The lack of undisturbed areas and the small number of mammals make Barnes Common somewhat limited in animal wildlife. But there is plenty to enjoy, and of course it is right on our doorstep. Foxes are the only common mammal apart from rats, although twenty years ago badgers were sometimes reported near the railway line. Surprisingly there are no rabbits.
The bird population however is quite varied, but like island populations it is subject to fluctuations because suitable habitats are broken up into relatively small areas. The most numerous birds on the common are Robins and Wrens, both of which probably reach the maximum population possible whenever there is sufficient cover. Blue Tits and Great Tits are also likely to be seen on any walk through wooded sections of the common. Long-tailed Tits, Europe's only pink and black bird, can often be seen in gorse patches, and it is always a delight to see a flock fluttering from clump to clump.
Thrushes are a large world-wide family, and Barnes Common plays host to five out of the six U.K. species: Blackbirds, Song Thrushes and, less commonly, Mistle Thrushes provide the background of song all over the common in spring and summer, whereas their cousins Fieldfares and Redwings only visit us briefly in the depth of winter.
The pink and blue Jay, a member of the Crow family, can often be seen flying from tree to tree uttering its harsh call, beloved by film makers wanting a spooky effect. But the most dramatic birds to be seen on the common are two members of the Woodpecker family: the black and white Great Spotted and the tropically-plumaged Green, the latter more easily heard than seen. An average walk across the common will probably yield about twenty different bird species - and there is always the chance of a nice surprise!