Songbirds and birds of prey in the garden: safely identify and promote species

Anyone who enjoys spending time in the garden will quickly discover how different birds look and sound. To help you distinguish between songbirds and birds of prey, we show you the characteristics, behavior and typical species - tailored to Germany. You will also learn how to use technology such as webcams and apps to get more out of your observations and at the same time make your garden legally compliant and bird-friendly. This will give you clarity when identifying birds, avoid mistakes with feeding and nest boxes and protect biodiversity on your own doorstep. The guide is aimed at families, hobby gardeners, senior citizens and those interested in technology who want to observe songbirds and birds of prey in their garden in a relaxed and responsible manner.

Songbirds and birds of prey in the garden: characteristics and examples

Songbirds and birds of prey in the garden differ mainly in their voice, physique and hunting style. Songbirds (Passeriformes) have highly developed vocalizations, use songs to find territory and mates and use their strong toes to securely grasp branches. Birds of prey such as buzzards, hawks and falcons have powerful fangs, a curved beak and outstanding visual acuity for hunting prey.

Recognize differences reliably

Songbirds usually have a compact body, rounded wings and an undulating flight. Typical behaviors are clearly audible songs, loose scurrying through hedges and short jumps on the ground. Birds of prey often soar with broad wings, circle supported by thermal energy and swoop down rapidly when hunting.

The silhouette also helps: buzzards appear compact with broad wings and a round tail, hawks slimmer with long tails, falcons narrow-winged with pointed wings. Color alone is uncertain, as many species show variable plumage. Therefore, observe movement, wing shape, tail length and head profile together.

Common species in settlement areas

In many gardens you will encounter blackbirds, blue tits, great tits and robins. These songbirds adapt to shrubs, lawns and feeding areas and can be easily recognized by their voice and behaviour. There are also dunnocks, house sparrows, tree sparrows and chaffinches.

• Blackbird: Dark plumage in males, melodic evening song, often foraging on the ground.
• Blue tit: Small, agile species with a blue cap, often at tit dumplings.
• Robin: Reddish breast, trusting, prefers cover close to the ground.
• Dunnock: Inconspicuous gray-brown, fine stanzas from dense bushes.

Birds of prey are rarely seen directly in the garden, but are easy to observe over parks and fields. The kestrel shakes as it hunts mice, the buzzard circles over open areas, the sparrowhawk hunts agile small birds along hedgerows. The brief sighting of a raptor is no cause for concern, as a stable ecosystem needs predators.

• Kestrel: Characteristic rattling, pointed wings, prefers posts and roofs.
• Buzzard: Medium-sized raptor with variable coloration, often seen circling.
• Sparrowhawk: Slender short-range hunter, uses cover, fast turning flights.

As a rule of thumb: songbirds and birds of prey in the garden can best be distinguished by flight pattern, behavior and silhouette. Voice recordings and brief notes on the situation significantly improve later identification.

Course of the year in the garden: breeding season, food and behavior

The annual rhythm visibly characterizes songbirds and birds of prey in the garden. Singing, territorial battles and nest building begin in spring, followed by intensive breeding in summer, moulting and sometimes migration in fall, and foraging and energy balance in winter.

Breeding season and rearing

Many songbirds start breeding from March, early species from the end of February. Nests are built in hedges, trees or nesting boxes and are used several times a year, depending on the species. Tits, sparrows and blackbirds manage up to two or three broods if the weather and food are suitable.

Birds of prey start later, often from April, and breed in higher trees or quiet forest areas. The breeding period is longer, the clutches smaller and rearing takes longer. A clutch usually comprises one to three young birds, and the parents secure their prey and territory.

Food and behavior throughout the year

In summer, insect food dominates for many songbirds, while berries and seeds become more important in the fall. In winter, resident birds such as tits, nuthatches and bullfinches benefit from hygienically managed feeders. Cleanliness and dry food are crucial to prevent diseases.

Birds of prey follow the food supply and sometimes change territories in winter. They hunt small mammals or smaller birds and use updrafts over meadows and fields. A healthy garden offers structure, cover and peace and quiet so that both groups can live out their annual cycle.

Remember: songbirds and birds of prey in the garden are sensitive to disturbance during breeding. Avoid cutting hedges during this time and observe from a distance. Note observations with date and weather to recognize patterns.

Technology for birdwatching: webcams, binoculars and apps

Modern technology makes songbirds and birds of prey in the garden accessible without disturbing animals. Webcams, wildlife cameras, binoculars and identification apps provide clear images, sound recordings and reliable identification. You can get started with just a few decisions about power, Wi-Fi and installation.

Webcams and wildlife cameras in the garden

Weatherproof outdoor cameras with full HD and night vision are suitable for feeding stations, bird baths and hides. Look out for IP65 or higher, a reliable app, motion detection and data protection on your own property. Solar or battery operation increases flexibility, a microSD stores clips locally.

• Nest box cameras: Compact modules with IR light, side-mounted, cable entry protected.
• Wide-angle outdoor cameras: Overview of feeders and garden paths, ideal with time-lapse function.
• Wildlife cameras: Self-contained devices with PIR sensor, long operating times, optional 4G transmission.

Plan the wireless connection via 2.4 GHz WLAN for better range. Check power paths, cable routing and weather protection so that the technology runs safely and permanently. Set clear zones that only show your property.

Apps, acoustics and binoculars

Apps for automatic voice recognition support the determination on the smartphone. Combine sound analysis with photos, location and time for reliable results. Binoculars with 8x to 10x magnification and good light intensity make it easier to see details in the morning and evening light.

Simple, robust equipment is recommended for families and beginners. Start with a camera at the feeding site and an identification app. This allows you to systematically document songbirds and birds of prey in the garden and get to know species with confidence.

Bird protection at home: law, nesting boxes, feeding and typical mistakes

Law and practice go hand in hand when it comes to songbirds and birds of prey in the garden. In Germany, native bird species are protected and breeding sites must not be disturbed or destroyed. During the core breeding season from March 1 to September 30, hedge and shrub pruning is severely restricted.

Choosing and installing nesting boxes correctly

Choose sturdy boxes made of wood-concrete or untreated wood, adapted to the target species. The entrance hole depends on the size of the species, the opening should ideally face east or south-east. Install the box at a height of 1.8 to 2.5 meters, safe from cats and protected from the wind.

• Keep it 2 to 3 meters away from feeders to ensure it remains quiet.
• Annual cleaning in the fall with gloves, without chemicals.
• No permanent lighting, no inner lining, good ventilation.

Feeding stations need hygiene: remove leftovers, clean surfaces regularly and keep feed dry. Avoid bread, seasoned food and low-quality mixtures with lots of grain. Rely on ambrosia-free quality feed and separate offerings for grain and soft feeders.

Avoid mistakes - safety for all species

Do not place food close to the ground to discourage cats, martens and rats. Protect glass panes with visible markings or sufficient distance from the feeding site. Do not use attractants or play calls to avoid stress.

Birds of prey are part of the natural balance, which is why deterrence and disturbance are not an option. Leave predators to their own devices and promote diversity through structural planting, flower strips and dense hedges. This will benefit songbirds and birds of prey in the garden in equal measure.

Locations and observation practice: setting up, approaching and everyday tips

With good planning, songbirds and birds of prey in the garden appear more relaxed and come closer to observation sites. Choose safe, quiet locations and consider lines of sight, cover and escape routes. This will result in natural behavioral observations and clear photos.

Place feeding stations, water and perches

Position feeders elevated and at a distance of around 1.5 meters from dense cover. A partial canopy protects against rain, drip edges keep food dry. Water bowls should be placed in partial shade, cleaned daily and refilled more often in summer.

• Combine feeders, silos and tit dumplings for different species.
• Avoid placing them near windows to reduce collisions.
• Create natural perches with branches within photo distance.

For photo and video observation, keep the background calm and bright. Backlighting in the morning creates silhouettes, side light adds structure to the plumage. A camouflage umbrella or the terrace is often sufficient as a "hide".

Approach inconspicuously and see more

Wear discreet clothing and move slowly. Plan observations during the active times of the day, early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Binoculars with 8x or 10x magnification and non-slip hand straps increase comfort and safety.

Document observations with date, time, weather and behavior. This allows you to compare voices, photos and clips later and improve your identification. Songbirds and birds of prey in the garden can be seen consistently and stress-free.

Short FAQ for beginners

How do I quickly recognize a bird of prey? Pay attention to wing shape, tail length, soaring flight and hunting behavior; silhouette and flight pattern are often more meaningful than color.

When is the best time to put up nesting boxes? The best time is in the fall or winter so that nesting pairs can move in immediately in the spring; later installation is still possible.

What is the best food to feed in winter? Offer clean sunflower seeds, fat food and, for soft feeders, oat flakes with a little fat; keep food dry and stations hygienic.

How do I prevent window flapping? Do not place feeding stations directly next to large windows and use distinctive patterns or sufficient distance so that birds recognize glass as an obstacle.

What technology is suitable for the start? A weatherproof Wi-Fi camera at the feeding station plus an identification app delivers quick results and makes it easier to identify species in everyday life.

Get started now: Structure the garden, install the nest box, operate the feeding station hygienically and use technology in a targeted manner. Experience songbirds and birds of prey in the garden up close - responsibly, excitingly and a little better every day.