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 47–69 of 149 species
Eurasian Skylark
Alauda arvensisLC
An uncommon resident of open farmland and downland, its song flight a feature of Berkshire's remaining arable fields.
Year-round
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Passer montanusLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally noted in spring and autumn. Has declined dramatically in southern England and is now very scarce in Berkshire.
Nov–May
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
An uncommon resident, most numerous in winter on flooded meadows and gravel pits. Whistling flocks graze waterside grasslands along the Thames Valley.
Year-round
Eurasian Woodcock
Scolopax rusticolaLC
A rare and secretive breeding bird in Berkshire's damp woodlands. Winter visitors from the continent may boost numbers.
Jan–Jul
Eurasian Wren
Troglodytes troglodytesLC
One of Berkshire's most abundant residents, found in virtually every habitat with low cover. Its remarkably loud song belies its tiny size.
Year-round
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelisLC
A common and colourful year-round resident, frequently visiting garden feeders. Flocks gather on seed-rich wasteland and field edges in autumn.
Year-round
European Green Woodpecker
Picus viridisLC
Resident in parklands and open woodland, its loud 'yaffle' call is a familiar sound across Berkshire. Feeds mainly on ants.
Year-round
European Herring Gull
Larus argentatusLC
A common resident increasingly seen inland, frequenting Berkshire's landfill sites, reservoirs and supermarket car parks throughout the year.
Year-round
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European Robin
Erithacus rubeculaLC
An ever-present and much-loved resident of gardens, woodlands and hedgerows. One of the most familiar birds in Berkshire year-round.
Year-round
European Turtle-dove
Streptopelia turturVU
A rare and rapidly declining summer breeder, arriving in May. Favours scrubby farmland edges; one of the UK's most threatened birds.
May–Aug
Fieldfare
Turdus pilarisLC
An uncommon winter visitor from October to April, often seen alongside Redwings in open fields and berry-laden hedgerows across the county.
Oct–Apr
Firecrest
Regulus ignicapillaLC
A rare but year-round resident of mature conifer and mixed woodland. Its high-pitched call is often the best clue to its presence.
Aug–Jun
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
A common year-round resident on Berkshire's gravel pits and reservoirs. Often overlooked among Mallards but readily found at sites like Dinton Pastures.
Year-round
Garden Warbler
Sylvia borinLC
An uncommon summer breeder from April to August, favouring dense scrub and woodland with thick undergrowth. More often heard than seen.
Apr–Aug
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A rare passage migrant seen briefly in spring and again in late summer. Look for it on shallow pools at sites like Theale or Woolhampton.
Apr–Sep
Goldcrest
Regulus regulusLC
Britain's smallest bird, common year-round in Berkshire's conifer and mixed woodlands. Numbers are boosted by continental arrivals in autumn.
Year-round
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricariaLC
A rare winter visitor to Berkshire's farmland, occasionally seen in flocks on ploughed fields between October and March.
Oct–Mar
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
An uncommon winter visitor to gravel pits and reservoirs from October to March. The bouncing display of the black-and-white males is a winter highlight.
Oct–Mar
Grasshopper Warbler
Locustella naeviaLC
A rare breeding visitor to Berkshire's rough grasslands and scrubby margins from April to July. Best detected by its distinctive insect-like reeling song.
Apr–Jul
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, mainly in winter months. Occasionally seen at larger reservoirs and gravel pits among other gull flocks.
Oct–Apr
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carboLC
A common sight at Berkshire's gravel pits and along the Thames, often perched with wings outstretched to dry. Present all year.
Year-round
Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatusLC
A common resident on Berkshire's gravel pits, reservoirs and the Thames. Spectacular courtship displays begin in late winter.
Year-round
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos majorLC
A common resident in Berkshire's woodlands and gardens, often heard drumming on trees in spring. Visits bird feeders year-round.
Year-round