Anglesey, an island located off the coast of North Wales, is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Known for its diverse habitat, Anglesey is home to a wide range of bird species throughout the year.
From the coastal wetlands and salt marshes to the heathlands and forests, there are plenty of places to spot birds in their natural habitats. With its rugged coastline, picturesque countryside and numerous nature reserves, Anglesey offers a unique opportunity to observe both native and migratory birds in their natural settings.
Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or simply looking to appreciate the natural beauty of this stunning island, Anglesey is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in birds and their habitats.
1. Little Ringed Plover
The Little ringed plover is a small species of bird from the genus Charadrius. It has been given its scientific name due to an uncertain origin and yellowish colouring, which was first noted in the fourth century Vulgate Bible.
Native to river valleys across Europe and parts of Asia, this wader prefers areas with soft ground where it can feed on insects or worms.
Its plumage consists mainly of brown tones but during breeding season males will develop a black breast band for courtship displays.
These birds construct shallow nests near waterbodies using pebbles found nearby as well as vegetation such as grasses and mosses to provide camouflage from predators.
The female typically lays three eggs at one time that are incubated by both parents until they hatch after around three weeks before fledging shortly afterwards.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. dubius |
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2. Common Greenshank
The Common Greenshank is a type of wader, belonging to the large family Scolopacidae. It’s name originates from Aldrovandus in 1599, and references Aristotle’s ancient Greek work which mentions a thrush-sized bird with white rump and tail bobbing.
Its scientific name “nebularia” actually means mist. This small bird can be found near wetlands or marshes throughout Europe and Asia – it has even been spotted as far south as Africa.
They are known for their long legs that allow them to easily traverse shallow water while searching for food like insects, crustaceans, mollusks or worms.
The Common Greenshank is an interesting species whose beauty should not go unnoticed by any nature enthusiast.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Tringa |
| Species | T. nebularia |
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3. Eurasian Reed Warbler
The Eurasian reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) is a species of Old World Warbler native to the temperate parts of Europe and Asia.
It breeds in wetlands such as marshes, ponds and rivers with dense vegetation like reeds or tall grasses.
During its wintering season, it migrates southward to sub-Saharan Africa where there are milder conditions.
This small bird has streaked brown plumage on the upperparts and white underparts which makes it difficult for predators to spot among the foliage.
Its diet consists mainly of insects including aphids, caterpillars larvae and moths caught while flying over water or by gleaning from plants growing near water bodies.
The male sings an attractive song consisting of several phrases repeated one after another as part of their courtship display during breeding season in order attract females for mating purposes.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Acrocephalidae |
| Genus | Acrocephalus |
| Species | A. scirpaceus |
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4. Common Sandpiper
The Common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) is a small Palearctic wader, found in Eurasia and parts of Africa. It can be identified by its brown back, white breast and distinctive black eye-stripe.
In flight it shows broad wings with white underparts and conspicuous dark patches on the upperwings.
These birds live close to water bodies such as rivers or lakes where they feed mainly on insects, crustaceans and molluscs which they find in mudflats.
They are also known to have hybridized with their American sister species – the Spotted Sandpiper (A macularia).
This bird is territorial during breeding season but forms flocks outside of this period when migrating long distances between wintering grounds throughout Europe, North Africa & South West Asia.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Actitis |
| Species | A. hypoleucos |
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5. Western Yellow Wagtail
The Western Yellow Wagtail is a beautiful small passerine bird belonging to the Motacillidae family. It has a slender body that can range from 15-16 cm in length and its wings are mostly yellow with some blue feathers at their tips.
Its tail is black tipped, long and wags constantly during flight making it easy to identify this species of wagtail.
This particular breed breeds mainly throughout temperate Europe and Asia but only reside in milder areas such as western Europe due to colder climates migrating them southwards towards Africa or South Asia for warmer temperatures.
The Western Yellow Wagtails have been known for centuries due to their unique beauty making them an iconic part of many cultures around the world today.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Genus | Motacilla |
| Species | M. flava |
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6. Black Redstart
The black redstart is a small passerine bird found in the genus Phoenicurus. It was previously classified as part of the thrush family but now belongs to the Old World flycatcher family.
It has an overall black coloration with striking patches of bright orange or rusty-red on its wings and tail, giving it its name “black redstart”.
The male also sports a prominent crest which he can raise when displaying for females during breeding season.
This species inhabits open woodland areas and generally feeds on insects such as flies, beetles, spiders and caterpillars; although they will supplement their diet with berries where available.
They are often seen perched very prominently from exposed branches near food sources like hedgerows or tree stumps making them easier to spot than some other birds of similar size.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Phoenicurus |
| Species | P. ochruros |
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7. Black Guillemot
The Black Guillemot is a striking seabird found throughout the northern Atlantic coasts and eastern North American coasts. It has black feathers with white underparts, a red bill, and bright yellow feet.
They live around rocky shores, cliffs, and islands in single or small groups.
During winter months they migrate southwards from their high arctic breeding grounds to search for food sources such as fish eggs or invertebrates like shrimp that can be caught near shorelines.
Their diet also includes seeds and berries during summertime when they are nesting on coastal ledges creating burrows where they lay up to four pastel-colored eggs at once.
These amazing birds are very efficient swimmers using both their wings and webbed feet to propel themselves through water quickly while hunting prey.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae |
| Genus | Cepphus |
| Species | C. grylle |
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8. Black-Tailed Godwit
The Black-tailed Godwit is a species of large shorebird that was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
These beautiful birds have an orange head, neck and chest during breeding season while they turn to grey-brown coloration in winter.
They are easily identifiable due their black and white wingbar throughout the year. As for its habitat, these godwits breed mostly on Iceland but also across Europe, eastward through Asia Minor all the way to Mongolia; some even winter further south in Africa or India.
The Godwit has adapted well to human presence as it can be found close to wetlands near farms or villages where plenty of food is available from ploughed fields.
It’s really amazing how such a majestic bird with colorful plumage manages so successfully at this day and age.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Limosa |
| Species | L. limosa |
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9. Ruff
The Ruff is a medium-sized wading bird found in wetlands across northern Eurasia. It has an unmistakable appearance, with its long neck and pot belly body combined with bright plumage of males contrasting the duller browns of females.
During breeding season, males have unique feathers that form a ruff around their head which gave them their name.
This species displays sexual dimorphism; male Ruffs are much more colourful than female counterparts and they also develop longer bills during mating season to show off to potential mates.
Migratory by nature, huge flocks can be seen on winter grounds like Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia before returning back north for summer months when food sources become abundant again.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. pugnax |
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10. Eurasian Bittern
The Eurasian Bittern is a large and secretive wading bird of the heron family. It has two subspecies, one found in Europe and northern Africa, while another can only be seen in parts of southern Africa.
This migratory species spends its winters southwards from its breeding grounds across much of Europe to eastern Asia as far south as China.
The male bitterns are easily identifiable by their loud booming calls that they make during mating season which is usually between April-May.
They have brown striped plumage with lighter underparts which helps them blend into marshy habitats where they feed on fish and amphibians among other prey items.
Despite having a relatively wide distribution range, this species remains threatened due to habitat destruction caused by human activities such as wetland drainage for agricultural use or development projects like dams etc., making conservation efforts necessary for securing their future survival.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Botaurus |
| Species | B. stellaris |
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11. Cetti’s Warbler
Cetti’s warbler is a small, brown bush-warbler that breeds in southern and central Europe, northwest Africa and the east Palearctic.
It has skulking habits which make it difficult to see but its beautiful song can still be heard throughout these regions.
The bird was named after 18th century Italian zoologist Francesco Cetti due to his research on this species of warblers.
This hardy little bird lives in dense vegetation near marshes, wetlands and other water bodies such as riversides or lakeshores where they feed mostly on insects during their breeding season from April till August.
Despite being shy around humans once accustomed to them they are known to be quite friendly with people who visit their habitat regularly.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cettiidae |
| Genus | Cettia |
| Species | C. cetti |
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12. Eurasian Whimbrel
Eurasian Whimbrels are a species of wading bird commonly found in subarctic regions of Europe and Asia.
They have white rumps, long curved bills, brown wings and backs with light streaking on the lower breast.
These birds feed mainly on crustaceans, mollusks or worms they find while probing in the mud during low tide.
During breeding season they can be seen nesting near coastal areas or wetlands where food is plentiful.
This species has recently been split from Hudsonian whimbrels but some authorities still consider them to be one species due to their similarities which includes migration patterns as well as habitat preferences.
Eurasian whimbrels are an important part of many ecosystems because they help control insect populations by eating larvae before it can cause damage to crops or vegetation nearby.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Numenius |
| Species | N. phaeopus |
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13. Garganey
The Garganey is a small dabbling duck that breeds in much of Europe and across the Palearctic. During winter, it migrates to southern Africa, India (Santragachi), Bangladesh (in Sylhet district) and Australasia where large flocks can be seen.
It has an unmistakable appearance with its brownish head and grey body covered by white patches on both sides along with blue speculum feathers at the back of wings.
Its diet mostly consists of aquatic vegetation such as grasses, sedges or pondweeds which are usually collected from shallow waters like marshes or ponds while swimming.
The species is vulnerable due to loss of wetland habitats caused by drainage for agriculture purposes or urban development making them increasingly rarer throughout their range.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. querquedula |
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14. European Golden Plover
The European golden plover is a large bird that breeds in temperate Eurasia. It has an attractive golden-brown plumage, with black and white markings on its wings and back.
Its long legs are yellowish at the base of their tarsi, while its bill is light grey or pinkish in colour.
During winter months it migrates to Africa where it can be spotted along grasslands and dry plains near water sources such as lakes and rivers.
The species feeds mostly on insects, seeds and small invertebrates found on the ground during breeding season but also eats some berries when available.
They form flocks which help them protect against predators like hawks by providing better visibility for each other from above.
These birds make loud calls upon arrival at their nesting grounds before performing spectacular courtship displays involving flying high into the sky then rapidly diving down again.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. apricaria |
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15. Ring Ouzel
The Ring Ouzel is a medium-sized thrush that stands between 23 and 24 centimetres tall. It has a predominantly black plumage, with males featuring a white crescent across their chest.
Females are browner in colour and young birds may lack the pale markings altogether. This species can be found mainly throughout Europe but also inhabits parts of Asia Minor and North Africa during the winter months.
Its diet consists primarily of insects, berries, fruits, earthworms and snails which it finds while foraging on woodland floors or in rocky areas around streams or rivers.
The ring ouzel nests near its food sources – typically amongst boulders along mountain streams – where they lay three to five eggs at once per nest every springtime season before heading south again come autumn time.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. torquatus |
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16. Little Gull
The Little Gull is a small species of gull that can be found breeding in Northern Europe, across the Palearctic and even some parts of Southern Canada. It has a Latin name ‘Hydrocoloeus minutus’ which translates to ‘water bird with webbed feet’.
This migratory bird winters along coastlines in western Europe, the Mediterranean Sea and North Africa. Having grey wings tipped with black spots & white head & underparts this species stands out among other birds.
They also have yellow bills and red legs making them easily recognizable by experienced ornithologists all over the world.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Hydrocoloeus Kaup, 1829 |
| Species | H. minutus |
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17. Common Redstart
The Common Redstart is a small passerine bird found in the Phoenicurus genus. It was once classified as part of the thrush family but it has since been identified as an Old World flycatcher.
The species was first formally described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758 and is known for its predominantly reddish-orange plumage, hence its name red start.
This beautiful little bird inhabits open woodlands across Europe, Asia and northern Africa where they feed on insects such as flies, moths and beetles which they catch while flying or hovering over vegetation with their wings spread out like fans.
They also enjoy consuming fruits when available during autumn months – making them a welcome visitor to any garden.
These birds are not only aesthetically pleasing but also beneficial to local ecosystems due to their diet of insect pests that can be harmful to plants.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Phoenicurus |
| Species | P. phoenicurus |
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18. Puffins
Puffins are small seabirds that belong to the bird genus Fratercula. They primarily feed by diving into the water and breed in colonies on coastal cliffs or offshore islands.
They can nest in crevices among rocks or in burrows in the soil. There are three species of puffins, with two found in the North Pacific Ocean and one in the Atlantic Ocean.
The tufted puffin and horned puffin are North Pacific species, while the Atlantic puffin is the only puffin species found in the Atlantic Ocean.
These birds have colorful beaks that are often compared to clowns’ faces, making them a popular sight among birdwatchers.
Puffins are fascinating creatures that have long been the subject of fascination and study among the scientific community.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae |
| Tribe | Fraterculini |
| Genus | Fratercula Brisson, 1760 |
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19. Common Grasshopper Warbler
The Common grasshopper warbler is a small bird- a medium-sized warbler of just 13 cm long- found across much of temperate Europe and the western Palearctic.
This bird is migratory, wintering in north and west Africa. It is often found in short dense vegetation near water. As it is a passerine bird, it belongs to the order Passeriformes, and it is a part of the grass warbler genus Locustella.
The adult Common grasshopper warbler is brownish, with a greyish-brown head and a light brown breast.
It has a distinctive reeling song that sounds like a grasshopper in flight- hence its name. This bird feeds primarily on insects and spiders, which it catches while foraging in grassy areas.
The Common grasshopper warbler is an important bird that helps control insect populations in its habitat. Overall, it is a small but fascinating bird that plays a vital role in its environment.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Locustellidae |
| Genus | Locustella |
| Species | L. naevia |
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20. Sedge Warbler
The Sedge Warbler is a medium-sized bird belonging to the Old World warbler family with a unique brown, streaked back and wings that easily identify it.
They have a distinctive pale supercilium. These birds are migratory and cross the Sahara to reach Africa from their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia.
The male Sedge Warbler’s song is notable for its random chattering phrases, making it unique among birds.
These birds are known for their migratory nature and form a significant part of the eco-systems they live in. The Sedge Warbler is not only a natural wonder but also a beautiful sight to behold.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Acrocephalidae |
| Genus | Acrocephalus |
| Species | A. schoenobaenus |
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21. Tree Pipit
The tree pipit is a widely found small passerine bird in Europe and parts of Asia. It is known for its long-distance migration to Africa and southern Asia during winters.
The scientific name, Anthus trivialis, indicates that it is a common bird found in grasslands. It has a distinctive appearance, with streaky brown plumage and a thin bill that is suited for catching insects.
Its melodic song can often be heard during breeding season, as it perches on a high branch or in a tree.
Despite being a common sight in many areas, the tree pipit faces threats from habitat loss and pesticides, making conservation efforts important for the survival of the species.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Genus | Anthus |
| Species | A. trivialis |
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22. European Rock Pipit
The European Rock Pipit, also known as Anthus Petrosus, is a small passerine bird that inhabits rocky coasts in Western Europe.
This bird has streaked greyish-brown upperparts and buff underparts and looks similar to other European pipits.
There are three subspecies of this bird, among which only the Fennoscandian form migrates and spends winters in shoreline habitats in Europe.
The European Rock Pipit is a pretty common sight for birdwatchers, and often found near the seashore where it scavenges for food.
These birds are versatile and adaptable to their surroundings, enabling them to thrive in the rocky coastal habitats.
They have a unique call and behavior, which makes them a familiar sight for local communities living near coastal areas.
Overall, the European Rock Pipit is a fascinating bird species that is widely appreciated for its unique characteristics and adaptability to different environments.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Genus | Anthus |
| Species | A. petrosus |
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23. Chough
Chough birds are part of the crow family and there are two species: the red-billed chough and the Alpine chough (also known as the yellow-billed chough).
They are passerine birds and are distinct in their appearance, with their red or yellow bills and glossy black feathers.
Although they may look similar, the red-billed chough has a slightly curved bill whereas the Alpine chough has a straighter one.
These birds are found in rocky habitats and have a unique aerial acrobatic behavior. The white-winged chough in Australia, despite its name, is not considered a true chough.
The chough has been featured in folklore and heraldry throughout Europe and was a symbol of rebirth in ancient mythology.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Pyrrhocorax Tunstall, 1771 |
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