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 116–138 of 149 species
Redshank
Tringa totanusLC
A rare breeding bird in Berkshire, found at a few wet grassland and gravel pit sites from March to August. Numbers are declining.
Mar–Aug
Redwing
Turdus iliacusNT
A common winter visitor from Scandinavia, present from October to April. Feeds on berries in hedgerows and forages on open fields in flocks.
Oct–Apr
Reed Bunting
Emberiza schoeniclusLC
An uncommon resident of reedbeds, ditches and damp scrubby margins. In winter, disperses more widely to farmland stubble and garden feeders.
Year-round
Ring Ouzel
Turdus torquatusLC
A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally pausing on downland or open ground in April. Easily confused with Blackbird but note the pale breast crescent.
Apr
Ringed Plover
Charadrius hiaticulaLC
A rare visitor to Berkshire's gravel pits and reservoir margins, mainly on passage in spring and autumn.
Mar–Sep
Rock Dove
Columba liviaLC
Feral populations inhabit Berkshire's towns, though pure wild-type birds are uncommon. Nests on buildings and bridges year-round.
Year-round
Rook
Corvus frugilegusLC
An uncommon resident, with rookeries found in tall trees near farmland and villages across Berkshire.
Year-round
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Alexandrinus krameriLC
A noisy and conspicuous resident, now common across Berkshire's parks, gardens and woodland edges year-round.
Year-round
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Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensisLC
A rare resident, now extremely scarce following the national eradication programme. Occasional sightings persist at scattered gravel pit sites.
Aug–Apr
Ruff
Philomachus pugnaxLC
A rare passage visitor to Berkshire's gravel pits and reservoirs, mainly in late summer and autumn. Favours shallow muddy pools.
Aug–Dec
Sand Martin
Riparia ripariaLC
An uncommon summer breeder, nesting in sandy banks along rivers and gravel pits from March to September.
Mar–Sep
Sedge Warbler
Acrocephalus schoenobaenusLC
An uncommon summer breeder arriving in April, found in reedbeds and waterside scrub along the Kennet and at gravel pits.
Apr–Sep
Smew
Mergellus albellusLC
A rare but eagerly sought winter visitor to gravel pits and reservoirs. The striking 'white nun' males appear in cold spells from November to February.
Nov–Feb
Song Thrush
Turdus philomelosLC
A common resident of gardens, parks and woodland, often heard singing from early spring. Numbers have declined nationally but it remains widespread here.
Year-round
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
A secretive resident of Berkshire's woodlands and suburban gardens, often betrayed by panicked alarm calls of smaller birds.
Year-round
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
A rare and declining summer breeder, arriving in May. Favours woodland edges and churchyards, sallying out from exposed perches to catch insects.
May–Sep
Stock Dove
Columba oenasLC
An uncommon but widespread resident, nesting in tree holes in parkland and woodland. Quieter and less conspicuous than the ubiquitous Woodpigeon.
Year-round
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
An uncommon resident favouring heathland and gorse scrub, particularly on sites in east Berkshire. Perches prominently while flicking its tail.
Year-round
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
A resident of mature woodland and parkland, rarely seen but its distinctive hooting carries through Berkshire's woods after dark.
Year-round
Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialisLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded on heathland and woodland clearings. Its distinctive parachuting song flight is seldom witnessed in Berkshire.
May–Aug
Treecreeper
Certhia familiarisLC
An uncommon resident of mature broadleaf and mixed woodland, spiralling up tree trunks in search of insects hidden in bark crevices.
Year-round
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
A common diving duck found year-round on gravel pits, reservoirs and deeper lakes. Numbers increase in winter with continental arrivals.
Year-round
Water Rail
Rallus aquaticusLC
A secretive rail found at marshy sites like Woolhampton and Theale gravel pits, mainly in winter. More often heard squealing than seen.
Aug–Apr