Top 20 Most Common Bird in Belarus
Belarus is a rich ecological paradise, characterized by diverse habitats, blending forests, marshlands, and plains. The region is a sanctuary for various bird species. Our exploration reveals the top 20 most commonly sighted birds, each exhibiting unique characteristics, from distinct plumage patterns to intriguing behaviors and specialized adaptations, further enriching Belarus's vibrant avian landscape.
Most Common Bird
1. Great Tit
Great Tit is a small and plump bird, with a thick black line running through its bright yellow face. It is a common sight in gardens, woodlands, and parks. It is often seen foraging for food in an acrobatic way. Well known for its intelligence, it has been observed using tools, solving problems, and even counting up to five. 
2. Mallard
The mallard is the most abundant duck species in the world, and the ancestor of all domestic ducks. Only the female can produce the distinctive "quack" sound. When the female lays eggs, the male abandons its mate, while the protective mother stays with the ducklings for a long time. This migratory species inhabits shallow waters and it's one of the most popular game birds.
3. Hooded Crow
The hooded Crow is often mistaken for the carrion crow (Corvus corone) and has even been regarded as the same species; indeed, these two species may breed to create a hybrid. The hooded Crow is commonly found in woodlands, farmlands, and suburban areas. They can usually be seen in pairs or small groups, looking to find decaying meat, grain, and other protein.
4. Eurasian Magpie
The eurasian Magpie is a striking and intelligent bird known for its black and white plumage and long tail. It is highly adaptable, found in a variety of habitats, and known for its intelligence, similar to that of great apes. It is omnivorous, eating both insects and fruits, and it has a reputation for being mischievous and thieving.
5. Rock Pigeon
The rock Pigeon is a wild ancestor of all domestic and feral pigeons, inhabiting coasts, cliffs, and caves. Pairs nest in rock crevices, often mating for life. They are known for their ability to fly very long distances to return to their homes, navigating using the sun's position and the earth's magnetic fields. Thanks to this ability, pigeons were used as messengers, particularly during World Wars I and II.
6. Fieldfare
It is not uncommon to see flocks of fieldfare numbering in the hundreds during the winter season, inhabiting urban and suburban areas. It is a social bird and one of the largest of its species. Its upright pose gives it an imposing appearance and it uses hopping motions to move forward on the ground.
7. Eurasian Blue Tit
The eurasian Blue Tit is a small songbird, very common in urban areas such as parks. This songbird has a wide range of calls and songs, but it's also known for its agility and acrobatic skills - it can hang upside down, reaching food that's not accessible to less-skilled birds. When the bird has young, it spends around 17 hours per day in the search of food for the offspring. It's a frequent visitor of bird feeders.
8. European Starling
The european Starling, a large, hardy songbird, is one of the most commonly seen bird species in North America. Originally from Europe, this species was brought to the U.S. in the 1890s by enthusiasts of William Shakespeare, who had the unique goal of bringing over every single species of bird that was mentioned in Shakespeare's collective works. Unfortunately, the european Starling, being an adaptable, generalist species, spread invasively across the continent, hurting many native species' populations in the process.
9. Eurasian Tree Sparrow
The eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) is a widespread sparrow of the European mainland that has been introduced to some parts of North America. Eurasian Tree Sparrow is very similar to the House sparrow (Passer domesticus) but it's smaller and neater. It prefers more natural habitats, at the edges of human activity, and inhabits farmlands, parklands, and open woods.
10. Common Chaffinch
The common Chaffinch has a varied diet, mainly feeding on seeds and berries, but also eating insects, allowing it to thrive in different habitats. The Common Chaffinch is also known for its melodic song, with the males being particularly vocal during the breeding season. Their songs can often be heard in the spring and early summer.
11. Common Wood Pigeon
Although primarily found in woods, the common Wood Pigeon is a large and bulky pigeon that is often seen in towns and cities. Those who inhabit urban areas are quite tame, approachable, and comfortable around humans. This pigeon is a popular game bird, particularly during its migration journeys. Its distinctive call can be heard year-round, particularly at dawn. This ground-dwelling bird gathers in large flocks that feed together.
12. Black-headed Gull
Black-headed Gull is a medium-sized gull found in Europe and Asia. It has a white body and grey wings, and a black head that turns chocolate brown in the summer. It is found in a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, lakes, and wetlands. It is migratory, wintering in southern Europe and parts of Africa.
13. Eurasian Jackdaw
Eurasian Jackdaw is a small, black bird with a distinctive silver-gray patch on its nape. It is highly social and forms colonies. It's known for its intelligence and problem-solving abilities, often stealing shiny objects to hoard in its nests. It is playful and curious, making it a favorite among bird watchers.
14. Eurasian Coot
The eurasian Coot is a medium-sized, black-plumaged waterbird with a white bill and a distinctive red shield above its bill. It has webbed feet with a white patch on the toes and is often seen in large flocks, diving for food and fiercely defending its territory. Its aggressive nature and distinct features make it a memorable sight for birdwatchers.
15. European Greenfinch
The european Greenfinch is a sociable bird and often forms flocks, particularly in the winter. The population of this species has been in decline due to loss of habitat and changes in land use. Identify this bird by its bright yellow head and breast on males, and green-brown head on females, and its sociable behavior in open woodlands, gardens, parks, and hedgerows.
16. Mute Swan
The most common inhabitant of urban lakes and one of the heaviest of all flying birds, the mute Swan got its name by being less noisy than other swan species. Although stunningly beautiful and graceful, it is also quite aggressive and territorial. The national bird of Denmark, the mute Swan is famously portrayed in Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale "Ugly Duckling" and Tchaikovsky's ballet "Swan Lake".
17. Eurasian Bullfinch
Even with its colorful breast feathers, the eurasian Bullfinch is still easy to miss, unless the small bird is whistling its soft plaintive calls. The small finch prefers areas with established trees like woodlands, parks, and orchards where the bird quietly feeds on fruit and flower buds. Occasionally, the bird is a pest of fruit crops.
18. Rook
The rook is a species of large black crow with glossy feathers. While it resembles a crow, its high-pitch call sets it apart. The best place to see the bird is in semi-open areas with plenty of trees or hedges. It is where the bird prefers to build its nest.
19. Eurasian Jay
The eurasian Jay is a striking bird with distinctive blue, black, and white plumage. It is known for its bold and curious nature, often seen rummaging through gardens and forests for food. Despite its small size, it is very intelligent and able to store food for later consumption. Its sharp calls and acrobatics in the trees make it a joy to observe in the wild.
20. Eurasian Blackbird
Unafraid of humans, the dark-winged eurasian Blackbird has gained a great deal of cultural significance, mentioned in popular nursery rhymes and songs across the world. Elegant and with an appealing song, they can be aggressive when they are in their breeding period.
