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 93–115 of 149 species
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubiusLC
A summer visitor breeding on bare gravel at extraction sites and reservoir margins. Arrives in April and departs by September.
Apr–Sep
Little Stint
Calidris minutaLC
A rare autumn passage wader, occasionally stopping at gravel pit scrapes in September and October. Tiny size aids identification.
Sep–Oct
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
A rare passage visitor, occasionally appearing on larger reservoirs in December. A scarce inland record for this predominantly coastal sea duck.
Dec
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatusLC
A common and endearing resident, often seen in noisy family flocks moving through hedgerows and woodland edges throughout the year.
Year-round
Magpie
Pica picaLC
An abundant and bold resident found in gardens, hedgerows and farmland throughout the county all year.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
The most widespread duck in Berkshire, common on every lake, river and park pond throughout the year. Breeds readily along the Thames and its tributaries.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A rare but year-round resident favouring wooded rivers and lakes. The Thames Valley holds a notable population of this spectacular introduced species.
Year-round
Marsh Tit
Poecile palustrisLC
An uncommon resident of mature deciduous woodland, best found at sites like Bowdown Woods and the Sulham valley.
Year-round
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Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensisLC
An uncommon resident of open grassland and heathland. More conspicuous in winter when birds gather on lowland fields and watermeadows.
Year-round
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
An uncommon but widespread resident of parkland, playing fields and open woodland. Often sings from tall treetops even in midwinter.
Year-round
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropusLC
Common and widespread along Berkshire's rivers, ponds and gravel pits year-round. Readily seen on the Thames and Kennet waterways.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A familiar sight on the Thames and Berkshire's lakes year-round. Breeds along rivers and gravel pits, often seen with cygnets in summer.
Year-round
Nightingale
Luscinia megarhynchosLC
An uncommon summer visitor arriving in April, favouring dense scrub and coppiced woodland. Best detected by its powerful song on warm spring evenings.
Apr–Jun
Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeusLC
A rare summer breeder on heathland sites such as those near Bucklebury and the Swinley Forest area. Best detected by its churring song at dusk.
May–Jul
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
Present year-round but declining as a breeding bird. Winter flocks gather on Berkshire's farmland, boosted by continental arrivals.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded in midwinter on gravel pits and reservoirs. An elegant but scarce inland duck in Berkshire.
Jan
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
An uncommon resident, most conspicuous in winter when numbers are boosted by migrants. Favours shallow, muddy-edged pools at gravel pit complexes.
Year-round
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinusLC
A rare but increasing resident, occasionally seen hunting over towns and along the Thames valley throughout the year.
Jul–May
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
An uncommon year-round resident on deeper gravel pits and reservoirs. Numbers have declined nationally, making Berkshire's wintering flocks increasingly notable.
Year-round
Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostraLC
A rare passage visitor with sporadic appearances, typically during irruption years. May be encountered in conifer plantations in July or October.
Jul–Oct
Red Kite
Milvus milvusLC
Now a common and iconic sight soaring over Berkshire, thriving since reintroduction to the nearby Chilterns in the 1990s.
Year-round
Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufinaLC
A rare but increasingly recorded resident on larger gravel pits. The striking males are eye-catching, though origins of some birds may be uncertain.
Mar–Jan
Red-legged Partridge
Alectoris rufaNT
An uncommon year-round resident of farmland and field margins. Often encountered in small coveys on the Berkshire Downs and surrounding arable land.
Year-round