What exactly makes a resident bird? Which native species are considered resident birds and what do they eat in winter? We answer these questions in our info article.

The robin is a native bird

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 variety 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 brave the winter and can actually be found all year round and how you can support these wild birds in your own garden.

Resident birds: definition and profile

Resident birds are bird species that spend the whole year in their breeding grounds. Unlike migratory birds, they do not fly south, but usually remain in the immediate vicinity of their summer breeding grounds and look for food in the barren landscape there. These are often bird species that can at least partially feed on plant components. Pure insectivores, on the other hand, are mostly migratory birds, since there is not enough food for them in winter.

Resident birds are mostly dependent on plant food

Resident species: List of native resident birds

The designation "sedentary bird" or "migratory bird" is only regionally valid for many species. Species that are sedentary in central and southern Europe may be considered migratory in northern Europe, escaping the colder winters there. Such individuals can also be found here as winter guests, for example, and it is often difficult to distinguish whether birds observed in winter are actually at home here or whether they are migratory birds from the north.

In Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other parts of Central Europe, resident birds are for example:

  • the robin
  • the blackbird
  • the wren
  • the great tit
  • house sparrow
  • coal tit
  • the blue tit
  • the great spotted woodpecker
  • or alsothe magpie
Blue tit and great spotted woodpecker can also be seen in the garden in winter

What do resident birds eat in winter?

As already mentioned, resident birds are mostly species that not only depend on insects, but can also eat nuts, berries or seeds. Often these species can then be observed in winter foraging on trees, fields or in the short vegetation. In the garden or on the balcony, you can also support domestic resident birds in the cold season with high-energy birdseed. Our Plantura loose feed, for example, is perfect for winter feeding and provides a large number of garden birds with lots of fat and nutrients.

Note: A sedentary bird that cannot be lured with birdseed and only feeds on animal food in winter is the kestrel. The imposing hunter even finds his prey, which mainly consists of field mice, under the snow cover.

The kestrel finds its prey even under the snow

But beware: Not all birds that survive in winter are automatically resident birds. Some also leave their breeding areas under certain circumstances and fly short distances to warmer regions without leaving their geographical latitude. These species are called stick birds.

Category:

Hedgehog, Squirrel & Co.