Jack Dykinga / Murmuration of Yellow-headed blackbirds (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) and Redwing blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) at sunset, before roosting. Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area, Arizona, USA, December.

SCOTLAND: The Big Picture / Crested tit (Parus cristatus) backlit on lichen-covered branch, Inshriach Forest, Scotland, UK, January.January

Bernard Castelein / Yellow-rumped cacique (Cacicus cela) calling, Madidi NP, Bolivia

Steven David Miller / Olive-backed sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis) female returning to her nest with nesting material, Cape Hillsborough National Park, Queensland, Australia, September.

Steven David Miller / Olive-backed Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis) female in her nest, Cape Hillsborough National Park, Queensland, Australia, September.

Marie Read / Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) male displaying in cattail marsh, Viera Wetlands, Brevard County, Florida, USA, January.

Marie Read / Snow buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis) flock in flight during a snowstorm, New York, USA, January.

Marie Read / Blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) holding an acorn in its bill whilst perched on tree stump, with autumn foliage, New York, USA, October.

Hermann Brehm / Coal Tit (Parus ater) with food for the chicks, Germany. April

Hermann Brehm / Coal Tit (Parus ater) by pond, Germany. April

Hermann Brehm / Coal Tit (Parus ater) with food for the chicks Germany. November

Hermann Brehm / Middle spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus medius) and Jay (Garrulus glandarius), Germany. October