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 139–149 of 149 species
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally spotted over reedbeds and wetlands in August during post-breeding dispersal.
Aug
Wheatear
Oenanthe oenantheLC
A rare visitor to open downland and ploughed fields, mainly on spring and autumn passage. Bobs and flits across short turf in characteristic fashion.
Mar–Sep
Whinchat
Saxicola rubetraLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, briefly visiting open farmland and rough grassland in August and September. Easily overlooked among Stonechats.
Aug–Sep
Whitethroat
Curruca communisLC
An uncommon breeding visitor to hedgerows and scrubby farmland from April to September. Its scratchy, energetic song is a feature of rural lanes.
Apr–Sep
Willow Warbler
Phylloscopus trochilusLC
An uncommon summer breeder found in scrubby woodland and heathland edges from March to September.
Mar–Sep
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareolaLC
A rare passage migrant in July and August, pausing briefly at muddy scrapes and gravel pit margins on southward migration.
Jul–Aug
Woodlark
Lullula arboreaLC
A rare breeder on heathland sites in the south of the county, arriving from February. Its melodious, descending song carries far across open ground.
Feb–Oct
Woodpigeon
Columba palumbusLC
Abundant year-round resident, thriving in Berkshire's gardens, parks, and farmland. Numbers swell in winter with continental arrivals.
Year-round
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Yellow Wagtail
Motacilla flavaLC
A rare and declining summer breeder, favouring damp meadows and arable fields near waterways. Spring males show a bright yellow face and underparts.
Apr–Oct
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
A rare visitor to Berkshire's reservoirs and tips, most likely seen in late summer. Identification requires careful separation from similar gulls.
Jul–Dec
Yellowhammer
Emberiza citrinellaLC
A rare resident of arable farmland with thick hedgerows, declining significantly across the county. Its bright yellow head and jangling song are distinctive.
Year-round