Birds of Coney

 Breeding species are few  for a number of reasons : the island is relatively small and the habitat is fairly uniform. The commonest native species are Chaffinch Fringllla coelebs and Wren Troglodytes troglodytes. Rooks Corms frugilegus and Jackdaws Corvus monedula nest communally in the trees. There is an important breeding colony of Grey Heron Ardea cinerea which in 2000 numbered 48 pairs. The island has a winter roost of corvids and Woodpigeons Columba palumbus. During winter, flocks of woodland birds are common, eg Long‑tailed tit Aegithalos caudatus and Siskin Carduelis spinus.

A large population of Pheasant Phasianus colchicus exists on Coney. In the summer of 2000, their numbers were estimated at 150 birds. A small flock of domestic fowl also roam freely on the island.

Shoreline habitats provide shelter and nesting sites for a few water birds, principally Great Crested Grebes Podiceps cristata, Moorhens Gallinula chloropus and Coot Fulica atra. In 2000, at least five species of waterfowl bred on Coney's shoreline ‑ Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristata, Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula, Mallard Anas platyrhynchos, Coot Fulica atra, Pochard Aythya ferina and Mute Swan Cygnus olor