Three birds to find in July

It’s the season of the juvenile bird – here are some classic youngsters to seek out

July is a notoriously quiet time for birdsong, as parents’ attention is concentrated on bringing up their young and less concentrated on advertising their presence and territory. It is also a time when some juvenile birds become a prominent part of the birding landscape.

These include some waders and woodpeckers, as well as some scarce gulls, notably Mediterranean Gull. Here are three to look for this month.

Pic: Our Wild Life Photography / Alamy

Juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker

Young Great Spotted Woodpeckers can be told from the adults easily by the red crown (black on a an adult) and less well defined crimson on the underparts. Often, the obvious white shoulder patches are a little broken up by black as well. 

Pic: Malcolm Schuyl / Alamy

Juvenile Green Woodpecker

Noisy family groups of Green Woodpeckers are a typical feature of the long sunny days of July. Unlike the neat parents, the juveniles are streaked on their green backs as well as extensively on the underparts. Like grumpy teenagers, their voices often sound louder, harsher and broken compared to their parents.

Pic: Mike Weedon

Juvenile Wood Sandpiper

Not as spangled as spring adults, juvenile Wood Sandpipers are still neat birds with an elegant slim shape and structure, long yellow legs and a prominent pale supercilium. Often found inland, favouring freshwater.