Robin
While notoriously territorial and merciless towards intruders, the European robins (Erithacus rubecula) are nonetheless 20 grams of irresistibly colored feathery charm.
A robin singing in the rain.
Willow warbler
Chiffchaff
Great tit
Great tits can be found all over Europe and large parts of Asia. In European cities they are a common sight in parks and gardens. Great tits are also fantastic singers. By varying their song within their territory they create the impression of a large population to discourage possible newcomers.
A great tit indulging in the seeds of spring
Blue tit
Blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) are now some of the most common songbirds in European woodlands, parks and gardens. Their characteristic blue caps are important in blue tit social life. They can distinguish ultraviolet light and the more reflected by the blue caps the more attractive the males are for breeding. Which doesn't stop the females from a fair share of extramarital breeding.
11 grams of noisy, colourful feathery delight, the main diet of these tiny acrobats consists of insects, although in winter they won't refuse seeds and peanuts either.
According to a recent study female blue tits mate with more than one male to secure a better protection of the nest. Males cooperate to defend the nest with their offspring against predators.
Treecreeper
Tiny (some 12 cms long and weighing a mere 12 grams), yet all claws and and a handy tail, treecreepers are perfectly adapted for climbing trunks and branches, searching for insects and spiders. And yes, even the camouflage works well.
House sparrow (male)
Once the most common songbird in European cities, now disappeared in many of them, the chunky and noisy house sparrow is a sympathetic little opportunist whose longtime association with humans has become legendary.
Although not as immediately striking as tits or robins, house sparrows are really beautiful birds. Especially their patterned wings combining buffs and browns are a treat. Males are more brilliantly coloured and sport a distinctive black mask and bib.
Chaffinch
Blackcap (male)
The Blackcap is a fantastic singer, rightfully earning its nickname of "nightingale of the north".
Blackcap (female)
Whitethroat
Long-tailed Tit
Irresistibly cute, these hyper-active tiny little balls have a long black-and-white tail that is bigger than their body.
Just 9 grams and 14 cms long, long-tailed tits usually appear in groups, roaming woodlands and parks. They feed on insects and spiders.
