Common Birds in Cumbria
37 species matching this filter.
Cumbria is home to 37 commonly spotted bird species, reflecting the county's rich variety of habitats — from the rugged Lake District fells and ancient woodlands to sweeping estuaries and rolling farmland. Familiar garden visitors such as the Blackbird and Dunnock thrive alongside upland specialists like the Curlew, while coastal areas attract species such as the European Herring Gull and Great Cormorant. Many of these species also feature in our guide to 23 Common Garden Birds in the UK (Full Guide with Pictures), making Cumbria a rewarding destination for birdwatchers of all levels.
Showing 24–37 of 37 species
Grey Heron
Ardea cinereaLC
A common resident found year-round along rivers, lakes and estuaries. Heronries are well established across the Lake District and lowland valleys.
Year-round
House Martin
Delichon urbicumLC
A common breeding visitor from April, nesting under eaves in Cumbrian towns and villages before departing by October.
Apr–Oct
House Sparrow
Passer domesticusLC
A common resident of Cumbrian towns and villages, nesting colonially under eaves. Numbers have declined nationally.
Year-round
Jackdaw
Corvus monedulaLC
A common and sociable resident, nesting in old buildings, church towers and crags. Noisy flocks are a familiar sight in Cumbrian towns and villages.
Year-round
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscusLC
A common resident found at coastal sites, reservoirs, and urban areas throughout the year. Breeds in colonies on rooftops and islands.
Year-round
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatusLC
A common resident, roving in noisy family flocks through hedgerows and woodland edges throughout the year.
Year-round
Magpie
Pica picaLC
A common resident of farmland, gardens and urban areas throughout the county. Bold and conspicuous, often seen in small groups on lawns and hedges.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
A common resident found on virtually any waterbody, from upland tarns to town park ponds. Present year-round across the county.
Year-round
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Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensisLC
Abundant year-round across Cumbrian fells and upland moors, where its thin call is the quintessential sound of open hill country.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A familiar sight on Cumbria's lakes and rivers year-round, nesting along waterways and in town centres.
Year-round
Rook
Corvus frugilegusLC
A common resident of lowland farmland, gathering in large rookeries in tall trees. Flocks foraging in ploughed fields are a classic Cumbrian scene.
Year-round
Song Thrush
Turdus philomelosLC
A common resident of Cumbrian gardens, hedgerows, and woodlands, delivering its repeated musical phrases from spring onwards.
Year-round
Willow Warbler
Phylloscopus trochilusLC
A common summer breeder arriving from March, its descending song a characteristic sound of Cumbrian birch and fell-side scrub.
Mar–Sep
Woodpigeon
Columba palumbusLC
An abundant resident found across farmland, woodland and gardens throughout Cumbria, with large flocks gathering on arable fields in autumn.
Year-round