Birds in Bristol
Explore 124 species found in this region.
Bristol's diverse landscapes, from the tidal mudflats of the Severn Estuary to the wooded gorges and urban parks, support an impressive array of birdlife. With 123 species recorded across the county, birders can enjoy sightings ranging from familiar garden visitors like Great Tits and Magpies to wetland specialists such as Common Shelduck and Common Reed-warbler. The region's mix of estuarine, woodland, and grassland habitats makes it a rewarding destination for birdwatching throughout the year.
Visiting in April? Look out for Bar-tailed Godwit and Barn Swallow arriving this month, and Eurasian Wigeon and Firecrest depart for the season.
Showing 93–115 of 124 species
Red Knot
Calidris canutusNT
A rare passage visitor in August, occasionally stopping at the Severn Estuary mudflats during southward migration.
Aug
Redshank
Tringa totanusLC
Present year-round on the Severn Estuary and Avon mudflats. Its distinctive piping call carries across the saltmarshes.
Jun–Apr
Redwing
Turdus iliacusNT
A common winter visitor from Scandinavia, arriving from October. Feeds on berries in hedgerows and parks across the city.
Oct–Mar
Reed Bunting
Emberiza schoeniclusLC
A rare resident of reedbeds and damp scrubby margins. Present year-round at wetland sites such as those along the Avon and local nature reserves.
Year-round
Ringed Plover
Charadrius hiaticulaLC
A rare August passage migrant, occasionally stopping on muddy margins along the Severn Estuary shoreline.
Aug
Rock Dove
Columba liviaLC
Abundant throughout the city centre year-round, with feral flocks nesting on buildings and under bridges.
Year-round
Rock Pipit
Anthus petrosusLC
A rare winter visitor, sometimes found along the Severn Estuary mudflats and rocky shorelines near the Bristol area.
Oct–Mar
Rook
Corvus frugilegusLC
A rare year-round resident, more typical of surrounding farmland. Noisy rookeries found on the city's rural fringes.
Year-round
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Rose-ringed Parakeet
Alexandrinus krameriLC
A rare resident with a small feral population. Noisy flocks occasionally seen in parks and suburban areas.
Sep–Apr
Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpresLC
A rare winter visitor, turning stones along the rocky shores of the Severn Estuary between November and February.
Nov–Feb
Sand Martin
Riparia ripariaLC
A rare breeder, nesting in sandy riverbanks along the Avon. Present from April to September, often seen hawking insects over water.
Apr–Sep
Sedge Warbler
Acrocephalus schoenobaenusLC
A rare summer breeder arriving in April, favouring reedbeds and scrubby wetland margins. Delivers its chattering song from dense cover.
Apr–Jul
Song Thrush
Turdus philomelosLC
A common resident heard singing from gardens, parks, and hedgerows throughout the year. Often seen smashing snails on paths and patios.
Year-round
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
An uncommon year-round resident, hunting small birds in parks and gardens. Often dashes through suburban hedgerows.
Year-round
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
A rare and declining summer breeder from May to September. Sallies after insects from exposed perches in churchyards, woodland edges, and large gardens.
May–Sep
Stock Dove
Columba oenasLC
An uncommon resident found in parkland and wooded areas; often overlooked among the abundant Woodpigeons.
Year-round
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to rough grassland and scrubby edges. Most likely on the city's fringes from autumn through winter.
Jul–Mar
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
A rare but year-round resident, heard more often than seen. Favours mature woodland in Leigh Woods and Blaise Castle.
Year-round
Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialisLC
A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally noted in April. Parachuting song flight distinguishes it from Meadow Pipit.
Apr
Treecreeper
Certhia familiarisLC
An uncommon resident of mature woodland, spiralling up tree trunks in parks and wooded valleys around Bristol year-round.
Year-round
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
A rare passage visitor in winter and early spring, occasionally seen on deeper lakes and reservoirs nearby.
Dec–Mar
Water Pipit
Anthus spinolettaLC
A rare winter visitor recorded in January, February, and November. Favours waterlogged margins and cress beds on the Avon floodplain.
Nov–Feb
Water Rail
Rallus aquaticusLC
A rare non-breeding visitor in winter, skulking in reedbeds and marshy margins. More often heard than seen.
Nov–Feb