Dawn chorus birds you’ll hear in Hampshire

Here are a few birds you’ll be able to hear almost anywhere in Hampshire.

May 2 2024

A song thrush sitting on the grass, looking at the camera.

There’s nothing like waking up early and listening to the chirping of birds as they sing in the quiet of the morning. Starting in March, the layered symphony of birdsong swells as migratory birds flock to the UK for the summer. Their song is best heard early in the morning, as the cool, still air allows the sound to travel further than it would later in the day when the air is warmer. Usually, you’ll hear male birds singing as they try to attract a mate for nesting season.

Depending on where you are, you might hear something different, whether it’s along the coast, near woodland, or somewhere else. That said, there are a few birds you’ll be able to hear almost anywhere in Hampshire.

Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

One of Britain’s most recognisable birds, the robin is one of the earliest to join the dawn chorus. You’ll hear their sweet, warbling song beginning just after Christmas. Unusually for birds, the females will often join in.

Blackbird (Turdus merula)

Another familiar sight in Britain is the blackbird. It can be distinguished from crows and ravens by an orange-yellow beak and yellow eye rings on the males and brown feathered females. Its song can be similar to that of a robin but is richer with a flutier tone.

Song thrush (Turdus philomelos)

This garden bird can be found in both urban and rural areas alike. The song thrush has a brown upper and white belly with upside down heart-shaped brown spots. Their song often includes different phrases, but these are always repeated.

Great tit (Parus major)

As its name suggests, the great tit is the largest of the tits found in the UK. It has a yellow body with a black head. Like the song thrush, great tits have quite a varied song. The most commonly heard call sounds as though they’re singing “tea-cher, tea-cher”.

Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)

Despite its small size, the wren has one of the loudest calls. It can be hard to spot as it skulks about in bushes, but keep an eye out for this round, brown bird in your garden.

Have you been enjoying the dawn chorus in Hampshire? Let us know what you can hear or tag us in your recordings of birdsong over on Facebook and Instagram. Stay up to date with everything happening in Hampshire’s countryside by signing up to our monthly newsletter.

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