Birds of the Outer Hebrides: terrestial birds and raptors

Abstract

SynopsisA description is given of the birds of the major terrestrial habitats of the Outer Hebrides: woodland, moorland, croftland and farmland. Changes in these habitats have affected the status and distribution of species. Most important of these changes is the growth of plantations, particularly those in Stornoway Castle grounds, Lewis, which have caused the colonization of the comparatively treeless islands with many woodland species previously absent from the Outer Hebrides. Landuse, particularly sheep husbandry and muirburn, has had a great effect on birds of the moorland including such predatory species as the golden eagle, peregrine, kestrel, merlin, hen harrier and short-eared owl.An account is given of the breeding land birds of the outlying islands (except St Kilda) and a check list is provided for all species of birds in the Outer Hebrides.