Fenland has a wide array of birds but how much do we know about them?
In the UK, we’re lucky to share our gardens and green spaces with a wide variety of birds, from mallards to moorhens. But how much do we really know about them?
It turns out, that quite a few of us still believe in myths and misconceptions about our feathered friends.
Maria Kincaid, head ornithologist at FeatherSnap, explains that while some myths are harmless, others can lead to misunderstandings about how we care for and protect birds.
“Misconceptions can sometimes stop us from truly appreciating the role birds play in our ecosystem. By taking measures to learn more about them, we can not only enjoy their presence but also help ensure their survival for years to come.”
Maria debunked some of the most common birdlife misconceptions, hoping to fill in some gaps in our knowledge.
All birds migrate in winter
“Some people believe that in winter, all birds flee the UK in search of calmer weather and more abundant food sources.
“However, many birds are well-adapted to British conditions and have no need to make the same voyages as migratory species. Sparrows, chaffinches, and doves are just a few examples of birds you’ll see in the UK all year round.
“That said, some birds are less acclimated to the British winter, such as cuckoos, swifts, and garden warblers. These species migrate to Africa during the colder months in order to survive.”
Owls can turn their heads 360 degrees
"Depictions of owls in movies, books, and other media have led us to believe that they can turn their heads around 360 degrees. However, this isn’t the case.
“While owls have flexible necks and unique skeletons that allow for impressive movement, a 270-degree rotation is more accurate.
“Because an owl’s eyes are fixed in their sockets, they rely on rotating their heads to detect predators and prey. This ability is a remarkable adaptation, but it’s not as extreme as many people think.”
Magpies bring bad luck
Most people are familiar with the rhyme ‘One for Sorrow’ which dates back to the 16th century and associates seeing a single magpie with bad luck.
However, Maria stresses that magpies aren’t all doom and gloom.
“Magpies play a pivotal role in controlling insect populations in the UK. As scavenger birds, they also feed on animal remains and food scraps, which would otherwise cultivate harmful bacteria and spread disease.
“Alongside their ecological benefits, they are also extremely intelligent. They can recognise themselves in mirrors, associate specific foods with colours and solve problems using trial and error. Their reputation for bad luck really doesn’t do them justice.”
Pigeons are dirty and disease-ridden
“Many pigeons in the UK live in urban areas, leading people to believe they are inherently dirty. Sadly, they’ve even been nicknamed ‘flying rats’ due to this widespread perception.
“However, pigeons were once domesticated by humans for carrying messages and even as a source of food. Over time, they were abandoned and became feral, adapting to urban life.
“While it’s true that pigeons can carry diseases, the risk of transmission to humans is low. They are no dirtier than any other bird species—they’ve simply been unfairly vilified due to their proximity to humans.”
All swans in the UK belong to the King
This is one of the most famous myths about birds in the UK, but there’s some truth to it.
“By law, the King does technically own all unmarked mute swans in open water. However, this mainly applies to certain areas of the Thames and its surrounding tributaries.
“The tradition dates back to the 12th century when swans were considered a luxury food reserved for royalty.
“Today, the Queen’s (now King’s) Swan Marker conducts an annual event known as Swan Upping, a census of the swan population rather than an act of ownership. It’s more about conservation and tradition than enforcing ownership nowadays.”
