Welcome to Leningrad, the city of culture, history, and, of course, birds! Leningrad is home to various avian species, making it an excellent place for bird-watching.
From the majestic swans of the Neva River to the colorful finches of the Alexander Garden, Leningrad offers a unique opportunity to observe some of the most beautiful birds in the world.
The city is also home to various rare and exotic species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find something to pique your interest in the skies of Leningrad.
So grab your binoculars and explore the world of birds in this beautiful city.
13 Birds to Watch in Leningrad
Leningrad, the former capital of Russia, is a city rich in history and culture. But did you know that it is also a great place to observe some of the most fascinating birds in Europe?
Whether you are a casual birdwatcher or a serious ornithologist, you will find plenty of opportunities to spot and admire the avian diversity of Leningrad.
Here are 13 birds that you should not miss when you visit this beautiful city.
1. Eurasian Bullfinch
The Eurasian bullfinch, or the common bullfinch or simply bullfinch, is a small bird species in the finch family Fringillidae. It is native to many parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
The bullfinch is a small bird with a stout body, short tail, red face, and breast. The wings and back are black, and the belly and flanks are white.
It is a common sight in gardens and parks and is known for its ability to feed on seeds and buds. The bullfinch is the original bird to bear the name “bullfinch.” The name is believed to come from its distinctive red face and breast, which resemble the face of a bull.
The bullfinch is also known for its song, a series of high-pitched notes that can be heard from a distance. In addition to its physical traits, the bullfinch is also known for its intelligence.
It can learn and adapt to its environment, making it an ideal pet.
The bullfinch is also a popular subject of study for ornithologists as it is a good indicator of the health of a given environment. Overall, the Eurasian bullfinch is a fascinating species of bird that is important to the balance of the environment.
Its ability to learn and adapt makes it a popular pet, and its unique appearance and song make it a popular subject of study.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Pyrrhula |
| Species | P. pyrrhula |
2. Eurasian Magpie
The Eurasian magpie, also known as the common magpie, is a bird native to the northern part of the Eurasian continent. It is a member of the crow family and is one of several species known as magpies.
This bird species is part of the Holarctic radiation, a group of birds characterized by their monochrome coloring. The Eurasian magpie is typically black and white and is easily identifiable by its bright colors and distinct markings.
This bird species is typically found in open woodlands and meadows, as well as in urban areas, and can be seen foraging for food or nesting in trees. The Eurasian magpie is an omnivorous bird, consuming a variety of insects, fruits, and small animals.
It is an intelligent bird known to use tools to solve puzzles and feed itself. This bird species is also known for its complex social behaviors and loud and varied vocalizations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Pica |
| Species | P. pica |
3. Tufted Duck
The Tufted Duck, also known as the Tufted Pochard, is a small diving duck in northern Eurasia. It has an estimated population of close to one million birds. Its scientific name is derived from two sources: Ancient Greek and Latin.
In Ancient Greek, the word ‘Lithuania’ was used to refer to an unidentified seabird and was referenced in the works of Hesychius and Aristotle.
From Latin, the word ‘logo,’ meaning ‘soot,’ and ‘gula,’ meaning ‘throat,’ were used to describe the unique physical features of the Tufted Duck. These features include a black-and-white patterned head, a white neck, and a blackish-brown chest.
Combining these words forms the scientific name of the Tufted Duck, Aythya fuligula.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. fuligula |
4. Eurasian Coot
The Eurasian coot, also known as the common coot and Australian coot, is a species of bird that belongs to the Rallidae family, which includes rails and crakes. It is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and some parts of North Africa.
The Eurasian coot has a slaty-black body, a glossy black head, and a distinctive white bill with a white frontal shield. Its legs are grey, and it has an orange-yellow beak.
It is a medium-sized bird, usually around 30 cm long. The Eurasian coot is generally found near freshwater and brackish wetlands, such as lakes, marshes, ponds, and rivers. It feeds mainly on vegetation, such as aquatic weeds, insects, and crustaceans.
It also consumes mollusks, frogs, fish eggs, and small fish. During breeding season, the Eurasian coot builds a nest of aquatic vegetation in shallow water. The female coot usually lays 4-7 eggs, which are incubated for about 20-25 days before hatching.
The chicks are precocial, meaning they can feed and care for themselves shortly after hatching. The Eurasian coot is an essential wetland species, helping to keep them healthy by grazing on aquatic vegetation.
It is also essential for the local ecosystem, providing food for many predators such as otters, foxes, and birds of prey. The Eurasian coot is considered to be of least concern, meaning it is not endangered or threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Fulica |
| Species | F. atra |
5. Black-headed Gull
The black-headed gull is a small, migratory gull native to much of the Palearctic region, including Europe and coastal eastern Canada. They tend to migrate south for the winter, but some may remain in western Europe, where the climate is relatively mild.
This species is highly adaptable and can be found in habitats ranging from wetlands and coasts to agricultural areas. During the breeding season, they nest on the ground in shallow depressions and typically lay three eggs.
The black-headed gull feeds on various food items, including insects, fish, crustaceans, and carrion. It is an opportunistic feeder and takes food from human sources, such as rubbish tips.
During the summer months, these birds form large flocks and often mix with other species of gulls.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. ridibundus |
6. Hooded Crow
The hooded crow is a species of bird found mainly in Europe and parts of the Middle East. It belongs to the genus Corvus, which contains a variety of birds commonly referred to as crows. The name scald-crow or hoodie also knows it.
This crow species is prevalent across Northern, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe and even extends to parts of the Middle East. It is a large, robust bird with a blackish-grey coloration and a distinctive black hood.
The hooded crow is a vocal bird species, making loud calls and noises commonly seen in urban areas. They are omnivorous, eating a variety of items such as insects, worms, small mammals, and fruit.
They also scavenge for food in urban environments, looking for scraps and leftovers. The hooded crow is a common species and is considered to be of least concern regarding conservation status.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Corvus |
| Species | C. cornix |
7. Dunnock
The dunnock is a small passerine bird in temperate Europe and Asian Russia. It is a member of the accentor family, a group of birds found mainly in mountainous areas. Dunnocks are unique within this family, as they can be found in various habitats.
This is likely why they have been successfully introduced into New Zealand. Dunnocks are small birds with plain brown and grey plumage, often found in gardens and parks. They feed mainly on insects, and their diet may include seeds and berries.
Dunnocks are social birds and will often gather in flocks to feed. They are also known for their unique mating rituals involving complex courtship displays and multiple partners.
The dunnock is an essential species in its native and introduced ranges, and its presence benefits the local ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Prunellidae |
| Genus | Prunella |
| Species | P. modularis |
8. Eurasian Bittern
The Eurasian bittern, or great bittern, is a species of wading bird belonging to the bittern subfamily of the heron family Ardeidae. This species can be found in various parts of Europe and across the Palearctic region, as well as on the northern coast of Africa.
Additionally, there is a southern subspecies of the Eurasian bitter, which is endemic to parts of South Africa. The Eurasian bittern is a large bird species, typically measuring around 65 cm long and having a wingspan of up to 95 cm.
Its plumage is predominantly brown, with darker streaks and patches, while its neck and breast are paler and buffy. The Eurasian bittern is found in wetlands, such as shallow lakes, marshes, and swamps.
It feeds on various small fish, amphibians, and insects, which it catches by wading through the water. The Eurasian bittern is a solitary species and is generally most active during the early morning and evening.
During the breeding season, the male performs a loud booming call to attract a mate. The female then builds a large nest out of reeds, grasses, and sticks, usually located near a body of water.
The female will lay a clutch of 4-6 eggs, which are incubated for around 27 days. The chicks can fly after around 45 days and are independent of their parents.
The Eurasian bittern is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, as its population is considered stable. However, the species is threatened by habitat loss due to the destruction and draining of its wetland habitats.
The species is also threatened by hunting, egg collecting, and certain forms of pollution.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Botaurus |
| Species | B. stellaris |
9. Common Pochard
The Common Pochard is a duck known to dive to find food. Its scientific name is derived from two sources. The first is the Greek word “Lithuania,” used by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle to refer to an unidentified seabird.
The second source is the Latin term “ferina,” which means “wild game,” and is derived from the Latin word “ferus,” meaning “wild.” This name reflects the wild nature of the Common Pochard.
This duck can live in wetlands and estuaries and is known for its distinctive black and white wing markings. The Common Pochard is an important species to many ecosystems and is vital in the food chain.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. ferina |
10. Willow Warbler
The willow warbler is a small, colorful bird in many parts of the world. It is a type of leaf warbler that feeds on insects and other small invertebrates found in trees.
The willow warbler is abundant and widespread throughout northern and temperate Europe and the Palearctic region, which is the area between Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Its range extends from Ireland in the West to the Anadyr River basin in eastern Siberia in the East.
The willow warbler is strongly migratory, meaning it travels excellent distances yearly. It travels to sub-Saharan Africa during the winter to spend the season in warmer climates.
Here, it takes advantage of the abundance of food and the milder temperatures, allowing it to avoid the harsher winter conditions of its northern and temperate breeding grounds.
After the winter, the willow warbler returns to its northern and temperate homes to breed and raise its young. The willow warbler is an important species to many ecosystems, as it is an important food source for many predators, such as hawks and owls.
It is also an important pollinator, helping to spread pollen from plant to plant, aiding in the local environment’s health. Therefore, the willow warbler is essential in keeping these habitats healthy and balanced.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Phylloscopidae |
| Genus | Phylloscopus |
| Species | P. trochilus |
11. Western House Martin
The western house martin is a passerine bird of the swallow family found across the Palearctic. It is also known by several other names, such as the typical house Martin, northern house Martin, or just house Martin.
This bird is migratory and breeds in Europe, North Africa, and the Palearctic region. During the winter months, it travels to sub-Saharan Africa and tropical Asia. The western house martin is a small bird, measuring around 15 cm in length.
It has a glossy blue-black upper body and a white rump. Its head, neck, and chest are glossy blue-black, while its underparts are white. The wings are long and pointed, and the tail is forked.
It has a distinctive call and a loud Twitter and is often seen flying above buildings. The western house martin typically builds its nest in the eaves of buildings, hence its name. It is a social bird and often forms large colonies for breeding.
It feeds mainly on flying insects, which it catches in the air. In many cultures, the western house martin is an essential symbol of good luck and prosperity. It is featured in numerous myths and legends worldwide and is often seen as a sign of good fortune and happiness.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Delichon |
| Species | D. urbicum |
12. Sand Martin
The Sand Martin, also called the Bank Swallow, Collared Sand Martin, or Common Sand Martin, is an avian species belonging to the swallow family. This bird is migratory, meaning its range and population size change drastically from season to season.
In the summer, its range extends from Europe and the Mediterranean nations to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. This is quite an extensive range, showing how widespread the species is.
The Sand Martin has adapted to many climates and habitats, allowing it to thrive across various ecosystems. This bird is not very picky regarding food sources, as it is known to feed on a wide variety of insects.
It can also live in rural and urban areas, making it a common sight in many places. The Sand Martin is a small bird with a brownish-gray upper body and a white underbelly.
It has a forked tail and pointed wings, making it recognizable when in flight. The bird also has a characteristic “cheep” sound, which is distinct and easily identifiable. In conclusion, the Sand Martin is a migratory bird with many unique characteristics.
It is a common sight in many areas thanks to its ability to adapt to different climates and habitats. This species is also not too picky regarding food sources, meaning it can be found in urban and rural areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Riparia |
| Species | R. riparia |
13. White-throated Dipper
The white-throated dipper, also known as the European dipper or just dipper, is a small, aquatic passerine bird native to Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Indian Subcontinent.
It is a member of the Cinclus family and is recognized for its unique ability to walk underwater and feed on aquatic insects. The species has several distinct subspecies, primarily distinguished by differences in color, particularly the color of the pectoral band.
The subspecies are found in different parts of its range and vary in size, plumage, and habitat preferences. For example, the nominate subspecies, C. c. cinclus, is found in western Europe and is the largest subspecies, with a more boldly patterned plumage.
In contrast, the subspecies C. c. himalayensis, found in the Himalayas, is much smaller and has a less distinct plumage pattern. Despite the differences between the subspecies, all have a white throat, grey back, and buff breast.
The dipper is primarily found near fast-flowing rivers and streams, and they are known to build nests on rocks in or near the water. They feed by diving into the water and walking along the bottom in search of small aquatic insects and larvae.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cinclidae |
| Genus | Cinclus |
| Species | C. cinclus |
Conclusion
Birds in Leningrad have adapted to the city’s changing environment and have become an integral part of the city’s ecology.
The number of birds in Leningrad has been on the rise since the 1990s, and they are now a common sight in the city’s parks and gardens.
The city’s parks and gardens provide a haven for birds to live and breed, offering food and shelter for various species.
The presence of birds in Leningrad has made the city more beautiful and lively, and it is a pleasure to observe them.