Common Birds in England
113 species matching this filter.
England is home to 113 commonly occurring bird species, found across a rich variety of habitats from coastal estuaries and wetlands to ancient woodlands and urban gardens. Familiar favourites such as the Great Tit, Magpie, and Common Starling thrive alongside waterbirds like the Common Shelduck and Common Merganser. Whether you're exploring the countryside or watching from your kitchen window, our guide to 23 Common Garden Birds in the UK (Full Guide with Pictures) is a great place to start identifying the species you're most likely to encounter.
Showing 47–69 of 113 species
European Shag
Phalacrocorax aristotelisLC
A common resident of rocky coasts and sea cliffs, often seen perched with wings outstretched. Breeds colonially on coastal ledges.
Year-round
Fieldfare
Turdus pilarisLC
A common winter thrush arriving from Scandinavia in large flocks from October. Feeds on berries in hedgerows and on invertebrates in open fields.
Sep–May
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
A common resident of lakes, reservoirs, and gravel pits. Numbers have increased steadily, particularly across central and southern England.
Year-round
Garden Warbler
Sylvia borinLC
A summer breeding visitor to woodland and scrubby habitats from April to October. More often heard than seen, with a rich, melodious warbling song.
Apr–Oct
Goldcrest
Regulus regulusLC
Britain's smallest bird, common year-round in coniferous and mixed woodland. Numbers swell in autumn with continental migrants.
Year-round
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricariaLC
Breeds on upland moorlands in the north and winters in large flocks on lowland farmland. Present year-round, with numbers boosted by continental birds in winter.
Year-round
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
Found year-round on lakes, reservoirs, and sheltered coasts, with numbers peaking in winter. Males display a distinctive white face patch and golden eye.
Year-round
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
A common and imposing resident of coasts, harbours, and rubbish tips year-round. The largest British gull, increasingly seen inland at reservoirs and landfill sites.
Year-round
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Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carboLC
A common and widespread resident, found on coasts, rivers, and inland reservoirs. Often seen perched with wings outstretched to dry after diving for fish.
Year-round
Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatusLC
A common resident on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits. Its elaborate courtship display is a highlight of spring on English waterways.
Year-round
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos majorLC
A common and widespread resident of woodland, parks, and gardens. Its loud drumming on branches is heard mainly in spring.
Year-round
Great Tit
Parus majorLC
One of England's most familiar garden birds, present year-round. Bold and vocal, it readily visits feeders and nests in garden nest boxes.
Year-round
Great White Egret
Ardea albaLC
An increasingly common resident of wetlands and flooded fields. Numbers have surged in recent years, with breeding now established.
Year-round
Green Sandpiper
Tringa ochropusLC
A common but often solitary wader found along freshwater streams, ditches and lake margins. Bobs its tail distinctively and flushes with a sharp call.
Jun–Apr
Greenfinch
Chloris chlorisLC
A common year-round resident of gardens, hedgerows, and farmland. Numbers have declined sharply due to trichomonosis disease but it remains a familiar garden visitor.
Year-round
Grey Heron
Ardea cinereaLC
A familiar year-round resident found along rivers, lakes, and garden ponds. Often seen standing motionless at the water's edge.
Year-round
Grey Wagtail
Motacilla cinereaLC
A graceful resident of fast-flowing streams and rivers, constantly bobbing its long tail. In winter, birds often move to lowland waterways, canals, and even urban puddles.
Year-round
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
A common resident found on lakes, reservoirs, and farmland year-round. Feral populations are well established alongside wintering birds from Iceland.
Year-round
House Martin
Delichon urbicumLC
A common summer breeder arriving from March, nesting under eaves in towns and villages. Numbers have declined in recent decades despite remaining widespread.
Mar–Nov
House Sparrow
Passer domesticusLC
A familiar year-round resident of gardens, hedgerows, and urban areas. Despite significant long-term declines, it remains one of England's most recognisable birds.
Year-round
Jackdaw
Corvus monedulaLC
A sociable and common resident found in towns, villages and farmland year-round. Often nests in chimneys and church towers across England.
Year-round
Kestrel
Falco tinnunculusLC
A common resident seen hovering over motorway verges, farmland and grasslands year-round, though numbers have declined in recent decades.
Year-round
Kittiwake
Rissa tridactylaVU
Nests on coastal cliffs, notably at Bempton and along the northeast coast. Numbers have declined sharply in recent decades due to food shortages.
Year-round