SkylarkLarger than a sparrow, almost starling sized, with triangular wings, broad, square tail with white sides. In fl ight reveals a whitish line along the back edge of the wing.

Starling Adults are glossy blackish and spotted white in winter, typically sings from trees or chimney potswith dropped wings.

Yellowhammer Female – slender, pale, yellow-buff on head and breast with thin streaks. Male – vivid yellow on head and breast, streaked dark. Slender, streaky brown and black with long black, white-sided tail.

Grey partridgeUsually looks hunched and rounded, dark brown with no obvious pattern.

Red-legged partridge Distinctive black and white face pattern.

GWCT Big Farmland Bird CountIdentifi cation Guide

The Big Farmland Bird Count is sponsored by BASF and delivered in partnership with the FWAG Association and LEAF. Drawings have kindly been provided by the RSPB.

Meadow pipitSmaller than a skylark; thin black streak beneath, white edges to tail. Most often seen in fl ight. Appears to parachute to the ground.

House sparrow Male – rich red-brown with grey patch on top of head and a black bib. Female – unstreaked beneath, no white in wings or tail.

Tree sparrowSmart, pale brown cap, white collar, black cheek spot. Bright streaked underparts. Sexes alike.

LinnetFemale – streaked brown with browner head. Male – grey head with red forehead and chest in spring. Blackish outer wing with pale patch made up of thin white streaks.

Reed bunting Female/winter male has dark cheeks and cap, with a paler strip over eye. Female streaked like pipit with red brown back and wings. Male in spring has black head and a white collar.

Corn bunting Pale buff – brown, paler underneath, with dark streaks. Tail shows no white. Big pale bill.

Chaffinch Common, sparrow sized; two white bars across wing, white sides to tail. Male – soft pinkish beneath.

Join the GWCT’s Big Farmland Bird Count from 7 to 15th February. For more information visit www.gwct.org.uk/bfbc