Jolly frock-coated robins, majestic geese and arboreal partridges make for both literal and symbolic centrepieces at Christmas, says Matthew Dennison, as he revels in the cultural history of the season’s feathered fowl and game

The beautiful, soft-voiced turtle dove may be synonymous with Christmas, but as a symbol of courtship and love this endearing bird resonates all year round and must be saved, urges Mark Cocker

The latest winners of Bird Photographer of the Year were as stunning as ever. Jade Burrell writes about the contest and the overall winner as we showcase our favourites

Nadia Shaikh seeks good company for a search-and-gorge to get her through the ruthless darkness of the winter months

Quiz of the week 1) Name the BBC’s ...

→ When the Tudor poet Thomas Tusser wrote of “Turkey wel drest” as part of a Christmas feast in 1573, he was in fact taking part in a trend new to these shores. Turkeys, those red-necked birds who gob