What exactly is a standing bird? Which native species are resident birds and what do they eat in winter? We answer these questions in our information article.
Not all bird species flee to more southern regions in winter. Even in the coldest years, many native bird species can still be observed in our gardens and in the wintry landscape. Nevertheless, the diversity of wild birds seems to decrease in the cold season and many species can only be seen and heard again in spring. Here you can find out which native bird species defy winter and can actually be found here all year round and how you can support these wild birds in your own garden.
"Contents"
- Resident birds: definition and profile
- Standing birds: List of indigenous standing birds
- What do resident birds eat in winter?
Resident birds: definition and profile
Resident birds are bird species that spend the whole year in their breeding areas. Different to Migratory birds they do not fly south, but mostly stay in the immediate vicinity of their summer breeding grounds and look for food in the barren landscape. Often these are bird species that can at least partially feed on plant components. Pure insectivores, on the other hand, are mostly migratory birds, as there is not enough food for them in winter.
Standing birds: List of indigenous standing birds
The designation "standing bird" or "migratory bird" is only valid regionally for many species. Species that are resident birds in Central and Southern Europe can be considered migratory birds in Northern Europe because they escape the colder winters there. Such individuals can also be found with us as winter guests, for example, and it is often difficult to distinguish whether birds observed in winter are actually native here or whether they are migratory birds from the north acts.
In Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other parts of Central Europe, resident birds are, for example:
- the robin
- the blackbird
- the Wren
- the Great tit
- the House sparrow
- the Coal Tit
- the Blue tit
- the great spotted woodpecker
- or also the magpie
What do resident birds eat in winter?
As already mentioned, resident birds are mostly species that not only depend on insects, but can also ingest nuts, berries or seeds. Often these species can then be observed in winter when foraging in trees, fields or in the short vegetation. In the garden or on the balcony, domestic resident birds can also be supported with high-energy bird food in the cold season. Our Plantura scatter feed For example, it is perfect for winter feeding and provides a large number of garden birds with lots of fat and nutrients.
Note: A resident bird that cannot be lured with birdseed and only feeds on animal food in winter is the one by the way Kestrel. The imposing hunter even finds his prey, which consists mainly of field mice, under the blanket of snow.
But be careful: not all birds that are preserved in winter are automatically resident birds. Some also leave their breeding areas under certain circumstances and fly short distances to warmer regions without deviating from their geographical latitude. These types are known as Stroebirds.
