodies, and roosts in trees. Largely nocturnal, typically emerging at dusk, when it flies on easy crow-like wingbeats. Mid-sized heron (smaller than Eurasian Bittern), but stocky, bigheaded and thick-necked. Adult distinctively tricoloured, with large blocks of black, grey and white unfettered by stripes or streaks (unlike, say, Little Bittern). Immature differs from Eurasian Bittern by being dark brown with whitish droplets across wings and back, and narrow stripes on throat and breast. Uniquely, all ages have red eyes.

SQUACCO HERON Ardeola ralloides 45cm Summer visitor to the Mediterranean area, rarer on the Atlantic coast north to Brittany. Frequents marshes, ditches and damp meadows, usually with scattered bushes and trees. France’s second-smallest heron and one that is surprisingly camouflaged – until it takes flight, at which point it shocks with egret-like white wings and tail. Confusion with egrets (particularly Cattle Egret) is removed, however, by peachy-buff (breeding plumage) or sandy-brown back and head (non-breeding). At peak of courtship, adults are stunning creatures, with reddish feet, long head plumes and a black-tipped blue bill.

Breeding plumage (left), Non-breeding plumage (right)

CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis 48cm Typically Mediterranean species, commonest in the south, that has colonised inland areas north-west to Brittany. Resident, frequenting marshes and damp meadows, often hunting insects flushed (as its name suggests) by cows. Small, compact, thick-necked heron that typically sits hunched. Differs from Squacco Heron in slightly larger size and white back/underparts. Smaller and stockier than Little Egret, with a shorter neck and legs, and a short, pale bill. In summer, adult has extensive peachy patches across head, breast and mantle; legs turn pale and bill becomes pinkish red.

LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta 60cm Common breeder along coasts and in the Loire and Rhône valleys; more widespread in winter. Frequents marshes, rivers and lakes. All-white plumage means other egrets are the only confusion species. In size, nearer Cattle Egret than Great Egret. Closer to the latter in shape (long legs, neck and bill). Bare parts are key to identification: adult Little has a black bill/legs and yellow feet year-round (greener in juvenile); Cattle always has a pale bill/legs; Great has a black bill (but pale legs) in summer and dark legs (but yellow bill) in winter. Motionless for long periods, then suddenly springs into action, running, leaping and making lightning grabs for aquatic prey.

Adult (left), Adult in flight (right)

GREAT EGRET Egretta alba 95cm Uncommon breeder in the Camargue, and in wetlands in Pays de la Loire and Bourgogne–Franche-Comté (Dombes). Common and widespread in winter, occurring in most types of wetland. Very large – the size of Grey Heron, but looking taller and much slimmer, with a long, slender, serpentine neck. All-white plumage means other egrets are the main confusion species, but it is much larger than both (for differences in bare-part coloration, see Little Egret). Bigger also than all-white Eurasian Spoonbill, with a shorter, dagger-like (rather than spatulate) bill and lazy flight with deep wingbeats and coiled neck. At range, conceivably confusable with Mute Swan, but much longer legs and bill.

Adult (left), Adult in flight (right)

GREY HERON Ardea cinerea 93cm Common resident throughout France except mountainous regions. Rarer in urban areas and above 1,000m. Frequents all kinds of watercourses and agricultural land (where it feeds on small mammals). Large, long-legged, long-necked and mostly greyish bird. Often motionless – a stealth hunter. Flight is slow on deep wingbeats, with broad wings held at a sharp angle. Lack of brown plumage prevents confusion with Eurasian Bittern and immature Purple Heron. Adult Purple Heron much more colourful, with rufous, chestnut and mauve swathes plus thick black stripes on neck sides. Harder to tell apart in flight, but Purple’s wings are tricoloured and less contrasting than Grey’s bicoloured wings.

PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea 80cm Fairly common in the Camargue, but less so in other major wetlands. More often associated with extensive reedbeds and shallow marshes than larger Grey Heron (for differences, see that species). Colourful adult (pictured) is distinctive, and – with good views – unlikely to be mistaken for anything else. Juvenile could be confused with Eurasian Bittern, having essentially brown plumage, a dark cap, streaked foreneck and striped face. Shape eliminates confusion: Bittern is thickset and deepbilled, whereas Purple has a long, tapered, serpentine neck and elongated bill.

BLACK STORK Ciconia nigra 100cm Summer breeder in northern France, particularly in the east. Frequents extensive forests with numerous watercourses; also feeds in fields. Occurs on passage elsewhere, and small numbers winter in the Camargue. Massive, long-legged bird – larger than Grey Heron. Storks are almost vulture-like in flight – with long, broad wings ending in separated ‘fingers’ – but long neck, bill and trailing legs make for a very different silhouette. Realistically, can only be confused with White Stork, but lankier than that species, with a slimmer neck. Also, plumage is largely black (brown in juvenile) rather than largely white, with white restricted to belly, undertail and ‘armpits’.

Adult (left), Adult in flight (right)

WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia 105cm Breeds in coastal marshes from northern NouvelleAquitaine to Hauts-de-France, and inland in Grand Est and Occitanie. Also seen on migration and, increasingly, in winter. Typically seen in open fields and wet meadows – more open terrain than Black Stork. Builds a huge stick nest in trees or sometimes atop house chimneys. Massive and unmistakable. Differs from ‘big white birds’ such as Great Egret and Eurasian Spoonbill by its half-black wings, and bright red bill and legs. To distinguish from Black Stork, see that species.

Adult (left), Immature in flight (right)

EURASIAN SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia 85cm Breeds colonially in coastal wetlands, particularly along the Atlantic coast and in the Camargue. More visible on migration, with flocks often seen resting in shallow freshwater bodies. Slightly smaller than Grey Heron. Although wholly white like egrets (albeit with black wing-tips in juvenile), unlikely to be confused unless asleep with unique spatula-shaped bill concealed under its wing. Unlike egrets, flies with neck outstretched – and shape is more reminiscent of swans. Smaller than latter, however, with more hurried wingbeats and protruding legs.

Adults (left), Adult in flight (right)

GREATER FLAMINGO Phoenicopterus roseus 120–145cm Occurs along the Mediterranean coast, above all in the Camargue. Rare elsewhere, most likely along the Rhône valley. Inhabits saltpans and shallow saline lakes. Unmistakable shape, combining immensely lengthy legs, very long S-shaped neck and remarkable deep, downkinked bill. Shape equally striking in hurried, rather mechanical flight, when legs and neck are extended and held rigidly horizontal. Adult very colourful, being pale pink, with deeper pink and extensive black areas on wings (therefore looking tricoloured in flight). Juvenile dowdy, being dirty white with scruffy brown feathering on mantle, and grey legs.

EUROPEAN HONEY BUZZARD Pernis apivorus 55cm, wingspan 120–150cm Summer visitor throughout France; frequent but unobtrusive, particularly in large forests. Not a true buzzard, but very similar – Common Buzzard is key confusion species. Being secretive inside forest, usually seen in flight. Typically soars with wings held flat (usually raised in a shallow ‘V’ in Common) and glides with wings held downwards (level in Common). Shape is also subtly different: neck and tail longer, and wings narrower, with straighter rear edge. Plumage variable but often shows a neater black trailing edge to underwing and banded tail. Unique display flight – performed high above trees – sees male swooping upwards and then fluttering wings above back.

Adult perched (left), Adult in flight (right)

BLACK KITE Milvus migrans 53cm, wingspan 135–155cm Summer visitor throughout France (bar the northern coast). Most common in major river valleys, particularly in the south, and agricultural lowlands. Large, dark raptor, flying with bowed wings, twisting tail and regular swoops. Flight style, gently forked tail and more obviously ‘fingered’ wing-tip (primaries) should remove confusion with buzzards and harriers, but beware moulting immature or female Western Marsh Harrier, which may have a ragged tail or wings. Look also for Black Kite’s distinctive white flash at base of primaries. See Red Kite for differences from that species.

RED KITE Milvus milvus 67cm, wingspan 140– 165cm Resident throughout eastern France, Massif Central, Pyrenees and Corsica. Prefers more wooded habitat than Black Kite but routinely hunts in open areas. Distinctive large, fork-tailed bird of prey with long, supple wings and agile, swooping flight with a twisting tail. Black Kite is only confusion species. Best differentiated by narrower wings (five ‘fingers’ at wing-tip rather than six); longer, more obviously forked and distinctly chestnut tail; more contrasting and colourful plumage; and large white flash on underwing, isolating black wing-tip.

BEARDED VULTURE (LAMMERGEIER) Gypaetus barbatus 115cm, wingspan 235–275cm Sparsely distributed resident of mountains in the Pyrenees, Corsica and Corbières. Recently reintroduced to the Alps. Most likely seen patrolling steep slopes, cliffs or high above valleys. Dramatic vulture (feeds by dropping mammal bones from a height to smash them) with a distinctive shape. Longer-and slimmer-winged than other vultures, with diagnostic elongated wedge-shaped tail that is clearly longer than width of wing. Only Egyptian Vulture approaches this shape, but it is barely half the size, with blunter wings and a shorter tail. Juvenile plumage starts dark, then pales with age to become contrastingly peach/black in adults.

Adult (left), Adult in flight (right)

EGYPTIAN VULTURE Neophron percnopterus 60cm, wingspan 155–170cm Summer migrant to France, breeding in rugged gorges and mountains of the Pyrenees, Cévennes and southern Alps. Smallest vulture, with broad wings and a longish wedge-shaped tail. All-dark juvenile confusable with Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus; not illustrated, rare in Pyrenees and reintroduced to Massif Central and Alps), but tail shape, black-striped underwing and pale head differentiate it. Adult has contrasting wing pattern (half-white, half-black), so take care to rule out White Stork – distinguished by long neck and red bill, and long red legs protruding beyond tail. See Bearded Vulture for differences from that species.

GRIFFON VULTURE Gyps fulvus 105cm, wingspan 230–265cm Gregarious, colonial breeder on montane cliffs in the Pyrenees; reintroduced in the Alps and Massif Central. Typically seen soaring high in the sky once the day has warmed up. Soars and glides on slightly raised wings with long, widely spaced ‘fingers’ at wing-tip (primaries); flaps with heavy, deep, slow wingbeats. Massive bird that dwarfs even large eagles. Upper-wing distinctively twotoned (buff at front, black at rear), contrasting with pale head and neck, and white stripes on underwing. These features distinguish it from rarer, all-dark Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus; not illustrated), which also glides with wings slightly inflected downwards.

SHORT-TOED SNAKE EAGLE Circaetus gallicus 66cm, wingspan 160–180cm Summer migrant to southern half of France, particularly around the Mediterranean. Rare north of Centre–Val de Loire. Reptile specialist, favouring sunny, scrubby hillsides with short vegetation. Routinely hovers like a kestrel, and soars on flat wings (slightly raised in other eagles and Common Buzzard). Very pale underparts differ greatly from those of most eagles, and most likely to prompt confusion with Common Buzzard, but much larger and longer-winged, and usually with a straight trailing edge to wing. Also lacks Common Buzzard’s dark crescent on under-wing (at elbow or ‘carpal’) and typically has wellspaced bars on undertail. At rest, looks noticeably largeheaded with staring yellow eyes.

Adult female (left), Adult male in flight (right)

WESTERN MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus 50cm, wingspan 120–135cm Uncommon breeder throughout France except in mountains; more widespread in winter. Favours wetlands (particularly with reedbeds) but also hunts over agricultural land. Typically seen quartering steadily, low over vegetation, with steady, elastic wingbeats between glides on raised wings. Heavier and broader-winged than other harriers, but not as round-winged as buzzards. Straighter wings and rounded tail eliminate kites. Male attractive and distinctively tricoloured. Female and immature dark chocolate with variable cream patches on head, breast and wings. Striking spring display flight, including toe-to-toe food passes between male and female.

Adult male in flight (left), Immature in flight (right)

HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus 50cm, wingspan 100–120cm Resident across much of France, but in winter only in the Mediterranean. Numbers boosted by winterers from further north. Frequents wetlands, agricultural land and lightly forested areas. Typical harrier flight (see Western Marsh Harrier). Large raptor – but smaller and more slender than Western Marsh, and with quite different plumage (male ghostly, pale grey with black wing-tips; female/immature brown with a white rump and banded tail). Most similar to Montagu’s Harrier (for differences, see that species). Female/immature conceivably confusable with Common Buzzard, but latter has comparatively shorter, broader wings and very different plumage.

Adult male in flight (left), Adult female in flight (right)

MONTAGU’S HARRIER Circus pygargus 45cm, wingspan 95–115cm Uncommon summer visitor to lowlands across much of France, inhabiting extensive cultivated plains. Slender, seemingly long-tailed harrier, confusable only with Hen Harrier (and vagrant Pallid Harrier, Circus macrourus; not illustrated and unlikely to be encountered). Slimmer wings than Hen, with more pointed wing-tip (showing four ‘fingers’ rather than Hen’s five), and flight generally more buoyant. Male darker grey than Hen, with a longer black wedge on wing-tips and black bar across upper wing and striped underwing (latter plain white in Hen). Female very similar to female Hen in plumage; best distinguished by shape. Immature has unstreaked brickcoloured body and underwing (streaked and buff in Hen).

NORTHERN GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis 50– 64cm, wingspan 90–125cm Shy, uncommon resident of large, undisturbed forests throughout France. Most readily detected during latewinter display flight, when flies slowly over wood before plummeting. Significant gender size difference: male barely crow-sized, female almost size of Common Buzzard. Differs from latter in long tail, bulging ‘S’ shape to rear wing and frequently pointed wing-tips (like those of Peregrine Falcon). Most similar to Eurasian Sparrowhawk and often misidentified as such. Most reliable differences are Northern Goshawk’s larger size, deep chest, broad undertail (often fluffed out and gleaming white) and long head. Dark eye mask, broad white supercilium and strongly barred underparts are visible in good views.

EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus 30–40cm, wingspan 60–80cm Resident and common throughout France, wherever there is wooded habitat. Numbers are bolstered by northern birds in winter. Hunts by surprise, flying fast and low, then streaking over fences and hedges to catch small birds unawares. Roughly the size of Common Kestrel (females bigger than males), but has broad, rounded wings (rather than long, narrow and pointed). Flight intersperses rapid flapping with long glides; never hovers like Common Kestrel. Male blue-grey above with an orange-flushed face. Female steel-grey above, finely barred white below. Immature brown with coarsely barred underparts (not streaked as in most falcons). Most similar to Northern Goshawk (for differences, see that species).

Adult perched (left), Adult in flight (right)

COMMON BUZZARD Buteo buteo 52cm, wingspan 110–130cm Very common raptor resident across the whole of France, frequenting any habitat with trees. Benchmark bird of prey when identifying other species. Large, with broad, rounded wings, often seen soaring buoyantly or sitting still on exposed perches such as posts. Shorter-tailed than Western Marsh Harrier and does not quarter low over ground like that species. Although plumage is variable (covering the spectrum from whitish to dark brown), consistent features include broad, diffuse, dark trailing edge on underwing and, at best, poorly defined tail-band. For differences from European Honey Buzzard, see that species. Often heard calling – a loud, sharp miaow.

GOLDEN EAGLE Aquila chrysaetos 85cm, wingspan 190–225cm Predominately montane species, resident in rocky areas of the Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central and (rarely) in Corsica. Circles sedately high in the sky, apparently with little effort. Much larger than more familiar Common Buzzard, with longer, more bulging wings and head, and squarer tail. Longer-tailed and longer-winged than other French eagles. Largely dark plumage, although adult has a golden nape (making head appear pale at a distance), and immature has extensive white tail base and broad white flashes in wing.

Adult in flight (left), Adult in flight (right)

BOOTED EAGLE Aquila pennata 47cm, wingspan 110–135cm Summer visitor (and occasional winterer), particularly to southern France, from Pyrenees north to central forests. Inhabits extensive deciduous woodland, typically on slopes and with clearings. Small eagle – size of Common Buzzard – with short wings. Variable plumage, with light, dark and intermediate morphs. Dark morph recalls Black Kite (particularly given pale bar on upperwing) but differs in square tail, narrow white rump and less acrobatic flight. Pale phase has contrasting underwing pattern like Egyptian Vulture – white at front, black to rear.

BONELLI’S EAGLE Aquila fasciata 60cm, wingspan 145–165cm Resident in rocky areas of Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur, Occitanie and Ardèche. Rare in mainland France – population totals around 100 individuals. Nests on cliffs, and often hunts over cultivated, open rocky areas such as garrigue. Larger than Common Buzzard and Booted Eagle; differs from both in being slender and long-tailed. Unlike those species, relatively consistent in plumage. Adult has a diagnostic white saddle; grey tail with broad, dark terminal band; and dark underwing contrasting with white belly. Largely pale plumage and smaller size distinguish it from Golden Eagle. Short-toed Snake Eagle differs in bulging, broad wings; multiple bars on tail; and (typically) dark chest bib.

Juvenile (left), Adult in flight (right)

OSPREY Pandion haliaetus 56cm, wingspan 155–175cm Summer migrant, breeding in Corsica and north-central France, and occurring on migration elsewhere. Frequents fish-rich rivers, waterbodies and coasts. Large raptor, between Common Buzzard and Golden Eagle in size, but with longer, more slender and more angled wings than those species. Flight almost gull-like, with steady wingbeats and regular glides. Strikingly two-toned plumage is distinctive: chocolate-brown upperparts and largely white underparts, with diagnostic broad, dark eye mask standing out on white head. Enters water feet first to catch fish.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

COMMON KESTREL Falco tinnunculus 34cm, wingspan 65–80cm France’s most common and widespread falcon, abundant in most open habitats from urban areas to mountains. Largely resident. Falcons have long, slender wings and generally long tails. This is the benchmark falcon (see other species for differences). Frequently seen hovering before dropping to ground like a stone to catch a small mammal. Also soars well, when it may prompt confusion with Eurasian Sparrowhawk, which has more rounded wings. Sitting upright on a post, looks front-heavy, tapering towards tail tip. Male has a blue-grey head and brick-coloured mantle; female has a pale brown head with heavily barred copper mantle.

MERLIN Falco columbarius 30cm, wingspan 55– 67cm Winter visitor to wetlands, agricultural plains, grasslands and coasts, particularly in northern France. The country’s smallest falcon: male is no bigger than Common Blackbird. Compact and agile, with short, sharply pointed wings. Typically dashing flight, speeding low over the ground. Female (pictured) dark brown (much duller than female Common Kestrel), with concolourous head and upperparts, and thickly striped underparts. Male upperparts blue-grey (chestnut in male Common Kestrel) and underparts suffused orange. Both sexes lack prominent dark facial mask of other falcons.

EURASIAN HOBBY Falco subbuteo 32cm, wingspan 70–85cm Summer visitor throughout France, bar montane regions. Prefers open areas near wetlands and deciduous woodland, where it hunts aerial insects (particularly dragonflies) in aerodynamic flight. Slightly smaller than Common Kestrel but with markedly longer, slimmer wings and a long tail. Adult plumage (pictured) very different to Common Kestrel, with prominent dark eye mask contrasting with white neck, black-striped underparts, grey upperparts and rufous ‘trousers’. Juvenile similar but with dark brown-grey upperparts and buff ‘trousers’. Differs from Peregrine Falcon in smaller size, thinner wings, slimmer tail base, striped underparts and coloured ‘trousers’.

ELEONORA’S FALCON Falco eleonorae 40cm, wingspan 90–105cm Regular non-breeding visitor to southern France, particularly Occitanie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Corsica. Agile hunter, targeting aerial insects and migrating birds. Typically glides on flat wings, with forceful wingbeats and searing bursts of speed. Roughly the size of Peregrine Falcon, but wings and tail longer, and body much slimmer. Closer to large Eurasian Hobby, but with even longer wings and tail, and dark underwing (whitish and barred finely in Eurasian Hobby). Plumage variable: has pale, intermediate and dark morphs (latter pictured). Outside France, breeds colonially on rocky coasts and islands; times breeding to allow hunting of songbirds on autumn migration.

Adult (left), Adult in flight (right)

PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus 45cm, wingspan 90–115cm Breeds widely, particularly in rocky or mountainous areas, including coasts. Additional northern birds winter in France, often in grasslands and wetlands. Large, powerful falcon. Thick-necked, short-tailed and typically deepchested, with broad-based wings narrowing rapidly to a fine tip. Accordingly, much stockier than any other French falcon, and easily differentiated on shape. Plumage clean and striking, with blue-grey upperparts (browner in immature), finely barred white underparts and a clear-cut dark eye mask on white face. Sits around for long periods before taking to the air in fast, direct chase with whippy wingbeats, often stooping to seize its victim.

WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus 25cm Breeds in lowland wetlands, marshes and other vegetated waterways. Population boosted by wintering birds from further north. Rails, crakes and gallinules are small to medium-sized birds that creep shyly through dense waterside vegetation. Most are more often heard than seen. Slightly smaller than Common Moorhen, and distinctly pear-shaped, although larger than crakes (Porzana spp.; not illustrated). Most eye-catching feature is also diagnostic: a long, decurved red bill (short in all other members of the family). Piglet-like squeals can be rather alarming for the uninitiated.

COMMON MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus 29cm Common resident throughout France, except in mountains. Population boosted by winterers from further north. Inhabits most types of waterbody, including canals and ponds in urban areas. Plump, with a small head and long legs. Bobs head when swimming, scuttling off if disturbed. Adult (pictured) can be confused only with Eurasian Coot; unique features are red-and-yellow bill, large white patch under tail and white stripe along sides. Being brown, juvenile could be confused with juvenile Water Rail; differs in short brown (rather than long and red) bill, yellow (not red) legs, white side stripe and white undertail.

PURPLE SWAMPHEN Porphyrio porphyrio 48cm Frequents well-vegetated lakes in Occitanie, including the Camargue, following its reintroduction from adjacent Spain. Shy species, rarely leaving the cover of reedbeds. When it reveals itself, size and coloration render it unmistakable. Much larger than Eurasian Coot – indeed, larger than ducks such as Eurasian Wigeon – and thickset, with a stocky neck and massive red bill and front shield. Plumage is iridescent purplish-blue with a contrasting white undertail. Distant birds – when size is hard to judge and plumage looks all dark – could conceivably be mistaken for Common Moorhen, but that species is much slighter, and has yellow (not red) legs and a white side stripe.

EURASIAN COOT Fulica atra 39cm Common resident throughout France, except in mountains. Inhabits lakes and reservoirs; usually avoids smaller waterbodies (canals, ponds) frequented by Common Moorhen, the only confusion species. Substantially larger than that species, with wholly black plumage (lacking white on sides or undertail). Uniquely, bill and frontal shield are ivory white (rather than Common Moorhen’s red and yellow). Staring red eye can lend an irate look – and members of a group of Eurasian Coots perpetually squabble with one another. Gawky on land, with legs set well back and fat, peapod-like toes. Runs across water to take off.

Adult, on left, and juvenile (left), Adults in flight (right)

COMMON CRANE Grus grus 95–120cm, wingspan 180–220cm Breeds locally in Grand Est and Normandy. Very common migrant throughout France (following a north-east to south-west trajectory, en route to Spanish wintering grounds), many stopping to winter in wetlands of Champagne and Landes. Such congregations provide one of Europe’s most exciting avian spectacles. Tall, imposing, stately bird on the ground; appears immense and rectangular-winged in flight. Long-legged, slendernecked and small-headed. Size and mainly grey plumage may suggest Grey Heron, but taller and more slender, with adult’s white blaze standing out on black head and neck. Wings straighter and flaps more stiffly – much more like a stork or vulture. Very vocal – an evocative, oboelike krrooo.

Breeding male in flight (left), Breeding male (middle), Adult female (right)

LITTLE BUSTARD Tetrax tetrax 43cm Rare summer visitor to grain-growing plains of the west. Resident in the stony desert of Crau and wine-growing Mediterranean region. Body size roughly that of Common Pheasant, and mottled brown females potentially confusable with that species, particularly if bird crouches semi-concealed in vegetation. However, lacks long tail of Common Pheasant, and has longer legs, a large head and a long, thick neck. During mating period, fully adult males display striking black-and-white neck ruff. In display, male throws back head and utters ‘farting’ call, occasionally jumping in air. Unmistakable in flight, with rapid duck-like beats of broad wings and blinding white outer wing etched black.

EURASIAN STONE-CURLEW Burhinus oedicnemus 42cm Summer visitor to extensive agricultural plains and grasslands from Centre–Val de Loire south-wards; rare in the north and absent from Brittany. An unusual wader that shuns water, typically inhabiting arid terrain. Camouflaged and reclusive, hard to spot and usually inactive by day. Size of Eurasian Oystercatcher, but has the slender shape of a long-winged, long-legged plover. At a distance, looks white-faced, with pale base to thick bill; features that soon differentiate it from European Golden Plover. When closer, look for long white band on folded wing, black tip to bill and large yellow eye. In flight, uniquely patterned, markedly long wings appearing largely black against brown body, with striking white flashes.

Adult in flight (left), Adult (right)

BLACK-WINGED STILT Himantopus himantopus 35cm Summer visitor to large wetlands along Mediterranean, Biscay and northern coasts, occasionally inland. Rarely winters. Unmistakable elegant, slender shorebird, with unfeasibly long strawberry-pink legs immediately betraying its identity and explaining its name. Wholly black upperwing and longish, needle-fine black bill additionally differentiate it from the only other blackand-white waders (Pied Avocet and Eurasian Oystercatcher). In flight, recalls a giant Green Sandpiper, but wholly white tail and long, bright legs avoid confusion. Juvenile/first-winter – with dull yelloworange legs and brown upperparts – might be mixed up with other shorebirds (e.g. Common Greenshank); check leg length!

Adult in flight (left), Adult (right)

PIED AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta 44cm Resident on large wetlands along Mediterranean (particularly Camargue) and Biscay coasts. More widespread in winter, including along the north coast, when it frequents shallow, muddy bays, lagoons and marshes. Large, easily recognised wader: no other species has such markedly piebald plumage and a long, thin, upturned bill. Eye-catchingly white in flight. Common Shelduck has a similar pattern, so potentially confusable at a distance and if size not apparent. Look for Pied Avocet’s long, protruding bill and legs, wholly white rear wing (except black wing-tips), and lack of broad transverse band across breast and upper back. Has a unique feeding action, swishing bill from side to side.

Adult (left), Adult in flight (right)

EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus 42cm Resident along coasts, with numbers swelling in winter. Equally at home on saltmarshes, sandy beaches, damp fields and rocky shorelines. Gregarious. Highly vocal, often grabbing attention with loud, strident piping. Large, stocky wader – one of the biggest. Black-and-white plumage enables identification even at long range: wholly black head distinguishes it from both Blackwinged Stilt and Pied Avocet (and has more extensive black upperparts than latter). Additionally differs from these species in long, bright orange-red bill, and from Pied Avocet in pink (not grey) legs. In flight, reveals a distinctive broad white wing-stripe and white ‘V’ extending from uppertail to back.

EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria 27cm Uncommon winterer on agricultural plains and short grassland throughout much of France (particularly in the north), often in the company of Northern Lapwing. Medium-sized wader, much larger and thicker-set than the ringed plovers but with a similar run–stop– pivot feeding action. In wavering flight, flocks shimmer gold and white, often calling (an evocative, mournful whistle). On the ground, spangled upperparts create an overall yellow-brown effect. In adults retaining or developing breeding plumage (pictured), face and most of underparts are variable black. Smaller and slighter than Grey Plover; for other differences, see that species.

Non-breeding plumage (left), Breeding plumage (right)

GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola 28cm Coastal migrant and winter visitor, favouring estuaries, rocky coasts and saltmarshes. Habitat thus normally different from only confusion species, European Golden Plover, although latter can frequent estuaries and mudflats. Only marginally larger than European Golden, but appears noticeably stockier, heavier-billed and more lethargic. As name suggests, spangled upperparts give it a silvery impression, never yellowish as in European Golden. In flight, look for diagnostic black ‘armpits’ (wholly white underwing on European Golden). At a distance, could prompt thought of Red Knot, but longer legs, shorter bill and run–stop–pivot foraging manner are all typical of plovers.

Adult (left), Adult in flight (right)

NORTHERN LAPWING Vanellus vanellus 30cm Uncommon breeder on grasslands of the northern half of France, particularly near coasts. More common and widespread in winter, frequenting plains and valleys throughout the country. As happy on dry land as in wetlands. Gregarious, stocky, distinctive plover. Bottlegreen upperparts (can appear black at a distance or in poor light), largely black breast and pied head with a long, wispy crest (disproportionately so in breeding season). Typical plover feeding action (run–stop–pivot). Distinctive rolling flight on rounded wings – all dark above (contrasting with white band on tail) and emphatic bicoloured underwing. Calls include a distinctive wheezy peee-wit.

Adult (left), Juvenile (right)

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius 17cm Uncommon summer visitor to freshwater bodies and gravel pits. Widespread except in mountains. Plovers have a distinctive feeding action, running rapidly and then standing stock-still. Small wader, size of Common Starling, with shape of an unripe pine cone (front-heavy, tapering to fine tip). Plain-backed with prominent markings on head and breast. Very similar to Common Ringed Plover; best told by plain upperwing in flight (Common has a long white stripe). Adult also differs in yellow eye-ring, dull straw legs (not orange) and black (not bicoloured) bill. Juveniles are trickier; Little has a darker head with indistinct (at best) supercilium behind eye. See also Kentish Plover.

Adult breeding plumage (left), Juvenile (right)

COMMON RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula 18cm Local breeder along the north coast. More widespread migrant and winterer in coastal wetlands and estuaries. Very similar to Little Ringed Plover (for differences, see that species). Differs from Kentish Plover in bolder dark markings on head and breast (black in adult, brown in juvenile), particularly complete breast-band. Upperparts also markedly darker (Kentish appears pale). Adult has bright orange legs, and juvenile yellow (those of Kentish are dark, but can appear paler when muddy).

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

KENTISH PLOVER Charadrius alexandrinus 16cm Common resident along Mediterranean coasts. Localised resident along the Atlantic coast north of northern Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and on the north coast. Prefers sandy beaches and dunes, but also frequents mudflats. Slightly smaller than the two ringed plovers, but looks weedier (see Common Ringed Plover for differences). Less elongated than Little Ringed Plover. Adult male has more white and less black on head than adult male Little Ringed, and an attractive chestnut cap. Female and juvenile similar to juvenile Little Ringed; look for paler upperparts, paler patch on breast sides, white wing-stripe in flight and no pale eye-ring.

WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus 41cm Regular migrant along all coastlines, with occasional birds wintering. Prefers sandy or rocky coasts, plus saltmarshes and mudflats on migration. Large wader, marginally bigger and stockier than Black-tailed Godwit, but noticeably smaller than Eurasian Curlew. Like the latter, differs from all other large waders by strongly decurved bill. Compared to Eurasian Curlew, bill is shorter and more sharply decurved. Also, plumage is colder and darker, with prominent face pattern comprising dark eye-stripe and crown divided by pale band over eye and central crown-stripe. In comparison, Eurasian Curlew has a plain face on which black eye stands out.

EURASIAN CURLEW Numenius arquata 53cm Rare breeder on inland meadows, but common in winter along all coasts. Frequents mudflats, bays, estuaries and marshy grassland. By far France’s largest wader, typically feeding singly or in loose groups. Very long, decurved bill distinguishes it from all waders except Whimbrel (for differences, see that species). In flight, like Whimbrel, could be confused with Bar-tailed Godwit, showing similarly plain brown wings and a white ‘V’ on rump and lower back. However, European Curlew flight is typically more sedate than either species; focus on bill to rule out Bar-tailed Godwit.

Adult, breeding plumage (left), Adults in flight (right)

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa 40cm Rare breeder in the west and Brittany. Uncommon, gregarious winterer on the west coast, rare elsewhere. Equally at home on shallow estuaries, freshwater marshes and lagoons. Large wader, midway in size between Common Greenshank and Eurasian Curlew. Size, black legs and very long, almost straight bill eliminate almost all other waders. Spotted Redshank is easily excluded on leg colour (red). Eurasian Curlew and Whimbrel have strongly downcurved bills; Common Greenshank’s is gently upcurved. In flight, striking white wing-bar recalls Eurasian Oystercatcher, but has a square white rump not extensive ‘V’). Most similar to Bar-tailed Godwit (for differences, see that species).

Adult breeding plumage (left), Juvenile (right)

BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica 37cm Migrates along west and north coasts, particularly in spring, pausing at estuaries, bays and mudflats. Smaller than Black-tailed Godwit, but still larger than Common Greenshank. Confusion with most waders ruled out for same reasons as Black-tailed Godwit (for differences, see that species). Differs from the latter by shorter, distinctly upturned bill, shorter leg above knee, and (in flight) plain brown upperwings with white ‘V’ on rump (like Eurasian Curlew and Whimbrel). Winter adult and juvenile plumages are both streaky on back and wings (chequered in juvenile Black-tailed, plain in adult). Summer adult Bar-tailed has more extensive brick-red underparts, lacking Black-tailed’s barred belly.

Breeding plumage (left), Non-breeding plumage (right)

RUDDY TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres 23cm Winters on Atlantic coasts (arriving from late summer), favouring rocky shores and pebbly or sandy beaches with ample seaweed. Busy but inconspicuous wader, rummaging over seaweed-strewn tidelines, flipping stones and detritus in search of concealed invertebrates. Stocky and short-legged, with a short neck and small head. Focus on the underside to identify this species: no other shorebird possesses the combination of orange legs, white undertail and belly, black breast, and short, sharply pointed, triangular bill. Dingy grey-brown in winter plumage but summer adult is smart, with largely chestnut upperparts and a white-and-black head. Stripy in flight, with wing-bars and three white lines along back.

Adult breeding plumage (left), Juvenile (right)

RED KNOT Calidris canutus 25cm Occurs from late summer until spring (most numerous in winter), on muddy and rocky northern/Biscay coasts. An avian oxymoron: distinctively nondescript. Medium in size (although rather tubby), bill length and leg length, lacks any remarkable plumage features (except in brickcoloured summer finery) and has a plodding gait. When you can’t think what the wader is, it’s probably a Red Knot. Larger than Dunlin, with a thicker bill and greenish legs. Smaller and shorter-billed than similarly grey Common Greenshank and winter-plumaged Spotted Redshank. Underparts never gleaming white as in Sanderling. In flight, lacks pale wing-stripe of Sanderling and Dunlin.

Breeding plumage (left), Non-breeding plumage (right)

SANDERLING Calidris alba 20cm Winter visitor and migrant along all coasts, rarely inland. Frequents tideline of sandy and shingle beaches, or rocky shores; rarely on mudflats. Distinctive foraging behaviour, sprinting beside waves (parallel to tideline) and pecking at food while on the go (rather than standing and probing, like Dunlin). Similar size to latter, but bill shorter. Winter-plumaged adult glaringly white on head and underparts, with pale grey upperparts. Juvenile has spangled upperparts like a young Dunlin; best differentiated by former’s wholly unmarked underparts (Dunlin has streaking on breast). In flight, has a mostly grey rump and tail (Dunlin’s rump is white with a dark central line).

Breeding plumage (left), Non-breeding plumage (right)

DUNLIN Calidris alpina 19cm Most abundant wintering wader, with flocks of thousands in major estuaries and the Camargue. Also frequents rocky coasts and marshes. Low numbers inland. Starlingsized, grey-brown and common, Dunlin is the benchmark for identifying small waders. Smaller than Red Knot but larger than Little Stint (Calidris minuta; not illustrated), and with a longer bill than both. Smaller than Curlew Sandpiper (C. ferruginea; not illustrated), with a shorter, straighter bill and a black line down rump (rather than a wholly white rump). Summer adult and juvenile have more heavily marked underparts than similar waders: black belly in former, streaked breast in latter. See Sanderling for differences from that species. Regularly calls in flight: a scratchy preeee.

Adult female (left), Juvenile (right)

RUFF Calidris pugnax 22–32cm Uncommon migrant across the country, wintering rarely in the north-west quarter. Very rare breeder in a few western marshes. Frequents wet grasslands, marshes and muddy lagoons. Very variable wader that causes much confusion. Male half as large again as female, sometimes bigger than Common Redshank but always slimmer, shorter-billed and more elegant than that species. Larger and slimmer than Red Knot, with a longer neck and legs. Uniquely among French waders, juvenile typically has unmarked apricot-buff underparts. Female typically brown with yellow-orange legs. Non-breeding male plumage varies from whitish to dusky brown; in nuptial finery, any colour goes! Flight rather stiff on long wings, revealing, uniquely, white ovals on rump.

COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos 20cm Summer visitor, breeding on rivers, gravel pits and shallow freshwater lakes. Seen more widely on migration; winters on coasts. Wader the size of Dunlin, with nondescript brown and white plumage. Behaviour, however, is distinctive. Moves with a nervous, straining gait, bobbing elongated rear end constantly like a wagtail. Feeds with darting motions and regular changes of direction. Upperparts paler brown than Green Sandpiper and plainer than spangled Wood Sandpiper. Differs from both in white ‘hook’ on breast sides. No chance of confusion in flight; often flickering, with white wing-bar, and dark rump and tail centre. Distinctive loud, ringing calls, particularly in flight: swee-wee-wee.

GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus 22cm Winter visitor to freshwater wetlands; widespread, but particularly frequent in the north and Camargue. Starlingsized wader, slightly larger than similar Common Sandpiper. Tubbier and less elongated than Common, with slower movements and only occasional bobbing. Looks dark and white (more contrasting than Common), particularly in flight as both upper- and underwings are wholly dark and square rump is white (Common has noticeably white wing-stripe and dark rump). Also, has a finely speckled back (rather than plain). If disturbed, often flies high and distant, uttering a high-pitched kluwi-wi; can recall a giant Common House Martin! See Wood Sandpiper for differences from that species.

SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus 31cm Migrates through France, particularly along coasts, where it also winters in small numbers on wetlands, marshes and estuaries. Generally feeds alone, wading through deepish water. Long red legs discount all waders except Common Redshank. Larger than the latter, and (in winter/juvenile plumage) grey rather than brown (in summer garb, uniquely jet black). Prominent white line over eye (supercilium) differs from Common’s relatively plain face. In flight, all dark with an isolated white oval on rump; lacks Common’s white triangle at back of wing. In flight, if leg colour is unseen, confusable with Common Greenshank, but has a dark tail (not largely white) and an emphatic, disyllabic call: chui-uit.

COMMON GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia 32cm Widespread on migration, including inland, but winters particularly along the Atlantic coast. Frequents freshwater lagoons, marshes and estuaries, typically wading leggily through water too deep for most shorebirds. Tall, long, elegant wader with greyish plumage. Bigger and greyer than the distinctly brown Common Redshank, with pale yellow-green (not bright red) legs and uniformly dark wings (with no broad white triangle). Leg colour differentiates it from similar-sized Spotted Redshank. Also lacks the latter’s white line above eye (supercilium) and bill is slightly upcurved rather than straight (with no red). Call is a loud, ringing, unhurried diu-diu-diu.

WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola 20cm Spring and autumn migrant throughout France, frequenting freshwater wetlands, including flooded fields and muddy ponds. Smaller than Common Redshank, with yellow (not red) legs. Size of Common Sandpiper but legs and neck longer, so it looks more elegant and happier wading through water. Differs from both Common and Green sandpipers by spangled back, and long white band extending well behind eye (supercilium). In flight, alldark upperwing and white rump distinguish it from Common, but upperwing is clearly paler than in Green (mid-brown, not blackish) and underwings are greyish (not blackish), so looks much less contrasting. Flight call is a trisyllabic kif-kif-kif.

Adult (left), Adult in flight (right)

COMMON REDSHANK Tringa totanus 26cm Breeds locally in coastal wetlands, including in the Mediterranean. Common winter visitor to coasts, favouring estuaries, marshes, damp grasslands and bays. An alert, active, boisterous wader: often bobs head and flees noisily at slightest hint of danger (uttering a loud, nervy diu-u-u). Bright red legs mean confusion is possible only with Spotted Redshank (for differences, see that species), although occasional yellow-legged birds might be mistaken for Common Greenshank (see that species). A good wader to become familiar with, as it facilitates size comparisons with other waders: are they bigger or smaller than a Common Redshank?

EURASIAN WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola 36cm Uncommon breeder in old-growth forests, but winters commonly in woodland or nearby damp fields and ditches. Basically nocturnal, typically seen when flushed by day or flying over at dusk. Has a distinctive, flickering display flight (roding) at treetop level, alternately croaking and uttering a sharp, teeth-sucking tsiwick. Cryptic brown and buff plumage blends in with leaf litter; very hard to spot on the woodland floor. Much larger and more pot-bellied than Common Snipe, with a comparatively shorter, thicker bill. Face also less stripy, with black bands across crown, has consistently barred underparts and lacks Common Snipe’s pale tramlines on back.

COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago 26cm Rare, localised breeder in northern France. More widespread on migration and in winter. Favours wellvegetated wetlands, hiding in dense cover or feeding inconspicuously nearby with sewing machinelike probing. Size of Common Redshank but fatter, with short legs and immensely long bill. Heavily striped head and back are distinctive. Camouflaged plumage comprises vermiculations, barring and crescents. Flies off urgently when nervous, typically uttering harsh kartch, and powers off into distance, zigzagging and towering. Much larger than rarer Jack Snipe, (Lymnocryptes minimus; not illustrated) it winters in northern France and the Camargue, and rarely bobs. See Eurasian Woodcock for differences from that species.

Adult (left), Adult in flight (right)

LITTLE TERN Sternula albifrons 23cm Summer visitor, breeding on Mediterranean and Brittany coasts, but also inland along the Loire valley. Seen on migration along all coasts. Terns are smaller and slimmer than gulls, with a thin, pointed bill and sharply angled wings. Tiny tern, but flies rapidly on long, sharply angled wings. Feeds belligerently, with rapid hovering followed by a vertical plummet, smashing through the water surface. Size and shape distinguish it from other terns, but, at close range, also look for two unique features: white forehead and extensively yellow bill.

Adults (left), Juvenile in flight (right)

SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis 40cm Breeds in colonies on the coast of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Vendée, Brittany, the north, the Camargue and Occitanie. Rare in winter. Frequents shingle beaches, offshore waters, coastal lagoons and mudflats. Sandwich is a fairly large, pale grey tern with long wings and a short tail. Shape is quickest way to differentiate it from other terns such as Common Tern, which is slighter, slimmer-winged and longer-tailed. At close range, adult Sandwich has a unique yellow tip to black bill and a shaggy black crest (rather than a neat cap). Very vocal: a loud, grating kirrikik. Fishes at sea, diving from on high with a resounding splash.

COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo 35cm Summer visitor, breeding in wetlands, gravel pits and lagoons, particularly along rivers (notably the Loire). Also seen along coasts on migration. Medium-sized tern, much larger than Little Tern (for differences, see that species) but smaller than Sandwich Tern. Adult distinctive, with a long, forked tail; neat black cap; and red bill. Juvenile has pale basal half to bill, unlike all-black bill of Sandwich. Differs only very subtly from the mainly coastal Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea; not illustrated), which is almost exclusively seen on migration.

First-winter in flight (left), Adult (right)

BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla 40cm, wingspan 93–105cm Exclusively coastal, breeding colonially on cliffs from west-central France northwards. Winters more widely offshore, rarely along the Mediterranean coast, and occasionally blown inland by storms. Delicate pelagic gull, with airy flight even in strong wind. Adult can be confused only with Common Gull of same age. Looks much neater than that species, with prominent, wholly black wing-tips (as if dipped in ink) and unblemished yellow bill. In winter, can show dusky smudges on head – but never streaked as in Common. First-winter is distinctive, with a broad black collar on hindneck, black zigzag across wing, and black tip to tail that gives it the illusion of being forked.

Adult in flight (left), Adults (right)

SLENDER-BILLED GULL Larus genei 40cm, wingspan 90–102cm Increasingly common breeder on Mediterranean saltpans and brackish lagoons, particularly in the Camargue. Delightful, elegant gull, often seen delicately picking insects off the water surface. Only confusion species is the abundant Black-headed Gull; although Slender-billed is larger, it is also noticeably longer and more slender, with a distinctive profile comprising a thinner neck, elongated head and long bill. Adult is wholly white-headed (Blackheaded always has at least a dark spot behind eye). Firstwinter very similar to first-winter Black-headed; dark marks on plumage are fainter, but best identified by different shape. On Corsica, look for Audouin’s Gull (Larus audouinii; not illustrated), which is larger and has (in adult) a thick, largely red bill.

First-winter (left), Adult non-breeding (middle), Adult breeding (right)

BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus 37cm, wingspan 86–99cm Very common throughout, particularly in winter, when routinely in urban areas. The default small gull; getting to know this bird helps identify more exciting species. Adults have a unique chocolate-brown head in summer, but a less distinctive dark ear spot in winter. In flight, look for long white triangle on upperwing ‘hand’ and neat black trailing edge: only Slender-billed Gull has a similar pattern (for differences, see that species). Adult Little Gull (Hydrocoloeus minutus; not illustrated) is smaller, with a smoky underwing and black bill. First-winter Blackheaded resembles adult winter but has variable dark wing markings and a black tail tip. See Mediterranean Gull for differences from that species.

First-winter in flight (left), Adult, breeding plumage (right)

MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus 39cm, wingspan 94–102cm Uncommon, local breeder, often within colonies of Blackheaded Gull, including inland. More frequent in winter, particularly along coasts. Favours freshwater bodies, saltmarshes, bays and sandy shores. One of the smaller gulls, between Black-headed and Common gulls in size. More robust than the former, particularly in flight. Adult distinctive – the only gull with unblemished, wholly pale grey/white wings and a red bill (Black-headed has black on wing-tip and underwing). White (not smoky) underwings, larger size and bill colour distinguish it from adult Little Gull (Hydrocoloeus minutus; not illustrated, migrant along coasts). First-winter’s prominent, dark eye mask differentiate it from Common and Black-headed.

First-winter (left and middle), Adult, non-breeding (right)

COMMON GULL Larus canus 43cm, wingspan 100–115cm Local breeder in north-east France, wintering more widely on coasts, rivers and lakes. The largest of the small gulls, with very distinct plumage. Adult could be confused with Black-legged Kittiwake, but is larger and has white spots in more extensive black wing-tips. Otherwise, likely to be confused only with larger, stockier, thick-billed European Herring Gull, but adult is darker grey above and lacks European Herring’s red spot on bill. First-winter similar to second-winter European Herring, but has a broad black tail-band and extensive black triangle at wing-tip.

Adult in flight (left), Adult (middle), First-winter (right)

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus 52–58cm, wingspan 117–134cm Coastal breeder in the north. Winters mainly in the Bay of Biscay, Brittany and the Camargue. Usually slightly smaller than European Herring Gull. Most adults have a coal-grey back and wings – darker than in adult European Herring or Yellow-legged gulls, but paler than in adult Great Black-backed Gull. Adult also differs from latter by much smaller size and yellow legs – pertinent because some adult Lesser (race intermedius, which occurs in northern France) can be as dark as Great. Latter feature also distinguishes it from European Herring (but, selfevidently, not Yellow-legged!). First-winter has a more coarsely marked back and wing, blacker bill and, typically, whiter head than European Herring of same age.

Adult (left), First-winter in flight (right)

EUROPEAN HERRING GULL Larus argentatus 54–60cm, wingspan 123–148cm Coastal breeder north from Charente-Maritime and along the River Seine to Paris. Winters along coasts and inland in the north-west quarter of country. Rare in the Mediterranean (where replaced by Yellow-legged Gull). Large gull, although smaller than Great Black-backed Gull. Among large gulls, adult has the palest back and wings. Pink legs additionally differentiate it from Yellowlegged and Lesser Black-backed gulls. Second-winter confusable with Common Gull (for differences, see that species). First-winter variable, but generally less coarsely marked than Lesser Black-backed of same age and less white-headed than that species or Yellow-legged. Former also has a contrasting, wholly black wing-tip.

First-winter in flight (left), First-winter (middle), Adult (right)

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis 52–58cm, wingspan 120–140cm Mediterranean equivalent of European Herring Gull, but also breeds on the Atlantic coast and inland north to Îlede-France. Winters north to the North Sea coast, where it mixes with other gulls. Adult differs from European Herring in lead-grey back/wings (not pale grey) and yellow legs (not pink). Adult Lesser Black-backed Gull shares yellow legs but has darker back/wings. First-winter closest to Great Black-backed Gull of same age, sharing white head and stocky all-black bill, but has a bolder black tail-band. First-winter has darker wings and whiter head than first-winter European Herring, and is larger and cleaner-headed than first-winter Lesser Black-backed. Generally similar to (and often hard to distinguish from) Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans; not illustrated, rare but increasing winterer, mainly in north-east France).

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus 61–74cm, wingspan 144–166cm Common breeding resident along the Atlantic coast, but rare inland and along the Mediterranean coast. France’s largest gull – hefty and brutish, with a heavy, ominous flight. As well as size, adult differs from all other gulls by blackish back and wings, uniquely lacking contrast between wing-tip and remainder of wing. Pink legs also remove confusion with Lesser Black-backed Gull. Firstwinter resembles first-winter European Herring Gull, but larger and with a massive bill, colder-toned plumage and whiter tail. With age, immatures are less confusing as they become blacker above and whiter on the head.

Feral Pigeon (left), Plumage resembling pure Rock Dove (right)

ROCK DOVE/FERAL PIGEON Columba livia 32cm Feral Pigeon is abundant through lowland France, particularly in urban areas. Some Corsican populations approach ancestral Rock Dove in plumage, but are not thought to be genetically pure. Rock Dove lookalikes are smart birds, compact and neatly plumaged, with a triangular white rump contrasting with grey wings (two black wing-bars) and black-tipped grey tail. Feral Pigeons, in contrast, are avian ragamuffins – thicknecked and stocky, often hobbling on deformed feet. They vary dramatically in plumage, with any combination of white, grey or black complemented by purple or green sheens.

STOCK DOVE Columba oenas 30cm Resident throughout most of lowland France (absent in mountains), but wintering only in the Mediterranean. The smallest true pigeon, neatly proportioned and smartly attired. Flies with rapid, deep beats of wings that lack the broad white band that characterises Common Wood Pigeon. Iris is black rather than white (Common Wood Pigeon) or orange (Feral Pigeon), creating a beady-eyed impression. Shiny green neck collar (white on adult Common Wood Pigeon). Double wing-bar – short and black – like wild Rock Dove. Voice distinctive: long, disyllabic cooing, repeated once a second.

COMMON WOOD PIGEON Columba palumbus 40cm Common throughout France except in high mountains (although numerous in migration over Pyrenean passes). More abundant in winter, particularly on agricultural plains. Breeds in any wooded habitat, from lowland forests to urban gardens. The largest pigeon, fat-chested, broad-winged and with a waddling gait. Clatters into flight, clapping wings noisily. Size alone is sufficient to eliminate other pigeons, but diagnostic plumage feature is obvious in flight: broad white bar cutting across wing. Adult also has a white iris and extensive white patch on collar – characteristics shown by no other pigeon or dove.

EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto 31cm Very common resident throughout lowland France, except in Paris. Unknown in France before 1950; has since colonised rapidly. Favours gardens, parks and farmland. Large dove, the size of Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon, but slimmer and longer-tailed. Plumage is distinctive at rest: unmarked, wholly buff-grey with black and white neck collar (absent in juvenile). More likely to be confused with European Turtle Dove in flight, with similarly contrasting wings and white tip to tail. However, latter is much broader than on European Turtle. Familiar song: a trisyllabic, mournful ou-ou-whoo.

EUROPEAN TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur 27cm Summer visitor to lowlands throughout France, breeding in open deciduous woodland, copses, and farmland with ample hedgerows. The smallest dove or pigeon, and the most colourful and boldly patterned. Plumage unique, with a boldly chequered orange back and wings, largely pink head and underparts, and a neck collar comprising several black and white bars. In flight, looks colourful above and has a narrower white band on tail tip than Eurasian Collared Dove. Song is a prolonged, subdued purring.

COMMON CUCKOO Cuculus canorus 34cm Summer visitor throughout France, even into mountains. Frequents a wide variety of open-country and wooded habitats – wherever the birds it parasitises reside. Best known for male’s song: two-toned, with the second note lower, cu-cou. In flight, recalls both pigeons and falcons, but long tail is often spread, and broad-based wings taper rapidly to a fine point. Often perches prominently, with long wings dropped and tail cocked. Male plumage ashgrey with a barred belly; female similar but has a barred breast, perhaps recalling Eurasian Sparrowhawk (although latter perches upright, and has a white eyebrow and stockier body).

BARN OWL Tyto alba 33–39cm, wingspan 80– 95cm Occurs throughout lowland France, particularly in plains, valleys, marshes, farmland and villages. Often breeds in old or rarely used farm buildings. Dark-breasted eastern subspecies guttata winters in eastern France. Familiar, easy-to-identify owl – appears glowing white when quartering low over fields in the darkening evening. White face, underparts and underwing remove confusion with all bar male Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus; not illustrated, vagrant). Warm beige upperparts, suffused grey, are unique. Eerie vocal repertoire comprises hisses, shrieks and squeals.

EURASIAN SCOPS OWL Otus scops 20cm, wingspan 47–54cm Summer visitor, particularly to the Mediterranean region (abundant in Corsica and Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur) but also extending north along the Rhône, Garonne and Loire valleys. Very small owl, the size of a Common Starling. Even smaller than Little Owl (sole confusion species), but has a different shape and posture – slender, standing upright – and long ear-tufts. Latter, plus dark ‘V’ on forehead (plummeting to bill) and fine lines on underparts, also differentiate it from Little. Voice characteristic of balmy southern nights: liquid piou, whistled every couple of seconds.

EURASIAN EAGLE-OWL Bubo bubo 60–75cm, wingspan 138–170cm Resident in mountains from the Pyrenees to the Jura (and also the Vosges). Most common in Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azure. Favours undisturbed natural areas, far from human habitation, particularly rocky cliffs. Strictly nocturnal, emerging at dusk, when male and female call to each other: a deep bou-hou. Massive owl, larger than Common Buzzard. Size alone distinguishes it from other family members: thickset, big-headed and broad-winged. If seen perched in torchlight (or roosting bird encountered by day), orange eyes and ear-tufts differentiate it from all bar Long-eared Owl.

LITTLE OWL Athene noctua 23–27cm, wingspan 50–57cm Resident throughout France in plains and valleys (but not mountains, with the exception of Causses). Favours farmland, grassland, meadows and wooded parkland, frequently seen sitting on walls and ruined buildings. Often active by day as well as night. Small, rotund owl: larger only than Eurasian Scops Owl (for differences, see that species) and finch-sized Eurasian Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum; not illustrated, rare in eastern mountains). Broadly striped underparts, white eyebrows and white-blotched upperparts are distinctive. In bounding flight, wings and tail appear noticeably short. Sometimes stands erect with legs outstretched, even running after prey. Song is a rhythmic keeeah.

Adult (left), Adult, flight (right)

TAWNY OWL Strix aluco 37–43cm, wingspan 81– 96cm Common resident throughout France (but not on Corsica), inhabiting forests, parks and wooded countryside. Nocturnal; only rarely encountered by day (but look out for angry tits and finches mobbing one). Best known for its voice – a quavering hoot, hou-ouuu (twit tu-woo), and a sharp kee-wik! When perched, shape is very different from elongated Barn Owl or Long-eared Owl, being dome-headed, thick-bodied and short-tailed. In flight, has a large head and broad-based wings. Plumage includes mottled browns, buff and white, but can look disconcertingly pale in car headlights.

LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus 34cm, wingspan 86–98cm Resident throughout France (rare on Corsica), inhabiting forests, hedgerows near grasslands, and parks. Roosts in dense cover by day, hunting at night. At rest, is a tall, upright owl with long ear-tufts – quite unlike Tawny Owl. Eyes, if open, are a vivid orange, like those of much larger Eurasian Eagle-owl. In flight, appears longer-winged than Tawny, with barred buff ‘hand’ on upperwing and isolated black comma at ‘elbow’ on underwing. Differs from rare Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus; not illustrated) in barred (not solid black) wing-tips and orange (not yellow) eyes. Juvenile makes a call like a squeaky gate; adult’s song is a rhythmic, muffled hou every couple of seconds.

EUROPEAN NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europaeus 26cm Common summer visitor to forests in Landes and the Mediterranean; rare north of the Loire (except Brittany). Inhabits sandy heaths with scattered trees, particularly pines. Strictly nocturnal – although may be spotted roosting or be flushed by day. Emerges at dusk, male singing with a vibrating churr that lasts minutes. Size of a European Turtle Dove, but slim-bodied with long wings and tail. Shape apparent when at rest – sitting horizontally on ground, branch or log – and in silhouetted flight (when it recalls a small falcon); all owls are roundbodied with a vertical posture. Seen by torchlight, male has conspicuous white spots on wing-tip and tail corners; in daylight, plumage revealed to be mottled brown and buff.

COMMON SWIFT Apus apus 18cm Summer visitor throughout France, with distribution constrained only by suitable habitat for breeding (cliffs, buildings, etc.) – although feeds far from nest over all manner of open areas. Swifts resemble swallows and martins, but are larger, with long, pointed, scythe-like wings. They fly rapidly (as their name suggests), searing high through the sky, often in noisy, screaming groups. In Common Swift, all-dark underparts additionally remove confusion with Barn Swallow etc., and it never perches on wires. High-flying bird could possibly be confused with similarly shaped Eurasian Hobby, but much smaller and has wholly dark underparts. To distinguish from other swifts, see those species.

PALLID SWIFT Apus pallidus 17cm Summer visitor to the Mediterranean region, with breeding pockets in Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Behaviour and habitat like those of Common Swift, which is the most likely confusion species. The duo is very hard to tell apart. Subtle plumage differences include dark eye mask standing out against a paler head, larger white throat, paler brown upperwing (such that darker saddle can stand out) and (visible at close range) scaly underparts. In shape, Pallid has a slightly blunter tip and broader hand – but even experts struggle to differentiate between the two species.

Adult, upperwing (left), Adult, underwing (right)

ALPINE SWIFT Apus melba 22cm Summer visitor, breeding colonially on cliffs (whether in mountains or by the sea). Restricted to southern France, specifically the Pyrenees, Massif Central, Alps south into Var, and on Corsica. Resembles Common Swift in shape and flight, but markedly larger, longer-winged and more powerful. Plumage is also very different, with mid-brown upperparts similar in tone to Sand Martin and much paler than other swifts. Underparts also recall Sand Martin, with white throat-patch (sometimes hard to see) and white belly isolated by broad brown collar and undertail. Call also differs from other swifts’ screaming: a mechanical, chattering ti-ti-ti-ti-ti.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

COMMON KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis 18cm Resident throughout France except in mountains. Numbers are boosted by arrival of northern birds in winter. Frequents rivers, streams and lakes, as long as there are banks in which it can excavate a nesting tunnel. Unmistakable, even in typically brief view – a blurred flash of electric blue as the bird speeds low over water, attracting attention with a strident tsiiiiii. Smaller than Common Starling, and noticeably stocky, with a long dagger of a bill. Scintillating blue upperparts and warmorange underparts, with white throat and half-collar on neck.

Adults (left), Adult, flight (right)

EUROPEAN BEE-EATER Merops apiaster 27cm Summer visitor to southern France, particularly in the Mediterranean and Rhône and Garonne valleys. Rare further north. Favours open areas with abundant insects and exposed perches from which to hunt; needs sandy banks for nesting burrows. Unmistakable harlequin of a bird, roughly the size of European Turtle Dove, with long, pointed wings and a central spike to rounded tail. At close range, appears multicoloured, although impression at a distance may be of chestnut upperparts, electric-blue underparts and pale underwing. Often in flocks, which attract attention with noisy, rolling prrrp calls. Acrobatic feeder, tumbling and twisting after insects.

Adult (left), Adult, crest raised (right)

HOOPOE Upupa epops 27cm Summer visitor, frequenting open country with hedgerows and scattered trees. Common in the south, occurs in the west, local in central France and rare in the north. Another unmistakable bird, whether waddling along the ground mechanically probing with its long, decurved bill, or flopping in butterfly-like flight on eyesearingly stripy wings. In flight, black and white bands catch the eye. On the ground, can be surprisingly discreet, barred plumage blending into grass (rather like a zebra!) and orange-pink upper body merging into stony ground. Crest usually kept flattened, but occasionally erected, corona-like. Song is a fluty, repetitive poo-poo-poo – audible from a considerable distance.

Rear view (left), Front view (right)

EURASIAN WRYNECK Jynx torquilla 17cm Uncommon summer visitor over much of France, but rare north of the Loire. Frequents orchards, scrubby hedgerows and clearings in woodland. Often sits motionless for long periods in a bush or tree, relying on its camouflage to deceive predators. Feeds by hopping on the ground, almost thrush-like. Ostensibly a woodpecker, but you wouldn’t know it, given its odd behaviour and almost owl- or nightjar-like plumage. In a good view it is unmistakable: look for dark eye-stripe, and dark stripe in centre of pale grey back. Song is a nasal, Common Kestrellike ki-ki-ki-ki-ki, with up to 20 notes in five seconds.

GREY-HEADED WOODPECKER Picus canus 29cm Declining resident of lowland forests in central and eastern France. Typical woodpecker, usually seen climbing trunks. Unlike European Green Woodpecker, does not forage on the ground. Smaller, slimmer and shorter-billed than European Green. Upperparts a similar bright green, but rump is less contrasting, being olive rather than yellow. Underparts a similar grey-olive. Focus on head to distinguish the two species: as its name suggests, that of Grey-headed is grey, with a fine black ‘pencil’ moustache, amber eye and (on male; pictured) neat red forehead. Red crown of European Green is more extensive, its moustache is broader and its face is black, highlighting a staring white eye.

EUROPEAN GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis 33cm Common resident throughout France, except Corsica. Inhabits open forest, woodland, parks and gardens – wherever there are trees in which to nest and ants to eat. Large green woodpecker with a yellow rump that catches the eye during its undulating flight. Distinctive call: a loud, hoarse, laughing kew-kew-kew. Confusable only with Grey-headed Woodpecker (for differences, see that species) and, in poor view, Ring-necked Parakeet (Psittacula krameri; not illustrated). Latter has escaped from captivity and is now established in several cities; it is substantially larger than European Green Woodpecker, with a very long tail, direct (rather than undulating) flight and a hooked red bill. Juvenile (pictured) is barred and mottled – scruffier than adult.

BLACK WOODPECKER Dryocopus martius 43cm Uncommon resident across much of France, and absent from the Mediterranean, Corsica, Garonne valley and northern coastal region. Favours mature forest of any type, but often nests in Common Beech. Uniquely black woodpecker, with an ivory bill and eye, and red crown (extensive in male, barely noticeable in female). Likely to be confused only with flying Carrion Crow or Rook, but shape is different, with broad, rounded wings; longer, pointed tail; and long neck. Flight also differs: floppy and clumsy rather than poised and mechanical. Perched call is a haunting kluuuu-i; song is like that of European Green Woodpecker, but more evenly pitched and rhythmical.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major 25cm Common throughout (including Corsica and mountainous regions), inhabiting forests, woodlands, parks and gardens. Eye-catchingly piebald woodpecker the size of Common Blackbird. Often attracts attention with abrupt tchik or drumming (in spring). Covers long distances in bounding flight, when white shoulder-patch is most visible. Similarly black-and-white Common Magpie is much larger with a very long tail. See Lesser Spotted Woodpecker for differences from that species. In some areas, rarer woodpeckers (not illustrated) are worth considering: Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius; widespread away from coasts, but uncommon) has an extensive red crown and streaked flanks; Whitebacked Woodpecker (D. leucotos; local in the Pyrenees) has a white rump rather than a white shoulder-patch.

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos minor 15cm Resident and fairly common throughout France, except in mountains and on Corsica. Inhabits deciduous woodland and parks, preferring smaller upper branches of trees. Undemonstrative and often over-looked except when calling in spring: a nasal kee-kee-kee-kee-kee. Size of a sparrow, but looks stockier – like Eurasian Nuthatch. Compared to Great Spotted Woodpecker, is substantially smaller (barely half the size), with an extensively barred white back (rather than a black back contrasting with long white shoulder-patches) and white (not red) undertail. Male (pictured) has red crown, female black.

CRESTED LARK Galerida cristata 17cm Occurs throughout France, but most common in the Mediterranean and rarest in the north. Favours open, stony environments, from roadsides and railway lines to waste ground and vineyards. Slightly smaller than Eurasian Skylark, and appearing slimmer and sandier in coloration. A closer look reveals a long crest that ends in a point and is often raised vertically (short and usually flattened in Eurasian Skylark), a noticeable white stripe above eye, and a long, slightly decurved bill (stubby and straight in Eurasian Skylark). In flight, looks shorter-tailed than Eurasian Skylark, with a rusty underwing and no white trailing edge to wing. Call is a fluty, melodious tutee-tou.

WOODLARK Lullula arborea 15cm Uncommon in lightly wooded, open, dry environments. More frequent in the south. Partial migrant, with numbers dipping in winter. Smaller than Eurasian Skylark, neater and more rounded, with a shorter tail. Latter is particularly apparent in flight, when rounded wings are also obvious. Plumage similar to Eurasian Skylark, but look for bolder-patterned back, broad white stripe over eye, ginger ear-coverts, and diagnostic white–black– white pattern on leading edge of wing. Creeps inconspicuously over ground, flying away at the last moment. Song is repetitive, melodic and liquid; a beautiful sound. Call is a distinctive, yodelling tle-wee.

Adult (left), Adult showing crest (right)

EURASIAN SKYLARK Alauda arvensis 17cm Common, widespread resident of agricultural fields, meadows and other open areas. Gregarious in winter, when numbers swell with arrivals from northern countries. Larger and bulkier than a sparrow, with broad wings obvious in stuttery flight. Closest in appearance to Crested Lark and Woodlark (for differences, see those species). Take care also to rule out Corn Bunting, which has a long tail and very deep bill, and Meadow Pipit, which is smaller, slighter, longer-tailed and thinnerbilled. In flight, white trailing edge to wing is diagnostic. Gives a guttural, chirruping call; song is famous for its length and melodious trilling.

Adult (left), Adult in flight (right)

SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia 12cm Summer visitor throughout lowlands, particularly around major rivers. More widespread and common on migration, especially around freshwater bodies. Swallows and martins (hirundines) are aerial insectivores, feeding acrobatically with the aid of long, pointed wings and forked tails. Sand Martin is the smallest in France, smaller than a sparrow although looking larger in flight due to long wings. Brown plumage is shared only by Eurasian Crag Martin. Differs by striking white underparts partitioned by broad brown breast-band (concolourous drab grey-brown in Eurasian Crag). The band is apparent at a distance, so also eliminates other hirundines. Pattern recalls Alpine Swift, but that species is much larger and longer-winged.

Adult (left), Adult in flight (right)

EURASIAN CRAG MARTIN Ptyonoprogne rupestris 14cm Locally distributed summer visitor to southern France, particularly in Mediterranean and mountainous regions. Rare elsewhere. Inhabits craggy areas with cliffs for nesting. Being brown, this hirundine can be confused only with smaller, slighter Sand Martin (for differences, see that species). In flight, from below, ‘armpits’ are contrastingly dark. From above, white tail spots are diagnostic – particularly obvious when tail is spread. Rather stiff-winged in flight compared to other hirundines, appearing less dexterous.

BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica 17–19cm Common summer visitor throughout France, including mountainous regions. Particularly abundant on migration. Frequents open areas, but also seen in towns and routinely hunts insects about freshwater bodies. The most familiar hirundine, with a slinky flight and long streamers on forked tail. Pale underparts rule out Common Swift, which is also larger, with much longer, narrower wings. Dark throat and wholly dark upperparts (no white rump) rule out Common House Martin. Redrumped Swallow is more similar; see that species for differences.

COMMON HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbicum 14cm Common summer visitor throughout France, including in mountains (where it breeds on cliffs) and urban areas (where it nests on buildings, hence the name). Also often seen hawking insects over freshwater bodies. Small hirundine, between Sand Martin and Barn Swallow in size. See both species for differences, but, fundamentally, broad white rump separates it from all French hirundines except Red-rumped Swallow. Differs from latter in short, broad, forked tail (not long and spike-like), dark earcoverts (head is blue-black and white, not chestnut and blue) and lack of any rufous on upper rump.

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Cecropis daurica 16–17cm Summer visitor solely to the Mediterranean region (rare migrant elsewhere). Typically frequents open hillsides, nesting on cliffs or buildings. Barn Swallow-like shape, with long tail streamers, rules out martins. (For additional differences from Common House Martin, see that species.) Most confusable with Barn Swallow. In flight, glides more stiffly than that species, with less manoeuvrability. Tail shape also differs, with long feathers less wispy, often suggesting a single spike. This impression is exacerbated by dark (not white) undertail, so that tail looks stuck on. In plumage, pale rump (white and rufous) and isolated dark cap are quite different to Barn.

TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis 15cm Fairly common breeder throughout France, up to foothills. Frequents forest edges, wooded clearings and treestrewn meadows. Pipits are small, streaky, largely ground-dwelling birds that walk and scurry around. Smaller and slimmer than larks, and with thinner bills. Very similar in appearance to one another, pipits demand careful examination. Tree Pipit is generally yellower than Meadow Pipit, particularly on the breast, which contrasts with white belly. Stripe above eye (supercilium) more pronounced, and often shows pale spot at back of earcoverts. Unlike Meadow, sings from a tree – or at least starts/ends songflight from a tree. Call is a buzzy, breathy skeeeez – very different from Meadow’s weedy sip.

MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis 14.5cm Resident breeder in the cooler north, particularly along Channel and North Atlantic coasts; rare inland. Widespread in winter, in any open, grassy country, damp or dry. Variable pipit, with birds toned greyish, brownish or olive depending on age and time of year. Some look clean-cut and neat, others dingy and streaky. Gregarious in winter, feeding in active, nervous flocks that spit into the air, flying weakly. For differences from Tree and Water pipits, see those species. Take care not to mistake it for Eurasian Skylark (for differences, see that species) or Corn Bunting (which is larger, tubbier and deep-billed).

Winter plumage (left), Breeding plumage (right)

WATER PIPIT Anthus spinoletta 17cm Breeds in montane meadows (Alps, Pyrenees, etc.), but widespread in winter, frequenting lowland marshes, grasslands and rivers. Larger than Meadow and Tree pipits. Distinctive summer plumage, with a blue-grey head marked by a bright white stripe over eye (supercilium), unstreaked grey-brown back and pink flush to largely unmarked underparts. In winter plumage, more similar to Meadow and Tree, but differs in having black (not pink) legs, more boldly patterned head (prominent white supercilium), and diffusely streaked, markedly white underparts with neither a hint of yellow nor black stripes. For differences from Eurasian Rock Pipit, see that species.

EURASIAN ROCK PIPIT Anthus petrosus 17cm Resident in Brittany and along the northern coast; also occurs along the northern Atlantic coast in winter. As its name suggests, favours rocky shores, particularly those rich in seaweed. Differs from Meadow and Tree pipits in its larger size, dingy grey-brown plumage, diffusely streaked underparts and upperparts, dark face with prominent eye-ring and (usually) very different habitat. More difficult to distinguish from Water Pipit. Basically a dingier version of that species, with duskier underparts and bold white eye-ring rather than Water’s prominent white stripe over the eye (supercilium). Water is much less likely to be seen on coasts, particularly those with seaweed-covered rocks.

Adult female (left), Adult male (right)

GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea 18cm Resident throughout, particularly in hilly areas. Always associated with water: streams and rivers year-round, but also lakes etc. in winter. Frequent in urban areas. Wagtails are long-tailed, pipit-like birds that run and canter along the ground, wagging their tail up and down. Grey Wagtail is distinctive: no other wagtail has an isolated, bright yellow wrap-around rump, vent and undertail that contrasts with white belly. Ash-grey back (rather than olive) additionally distinguishes it from Yellow Wagtail – and habitat differences are also useful. Largely grey face, lacking black on crown, separates it from White Wagtail.

Clockwise from top left: Male Ashy-headed, Yellow, Grey-headed and Blue-headed wagtails

YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava 17cm Summer visitor throughout France, inhabiting meadows, grasslands, marshes and farmland (but never riverbanks like Grey Wagtail). Subspecies varies with location; males differ in head and throat colour. The well-named Blueheaded (subspecies flava) predominates, but Yellow (flavissima; green and yellow head) occurs in the north, Ashy-headed (cinereocapilla; dark grey head, white throat) in the south-east and Camargue, Spanish (iberiae; bluer head than previous, with white stripe above eye) in the south-west and Grey-headed (thunbergi; like Ashyheaded but yellow throat) on migration. Beware intergrades resulting from hybridisation. Female resembles female Grey Wagtail (for differences, see that species). Immature differs from White Wagtail of same age in dark face and lack of breast-band.

White Wagtail (left), Pied Wagtail (right)

WHITE WAGTAIL Motacilla alba 18cm Resident throughout France, but winters particularly in major river valleys. Breeds in rural environments (often near farms), but winters in fields near watercourses, often in urban areas. Differs from other wagtails in being wholly mono-chrome in all plumages. Adult distinctive, with white face flanked by black crown and black bib. Immature could be confused with Yellow Wagtail of same age, but has a pale face (and thus prominent eye) and (often blotchy) black bib. Most birds have a pale grey mantle (White Wagtail, subspecies alba), but black- or dark-grey-backed birds of the British race (Pied Wagtail, yarrellii) also winter in northern France.

WHITE-THROATED DIPPER Cinclus cinclus 18cm Inhabits fast-flowing rivers in mountains, NouvelleAquitaine and eastern France. Rare elsewhere (and never seen away from flowing water). Stocky, short-tailed bird, shaped like a Winter Wren but twice the size. Bobs on rocks, flies with whirring wings (often uttering a rasping dzit call), swims buoyantly, and (uniquely among French songbirds) dives or walks underwater. Adult unmistakable: look for extensive white bib sandwiched between chestnut head and very dark belly. Juvenile – grey and mottled – may cause confusion, but combination of shape and habitat is distinctive, and adults are usually also present.

WINTER WREN Troglodytes troglodytes 9.5cm Common resident throughout France, from sea-level to upper altitudinal limit of forest in mountains. Inhabits any kind of undergrowth: bushes and hedgerows in open areas, shrub layer in gardens and woodland. Tiny bird, with a distinctive short, cocked tail and loud voice. Typically skulking, and more often heard than seen. Gives a variety of scolding, rasping and rattling calls. Song is amazingly loud and vibrant, combining warbles and trills. Differs from Dunnock and (scaly brown) juvenile European Robin in smaller size; short, cocked tail; and broad cream stripe above eye (supercilium).

DUNNOCK Prunella modularis 14cm Resident throughout France in any environment with dense undergrowth. Size of European Robin, but longertailed and gait is usually horizontal. Relatively nondescript, frequently unobtrusive bird that can confuse the unwary. Behaviour distinctive: creeps through vegetation or shuffles over open ground, flicking tail. Much more heavily streaked than pipits, with extensively grey face and throat. Bold streaking rules out warblers such as Eurasian Blackcap. See Winter Wren for differences from that species. Similar in plumage to House Sparrow, but has a fine black bill (thick and often pale in House Sparrow) and boldly patterned (not plain) underparts.

ALPINE ACCENTOR Prunella collaris 18cm Resident in southern France, exclusively in mountains above 2,000m in summer, where it favours scree and alpine meadows. Occurs lower in winter, often congregating around ski-resort restaurants and villages. Larger, tubbier relative of Dunnock, with similar plumage. Unlike Dunnock, prefers open terrain and is typically fearless. Size and behaviour are initial clues that this is not a Dunnock. Next, look for yellow base to bill, pronounced white spots on wing, black-and-white speckled throat, and broad streaks on belly and flanks (rufous in adult, ruddy brown in juvenile). Poor views might suggest another high-altitude specialist, Whitewinged Snowfinch, but that species has extensive white on wings.

EUROPEAN ROBIN Erithacus rubecula 14cm Resident throughout France, favouring woodland, copses, hedgerows, scrub, parks and gardens. Numbers are boosted in winter by arrivals from the north and east. Robins and chats are small insectivorous birds with slim bills, and are usually seen on or near the ground. European Robin is a very common, familiar bird. Adult’s extensive orange face and bib eliminate confusion with all other species. Juvenile may cause confusion, lacking orange and being scaly on head, back and underparts. However, the presence of a parent should confirm identification.

COMMON NIGHTINGALE Luscinia megarhynchos 16cm Summer visitor throughout France except Brittany and Normandy. Frequents woodland and scrub with dense undergrowth. Well known for its remarkable song – long, melodious and fluid – often given at night. Secretive and skulking, but sometimes feeds in the open on the ground (typically cocking long tail) and often sings from a prominent perch. Larger and longer-tailed than European Robin, and lacks orange bib. Upperparts warm brown, more rufous on tail, with creamy-brown underparts. Most likely to be confused with female Common Redstart (which has whiter underparts and an obvious red tail) or Garden Warbler (different shape, and grey-brown plumage with no hint of a rufous tail).

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

BLUETHROAT Luscinia svecica 14cm Summer visitor (and occasional winterer) to large wetlands along the Mediterranean coast, north to Arcachon Bay (Nouvelle-Aquitaine). Also breeds in inland marshes in Hauts-de-France, and seen in scrubby reedbeds, ditches and meadows. Resembles European Robin in size, shape and behaviour, although often skulking. Male is unique, with a bright blue bib around white central spot. All plumages differ from almost all other birds in broad white stripe over eye and chestnut sides to tail (flashed in low flight). Confusion possible between Sedge Warbler and female/first-winter Bluethroat, but former has a different shape, all-brown tail and entirely plain underparts and latter always has a dark collar on breast.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros 14cm Resident in western France; summer breeder in the east. Particularly common in the south and uncommon in the north. Typically favours rocky areas, but also towns and villages, where buildings substitute for cliffs. Slightly larger and slimmer than Eurasian Robin, with a long reddish tail that it constantly quivers. Favours open areas more than Common Redstart and behaves more like a wheatear, routinely feeding on the ground. Male is unmistakable, with sooty-grey plumage and a white wing flash. Female resembles Common, but dingier greybrown and with less rufous on rump.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

COMMON REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus 14cm Uncommon summer visitor throughout, favouring open woodland, parks and forest edges. Tends to be arboreal – often elusive in the canopy. Adult male differs from Black Redstart in having four-colour plumage, with black throat, white face, ash-grey back and orange underparts. To distinguish female from female Black Redstart and Common Nightingale, see those species. Young male resembles adult female, but shows orange breast and flanks, and dusky throat. Reddish tail avoids confusion with all other species.

Adult male, front view (left), Adult male, rear view (right)

WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra 13cm Local summer visitor across much of France; more widespread on migration. Favours grassland and other meadows with bushes on which to perch. Size of Eurasian Robin but with a short tail. Typically perches on a bush – always upright and alert, and often flies at first hint of danger. Attractive bird. Male is particularly striking: boldly patterned upperparts, bold white stripe above eye on otherwise blackish face, and orange breast. Confusion likely only with European Stonechat (for differences, see that species). Face pattern might prompt confusion with Northern Wheatear, but latter is larger, with a grey back and largely white rump and tail.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

EUROPEAN STONECHAT Saxicola rubicola 12.5cm Fairly common resident throughout France, but rarer in mountains. Frequents natural open environments such as heathlands and scrubby grassland; often associated with gorse. Likely to be confused only with Whinchat, which is similar in size and behaviour. In all plumages, differs by lacking Whinchat’s white stripe over eye and white sides to tail. Male European Stonechat has a large white neckpatch below black head, enabling identification at long range.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

NORTHERN WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe 15cm Localised summer visitor, particularly to mountains, but widespread on migration. Frequents open habitat, particularly dunes, short grassland and stony meadows. Wheatears are terrestrial species, venturing only marginally above ground to perch on a rock or fence. Has a distinctive feeding action, sprinting a short distance before standing erect. Often flies when observer approaches, flashing large white rump and tail (latter with an inverted black ‘T’). This rules out all species except rare southern Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica; not illustrated). Male differs from latter in blue-grey back (not white or peach), while female has less white on tail than Black-eared, is paler above and lacks orange breast.

COMMON ROCK THRUSH Monticola saxatilis 19cm Summer visitor to scree-rich mountains, specifically the Causses, Alps, Pyrenees and Massif Central. Rock thrushes recall both wheatears and thrushes, and are exclusively associated with warm, rocky places. Male Common Rock Thrush is a gorgeous creature, whose bright colours ensure it cannot be mistaken for anything else. Female is more subtle; most have an orange wash to scaly underparts that excludes both the larger Song Thrush and female Blue Rock Thrush. Both of these species are also excluded by the short, red-sided tail that protrudes only marginally beyond wing-tip.

BLUE ROCK THRUSH Monticola solitarius 20cm Resident of rocky places in the Mediterranean region (extending north along the Rhône valley). To distinguish it from Common Rock Thrush, see that species. Although wholly dark, shimmering blue in colour, the male Blue Rock Thrush can look black at a distance – at which point it might be confused with a male Common Blackbird. Female Blue Rock also recalls a female Common Blackbird (although lacks reddish tones and is markedly scaly). In both instances, Blue Rock’s long black (not yellow) bill, dark (not pink) legs and smaller size are key to identification.

Adult male (left), First-winter male (right)

RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus 25cm Uncommon summer visitor to mountainous region (Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central, Jura and Vosges), with UK and Scandinavian breeders occurring throughout France on passage. Breeds in open conifer forests, but migrants use a variety of open, grassy habitats. Medium-sized, mainly dark thrush, confusable only with Common Blackbird and Mistle Thrush. Adults differ from both these species in broad white bib, silvery wings (particularly obvious in flight) and scaly underparts. Also much darker (male black, female and first-winter dark brown) than midbrown Mistle Thrush, with a yellow rather than largely dark bill.

Adult male (left), First-winter female (right)

COMMON BLACKBIRD Turdus merula 24cm Common resident throughout France, with birds descending from mountains in winter. Inhabits a variety of habitats containing trees and bushes. Familiar medium-sized thrush, running or hopping along the ground and then stopping to look for prey. All-black male confusable only with crows and choughs, but much smaller and yellow bill eliminates all except Alpine Chough (which has bright red legs). See Blue Rock Thrush and Ring Ouzel for differences from those species. Female is darker than Song and Mistle thrushes, particularly on unspotted underparts.

FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris 25cm Local breeder in eastern hills and mountains. Gregarious winter visitor, possible anywhere, when it frequents meadows, bushes, gardens and hedgerows. Large, stocky, bold thrush – easy to recognise at rest, but sometimes less obvious in flight. Size means it is most likely confused with Mistle Thrush. Differs in dark brown-chestnut back contrasting with pale grey head and rump. In flight, when seen head on or from below, looks gingery with a white underwing; from rear, main impression is of a large, pale grey rump clashing with black tail. Calls frequently: a harsh, chuckling chak-chak-ak. Often flocks with Redwing.

SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos 21cm Common year-round throughout France, but more widespread and numerous in the west and south in winter, when numbers are swollen with immigrants. The archetypal thrush, with thickly spotted white underparts and brown upperparts. Very similar to Mistle Thrush, but markedly smaller, shyer, and less pot-bellied. Close examination reveals a uniform face with a bold eye-ring (blotchy on Mistle), and spots on underparts that are heart-shaped (almost broad-based bars on Mistle). Flies lower and with more urgency than Mistle, typically darting into deep cover rather than posing in treetops. Underwing also differs noticeably: yellow-orange on Song but contrastingly white on Mistle.

REDWING Turdus iliacus 21cm Common winter visitor throughout France, but rarer in mountains and urban areas (although it does visit gardens, particularly in harsh weather). Gregarious, often flocking with Fieldfare. Similar in size to Song Thrush, and – both species being essentially small and dark – can be hard to tell apart in brief flight views. However, Redwing’s obvious broad cream stripe above eye (supercilium) is unique among French thrushes, as are its rusty flanks and underwing. Flocks call routinely, particularly at night (a classic late-autumn sound, as birds migrate overhead): a thin, high, plaintive tsiii.

MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus 27cm Uncommon throughout France, particularly in woodland and hedgerows, and rarer in urban areas. Big, bold thrush of open areas, where it hops along confidently. Often moves in family groups, flying high with powerful, stuttering wingbeats. Most similar in plumage to smaller Song Thrush (for differences, see that species). Paler and spottier than female Common Blackbird (see that species). In flight, white underwing rules out all thrushes except similar-sized Fieldfare.

CETTI’S WARBLER Cettia cetti 13.5cm Resident in damp habitats, particularly in the south and along Biscay and northern coasts. Frequents dense vegetation in wet habitats, reedbeds and scrubby thickets. Medium-sized, dark, dumpy warbler that skulks in dense vegetation, popping up into the open to sing, then flying low between patches of cover like a big Winter Wren with a long, rounded tail. More often heard than seen: song is a sudden, explosive outburst, rich and intense (unlikely any other reedbed sound), and call is a sharp chip. Differs from Eurasian Reed Warbler by its dark chestnut upperparts, ashy underparts, strong pink legs and long, rounded tail.

ZITTING CISTICOLA Cisticola juncidis 10cm Resident, particularly in the Mediterranean, along the Garonne valley to the Atlantic coast, northwards to Brittany, with enclaves along the Channel coast. Very small, with wings and tail that are both short and rounded – creating a distinctive silhouette in characteristic long, bounding songflight (quite unlike any other French bird). Song is less impressive: a metallic tzik, given in a long series, one per second. Heavily streaked upperparts could prompt confusion with pipits, but smaller, with plain buff underparts and an open facial expression, and rarely (if ever) on the ground. Sedge Warbler also streaked above, but has a broad white stripe above eye and lacks Zitting Cisticola’s white band on tail tip.

COMMON GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia 13cm Uncommon summer visitor to much of France, but avoids hot areas such as the Mediterranean. Frequents damp scrub, wet meadows with dense vegetation and bushy reedbeds. Secretive, creeping through undergrowth; typically located when singing, when it often perches in the open. Song is distinctive – a mechanical, reeling trill for several minutes, sounding more like a cicada than a bird. Streaked back eliminates Eurasian Reed Warbler. Lacks bold white stripe above eye of Sedge Warbler. Larger than Zitting Cisticola, with dark (not pale) face and longer tail that lacks white tips. Beware effect of light, which varies coloration from pale yellow-brown to dark rusty-brown.

MELODIOUS WARBLER Hippolais polyglotta 13cm Summer visitor, breeding throughout France except the north-east, favouring bushes, scrub and hedgerows. Breeding adult’s olive and yellow coloration may prompt confusion with Willow Warbler. Chunkier, slower-moving and more skulking than that species, with rear crown feathers regularly raised (particularly when singing) and indistinct stripe above eye rather than Willow’s broad supercilium. Breeding adult’s coloration separates it from brown-and-white Eurasian Reed Warbler. However, firstwinter and non-breeding adult Melodious are greyish and more likely to be confused with Reed – look for Melodious’s plain face (eye more prominent) and longer, pinker bill.

MOUSTACHED WARBLER Acrocephalus melanopogon 12.5cm Locally resident in the Mediterranean, inhabiting reedbeds with scattered bushes and stands of Bulrush. Skulking bird that loves rootling in dense tangles of fallen reed just above the water. Similar to Sedge Warbler (although ranges overlap only on latter’s migration), but has a more contrasting black-and-white head pattern, with a black crown and line through eye sandwiching a broader, whiter stripe over eye. Also has less streaked, warmer brown back than Sedge, with a chestnut wash to breast and flanks that isolates a characteristic neat white throat. Unlike Sedge, readily flicks and cocks tail. Differs from Winter Wren in same way as Sedge (see that species).

SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus 12cm Summer visitor to northern half of France, avoiding hot, dry areas. Occurs more widely on migration. Inhabits reedbeds and damp habitats with scattered, dense vegetation. Often occurs at same sites as Eurasian Reed Warbler and has a similar chattering song. Sedge differs in streaked back, more marked head pattern (with broad whitish stripe over eye) and contrastingly rufous rump. Could conceivably be confused with Winter Wren in poor view, but Sedge is larger, with a much bolder head pattern, streaked back and long tail. For differences from Moustached Warbler, Common Grasshopper Warbler and Zitting Cisticola, see those species.

EURASIAN REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus 13cm Summer visitor throughout France. Breeds in damp reedbeds, but frequents drier habitats, including bushes, on migration. Prefers ‘purer’ reedbeds than Sedge Warbler (for differences, see that species). Often ascends a tall reed stem to sing, moving head from side to side with white throat puffed out. Weak stripe over eye, white eye-ring and longer bill differentiate it from larger, stockier but equally plain Garden Warbler. Garden shuns reedbeds, but both species skulk in scrub on migration. Unstreaked back and pale throat could prompt confusion with female/first-winter Common Whitethroat, but latter is larger, with a stubbier bill, more obvious white throat and white sides to long tail.

MARMORA’S WARBLER Sylvia sarda 13cm Summer visitor, within France occurring exclusively on Corsica. Here, it frequents open, low garrigue and maquis scrub, often on dry hillsides. France has an impressive diversity of warblers of the stocky, long-tailed, skulking genus Sylvia. Marmora’s Warbler is all dark, with a very long, slender tail (often cocked); somewhat recalls a Long-tailed Tit in shape. Big head with raised, ‘punky’ crown. Bright red eye, orange legs and pale pink-based bill. Flies low and fast between bushes. Confusable only with Dartford Warbler, which inhabits similar (but usually taller) habitat on Corsica. Adult Marmora’s differs in its lead-grey underparts (russet brown on Dartford); juveniles are very similar.

DARTFORD WARBLER Sylvia undata 13cm Resident around the Mediterranean (including Corsica), north along the Atlantic coast to Brittany and inland to Île-de-France. Inhabits dry, scrubby habitats such as heathland, garrigue and open maquis. On Corsica, overlaps with very similar Marmora’s Warbler (for differences, see that species). Dark underparts rule out confusion with pale-bellied Common Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat. Russet-brown underparts could prompt confusion with male Subalpine Warbler (and Moltoni’s Warbler Sylvia subalpina on Corsica; not illustrated), but brick-red coloration and white moustachial stripe of those two species should be noticeable in a good view.

SPECTACLED WARBLER Sylvia conspicillata 12.5cm Declining summer visitor to the Mediterranean coast, inhabiting dry saltmarsh with Samphire (e.g. in the Camargue), and scrubby low garrigue (including with lavender on the Valensole plateau). Small version of the widespread Common Whitethroat, the male (pictured) also differing in its big-headed and more colourful appearance. Head darker, bright blue-grey, particularly in front of eye, contrasting with broad white eye-ring (‘spectacles’). Neat white throat stands out against duskypink underparts; Common Whitethroat looks insipid in comparison. Females are very similar, but can be differentiated by size. Spectacled also has a more striking chestnut wing. See Subalpine Warbler for differences from that species.

SUBALPINE WARBLER Sylvia cantillans 12cm Summer visitor to the Mediterranean region, extending north along the Rhône valley. Skulks in low, bushy scrub – maquis, garrigue and hedgerows. Male (pictured) is a particularly attractive warbler, with brick-red underparts and grey-blue upperparts separated by a white moustachial stripe. Red eye and underpart coloration distinguish it from male Spectacled Warbler. Females and first-winters are trickier to separate, but Subalpine tends to have brown (rather than chestnut) wing and a ghosting of male’s underpart pattern. Latter feature also differentiates them from female Common Whitethroat. Very similar to Moltoni’s Warbler (Sylvia subalpina; not illustrated, occurs on Corsica), but ranges do not overlap.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

SARDINIAN WARBLER Sylvia melanocephala 13.5cm Resident in the Mediterranean region, extending north up the Rhône valley, with an outlying population in southern Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Skulks in undergrowth, scrub and gardens. Slightly smaller than Common Whitethroat. On a good view (when not hiding in vegetation), Sardinian is distinctive. Male’s black head contrasts with bright red eye/eye-ring and white throat – a combination shown by no other French warbler. Lesser Whitethroat has a grey head and eye is not red. Male Eurasian Blackcap has a grey throat and also lacks red eye. Female’s red eye and eye-ring (and darker plumage) distinguish it from female Subalpine Warbler.

LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca 13cm Summer visitor to the north-eastern half of France, from the Alps to Brittany. Inhabits undergrowth, woodland edges and bushes. Rather small, slender warbler, lacking the chunkiness of many Sylvia species. Plumage is rather understated, grey-brown above and silvery-white below. Most similar to Common Whitethroat, but smaller and more drab, with a greyer back and wings, uniformly whiter underparts (no isolated white throat) and less distinct white eye-ring. White underparts rule out Eurasian Blackcap. Lacks red eye/eye-ring of Sardinian Warbler, and white eye-ring is much less distinct than in Subalpine Warbler and Spectacled Warbler.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

COMMON WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis 14cm Summer visitor throughout France, including mountains up to 1,500m (Alps) and 2,000m (Pyrenees). Inhabits scrub with dense undergrowth in a variety of opencountry habitats. Large warbler, bright and perky, and less skulking than other Sylvia species. Male often seen in songflight before dropping to perch. Chestnut patch on wing is common to all plumages, and rules out all similar species except Spectacled Warbler (for differences, see that species). For differences from Lesser Whitethroat (most likely confusion species), Eurasian Reed Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Subalpine Warbler and Sardinian Warbler, see those species.

GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin 14cm Occurs throughout France in woodland and parks with decent undergrowth. Most common in the north-east. Nondescript brown warbler with no obvious distinguishing features; indeed, its very blandness is the best way to recognise it. Lacks black or chestnut cap of similar-sized Eurasian Blackcap. Spotted Flycatcher is also grey-brown, but perches vertically and has a streaked breast on white underparts. Buffer underparts than Eurasian Reed Warbler and has a stockier bill and very prominent black eye in otherwise plain face (rather than a pale line above eye and eye-ring).

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

EURASIAN BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla 14cm Very common throughout France, inhabiting woodland, parks and gardens with dense undergrowth. Stocky, rather lethargic warbler. Nondescript brown above and grey below. Striking feature – unique among warblers – is the neat skullcap: black in male, chestnut in female. Male Sardinian Warbler has a more extensive black head, contrasting with red eye and white throat. On plumage, male Eurasian Blackcap is confusable with Marsh or Willow tits. Both tits are smaller and shorter-tailed, however, with black on head extending to nape, in front of eyes and chin, and whiter cheeks and underparts.

WESTERN BONELLI’S WARBLER Phylloscopus bonelli 11cm Uncommon summer visitor, particularly to warm, southern woodlands; rare in the north. Phylloscopus warblers are small, active, pale birds that usually forage high in trees. Western Bonelli’s differs from other French members of its genus in being relatively plain-faced (with a less prominent pale stripe above the eye), with bright yellow-green wings and tail contrasting with markedly dull grey-olive upperparts. Adult is particularly vibrant (although never as clean-cut as Wood Warbler), but firstwinter is duller, prompting confusion with Common Chiffchaff. Song is a soft, bubbling trill, similar to that of Wood. Call is a loud, disyllabic tu-iii, recalling Common Redstart.

WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix 12cm Uncommon summer visitor throughout most of France, favouring moist old oak-dominated woodland with an open understorey; shuns the drier south. Distinctively bright warbler, glowing in the leafy subcanopy. Closest to Willow Warbler, but with more vibrant green upperparts, intensely lemon-yellow face and breast, and shimmering white (not dull yellow) underparts. Yellow tones to head and breast eliminate Western Bonelli’s Warbler, and it lacks latter’s contrast between drab back and bright wings. Song – usually best way to locate the bird – is a short, fast, shivering trill.

COMMON CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita 11cm Very common throughout France. Largely a summer visitor, but many seen in winter, particularly in the south and west. Inhabits any wooded or scrubby landscape provided it has a dense undergrowth for nesting. The most drab French Phylloscopus warbler, being a fairly nondescript grey-olive above and dingy whitish-buff below; Willow Warbler is typically yellower. Uniquely among close relatives, it has black legs (rather than pink/brown), so focus attention on these. Also regularly dips tail – unlike other members of genus. Song is a distinctive, simple, two-toned chip-chap woven into a long series.

WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus 11.5cm Common summer visitor, but absent from the southern third of France (except the Massif Central). Frequents woodlands, young conifer plantations and shrubby areas with scattered trees. An olive-yellow warbler with a prominent pale stripe over the eye (supercilium). Best known for its song: a luscious, descending cadence. Very similar to Common Chiffchaff (for differences, see that species). Less bright and crisp than Wood Warbler (see that species).

GOLDCREST Regulus regulus 9cm Resident throughout France except dry Mediterranean areas. Numbers are bolstered in winter by arrivals from the north and east. Europe’s joint smallest bird (with Common Firecrest) and thus easy to recognise. Shape is that of a small, thick-necked, short-tailed Phylloscopus warbler. Immediately separable from common French members of that genus by its well-marked wings (with a black square and two white bars), and black and yellow crown-stripes on otherwise plain face (so lacks pale stripe above eye, as in warblers). Often heard before it is seen: call is a shrill, high-pitched ssee-ssee-ssee. See Common Firecrest for differences from that species.

COMMON FIRECREST Regulus ignicapilla 9cm Widespread resident throughout France, although driven south and west during cold winters. Occupies deciduous or mixed forests, parks and gardens. Tiny: size of Goldcrest. Much brighter than that species, with a vivid green back that turns bronze on shoulders, contrasting white underparts (usually gleaming in shady woodland) and a very bold, contrasting black-and-white face pattern. Latter much bolder than in French warblers of the genus Phylloscopus, and with a bright yellow or orange central crown-stripe. Warblers are also larger and lack white wing-bar.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata 14cm Uncommon throughout France, needing a habitat that combines large trees and sunny, open areas. Abundant on Corsica. Flycatchers sit upright on bare branches, sallying out to catch prey. Spotted Flycatcher is the size of Common Chaffinch, but slimmer and with a vertical posture. Dull brown bird, differing from the similarly nondescript Garden Warbler in its posture, streaked underparts and white dots on wing. However, Corsican race (subspecies tyrrhenica, possibly a full species) is closer to Garden Warbler, being greyer above than mainland Spotted, and with a plain (not streaked) breast.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

BEARDED REEDLING Panurus biarmicus 11cm Resident in major wetlands such as Baie de la Seine, the Camargue and the Loire estuary, but also in smaller coastal wetlands. As its name suggests, it is a reedbed specialist. Unmistakable tit-sized bird with a long, graduated tail. Pinkish-buff base colour helps the bird blend into its reedbed habitat, so often first located by its distinctive call: a metallic ping, ostensibly like an oldstyle cash register. Female and first-winter are plainfaced, but adult male has a fantastic drooping black moustache. Only similar species inhabiting reedbeds is Eurasian Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus; not illustrated, rare breeder in the Rhine valley and Camargue but more widespread in winter), which lacks long tail and (on adult) has a black bandana across face.

LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus 14cm Common throughout France in bushy, wooded habitats from gardens to forests, and rural areas to towns. An unmistakable tiny bird, whose elongated tail accounts for almost two-thirds of its length. Only Bearded Reedling has proportions even vaguely reaching Long-tailed Tit; its basic coloration (sandy, not black and white) and habitat (reedbeds) eliminate confusion. As well as tail length, head pattern (largely white, with a broad black ‘bushy eyebrow’) eliminates confusion with Coal Tit (which has a largely black head with a white cheek and central crownstripe). Parties roll through habitat, staying in contact with a distinctive rolling brrp trill.

MARSH TIT Poecile palustris 12cm Occurs throughout France in habitats with old trees (including parks and gardens), as high as the limit of beech woodland. Small tit with brown upperparts and a distinct black cap. This combination of colour rules out other tits bar Willow Tit (for differences, see that species) and Coal Tit. Differs from latter in large size, wholly black cap (lacking white stripe on nape), brown (not grey) upperparts and lack of white bands on wing. Could be mistaken for male Eurasian Blackcap (for differences, see that species). First clue to its presence (and identification) is often its distinctive call, a cheerful, emphatic pit-chew.

WILLOW TIT Poecile montanus 12.5cm Occurs in the north-eastern half of France, with relict populations on lowland plains in Île-de-France and Bourgogne–Franche-Comté. More abundant in mountains, occurring up to the treeline. Favours cool, dark forests – including conifers, at altitude. Very similar to Marsh Tit, both differing from other birds in the same ways. Easiest to distinguish from Marsh by its call – a deep, buzzy, nasal churring rather than Marsh’s cheery whistle. Visual differences are very subtle: has a wholly black bill (rather than tiny pale area at base of Marsh’s), wider black chin-patch and more bull-necked appearance.

EUROPEAN CRESTED TIT Lophophranes cristatus 11.5cm Occurs throughout France, wherever there are (and only where there are) conifer trees – including parks and gardens, albeit mainly in winter. Jaunty tit, its perky demeanour accentuated by its most distinctive plumage feature: a tall black-and-white crest. This ‘headgear’ differentiates it from all other French birds. If crest is not visible (perhaps when bird is high in a tree), striking cheek pattern (a black ‘C’ on a white face) and black collar joining up with black throat are diagnostic. Birds are often first detected by their call: a purring trill.

COAL TIT Periparus ater 11cm Relatively common throughout France, particularly where there are conifers. Frequents gardens and parks, especially in winter, when it may briefly visit bird tables; a shy visitor! Numbers are sometimes boosted by mass arrivals (‘invasions’) in winter. France’s smallest tit, not much bigger than Goldcrest. In a brief view of a bird closeted in pines, double band on wing and general coloration may prompt thought of Goldcrest. When bird emerges, however, its diagnostic head pattern is obvious: black head with white cheeks and white stripe on nape. No other French tit has such plumage.

EURASIAN BLUE TIT Cyanistes caeruleus 12cm Common throughout France, occurring in any habitat with trees or bushes – including urban gardens. Familiar bird, often announcing its presence with a cheery trill. Brightly coloured plumage more like that of a tropical rainforest bird than a French species, and confusable only with Great Tit. Differs from latter in being small and having a whiter face with a dark line through eye, a blue (not black) cap and strikingly blue (not grey) wings. Yellow underparts and head pattern differentiate it from all other tits.

GREAT TIT Parus major 14cm Resident and common throughout France, wherever there are trees or bushes. Familiar bird, often frequenting gardens. France’s largest tit, with distinctive plumage (particularly yellow underparts) that minimises confusion with any bird except Eurasian Blue Tit (for differences, see that species) and Coal Tit. Head pattern similar to latter, but Great Tit lacks Coal’s white nape. Brighter overall than Coal, with green back (rather than grey) and yellow underparts (rather than sullied buff). Has a varied vocal repertoire (mystery calls often transpire to be Great Tits), most famously a see-sawing teach-er.

EURASIAN NUTHATCH Sitta europaea 14cm Resident throughout mainland France (but absent, critically, from Corsica). Frequents woodland, parks and gardens with tall trees, including those in urban areas. Strictly arboreal, climbing up and down trunks and along branches – except when feeding on bird tables. Size of a Great Tit, but stockier, with a shorter tail and longer head and bill. Uniquely pale blue-grey above and warm buff below. Most striking feature is long black mask through eye (leading into long, pointed grey-black bill), which sits between blue-grey crown and white cheeks. Call is a distinctive, abrupt chwit; song is a nasal, ringing (almost whinnying) twee-twee-twee.

CORSICAN NUTHATCH Sitta whiteheadi 12cm Entire world range is restricted to Corsica, where it is resident in mature forests of Corsican Pine, mainly at 1,000–1,500m altitude. Corsica’s star bird – but one that can take time to track down. Voice is the best clue that one is nearby: a hoarse trill or a longer, rapid trill. Smaller and more active than Eurasian Nuthatch (which is absent from Corsica), often joining tit flocks outside the breeding season. Combination of plain blue-grey upperparts, dark crown (black in male, blue-grey in female) and bold white stripe above eye are not shown by any French bird other than male Northern Wheatear, which is a terrestrial species not seen in trees.

WALLCREEPER Tichodroma muraria 16cm Breeds in major mountain ranges (particularly the Alps and Pyrenees; rarer in Jura, Massif Central and Corsica). May winter at lower altitudes (including in Alpilles, but even as far as Île-de-France). In summer, strictly on rocks and cliff faces; in winter, sometimes on buildings. Uniquely among French birds, climbs up vertical rocky surfaces and swoops between them in butterfly-like flight on rounded wings. Unmistakable appearance – like a colourful treecreeper. In flight, crimson and black pattern on wings grabs attention. Harder to spot when climbing, as plumage is basically grey, black and white, but occasionally flashes or holds open wings, revealing its presence.

EURASIAN TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris 13cm Occurs mainly in eastern France (although also in Massif Central, Pyrenees and some lowlands). The only treecreeper on Corsica. Prefers cool, mixed or predominately conifer woodland, particularly at altitude. Treecreepers are distinctive birds, almost always seen spiralling up tree trunks. Brown-and-white plumage rules out confusion with similarly arboreal nuthatches, and wooded habitat immediately distinguishes it from similarly shaped (but differently coloured) Wallcreeper. Only confusion species is the very similar Short-toed Treecreeper (for differences, see that species). Birds can be quite shy; listen out for the thin, high-pitched, quavering sriiii call.

SHORT-TOED TREECREEPER Certhia brachydactyla 13cm Resident throughout France, where it is the default treecreeper except in montane areas and on Corsica. Has wider habitat preferences than Eurasian Treecreeper, inhabiting broadleaved woodlands, parks and gardens. Likely to be confused only with Eurasian Treecreeper. Voice is the easiest way to tell this extremely similar pair apart: call is a penetrating, oft-repeated tuut, like that of Coal Tit. Identification by plumage involves careful examination of the exact pattern of the buff ‘V’ midway along the wing – a fairly neat line in Short-toed rather than the zigzag of Eurasian.

Adult male (left), Juvenile (right)

EURASIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE Oriolus oriolus 24cm Summer visitor to mature deciduous forest throughout lowlands; absent from mountains. Size of Common Blackbird and brightly coloured – but don’t expect those characteristics to make it easy to see! Habitually hides in dense, leafy canopy, attracting attention either by song (a rich, fluty whistling) or in sudden flight on surprisingly long wings. Adult male unmistakable, being golden yellow with almost entirely black wings and tail. Female more subdued, basically green but with darker wings and yellow on flanks and vent. Superficially similar to European Green Woodpecker, especially in flight, but has a shorter tail, contrastingly dark wings and a shorter pinkish-red bill.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

RED-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius collurio 17cm Summer visitor to most of France, but absent along western Mediterranean and Channel coasts. More widespread on migration. Frequents scrubby, semi-open environments. Shrikes are medium-sized songbirds with a dark eye mask and hooked bill. They hunt from prominent perches and store a ‘larder’ of victims. Male Red-backed Shrike is distinctive, with a blue-grey crown and nape contrasting with chestnut back and wings, and a black eye mask. Upperpart colour differentiates it from Great Grey Shrike and male Northern Wheatear (which also lacks hooked bill and has a largely white tail). Female and first-winter resemble first-winter Woodchat Shrike (for differences, see that species).

GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excubitor 24cm Uncommon resident in northern half of France (particularly Massif Central, Jura and Grand Est); occasionally winters elsewhere. In the Mediterranean, replaced by the very similar Southern Grey Shrike (Lanius meridionalis, sometimes considered the same species; not illustrated). As its name suggests, Great Grey is both big and grey – features that differentiate it from other French shrikes. The plain grey back rules out both Redbacked Shrike and Woodchat Shrike. Superficially similar to the much smaller Northern Wheatear, but has a long, largely black tail, white in wing and a hooked bill.

WOODCHAT SHRIKE Lanius senator 18cm Summer visitor to the French Mediterranean, but increasingly rare except in Occitanie. Adult distinctive: the only black-and-white shrike with a russet cap. Female looks scruffier than male. First-winter resembles female/first-winter Red-backed Shrike, but Woodchat is a colder grey (rather than warm brown) above, and much more heavily scalloped. Also has a barred whitish (not brown) rump and more white on shoulders (a ghosting of adult’s pattern).

EURASIAN JAY Garrulus glandarius 34cm Resident throughout France, including in mountains and on Corsica. Numbers are boosted in winter by Scandinavian birds. Frequents any wooded habitat, including urban gardens. Crows and jays are large, bulky birds with a strong bill. Eurasian Jay is distinctive, appearing largely pink at rest. Identity is not so obvious in flight, but look for the electric-blue flash on black-andwhite wings, and neat white rump contrasting with wholly black tail. When airborne, could be confused with Hoopoe, but latter has black-and-white stripes all the way across its back and wings, and a banded tail. Distinctive call: a harsh, screeching jeer.

COMMON MAGPIE Pica pica 45cm Common throughout France (including Corsica) up to 1,500m altitude. Frequents most open-country environments as long as they contain trees. Particularly abundant near human habitation. Distinctive black-andwhite crow with a tail that is as long as its body. Plumage is effectively black (shining blue, green or purple), bar white belly, shoulder-patches and (in flight) wing-tips. Only confusion might be with a partially leucistic (white) crow, but long tail should set the story straight. Clearly much larger than similarly long-tailed, black-and-white White Wagtail, which walks along the ground wagging its tail.

ALPINE CHOUGH Pyrrhocorax graculus 38cm Resident in montane regions of the Alps, Pyrenees and Corsica – usually well above 1,000m altitude in alpine meadows. Often congregates around ski resorts and restaurants. Choughs are acrobatic crows, sailing buoyantly around cliff faces before plummeting downwards on half-folded wings. Alpine Chough is a small crow with a yellow bill and red legs. Most similar to Red-billed Chough (for differences, see that species). Yellow bill and all-black plumage could lead to confusion with male Common Blackbird, but latter is much smaller, and has a brighter yellow bill and pink-brown (not red) legs.

RED-BILLED CHOUGH Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax 39cm Resident in mountainous regions (Alps, Pyrenees, Causses) but also inhabits coastal grassland in Brittany (where it is the only chough). Absent from Corsica, where Alpine Chough holds sway. The latter is the only likely confusion species; even then, it will provoke uncertainty only if Red-billed’s eponymous scarlet, decurved bill cannot be seen. Red-billed looks a glossier black than Alpine, and longer-bodied. In flight, its wing-tips are more prominently ‘fingered’ (rounded on Alpine). Red bill and legs remove confusion with other all-black crows and with male Common Blackbird. Call is striking: a long, nasal chiiiaooow.

WESTERN JACKDAW Corvus monedula 32cm Resident throughout France, but absent at high altitude. Compact crow, roughly the size of Eurasian Jay. Differs from Carrion Crow and Rook in its smaller size, staring white (or very pale blue) iris and pale grey shawl on neck. In flight, looks much smaller than those two species, with quicker, flickering wingbeats. Flocks often swirl out from trees, particularly before roosting, sailing around lazily before returning to perch. Voice distinctive: a metallic, abrupt, resonant jak.

ROOK Corvus frugilegus 45cm Resident in the northern half of France, but a winter visitor only further south. The most gregarious crow, often seen in tandem with markedly smaller Western Jackdaw (for differences, see that species) and nesting in treetop colonies. Easily confused with Carrion Crow, which sometimes occurs in flocks. Adult’s head shape differs from that of Carrion Crow, being smaller and with a longer and more tapered bill. Critically, pale grey skin at bill base looks whitish (black in Carrion Crow). Juvenile, however, has a black bill and is hard to distinguish from Carrion Crow. In flight, looks more ragged than Carrion Crow, with a longer tail, more angled wings and more protruding head.

CARRION CROW Corvus corone 47cm Resident throughout mainland France, frequenting any open environment, including urban areas and alpine meadows. Absent from Corsica. Large black bird – larger than Western Jackdaw. Often solitary but occasionally gathers in flocks, including with similar-looking Rook. Differs mainly in thicker-based, strongly arched all-black bill – but see Rook for other differences. Most similar to larger Northern Raven (for differences, see that species). Formerly considered the same species as the distinctively bicoloured Hooded Crow (see that species) and sometimes hybridises with it. Call is a hoarse kraaa.

HOODED CROW Corvus cornix 46cm Resident on Corsica, where it replaces Carrion Crow. On the mainland, breeds in Alpes-Maritimes (and hybridises with Carrion). Scandinavian birds winter rarely in the north-east. Combination of range and distinctive plumage means Hooded Crow is unlikely to be mistaken for any other crow. Unlike Carrion, body is ash grey, contrasting with wholly black wings, tail, head and breast, the latter finishing in a bib of black streaks. Twotone effect is equally evident in the air as on the ground.

Adult (left), Adult in flight (right)

NORTHERN RAVEN Corvus corax 61cm Resident across a swathe of rocky, mountainous southern France, from the Vosges to the southern Alps, in the Pyrenees, Ardennes, Massif Central and on Corsica. Also resident on coastal cliffs of Brittany and the Channel coast. Massive black crow, the size of Common Buzzard. Carrion Crow is the only confusion species. Northern Raven is distinctively shaped in flight, with a long diamond-shaped tail (rounded in other crows), thick neck and powerful, slow beats of often-angled wings. At rest, its bulk is apparent, being complemented by a heavy, steeply arched bill. Call is distinctive: a far-carrying tonk or prruk.

SPOTLESS STARLING Sturnus unicolor 22cm Resident on Corsica, where Common Starling occurs only in winter. A few pairs breed in mainland France, in Occitanie. In summer, range is first clue to identification; overlap with Common is minimal. In breeding plumage, Spotless differs from Common in its entirely uniform black plumage (with no spots at all). Any sheen is more likely to be solely purple compared to the various iridescent tones exhibited by Common. In winter, female Spotless belies its name by having a few spots on back and belly, but (unlike Common) crown usually remains unspotted.

COMMON STARLING Sturnus vulgaris 22cm Common resident throughout mainland France, but reaches Corsica only in winter. Occupies many open environments, including in urban areas. Gregarious, forming large flocks particularly in winter, when pre-roost murmurations can be spectacular. Dark bird that can be confused with Common Blackbird, but smaller and shorter-tailed, and walks along the ground rather than hopping. Very similar to Spotless Starling (for differences, see that species) but there is little overlap in distribution. Particularly in flight, size and shape, is similar to Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus; not illustrated, sporadic winter visitor), but is never pale pinkbrown like that species and lacks crest.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus 15cm Resident throughout mainland France except on Corsica, where it is replaced by Italian Sparrow (Passer italiae; not illustrated, also occurs in south-east Alps). Particularly common near human dwellings. Familiar species, attracting attention by chirping. Uniquely, male has a grey crown, chestnut band behind eye and black bib. See Eurasian Tree Sparrow for differences from that species. Italian Sparrow differs in having entirely chestnut crown and broken white line above eye. Female House Sparrow lacks male’s head pattern, bold white wing-band of female Common Chaffinch and streaked underparts of Corn Bunting; most similar to Rock Sparrow (for differences, see that species).

EURASIAN TREE SPARROW Passer montanus 14cm Resident throughout mainland France. Particularly abundant in the east and south-west. Typically occurs close to human habitation in countryside – for example, in hedgerows near villages. Unlike House Sparrow, sexes do not differ in plumage. On a good view, easily distinguished from House by wholly chestnut-brown crown, large black spot on white cheek, and neat black chin not extending onto breast. Slightly smaller and more compact than House – a difference perceptible in flight, when it utters a distinctive, hard tec.

ROCK SPARROW Petronia petronia 16cm Resident in the southern Alps and south-west France, north to Poitou. Frequents open rocky environments and stony grasslands. Stockier than House Sparrow, with longer wings, a larger head, bigger bill and shorter tail, which give it a very different silhouette, particularly in flight. At a distance, plumage looks variegated, which should be first clue that this is not a female House. Closer examination reveals Rock to have a much more contrasting head pattern than female House – pale crown-stripe, dark side to head and broad pale band above eye (supercilium) – and heavily streaked underparts.

WHITE-WINGED SNOWFINCH Montifringilla nivalis 17cm Inhabits rocky summits of the Alps and Pyrenees above 2,000m, occasionally at lower altitudes and around skiresort restaurants in winter. Large finch of mountaintops. Nondescript grey and brown on the ground, but in flight reveals diagnostic, startling white-and-black wings. No real confusion species at this high altitude. Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis; not illustrated) is same size and has a similar wing pattern, but is an uncommon winter visitor to northern coasts, so ranges do not overlap. On the ground, could be confused with Alpine Accentor, which is also grey and brown, but latter is heavily streaked and lacks white in wing.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

COMMON CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs 15cm Common resident throughout France, supplemented by winter visitors from further north. Familiar finch, similar in size to House Sparrow but with a longer tail. Sexes are very different in plumage, but share a diagnostic pattern of broad white bands on wings. This striking feature, visible at rest and in flight, eliminates confusion with all other finches as well as sparrows. Only Brambling shows anything similar (a single white band on wing), and that species differs in its neat white rump and orange on forewing. Common Chaffinch calls are also characteristic – a cheery pink and a melancholy hooo-it – as is its accelerating rattle of a song.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla 15cm Winter visitor throughout France, particularly in agricultural lowlands – crops, stubble and ploughed fields – and in or near beech woodland. Gregarious species, often occurring alongside the superficially similar (and closely related) Common Chaffinch. Male is attractive, being black, orange and white; female is duller, with a largely grey head, scaly back, heavily marked flanks and a faint orange flush to breast. Such plumage features should avoid confusion with any other finch, but to avoid any doubt, wait until Brambling takes flight, at which point neat white rump and orange forewing confirm its identity. Distinctive call is a nasal, rising dju-ii.

EUROPEAN SERIN Serinus serinus 11cm Abundant resident in the south, but an uncommon summer visitor in the north. Favours open environments with tall trees, often in villages and parks. Tiny, streaky finch that attracts attention with its vocalisations (variations of jingling trills) and, in flight, its bright yellow rump. Latter differentiates it from the larger, greener, less streaky European Greenfinch. Male (pictured) has a largely yellow face, including crown – thus separating it from male Eurasian Siskin (black crown). Female is duller and densely streaked: differs from Common Linnet in yellow rump, and from female Eurasian Siskin in subdued wing pattern (not contrastingly black and yellow). See Citril Finch for differences from that species.

CITRIL FINCH Serinus citrinella 12cm Species of high-altitude conifer forests of the Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central, Jura and Vosges. Some winter at lower altitude, including in the southern Alps. Similar in size and shape to Eurasian Siskin, but immediately differs from that species (and from diminutive European Serin) by being wholly unstreaked. Much smaller than European Greenfinch. That species is similarly unstreaked, however, so best eliminated by Citril Finch’s grey shawl, yellower underparts and yellow-green bars crossing wing (rather than European Greenfinch’s broad yellow streak along length of wing). Habitat should also help: Citril is very much montane.

CORSICAN FINCH Serinus corsicanus 12cm Occurs only on Corsica and (the Italian island of) Sardinia, where it replaces Citril Finch. Identical to that very close relative (formerly considered the same species) except for lightly streaked chestnut-brown back. Inhabits a wider altitudinal range than Citril, frequenting all open, scrubby environments from sea-level upwards. Differs from European Greenfinch, European Serin and Eurasian Siskin in the same ways as does Citril (see that species).

EUROPEAN GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris 15cm Common resident throughout France, with numbers boosted in winter by northern migrants. Similar in size to Common Chaffinch, but stockier and with a shorter tail and thicker bill. All plumages are easily identifiable in flight, when bright yellow streak along leading edge of outer wing catches eye. No other species shows such a pattern, so this is the quickest way to distinguish juvenile European Greenfinch from other streaky finches such as European Serin and Eurasian Siskin. In addition, male differs from all other green finches in wholly pink bill. Song – a ringing, energetic trill – is often given in songflight at treetop level.

EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis 12cm Common resident throughout France (particularly in the south), with higher numbers in winter. Small, distinctive finch with an attractive, tinkling song. No real confusion species, as all plumages have a unique broad yellow band across wing, which is visible both at rest and in flight. Adult further differs from all other French birds in red face in front of eye contrasting with white cheeks and black crown/collar. Juvenile lacks this bold head pattern and could conceivably be overlooked among flocks of European Greenfinch or Common Linnet – until it takes flight. Often in family groups.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

EURASIAN SISKIN Carduelis spinus 12cm Resident in montane France, with breeding pockets in extensive forests north to Normandy. Common and widespread in winter, when it also visits parks and gardens. Small, slender greenish finch often seen feeding acrobatically in upper branches, keeping in contact with a plaintive, bisyllabic tlii-uu call. Male is boldly patterned with black, yellow, green and white. Female and firstwinter are paler, greyer and streakier, with isolated patches of yellow. For differences from European Serin, Citril Finch and European Greenfinch, see those species.

Adult male (left), Juvenile (middle), Adult female (right)

COMMON LINNET Carduelis cannabina 13cm Common resident throughout France, particularly abundant in mountains and northern croplands. Gregarious finch, often flocking with other species. Constantly active: rarely settles for long before bounding into the air, twittering, then dropping back down to low vegetation. In flight, look for white flashes in wing and tail – shared only by Twite (Carduelis flavirostris; not illustrated, rare winter visitor to northern coasts). At rest, male is easily identifiable by pink breast/forehead and unstreaked chestnut back. Female and first-winter are less distinctive, being drab grey-brown and streaky. Even so, only really confusable with Twite, from which they differ by whitish marks on face (absent on Twite).

COMMON REDPOLL Carduelis flammea 13cm Mainly a winter visitor to northern France (subspecies flammea, sometimes called Mealy Redpoll), but Lesser Redpoll (cabaret) breeds sparingly in the Alps and Jura. Favours conifer, birch and alder woodland – often in damp areas. Small, slim, streaky brown finch that typically occurs in flocks, often feeding high in trees with Eurasian Siskin. Common Redpoll’s essentially brown plumage means that the only confusion species is Common Linnet. Although superficially similar, Common Redpoll lacks Common Linnet’s white flashes on wing and tail in flight. It is also a predominately woodland species, whereas Common Linnet favours open terrain.

Adult female (left), Adult male (right)

RED CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra 16cm Resident in extensive conifer forests in both mountains and lowlands, particularly in the east and on Corsica. Very rarely seen away from pines. Big, stocky, large-headed finch with a short tail. At rest, diagnostic bill shape should be visible: strongly arched, with crossed tips. Usually seen in groups that maintain contact in rapid, purposeful flight with a ringing jip-jip-jip. Plumage varies from greyish green (juvenile and female) to dull scarlet (adult male), but lacks any contrasting white or yellow patches (as on European Greenfinch). Combination of shape, bill structure, habitat and plumage makes Red Crossbills easy to identify, given a good view.

EURASIAN BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula 16cm Resident through much of France, but patchily distributed. Absent from agricultural lowlands; in the south, occurs only in hills, mountains and forests of Landes. Surprisingly unobtrusive for such a boldly patterned bird, favouring dense vegetation in open woodland, scrubby forests and parkland. First sign of its presence is often a mournful, descending whistle, peeoo. Striking, simply plumaged bird (‘colour by numbers’). Sexes share a black cap, wings and tail, contrasting with extensive white rump and pale wing-bar. No other French bird has such a pattern. Male (pictured) has a blue-grey back and pink underparts, female a brown-grey back and buff-grey underparts.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes 17cm Common resident over much of France, but rarer in Brittany, the south and mountainous regions. Inhabits mature broadleaved woodland, particularly Common Beech; in winter, also frequents parks and gardens. Large, handsome finch with a big head, thick bill and short tail. Often perches in treetops before flying rapidly and directly to feeding grounds. Usual flight call is a quiet tik, like that of Eurasian Robin. In flight, pattern of white is unique, comprising band on tail tip, shoulder-patch and stripe along wing-tip. This eliminates superficially similar male Common Chaffinch. At rest, very distinctive with no confusion species.

YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella 16cm Resident in much of rural France, particularly in the north. Rare in the south, where it occurs only in hilly regions. Population is boosted in winter by migrants. Large, slim bunting with a long tail and strong yellow tones to plumage. Male (pictured) is unique in its largely canaryyellow head and rusty rump; lacks markedly stripy head of Cirl Bunting. Female very like female Cirl Bunting, but rump is chestnut (not olive-grey) and underparts have thick streaks (not fine). Female’s yellow and rusty tones eliminate female Common Reed Bunting and Corn Bunting; latter is also larger, tubbier and thicker-billed.

CIRL BUNTING Emberiza cirlus 16cm Common resident in the south, rarer north of the Loire and absent from the far north. Frequents semi-open environments with bushes and hedgerows, including agricultural land. Male has a distinctive head pattern comprising dark olive stripes (often looking black) on yellow face and olive chest-band. Pattern is much bolder and darker than in male Yellowhammer (for differences between females, see that species). Compared to male Rock Bunting, male Cirl (pictured) has more stripes on clearly yellow (not blue-grey) face, and rufous streaks on flanks rather than unmarked chestnut belly. Song is an undistinguished thin trill, lacking Yellowhammer’s emphatic tones.

ROCK BUNTING Emberiza cia 16cm Resident in central southern France, dispersing more widely in winter. Favours rocky areas with ample scrub and bushes. Male (pictured) is particularly attractive, and female subdued in comparison (although basic plumage pattern is similar). Recalls male Cirl Bunting, but head is blue-grey rather than yellow and has fewer black stripes. Rump is rusty as in Yellowhammer and unlike olive-grey of Cirl. Uniquely among buntings, Rock’s belly and flanks are unmarked chestnut.

Adult male (left), Juvenile (right)

ORTOLAN BUNTING Emberiza hortulana 16cm Uncommon and declining summer visitor to the southern Alps and Causses, with odd relict populations elsewhere. Also an uncommon passage migrant to the south-west. Breeds in farmland, chalk grasslands, and hedgerows in cultivated areas. Uses a variety of open environments on passage. Slim, pale bunting with a slender pink bill and distinctive face on which a broad pale eye-ring stands out – a combination not seen in any other French bunting. Male is pastel-coloured, having a pale green face with yellow cheek-stripe and chin, and pale orange underparts. Female and first-winter are more washed out, but share the same face pattern.

Adult male (left), Adult female (right)

COMMON REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus 16cm Resident in lowland wetlands throughout France. Distributed more widely in winter. The most likely bunting to be seen in reedbeds (indeed, in wetlands full stop). Female and first-winter are a mass of brown and buff stripes. Summer male is brighter with a white stripe separating black head from black bib, and cleaner white underparts. Winter male has faded version of summer head pattern. No common French bunting is even vaguely similar. On a poor view, female’s broad pale stripe above eye and stripy back could prompt thought of a Sedge Warbler, but that species is much smaller and shortertailed, with plain underparts and a slender bill. Interesting race witherbyi breeds in Occitanie east to the Camargue.

CORN BUNTING Emberiza calandra 18cm Common resident in most of France, but absent from Brittany, Normandy, extensive forests of Landes and mountains. Favours lowland agricultural areas: crops, grassland, and ploughed fields with hedgerows. Large, streaked, plain brown bunting – much more nondescript than other French buntings. Has a thicker bill than other buntings, lacks white sides to tail and sometimes flies with legs dangling. More likely to be confused with Eurasian Skylark, which frequents similar habitats but hops on the ground (rather than runs), and has an indistinct pale spot at back of cheeks and a much thicker, seed-eating bill. Distinctive song rendered as ‘jangling of keys’.

RESOURCES BOOKS Crozier, J. 2003. A Birdwatching Guide to France North of the Loire. Arlequin Press, Chelmsford. Crozier, J. 2007. A Birdwatching Guide to France South of the Loire, Including Corsica. Arlequin Press, Chelmsford. Dubois, P. 2006. Where to Watch Birds in France. Christopher Helm, London. Dupriez, Q. 2015. Where to Watch Birds in Northern France. Delachaux et Niestlé, Paris. Issa, N. and Muller, Y. 2015. Atlas des Oiseaux de France Métropolitaine. Nidification et Présence hivernale. Delachaux et Niestlé, Paris. Jiguet, F. and Audevard, A. 2014. Tous les Oiseaux de France. Delachaux et Niestlé, Paris. Jiguet, F. and Audevard, A. 2016. Tous les Oiseaux Rares d’Europe. Delachaux et Niestlé, Paris. Jiguet, F. and Audevard, A. 2017. Birds of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. A Photographic Guide. Princeton University Press, Woodstock. Svensson, L., Mullarney, K. and Zetterström, D. 2009. Collins Bird Guide. 2nd edn. HarperCollins, London. WEBSITES www.atlas-ornitho.fr Online atlas of bird distribution in France. www.cloudbirders.com Cloud-based repository of birdwatching trip reports,

including hundreds from France. www.faune-alsace.org Online database of wildlife in Alsace (Grand Est). www.faune-aquitaine.org Online database of wildlife in south-west France. www.faune-auvergne.org Online database of wildlife in Auvergne (Auvergne– Rhône-Alpes). www.faune-bretagne.org Online database of wildlife in Brittany. www.faune-champagne-ardenne.org Online database of wildlife in Champagne-Ardenne (Grand Est). www.faune-france.org Online database of French wildlife (birds, mammals, etc.). www.faune-iledefrance.org Online database of wildlife in Île-de-France. www.faune-limousin.eu Online database of wildlife in Limousin (NouvelleAquitaine). www.faune-lorraine.org Online database of wildlife in Lorraine (Grand Est). www.faune-lr.org Online database of wildlife in Languedoc-Roussillon (Occitanie). www.faune-paca.org Online database of wildlife in Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur. https://faunerhonealpes.org Online database of wildlife in Rhône-Alpes (Auvergne–

Rhône-Alpes). http://franche-comte.lpo.fr Online database of wildlife in Bourgogne–FrancheComté. www.lpo.fr Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO).National bird conservation body (BirdLife International Partner in France). SMARTPHONE APPS These two smartphone apps enable you to enter your sightings in France (and around the world), and therefore contribute to the collective understanding of the status and distribution of birds. It’s citizen science at its best. NaturaList http://tinyurl.com/naturalistapp eBird http://tinyurl.com/ebirdapp

PHOTO CREDITS All the photographs in this book were taken by Aurélien Audevard, with the exception of the following: Alex Van der Yeught: 128B; Alick Simmons: 18TL; André Simon: 42T, 79T; Antoine Joris: 21B; Bernard Pons: 20T; Carlos N.G. Bocos: 37BL, 45B, 107T, 107B, 123B; Cédric Caïn: 111T; Christian Aussaguel: 36B, 38B, 39BL, 40TL, 40TR, 46TL, 49TT, 49TM, 115T; Christophe Mercier: 62T, 81T, 101T, 110BL; David Hutton: 102B; Eric Didner: 43T, 133B; Fabrice Jallu: 27TL, 27TR, 39BR, 45T, 46TL, 73B, 74TR, 132T, 135TL; Frank Dhermain: 20BL, 33B, 49B, 79B; Helge Sorensen: 76T; James Lowen: 10BR, 13TR, 29TR, 34B, 37BR, 39TR, 41BR, 51TR, 52BR, 56BR, 57BR, 61BR, 63BR, 64BL, 66TL, 67BR, 72T 69TL, 74TL, 76BL, 77BR, 82BR, 83TR, 83BR, 96TL, 96TR, 96BR, 110BR, 118T, 123TR; Julien Daubignard: 76BR; Philippe Langlois: 98B; Richard Bonser: 18TR; Sophie Meriotte: 42BL, 42BR; Sylvain Maury: 20BR.

LIST OF SPECIES NAMES This list presents three names for each of the 252 species described in this guide. The English name is indicated in upper case, the French name in plain text and the scientific name in italics. With very occasional deviations, English and scientific names follow the taxonomy and nomenclature of the Association of European Records and Rarities Committees (www.aerc.eu), and French names follow Jiguet & Audevard (2014). Cygne tuberculé Cygnus olor Cygne chanteur Cygnus cygnus Anser anser Oie rieuse Branta Bernache du canadensis Canada BRENT GOOSE Bernache cravant Branta bernicla Tadorna COMMON SHELDUCK Tadorne de tadorna Belon MALLARD Canard colvert Anas platyrhynchos EURASIAN WIGEON Canard siffleur Anas penelope GADWALL Canard chipeau Anas strepera EURASIAN TEAL Sarcelle d’hiver Anas crecca Anas acuta NORTHERN PINTAIL Canard pilet GARGANEY Sarcelle d’été Anas querquedula MUTE SWAN WHOOPER SWAN GREYLAG GOOSE CANADA GOOSE

NORTHERN SHOVELER Canard souchet Anas clypeata Netta rufina RED-CRESTED Nette rousse

POCHARD COMMON POCHARD Fuligule milouin Aythya ferina TUFTED DUCK Fuligule morillon Aythya fuligula COMMON SCOTER Macreuse noire Melanitta nigra COMMON GOLDENEYE Garrot à oeil d’or Bucephala clangula Mergus COMMON Harle bièvre merganser MERGANSER (GOOSANDER) RED-LEGGED Perdrix rouge Alectoris rufa PARTRIDGE HAZEL GROUSE Gélinotte des Tetrastes bonasia bois ROCK PTARMIGAN Lagopède alpin Lagopus muta Tetrao tetrix BLACK GROUSE Tétras lyre Tetrao urogallus WESTERN Grand Tétras CAPERCAILLIE Perdix perdix GREY PARTRIDGE Perdrix grise COMMON QUAIL Caille de blés Coturnix coturnix Phasianus COMMON PHEASANT Faisan de colchicus Colchide Tachybaptus LITTLE GREBE Grèbe ruficollis castagneux Podiceps GREAT CRESTED Grèbe huppé cristatus GREBE HORNED (SLAVONIAN) Grèbe esclavon Podiceps auritus GREBE BLACK-NECKED GREBE Grèbe à cou noir Podiceps nigricollis

NORTHERN FULMAR Fulmar boréal

Fulmarus glacialis Calonectris diomedea Puffinus yelkouan Puffinus mauretanicus Morus bassanus Phalacrocorax carbo Phalacrocorax aristotelis Botaurus stellaris Ixobrychus minutus Nycticorax nycticorax Ardeola ralloides Bubulcus ibis

SCOPOLI’S SHEARWATER YELKOUAN SHEARWATER BALEARIC SHEARWATER NORTHERN GANNET GREAT CORMORANT

Puffin de Méditerranée Puffin yelkouan

EUROPEAN SHAG

Cormoran huppé

EURASIAN BITTERN

Butor étoilé

LITTLE BITTERN

Blongios nain

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON SQUACCO HERON

Bihoreau gris

CATTLE EGRET

Héron gardeboeufs Aigrette garzette Egretta garzetta

LITTLE EGRET

Puffin des Baléares Fou de Bassan Grand Cormoran

Crabier chevelu

GREAT EGRET Grande Aigrette GREY HERON Héron cendré PURPLE HERON Héron pourpré BLACK STORK Cigogne noire WHITE STORK Cigogne blanche EURASIAN SPOONBILL Spatule blanche

Egretta alba Ardea cinerea Ardea purpurea Ciconia nigra Ciconia ciconia Platalea

leucorodia GREATER FLAMINGO Flamant rose Phoenicopterus roseus EUROPEAN HONEY Bondrée apivore Pernis apivorus BUZZARD Milvus migrans BLACK KITE Milan noir Milvus milvus RED KITE Milan royal BEARDED VULTURE Gypaète barbu Gypaetus barbatus (LAMMERGEIER) Neophron EGYPTIAN VULTURE Vautour percnopterus percnoptère GRIFFON VULTURE Vautour fauve Gyps fulvus SHORT-TOED SNAKE Circaète Jean-le- Circaetus gallicus EAGLE Blanc Circus WESTERN MARSH Busard des aeruginosus HARRIER roseaux HEN HARRIER Busard cendré Circus cyaneus MONTAGU’S HARRIER Busard Saint- Circus pygargus Martin Accipiter gentilis NORTHERN GOSHAWK Autour des palombes Accipiter nisus EURASIAN Épervier SPARROWHAWK d’Europe COMMON BUZZARD Buse variable Buteo buteo Aquila GOLDEN EAGLE Aigle royal chrysaetos Aquila pennata BOOTED EAGLE Aigle botté BONELLI’S EAGLE Aigle de Bonelli Aquila fasciata Pandion OSPREY Balbuzard haliaetus pêcheur COMMON KESTREL Faucon crécerelle Falco

tinnunculus MERLIN Faucon émerillon Falco columbarius EURASIAN HOBBY Faucon hobereau Falco subbuteo Falco eleonorae ELEONORA’S FALCON Faucon d’Éleonore PEREGRINE FALCON Faucon pèlerin Falco peregrinus Rallus aquaticus WATER RAIL Râle d’eau COMMON MOORHEN Gallinule poule- Gallinula chloropus d’eau PURPLE SWAMPHEN Talève sultane Porphyrio porphyrio Fulica atra EURASIAN COOT Foluque macroule COMMON CRANE Grue cendrée Grus grus Tetrax tetrax LITTLE BUSTARD Outarde caneptière Burhinus EURASIAN STONE- OEdicnème oedicnemus CURLEW criard BLACK-WINGED STILT Échasse blanche Himantopus himantopus Recurvirostra PIED AVOCET Avocette avosetta élégante Haematopus EURASIAN Huîtrier pie ostralegus OYSTERCATCHER Pluvialis EUROPEAN GOLDEN Pluvier doré apricaria PLOVER GREY PLOVER Pluvier argenté Pluvialis squatarola NORTHERN LAPWING Vanneau huppé Vanellus vanellus

Charadrius dubius Grand Gravelot Charadrius hiaticula Gravelot à collier Charadrius alexandrinus interrompu WHIMBREL Courlis corlieu Numenius phaeopus EURASIAN CURLEW Courlis cendré Numenius arquata BLACK-TAILED Barge à queue Limosa limosa GODWIT noire Limosa BAR-TAILED GODWIT Barge rousse lapponica RUDDY TURNSTONE Tournepierre à Arenaria interpres collier LITTLE RINGED PLOVER COMMON RINGED PLOVER KENTISH PLOVER

RED KNOT

Petit Gravelot

Bécasseau maubèche SANDERLING Bécasseau sanderling DUNLIN Bécasseau variable RUFF Combattant varié COMMON SANDPIPER Chevalier guignette GREEN SANDPIPER Chevalier culblanc SPOTTED REDSHANK Chevalier arlequin

Calidris canutus Calidris alba Calidris alpina Calidris pugnax Actitis hypoleucos Tringa ochropus Tringa erythropus

COMMON GREENSHANK WOOD SANDPIPER COMMON REDSHANK EURASIAN WOODCOCK COMMON SNIPE

Chevalier aboyeur Chevalier sylvain Chevalier gambette Bécasse des bois

LITTLE TERN

Bécassine des marais Sterne naine

SANDWICH TERN

Sterne caugek

COMMON TERN

Sterne pierregarin Mouette tridactyle

BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE

Tringa nebularia Tringa glareola Tringa totanus Scolopax rusticola Gallinago gallinago Sternula albifrons Sterna sandvicensis Sterna hirundo Rissa tridactyla

SLENDER-BILLED Goéland railleur Larus genei GULL BLACK-HEADED GULL Mouette rieuse Larus ridibundus Larus MEDITERRANEAN Mouette GULL mélanocéphale melanocephalus COMMON GULL Goéland cendré Larus canus LESSER BLACKGoéland brun Larus fuscus BACKED GULL EUROPEAN HERRING Goéland argenté Larus argentatus GULL Larus YELLOW-LEGGED Goéland michahellis GULL leucophée GREAT BLACK-BACKED Goéland marin Larus marinus

GULL ROCK DOVE/FERAL PIGEON STOCK DOVE COMMON WOOD PIGEON EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE EUROPEAN TURTLE DOVE COMMON CUCKOO BARN OWL

Pigeon biset

Columba livia

Pigeon colombin Columba oenas Pigeon ramier Columba palumbus Streptopelia Tourterelle decaocto turque Tourterelle des Streptopelia turtur bois Cuculus canorus Coucou gris Tyto alba Effraie des clochers

EURASIAN SCOPS OWL Petit-duc scops Otus scops ubo bubo EURASIAN EAGLE- Grand-duc OWL d’Europe B Athene noctua LITTLE OWL Chevêche d’Athéna TAWNY OWL Chouette hulotte Strix aluco LONG-EARED OWL Hibou moyen- Asio otus duc Caprimulgus EUROPEAN NIGHTJAR Engoulevant europaeus d’Europe COMMON SWIFT Martinet noir Apus apus PALLID SWIFT Martinet pâle Apus pallidus Apus melba ALPINE SWIFT Martinet à ventre blanc COMMON KINGFISHER Martin-pêcheur Alcedo atthis d’Europe EUROPEAN BEE-EATER Guêpier d’Europe Merops apiaster

HOOPOE EURASIAN WRYNECK GREY-HEADED WOODPECKER EUROPEAN GREEN WOODPECKER BLACK WOODPECKER

Huppe fasciée Upupa epops Torcol fourmilier Jynx torquilla Picus canus Pic cendré Pic vert

Picus viridis

Dryocopus martius Dendrocopos GREAT SPOTTED Pic épeiche major WOODPECKER LESSER SPOTTED Pic épeichette Dendrocopos minor WOODPECKER CRESTED LARK Cochevis huppé Galerida cristata WOODLARK Alouette lulu Lullula arborea Alauda arvensis EURASIAN SKYLARK Alouette des champs SAND MARTIN Hirondelle de Riparia riparia rivage EURASIAN CRAG Hirondelle de Ptyonoprogne rupestris MARTIN rochers Hirundo rustica BARN SWALLOW Hirondelle rustique COMMON HOUSE Hirondelle de Delichon urbicum MARTIN fenêtre Cecropis daurica RED-RUMPED Hirondelle SWALLOW rousseline TREE PIPIT Pipit des arbres Anthus trivialis MEADOW PIPIT Pipit farlouse Anthus pratensis WATER PIPIT Pipit spioncelle Anthus Pic noir

spinoletta EURASIAN ROCK PIPIT Pipit maritime Anthus petrosus GREY WAGTAIL Bergeronnette Motacilla des ruisseaux cinerea YELLOW WAGTAIL Bergeronnette Motacilla flava printanière WHITE WAGTAIL Bergeronette Motacilla alba grise WHITE-THROATED DIPPER WINTER WREN

Cincle plongeur Cinclus cinclus

Troglodytes Troglodyte troglodytes mignon Prunella DUNNOCK Accenteur modularis mouchet ALPINE ACCENTOR Accenteur alpin Prunella collaris Erithacus EUROPEAN ROBIN Rougegorge rubecula familier Luscinia COMMON Rossignol megarhynchos NIGHTINGALE philomèle BLUETHROAT Gorgebleue à Luscinia svecica miroir BLACK REDSTART Rougequeue noir Phoenicurus ochruros COMMON REDSTART Rougequeue à Phoenicurus phoenicurus front blanc WHINCHAT Tarier des prés Saxicola rubetra Saxicola EUROPEAN Tarier pâtre rubicola STONECHAT NORTHERN Traquet motteux Oenanthe oenanthe WHEATEAR

COMMON ROCK Monticole de Monticola saxatilis THRUSH roche BLUE ROCK THRUSH Monticole bleu Monticola solitarius RING OUZEL Merle à plastron Turdus torquatus Turdus merula COMMON BLACKBIRD Merle noir FIELDFARE SONG THRUSH REDWING MISTLE THRUSH CETTI’S WARBLER ZITTING CISTICOLA COMMON GRASSHOPPER WARBLER MELODIOUS WARBLER MOUSTACHED WARBLER SEDGE WARBLER

Turdus pilaris Grive litorne Grive musicienne Turdus philomelos Turdus iliacus Grive mauvis Turdus Grive draine viscivorus Cetti Cettia cetti Bouscarle de Cisticola juncidis Cisticole des joncs Locustella Locustelle naevia tachetée Hypolaïs polyglotte Lusciniole à moustaches Phragmite des joncs Rousserolle effarvatte Fauvette sarde

Hippolais polyglotta Acrocephalus melanopogon Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Acrocephalus scirpaceus Sylvia sarda

EURASIAN REED WARBLER MARMORA’S WARBLER DARTFORD WARBLER Fauvette pitchou Sylvia undata

SPECTACLED Fauvette à WARBLER lunettes SUBALPINE WARBLER Fauvette passerinette SARDINIAN WARBLER Fauvette mélanocéphale LESSER Fauvette WHITETHROAT babillarde

Sylvia conspicillata Sylvia cantillans Sylvia melanocephala Sylvia curruca

Fauvette grisette Sylvia communis Sylvia borin Fauvette des jardins EURASIAN BLACKCAP Fauvette à tête Sylvia atricapilla noire Phylloscopus WESTERN BONELLI’S Pouillot de bonelli WARBLER Bonelli WOOD WARBLER Pouillot siffleur Phylloscopus sibilatrix COMMON CHIFFCHAFF Pouillot véloce Phylloscopus collybita Phylloscopus WILLOW WARBLER Pouillot fitis trochilus GOLDCREST Roitelet huppé Regulus regulus COMMON FIRECREST Roitelet à triple Regulus ignicapilla bandeau SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Gobemouche Muscicapa striata gris Panurus BEARDED REEDLING Panure à biarmicus moustaches Aegithalos LONG-TAILED TIT Mésange à longue queue caudatus COMMON WHITETHROAT GARDEN WARBLER

Poecile palustris Mésange nonnette WILLOW TIT Mésange boréale Poecile montanus EUROPEAN CRESTED Mésange huppée Lophophranes cristatus TIT MARSH TIT

Mésange noire Periparus ater Mésange bleue Cyanistes caeruleus Parus major GREAT TIT Mésange charbonnière EURASIAN NUTHATCH Sitelle torchepot Sitta europaea Sitta whiteheadi CORSICAN NUTHATCH Sitelle corse Tichodroma WALLCREEPER Tichodrome muraria échelette EURASIAN Grimpereau des Certhia familiaris TREECREEPER bois SHORT-TOED Grimpereau des Certhia brachydactyla TREECREEPER jardins EURASIAN GOLDEN Loriot d’Europe Oriolus oriolus ORIOLE Lanius collurio RED-BACKED SHRIKE Pie-grièche écorcheur GREAT GREY SHRIKE Pie-grièche grise Lanius excubitor WOODCHAT SHRIKE Pie-grièche à Lanius senator tête rousse EURASIAN JAY Geai des chênes Garrulus glandarius Pica pica COMMON MAGPIE Pie barvade ALPINE CHOUGH Chocard à bec Pyrrhocorax COAL TIT EURASIAN BLUE TIT

jaune RED-BILLED CHOUGH Crave à bec rouge WESTERN JACKDAW Choucas des tours ROOK Corbeau freux CARRION CROW HOODED CROW

Corneille noire Corneille mantelée NORTHERN RAVEN Grand Corbeau SPOTLESS STARLING Étourneau unicolore COMMON STARLING Étourneau sansonnet HOUSE SPARROW Moineau domestique EURASIAN TREE Moineau friquet SPARROW ROCK SPARROW Moineau soulcie

graculus Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Corvus monedula Corvus frugilegus Corvus corone Corvus cornix Corvus corax Sturnus unicolor Sturnus vulgaris

Passer domesticus Passer montanus Petronia petronia WHITE-WINGED Niverolle alpine Montifringilla nivalis SNOWFINCH Fringilla coelebs COMMON CHAFFINCH Pinson des arbres BRAMBLING Pinson du Nord Fringilla montifringilla Serinus serinus EUROPEAN SERIN Serin cini Serinus CITRIL FINCH Venturon citrinella montagnard CORSICAN FINCH Venturon corse Serinus

EUROPEAN GREENFINCH

corsicanus Verdier d’Europe Carduelis chloris

Carduelis carduelis Carduelis spinus Carduelis cannabina Carduelis COMMON REDPOLL flammea RED CROSSBILL Bec-croisé des Loxia curvirostra sapins Pyrrhula EURASIAN BULLFINCH Bouvreuil pyrrhula pivoine HAWFINCH Grosbec casse- Coccothraustes coccothraustes noyaux YELLOWHAMMER Bruant jaune Emberiza citrinella Emberiza cirlus CIRL BUNTING Bruant zizi Emberiza cia ROCK BUNTING Bruant fou ORTOLAN BUNTING Bruant ortolan Emberiza hortulana Emberiza COMMON REED Bruant des schoeniclus BUNTING roseaux CORN BUNTING Bruant poyer Emberiza calandra EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH EURASIAN SISKIN COMMON LINNET

Chardonneret élégant Tarin des aulnes Linotte mélodieuse Sizerin flammé

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS James thanks Jim Martin (Bloomsbury) for commissioning the book, and Sharon and Maya Lowen for granting him the time to write it. He is grateful to Audrey Bedos, Liam Cox, Dave Gandy, Yvon Guermeur, Chris Kaye and Will Reece for companionship on various birdwatching escapades in France. Aurélien thanks Jim Martin for his confidence. Jenny Campbell, Alice Ward (Bloomsbury) and Susi Bailey played key roles during the book’s production.

HELM Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP, UK This electronic edition published in 2018 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc BLOOMSBURY, HELM and the HELM logo are trademarks of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc First published in Great Britain, 2018 Copyright © text by James Lowen, 2018 Photographs © Aurélien Audevard, (except where otherwise listed here) James Lowen has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as Author of this work For legal purposes the Acknowledgements constitute an extension of this copyright page All rights reserved You may not copy, distribute, transmit, reproduce or otherwise make available this publication (or any part of it) in any form, or by any means (including without limitation electronic, digital, optical, mechanical, photocopying, printing, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person who does any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc does not have any control over, or responsibility for, any third-party websites referred to or in this book. All internet addresses given in this book were correct at the time of going to press. The author and publisher regret any inconvenience caused if addresses have changed or sites have ceased to exist, but can accept no responsibility for any such changes A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Library of Congress Cataloguing-in-Publication data has been applied

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