Many of the small birds you see in cities once lived in fields and woodland. But most city birds belong to the huge group called passerines or perching birds. There are over 5000 different passerines, but all are quite small and have a foot with three front toes and one hind toe - ideal for perching. Feral pigeons , found in nearly every park and city square, are descended from the wild rock dove. Magpies are notorious thieves, stealing jewellery and other shiny objects which they hide or bury.
Sparrows find warm nesting sites in old buildings.
Their strong bills are good for cracking seeds. Wrens may be tiny but they are very energetic -easily identified by the way they bob here and there looking for insects. Birds of prey Owls like this barn owl hunt by night, using their eyes and ears to pinpoint creatures such as mice. Many of the most majestic birds are hunters, preying upon other birds, fish and small mammals. They are generally strong fliers with sharp eyes, powerful claws or talons and a hooked beak.