Descriptions of the Birds on Stanpit Marsh

Birds Seen on Stanpit Marsh

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On this page we describe interesting facts about the birds found on Stanpit Marsh. All photographs are by members of FOSM. It is an ongoing project and you can become involved. If you have photographed a bird on Stanpit Marsh send it in for display here.
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We also have a page on:
Plants on Stanpit Marsh
Insects on Stanpit Marsh
Mammals on Stanpit Marsh

 

 

Brent Greese

Prominent identification: Dark-bellied variety seen on marsh.  Dark grey colouring. 
Characteristics: Large flocks, constantly chatting whilst feeding.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Winter migrant. 
Migrates from: Siberia and northern Russia.
Breeding: Nests in Arctic Tundra, close to shallow pools or sea.
Food: Grazes on vegetation, such as eel-grass & other saltmarsh plants.

 

 

 

Male Chaffinch

Comment from photographer: I'm not sure whether the Chaffinch paused before flying with food for young because we were near, or because he was concerned about the bees!
Such swarming of bees occurs when (upon the birth of a new queen in the nest) the old bee leaves - taking with her half of the workers, and searches for a new nest site. This particular swarm hung on this tree in North Scrubs for several days before a 'scout' bee must have found somewhere suitable.

 

 

Coot

Prominent identification: Dumpy water bird.  Slate black, with white ‘forehead’ & beak. Lobed (partially webbed) feet, long toes.
Characteristics: Seen in flocks, often amongst gulls & other water birds. Very territorial, loud ‘clicking’ warning call. Uses beak in sideways scissor-like movements when grazing.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Resident.
Migrates from: n/a
Breeds: Nests amongst reeds – nest made of plant matter.
Food:  Vegetation, incl. pondweeds & algae. Also water snails, fly larvae and other insects.

Crow

Often confused with Rook, but is a much neater, sleeker bird, and has black tight-feathered covering at base of bill.
More often seen singly or in a pair (as opposed to Rooks who live in flocks).
One pair regularly nest in the tall Poplars backing North Scrubs, and the family can be seen feeding around the marsh.
They are carrion feeders, but also eat invertebrates, grain, and other birds eggs.

 

 

 

Curlew

Prominent identification:  Largest wader.  Very long downward curved bill.
Characteristics: Often seen as individuals, but also in small flocks.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Resident all year.  Also migrant.
Migrates from: Scandinavia in Summer & Russia in Winter.
Breeding: Nests in uplands, boggy heath moorland,  & coastal marshes.
Food: Long bill probes deep into mud for marine worms. Also eats shellfish crabs & snails

 

 

 

Dunlin

Prominent identification: Short, dumpy wader – useful when comparing waders.
Characteristics: Seen in flocks, sometimes thousands. A very sprightly bird.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Resident all year.  Also winter migrant.
Migrates from: Iceland, Northern Russia and Northern Europe.
Breeding: Nests in grass tussocks & low vegetation.
Food: Mud surface, or near surface, feeder.  Marine worms, insects, shellfish, & small crabs.

 

 

 

 

Egret, Little

Prominent identification: Medium-sized, slim, elegant, white ‘heron’.  Long head plume.
Characteristics: Bright yellow feet.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Considered a resident now.  Also summer migrant.
Migrates from: Central Africa, & Mediterranean.
Food: Aquatic creatures, small fish, crabs, shrimps & amphibians.

 

 

 

Godwits, Black-tailed

Prominent identification: Tall, sleek, wader.  Long near-straight bill.
Characteristics: Loud flight call.  Ruddy-coloured neck & body in summer.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Migrant, but can be seen all year.
Migrates from: Winter visitors come from Iceland. Birds that nest in Britain, leave for Africa in the winter.
Breeding: Nests in damp meadows.
Food: Aquatic worms, insects, flies, small snails.

 

 

 

Gulls - Black-headed

The smallest of gulls seen regularly on the marsh.
Although named ‘black-headed’ it actually has a dark brown head, which is only present during the breeding season.
It can often be seen feeding singly in the salt pans on the outer marshland.
It nests in colonies on marshland, but has not nested on the marsh.
It feeds on aquatic insects, worms and fish; but also insects and seeds on the ground.

 

 

Heron, Grey

Prominent identification: Very large ‘stork-like’ water bird. Long neck. Grey, black & white. Long head crest. Often seen near reed beds.
Characteristics: Usually solitary.  Stands motionless when looking for fish. Often stands with head resting on hunched back.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Resident.
Migrates from: n/a
Breeds: Known to nest locally, in colonies known as heronries.  Large nest made of twigs, at top of trees.
Food: Fish. Also crabs, small mammals & amphibians (frogs/toads)

Kestrel

Sometimes confused with the Sparrow Hawk, but is slightly smaller and hovers whilst looking for prey. Whereas the Sparrow Hawk swoops on unsuspecting birds for food.
Can often be seen hovering over the marsh, looking for food, sometimes over the reed beds, or around Purewell Stream.
They nest in old buildings, on ledges and quarry sides, so not on the marsh itself.
They feed on small mammals such as mice and voles – also lizards, beetles and worms.

 

 

 

 

Lapwing

Prominent identification: Headcrest – longer on male.  Iridescent wing feathering.
Characteristics: Distinct ‘pee-wit’ shrill call.  Relaxed flight – rounded wings.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Resident all year.  Also winter visitor.
Migrates from: Europe.
Breeding: Nests on bare ground – often agricultural fields.
Food: Variety of insects, earthworms, flies, caterpillars & spiders.

 

 

 

Linnet

Prominent identification: Crimson breast patches and forehead on male; plain brown back and
grey head.  Female is more streaked, and lacks crimson markings.
Characteristics:  Forms large flocks outside the breeding season.  Often seen perched on gorse, but very nervous.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Resident & partial migrant.  Scrub areas, gorse, esp. Crouch Hill.
Migrates from: France & Spain.
Breeds: Nest is built from grasses & small roots etc. and lined with softer materials.  Nest is sited low in bush – particularly gorse or bramble.
Food: Predominantly seeds, but also a few insects.

 

 

Oyster-catcher

Prominent identification: Tall stocky wader.
Characteristics: Black/white with bright orange straight long bill.
Call: Loud shrill call. Engages in noisy ‘piping call’ displays establishing territories.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Resident.
Migrates from: n/a
Breeding: Nests on shingle, dunes, & salt marshes.
Food: Probes deep in mud for marine worms, shellfish, & small crabs.

 

Redshank

Prominent identification: Medium-sized wader.  Red legs!
Characteristics: Loud call. Often seen solitary, but also in small flocks.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Resident all year. Also a winter visitor.
Migrates from: Iceland.
Breeding: Nests within rushes & vegetation.
Food: Marine worms, small crabs, snails, arthworms & other small insects, flies and spiders.

 

 

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Ringed Plover

Prominent identification: Small stocky wader. White underparts; black band through eyes
and black neck band. Light brown wings; very short orange bill with black tip.
Characteristics: Rapid moving, runs in spurts – stopping to pick up food.
Often seen singly, but also in very small groups.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Resident all year, but numbers may fluctuate through the year with
passage migrants. Mud flats, shoreline.
Migrates from: Passage migrant – Greenland, Iceland, & Canada.
Breeds: Nests in scrape in shingle or low vegetation.
Food: Assortment of aquatic creatures – worms, shrimps, snails & other small insects.

 

Shelduck

Prominent Identification: Colourful duck.  Mainly white, distinct chestnut breast band.
Characteristics: Small flocks.  Both male & female brightly coloured.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Resident all year.
Migrates from: n/a.  Leaves Britain in Aug/Sep. to moult in Heligoland Bight in Germany.
Breeding: Nests often in old rabbit burrows, crevices or dense vegetation.
Food: Surface feeder.  Chief food – tiny snails called Hydrobia.  Also eats worms, sandhoppers & other small insects.

 

 

 

Snipe

Prominent identification: Stocky wader; short legs; long straight bill. Dark brown, with
distinct straw-coloured stripes on back and head.
Characteristics: Very secretive. Often crouches very still – relying on camouflage.
Generally seen singly, but also feeds in small groups.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Mainly winter visitor; also British resident. Mud flats, pools & creeks.
Migrates from: Iceland & Scandinavia.
Breeds: Conceals nest in vegetation. Has been known to nest locally.
Food: Aquatic worms, insects & larvae.

 

 

Stonechat, Female

Prominent identification: Plump little bird.  Colourful male – black head; white on sides of neck, inner top wing edges and rump.  Dark brown streaked back, and orange-red breast.  Female less colourful – lighter colouring all over, and lacks black head. 
Characteristics: Frequently spotted perched on gorse, active & restless. 
Distinct ‘chac chac’ call.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Resident & partial migrant.  Scrub, gorse, esp. on Crouch Hill.
Migrates from: Mediterranean/North Africa.  Others winter on British eastern coasts.
Breeds: Untidy nest built of grass & leaves, but lined with soft material.  Nest site is usually on the ground under gorse or other shrubs.
Food: Various insects – esp. weevils & shieldbugs. Also moths, caterpillars, ants, spiders, snails & worms.  Also seeds & berries.

 

Mute Swans on the Marsh

Mute Swans

Prominent identification: One of largest British water birds. Adults pure white; orange bill - black knob at base is larger in male.
Characteristics: Very territorial; can be aggressive – arched wings, neck drawn back, jerky advance through water.  Beautiful courtship – movements in unison – necks often forming heart-shape together.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Resident.  Numbers increase in the harbour during the moult in Mid-July.
Migrates from: n/a
Breeds: Large, high nest made of dry reeds; concealed amongst reeds. Swans pair up for life.
Food: Predominantly aquatic plants & vegetation.  Also snails & insects.

Swan Ringing
Swans normally found further up the Avon & Stour rivers, congregate in Mudeford Harbour and Christchurch Quay during their annual moult.  Unable to fly, and therefore vulnerable, the birds feel safer gathered together in the open waters.
At this time, the annual event of ‘swan ringing’ takes place, and is organised by The British Trust for Ornithology.  On average 450 birds are rounded up on Blackberry Point, (off the end of South Marsh), where the ringing takes place.

Teal

Prominent identification: Small duck. Male has chestnut/dark green markings on head.
Characteristics: Very nervous – eager to move out of sight.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Resident all year.  Also winter migrant.
Migrates from: Iceland and northern Europe.
Breeding: Nests in hollow close to water’s edge.
Food: Water surface feeder.  Filters seeds, grasses & other plant matter through it’s bill.  Also eats worms, snails, & other insects.

 

 

 

Terns - Sandwich Tern

Prominent identification: Largest of terns that breed in Britain.  Long black bill with yellow tip.
Characteristics: Often flies higher than other gulls – creates large splash when diving.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Summer visitor.  Fewer numbers than the Common Tern.
Migrates from: South Africa. 
Breeding: Nest is a simple scrape in ground; along coasts of Britain & Ireland. Locally – on Brownsea Island..
Food: Sand-eels, sprats, & other small fish.

Common Tern

Prominent identification: Smaller than the Sandwich Tern.  Red bill with black tip. 
Characteristics: When looking for food – flies head downwards, rising slightly before diving.  Very vocal in flight.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Summer visitor.  Most common of terns that visits the marsh.
Migrates from: West Africa.
Breeding: Nest is a simple scrape in ground or shingle;  along coastline of most of Britain & Ireland.  Locally – on Brownsea Island. 
Food: Sand-eels, & other small fish.

Little Tern

Prominent identification: Smallest of terns that visit Britain.  Yellow bill with black tip.
Characteristics: Faster flight than other terns. 
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Summer visitor; rarer than Sandwich & Common Terns.
Migrates from: Coasts of Europe & Africa.
Breeding: Nest is simple scrape in shingle or sand.  Smaller flocks.
Food: Sand-eels, & other small fish.  Also shrimps.     

 

                

 

Thrush, Song

A fairly uncommon bird now, sadly, although it seems to be on the come-back. This one was spotted singing beautifully within a Hawthorn bush in North Scrubs.

 

 

 

Wheatear

Prominent identification: White rump & upper tail – easily recognised in flight.  Male has grey back, with black wings; white stripe above eye and back marking though eye & cheeks.  Female light brown with dark wing markings and light stripe above eye.
Characteristics: Upright stance. Feeds on ground; quick movements.  Perches on rocks or posts.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Summer visitor.  Scrub areas, grassland – esp. Crouch Hill.
Migrates from: Central Africa.
Breeds: Nest is roughly built, of bracken, grass or leaves, and lined with softer materials. Nest site is usually in a rock crevice or ground. Also uses rabbit burrows.
Food: Various insects – caterpillars, beetles, flies, small snails, worms. Also blackberries & berries of rowan and elder.

Water Rail

Prominent identification: Smaller than a Moor hen. Streaky dark brown; black wings;
grey underparts; white flashes under tail. Orange beak/black tip.
Characteristics: Very secretive, ‘skulking’ in undergrowth/reeds; feeding in pools.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Resident – often around Purewell Stream and North Scrubs.
Migrates from: n /a
Breeds: Known to breed on Stanpit Marsh; only 1 or 2 pairs.
Nests in dense vegetation.
Food: Various aquatic creatures – snails, insects & larvae, and also aquatic plant roots.

White-throat

British resident. A delicate little ‘brown’ bird, with distinct white throat feathers.
Frequents dense vegetation – often perching on high, giving a ‘churring’ warning call.
A couple of pairs regularly nest in or around North Scrubs, building a small, neat cup-shaped nest low in thorny vegetation.
It feeds on insects, berries, and seeds.

 

 

 

 

Wigeon

Wigeon on the Marsh

Prominent identification: Medium-sized duck.  Distinct chestnut head on male.  Grey wings and under parts.
Characteristics: Large flocks.  Distinct whistle-like call.
Seen on Stanpit Marsh: Winter migrant.
Migrates from: Breeding grounds in Iceland, Scandinavia & N.Russia.
Breeding: Nests in thick vegetation.
Food: Grazes on vegetation, especially eel-grass.:

 

 

Woodpecker, Greater Spotted

British resident. Brightly coloured – black and white wings, red under tail feathers, and a red patch at the nape of the neck – which is more prominent in the male.
Its’ loud ‘tchik tchik’ call alerts you of it’s presence, and it can often be seen on the tall trees at the back of North Scrubs.
There are signs of possible nesting in these trees, and it has been seen chipping out the holes. However, successful completion of breeding is uncommon (if at all) on the marsh.
It feeds by pecking insects and grubs out of tree bark, or rotting trees and logs.

A woodpecker nest on Stanpit Marsh (below)

 

 

Birds Seen on Stanpit Marsh