North Uist is a tranquil island located in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It is a heaven for bird enthusiasts, as it offers a diverse range of bird species to observe in their natural habitat.
This island is surrounded by freshwater lochs, salt marshes, and abundant coastline, which provide an ideal environment for many migratory and resident bird species. Each season presents a unique opportunity to experience the rich diversity of birds that inhabit North Uist.
Visitors can witness the spectacular birdlife of the island, whether they are birdwatchers, photographers, or nature lovers. In this article, we will highlight some of the most common bird species found in North Uist and their characteristics.
1. Golden eagle
The Golden Eagle is an iconic bird of prey found throughout the northern hemisphere. It is a large, powerful raptor with dark brown feathers and lighter golden-brown plumage on its nape.
Immature eagles have white patches around their beaks, tails and wings which they lose as they mature.
Its diet consists mostly of small mammals such as rabbits, hares and marmots but can also include birds or reptiles depending on where it lives.
These majestic creatures are known for their remarkable strength in flight; using thermal updrafts to soar high into the sky searching for food or simply enjoying the view below them.
They are often seen soaring alone over open expanses looking out for potential threats from other predators like wolves or foxes that may encroach upon their territory.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Aquila |
| Species | A. chrysaetos |
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2. Common loon
The Common Loon is a beautiful bird found in North America. It has a large black head and neck, with a greenish to purple sheen that stands out against its dark grey upperparts.
The underparts are pure white except for some black on the undertail coverts and vent.
During non-breeding season adults have brown plumage instead of the bright shades they show during breeding season.
They also exhibit unique behaviors such as diving underwater to catch fish or swimming along lakeshores while calling loudly, which is how they got their name "great northern diver".
With their stunning colors and interesting behavior, it's no wonder why these birds make up an iconic part of many landscapes across North America.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae |
| Genus | Gavia |
| Species | G. immer |
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3. Dunlin
The Dunlin is a small wader, formerly known as part of the stint family. It has dull brown feathers and its name is derived from the dialect word "dunling".
This bird breeds in Arctic or subarctic regions during summer months, but migrates to warmer climates during winter.
The Dunlin feeds on insects and invertebrates which it finds in mudflats and shallow waters.
During breeding season they form large flocks that can contain thousands of birds. They are also well-known for their impressive synchronized flight patterns that look like a wave moving through the sky.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. alpina |
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4. Grey heron
The grey heron is a majestic bird found in temperate regions of Europe, Asia and parts of Africa. It has long legs to wade through the shallow waters where it feeds on aquatic creatures such as frogs, fish and insects.
In wintertime some migrate southwards but others stay put in their natural habitats; lakes, rivers and marshes. They can also be spotted near coasts or along estuaries.
Grey Herons have beautiful blue-grey feathers and an impressive wingspan that makes them stand out from other birds when they soar gracefully across the sky.
These graceful creatures are not only easy on the eye but wise hunters too.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. cinerea |
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5. Short-eared owl
The Short-eared Owl is a species of owl belonging to the genus Asio, commonly known as 'Eared Owls'. It has short tufts resembling mammalian ears that may or may not be visible.
When threatened they will display their tufts defensively; however these very short tufts are usually hard to spot.
This bird can be found in grassland habitats across much of the world and hunt mainly small mammals such as voles at night by swooping low over the ground from perches like trees and posts.
They also take other prey including birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects when available.
During breeding season males can often been seen performing aerial displays with claps of its wings while hovering above potential mates on territories it defends fiercely against intruders including humans.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Asio |
| Species | A. flammeus |
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6. Black-headed gull
The Black-headed Gull is a small, migratory bird found in much of the Palearctic. It breeds mainly in Europe and coastal eastern Canada but can also be found further west in milder areas.
In North America it's known as the Common Black-headed Gull.
Its plumage consists of grey on top with white underneath, while its head has a distinctive black cap during breeding season which fades to brown outside of this period.
They are often seen by coastlines or near inland waters where they feed off fish, insects and crustaceans caught either from the surface or underwater depending on their preference at that time.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. ridibundus |
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7. Arctic tern
The Arctic tern is an incredible bird that displays a truly remarkable migratory behavior.
It breeds in the northern regions of Europe, Asia and North America during summer before undertaking its migration along a convoluted route to reach the Antarctic for winter.
This species has adapted extremely well to its environment – it can fly very long distances while navigating with ease thanks to their excellent eyesight.
Furthermore, they are able to survive in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius.
The Arctic Tern is also known for being one of the longest living birds on Earth; some have been recorded living up to 30 years old.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Sterna |
| Species | S. paradisaea |
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8. 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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9. Eurasian teal
The Eurasian teal, also known as the common teal or the Eurasian green-winged teal, is a small dabbling duck that inhabits temperate Europe and Asia.
It has an unmistakable blue-green colouring which gives it its name.
During winter months they migrate south in large flocks to areas with warmer climates where there is more food available for them to feed on.
The Eurasian Teals are highly social birds; they often congregate in groups of hundreds or even thousands during migration periods.
They mostly feed on aquatic vegetation such as grasses and weeds but will occasionally hunt insects too.
These ducks make beautiful sights when flying over lakes or streams, their wings producing a distinctive whistling sound while they glide across the sky.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. crecca |
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10. White-tailed eagle
The white-tailed eagle is an impressive species of sea eagle found across temperate Eurasia. This majestic bird belongs to the family Accipitridae, which includes hawks, kites and harriers.
It has a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters and can weigh 4 kilograms or more.
The plumage varies in colour from dark brown above with paler head and neck while its tail is pure white - hence it's name.
They feed mainly on fish but will also take small mammals, birds and carrion when available.
White-tailed eagles are solitary by nature but form pairs during nesting season typically near bodies of water such as lakes or coasts where they build large stick nests on trees or cliffsides for their young ones to hatch safely in peace.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Haliaeetus |
| Species | H. albicilla |
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11. Cackling goose
The cackling goose is a species of North American waterfowl that stands out from other geese due to its black head and neck with white "chinstrap". It is similar in size to the Canada Goose and Barnacle Goose, but has some variations between up to five subspecies.
The female looks identical to the male, making it easy for observers to identify them both. They are often seen flying in flocks or grazing on small grassy areas near water sources.
Cackling Geese have an interesting courtship ritual where they bow their heads while honking loudly at each other before mating season begins.
These birds live mainly along the Alaskan coast during summer months and migrate southward further inland during winter time when food becomes scarce.
With its impressive features and behaviors, this bird continues captivate wildlife enthusiasts everywhere.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Branta |
| Species | B. hutchinsii |
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12. Hen harrier
The Hen Harrier is a majestic bird of prey that breeds across Eurasia. It has the distinction of being one of the few birds to hunt free-roaming poultry, hence its name.
During winter months it migrates southwards towards Southern Europe and temperate Asia in search for more favourable climates than what can be found in its northern nesting grounds.
In milder regions like Great Britain and France, these raptors may remain year round where they are often spotted hunting over higher ground areas such as meadows or moorlands.
The hen harrier is an incredible sight with its dark wingspan soaring through the air while searching for small mammals or reptiles on which it feeds upon.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Circus |
| Species | C. cyaneus |
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13. Lesser black-backed gull
The lesser black-backed gull is a large, migratory bird found along the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America.
During winter months they are commonly spotted along the British Isles to West Africa while in summer many birds can be seen year-round on both east and west coastlines.
In recent years numbers of these birds have risen dramatically with some winters having great abundances present throughout their range.
They measure around 48cm long with wingspans reaching up to 110 cm across when fully grown - making them larger than most other common gull species.
These hardy seabirds feed mainly on small fish, crustaceans, molluscs as well as carrion or scraps from human activities that occur near coastal areas such as fishing ports or refuse dumpsites.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. fuscus |
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14. Black-throated loon
The black-throated loon is an impressive migratory bird, found in the northern hemisphere. During breeding season, these loons prefer freshwater lakes of Europe and Asia as their home.
In winter, they migrate to sheltered coastlines on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean which remain free from ice during that time.
First described by renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1758, this species has a unique appearance with its slender body covered mostly in grey feathers paired with white patches around its neck region along with a contrasting black throat patch giving it its name - The Black-Throated Loon.
These birds are also known for their elegant swimming style while hunting small fish underwater making them one of nature's most fascinating creatures.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae |
| Genus | Gavia |
| Species | G. arctica |
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15. Black-crowned night heron
The Black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) is a medium-sized bird found in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia and North and South America.
It has black crowns on its head with white feathers underneath. Its wings are greyish brown while its underparts are mostly white.
This species can be seen foraging near shallow water or along coastlines during dusk or dawn as it hunts small fish, amphibians and crustaceans.
They also feed on insects such as grasshoppers and beetles which they find in meadows close to freshwater bodies like lakes or ponds where they breed during springtime making nests using twigs lined with reeds and leaves near these waterside habitats.
In Australasia, this species hybridizes with the nankeen night heron that inhabits those areas instead; however both populations remain distinct from each other despite their overlap range regions.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Nycticorax |
| Species | N. nycticorax |
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16. Whooper swan
The whooper swan is a majestic bird native to the northern hemisphere. Its wingspan can reach up to 2 meters and it has distinctively curved neck and beak, along with black legs and feet.
It is the Eurasian counterpart of its North American cousin, the trumpeter swan, both belonging to genus Cygnus.
Historically known as "the Elk" or “Hooper” by ornithologists in 1676 according to Francis Willughby and John Ray's Ornithology , this species of wild swans are often seen gracefully flying over lakes with their long necks outstretched while honking loudly.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cygnus |
| Species | C. cygnus |
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17. Glaucous gull
The Glaucous Gull is a majestic species of bird which can be found in the Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
It has an impressive wingspan, being one of the largest gulls in existence and second only to The Great Black-Backed Gull.
During winter months they migrate southwards towards coasts along Holarctic shores where their presence is seen as far down as South Africa.
Their genus name 'Larus', from Latin origins, likely refers to some kind of seabird while its specific name 'hyperboreus' derives from Greek for "northern", referencing Ancient Greeks who lived near what became known as North Pole.
This stunning avian species makes them an unforgettable sight on any journey northward or through coastal areas throughout much of Europe and Asia.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. hyperboreus |
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18. European herring gull
The European herring gull is one of the most recognizable birds, easily spotted along the shorelines of Western Europe.
It has a wingspan up to 66 cm long and can be found nesting across Northern Europe, Central Europe, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.
During colder months many European herring gulls migrate further south in search for warmer temperatures which allows them to survive better during wintertime.
As scavengers they often take advantage of human debris or waste as food sources near populated areas such as beaches, parks and cities; however their diet also consists on fish, insects and other small animals that live nearby coastal regions.
Despite being common in some parts of its range this species may have experienced population declines due to habitat loss caused by human activities like urbanization but still remains abundant in others thanks to conservation efforts implemented over time by local authorities all around the world.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. argentatus |
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19. Razorbill
The Razorbill is a seabird of the family Alcidae and is closely related to the extinct great auk. It lives in subarctic waters of the Atlantic Ocean, primarily black with white underside and both male and female look identical.
They have long pointed wings which help them dive underwater for their food that consists mainly of fish and crustaceans.
Usually they form large colonies on cliffs or rocky islands but can also be found solitary during breeding season when pairs nest together in crevices or rock ledges near sea level.
During winter they migrate southwards into open water areas where they stay until spring arrives again before returning back to breed once more.
The razorbill's population has been declining due to human activity such as overfishing so conservation efforts are being made by governments across Europe in order to protect this species from extinction.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Alcidae |
| Genus | Alca |
| Species | A. torda |
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20. Great black-backed gull
The Great Black-Backed Gull is the largest member of its family and aptly named as "king of the Atlantic waterfront".
It can be found on both European and North American coasts, islands in the North Atlantic, or farther inland near large lakes.
This seabird is an aggressive hunter with a tendency to scavenge for food that it may not have caught itself.
In addition to their formidable hunting skills they are also adept at stealing from other birds who have successfully managed to catch something themselves.
As such they are known for being very territorial when defending their nests during mating season.
The powerful wingspan of this majestic species make them able to soar through even strong winds but still remain graceful while doing so.
All these characteristics combined show why great black-backed gulls truly live up to their name as kings among seafaring birds.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. marinus |
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21. Merlin
The Merlin is a small species of falcon found in the Northern Hemisphere. It has many subspecies across North America and Eurasia, and was once known as a Pigeon Hawk in North America.
Merlins breed mainly during summer months but some migrate to subtropical or northern tropical regions for winter season.
Males have wingspans ranging between 53-58 centimeters while females have slightly larger wingspan of 60-65 centimeters.
These birds are powerful fliers with fast aerial pursuits that can reach up to 50 mph.
Their diet consists mainly of insects, small mammals and other small birds which they hunt using their keen vision from high altitudes followed by swift dives down towards its prey at incredible speeds.
The Merlin continues to be an iconic symbol amongst bird enthusiasts due to its majestic beauty despite facing habitat loss around the world due to human activities such as deforestation and urbanization.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Species | F. columbarius |
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22. Ring-necked duck
The Ring-necked duck is a popular diving bird found in freshwater ponds and lakes across North America.
They are known for their relatively small to medium size and distinctive ring around their neck, which gives them their name.
Interestingly, their scientific name is derived from a Greek word for an unidentified seabird and the Latin word for "neck."
These ducks are great swimmers and divers, spending much of their time underwater searching for food, which mostly consists of aquatic vegetation and invertebrates.
They are also known for their striking appearance, with a beautiful coloring of black, gray, and white feathers.
The Ring-necked duck is a fascinating bird, and its unique characteristics make it a subject of interest for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. collaris |
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23. 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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24. Yellow-billed loon
The Yellow-billed loon, also known as the White-billed diver, is the biggest member of the loon family. This bird species is easily recognized by its long straw-yellow bill, which is straight on top.
Breeding adults have a black head, white underparts, and a checkered black-and-white mantle. On the other hand, their non-breeding plumage is quite dull, with only the chin and foreneck being white.
This bird species mostly breeds in the arctic tundra and winters in coastal water bodies along the United States, Russia, Japan, and Korea coasts.
The Yellow-billed loon is also known for its unique, haunting call, which spreads across vast distances in the arctic wilderness. Unfortunately, this bird's population faces many threats, including oil spills and climate change, which could lead to its decline.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gaviiformes |
| Family | Gaviidae |
| Genus | Gavia |
| Species | G. adamsii |
