Exotic birds of Britain

Exotic birds of Britain. From putting out peanuts for birds in the back garden to taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch each year, it’s safe to say that Britain is a nation of wild bird lovers. Although we all love to spot a robin or sparrow, more and more exotic birds are coming to Britain each year. Here are just a few of the exotic birds of Britain, and where you’re most likely to find them.

Ringneck Parakeets in Hyde Park, London

Hyde Park is perhaps one of the best places to spot wild parrots in Britain. There are many age-old tales of how these brightly coloured birds came to our shores - from birds escaping from film sets, to a pair being released on Carnaby Street by Jimi Hendrix in the 60s - although experts believe that they originate from house pets that escaped. It is thought that there are around 30,000 wild parakeets in London alone, who thrive on household scraps, nuts, seeds, and berries.

Bee-eaters in Nottingham

Bee-eaters are rare visitors to our shores but are thought to be mating in the UK for the first time since 2015, at Cemex Quarry in Nottinghamshire. As their name would suggest, these beautiful birds mainly feed on bees and wasps, skillfully removing their sting before eating. Bee-eaters lay their eggs in deep burrows and are increasingly found nesting in the UK due to climate change, bringing temperatures closer to those of their native Southern European habitats.

Hoopoe on the South Coast

The Hoopoe is one of the most exotic wild birds to be found in Britain. These distinctive looking birds were considered to be sacred in Ancient Egypt and can be found mentioned in culture and legend across the world. Hundreds of Hoopoe have been spotted in the UK in the last decade, and are normally found along the South Coast during spring migration in April and May.

Between May and August in East Anglia, the distinctive ‘fluting whistle’ song of the Golden Oriole can often be heard at first light. Although the Golden Oriole can be a little secretive, their appearance is anything but. The male is an unmistakable bright yellow, whereas the female is a rich green. Around 85 of these beautiful birds visit our shores during their yearly migration, and up to 5 pairs breed each year.

Exotic birds in your back garden

You too could find yourself with some unusual feathered visitors by providing a safe and welcoming environment for them to visit. Keep your garden free of predators such as cats, and make sure you have plenty of nutritious and energy-rich sources of food available, such as fruits and nuts. Kennedy Wild Bird Food provides a range of split peanuts for birds that will be sure to make the winter birdwatching season a success!

If you’re looking for some tips on making your garden a winter wonderland for wildlife, click here for some top tips….

If you do spot any new feathered friends, make sure to log your sighting on the BirdSpotter website, and see if more exotic birds have been spotted in your area!