Garden Birds to Spot in January UK

The New Year is here, and with it it brings crisp clear mornings, that are (although cold!) beautiful, and set the perfect scene for birdwatching. Winter landscapes are the host to winter visitors, and there's quite a few garden birds to spot this January.

birds in winter

It's true that as soon as the weather begins to get colder and breeding season is over, many summer visitors head off to warmer climates, but birds arrive to spend winter here, and we have got some resident birds who stay all year round and they thrive during the colder months.

If you're looking for something to do, and a way to connect to nature, get your coat on, binoculars out and get spotting. If you've got bird feeders filled with sunflower seeds and suet, you might not even have to travel far to witness these young birds.

We've pulled together a list of our favourite birds, include House Sparrows and Blue Tits, and hopefully you can spot at least some of this local wildlife whilst out bird watching this winter.

Why Bird Watch in January?

The winter is a really fascinating time in the world of birds, and the UK becomes a temporary home for many bird species escaping even colder climates, including many European Birds. Redwings and Fieldfares flock to the UK from Scandinavia in search of food and better climates. This seasonal migration creates unique opportunities to spot birds that are not native to the UK.

As January comes around, trees are stripped of leaves and the ground looks bare, and although this is a sad sight to see, it means that birds are much easier to spot. Open fields and hedgerows are the perfect viewing post and you'll get to see species that would otherwise be hidden. Compared to the hustle and bustle of summer, winter is still and this absence of movement allows you to focus on the smaller birds.

For many birds, winter is a challenging time, the cold weather means fewer insects. By setting up feeders with their favourite food (suet, bird seeds and fat balls) you will attract more birds into your garden.

Top Birds to Spot in January in the UK

From striking winter migrants to familiar garden birds, you'll be kept entertained by the long list of birds that call the UK home in January.

Redwing

redwing

The Redwing is a small thrush with a brown back, pale underbody and a red patch under its wing. It's mostly found in open fields, parks, woodlands and hedgerows that have berries on them.

When winter hits, Redwings migrate to the UK from their home in Northern Europe to escape the harsh winters.

You'll often see that Redwings form flocks with Fieldfares and feed in these groups.

Fieldfare

fieldfare

With a grey head, speckled chest and a rusty brown back, the Fieldfare is easy to recognise. Berry filled bushes are a Fieldfares dream, along with Redwings, so it's best to look for these social birds in hedgerows and open fields.

Fieldfares are known for their "chack-chack" call, which they use to communicate in groups.

Waxwing

This species is striking, they have a sleek crest, soft brown plumage and yellow and red tips on their wings and tails. With a black mask and bib too, these are an exotic looking bird.

The best place to spot the Waxwing is in urban areas, and if there's rowan trees or bushes with bright berries - you're in luck as these are their favourite.

Waxwings are irruptive migrants, meaning their numbers in the UK vary dramatically depending on berry availability in their native Scandinavia.





Bullfinch

The Bullfinch is stocky bird with and males have a vibrant red chest. Females are much more dull in colour, with a pale peach chest.

You can spot these birds on woodland edges, nature reserves, orchards or quiet gardens.

Despite their shy nature, bullfinches are unmistakable when spotted due to their striking plumage.


Robin

robin

Robins are a beloved bird here in the UK, and it's no surprise they've made it on to our list. With their plump body and bright red chest, they stand out amongst winter landscapes.

These birds can be spotted most places, gardens, parks, woodlands or anywhere with a feeder. Robins are highly territorial and will fiercely defend their patch, even in winter.

Goldfinch

The Goldfinch is small, with a red face and gold yellow wing bars. They are colourful against the sparse winter background, and are a favourite for many bird watchers.

goldfinch

They favour gardens with bird feeders and thistle patches, so make sure you've got feeders with plenty of food sources if you want to spot this species.

Goldfinches are often seen in lively groups called "charms," feeding on seeds like teasels.

Blue Tit

blue tit

Agile and tiny, Blue Tits are a family face in the UK. They are bright blue with yellow plumage and have a white face and blue crown. They can be found almost anywhere and frequently visit feeders.

Blue tits are highly intelligent and resourceful, often seen performing acrobatics to reach food.

Great Spotted Woodpecker

A medium-sized black and white Woodpecker with striking red under-tail feathers. Males have a red patch on the back of their heads. Listen for their drumming sounds or sharp “chik” calls.

great spotted woodpecker

They use their powerful beaks to drill into trees in search of insects.

Wren

A tiny, round bird with a short tail that often points upward. Its brown, barred plumage and loud, melodious song are distinctive. Wrens are shy but active, flitting low to the ground.

Despite its small size, the Wren’s song is impressively loud and can carry over long distances.

Song Thrush

song thrush

Song Thrushes are a medium-sized thrush with warm brown upperparts and creamy underparts covered in dark, arrow-shaped spots.

It has a rounded head, short tail, and a characteristic upright posture when perched. Its melodious and repetitive song makes it one of the most recognisable birds in the UK.

Tips for Birdwatching in January

January is cold, so it's important to follow our tips when bird watching so that you have the best experience, and sput as many birds as possible.

binoculars

Step 1: Gear up! Grab binoculars, a bird guide or bird watching app and a flask of tea and you're all set. This will help you spot and identify birds, whilst keeping you nice and warm.

Step 2: Dress Warm. It can get cold, especially when sitting in an open field, and there's always the chance of rain. So to stay comfortable, opt for layers and waterproofs.

Step 3: Pick your Location! Head to spots you know birds hang around. This could be a nature reserve, park or even your back garden.

The weather might not be perfect, but bird watching in January can bring untold amounts of joy, so wrap up warm and get watching.