A bearded reedling in Elmley National Nature Reserve in Kent, England

A bearded reedling in Elmley National Nature Reserve in Kent, England

© Mark Bridger/Offset by Shutterstoc

Where the bearded reedling sings

Feel a hint of chill in the air? This bearded reedling could be, but a drop in temperature isn't a signal for this bird to fly on to warmer destinations. These songbirds are resident species, which means most stay put in the marshes, from England to eastern Asia, where they thrive. Their diet changes with the seasons: In the summer, they dine on reed aphids, while during the colder months, reed seeds sustain them. This guy—and we know he's a male due the distinctive black 'moustache' stretching down his face—is perching in the Elmley National Nature Reserve in Kent, one of the largest bird reserves in England.

Related Tags