The Most Popular Bird in the UK, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the bird you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:30
Bird watching has long been a cherished activity across the UK, enjoyed by enthusiasts eager to spot various species in their natural habitats. Determining which bird holds the title of 'most popular' is more than just a matter of curiosity; it offers insights into wildlife trends and can help in conservation efforts. Such rankings engage the community, providing a shared topic of interest and conversation.
By participating in the ranking of the UK's most beloved birds, individuals contribute to a broader understanding of public perception and ecological preferences. This information is valuable for researchers and conservationists who work to protect these creatures and their environments. Moreover, voters find joy in supporting their favorite birds and seeing how others feel about different species.
What Is the Most Popular Bird in the UK?
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181votesThe robin is a favourite bird of the UK due to its striking red breast and friendly nature. It is also a common sight in gardens and parks.The Robin is a small passerine bird belonging to the thrush family. It is known for its vibrant red breast, contrasting with its gray-brown upperparts and pale belly. The Robin has a charming melodic song that is considered one of the most beautiful in the bird kingdom.
- Scientific Name: Erithacus rubecula
- Average Length: 14 cm (5.5 in)
- Average Weight: 16-22 g (0.6-0.8 oz)
- Wingspan: 20-22 cm (8-9 in)
- Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, and parks
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238votes
Maximilian Dorsch · CC BY-SA 3.0The blue tit is a small, colourful bird that is popular because of its acrobatic antics and playful nature. It is often seen in gardens and woodland areas.The Blue Tit is a small passerine bird that belongs to the family Paridae. It is one of the most popular and recognizable birds in the United Kingdom, known for its vibrant blue and yellow plumage with a striking black eyestripe. The Blue Tit is found across a wide range of habitats such as woodlands, gardens, and parks, as well as nesting in tree holes or nest boxes.- Scientific name: Cyanistes caeruleus
- Average length: 11.5 cm
- Wingspan: 17-20 cm
- Weight: 9-12 grams
- Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, parks
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323votesThe blackbird is a common bird in the UK with a distinctive song that is often heard in gardens and parks. It is also known for its striking black plumage.Blackbird is a poignant and beautiful song by the Beatles. It is a mellow acoustic track that showcases the band's songwriting and vocal harmonies. The lyrics convey a message of hope and freedom, using the metaphor of a blackbird as a symbol of resilience and overcoming adversity.
- Album: The song was released on the Beatles' 1968 album 'The White Album.'
- Genre: Folk
- Length: 2:18
- Instruments: Acoustic guitar and vocals
- Chords: The song is played in the key of G-major and features fingerstyle guitar picking.
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412votesPigeons are common birds in the UK and are often seen in cities and towns. They are known for their distinctive cooing sound and are often considered a nuisance by some people.The pigeon is a ubiquitous bird found in abundance throughout the United Kingdom. Belonging to the Columbidae family, it is highly adaptable and known for its distinctive cooing sound. Pigeons are small to medium-sized birds equipped with stout bodies and short necks. They are renowned for their remarkable homing instinct, which allows them to navigate long distances and find their way back to their roosting locations.
- Scientific name: Columba livia
- Average lifespan: 3-5 years
- Wingspan: 65-77 cm
- Weight: 230-380 grams
- Plumage colors: Varies, common colors include gray, white, and black
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516votesThe sparrow is a small bird that is found throughout the UK. It is known for its brown plumage and distinctive chirping sound.The Sparrow is a small passerine bird that is widely found in the United Kingdom. It belongs to the family Passeridae and is scientifically known as Passer domesticus. Adult Sparrows have a distinctive appearance with a brownish-gray body, a white belly, and a brown cap on their heads. They have a compact size, measuring about 14 centimeters in length and weighing around 25 grams.
- Scientific Name: Passer domesticus
- Family: Passeridae
- Size: Approximately 14 cm
- Weight: Around 25 grams
- Physical Features: Brownish-gray body with a white belly and a brown cap on the head
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616votesThe goldfinch is a colourful bird that is often seen in gardens and parks. It is known for its bright red face and yellow and black plumage.The Goldfinch is a small bird belonging to the finch family. It is widely known for its vibrant and enchanting appearance and melodious song. The Goldfinch features a combination of striking yellow plumage with black wings marked by white bars. Its feathers have a beautiful shimmer, making it a visually captivating bird.
- Scientific Name: Carduelis carduelis
- Size: 11-13 cm (4-5 inches) in length
- Weight: 14-19 grams
- Wingspan: 19-22 cm (7-9 inches)
- Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, and parks
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78votesThe wren is a small bird that is known for its loud and distinctive song. It is often found in woodland areas and is a favourite of birdwatchers.The Wren is a small but enchanting singing bird known for its melodious and captivating voice. It belongs to the family Troglodytidae and is commonly found in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. The Wren is characterized by its compact size, with adults typically measuring around 4-5 inches in length. Despite its small stature, this bird possesses a powerful voice that can be heard from a considerable distance. The Wren features a plump body, short tail, and a distinctive cocked tail posture. Its plumage is a combination of brown, gray, and cream, creating a unique and charming appearance.
- Scientific Name: Troglodytes troglodytes
- Average Length: 4-5 inches
- Habitat: Woodlands, forests, gardens
- Geographical Range: Europe, North America, Asia
- Diet: Insects, spiders, small invertebrates
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87votesMagpies are common birds in the UK with striking black and white plumage. They are known for their curiosity and are often seen collecting shiny objects.The Magpie is a common bird found in the United Kingdom, known for its distinctive black and white plumage. It is a medium-sized bird belonging to the crow family (Corvidae) and is known for its intelligent and curious nature. The Magpie is renowned for its habit of collecting shiny objects and building intricate nests.
- Scientific Name: Pica pica
- Size: Approximately 45-50 cm (18-20 in) long
- Weight: About 180-250 grams (6-9 oz)
- Plumage: Black and white, with iridescent green and blue sheen
- Wingspan: Around 52-60 cm (20-24 in)
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98votesThe chaffinch is a small bird that is often seen in gardens and parks. It is known for its colourful plumage and distinctive song.The Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) is a small passerine bird that is widely considered as one of the most common and popular birds in the United Kingdom. It is highly recognizable due to its vibrant plumage and distinctive song. The male Chaffinch has a rusty-pink breast, slate-gray crown, and blue-gray wings, while the female has a more subdued coloration with brown and buff tones.
- Size: Length: 14-16 cm, Wingspan: 24-28 cm
- Weight: 18-29 grams
- Habitat: Woodlands, parks, gardens, and hedgerows
- Diet: Seeds, insects, berries, and buds
- Nesting: Cup-shaped nest made of twigs, moss, and feathers
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109votesThe great tit is a common bird in the UK with a distinctive black and white head and yellow breast. It is known for its loud and clear song and can often be seen in gardens and woodland areas.The Great Tit is a small songbird native to the United Kingdom. It belongs to the family of tits and is known for its vibrant colors and distinctive markings. With a black head, white cheeks, and a yellow breast, it is easily recognizable.
- Scientific Name: Parus major
- Size: Length: 14 cm (5.5 in); Wingspan: 22-25 cm (8.7-9.8 in)
- Weight: 16-22 grams (0.6-0.8 oz)
- Lifespan: Up to 3 years
- Habitat: Woodlands, parks, gardens
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Ranking factors for popular bird
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Population numbersThe actual number of individual birds for each species in the country is an important factor in determining popularity. Higher population numbers tend to make a bird more familiar to people.
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DistributionWidespread distribution across different regions in the UK can influence a bird's popularity, as more people will encounter them in their local environment.
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AppearanceThe colors, size, and overall appearance of a bird can contribute to its popularity. Birds that are distinctive-looking or have appealing features often attract more attention.
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BehaviorBirds that display unique or intriguing behaviors, such as intricate courtship displays, singing, or acrobatics, can garner more interest and popularity.
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Interaction with humansBirds that are more comfortable around humans, such as those that frequent urban areas or are known to take food from people, can become more popular due to increased exposure and interaction.
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Cultural significanceSome bird species might have a cultural or historical connection to the UK, which can influence their popularity, such as appearing in literature, folklore, or even playing a role in regional identity.
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Conservation statusPopularity can sometimes be heightened for threatened or endangered bird species, as public awareness and concern for their survival grow.
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Media exposureDocumentaries, news stories, or social media posts featuring specific bird species can influence their popularity by exposing them to a wider audience.
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Birdwatching popularityBirdwatching is a popular activity in the UK, and avid birdwatchers are more likely to have preferences for certain species based on their rarity or the challenge in spotting them.
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Seasonal variationSome bird species migrate to the UK during specific times of the year, making them more popular during those seasons.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular bird in the UK. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or bird is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2162 views
- 218 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each bird once every 24 hours. The rank of each bird is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular bird in the uk
The United Kingdom is home to a diverse range of bird species, with over 600 different types found in the region. From majestic birds of prey like the golden eagle and peregrine falcon to the beloved garden birds like the robin and blue tit, the UK's bird population is a source of fascination for many.
But when it comes to the most popular bird in the UK, there are a few contenders. The robin, with its distinctive red breast and cheerful song, is often considered a favourite among UK birdwatchers. The blackbird, with its beautiful melody and sleek black feathers, is another popular choice. And let's not forget the puffin, a beloved seabird that has become an icon of British coastal regions.
So which bird will come out on top in StrawPoll's survey? Cast your vote and join the discussion on the most popular bird in the UK.
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