Birds in Berkshire
Explore 149 species found in this region.
Berkshire is home to a rich diversity of birdlife, with 149 species recorded across the county's varied habitats, from the Thames Valley wetlands and gravel pits to ancient woodlands and open farmland. Notable species include the striking Mandarin Duck, which thrives along the county's wooded waterways, as well as wintering visitors such as the Northern Pintail and Common Merganser. Whether you're exploring the reedbeds of Dinton Pastures or the heathlands near Bracknell, Berkshire offers rewarding birdwatching throughout the year.
Visiting in April? Look out for Barn Swallow and Common Redstart arriving this month, and Bohemian Waxwing and Common Merganser depart for the season.
Showing 24–46 of 149 species
Common Raven
Corvus coraxLC
Once absent, now a rare but increasing resident, its deep croaking calls heard over woodland and open country.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor from October to April, occasionally found in birch and alder woodland. Numbers vary greatly between winters.
Oct–Apr
Common Redstart
Phoenicurus phoenicurusLC
A rare summer breeder favouring mature oak woodland with nest holes. The male's striking orange-red tail and black face make it unmistakable.
Apr–Sep
Common Reed-warbler
Acrocephalus scirpaceusLC
An uncommon summer visitor breeding in Phragmites reedbeds at sites along the Kennet valley and Theale gravel pits.
Apr–Sep
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucosLC
An uncommon breeding visitor favouring stony riverbanks and reservoir edges. Bobs its tail constantly while foraging along the waterline.
Apr–Oct
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
A rare resident, unusual this far inland. Occasionally breeds at gravel pits and reservoirs, with most records outside the late summer moult period.
Oct–Aug
Common Snipe
Gallinago gallinagoLC
Found in wet meadows and marshy edges of gravel pits, most conspicuous in winter when numbers increase. Absent during the peak summer months.
Jul–Apr
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgarisLC
A common resident often seen in noisy flocks on playing fields and lawns. Winter roosts in Berkshire can number in the thousands.
Year-round
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Common Swift
Apus apusLC
Arrives in late April to breed in Berkshire's towns, screaming over rooftops. Departs by September, spending winter entirely on the wing in Africa.
Apr–Sep
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
An uncommon summer breeder at Berkshire's gravel pits and reservoirs from April to September. Nests on specially provided rafts.
Apr–Sep
Coot
Fulica atraLC
A common resident on Berkshire's lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits. Often gathers in large flocks outside the breeding season.
Year-round
Corn Bunting
Emberiza calandraLC
A rare and declining resident of open arable farmland, now confined to a few sites in Berkshire. Its jangling song is heard from fence posts.
Oct–Jul
Cuckoo
Cuculus canorusLC
An increasingly scarce summer visitor, arriving in April. Its distinctive call is heard less often in Berkshire as populations decline nationally.
Apr–Aug
Dartford Warbler
Curruca undataNT
A rare resident of lowland heathland, found on sites in the south and east of the county. Vulnerable to harsh winters but slowly recovering.
Year-round
Dunlin
Calidris alpinaLC
A rare visitor to Berkshire's muddy reservoir margins and gravel pits, mainly on passage from late summer into autumn.
May–Oct
Dunnock
Prunella modularisLC
A common year-round resident of hedgerows, gardens and scrubby undergrowth. Its thin, high-pitched song is one of the first heard in late winter.
Year-round
Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiacaLC
Now common and well-established across Berkshire's parks, lakes and gravel pits. This naturalised African species has spread rapidly in recent decades.
Year-round
Eurasian Bittern
Botaurus stellarisLC
A rare winter visitor to Berkshire's reedbeds, most likely at sites like Thatcham or Dinton Pastures in the coldest months.
Dec–Feb
Eurasian Collared Dove
Streptopelia decaoctoLC
A resident of suburban gardens and farmyards, present all year but less widespread than Woodpigeon. Its monotonous call is distinctive.
Year-round
Eurasian Jay
Garrulus glandariusLC
A colourful resident of Berkshire's oak woodlands, often seen burying acorns in autumn. Its harsh screech is a familiar woodland alarm.
Year-round
Eurasian Nuthatch
Sitta europaeaLC
A common resident of mature deciduous woodland and parkland, often seen spiralling headfirst down tree trunks. Readily visits garden feeders.
Year-round
Eurasian Oystercatcher
Haematopus ostralegusNT
An uncommon breeding visitor to Berkshire's gravel pits and river margins from February to August. Scarce inland but slowly expanding.
Feb–Aug
Eurasian Siskin
Spinus spinusLC
An uncommon resident favouring alder and birch along waterways. Numbers increase in winter with continental birds, and it readily visits garden feeders.
Sep–Jul