Mike Toms
Mike is an ornithologist who has been with the British Trust for Ornithology since 1994. He is the author of Owls, published by Harper Collins Publishers.
Recent articles by Mike Toms
It's called a wader but doesn't wade – and doesn't like to fly either. Discover the bird that's regarded as something of an oddity
The non-wading woodland wader...
Why do some birds’ eggs have patterns?
Many birds' eggs have patterning on them. Mike Toms explains why.
Why do little egrets have yellow feet?
BBC Wildlife contributor Mike Toms answers your wild question.
What's the UK's most promiscuous bird?
Extra-pair copulation is common in small birds - but who strays the most?
Why is bird poo white, rather than brown like most poop?
Just why is bird poo white? Mike Toms explains
What is the world's heaviest flying bird? Meet the heavyweights that somehow get airborne
Did you know the heaviest flying bird weighs between 11–19kg?
Why do flamingoes stand on one leg?
Have you noticed that lots of flamingos and other water birds often stand on one leg? Mike Toms explains why...
How do birds fuel their migrations? We take a look how they stoke up for lengthy journeys
Mike Toms takes a look at how birds fuel for lengthy migrations
Why is it called a murder of crows?
How do owls hunt at night?
Just how are owls able to hunt efficiently at night? Mike Toms explains
Why are some young birds bigger than their parents?
Just why do some young birds bigger than their parents? Mike Toms explains
How high do birds fly?
How high birds fly depends on the species and whether they're hunting or migrating says BBC Wildlife writer Mike Toms.
Marsh tit or willow tit? what's the difference?
We take a look at how the marsh tit differs to the similar looking willow tit
Can a bird lay eggs of different sizes?
Eggs within a clutch may slightly vary in size says Mike Toms, here's why...
How do birds know when and where to migrate?
How birds prepare for, and navigate, their migration journeys
Do birds sweat?
Mike Toms explains how birds keep cool in hot weather
How quickly do chicks leave the nest?
Eggs and chicks are particularly vulnerable to predation, so the sooner a chick can leave the nest, the better its chances of survival, says Mike Toms
Pecking order meaning: what it is and why 'pecking order' is crucial for survival
What is pecking order? Mike Toms explains its meaning and the theory behind it
How do birds’ eggs form?
The development of birds' eggs is a fascinating process. Mike Toms explains what happens and how eggs form
Why do wagtails wag their tail?
Mike Toms answers explains possible theories to why wagtails wag
Do wintering pink-footed geese cause problems for farmers?
Britain – particularly Norfolk – hosts more than 80% of the world population of pink-footed geese during the winter months, which can sometimes be an issue for farmers.
Do hawfinches ever visit gardens?
Ecologist Christian Dunn discusses the likelihood of spotting this smart woodland finch in your back garden.
What is moult-migration?
Moult migration occurs when birds need to replace their flight feathers, and occurs at traditional sites.
Which of our wintering ducks come from Russia?
Ornithologist Mike Toms reveals which of our winter ducks come from Russia.