House Sparrow

Despite recent declines, this noisy, sociable bird is still widespread. Males have a grey cap, black bib and brown back, while females are duller. Both have chunky bills.

Starling

Another species that has declined, but look out for small flocks visiting feeders, including youngsters. Iridescent plumage is distinctive, as is energetic, strutting walk.

Blackbird

Males are unmistakable, with bright yellow bills and black plumage. Females and juveniles are largely brown with some speckling. Usually seen hopping on ground.

Blue Tit

Small and acrobatic, often hanging upsidedown on feeders. Blue cap, white and black face, and yellow front is utterly distinctive.

Woodpigeon

Large and plump, with prominent white patch on neck and purple-ish breast. Often feeds below feeders. Makes a lot of wing noise on take-off.

Goldfinch

Small finch (look for conical, seed-eater’s bill), with yellow wing flashes, red face and black and white on head. Sociable, and attracted to niger seed feeders, thistles and teasels.

Robin

Red breast and face recognisable to all. Often on lawns and in borders feeding on worms, and will come close to you while you dig to take advantage of what you turn up.

Great Tit

Larger than Blue Tit. Black stripe down yellow breast, and black cap above white cheeks. A regular visitor to most feeders

Chaffinch

Male is red, grey-blue, brown and green, female grey-brown. Can use most feeders, and most types of garden.

Longtailed Tit

Most often seen in winter, in family parties of a dozen or so. Tail gives distinctive ‘flying teaspoon’ shape. Often nervous and flighty.

Find out more about the RSPB garden bird watch here.