Exotic Birdlife

These birds were apparently quite numerous in the 15th century as historical records show them to be a popular addition to banquets. By the mid-16th century, however, they disappeared from the menu and presumably from Britain. In these times they are steadily spreading northwards through Western Europe and significant numbers first appeared in the UK in 1989 and first bred in Dorset in 1996.

They are much smaller than Grey Heron but share the similar hunting technique of patiently waiting in the shallows for fish. The UK population is thought to number some 700 breeding pairs rising to about 4,500 individuals from the continent in the winter. Little Egrets, like Herons, eat fish, insects, amphibians, crustaceans, and reptiles.

Little Egrets nest in colonies and one brood of 3-5 is conceived each spring incubated by both parents. The young fledge after 40-45 days. The life expectancy for an individual is about 10 years. You are most likely to see these birds along the Jubilee River.

Length: 55-65cm (22-26in); wing span: 88-106cm (35-42in)

Earliest recorded breeding in the wild in Britain occurred at the beginning of the twentieth century although as part of a collection, Mandarins have been here since at least the eighteenth century. Native to Manchuria and Japan, it is thought that the British birds of about 7,000 pairs accounts for a third of the world’s population, 7 times the numbers in China and the largest number in a single region.

Mandarins live in wooded areas close to water. The females lay a clutch of 9-12 eggs in spring. Soon after the fledglings have hatched, the duck flies to the ground to coax them from the tree and lead them to nearby water. Mandarins feed by dabbling or walking on land. They mainly eat plants and seeds but will also eat snails, insects and small fish.

Length: 41-49cm (16-19in); wing span: 65-75cm (25½-30in).

Related to shelduck, Egyptian geese were introduced in the late 17th century as ornamental wildfowl for private collections from their native Africa. Many escaped over time and are now breeding successfully as a resident species in south-eastern Britain. The breeding population in the UK is thought to number over 1,000 pairs and numbers swell to about 3,400 birds in the winter. Their call is a raucous cackling and they feed on seeds and grass. The best places to see Egyptian geese around Slough are Herschel Park and the Jubilee River.

Length: 63-73cm (25-29in); Wing span: 1·1-1·3m (3ft 6in-4ft)

Canada geese are such a familiar sight that it’s hard to believe that they were introduced from North America in the late 17th century. In their original habitat they are migratory but British birds have largely lost this need. Canada geese eat grass, leaves and seeds.

One brood of 5 or 6 is conceived each spring. The female incubates the eggs while the male remains nearby. The incubation lasts just under a month and the adults also lose their flight feathers around this time for up to 40 days. Goslings are immediately capable of walking, swimming and finding their own food.

The UK population is over 60,000 breeding pairs increasing to 190,000 individuals in the winter. Their lifespan is 20 to 25 years.

Length: 90-110cm (35-43in); Wing span: 1·5-1·7m (5-6ft). Females are around 10% smaller.