Common Birds of Germany

Germany, with its diverse landscapes ranging from dense forests and rolling hills to expansive wetlands and urban environments, is home to a rich variety of bird species. This blog explores some of the most common birds found in Germany, highlighting their unique characteristics, habitats, and behaviors.

1. Introduction

Birdwatching in Germany is a rewarding experience due to the country’s varied habitats that support a wide range of bird species. Whether you are in the bustling cities, serene countryside, or along the coastal regions, you are likely to encounter a variety of birds. This blog will take you through some of the common birds you can expect to see in Germany, categorized by their preferred habitats.

2. Forest Birds

Germany’s forests are home to a variety of bird species. These birds are adapted to living among trees and often exhibit behaviors and characteristics that help them thrive in such environments.

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

The Common Buzzard is one of the most widespread birds of prey in Germany. It is medium to large in size, with broad wings and a relatively short tail. Buzzards are highly adaptable and can be found in a range of habitats including forests, farmlands, and urban areas. They are often seen soaring high in the sky or perched on trees and posts, scanning the ground for prey.

• Appearance: Brown with a lighter underside and a distinctive ‘m’ shape in flight.
• Diet: Small mammals, birds, and carrion.
• Behavior: Known for their impressive soaring flight, often seen circling overhead in search of prey.

European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

The European Robin is a familiar and beloved bird across Germany. With its distinctive red breast, it is easily recognizable and often associated with Christmas.

• Appearance: Small with a red face and breast, brown upperparts, and a white belly.
• Diet: Insects, spiders, and occasionally fruit.
• Behavior: Territorial and often seen alone, except during the breeding season.

Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)

The Great Spotted Woodpecker is a striking bird with its black and white plumage and red underparts. It is a common sight in German forests where it can be heard drumming on tree trunks.

• Appearance: Black and white with a red patch under the tail and on the nape in males.
• Diet: Insects, seeds, and nuts.
• Behavior: Known for their drumming, which is used to establish territory and attract mates.

3. Farmland and Grassland Birds

Open landscapes such as farmlands and grasslands provide a habitat for birds that thrive in these environments. These areas are rich in insects and seeds, making them ideal for a variety of species.

Skylark (Alauda arvensis)

The Skylark is a small bird known for its remarkable song, which is often delivered in flight. It is a common sight in open fields and farmlands across Germany.

• Appearance: Brown with a streaked back and a crest that can be raised or flattened.
• Diet: Insects and seeds.
• Behavior: Famous for its prolonged song flight, ascending high into the sky while singing.

Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)

The Yellowhammer is a brightly colored bird that is often seen in farmland areas. Its song, which sounds like «a little bit of bread and no cheese,» is a familiar sound in the countryside.

• Appearance: Bright yellow head and underparts with a brown streaked back.
• Diet: Seeds and insects.
• Behavior: Often seen perched on hedgerows and singing from exposed perches.

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

The Common Kestrel is a small bird of prey that is often seen hovering over fields and roadsides in search of prey.

• Appearance: Males have a grey head and tail, with a reddish-brown back and spotted chest; females are more uniformly brown.
• Diet: Small mammals, birds, and insects.
• Behavior: Known for its hovering flight, scanning the ground for small animals.

4. Wetland and Water Birds

Wetlands and bodies of water are crucial habitats for many bird species. These areas provide abundant food sources and nesting sites.

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

The Mallard is one of the most common and recognizable ducks in Germany. It can be found in almost any body of freshwater.

• Appearance: Males have a glossy green head, white neck ring, and chestnut-brown chest; females are mottled brown.
• Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on plants, insects, and small fish.
• Behavior: Often seen dabbling in the water or waddling on the shore.

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)

The Grey Heron is a large wading bird commonly seen around lakes, rivers, and marshes. It is easily recognized by its long neck and legs.

• Appearance: Grey body, white head with a black stripe running from the eye to the back of the head.
• Diet: Fish, amphibians, and small mammals.
• Behavior: Often seen standing still in shallow water, waiting to catch fish.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

The Common Kingfisher is a small, brightly colored bird found near rivers and streams. Its vivid plumage and rapid flight make it a favorite among birdwatchers.

• Appearance: Bright blue and orange with a large head and long bill.
• Diet: Mainly fish and aquatic insects.
• Behavior: Perches quietly before diving into the water to catch fish.

5. Urban Birds

Urban environments in Germany provide habitats for various bird species that have adapted to living in close proximity to humans. These birds are often seen in parks, gardens, and city streets.

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

The House Sparrow is one of the most familiar birds in urban areas. It is highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments.

• Appearance: Males have a grey crown, black bib, and chestnut sides; females and juveniles are more uniformly brown.
• Diet: Seeds, insects, and food scraps.
• Behavior: Social and often seen in flocks, chirping noisily.

Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica)

The Eurasian Magpie is a striking bird with its black and white plumage and long tail. It is known for its intelligence and complex social behavior.

• Appearance: Black and white with a long, iridescent green-blue tail.
• Diet: Omnivorous, eating everything from insects and small mammals to fruit and carrion.
• Behavior: Often seen in pairs or small groups, foraging on the ground or in trees.

Common Swift (Apus apus)

The Common Swift is a remarkable bird that spends most of its life in flight. It is a summer visitor to Germany, arriving in April and leaving in August.

• Appearance: Sooty brown all over, often appears black against the sky, with long, curved wings and a short, forked tail.
• Diet: Insects caught in flight.
• Behavior: Known for their aerial acrobatics and high-pitched screams.

6. Conservation and Birdwatching in Germany

Germany has a long tradition of nature conservation, and many organizations and initiatives work to protect bird species and their habitats. The country is home to numerous nature reserves and national parks, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching.

Conservation Efforts

Several organizations in Germany focus on bird conservation, including NABU (Naturschutzbund Deutschland) and LBV (Landesbund für Vogelschutz). These organizations engage in habitat preservation, research, and public education to protect bird species and promote biodiversity.

• NABU: Founded in 1899, NABU is one of Germany’s oldest and largest conservation organizations. It works on various projects to protect birds and other wildlife, including the establishment of bird reserves and conducting bird counts.
• LBV: The Bavarian Association for the Protection of Birds (LBV) focuses on the conservation of birds and their habitats in Bavaria. It engages in educational activities, habitat restoration, and species monitoring.

Birdwatching Locations

Germany offers a variety of excellent birdwatching locations, each providing unique opportunities to observe different species.

• Wattenmeer National Park: Located along the North Sea coast, this park is a vital stopover for migratory birds. It’s an excellent place to see waders, ducks, and geese.
• Müritz National Park: This park in northeastern Germany is home to a diverse range of habitats, including lakes, forests, and wetlands, supporting species like the White-tailed Eagle and Crane.
• Bavarian Forest National Park: Germany’s first national park, located in Bavaria, offers the chance to see forest-dwelling species such as the Capercaillie and Hazel Grouse.

7. Conclusion

Germany’s diverse habitats support a wide variety

of bird species, making it a fantastic destination for bird enthusiasts. From the dense forests and expansive farmlands to the bustling urban areas and serene wetlands, each habitat offers unique opportunities to observe and appreciate the avian diversity. Conservation efforts continue to play a crucial role in protecting these species and their environments, ensuring that Germany remains a haven for birdlife for generations to come.

Whether you are a seasoned birder or a casual nature lover, the common birds of Germany offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich natural heritage. So grab your binoculars, head out to one of the many beautiful natural areas, and enjoy the incredible variety of birdlife that Germany has to offer.