A curious, cryptic (camouflaged) woodpecker with intricately patterned plumage of greys, browns, and buffs that help it blend into bark or leaf litter. Known for twisting its neck in a snake-like motion when threatened, giving it its name. Wrynecks breed further east in continental Europe, but may turn up as scarce passage migrants on Lihou, foraging for ants on the ground in open or scrubby areas.

A brilliantly coloured bird with electric blue upperparts and an orange underside. Kingfishers typically haunt slow-moving freshwater but can also appear in tidal zones or along the coast when fish are abundant. Around Lihou, they’re uncommon visitors—if you’re fortunate, you might glimpse one perched on a rock outcrop near a pool, darting off with a flash of blue to hunt small fish or shrimps.

Common Swifts are master aerialists, spending most of their lives in flight—eating, sleeping, and even mating on the wing. Recognised by their crescent-shaped wings and piercing screech calls, they seldom land except to nest.

A daytime-hunting owl with piercing yellow eyes and short, “ear-like” tufts that are often not visible unless the bird is alert. Its mottled brown plumage helps camouflage it among rough grass. In autumn or winter, Short-eared Owls sometimes appear on coastal farmland or marshy areas around the Bailiwick, and might be spotted quartering open ground in search of rodents.

Best known for its iconic “cuck-oo” call, the Common Cuckoo is a brood parasite—laying eggs in other birds’ nests, especially those of pipits or warblers. Around Lihou, you might hear or see a passing Cuckoo in spring as they move through coastal scrub. Their sleek grey bodies, pointed wings, and long tails can resemble a small bird of prey in flight.

The Collared Dove is pale greyish-brown with a neat black half-collar on the back of its neck. It often calls a persistent “coo-COO-coo,”. Collared Doves can turn up on Lihou though they are more typical of built-up areas with gardens.

Beloved for their colourful bills and comical appearance, Puffins nest in burrows or rocky crevices on inaccessible islands. In the Channel Islands, they breed in small numbers around places like the southeast of Herm, or on islets off Sark. Sightings around Lihou’s waters are uncommon but possible, especially if you scan the sea in spring or early summer. If you’re lucky, you might see a Puffin bobbing on the waves or flying low over the water, out at sea, with rapid wingbeats.

Razorbills are close relatives of guillemots, both belonging to the auk family. They have black upperparts and white underparts, with a thick, blunt bill bearing a neat white stripe. They breed on small ledges or crevices of steep cliffs of Alderney and Sark often mingling with Guillemots. Occasionally seen when looking out to sea.

Common Guillemots nest on narrow cliff ledges in dense, noisy colonies. Adults stand upright and have slim, dark heads with white underparts. They awkwardly shuffle on ledges but are strong, streamlined swimmers at sea. In the Channel Islands, they breed on some of the more rugged cliffs (particularly around Alderney and Sark).  Occasionally spotted out at sea from the coast of Lihou.

Sleek and elegant, Common Terns have greyish-white bodies, a black cap on the head, and a bright orange bill tipped with black. Sometimes called the “sea swallow” due to their pointed wings and agile flight, they plunge-dive for small fish near the surface.

Kittiwakes are petite, ocean-going gulls with black-tipped wings and neat yellow bills. They’re named for their piercing “kitti-waake” call. Kittiwakes forage offshore, gracefully dipping to pick small fish or crustaceans from the surface.

A medium-sized gull with a gentle look, the Common Gull sports a pale yellow bill and greenish legs. Not as flashy as some of its relatives, it is a winter visitor, often seen resting on rocks or flying low over the water.

The world’s smallest gull, with a delicate build and a gentle flight. Little Gulls are easily spotted by their small size and graceful, fluttering appearance, often seen over calm waters during the winter season. Not to be confused with the slightly larger Black-Headed Gull which also has a dark coloured head.

A bold and powerful seabird with dark, robust plumage and a strong, hooked bill. Great Skuas are the “pirates” of the sea, often chasing other birds to steal their food, and are a occasionally spotted offshore.

A small, graceful bird with pale, soft plumage and a slim, dark bill. Unlike most waders, Grey Phalaropes often appear to dance on the water’s surface as they feed on tiny marine creatures – a rare and lovely sight when they pass through.

A small, active bird known for its characteristic tail-bobbing as it scurries along the water’s edge. These little sandpipers are quick and light, often seen on shingle beaches and riverbanks during their migratory journeys.

A graceful wader with greenish legs and a slightly upturned bill, the Greenshank is similar to the Redshank but more subtle in appearance. They are usually seen singly or in small groups as they wander through wetlands during migration.

A delicate wader with subtle spotting on its underparts and a slender, pointed bill. It shows a modest reddish tinge on its legs and is recorded only rarely, adding extra charm to any sighting.

A large, round-bodied wader about the size of a pigeon, with a very long tapering bill. It is a woodland specialist, superbly camouflaged with intricately patterned brown plumage that blends into leaf litter​. Woodcocks roost quietly in dense cover by day and at dusk they fly out to open fields or lawns to feed on earthworms.

A medium-sized, stocky wader with very short legs and an extremely long straight bill. Wonderfully camouflaged in mottled brown, buff and black, the snipe hides among marsh grasses and reeds​. When approached, it often stays invisible until it suddenly bursts into a zigzag flight, its raspy call announcing its take-off.

A common wading bird – a small sandpiper with a slightly down-curved black bill. In winter it is dull grey-brown above and white below, but what it lacks in color it makes up for in spectacle: Dunlins often gather in large, restless flocks that wheel over the shore in synchronized flight

A chunky little sandpiper with short yellow-orange legs and a slightly downcurved bill, often giving a “squatting” appearance​. Unlike most waders, it favors wave-battered rocky shores; in winter plumage it is dark grey and mottled, blending perfectly with wet rocks and seaweed.

A tiny wading bird – our smallest sandpiper – often scurrying quickly through mud in search of food. Its plumage is brownish-grey (with juveniles showing a subtle “brace” pattern on the back) and it blends in well with the wetland edges​ – usually noticed only by its busy feeding among larger waders.

Known for its striking black-and-white plumage, iridescent greenish back, and a prominent crest, the Lapwing also has broad, rounded wings that give it a floppy flight. In winter, flocks can appear on fields or wet grassland, sometimes on the coast, and they perform spectacular aerial displays in spring.

A sturdy, medium-sized plover with a thick bill, greyish-white upperparts, and a distinctive black “armpit” patch under the wing in flight. In breeding plumage, the underparts are mainly black, bordered by white.

Beautifully spotted with gold and black on its upperparts, European Golden Plovers form impressive flocks in winter. In summer, adults show a black face, belly, and breast bordered with white. During autumn and winter, they may gather on fields or shorelines around Guernsey, sometimes mixing with Lapwings.

A neat, small plover with a fine black bill, pale sandy-brown upperparts, and a bright yellow eye-ring. In flight, its wings lack the bold white wingbar seen in the closely related Ringed Plover.

A bright bunting with males showing vivid yellow underparts and a chestnut-brown back. It breeds across northern Europe and Asia but is now very rare due to population declines. In the Channel Islands, it’s only been recorded on a handful of occasions, typically in autumn when off-course migrants appear.

Snow Buntings have mostly white plumage with rusty-brown patches in winter, and they flash bold white wing patches when they fly. They nest in the high Arctic but can be spotted in small flocks on Channel Islands beaches or coastal headlands from late autumn into winter, scavenging among shingle and seaweed.

Lapland Buntings are streaky brownish birds with hints of chestnut and black, and in spring males show a striking black face and chestnut collar. They breed in the far north (Arctic tundra) and pass through the Channel Islands in autumn, sometimes appearing along Guernsey’s and Lihou’s coastal grassland or open fields.

A plump finch with a black cap and tail; males flash a bright pinkish-red breast, females a soft brownish hue. They feed on buds and seeds, sometimes causing noticeable damage in orchards.

A small finch with bright yellow-green plumage. Males show a black cap and bib, while females are more streaky. Siskins often feed acrobatically, clinging to the ends of branches. Though they favour woodland with alder or conifers, winter wanderings may bring them to Lihou if seed sources are suitable.

A chunky, greenish finch with flashes of bright yellow on its wings and tail. Males are more vividly coloured, while females are duller. They congregate in flocks outside the breeding season, feeding on seeds in weedy fields or hedges. Around Lihou, they might appear where seed-bearing plants or feeding areas are available.

A close relative of the Chaffinch, the Brambling has orange on its chest and shoulders, a white rump, and a mottled head in winter. In summer, males have a striking black head. Bramblings breed in northern Europe and visit us mostly in winter, sometimes mixing with Chaffinch flocks.

A colourful finch with the male’s pink breast, grey crown, and greenish rump, and a more subdued female. Chaffinches often feed on the ground, picking seeds or insects.

Often seen in shimmering flocks, Starlings have dark, iridescent plumage spangled with white dots. They’re noisy, social birds and can nest on Lihou. Their ability to mimic sounds is well known, and gatherings at dusk in some locations can be quite a spectacle.

Our biggest crow, with a thick, heavy bill, shaggy throat feathers, and a deep croaking call. Ravens sometimes nest on cliffs in the Channel Islands. On Lihou, they might pass overhead or perch on rocky outcrops, eyeing the shore below for potential food.

A completely black crow with a powerful bill and a hoarse “caw.” It’s both a scavenger and a predator of small animals or eggs. Around Lihou, Carrion Crows may patrol the shoreline, searching for shellfish, crabs, or any washed-up morsels.

A striking black-and-white corvid with a glossy green-purple sheen on its wings and tail. Magpies are intelligent, adaptable, and known for gathering in small groups. Although they prefer farmland and suburban areas, they might fly over or forage on Lihou’s shoreline, scavenging or hunting small prey.

Our largest tit species, with a black head and a bold white cheek patch, plus bright yellow underparts. Its clear “teacher-teacher” call is often heard in woodlands or gardens. Great Tits wander to Lihou for insects among the island’s scrub.

A tiny, round-bodied bird with a very long tail—nearly twice its body length. Mostly pinkish-white and black in colour, they move in roving flocks, calling with high-pitched chirps as they forage for insects. Though more common on mainland Guernsey, small groups may drift to Lihou when searching for food in scrub.

A slim, greyish-brown bird with subtle streaks on the breast and head. True to its name, it catches insects by making short sallies from a perch. On Lihou, you might glimpse one pausing during spring or autumn migration, perched watchfully before darting after a passing fly.

Similar in size and shape to the Goldcrest, but with a bold white eyestripe and a fiery orange crown. They can occur alongside Goldcrests, particularly during migration. Around Lihou, a Firecrest might turn up in coastal shrubs, darting about as it gleans tiny insects.

Europe’s smallest bird, with a bright yellow or orange crown stripe, bordered by black. Goldcrests flit restlessly among foliage in search of tiny insects. They may appear around Lihou in sheltered vegetation, especially during migration movements in autumn when numbers swell.

Males have a black cap, females a rusty-brown one. Their rich, flute-like song is among the most beautiful of the warblers. Typically found in woodland or thick garden shrubs, Blackcaps occasionally venture to coastal areas like Lihou.

A yellowish-buff warbler with a relatively large bill and a sweet, varied song. Breeds in parts of southwestern Europe; in the Channel Islands, it’s more often a scarce passage migrant. One might appear on Lihou briefly, hunting for insects in vegetated areas.

Plainer than the Sedge Warbler, with warm brown upperparts and less obvious face markings. Its repetitive, rhythmic song is delivered from deep within reeds. While primarily nesting in mainland reedbeds, a Reed Warbler may occasionally show up on Lihou during, searching for insects in any available cover.

A lively warbler with a bold, creamy eyebrow and heavily streaked upperparts. It has a distinctive scratchy, chattering song. More commonly found in reedbeds or waterside scrub, a few may visit Lihou, feeding on insects among low vegetation.

A secretive, brownish warbler that prefers dense vegetation. Its reeling song sounds like a high-pitched grasshopper chirp. Passage or summer sightings may occur around on Lihou, though spotting this shy bird can be tricky.

Larger and paler than a Song Thrush, with bolder spots on the chest and a distinctive rattling flight call.

A familiar speckled thrush with a golden-brown back and neat dark spots on its pale breast. Known for repeating song phrases two or three times, giving it a distinctive musical quality. It may visit Lihou to feed on snails, worms, or berries.

A close relative of the Blackbird, but with a striking white crescent on its breast. Males and females are similar, though the white band can be duller in females. They breed in upland areas of the UK and often pass through coastal sites like Lihou during migration, foraging on insects and berries.

A charcoal-grey bird with a bright orange-red tail. Males can show a dusky black breast, while females and juveniles are paler. Can be spotted perched on rocks or buildings, flicking their tail. Around Lihou, they’re typically found in migration or winter, looking for insects along rocky shores.

Famed for its rich, melodious song—often heard at dawn or dusk—this plain brown bird stays hidden in thickets. Though a summer visitor to parts of Europe, Nightingales are scarce in the Channel Islands. If one stops by Lihou, you’re more likely to hear its remarkable song than catch a glimpse.

A slender wagtail with a strikingly long tail, grey upperparts, and bright yellow undertail. Typically found near fast-flowing water inland, but sometimes visiting coastal areas. Around Lihou, individuals may appear during migration or in winter, foraging for insects around seaweed or shallow pools.

Males sport a bright lemon-yellow underside in spring, with a varying head colour depending on the subspecies. They are mostly passage migrants, trotting through fields or coastal grass in search of insects.

A winter visitor in our region, Water Pipits tend to favour wet fields, marshy margins, or coastal lagoons. They have a pale, buffish underside with less streaking than Meadow Pipits.

A slim, streaky pipit very similar to the Meadow Pipit but usually seen passing through in spring and autumn. They have a distinctive “parachute” display flight on breeding grounds elsewhere. Around Lihou, look for them in migration, pausing briefly to feed on insects in grassy areas.

A small brown-and-white swallow with a dark band across its chest. Sand Martins nest in sandy banks or coastal cliffs, tunnelling into soft ground. On Lihou, you might spot them in spring or early autumn as they pass through, hunting insects on the wing.

Famed for its soaring, continuous song, delivered high overhead. Skylarks have streaky brown plumage, a small crest, and pale underparts. They prefer open fields, meadows, or coastal grassland.

Recognised by its dark plumage, red-and-yellow bill, and a white stripe under the tail, the Moorhen is a common waterside bird. It frequently bobs its tail when swimming or walking.

Famed as one of the fastest birds in the world, the Peregrine hunts medium-sized birds, stooping at tremendous speeds. With slate-grey upperparts and a barred underside, they often nest on coastal cliffs around the Channel Islands. On Lihou, keep an eye out for their powerful silhouette sweeping over the shoreline, scanning for pigeons or gulls.

A sleek, swift falcon, the Hobby excels at catching insects and small birds in flight—often dragonflies or swallows. It has pointed wings and a dark, hooded head with a white “cheek”. They may pass through Lihou in late spring or early autumn.

The UK’s smallest falcon, Merlins are compact and fast, typically hunting small birds with bursts of speed at low altitude. Males have bluish-grey upperparts and a rusty breast, while females and young birds are browner. Around Lihou, you might spot one during migration or in winter, scanning the shore for passing birds.

A quick, agile hunter of small birds, the Sparrowhawk often dashes through wooded areas or gardens in pursuit of its prey. Males are smaller, with blue-grey upperparts and orangey bars on the chest; females are bigger and more brownish. Though not regularly seen on Lihou, individuals are sometimes seen.

A slim, long-winged raptor, the Hen Harrier glides low over fields or heath, scanning for small birds and mammals. Males are pale grey with black wingtips, while females and juveniles are brown with a distinct white rump (the “ringtail”). Around Lihou, they are more likely as passage or winter visitors.

These large saw-billed ducks tend to favour fresh water more than Red-breasted Mergansers, but they can also appear in estuaries or sheltered coasts. Males show a white body with a glossy green head, females have a grey body with a rusty-chestnut head. They chase down fish underwater with their serrated bill.

A slim fish-eating duck with a spiky crest. Males have a greenish-black head, a rust-coloured breast, and a greyish flank; females are grey with a reddish-brown head. They are commonly seen in small groups along sheltered coasts, diving with ease after fish.

A mid-sized, all-dark sea duck (males are black, females brownish with paler cheeks). Common Scoters gather in flocks offshore, sometimes in the company of other diving ducks or seaducks, dipping below the surface for molluscs and crustaceans.

Named for its large, spatula-like bill, this duck sweeps its bill side-to-side on the water’s surface, straining out small crustaceans and seeds. Males have a dark green head, white chest, and rusty flanks; females are mottled brown with that distinctive broad bill.

A graceful duck with a sleek silhouette, the drake has a chocolate-brown head and a long, pointed tail. Females are pale, with a more elongated shape than other dabblers. Pintails can turn up in small groups around Lihou’s shallow shores in winter.

The most familiar duck: males have a glossy green head, yellow bill, and greyish body, while females sport a mottled brown look. Though often seen on ponds and lakes, Mallards can also appear in the coastal habitats around Lihou.

Our smallest dabbling duck, the Teal drake has a rich chestnut head with a green stripe. Females are mottled brown and can be tricky to spot. They often gather in flocks on shallow water, feeding at the water’s edge or dabbling for seeds and small insects.

A subtly elegant duck, the Gadwall drake appears greyish with a neat black rear end, while the female looks mallard-like but with a white speculum (wing patch). Less common in coastal waters but they occasionally drop by Lihou.

These medium-sized dabbling ducks are easily recognised by the male’s chestnut head and creamy forehead. Females are plainer, with warm brown tones.

Our smallest seabird, fluttering gracefully just above the water’s surface. They breed on remote cliffs or islands, generally coming ashore only after dark. Off Lihou, sightings are rare but possible in calm conditions.

These dark brownish-grey seabirds migrate incredibly long distances. You might spot them when looking out to sea from Lihou in late summer or autumn as they swoop and glide low over the waves.

A gull-like seabird with stiff-winged flight and tube-like nostrils on its bill. Fulmars breed on sea cliffs and range widely offshore, searching for small fish, squid, and scraps.  Occasionally seen offshore.

This small grebe has golden “ear tufts” in summer plumage, though in winter it’s a more subdued mixture of greys, whites, and black. Infrequently seen off Lihou, they favour sheltered bays, diving for their next meal.

Famous for their eye-catching head plumes and elaborate courtship dances on inland lakes, Great Crested Grebes also appear in sheltered coastal waters at certain times of year. A rarer sight off Lihou, but possible during winter or migration.

Known for their striking black-and-white summer plumage and haunting calls, these large divers also visit our shores outside the breeding season.

These elegant divers spend winter off our coasts, sporting a slender neck and a distinctive black throat patch in breeding plumage. Though not abundant, they sometimes appear in local waters around Lihou, diving swiftly for small fish.

Male Pied Flycatchers are striking, with black-and-white plumage; females are browner but still show a bold contrast on their wings. They often perch in a watchful manner, darting out to catch insects in mid-air before returning to the same perch. On Lihou, Pied Flycatchers can appear during spring or autumn migration, especially where sheltered spots have enough insects for them to hunt.

A delicate warbler with pale, fleshy-coloured legs and a more pronounced supercilium (eyebrow) compared to the Chiffchaff. Its gentle, descending, cascading song is a hallmark of spring woodlands, but on Lihou they typically appear in migration, pausing to refuel on insects.

This small, olive-brown warbler is best known for its repetitive “chiff-chaff” song. It has a short eye-stripe and dark legs, helping distinguish it from the similar Willow Warbler. On Lihou, you might notice them flitting through shrubs especially during migration. If one breaks into its distinctive call, identification becomes much easier!

Often overlooked due to its plain grey-brown plumage, the Garden Warbler lacks obvious markings but compensates with a rich, melodic song. It is a migrant that may drop by Lihou during spring and autumn. If you see a plain-looking, medium-sized warbler skulking in low foliage, it could well be a Garden Warbler taking a rest.

A lively warbler recognised by its bright white throat, greyish head (male), and warm brown back. Often perched atop a bush singing its scratchy tune. It breeds in hedgerows and scrub on Guernsey, and may appear on Lihou feeding on insects and the occasional berry.

Males are glossy black with a bright yellow bill, females are brownish. They often sing a fluting, melodious song from a perch at dawn or dusk. Blackbirds do nest on Lihou, usually building cup-shaped nests in shrubs.

Slightly smaller than a Stonechat, the Whinchat has a pale eyestripe, a mottled breast, and a clear supercilium (eyebrow). Males show a warmer orange-buff chest in spring. They are summer visitors or passage migrants in the Channel Islands, sometimes stopping on Lihou to feed on insects among the island’s short grasses and open scrub.

Male Redstarts flash a vivid orange tail and breast, with a grey head and a white forehead, while females are more subdued but share the bright rusty tail. They are migratory, typically arriving in spring to breed in wooded areas across Europe. On Lihou, Redstarts may appear in small numbers during migration, resting briefly to refuel on insects before continuing their journey.

The Robin is easily recognised by its bright orange-red breast, contrasting with a greyish-brown back and a neat, upright stance. A familiar and confiding garden visitor elsewhere, on Lihou these little birds can sometimes be seen hopping around low vegetation in search of insects. During the breeding season, you may hear the male’s clear, melodious song defending its territory, especially at dawn or dusk.

Sometimes called the “hedge sparrow,” the Dunnock has a neat, greyish face and brown-streaked upperparts. Shy by nature, it often hops around under shrubs, quietly pecking at the ground for food. Dunnocks do nest on Lihou, tucking their neat cup-shaped nests among dense vegetation.

Tiny but fearless, the Wren has a round body and a short, cocked tail. Known for its surprisingly loud, trilling song, it often skulks in low vegetation. Wrens breed on Lihou in small nests hidden in crevices or dense plants.

With their acrobatic, swooping flight, House Martins are a delight to watch. Their distinctive, mud-built nests and rapid movements make them unmistakable visitors during the warmer months.

Larger and more robust than the Stock Dove, the Woodpigeon is known for its distinctive white neck patch and cooing calls.

Stock Doves have a soft grey plumage and a gentle coo. Often seen in farmland or woodland edges, they can be spotted on Lihou where they forage on seeds.

Despite its name, this gull’s head can vary in colour with age and season. In summer, the adult’s chocolate-brown head stands in contrast to its pale body, making it an eye-catching resident along Lihou’s shores.  During winter the hood colouring is lost with just a dark colour dot on their head. Not to be confused with the slightly smaller Little Gull which also has a dark coloured head.

This slender wader, with a sharply down-curved bill, scours the foreshore for invertebrates. Its unique profile and elegant flight make the Whimbrel a memorable visitor.

With its long, slender bill and graceful, sweeping wings, the Bar-Tailed Godwit is a true long-distance traveller.  Bar-Tailed Godwits have a similar look to Curlews but have a slightly up-turned beak compared the the Curlew’s down-turned beak.

A relative of the Manx Shearwater, this species is rarer and of international conservation concern. Its subtle plumage and quiet, gliding flight make it a special sight for those lucky enough to see it off Lihou’s shores.

This medium‐sized seabird is famed for its graceful, fluttering flight over the open ocean. With dark upperparts and a paler underside, the Manx Shearwater breeds in dense colonies on remote islands.

This tiny, brightly coloured bird has a blue cap, yellow breast, and greenish back. Quick and agile, the Blue Tit often hangs upside down on branches or feeders, searching for tasty insects or seeds. Though small, it’s quite brave and can be seen in gardens all year, sometimes joining other small birds like Great Tits or Long-tailed Tits when feeding.

Brent Geese undertake long journeys from Arctic breeding grounds, travelling in flocks that feed together on eelgrass and saltmarsh plants. Their relatively small size and dark plumage distinguish them from larger goose species.

Sandwich Terns hover above the water, then plunge headfirst to catch small fish such as sand eels. Their black crest is noticeable, and the yellow-tipped black bill sets them apart from other terns. Around Lihou, you might see them passing offshore or resting on sandy areas at low tide, especially during migration seasons.

This small white heron hunts by wading and stirring up small fish or crustaceans with its bright feet before striking with its slender, pointed bill. On Lihou’s causeway a Little Egret may appear like a white silhouette against the shoreline, carefully pacing through shallow pools. Its graceful stance and quick, darting movements make it a memorable sight for any visitor.

Stocky and around 21–24 cm, the Turnstone flips over stones and kelp with its wedge-shaped bill to find food. It is particularly common on Lihou’s rocky shores in winter, often mingling with other waders. Its mottled brown, white, and chestnut plumage brightens during the breeding season.

This large harrier, with a wingspan of up to 140 cm, hunts low over wetlands for small mammals and birds. While not a common visitor to Lihou, the bird may fly past during spring or autumn migration. If you glimpse one, watch its languid wingbeats as it scans the ground for prey.

A handsome migrant with a white rump and an upright stance, the Wheatear often visits Lihou in spring and autumn. It can be around 15 cm long and hops across open ground, pecking at insects. A few may linger briefly on the island’s short turf before continuing their journey north or south.

With a red face, black-and-white head, and gleaming golden wing bars, the Goldfinch brings a splash of colour to Lihou’s fields. It typically measures about 12–13 cm and loves thistle seeds. These birds are most often seen in small groups, chattering musically as they move between feeding spots.

One of our most familiar birds of prey, Kestrels hover on rapidly beating wings, scanning the ground for small rodents and insects. Males have a grey head and tail, with rusty upperparts, while females are more uniformly brown. Lihou’s open, grassy areas offer good hunting, and some Kestrels nest on or around the island.

This slender finch has a short, conical bill and, in males, a pinkish-red flush on the breast during the breeding season. Small flocks may visit Lihou to feed on seed-bearing plants in open areas. At around 13–14 cm in length, they are easy to recognise by their tinkling calls and bounding flight.

This huge gull can have a wingspan pushing 170 cm, and can be found in significant numbers on Lihou. With a dark slate-grey back and a formidable yellow bill, it scours the shore for fish, invertebrates, and carrion.

Standing nearly a metre tall, the Grey Heron often hunts by remaining perfectly still before striking at fish or crabs. Around Lihou, it may wander near the causeway at low tide, wading patiently through pools. Nests are typically found on Guernsey, but individuals regularly fly over for feeding.

Familiar around British coasts, Herring Gulls have silvery-grey backs, white underparts, and a loud, laughing call. They are opportunistic feeders, gathering around fishing boats or following the tide line for scraps. They also breed on Lihou, nesting in rocky nooks and ledges where pairs fiercely defend their eggs and chicks from predators (and passing humans!). Chicks can sometimes be seen wandering around before they can fly, so keep a respectful distance.

With a pinkish body, black-and-white wings, and a folding crest, the Hoopoe is an exotic-looking migrant occasionally seen in the Channel Islands. It may land on Lihou in spring or autumn, probing the ground for grubs and insects. Though scarce, any sighting of its distinctive crest is a highlight for birdwatchers.

House Sparrows build nests in holes in buildings, signs, or streetlights, using dried plants, feathers, and even scraps of paper. On Lihou, they are unlikely to form large colonies because there are few permanent structures. They feed mostly on grains and seeds but will eat insects, especially when rearing chicks, and often forage near people for leftover food.

Lesser Black-backed Gulls are slightly smaller and slimmer than Herring Gulls, with dark grey upperparts and bright yellow legs. They can nest in dense colonies on rocky outcrops or roofs, and they have been recorded breeding on Lihou, raising chicks in small groups near the island’s more sheltered areas. Watch for their swift flight and sharp calls—often squabbling with other gulls over food tidbits at low tide.

A small, streaky-brown pipit that nests in grassy fields or short coastal turf. Listen for its gentle “seep” call overhead, and watch for its fluttering song flight in spring. Around Lihou, they are one of the more common pipits, with pairs nesting in the island’s open grassland.

A large seabird with pure white plumage and black wing tips, the Northern Gannet dives spectacularly for fish. Gannets can be spotted soaring off the coast of Lihou during spring and summer. Look for its pointed wings and streamlined shape as it plunges beak-first into the sea.

Black and white with a bright red bill, the Oystercatcher pries open shellfish along Lihou’s rocky shores. It can be around 40–45 cm long and is a familiar sight year-round. The species breeds on Lihou and forms large winter gatherings, where their loud piping calls echo across the causeway.

This slender bird, around 18 cm long, constantly bobs its tail as it scurries across the ground. On Lihou, it hunts insects on short turf or near the water’s edge.

Known for its bright red legs and urgent “tew-tew-tew” call, the Redshank favours shallow water for foraging. It reaches about 27–29 cm in length and roosts with other waders on Lihou’s rocky platforms at high tide. Numbers peak in winter when flocks gather on the island’s secure coastline.

A robust pipit with dark, sooty-brown plumage, well adapted to rocky shorelines. Rock Pipits nest among rocks on Lihou, often foraging for small crustaceans in the tidal zone. Look for them bobbing around seaweed-strewn rocks at low tide.

With a black head band, orange legs, and a small, neat frame of roughly 18–20 cm, the Ringed Plover nests on sandy or pebbly ground. Pairs breed on Lihou, creating simple scrapes for eggs among the shingle. Outside the breeding season, small flocks also gather along the tideline.

Slightly smaller and slimmer than the Cormorant, with a greenish-black sheen and a short crest in breeding season. Shags dive for fish near rocky shores and nest on ledges around Lihou, often seen standing with necks held upright.

Males have a bright orange breast, black head, and white neck patch; females are paler with warmer brown tones. They often perch on fence posts or gorse bushes, flicking their wings and tail. Stonechats nest in low vegetation on Lihou, adding colour to the island all year.

Swallows are graceful fliers with long forked tails, seen on Lihou from about April to October. They skim low over the ground or water snapping up insects in flight. Swallows arrive on Lihou in spring where they breed and raise their young.

The Barn Owl’s heart-shaped face and silent flight make it a striking sight. It typically hunts small mammals over nearby farmland and grassland, sometimes crossing the causeway for a scan of Lihou’s open areas at dusk. If you are lucky, you might glimpse its pale wings gliding low in search of prey.

A broad-winged bird of prey with variable brown plumage, the Common Buzzard sometimes drifts over Lihou in search of small mammals or carrion. It has a wingspan of up to 130 cm, and its “mewing” cry can be heard when it circles on rising warm air. Though it nests on mainland Guernsey, it may pass over the island when hunting.

Common Shelducks are large waterfowl, easily recognised by their white body, chestnut band, and dark head. On Lihou, they breed in hidden hollows or burrows, occasionally seen leading fluffy ducklings to shallow waters in early summer. Observing a family group foraging at the water’s edge is a highlight for visitors during the nesting season.

A large dark waterbird with a hefty hooked bill. They often perch on rocks with wings spread to dry. Around Lihou, they form nesting colonies on rocky ledges, diving for fish in the surrounding waters.

Curlews feed on worms and crustaceans by probing soft sediment with their distinctive curved bill. Curlews can be seen on Lihou in winter where they rest and roost – listen out for their harsh whistled “cur-lee”,calls. Their tall stature and unique profile make them an impressive sight along the island’s shore.