Our Bird School

Here we have compiled all the birds that have appeared at bird feeders in Sweden - ordered in descending scale of commonnes. The figures are updated according to the bird count "Winter Birds 2023." At the bottom of the list, we find the really rare ones and at the very end, the absolute rarities.

We strive for gender equality here, so only 50% of the bird photographers are men! 

Great Tit

111,651 Great Tits counted. Photo: Thomas Hildh

Our most common bird feeder guest. Found throughout the entire country and in all environments. Constantly present with its bold style. Begins its cheerful spring whistling earliest of all - and then it's not just the first rays of sunshine that brings warmth.

Bird food for the Great Tit? Sunflower seeds, peanuts, suet, hemp seeds and more.

Common Redpoll

84,279 counted Common Redpolls. Photo: Madeleine Danielsson

Roams in large flocks during the winter, migrating south from northern Sweden in search of food. Primarily feeds on birch seeds and small weed seeds, such as mugwort in the picture. Their numbers vary from year to year and can suddenly appear in large numbers. It may be rare, but it can accompany with the Arctic Redpoll. One of the few species that really enjoys rapeseed at the bird restaurant - serve on the ground.

What does the Common Redpoll eat? Field seeds, rapeseed, hemp

Blue Tit

80,416 blue tits counted. Photo: Barbro Nelly

You’re most likely to attract a blue tit to your bird feeder. It’s often the first to discover the peanuts or sunflower seeds you’ve just put out. Similar to the great tit in both appearance and behavior, but it lacks the distinctive black breast stripe.

What does the blue tit eat? Peanuts, sunflower seeds, suet – but it will eat just about anything.

Bullfinch

74,537 bullfinches counted. Photo: Bee Thalin

One of the species we most strongly associate with bird feeding. Anonymously dwelling in the large forests during summer. It is somewhat rarer in southern Sweden, prefers feeding places close to forests, and is often unafraid of humans. The female lacks the red coloring.

Bird food for the bullfinch? Sunflower seeds, hemp, and rapeseed

Tree Sparrow

73,546 Tree Sparrows counted. Photo: Jan Wester

Often confused with the House Sparrow but look for the black spot on the cheek that the Tree Sparrow has! Always in a flock and for many, the most common guest at the bird feeder. Only absent in the farthest north and if you really live in the forest. You often hear the Tree Sparrow's talkative chatter from the garden's hedges. An agricultural bird that thrives on cheap field seeds but will gladly eat more expensive seeds if offered!

Bird seeds for the Tree Sparrow? Field seeds, hemp, millet, sunflower. The only common bird that really likes millet stalks!

Common Blackbird

43,250 blackbirds Photo: Thomas Hildh 

The Blackbirds' fighting is a highlight with bird feeding! Aggressive, hot-tempered, and impulsive. The blackbird defends its winter territory with determined methods. Chopped sunflower seeds on the ground often increase the number of blackbirds.

What does the blackbird eat? Apples, raisins, chopped sunflower seeds, and hulless oats. Will also eat field seeds if fatter foods are not available. 

Magpie

34,684 magpies counted. Photo: Barbro Nelly

Perhaps our dearest crow bird. Often stays in pairs. Builds large twig nests near houses and farms. Has a taste for collecting colorful items in its nests. Can gather in flocks and chat in late winter - known as a "magpie parliament".

What does the magpie eat? Grains, field seeds, suet, etc.

Yellowhammer

31,788 counted yellowhammers Photo: Thomas Hildh and Barbro Nelly

A countryside bird that prefers lively farms with animals and pastures. Appears at feeders in agricultural areas and the outskirts of cities only when winter strikes. Forages only on the ground. Usually comes in flocks. Used to survive on remnants from threshing, hay handling, feed for chickens, etc., on the 11th centuries active farms. Now faces serious problems as such farms with natural waste no longer exist in the large-scale, industrialized, and tidied agricultural landscape. The yellowhammer is declining. The conservationist considers this to be the only small bird that one can justify feeding for conservation reasons; otherwise, it is mostly a wonderfully beautiful hobby. 

Birdseed for the yellowhammer? Field seeds on the ground! Not sunflower seeds! 

Greenfinch

28,946 counted greenfinches. Photo: Magnus Bergvall and Annika Lavin Johansson

Beautiful and common guest at many households. Slightly more common in southern Sweden. Starts early in late winter with its peculiar calm song - it sounds like it's making sounds for a roller coaster ride. Females and young birds have slightly duller colors.

Bird seeds for the greenfinch? Organic sunflower seeds, hemp and rapeseed.

Jackdaw

26,493 counted jackdaws. Photo: Thomas Hildh

Causes mixed feelings. Maybe because they eat so much? Or because it is a crow bird? Migratory bird in the north. Avoids dense forests. Flock bird - roosts in large flocks, usually in cities. In the jackdaw's strikingly white eye, we see a wise bird.

What does the jackdaw eat? Grains, field seeds, suet, etc.

House Sparrow

24,516 house sparrows counted. Photo: Thomas Hildh

Not as common as many think. The house sparrow has decreased as conditions in agricultural landscapes have worsened. They tend to stay inside barns (and bird feed stores!).

Bird feed for the house sparrow? Field seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds

Eurasian Nuthatch

21,462 nuthatches recorded. Photo: Barbro Nelly

Here I come! The Eurasian Nuthatch is a loud and tough bird that isn't afraid of any competitors at the bird feeder. It snatches what it wants and takes off. It hoards seeds, wedging them into bark crevices. It is remarkably fearless - even around humans.

Bird seeds for the Nuthatch? Sunflower seeds, hemp seeds.

Goldfinch

18,452 goldfinches counted. Photo: Thomas Hildh

Wow! The goldfinch really stands out. It often comes in flocks but is not very common in winter. An agricultural bird that loves thistle seeds more than anything else. Its song is unique and easy to recognize - beautiful and distinctive.

The goldfinch's favorite bird food: sunflower seeds, rapeseed

Brambling

17,986 counted bramblings. Photo by Magnus Bergvall

An "exotic" bird. Common for some, others have never seen it. The best chance is probably in late autumn or in April during migration. Many stay in the beech forests of southern Sweden and eat beech nuts. Sometimes they accompany the chaffinch.

What does the brambling eat? Sunflower, rapeseed, field seeds, etc.

European Siskin

17,337 European Siskins counted. Photo: Thomas Hildh

European Siskins almost always come in flocks, lively "chattering" with each other. An invasion species from coniferous forests, they are abundant during some winters, and completely absent in others. They are often unafraid of humans. In nature, they feed on alder seeds during the winter. They are smaller than, for example, the Greenfinch.

What does the European Siskin eat? Preferably chopped sunflower seeds

Great Spotted Woodpecker

14,460 Great Spotted Woodpeckers counted. Photo: Marie Cederkrok

Isn't there something special when a woodpecker appears? The Great Spotted Woodpecker is the most common and the most curious of our woodpeckers. It is easily recognized by its two white back spots. Quite shy and difficult to approach.

Bird food for the Great Spotted Woodpecker? Suet, peanuts, sunflower seeds

Long-Tailed Tit

13,132 counted long-tailed tits. Photo: Monica Johansson, Bee Thalin x 2, Olle Arvids

Charms everyone! They stay together in family groups and bounce through the air like white ping-pong balls with looooooong tails. Your best chance to see them is if you have bird feeders in a varied forest landscape with mixed forests, leafy curtains, and brushwood.

What do long-tailed tits eat? Chopped sunflower seeds, suet, peanuts

Bohemian Waxwing

10,119 counted Bohemian Waxwings. Photo: Thomas Hildh

It is hard to imagine a more beautiful bird! Hearing the Bohemian Waxwing's ringing call just before the flock settles into the apple tree is pure delight. Primarily a fruit and berry eater at bird feeders. Nests in northern coniferous forests.

Likes: Fruit, berries, raisins, chopped sunflower seeds.

Marsh Tit

10,064 Marsh tits counted. Photo: Thomas Hildh

Just as tough as the blue tit, and loud. Resembles the willow tit, but the marsh tit's back is uniformly colored, whereas the willow tit has a "silvery" wing panel. The marsh tit's bib is slightly smaller and its cap glossier. It prefers deciduous forests and more frequently visits bird feeders.

Bird feed for the willow tit? Sunflower seeds, peanuts, suet

Eurasian Jay

8,818 Eurasian Jays counted. Photo by Thomas Hildh

Prefers forest habitats where it flits around in small flocks, making loud calls. A true beauty with its tropically blue patch on the wing. Not always well-liked - small birds are easily scared by the Eurasian Jay, especially when they come in flocks!

What does the Eurasian Jay eat? Acorns, field seeds, peanuts, shelled sunflower seeds

The Crow

7,978 counted crows. Photo: Mikael Schulin

One of the few species that many do not wish for, but why shouldn't the crow get food like the others? Easily recognized by its grayish-black plumage. Quite shy and often avoids feeding near houses. Forages alone or in pairs. In the plains they sometimes gather in slightly larger flocks.

Likes: Omnivorous.

Chaffinch

7,578 counted chaffinches. Photo: Jan Wester

Sweden's second most common bird. Sings frequently in the spring. Most migrate abroad, but some stay. It is anonymous and easily goes unnoticed, but the white area on the wing is a good characteristic. It often hops around the edges of feeding areas and prefers being under trees and bushes.

What does the chaffinch eat? Sunflower seeds, rape seed, field seeds

Domestic pigeon

7,113 domestic pigeon counted. Photo: Thomas Hildh

Commonly found in cities and on large farms. Often seen in flocks and can be recognized by their wide variety of colors. The original form of this pigeon resides in cliff faces - it's no wonder it enjoys the high-rise buildings of cities! The color type in the picture closely resembles that of the stock dove.

Likes: Field seeds, bread

Wood pigeon

7,055 wood pigeon counted. Photo: Monica Johansson

Most known for its deep cooing chant in the spring. Almost all migrate in October, but some stay in cities in southern Sweden and often visit bird feeders. Our largest dove - easily recognized by its white neck patch.

Likes: Field seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.

Willow Tit

6,841 counted willow tits. Photo: Elsa Rensfeldt

Strongly associated with coniferous forests, preferably with older pine trees. There, it reveals itself with its whiny thi-thi-thääää-thääääää. It appears at feeding places in or very close to large forests. A light elongated spot on the wing, a larger bib, and a dull black cap distinguish it from the marsh tit. 

Likes: Suet, sunflower seeds

Coal Tit

5,905 counted coal tits. Photo: Monica Johansson

A forest-dwelling tit. Therefore, not a species that we city dwellers see very often, but those with forest gardens can attest that the coal tit gladly visits bird feeders. Like many others in its genus, the coal tit is tough. It has a white patch on the back of its neck and lacks the yellow coloration of the great tit.

Coal tit's bird food: Peanuts, sunflower seeds and suet

Hawfinch

5,607 hawfinches counted. Photo: Per-Henrik Falk

Some have never had hawfinches at their feeding stations, while others see 15-20 every day. A beautiful bird with a strong beak that is used for cracking cherry pits, among other things. It is inconspicuous and hard to spot in summer, but more visible in winter.

Likes: Sunflower Seeds, Hemp Seeds.

Robin

5,278 robins counted. Photo: Barbro Nelly

Robins migrate south to continue feeding on insects, but a few tough ones always stay and take their chances on a mild winter. Most common along the west coast and in Skåne in lush gardens. The robin prefers to be by itself.

Likes: Chopped sunflower seeds, pieces of peanuts, shelled hemp seeds, suet

Mallard

3,385 mallards counted. Photo: Thomas Hildh

Most common in gardens near a beach or a river in the cities. Some people note that sometimes there can be a few too many ducks at the bird feeder. It can also fly long distances and often comes as a nighttime guest at bird feeding areas. The female is brown and speckled.

Likes? Bread, field seeds etc.

Pheasant

2,937 pheasants counted. Photo: Monica Johansson

When this self-proclaimed royalty struts around, it easily captures all the attention. An Asian bird that is quite dependent on hunters' reintroductions. However, it also breeds freely. Seen in some residential areas and agricultural regions - more common in the south and very localized.

Likes: Field Seeds etc.

Rook

2,548 rooks counted. Photo by Monica Johansson

Oily black and with a featherless patch near the beak. Same size as the crow. Found around cities in plains areas. Only common in Skåne. Rooks are remarkable. Ugly-beautiful, they strut around as if they are somehow superior to everyone else. Juveniles lack the bare beak patch.

Likes: Field seeds, scales, etc.

Fieldfare

2,361 counted fieldfares. Photo: Barbro Nelly

Seen in large flocks in October/November. They stay for the winter where there is fruit and berries. A good tip to attract thrushes to your garden is to leave apples lying/hanging around. The fieldfare is often referred to as the "snow magpie."

Likes: Fruit and berries, chopped sunflower seeds in a pinch

Crested Tit

2,157 crested tits counted. Photo by Magnus Bergvall

To attract this charmer, you must live in deep coniferous forests and practically have feeding stations within the forest. It prefers to stay among the conifers rather than fly 100 meters through deciduous forests to a bird feeder. It never migrates south.

What does the crested tit eat? Suet, sunflowers, and peanuts

Treecreeper

1,491 counted treecreepers. Photo: Barbro Nelly, Marie Cederkrok, Thomas Hildh

A little creature that spends its life climbing trees in search of insects. Not a migratory bird. The best chance to see it is if feeding takes place near many trees. It can learn to eat chopped sunflower seeds from the ground if you first wedge them under the bark to teach it.

Bird food for the treecreeper: Chopped sunflower, hulled hemp, organic bregott, suet and even field seeds as shown in the picture! 

Stock Dove

1,391 counted stock doves. Photo by Magnus Bergvall

Our most anonymous dove both in behavior and appearance. It has a slightly bluish tone in its plumage and is a bit chubby compared to the city pigeon - but can be confusingly similar. Some stay throughout the winter. One of the very earliest migratory birds in the spring, often arriving in February. An unusual guest at bird feeders. Does not like cities and towns. Nests in hollow trees.

Likes: Field seeds etc.

Sparrowhawk

1,373 sparrowhawks counted. Photo: Barbro Nelly

Smack! It comes flying like a projectile - and sometimes it manages to get a bite. Birds up to the size of a blackbird are on the sparrowhawk's menu. Our most common bird of prey - most of them migrate but it is not uncommon in winter. And surely, they too deserve to live!

Likes: Small birds

Raven

1,230 ravens counted. Photo: Barbro Nelly

Shy as few, intelligent and talkative. Not without reason were ravens prominent in Norse mythology. Their numbers have increased recently and they have spread to southern Sweden outside of large forests. Our largest crow bird, as big as a buzzard. Rare to see at calm and remote bird feeders.

Likes: Meat, food scraps

Eurasian Collared Dove

1,145 counted Eurasian Collared Doves. Photo by Magnus Bergvall

The Eurasian Collared Dove is an Asian species that has spread to Sweden on its own. It is small and recognizable by its smooth plumage and black neck patch. Loves chicken yards, small farms, mills, etc. It can be found locally in towns and communities, except in the far north.

Likes: Field seeds, etc.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

1,026 lesser spotted woodpeckers. Photo: Monica Johansson

An unforgettable memory! About the size of a nuthatch, with a weak beak and a white, banded back. Often found near riparian forests with a lot of dead deciduous wood. Resembles the white-backed woodpecker, but it is the size of a green woodpecker and much rarer.

Likes: Suet

Grey-headed Woodpecker

976 counted Grey-headed Woodpeckers. Photo by Tommy Brinksäter

A bird that is increasing in number! Bird feeding stations have been suggested as an explanation for the increase. Similar to the Green Woodpecker but greyer and not as heavily marked with red and black on the head. Found from northern Mälardalen and onwards to the north.

Likes: Suet, lard, rowan berries, chopped sunflower seeds

Wren

803 wrens counted. Photo: Barbro Nelly

A mouse! .... or is it a bird? The wren is small and quick like a mouse. Its tiny tail always points straight up. A brave one that dares to winter in southern Sweden - despite only eating insects and being as small as a ping pong ball. 

The wren thrives in lush forests and large gardens, in winter they are especially seen in reeds and thickets, flying close to the ground like a quick mouse and rarely sitting still for more than a second. Small and brown with a short tail pointing straight up. 

Seeing them, or rather hearing them; in the spring, they have such a strong and rapid song that it’s hard to believe it comes from that tiny bird body. The rest of the year, they reveal themselves with quick "trrrt trrt" sounds and clicks from the thickets. 

Likes: A notorious insect eater, they are usually only seen at bird feeders by mistake but have been observed eating crumbs of peanuts. 

Twite

517 counted Twites. Photo: Magnus Danestig

Nests in coastal mountain heaths, primarily in Norway. Winters sparsely in southern Sweden in open areas with plenty of weed seeds. Avoids forests and gardens. Yellow beak, yellowish-brown plumage - especially the bib, and no red on the forehead distinguishes it from the common redpoll. Very rare at feeders. 

Likes: Rapeseed and field seeds. Small seeds like nettle, yarrow, knapweed, mugwort, goosefoot, 

Starling

477 starlings counted. Photo: Barbro Nelly

Unusual in winter. Most migrate. They benefit from organic farming and lively gardens with plenty of insects. Speckled in winter and, compared to the blackbird, rounder in shape. Flock bird except when nesting.

What does the starling eat? Field seeds, sunflower seeds, raisins, peanut pieces

Nutcracker

289 counted nutcrackers. Photo: Rolf Brandström

Does this bird exist? Yes, indeed. In fact, it exists in two variants, a southern one that eats hazelnuts and a northern/Siberian one that likes seeds from the Swiss pine. Similar in size to the Eurasian jay, sometimes quite fearless. A rare guest at the bird restaurant.

Best bird food for the nutcracker? Hazelnut, suet, peanut

Goshawk

281 goshawks counted. Photo: Barbro Nelly

The larger cousin of the sparrowhawk. The female is a real heavyweight, as big as a common buzzard and a very powerful hunter. The male is smaller and can resemble a large female sparrowhawk. The goshawk always has a robust body and feels more substantial in size. Juveniles have a heavily streaked breast on a cream-yellow base.

Preferences?  May visit places/lures with laid out meat/fat. Otherwise, mostly hares, squirrels, black grouse, chickens, pigeons, jackdaws - does not bother with anything smaller than thrushes!

Siberian Jay

206 counted Siberian Jays. Photo: Elsa Rensfeldt

The encounter with the Siberian Jay is something you'll never forget. It is affectionate and tame, approaching the campfire and stealing sausages. Unfortunately, their numbers are decreasing as the large untouched forests diminish. Found from Dalarna and further north. They like to visit bird feeders.

Likes: Suet, meat, sausage, nuts, sunflower

Goldcrest

183 counted goldcrests. Photo by Madeleine Danielsson

Our smallest bird. Despite being insect eaters, most of them remain. They move around the forest in small flocks during the winter, often together with tits and treecreepers. They very rarely come to bird feeders.

What does the goldcrest eat? Boiled macaroni!, fat, nut crumbs?

Dunnock

159 counted dunnocks. Photo: Annika Lavin Johansson

Sometimes appears at bird feeders during setbacks in April. That’s when they arrive from southern regions. Some also overwinter in Southwestern Sweden. An inconspicuous bird in terms of colors, movements, and song. Insectivore - lives in spruce forests.

Likes: Small crumbs of sunflower, shelled hemp, small agricultural seeds

Blackcap

115 blackcaps counted. Photo by Magnus Bergvall

Our only warbler that can be seen in winter. It is an unusual guest but is seen a bit more frequently along the west coast and in Skåne. The female has a reddish-brown cap instead of black. Moves calmly and suddenly appears out of nowhere. Prefers being close to bushes and hedges.

Likes: Berries, apple, chopped sunflower seeds, pieces of peanuts

Black-Headed Gull

114 black-headed gulls counted. Photo: Marie Cederkrok

Easy to recognize in the summer. In winter, however, the head is white with a distinct black spot behind the eye and often a dark band across the eye. The beak is always reddish. It overwinters along open waters in southern Sweden. 

Likes: Bread, fish, fries, hamburgers, sausages, etc.

Siberian Tit

88 counted Siberian tits. Photo: Elsa Rensfeldt

Our tamest and rarest tit. It is usually not difficult to get it to feed from your hand. Found from northern Dalarna and further north. A regular guest only in the far north. The large bib and dull brown crown distinguish it from the willow tit. Prefers old, untouched mature forests.

Likes: Suet, sunflower seeds

Great Grey Shrike

50 recorded Great Grey Shrikes Photo: Monica Johansson

Nests in northern Sweden and winters in the south. It prefers open areas with good vantage points where it stands out like a dazzling white snowball. Despite its small size, it eats mice and small birds. In rare cases, it can be seen at bird feeders.

Likes? Mice and small birds.

Pygmy Owl

26 pygmy owls counted. Photo: Anders Skoglöf

Rarely appears at bird feeders near large coniferous forests. This almost thrush-sized owl is often active during the day. Seeing an owl gaze deeply into your eyes is a timeless experience. It has a beautiful whistle that can be heard at dawn and dusk.

Likes: Mice and small birds

Unusual Guests

Here are some really unusual guests at the bird feeder, they are not necessarily unusual to see in places other than feeding stations.

Tawny Owl

0 counted tawny owls. Photo by Madeleine Danielsson

The tawny owl is often near humans and is common up to the Dal river. Often found in barns or abandoned houses during the day. They are nocturnal and likes to keep watch at bird feeders at night. If you hear an owl at night, it is usually a tawny owl - very typical calls. 

Likes: Mice and voles

Common Buzzard

Photo: Mikael Schulin

Often seen perched on poles near the road. Most migrate out of the country in October, but it is not uncommon to see them in southern Sweden during the winter. They can be attracted to feeders if you live somewhat isolated in a semi-open landscape by offering suet or other meats. They vary from very light (mostly in Skåne) to the common speckled milk chocolate brown plumage. 

Likes: Mice and voles, sometimes snakes. Suet pieces and other meat foods.

Black Woodpecker

0 black woodpeckers counted. Photo by Madeleine Danielsson

Our largest woodpecker. Easily recognized by its red crown of the head. The black woodpecker's old nest holes are often used by owls. It is considered to be part of the essence of the forest, which is evident in its charismatic calls often featured in films. Rarely comes to feeders.

Likes: Suet

Green Woodpecker

0 counted green woodpeckers. Photo: Thomas Hildh

Really stands out with its truly green back and large size. Prefers to have many deciduous trees, particularly oak and aspen, in its surroundings. Reluctantly comes to feeders. Most common south of the Dal river. Its cousin, the grey-headed woodpecker, takes over further north.

Likes: Suet and peanuts

Three-toed Woodpecker

Photo: Monica Johansson

Found from Mälardalen and further north. An incredibly handsome woodpecker that is easy to recognize by the racing stripes on its face; the male has a truly yellow crown. Prefers old spruce forests but can also be found among mountain birches. Nowhere is it really common, may venture south during winters but very rarely seen at bird feeders. 

Likes? Suet

Gray Partridge

Photo: Arne Ekström

Extremely cute birds! They stick together in family groups during the winter. They prefer running and sneaking over flying. They thrive in places with farms and animals, small biotopes, stubble fields, grass strips, hedges, etc. They only come close to houses during harsh winters. Found in plains in "southern" Sweden.

Likes: Field seeds, mixed grains

Eurasian Teal

Photo: Eva Jonsson

A colorful duck! Sometimes overwinters in southern Sweden, often with mallards. They may then accompany them at birdfeeders. The teal is a common breeding bird in Sweden and arrives early in the spring. It looks stunning up close through binoculars when the evening spring sun enhances its colors. The female resembles a female mallard but the teal is always much smaller.

Likes: Field seeds, chopped sunflower seeds

Gadwall

Photo: Maria Rutili

A duck that is increasing in Sweden, nests in lowland lakes in the south. Migrates late and short distances. Individuals can occasionally be found during winter among mallards; if the water is frozen, they can be found near water in cities. Similar in size to the mallard, the female resembles a female mallard. Both genders often show a little white square on the rear part of the wing when swimming, and on the inner corner of the wing when flying.

Likes: Farmland seeds, bread

Eurasian wigeon

Photo: Hans Andersson

The large duck breeds in forest lakes in the north and in Russia. We bird watchers see them in large numbers in the spring and fall around bird lakes. They often stay late in the fall/winter as long as there is food available. They overwinter quite plentifully during mild winters. They are uncommon at feeding stations but may socialize with mallards. As usual in the duck world, the male is much more colorful. Here is an overwintering female eating bird food from Slåttergubben. It also has a very beautiful call! 

Likes:  sunflower seeds, field seeds

Goldeneye

Photo by Madeleine Danielsson

The goldeneye is perhaps our most widespread duck. They almost always stay together in pairs. It nests in nesting boxes and cavities, sometimes quite far from water. When it needs to take its ducklings to the water, they sometimes walk and sometimes climb onto the mother and fly on her back! 
Uncommon at bird feeders, the goldeneye overwinters where there is open water and rarely comes up to water-nearby feeders. 

What does the goldeneye eat? Primarily aquatic plants - but otherwise field seeds. 

Eurasian Coot

Photo by Marie Cederkrok

A wetland bird that often spends the winter in open waters in cities. Its beak indicates that it is actually more closely related to chickens than ducks. If you look at its feet, you’ll see long "toes" with little webbing, which are useful for climbing around in the reeds.

Likes: Bread, various seeds, green leaves

Arctic Redpoll

Photo: Tommy Brinksäter

An arctic cousin of the Common Redpoll. Prefers to stay north of the Arctic Circle even during the winter. South of the Dal river, it is considered a rarity. For accurate identification, expert help is required, as it is very similar to the Common Redpoll. The photo shows a really light and fine individual. Now regarded as a subspecies of the Common Redpoll.

Likes: hemp, sunflower

Common Reed Bunting

13 counted Common Reed Buntings. Photo by Lars Söderlind/Madeleine Danielsson 

Common breeding bird at lush, reed-rich shores. Winters sparingly in the same habitat in southern Sweden. It is only in these environments that one has a chance of seeing the Common Reed Bunting as a winter feeder guest. However, during migration in April/May, it can appear at feeders in regular gardens.

What does the Common Reed Bunting eat? Millet and millet spray, field seeds

Linnet

0 counted linnets. Photo: Jan Wester, Thomas Hildh

Rare in winter, occasionally seen in March/April near feeders in agricultural areas. Females and juveniles are anonymously gray and streaked. Loves lively farms with many animals, small paddocks, pastures, weeds, lively barnyards, and farm tracks.

Likes: Field seeds, knotweed, and dandelion

Rosefinch

Male. Photo by Turid Forså

The Rosefinch nests sparsely in Sweden. It migrates to the forests of the Himalayas and arrives here in May. Sometimes, it can be seen at bird feeders during this time. The male is easily recognizable by its color, while the female is anonymously gray with streaks, always with a black peppercorn eye and a very bulky beak. 

Likes: Chopped sunflower seeds 

Corn Bunting

Photo by Madeleine Danielsson

Has been common in Skåne. Hard hit by agricultural rationalization. A small population remains in the southeastern part of Skåne where they live year-round. Considered a rarity in all other places! Larger than the Yellowhammer with a bulky beak. Heavily streaked. Plain in color, with light yellow legs. Can rarely appear at bird feeders in open locations. Often seen in the company of Yellowhammers. Read more HERE! 

Likes: Field Seeds

Lapland Bunting

Photo: Madeleine Danielsson

Nests like the Snow Bunting in the mountains and winters very sparsely in southern Sweden. Can associate with Yellowhammer. Framed red cheek, a light streak over the crown, wing bars and quite a variegated plumage. Very rare at feeders located in open areas.

Likes: Field seeds

Snow Bunting

113 counted snow buntings. Photo Monica Johansson

A mountain bird that sparingly winters at sea shores and fields in southern Sweden. Often seen in flocks. Occasionally spotted together with yellowhammers in unharvested fields. Also along roads during heavy snowfall. Occasionally makes rare appearances at ground-feeding stations in open areas.

Likes: Field seeds, preferably very small ones. They have small beaks and like to peck small seeds from small plants along shores, fields, heaths, and during summertime mountain heaths.

Ortolan Bunting

Photo by Monica Johansson

Migrates to West Africa, returns at the end of April. Has suffered greatly from agricultural rationalization. Previously a breeding bird in large parts of southern Sweden but now virtually extinct there. Still breeds in northern Sweden. Prefers small-scale and vibrant landscapes with short vegetation. Male has a rusty-toned chest and beautifully gray head. Female is more difficult to identify. Rare at feeders in spring.

Likes: Field Seeds

Horned Lark

Photo: Barbro Nelly, Tåkern, January 2016

What a delicacy this is! Breeds sparsely in the mountains. Winters along grazed and rocky seashores with seaweed banks, from Halland and southwards along the European coasts. Occasionally appears in winter in agricultural landscapes, often along roadsides or open ruderal areas/soil deposits with plenty of weed seeds. An open ground feeding station in such areas would probably be appreciated by the horned lark. It avoids trees and bushes and regular gardens!

Likes: Small weed seeds, e.g., knotweed, goosefoot, mugwort, mayweed, etc... Field seeds

Skylark

Photo: Arne Ekström, Äppelbo, November 2021

The skylark arrives early and migrates late, hardy as heck. It depends on open farmland where the fields are plowed. If there is only grasslands, it disappears, but it can also partly be due to the fact that the grasslands nowadays are so insanely dense, well-fertilized, and harvested three times per season. If there were large areas of sparse meadowland, perhaps it would thrive? Its numbers have drastically decreased - due to the fact that in the large plains the fields are now too large, dense, sprayed and the lack of insects to feed on. And in rural areas, there is hardly any grain cultivation left, and if the fields are even used, there are only grasslands. However, it is still quite common in the right environments. 

In any case, it is extremely unusual for skylarks to come to bird feeders. They prefer to be out in really open areas. And it is quite difficult to identify. In winter, there are several other much rarer lark species that can also appear from the east. So contact a birdwatcher, take pictures! 

Likes: Insects, small weed seeds,  e.g., knotweed, goosefoot, mugwort, mayweed, etc.... Field seeds. This particular skylark eats organic Villa bas from Slåttergubben!  

Woodlark

Photo: Stefan Åström, Motala, Feb 2023

The woodlark arrives early, just like the skylark.  It is not bound to open agricultural landscapes with plowed fields like the skylark is. It is more often found in varied landscapes with forests, meadows, clearings, and heaths. Some kind of open land must be present, ideally adjacent to the forest. It is relatively scarce but can be quite common locally where the landscape suits it. It breeds up to the Dal River. 

The woodlark has a beautiful slightly more monotone song - lyll lyll lyll... which it performs while in flight. Its short tail is noticeable when flying. Otherwise, you can recognize it by its slightly angular nape and a black-white-black area at the bottom/front of the wing when it is perched. 

Very rare guest at feeders. This is actually the only individual I have heard of! It is somewhat strange because it is not as much a pronounced open-land bird as the skylark. And they are tough – you need to be able to withstand a setback if you return as early as February. 

Likes: Insects, this one ate organically chopped sunflower seeds at the feeder. 

Pine Grosbeak

60 recorded Pine Grosbeaks. Photo: Sissela Unosdotter

A bird of the northern Swedish and Siberian coniferous forests that sometimes migrates south invasively during certain winters. They appear in flocks and are very unafraid. Typically feeds on rowan berries but also consumes other berries and fruits. They are uncommon at bird feeders.

Slightly larger and bulkier than the Bullfinch, with a fairly strong beak. The female is greenish, and the male is more red much like crossbills, which are their closest relatives. They have an extraordinarily beautiful high siren-like whistle that one can hardly believe comes from a bird. 

Bird food for the Pine Grosbeak? Berries, Sunflower seeds

Two-barred Crossbill

1 Two-barred Crossbill observed Photo: Tommy Brinksäter, Ingemar Gard

A Siberian bird specializing in larch tree seeds. Some breed in northern Sweden but are mainly found across Russia. They appear in certain years in invasions. Uncommon at feeding stations. Notis the crossed bill halves that all crossbills have in order to open cones! White strips on the wings are typical.

Likes: Sunflower seeds

Red Crossbill

83 red crossbills counted. Photo: Hans Norelius

A common, but seldom seen, forest bird with spruce cone seeds as its staple food. Related to the pine grosbeak. A hardy bird that nests in the coldest late winter! Here is a female/juvenile. All male crossbills have a beautifully red plumage. Uncommon at bird feeders. 

Likes: Sunflower seeds, sunflower kernels

Parrot Crossbill

47 counted Parrot Crossbills.

Scandinavia's parrot, similar to the Red Crossbill but has a significantly larger and stronger bill. It lives off pine cone seeds which it pries out with its large bill. It can be seen throughout Sweden but prefers pine-dominated forests. Extremely rare guest at bird feeders. 

What does the Parrot Crossbill eat? Probably sunflower seeds, regular diet = pine cone seeds. 

Mistle Thrush

31 mistle thrushes counted. Photo: Anna-Lisa Osberg

Our largest thrush, resembles the song thrush but is clearly larger. Its Latin name means "the thrush that eats mistletoe" and it plays an important role in the spread of mistletoe. Migrates in October, but some birds remain - especially in mistletoe-rich areas.

Likes: Fruits and berries, possibly also raisins and sunflower seeds

Song Thrush

Photo: Monica Johansson

A common, melodious thrush found throughout Sweden. Uncommon at bird feeders. Typically migrates south. Somewhat of a loner, it prefers dense bushes from which it hops out of to the bird table. A small thrush with a spotted breast, it lacks the conspicuous pale eyebrow stripe of the redwing.

Likes: Chopped sunflower seeds, raisins, peanut crumbs, field seeds

Redwing

22 recorded redwings Photo Magnus Bergvall

Our smallest thrush. Fills the October nights with its fine-tuned call "shiiiii" as it migrates southwards. A few stay in southern Sweden and often stick together with fieldfares. Many can stay if there is an abundance of berries. Rare at bird feeders.

Likes: Raisins, apples, berries

Ring Ouzel

Photo: Bo Ljungberg

Breeds sparsely in the mountains, winters in southwestern Europe, and is seen very infrequently during migration, which gives it a sort of "rarity status." Few winter sightings. In the 2000s, only seen once at a bird feeder where it ate apples and pecked at sunflower seeds from Slåttergubben! Similar to a blackbird but easily recognized by the white crescent on its neck.

Likes: Fruit and berries, raisins and sunflower seeds

Common Gull

634 counted common gulls. Photo: Margareta Karlsson

Hard to find a bird that looks as kind! The common gull can be found around water throughout Sweden but only overwinters in the south. They may approach feeding areas near water. A purely white head distinguishes them from black-headed gulls. In winter, the common gull get some grey on their head as seen in the picture, similar to what herring gulls can also get.

Compare with the herring gulls below! They have a thinner beak, rounder head, kinder-looking eyes, darker eyes, thinner legs, and are considerably smaller in size. The juveniles are slightly more evenly brown-speckled - just like the grey gull! 

Likes. Fish, food scraps, bread, sunflower seeds, suet

Herring Gull

370 herring gulls counted. Photo by Thomas Hildh

One of our most common gulls. Mostly found along coasts, large lakes, and landfills. Many overwinter. Resembles a large, robust seagull with a thick beak. The juvenile bird, like other gulls and seagulls, is brown-speckled.

Likes. Fish, food scraps, bread, sunflower seeds, suet pieces

Great Black-backed Gull

Photo: Monica Johansson

Our largest gull. Adults are easy to recognize as they have a dark, almost black back and upper side of the wings. The juvenile in the picture can be recognized by its size and very robust bill. Found along coasts and large lakes year-round. Not as common as the herring gull.

Likes: Bread, fish, fries, hamburgers, sausages, etc.

Rarities

Here is a selection of the truly rare visitors. These are not just uncommon to see at a bird feeder, but significantly rare. Contact a local birdwatcher for help with identification if you suspect a rarity at your bird feeder. Rarities are never common in Sweden and they will attract birdwatchers!  

Visiting birdwatchers who want to see the bird are pleasant folks to talk to. Those who had the extremely rare Azure Tit at their feeder even started a small café business! If you do not want people around your garden or think it's important to reduce unnecessary car travel, then keep quiet about the bird.

Azure Tit

Photo: Peter Bergman, Masungsbyn 2002

Could there be a cooler guest? Last time (and only time?) the bird feeder guest in 2002 in Masungsbyn - Norrbotten. Russian and North Asian tit that nests nearest in eastern Finland and Belarus. Not a migratory bird. Easy to recognize, but blue tits with color variations and hybrids azure tit x blue tit can appear and be very similar.

Likes: Suet, peanuts, sunflower seeds

Red-flanked Bluetail

Photo: Björn Dellming. Scania 2010

Look, a robin! But.... the tail is shining blue. And the red is only on the flanks... The only time a red-flanked bluetail has been spotted at a bird feeder was during a heavy snowstorm that paralyzed Skåne. It nests in the old coniferous forests of the taiga, with a few pairs even in Sweden, and then migrates to the warm forests of Southeast Asia for the winter.

Likes: Blueberries, rowan berries (perhaps crumbs of fatty seeds?) otherwise an insectivore.

Siberian rubythroat

Photo: Håkan Larsson. Västergötland, Vargön 2021

Look, a robin! But.... what the.. thought the somewhat bird-knowledgeable Håkan Larsson while he was on a walk among the villas in Vargön in November 2021. He went home to get his camera, got a perfect shot of the bird and posted it in an online forum with the now classic comment: "I can't see this as anything other than a siberian rubythroat". The reaction from Swedish bird watchers could be measured on the Richter scale. -Is it a joke? Is it you who took that photo? In Sweden? WHHHERE!!!??? 
No - it wasn't a bad joke. The bird kindly stayed in the area and became one of the most sighted individuals in Sweden. The ruby-throated nightingale breeds in eastern Siberia, winters in Southeast Asia, and is like a dream come true for any bird watcher. This was only the second one ever in Sweden and the first one that was significantly observable (in other words, the kind that allows people to travel to see it and stays in place). When winter came, it was fed maggots and mealworms. It is a pure insect eater. 

This is the very essence of the thrilling charm of bird watching, anything can happen, anywhere, and you don't even need to actively engage in bird watching to discover something this big!  

Likes: Maggots and mealworms - a pure insect eater. It was also seen eating finely chopped organic suet and shelled hemp seeds from Slåttergubben. 

Baltimore Oriole

Photo: Dan Persson. Skåne, Förslöv 2023

A visitor from western USA. The Baltimore Oriole is a fairly common migratory bird that lives in park-like environments. It migrates to southern USA and South America in the winter. Occasionally, this and other American migratory birds get lost and manage to cross the Atlantic! This particular species has been seen in Europe 26 times up to 2023, and Sweden's first sighting was at a bird feeding station in Förslöv in Skåne during the winter of 2022/23.

It is recognizable by its oriole-like beak and distinct wing bars. The Orioles make up their own bird family that does not exist in Europe.

Likes: In the picture, it is eating organic peanuts from Slåttergubben, and it also likes apples, among other things.

Siberian Accentor

Photo by Anders Boström, Västmanland 2017

 A Siberian species, overwinters in Southeastern China. Very rare autumn visitor. In 2016, an unusually high number were sighted. At least one overwintered in a garden with bird feeding and dense hedges. Shy and cautious like the Dunnock, it rarely leaves the safety of the bushes. Resembles the Black-throated Accentor with distinct yellow-black markings on the face. This one always lacks black on the chin. 

Likes: Crumbs of fatty seeds.

Black-throated Accentor

Photo: Joakim Djerf, Uppland 2014

Breeds from the Ural Mountains and eastward. Migrates to places like India. A few sightings have been recorded in Sweden, and only once at a bird feeder. Early spring of 2014 had just experienced a setback, and when Elisabeth and Åke Karlsén were having their morning coffee, they saw a strange bird at the feeder... it marked the beginning of sensational news among birdwatchers.

Likes: Crumbs of seeds, sunflower. Otherwise an insect eater.

Oriental Turtle Dove

Photo: Oskar Lindberg, Norrbotten 2012

Breeds in large parts of Asia all the way to China. Migrates south or southeast. 0-2 individuals/winter in Sweden. The fact that it is a turtle dove is quite recognizable by its speckled plumage, diamond necklace, and reddish base color. Very difficult to differentiate from its European relative, the European Turtle Dove, which is even rarer but can occasionally appear at bird feeders, despite the fact that it should be in Africa.

Likes: Field seeds and probably other seeds.

Spanish Sparrow

Photo: Jan Wahlström, Småland, May 2013

A close relative of the House Sparrow from southern Europe and the Middle East. Only seen once in Sweden, and that was at a bird feeder! The eastern populations are migratory birds, so it is believed that they are the ones that might reach Sweden if they migrate too far north in the spring. Therefore, they are most likely to appear from May 15th onwards. The male is powerfully and distinctively marked, whereas the female resembles the female House Sparrow. Beware of hybrids with the House Sparrow.

Likes: Field Seeds, Sunflower Seeds

Pine Bunting

Photo: Ulf Gotthardsson, Småland 2012

Yellowhammer's cousin in the east. Breeds in the Russian taiga and migrates southward. 0-2 individuals per winter in Sweden. The male is completely different and easy to recognize. Usually, it is juveniles and females that are seen at bird feeders. They are very difficult (sometimes impossible) to distinguish from pale Yellowhammers (which are quite common). Reddish-brown spots on a white belly plus the complete absence of yellow are indications.

Likes: Field seeds

Rustic Bunting

Photo by Madeleine Danielsson

Rare breeder in moist coniferous forests in northern Sweden, migrates to southeastern China. Rarely seen in autumn in southern Sweden and as a non-annual rarity at bird feeders. Similar to the Reed Bunting but more compact, with a peaked crown and a more distinct light-bordered cheek. 

Likes: Field seeds, millet, sunflower ? 

Yellow-browed Bunting

Photo: Olle Bernard. Stockholm 2009

Breeds in northeastern Siberia and winters in China. Sighted once in Sweden at the Järvafältet bird club's feeding station. Size comparable to a Little Bunting with a yellow eyebrow stripe. One of the species that might benefit from us choosing organically grown peanuts from China, as there are significantly more seeds and insects available there.

Likes: Probably millet, as it belongs to the emberiza species. Field seeds?

Little Bunting

Photo: Calle Ljungberg, Småland 2012

Breeds from northern Sweden and eastwards in the taiga. Migrates to Southeast Asia. Common in China. Birds at feeders are likely eastern individuals with navigational errors causing them to migrate in the wrong direction. 1-3 individuals per winter in Sweden.
Smaller than, for example, the yellowhammer in the picture. Face framed in reddish-brown and a distinct stripe at the top of the head. Often flicks its tail.

Prefers: Millet is a clear favorite, hemp, field seeds and sunflower seeds are also suitable.

Cretzschmar's Bunting

Photo: Klara Öhman, Uppland 2019

Over 2000 people entered Gudrun Öhman's kitchen after the bomb went off. She had the third recorded sighting of a cretzschmar's bunting in her garden in Sweden! The cretzschmare's bunting breeds in Greece and Turkey and migrates to Africa! This was the first time it was seen in Sweden during winter. Very similar to the ortolan bunting. 

Bird food for the cretzschmar's bunting: It was seen eating, for example, Slåttergubben's chopped sunflower seeds

Black-headed Bunting

Photo: Hannu Rimpisalo, Voulerim Lappland 2023-06-01

What a beautiful guest! About fifty times has this bunting, which normally nests in fragmented agricultural landscapes in the eastern Mediterranean region, visited Sweden. Like many other migratory birds, individual black-headed buntings sometimes migrate too far, so almost all sightings are from late May/early June. Most often near the east coast where it lands after crossing the Baltic Sea. But this is the first time it has been seen at a bird feeder and helped itself to seeds. For most of the time, it just sat and observed the other birds' behaviors, then quickly flew down to eat a bit itself!

Bird food for the Black-headed Bunting: It was seen eating sunflower seeds

Lesser short-toed Lark

Photo: Mats Karström, Lapland 2014

Nests on steppes and semi-desert regions from the northern Black Sea and eastwards. About the size of a siskin. The lesser short-toed Lark can be tricky to distinguish from brown Redpolls, female Linnets or Twite. Larks typically walk and stand quite upright - but a frozen lark at a bird feeding site can be rather quiet! Only one sighting at a bird feeding site in Sweden - in Norrbotten!

Likes: Finely chopped sunflower seeds and peanuts, small weed seeds.

White-backed Woodpecker

Photo: Mats Karström, Lapland 2019

From being common a hundred years ago it has declined as a direct response to how we manage forests. Nowadays, efforts are being made to increase the amount of dead deciduous wood - but the white-back needs large areas with a LOT of dead wood for foraging. A few pairs are found near the lower Dal River in Värmland and Norrland. Occasionally seen in northern Sweden, often along the coasts. It is believed that these are individuals that have come from the east. The white-back can be recognized by its large size and completely white/slightly striped back and streaked sides.

Likes: Suet/tallow from nuts or game. (Preferably wild boar) 

Black-throated Thrush

Photo: Madeleine Danielsson, Skåne 2017

Nests from the Ural Mountains and eastwards, typically winters in a belt from Iran to eastern India. About 1-4 individuals usually end up in Sweden during the winters. They are most often discovered in gardens. The bird in the picture is a female, which is somewhat similar to a female blackbird but lacks all brown and black tones. The male has a distinct black throat/breast and is easier to identify.

Likes: Mostly fruit, berries but sometimes chopped sunflower seeds.