Discovering a bird's nest and observing bird eggs can be a fascinating way to connect with nature, learn about bird species, and appreciate the diversity of wildlife in your local area.
Whether you're an experienced birder or a curious beginner to bird-watching, identifying bird eggs is both a skill that requires attention to detail, patience, and a respect for wildlife.
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about identifying bird eggs safely and ethically. From understanding key features like size, colour, and texture, to recognising common British bird eggs, this blog is your ultimate guide to how to identify bird eggs.
Bird egg identification ethical guidelines and safety precautions
Before you jump straight into identifying bird eggs in your local area, it’s important that you know how to do so ethically and safely.
1. Respect the wildlife
When identifying bird eggs, it’s crucial to not disturb any habitats, nests or handle any eggs. Whilst it is a myth that if you touch a bird egg, then the mother bird will abandon it, you could be seen as a predator to the bird which could scare them away.
2. Learn the law
In the UK, we have the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). This act protects animals and wildlife, making it illegal to damage or destroy habitats, and to intentionally disturb birds when they are nesting. It also includes intentionally taking or destroying the egg of any wild bird. The police and wildlife inspectors will enforce this act.
3. Know how to keep yourself safe
Personal safety is paramount when identifying bird eggs. Take note of your surroundings, ensuring to avoid any venomous or protective wildlife nearby. Also be sure to wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes.
Essential tools for bird egg identification
Bird identification can be a lot of fun - but it’s even more so when you have the right tools for the job! Here’s a list of things that we recommend taking with you:
1. Wildlife camera
Wildlife cameras and bird-watching cameras are a great investment for all types of wildlife watching - especially bird-watching. You can set the cameras up and observe nests from a distance, helping you know when it might be safe to go and identify any eggs inside.
2. Binoculars
Binoculars are also great for bird- and nest-watching from a distance - especially if you don’t have a camera or somewhere to place one.
3. Magnifying glass
When it is safe to go and have a peep in a nest, a magnifying glass will be super handy to look closer at all the different features of the bird egg (which we’ll go into more detail further down).
4. Notebook and pen
A notebook and pen are the perfect tools for noting down your bird egg identifiers - especially if you need to refer to other resources to identify the egg later on. However, if the weather is a little wet and rainy, you could instead use the notes app on your phone instead.
5. Field guide and apps
There are a whole host of different field guys for bird egg and nest identification, from books like A Field Guide to the Nests, Eggs and Nestlings of British and European Birds, to apps such as Merlin Bird ID and iNaturalist. These will help you to figure out what kind of bird egg you have found, and perhaps even connect without other wildlife enthusiasts like yourself!
How to identify a bird egg
When identifying a bird egg, there are 6 different features you need to look for. These are:
1. Shape
What is the shape of the egg? How would you describe it? Bird eggs are typically oval, elliptical or spherical.
2. Size
How big or small is the egg? Try to estimate the egg size relative to a common object and note it down. If you plan on measuring the egg, try to do so without touching it or the nest.
3. Texture
What does the texture of the egg look like? Is it glossy, matte or rough? You should be able to tell this without touching the egg.
4. Colour
What colour is the egg? Note down the base colour and any unique patterns it has, such as spots or streaks.
5. Clutch size
How many eggs are in the nest? This can vary between species, so it’s an important factor to not overlook.
6. Nest
The nest itself plays a huge factor in identifying a bird egg. Where is the nest? What materials is it made out of? Observing the adult birds around the nest too can help in your identification.
British bird egg identification
Britain is home to a diverse range of bird species, each with their own unique eggs. Here are some common British birds you might come across when nest-watching in the UK:
1. Blackbird (Turdus merula)
- Egg size: Roughly around 2.9 x 2.1 cm
- Colour: Pale blue or green with reddish-brown speckles
- Shape: Oval
- Texture: Smooth and glossy
- Clutch size: 3-5 eggs
- Nest location: Low shrubs, hedges, or trees, occasionally on the ground
- Nest material: Grass, twigs, and moss, lined with mud and fine grass
2. Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)
- Egg size: Roughly around 1.6 x 1.2 cm
- Colour: White with fine reddish speckles
- Shape: Rounded oval
- Texture: Smooth
- Clutch size: 7-12 eggs
- Nest location: Tree holes, nest boxes, or crevices
- Nest material: Moss, feathers, and animal hair
3. Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
- Egg size: Roughly around 2.0 x 1.5 cm
- Colour: White with reddish spots or mottling
- Shape: Roundish oval
- Texture: Smooth
- Clutch size: 4-6 eggs
- Nest location: Sheltered spots like hedges, ledges, or even unusual places like boots or flower pots
- Nest material: Moss, leaves, and grass, lined with hair or feathers
4. Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
- Egg size: Roughly around 2.9 x 2.1 cm
- Colour: Pale blue
- Shape: Oval
- Texture: Smooth and slightly glossy
- Clutch size: 4-6 eggs
- Nest location: Tree cavities, buildings, or nest boxes
- Nest material: Grass, feathers, and leaves
5. Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)
- Egg size: Roughly around 1.9 x 1.5 cm
- Colour: Pale blue or green, sometimes with brown markings
- Shape: Oval
- Texture: Smooth
- Clutch size: 3-5 eggs
- Nest location: Forks of trees or shrubs
- Nest material: Moss, cobwebs, and feathers
6. Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus)
- Egg size: Roughly around 4.0 x 3.0 cm
- Colour: Plain white
- Shape: Elliptical
- Texture: Smooth
- Clutch size: 1-2 eggs
- Nest location: Trees or dense bushes
- Nest material: Twigs, often loosely constructed
7. Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)
- Egg size: Roughly around 2.7 x 2.0 cm
- Colour: Bright blue with black or purple speckles
- Shape: Oval
- Texture: Smooth
- Clutch size: 3-5 eggs
- Nest location: Trees, bushes, or walls
- Nest material: Grass, mud, and fine roots
8. House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
- Egg size: Roughly around 2.3 x 1.5 cm
- Colour: White or pale gray with brown speckles
- Shape: Oval
- Texture: Smooth
- Clutch size: 3-5 eggs
- Nest location: Buildings, crevices, or birdhouses
- Nest material: Grass, feathers, and scraps
9. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
- Egg Size: Roughly around 5.7 x 4.0 cm
- Colour: Pale green, cream, or off-white (variations can occur)
- Shape: Elliptical to slightly oval
- Texture: Smooth and matte
- Clutch size: 8-13 eggs (but can vary)
- Nest location: Ground level, in dense vegetation near water, or in concealed locations like hedgerows, reeds, or tall grass
- Nest material: Dry grass, reeds, leaves, and down feathers from the female's breast
10. Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)
- Egg Size: Roughly around 1.6 x 1.2 cm
- Colour: White or pale cream with fine reddish-brown speckles, often concentrated at the larger end
- Shape: Oval
- Texture: Smooth and slightly glossy
- Clutch size: 5-8 eggs (but occasionally up to 10)
- Nest location: Crevices in walls, tree roots, hedges, or even boots or cans.
- Nest material: Moss, leaves, grass, webs, feathers and softer materials
11. Magpie (Pica pica)
- Egg Size: Roughly around 3.4 x 2.4 cm
- Colour: Pale blue or green with brown blotches
- Shape: Oval
- Texture: Smooth
- Clutch size: 5-7 eggs
- Nest location: High in trees
- Nest material: Twigs and mud, often domed
12. Great Tit (Parus major)
- Egg size: Roughly around 1.7 x 1.3 cm
- Colour: White with reddish speckles
- Shape: Oval
- Texture: Smooth
- Clutch Size: 5-12 eggs
- Nest location: Tree holes, nest boxes, or crevices
- Nest material: Moss, feathers, and hair
Frequently asked questions about bird egg identification
Is it legal to collect bird eggs?
No, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in the UK, it is illegal to take, possess, or intentionally disturb wild birds' eggs or nests without a licence.
Can two different birds lay eggs in the same nest?
Yes, but it’s uncommon. Certain species are known as “brood parasites” and lay their eggs in other birds’ nests. Occasionally, two females of the same species might share a nest.
Why do some eggs have speckles?
Speckles and markings provide camouflage, especially for ground-nesting birds. Patterns may also help the parent birds identify their own eggs or to strengthen the shell.
How can I tell if a nest is abandoned?
If you worry that a nest has been abandoned, observe from a distance for a while to see if any birds return. Many birds stay away from the nest when humans are nearby. Avoid touching the eggs or disturbing the area.
What should I do if I find a bird's egg on the ground?
If you find an egg on the ground, it’s best to leave it where you found it. Many birds do not abandon eggs due to human scent. If it’s near a nest, you can gently place it back.
How can I identify eggs without disturbing the nest?
To identify bird eggs without disturbing the nest, you can take photos and note details from a safe distance. Use binoculars or a wildlife camera if needed. There are apps and guides available to match egg patterns and characteristics from a distance or after you’ve left the area.
Why are some bird eggs plain white?
White eggs are typical for species that nest in dark or concealed locations (e.g., cavities), where camouflage is less critical.
How long does it take for eggs to hatch?
Incubation periods vary by species. Typically small songbirds take anywhere from 10-14 days, whereas other larger birds can take 20-30 days.
Do all birds incubate their eggs immediately?
Not always. Some species delay incubation until the entire clutch is laid, so the eggs hatch simultaneously.
When it comes to our feathered friends - even as an egg - we’d like to think we know a thing or two. Check out our blog for more insightful bird identification tips, or contact us our helpful team today for expert advice.
