Common Birds in United Kingdom
115 species matching this filter.
The United Kingdom is home to 115 commonly observed bird species, thriving across a rich tapestry of habitats from coastal estuaries and rolling farmland to ancient woodlands and bustling urban gardens. Familiar favourites such as the Great Tit, Magpie, and Common Starling can be spotted year-round, while seasonal visitors like the Fieldfare and House Martin add variety throughout the year. For a closer look at the species you're most likely to encounter in your back garden, explore our guide to 23 Common Garden Birds in the UK (Full Guide with Pictures).
Showing 47–69 of 115 species
European Robin
Erithacus rubeculaLC
One of the UK's most familiar and beloved garden birds, present year-round. Fiercely territorial, its melodious song is heard in every month of the year.
Year-round
European Shag
Phalacrocorax aristotelisLC
A common resident of rocky coastlines and sea cliffs, nesting in colonies around much of Britain's coast. Distinguished from Cormorant by its smaller size and wispy crest.
Year-round
Fieldfare
Turdus pilarisLC
A common winter thrush arriving in large flocks from Scandinavia. Often feeds on berries in hedgerows alongside Redwings.
Sep–May
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
A year-round resident of lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits. Once scarce, it has spread considerably across England and Wales in recent decades.
Year-round
Garden Warbler
Sylvia borinLC
A common summer breeder arriving from April, favouring dense scrub and woodland understorey. Its rich warbling song is often confused with the Blackcap's.
Apr–Oct
Goldcrest
Regulus regulusLC
Britain's smallest bird, a common resident of coniferous and mixed woodland. Numbers are boosted in autumn by Continental migrants arriving on the east coast.
Year-round
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricariaLC
Breeds on upland moorlands in summer and forms large flocks on lowland farmland in winter. A common and widespread resident.
Year-round
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
Commonly seen on lakes, reservoirs, and sheltered coasts in winter. A small breeding population exists in the Scottish Highlands.
Year-round
Spotted something?
Upload a photo to identify it
Identify
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
A common and imposing resident of coastlines, harbours, and rubbish tips year-round. The largest breeding gull in the UK, increasingly found inland.
Year-round
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carboLC
A common and widespread resident found on coasts, estuaries, lakes and reservoirs. Inland populations have increased markedly, often roosting communally in trees.
Year-round
Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatusLC
A common resident of lakes and reservoirs, renowned for its elaborate courtship dance. Moves to larger water bodies in winter.
Year-round
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos majorLC
A familiar year-round resident of woodlands, parks and gardens. Its loud drumming on branches is a characteristic sound of spring.
Year-round
Great Tit
Parus majorLC
An abundant and familiar garden resident found throughout the UK year-round. Bold and vocal, it readily visits feeders.
Year-round
Great White Egret
Ardea albaLC
Once a rarity, now a common resident at wetlands across southern and central England, part of a dramatic recent range expansion.
Year-round
Green Sandpiper
Tringa ochropusLC
Found along streams, ditches and muddy pool edges year-round. A secretive wader that bobs constantly and flushes with a distinctive call.
Jun–Apr
Greenfinch
Chloris chlorisLC
A common year-round resident of gardens, hedgerows, and farmland. Numbers have declined sharply due to trichomonosis but it remains widespread.
Year-round
Grey Heron
Ardea cinereaLC
A familiar year-round resident, commonly seen standing motionless at rivers, lakes, and garden ponds throughout Britain.
Year-round
Grey Wagtail
Motacilla cinereaLC
A graceful resident found along fast-flowing streams, rivers and weirs throughout the year. In winter, often visits lowland watercourses, canals and even garden ponds.
Year-round
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
A common resident boosted by large winter arrivals from Iceland. Found on farmland, lakes, and estuaries nationwide.
Year-round
Hooded Crow
Corvus cornixLC
A common resident in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man, replacing the Carrion Crow. Easily identified by its grey body and black head.
Year-round
House Martin
Delichon urbicumLC
A common summer breeder nesting under eaves in towns and villages. Arrives from March and gathers in large flocks before departing south by autumn.
Mar–Nov
House Sparrow
Passer domesticusLC
A familiar year-round resident of towns, gardens, and farmyards across the UK. Despite long-term population declines, it remains one of the most recognisable birds.
Year-round
Jackdaw
Corvus monedulaLC
A sociable and adaptable resident found in towns, villages and farmland. Often seen with rooks, nesting in chimneys, church towers and tree holes.
Year-round