Local Wildlife
Credit: Apodemus sylvaticus bosmuis, Rasbak
The landscape of Birmingham and the Black Country has a rich social, economic and natural heritage shaped by a complex history of rural, industrial, and more recent suburban and commercial land use. The wildlife is as varied and valuable as that of any other part of the United Kingdom.
The rare and the special are here, from scarce mammals like water voles and polecats to dragonflies and kingfishers, plus a huge variety of plant life, as documented in the trailblazing book ‘Flora of Birmingham and the Black Country’. Adding spice to this is an astounding mix of species reflecting the many peoples and trades that have come here from around the world – for example plants grown from Argentinian seeds, and African parakeets.
European badger
The black-and-white striped Badger is an iconic species in the UK and our biggest land predator. It is a common species, turning up in…
Guillemot
The chocolate-brown Guillemot nests in noisy, tightly packed colonies on perilous clifftops and rocky islands in northern UK. As a…
Tufted Duck
The unmistakeable, black-and-white Tufted Duck lives up to its name - look out for the black tuft of feathers on its head. It can be…
Whimbrel
The Whimbrel is very similar to the Curlew, but a little smaller and with a striking face pattern. Its eerie call is a series of seven…
Gatekeeper
The Gatekeeper is on the wing in summer on grasslands, in woodlands and along hedgerows. Look out for the large, distinctive eyespot…
Mallard
The much-loved Mallard is our most familiar duck, found across town and country. Feeding ducks like the Mallard is a popular pastime and…