WILDLIFE WATCHING

Bird Life

Muck is home to an impressive variety of birdlife, thanks to its diverse habitats—including coastal fringes, farmland, cliffs, woodland, and open hills—which offer ideal breeding and feeding grounds for both resident and migratory species. More than 50 bird species regularly breed on the island, with numbers continuing to rise in recent years

Coastal fringe and cliffs.

Every part of Muck’s coastal fringe is utilised for breeding, with species like Oystercatchers, Eider Ducks, Ringed Plovers, Common Sandpipers, Shelducks, and Rock Pipits spotted at various points around the shoreline. A large gull colony thrives at the southeast corner of Camas Mòr, primarily made up of Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, while Greater Black-backed and Common Gulls favour the more secluded Horse Island. Fulmars have also been nesting in the area in recent years. Puffins have nested here in the past, and although they haven’t been seen nesting recently, they are still often spotted out fishing—we’re hopeful they’ll return to breed, so keep your eyes peeled! Significant numbers of Greylag Geese also nest in the area. In recent years, a pair of Great Skuas have successfully bred along Muck’s southern coast. On the north coast, Arctic Terns return each summer, though their colony shifts location slightly from year to year.

The cliffs of Muck come alive annually in the breeding season. Fulmars, Shags, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Rock Doves, Storm Petrels, and Guillemots nest in the cliffs’ ledges and crevices. Black Guillemots are a familiar sight in Port Mòr, while several pairs of Ravens also make use of the cliffs for breeding. In recent years, a pair of young Golden Eagles have established territory on the island’s southern side, where they have bred successfully

Hill, Wood and Farmland 

The extensive style of farming practiced on Muck—combined with a year-round supply of food for game birds—has helped reverse the national decline of many common species. For some, it has completely turned their fortunes around. House Sparrows, once present only in small numbers in the early 2000s, are now widespread across the island. Populations of Collared Doves, Chaffinches, Rock Doves, Goldfinches, and Greenfinches are also increasing.

Raptor numbers have grown too, thanks to the abundance of food. Several species have progressed from being occasional visitors to regular breeders. Buzzards, Sparrowhawks, Kestrels, and both Long-eared and Short-eared Owls now breed regularly on the island, while Peregrine Falcons, Hen Harriers, and the majestic White-tailed Eagle are frequent visitors.

Muck’s wooded areas offer ideal breeding habitats for both resident and migratory birds. Willow Warblers, Coal Tits, Goldcrests, Robins, Hooded Crows, Song Thrushes, and Blackbirds can all be found throughout the island’s woodland. Wood Pigeons have become regular breeders in small numbers, while up to six pairs of Herons have bred in recent years. Occasional breeders include Mistle Thrushes and Chiffchaffs.

The island’s open farmland and hills support large numbers of Meadow Pipits during the summer months, alongside Wheatears, Skylarks, Lapwings, Snipe, and Pied Wagtails. Twite and Linnet numbers have declined, but both species are still recorded most years.

The variety of bird species on Muck is further enriched by seasonal migrants. From spring through to late autumn, you may spot Manx Shearwaters, Whimbrel, Gannets, and both Red-throated and Great Northern Divers along the coastline. While national declines have affected populations of Swallows, Cuckoos, and Corncrakes, these species still return each year to breed on the island.

Winter brings a fresh wave of activity. Widgeon, Teal, Barnacle Geese, Redwings, Woodcock, Jack Snipe, and Fieldfares are all regular winter visitors. On occasion, the island is also graced by more elusive species such as Snow Buntings, Waxwings, and Brent Geese.

Help Us Grow the List

This is by no means a complete list of the birds of Muck—over 140 species have been recorded to date. Purple Heron, Little Egret, Veery, Snow Goose and Common Rose finch are all recent additions. The list continues to grow thanks to the keen eyes of residents and visitors alike.

If you've spotted something noteworthy during your time on the island, we'd love to hear from you. View the full bird list here and feel free to get in touch to share your sightings—we’ll gladly add them to the record!

This section on birdlife was written with thanks to David Barnden, whose deep knowledge of Muck's wildlife is reflected in every detail.