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Most Britons can't identify a sparrow. Can you?

A bird pecks at one of blooming cherry blossoms at a park in Tokyo. - AP
A bird pecks at one of blooming cherry blossoms at a park in Tokyo. - AP

A new survey has found that more than half of Britons are unable to identify a sparrow, while a fifth of respondents weren't aware that a red kite is a bird.

Of 2,000 adults who took part in the survey, more than a quarter of respondents couldn’t say for sure they’ve ever seen a blue tit, and one in 10 hadn’t heard of a swift.

Ten per cent couldn’t confirm they’d ever seen a blackbird, and a quarter couldn’t say for sure they’d ever seen a starling.

How's your birding knowledge? See how you fare on the quiz below, and share your result on Facebook to let the world know how you got on:

The research was conducted by for Cbeebies series Twirlywoos, who have teamed up with the RSPB to encourage people to take part in their Wild Challenge.

A spokesman for Twirlywoos said: “The UK has around 250 different species of birds so it is understandable people struggle when it comes to their bird knowledge.

“However you don’t need to know all there is to know about birds in order to appreciate all that’s great about them.

“The UK has some great locations for seeing some amazing birds and other wildlife too so it’s well worth spending some time together as a family  to see what’s out there.”

Nine in 10 parents surveyed said they want their children to learn about birds and British wildlife in general. RSPB spokesperson James Harding-Morris said: “Wildlife has always fascinated people whether it’s the thrill of seeing your first robin at a garden feeder or a red kite in the wild. 

“This survey shows that parents want their children to learn more about birds and be able to identify the wildlife on their doorstep.

“We hope this partnership will give families the confidence to get outside and enjoy nature with their improved wildlife knowledge. 

“The opportunity to connect with nature should be a part of every child’s life and the RSPB’s new Wild Challenge is here to help every family go on their own wild adventure.”

To accompany the news, SWNS put together this quiz - see how you get on: