Belarus' National Bird: The Symbol Of A Nation

Belarus is home to a wide variety of birds, with 352 species recorded in the country. While Belarus does not have a national bird, several birds are commonly found in the country and are recognised as unofficial symbols of Belarus. These include the European bison, commonly called the wisent, the stork, and the cornflower. The wisent is also featured on the symbols of Brest Oblast.

The Eurasian Blackbird is one of the most recognizable birds in Belarus

The Eurasian Blackbird is often found in gardens, wooded habitats, parks, and farmland with hedges. They spend a lot of time on lawns and fields, foraging for insects and earthworms. Their multi-toned warbling cry is easy to recognize but hard to describe.

The Eurasian Blackbird is a member of the thrush family, which also includes the mistle thrush, song thrush, redwing, and fieldfare. The Eurasian Blackbird is an incredibly common bird in Belarus, and its distinctive appearance and song make it one of the most well-known and beloved birds in the country.

The European Robin is one of the most widespread birds in Belarus

Robins enjoy eating worms, but they will also eat seeds, other invertebrates, insects, fruit, and nuts. During winter, they are attracted to suet, especially if it contains mealworms. They are likely to sing at all hours of the day and are usually the first to start calling in the morning and the last to stop in the evening. Listen out for a sweet, breathy song that turns up in pitch at the end.

With 352 species recorded in Belarus, it is a challenge to identify birds in the country. The European Robin is one of the most common, however, and its distinctive colouring and sweet song make it easy to identify.

The European Goldfinch might be the country's most well-known bird

To attract this acrobatic songbird, offer sunflower seeds or nyger (thistle) seed. It’s a favourite among goldfinches! Of course, flowers, fruits, and the buds of plants are also common food sources, and parents will feed insects to hatchlings. European Goldfinches are gregarious and readily form flocks. They like to assemble in groups of nearly 40 birds and sing together, which is quite a sight!

The Goldfinch is one of many birds that can be found in Belarus. There are 352 species recorded in the country, including the Common Chaffinch, Common Wood Pigeon, Common Blackbird, and Eurasian Collared Dove.

The European Starling is considered a bully at bird feeders

The European starling, a bird commonly found in Belarus, is considered a bully at bird feeders. This is due to its aggressive behaviour and large flocks, which can intimidate and displace native bird species. Here are some ways to address the issue of European starlings bullying at bird feeders:

Use Selective Feeding:

European starlings, like many bully birds, have specific dietary preferences. They are attracted to suet, corn, millet, and bread crumbs, and often avoid safflower or nyjer (thistle) seeds. By offering only the seeds they dislike, you can make your feeder less appealing to starlings while still attracting other songbirds.

Modify Feeder Design:

European starlings are typically larger than desirable songbirds. You can modify your bird feeder to accommodate only smaller species by using a wire cage or mesh with small openings that allow entry for finches, chickadees, and other small birds while excluding starlings. Additionally, consider using feeders without perches, as starlings have difficulty clinging to feeders to eat.

Deter with Scare Tactics:

European starlings can be deterred using a combination of audible and visual scare tactics. Play recordings of starling distress calls and predator cries through loudspeakers. Use visual deterrents such as balloons with eye spots, powerful lights, kites with hawk or owl silhouettes, streamers, and mylar reflectors to harass and scare the starlings.

Maintain the Feeding Area:

Starlings and other bully birds will feed on seeds dropped by other birds. To prevent this, place a deep garbage can or container under the feeder to catch all spilled seeds. Regularly clean up any seeds that spill onto the ground, as this will reduce the likelihood of starlings finding an alternative food source.

Upside-Down Feeders:

European starlings find it challenging to cling upside down while feeding. Consider using upside-down feeders, where the food can only be accessed from below. This will deter starlings while still allowing nuthatches and other clinging birds to feed.

While these methods can help, it's important to note that European starlings are persistent and challenging to control. If your efforts are unsuccessful, you may need to contact professional commercial pest control services for further assistance.

The Crested Tit is commonly found in orchards, woodlands, and parks

The Crested Tit is one of the smaller birds found in Belarus, weighing between 9 and 10 grams. They are outgoing and friendly and are often one of the first birds to visit a new bird feeder. They are attracted to orchards and parks by their favourite foods, caterpillars, insects, and spiders. In winter, when insects are harder to find, they switch to eating conifer seeds.

Crested Tits build their nests in dead pine trees, often in holes revealed by bursting bark. These dead pine trees are sometimes called "Scottish snags".

The Crested Tit is one of over 350 bird species found in Belarus.

Frequently asked questions