Woodland birds

Woodlands are hugely important habitats for Scottish birds, and not only because of the large areas involved. Scotland's fantastically rich native oakwoods support an exciting and distinctive breeding bird population which includes common redstart, tree pipit and wood warbler, while our Scots pine woodlands (both planted and naturally-occurring) are home to capercaillie and crested tit.

The planting of the uplands with exotic conifer species transformed entire landscapes during the second half of the 20th century. The effects on bird communities were dramatic, but perhaps surprisingly, a wide range of species can be found in these novel habitats. Species more normally associated with broadleaved woodland and open ground can thrive in the various growth stages present in many older conifer crops. For instance, meadow pipits, tree pipits and whinchats breed on clear-felled areas, dunnocks, lesser redpolls and willow warblers are to be found in crops before canopy closure, while song thrushes, blackbirds, woodcocks and several species of raptors occur in older tree stands. In addition, species that rely on conifers have greatly extended their range in Scotland, including siskins, common crossbills, goldcrests and coal tits.

Capercaillie

One of the few Scottish birds whose common name derives from Gaelic, the name 'capercaillie' translates literally as 'horse of the forest'. This impressive bird, whose main habitat is Scots pine woods, is the world's largest grouse species. It has had a chequered history in Scotland, and is now the focus of targeted woodland management, including at the RSPB's reserve of Abernethy.

Crested tit

This unmistakable bird seldom strays far from the Scots pine woods which are its main home. Females excavate nest-holes in old pine stumps, parties of fledged young can be seen from late May onwards, and in winter the species can often be seen with other woodland birds such as goldcrest and blue tit. Scotland has a special race (or subspecies) of crested tit, Parus cristatus scoticus. Other forms of crested tit occur in Europe.

Redstart

One of the most distinctive summertime visitors to Scotland's western oakwoods, this colourful member of the thrush family makes the long journey from Africa each spring. They seek out holes in broad-leaved trees for nesting, but also take readily to nestboxes. Visit SNH's Taynish National Nature Reserve  during the early morning in late spring and early summer, and you'll probably be rewarded with views of male redstarts defending their territories with song, from the very tops of the oak trees.