The Île-de-France region of France is home to a wide variety of bird species. From the migratory birds of prey that soar through the air to the waterfowl that call the region’s many rivers, lakes, and wetlands home, the Île-de-France is a bird-watcher’s paradise.
The region is also an important area for many migratory species, providing a rest stop for birds of prey and other species as they traverse the continent.
With its varied terrain and plentiful water sources, the Île-de-France is home to a wide diversity of birds, including some rare and threatened species.
Whether you’re looking to observe the majestic raptors of the region, or simply take in the beauty of songbirds in their natural habitat, the Île-de-France is sure to provide you with a unique and rewarding birding experience.
1. Bluethroat
The bluethroat is a small passerine bird that belongs to the family of Old World flycatchers, Muscicapidae. It was formerly classified as a member of the thrush family, Turdidae. These birds, including the bluethroat, are often referred to as ‘chats’.
The bluethroat is a small bird with a distinctive pale blue throat patch, white supercilium and breast, and brown upperparts. It has a short and pointed bill and a short tail, which it often flicks and wags when singing.
Its long, fast flight is also distinctive, as it often dips and dives in pursuit of flying insects. These birds inhabit open woodland, scrubland and grassland habitats, especially near water.
They typically feed on small insects such as flies, bees and moths, as well as seeds and berries. They are also known to take food from garden bird feeders. The bluethroat is a territorial species and uses a wide variety of songs and calls to defend its territory.
During the breeding season, the males are particularly vocal and their loud and melodious song is a familiar sound in many parts of its range. The bluethroat is also one of the earliest birds to return to its breeding grounds in the spring.
Overall, the bluethroat is a beautiful and highly-adapted small bird species that is an important part of the European ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Luscinia |
| Species | L. svecica |
2. Canada Goose
The Canada goose, also known as the Canadian goose, is a species of large wild goose native to North America. It has a black head and neck, white cheeks, and white under its chin, and a brown body.
It is commonly found in the arctic and temperate regions of North America, and can sometimes be seen during its migratory journey across the Atlantic Ocean in northern Europe. The Canada goose is an iconic species in North America and is a symbol of Canada itself.
It is a highly adaptable species, living in a variety of habitats, from mountain slopes, wetlands, and even cities. The Canada goose is an important part of the food chain, providing sustenance to numerous species of birds and mammals.
It is also a popular game bird, and its meat is considered to be a delicacy in some parts of North America. The Canada goose is an important species to conserve, and its populations are monitored closely to ensure its survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Branta |
| Species | B. canadensis |
3. Osprey
The osprey is a large bird of prey that is found in many parts of the world. It is commonly referred to as the sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk due to its diet consisting mainly of fish. It has a wingspan reaching up to 180 centimeters and a length of 60 centimeters.
Its plumage is mostly dark brown on the upperparts and lighter grey on the head and underparts. The Osprey is an opportunistic hunter, mainly targeting fish but also sometimes preying on small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
It is diurnal, meaning it is most active during the day. It hunts by hovering above water and then dive-bombing to snatch its prey out of the water.
Its talons are specially adapted to grasp slippery fish, and its reversible outer toe allows it to grasp prey with two claws in front and two in back. The osprey’s habitat is mainly coastal and includes marshes, estuaries, rivers, and lakes.
It will also inhabit other wetlands and open areas. It prefers to nest close to water, and its nest is a large platform of sticks built atop trees, telephone poles, or other tall structures.
The osprey plays an important role in the environment as a top predator, helping to keep fish populations in check. It is also an important indicator of environmental health, as the quality of its habitat is closely linked to the health of the ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Pandionidae |
| Genus | Pandion |
| Species | P. haliaetus |
4. Green Sandpiper
The green sandpiper is a small wader from the Old World and is a member of the genus Tringa. It is believed to have descended from an ancient lineage, and its closest living relative is the solitary sandpiper.
Both species have wings that are brown with small, light-colored dots. Additionally, they display a distinct neck and chest pattern that stands out against their brown bodies. This pattern is delicate in nature but provides a strong contrast with the wings.
The green sandpiper and the solitary sandpiper are closely related species, with a shared history and similar physical features.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Tringa |
| Species | T. ochropus |
5. European Bee-Eater
The European bee-eater is a species of near passerine bird belonging to the bee-eater family, Meropidae. This species of bird is found in a vast range of areas across the world, including southern and central Europe, northern and southern Africa, and western Asia.
Outside of the southern African region, the European bee-eater is a highly migratory species, with individuals travelling to tropical areas of Africa during the winter months. The European bee-eater is an impressive-looking bird, with bright colours and distinctive markings.
They have a slender body, with yellow, chestnut, and green feathers, and their wings are long and pointed, allowing for easy manoeuvrability in the air.
The beak of the European bee-eater is long and curved, enabling the bird to catch its prey easily. European bee-eaters feed mostly on flying insects such as bees, wasps, and dragonflies.
They will often congregate in groups to hunt for their prey, flying in formation to detect and capture the insects. They have also been known to eat small lizards and frogs, as well as larger insects such as grasshoppers and moths.
The European bee-eater is an important species to the environment, as its diet helps to keep populations of flying insects in check. It is also a species of conservation concern, with decreasing numbers in some areas due to habitat loss and degradation.
It is important that steps are taken to ensure that the European bee-eater is able to continue to thrive in its natural environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Meropidae |
| Genus | Merops |
| Species | M. apiaster |
6. Hen Harrier
The Hen Harrier is a bird of prey that is native to Eurasia. It has earned its name due to its former habit of preying on free-ranging fowl. During the winter months, these birds typically migrate to more southerly regions, like southern Europe and southern temperate Asia.
This is likely due to the colder climates of Eurasia not providing adequate resources or protection during the winter months. The Hen Harrier is a medium-sized bird of prey that lives in a range of habitats, from open moorland to woodland areas.
It has a wingspan of up to four feet and a body length of up to twenty-two inches.
It is identifiable by its striking grey and white feathers, as well as its long, thin legs and yellow eyes. The Hen Harrier is a carnivore, and its diet consists mainly of small mammals, such as voles and mice, as well as small birds, insects, and reptiles.
It hunts by soaring above its habitat, searching for prey with its keen eyesight. It then swoops down to capture its prey with its sharp talons. The Hen Harrier is a monogamous species, meaning that each pair will usually stay together for life.
They breed in the late spring and early summer months, and the female typically lays between two to four eggs in a grassy nest on the ground.
The young will stay with their parents for up to two months before they become independent. The Hen Harrier is an important species in its natural habitat, as it helps to keep populations of small mammals in check.
Unfortunately, it is also threatened by habitat destruction and illegal persecution, making it a vulnerable species. Conservation efforts are underway to ensure the survival of this majestic bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Circus |
| Species | C. cyaneus |
Conclusion
Overall, the birds of Île-de-France are a diverse and fascinating group of species that have adapted to a variety of habitats.
From the suburban parks and gardens of Paris to the swamps and wetlands of the surrounding region, the birds of Île-de-France provide visitors with a unique and exciting bird-watching experience.
With a wide variety of habitats and species, Île-de-France is a great place to explore the biodiversity of Europe’s birds.