Birds to See in England in December
193 species matching this filter.
December brings a fascinating array of birdlife to England, with around 193 species recorded across the country during this midwinter month. Estuaries and wetlands host impressive gatherings of wildfowl and waders such as Common Shelduck, Northern Lapwing, and Common Merganser, while woodlands shelter resident species like Great Tit and Eurasian Woodcock. Scarcer winter visitors such as the Great Grey Shrike and Horned Lark add excitement for keen birders willing to brave the cold.
New in December4
Resident
(171)
Arctic Jaeger
Stercorarius parasiticusLC
An uncommon seabird seen mainly on passage off the coast from spring to autumn. Harasses terns and gulls to steal food in acrobatic aerial pursuits.
Mar–Dec
Arctic Loon
Gavia arcticaLC
A rare visitor mainly seen on coastal waters and reservoirs during winter. Largely absent through summer months.
Sep–May
Atlantic Puffin
Fratercula arcticaVU
Breeds at a few seabird colonies along the English coast, notably the Farne Islands. Spends much of the year at sea, returning to clifftop burrows in spring.
Year-round
Avocet
Recurvirostra avosettaLC
A striking black-and-white wader and symbol of the RSPB, now a common resident breeding on coastal lagoons and estuaries, especially in East Anglia.
Year-round
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponicaNT
An uncommon wader found on estuaries and sandy shores year-round, with peak numbers in winter when Arctic breeders arrive.
Year-round
Barn Owl
Tyto albaLC
A year-round resident of farmland, rough grassland, and church towers. Often seen hunting at dusk along field margins; populations have partially recovered after past declines.
Year-round
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
A common resident, with feral populations in parks and wetlands supplemented by large winter flocks from Arctic breeding grounds, notably in the north-west.
Year-round
Bearded Tit
Panurus biarmicusLC
An uncommon resident of extensive reedbeds, with strongholds in East Anglia and the Somerset Levels. Often detected by distinctive pinging calls in autumn.
Year-round
Black Grouse
Lyrurus tetrixLC
A rare and declining resident confined to moorland edges in northern England. Males display at traditional lekking sites in early spring.
Year-round
Black Redstart
Phoenicurus ochrurosLC
An uncommon year-round resident, favouring industrial sites, power stations and urban buildings. Scarce as a breeder but more widespread in winter.
Year-round
Black Swan
Cygnus atratusLC
An introduced species found rarely on lakes and rivers. Small feral populations persist in scattered locations across England.
Year-round
Black-necked Grebe
Podiceps nigricollisLC
An uncommon resident grebe breeding at a handful of shallow lakes. In winter, gathers in small flocks on reservoirs and sheltered coastal waters.
Year-round
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosaNT
Present year-round on estuaries and wet grasslands. The Ouse and Humber Washes host important breeding and wintering populations of this elegant wader.
Year-round
Blackbird
Turdus merulaLC
One of England's most familiar garden birds, resident year-round. Its rich, fluting song is a defining sound of dawn and dusk in towns and countryside.
Year-round
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapillaLC
A common resident and migrant found in woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens year-round. Winter numbers are boosted by Continental birds visiting garden feeders.
Year-round
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleusLC
One of England's most familiar garden birds, resident year-round. Readily visits feeders and nests in boxes, hedgerows and tree holes across the country.
Year-round
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
Large winter flocks gather on estuaries and coastal marshes, especially along the south and east coasts. Dark-bellied birds from Siberia predominate in England.
Year-round
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
A shy but common resident of hedgerows, woodland edges, and gardens. Its soft piping call often reveals its presence.
Year-round
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
A common resident raptor soaring over farmland, woodland and moorland. Has recovered strongly across England after historical persecution and is now widespread.
Year-round
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common and widespread introduced resident of lakes, rivers, and parks. Large flocks gather on urban and rural waterways alike.
Year-round
Carrion Crow
Corvus coroneLC
One of England's most abundant and adaptable birds, thriving in farmland, towns, and cities alike. Its intelligent, resourceful behaviour is easily observed in everyday settings.
Year-round
Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibisLC
A recent colonist now breeding in southern England, often seen alongside livestock in damp pastures. Numbers have increased rapidly since the 2000s.
Year-round
Cetti's Warbler
Cettia cettiLC
A resident warbler that has expanded rapidly northward in recent decades. More often heard than seen, its explosive burst of song rings out from dense wetland scrub.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
One of England's most familiar garden and woodland birds, present year-round. Its cheerful song is a hallmark of spring across the countryside.
Year-round
Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybitaLC
A common year-round warbler whose repetitive 'chiff-chaff' song is one of the earliest signs of spring in woodlands and gardens across England.
Year-round
Coal Tit
Periparus aterLC
A common resident of coniferous and mixed woodlands, readily visiting garden feeders. Often stores food in bark crevices for later retrieval.
Year-round
Common Crane
Grus grusLC
A recovering resident breeder, mainly found in the Norfolk Broads and Somerset Levels. Numbers are slowly increasing thanks to reintroduction efforts.
Year-round
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
A common gull found year-round on playing fields, reservoirs and coasts. Winter numbers swell with arrivals from Scandinavia and northern Europe.
Year-round
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthisLC
An uncommon but widespread resident along clean, slow-flowing rivers and streams. A brilliant flash of blue is often the first sign of its presence.
Year-round
Common Loon
Gavia immerLC
An uncommon visitor found mainly on coastal waters and large reservoirs, most frequently seen during winter months along southern and western coasts.
Aug–Jun
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
A striking diving duck found on rivers and lakes, often known locally as the Goosander. Males sport a dark green head and salmon-pink body in breeding plumage.
Year-round
Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicusLC
An abundant resident of farmland, woodland edges and hedgerows. Millions are released annually for shooting, making it one of England's most numerous birds.
Year-round
Common Raven
Corvus coraxLC
Once largely confined to western uplands, this impressive corvid has spread steadily eastward and is now common across much of England, even in urban fringe areas.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
An uncommon resident and winter visitor found in birch woodland, scrubby areas and weedy fields. Numbers fluctuate with periodic irruptions from the north.
Year-round
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucosLC
Present year-round along rivers, lakes and reservoirs, bobbing its tail as it feeds along stony shorelines. Breeds mainly in northern and western England.
Year-round
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
An uncommon year-round resident of coastal waters, often seen in dark rafts offshore. Breeds sparingly; numbers increase in winter with Continental arrivals.
Year-round
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
A common and distinctive resident of estuaries and coastal marshes, often seen in large flocks. Breeds in burrows and undergoes a moult migration.
Year-round
Common Snipe
Gallinago gallinagoLC
A common resident of wet meadows, bogs and marshes throughout England. Its distinctive drumming display flight is a characteristic sound of spring.
Year-round
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgarisLC
A common and familiar resident, though numbers have declined significantly. Winter murmurations over towns and reedbeds remain a spectacular sight.
Year-round
Coot
Fulica atraLC
A common resident of lakes, reservoirs, and park ponds across England. Often gathers in large winter flocks on open water.
Year-round
Corn Bunting
Emberiza calandraLC
An uncommon year-round resident of open arable farmland, now largely restricted to parts of southern and eastern England. Has suffered severe population declines.
Year-round
Curlew
Numenius arquataNT
A common resident breeding on upland moors and farmland. Winters in large flocks on estuaries and coastal marshes across England.
Year-round
Dartford Warbler
Curruca undataNT
An uncommon resident of lowland heathland, mainly in southern England. Vulnerable to harsh winters but has recovered and spread northward in recent decades.
Year-round
Dipper
Cinclus cinclusLC
An uncommon resident of fast-flowing upland streams, mainly in northern and western England. Bobs characteristically on rocks and walks underwater to feed.
Year-round
Dunlin
Calidris alpinaLC
A common wader present year-round, with huge winter flocks on estuaries. Small numbers breed on upland moors in northern England.
Year-round
Dunnock
Prunella modularisLC
A common and widespread resident of gardens, hedgerows, and woodland undergrowth. Often overlooked, it shuffles quietly beneath bird feeders.
Year-round
Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiacaLC
An established non-native resident, originally from Africa, now breeding widely across England. Commonly seen on park lakes and grassy riverbanks, often with large broods.
Year-round
Eider
Somateria mollissimaNT
A year-round resident along northern and eastern coasts, favouring rocky shores and sheltered estuaries. Males sport striking black-and-white plumage.
Year-round
Eurasian Bittern
Botaurus stellarisLC
A secretive heron of reedbeds, best known for the male's booming call in spring. Conservation efforts have helped this once-rare resident recover at key wetland sites.
Year-round
Eurasian Collared Dove
Streptopelia decaoctoLC
A common year-round resident of gardens, farms, and urban areas. Its monotonous three-syllable call is a familiar sound.
Year-round
Eurasian Jay
Garrulus glandariusLC
A colourful resident of broadleaved and mixed woodland, commonly visiting garden feeders. Buries thousands of acorns each autumn, aiding oak regeneration.
Year-round
Eurasian Nuthatch
Sitta europaeaLC
A common resident of mature deciduous woodland and parkland, readily visiting garden feeders. Absent from northern Scotland but widespread across England.
Year-round
Eurasian Oystercatcher
Haematopus ostralegusNT
A common resident of coasts, estuaries, and increasingly inland fields. Its piping call is a familiar sound on English shores.
Year-round
Eurasian Siskin
Spinus spinusLC
A common resident that breeds in conifer woodlands and visits garden feeders in winter. Flocks are often detected by their tinkling flight calls.
Year-round
Eurasian Skylark
Alauda arvensisLC
A common but declining resident of farmland and open grassland, celebrated for its soaring song flight over fields across England.
Year-round
Eurasian Spoonbill
Platalea leucorodiaLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, now breeding at a handful of sites. Most reliably seen at coastal wetlands in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Year-round
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Passer montanusLC
A common but declining resident, now largely restricted to farmland in the Midlands and eastern England. Often found near hedgerows and farms.
Year-round
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
Common year-round, with large winter flocks on estuaries and flooded grasslands. The male's whistling call is a characteristic sound of English wetlands in winter.
Year-round
Eurasian Woodcock
Scolopax rusticolaLC
An uncommon resident of damp woodlands, with numbers swelled by continental arrivals in autumn. Most easily seen during its roding display flights.
Oct–Jul
Eurasian Wren
Troglodytes troglodytesLC
One of England's most abundant birds, found in virtually every habitat with low cover. Its remarkably loud song belies its tiny size.
Year-round
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelisLC
A common and colourful year-round resident of gardens, parks, and farmland edges. Often seen in flocks feeding on seed heads.
Year-round
European Green Woodpecker
Picus viridisLC
A common resident of woodlands, parklands and gardens, easily recognised by its loud, laughing call and undulating flight.
Year-round
European Herring Gull
Larus argentatusLC
A common year-round resident found along coasts, at landfill sites and increasingly in urban areas. Numbers have declined significantly in recent decades.
Year-round
European Robin
Erithacus rubeculaLC
One of England's most familiar and beloved garden birds, present year-round. Sings throughout winter and fiercely defends territories in hedgerows, parks, and woodlands.
Year-round
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
Firecrest
Regulus ignicapillaLC
A tiny, jewel-like bird with a striking orange crown stripe, found in coniferous and mixed woodland. Has increased as a breeding resident in southern England.
Year-round
Fulmar
Fulmarus glacialisLC
An uncommon resident of sea cliffs, nesting in colonies along the English coastline. Often seen gliding stiff-winged over the waves in all seasons.
Year-round
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
A common resident of lakes, reservoirs, and gravel pits. Numbers have increased steadily, particularly across central and southern England.
Year-round
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
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 Skua
Catharacta skuaLC
An uncommon but powerful seabird, most often seen from coastal headlands during autumn passage. Known for aggressively pirating food from other seabirds.
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
Greater Scaup
Aythya marilaLC
An uncommon diving duck found mainly on coastal waters, estuaries and large reservoirs. Numbers peak in winter with arrivals from northern breeding grounds.
Jul–May
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifronsLC
Winters in small numbers at traditional sites such as the Severn Estuary and Kent marshes. Grazes on wet grasslands alongside other wintering geese.
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
Greenshank
Tringa nebulariaLC
An uncommon but year-round wader, most often seen on estuaries and coastal marshes during passage and winter months.
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 Partridge
Perdix perdixLC
An uncommon and declining resident of arable farmland. Once widespread, it has suffered badly from agricultural intensification.
Year-round
Grey Plover
Pluvialis squatarolaLC
An uncommon wader of muddy estuaries and coastal flats, most numerous in winter. Its plaintive three-note whistle and black axillary patches in flight aid identification.
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
Hawfinch
Coccothraustes coccothraustesLC
A rare and elusive resident of mature broadleaved woodland. Best looked for in winter when small flocks gather beneath hornbeams and yews.
Aug–Jun
Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneusLC
An uncommon resident, breeding on upland moorland but wintering more widely on lowland marshes and farmland. Heavily persecuted, it remains a conservation priority.
Year-round
Horned Grebe
Podiceps auritusVU
An uncommon grebe mainly seen in winter on sheltered coasts and estuaries. A very scarce breeder in England, with most nesting in Scotland.
Oct–Jul
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
Iceland Gull
Larus glaucoidesLC
A rare winter visitor from the Arctic, typically seen at harbours and rubbish tips between November and early spring.
Nov–May
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
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscusLC
A common resident found year-round on coasts, landfill sites and urban rooftops. Numbers swell in summer when breeding colonies are active.
Year-round
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Dryobates minorLC
England's smallest and most elusive woodpecker, now seriously declining. Favours mature broadleaved woodland, mainly in southern and central England.
Nov–Sep
Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
A common resident of farmland, heathland and coastal scrub. Often seen in flocks outside the breeding season, though numbers have declined in recent decades.
Year-round
Little Egret
Egretta garzettaLC
A striking white heron now common year-round across England, having colonised rapidly since the 1990s. Frequents estuaries, marshes, and coastal lagoons.
Year-round
Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollisLC
A common year-round resident of ponds, lakes, and slow-flowing rivers. Often heard before seen, with a distinctive whinnying trill.
Year-round
Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutusLC
An uncommon but regular gull, seen year-round at reservoirs, coastal waters and estuaries. The world's smallest gull, with a buoyant flight.
Year-round
Little Owl
Athene noctuaLC
An introduced resident found in farmland, orchards, and parkland year-round. Often perches prominently on posts and walls.
Year-round
Little Stint
Calidris minutaLC
An uncommon but regular wader, most numerous on passage at coastal pools and estuaries in autumn. A tiny, active bird often feeding alongside Dunlin.
Year-round
Long-eared Owl
Asio otusLC
A secretive, uncommon resident of dense woodland and conifer plantations. Strictly nocturnal and easily overlooked year-round.
Year-round
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatusLC
A common and endearing resident of woodland, hedgerows and gardens. Roving family flocks are a familiar sight throughout the year.
Year-round
Magpie
Pica picaLC
An abundant and conspicuous resident of gardens, parks, and farmland. One of England's most recognisable corvids.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
The most familiar and widespread duck in England, common year-round on virtually any body of water from urban park ponds to rural lakes.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
An uncommon but established resident of wooded lakes and rivers. Originally from East Asia, feral populations thrive in southern England.
Year-round
Manx Shearwater
Puffinus puffinusLC
An uncommon pelagic species regularly seen offshore, especially from southwest headlands. Breeds on western islands but passes English waters on feeding trips.
Year-round
Marsh Tit
Poecile palustrisLC
A resident of mature deciduous woodland, particularly in southern and central England. Declining in recent decades, it is distinguished from Willow Tit by its bright cap and calls.
Year-round
Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensisLC
A common year-round resident of upland moors, rough grassland, and coastal areas. Its thin, piping call is one of the most familiar sounds of open countryside.
Year-round
Merlin
Falco columbariusLC
An uncommon resident breeding on upland moors in northern England and dispersing to lowland coasts and marshes in winter.
Year-round
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
A common resident of parkland, woodland edges and large gardens. Often sings from treetops in midwinter and fiercely defends berry-laden trees.
Year-round
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropusLC
A common and widespread resident of ponds, streams, and ditches throughout England. Often seen flicking its tail nervously while walking on bankside vegetation.
Year-round
Muscovy Duck
Cairina moschataLC
A rare resident of feral origin, found on park lakes and farmyards. Not native to England but small free-flying populations persist in scattered locations.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
An elegant and familiar sight on rivers, lakes, and park ponds throughout England. Pairs defend territories aggressively, arching their wings in a distinctive threat display.
Year-round
Northern Gannet
Morus bassanusLC
Spectacular plunge-divers seen offshore year-round, with large colonies on coastal cliffs. Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire is a key English breeding site.
Year-round
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisLC
A rare but increasing resident found in large forests and woodland. Secretive and best looked for during spring display flights.
Year-round
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
A common but declining farmland bird, resident year-round. Winter flocks gather on ploughed fields, while breeding birds favour damp pastures.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
A common and elegant dabbling duck found on estuaries, marshes and lakes. Numbers peak in winter with arrivals from northern Europe.
Year-round
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
A common resident duck found on lakes, reservoirs and marshes year-round, with numbers boosted by continental migrants in winter.
Year-round
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinusLC
An uncommon but increasing year-round resident, now nesting on cathedrals and tower blocks in many English cities as well as traditional cliff sites.
Year-round
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
Huge wintering flocks gather on farmland and estuaries, especially in Lancashire and Norfolk. Numbers peak from October to March.
Year-round
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
Present year-round on lakes and reservoirs, though breeding numbers have declined sharply. Winter flocks are bolstered by Continental immigrants.
Year-round
Purple Sandpiper
Calidris maritimaLC
An uncommon wader favouring rocky coasts and harbour walls, mainly in winter. Scarce in June but otherwise present most of the year.
Jul–May
Razorbill
Alca tordaLC
An uncommon resident seabird found on rocky coasts and offshore islands. Breeds on cliff ledges and disperses to coastal waters outside the breeding season.
Year-round
Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostraLC
A rare but year-round resident of coniferous forests, with numbers boosted by periodic irruptions. Its crossed bill is uniquely adapted for extracting seeds from pine cones.
Year-round
Red Grouse
Lagopus lagopus scoticaLC
A resident grouse of northern moorland and heather-clad uplands. Iconic in the Pennines and North York Moors, closely tied to managed heather habitat.
Year-round
Red Kite
Milvus milvusLC
A magnificent resident raptor, now thriving across much of England following successful reintroduction. Often seen soaring over the Chilterns and Midlands.
Year-round
Red Knot
Calidris canutusNT
An uncommon but locally abundant wader on estuaries and mudflats, with large winter flocks gathering at sites like the Wash and Morecambe Bay.
Year-round
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serratorLC
Found year-round on estuaries and sheltered coasts, with numbers boosted in winter by continental arrivals. Breeds sparingly in northern England.
Year-round
Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufinaLC
An uncommon resident centred on lakes and reservoirs in southeast England. The feral population has become established and is slowly increasing.
Year-round
Red-legged Partridge
Alectoris rufaNT
An introduced resident most common on farmland in eastern and southern England. Often seen in small coveys along field margins and tracks.
Year-round
Red-necked Grebe
Podiceps grisegenaLC
An uncommon visitor, most frequently seen along the east coast in winter. Occasionally breeds at a handful of English sites in recent years.
Jul–May
Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellataLC
Present year-round but uncommon, mainly seen off coasts in winter. Breeds sparingly in northern England.
Year-round
Redshank
Tringa totanusLC
A common year-round wader found on estuaries, saltmarshes and wet grasslands. Breeding populations have declined, but winter numbers remain healthy.
Year-round
Redwing
Turdus iliacusNT
A common winter visitor arriving from Scandinavia and Iceland, often seen in hedgerows and on berry-laden trees from October.
Sep–May
Reed Bunting
Emberiza schoeniclusLC
A common resident of reedbeds, marshes and damp hedgerows across England. Males sing from prominent perches with a jangling, scratchy song.
Year-round
Ringed Plover
Charadrius hiaticulaLC
A common resident of sandy and shingle beaches, also found at inland gravel pits. Numbers increase in autumn with passage birds.
Year-round
Rock Dove
Columba liviaLC
Ubiquitous in towns and cities as the feral pigeon, with truly wild birds restricted to coastal cliffs. Present year-round in huge numbers.
Year-round
Rock Pipit
Anthus petrosusLC
A common resident of rocky coastlines and sea cliffs across England. Forages along the tideline and is less often seen inland than Meadow Pipit.
Year-round
Rook
Corvus frugilegusLC
A common resident of farmland and parkland, nesting in noisy rookeries in tall trees. Large flocks forage across arable fields throughout the year.
Year-round
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Alexandrinus krameriLC
An established resident, especially abundant in London and the Home Counties. Noisy flocks roost communally in parks and suburban areas.
Year-round
Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensisLC
An uncommon resident, now heavily reduced by an eradication programme. Small numbers persist on lakes and reservoirs in the West Midlands.
Year-round
Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpresLC
An uncommon but widespread coastal wader, flipping stones and seaweed to find invertebrates. Present year-round, with numbers highest outside the breeding season.
Year-round
Ruff
Philomachus pugnaxLC
An uncommon wader found on coastal marshes and flooded fields. Numbers peak on passage, though a few breed at fenland reserves in eastern England.
Year-round
Sanderling
Calidris albaLC
An uncommon but regular wader found year-round on sandy beaches, running along the tideline in small flocks. Numbers peak during autumn and winter passage.
Year-round
Sandwich Tern
Thalasseus sandvicensisLC
A common coastal tern found year-round, breeding in noisy colonies on shingle beaches and islands. Often the first tern to arrive in spring.
Year-round
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeusLC
An uncommon resident of open moorland and rough grassland. Hunts by day with buoyant, wavering flight; winter birds frequent coastal marshes and fens.
Year-round
Snow Goose
Anser caerulescensLC
A rare visitor, with most English records likely involving feral or escaped birds. Occasionally seen among wild goose flocks.
Aug–May
Song Thrush
Turdus philomelosLC
A familiar garden and woodland bird with a rich, repeating song delivered from prominent perches. Resident year-round, though numbers are bolstered by continental migrants in winter.
Year-round
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
A widespread resident raptor found in woodlands, parks, and gardens throughout England. Often seen dashing low along hedgerows in pursuit of small birds.
Year-round
Spotted Redshank
Tringa erythropusLC
An uncommon wader found mainly on coastal marshes and estuaries. Most numerous on autumn passage, with small numbers lingering through winter.
Year-round
Stock Dove
Columba oenasLC
A common year-round resident of farmland, parkland and woodland edges. Nests in tree holes and is often overlooked alongside Wood Pigeons.
Year-round
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
A common resident of heathland, gorse-covered hillsides, and coastal scrub. Males are striking with dark heads and bright orange breasts year-round.
Year-round
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
A widespread but nocturnal resident of mature woodland, parks, and churchyards. Its familiar hooting call is heard year-round.
Year-round
Treecreeper
Certhia familiarisLC
A common resident of mature woodland, spiralling up tree trunks in search of insects. Present year-round but easily overlooked.
Year-round
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
A common diving duck found year-round on lakes, reservoirs and park ponds across England. Males sport a distinctive drooping head crest in breeding plumage.
Year-round
Velvet Scoter
Melanitta fuscaVU
A rare sea duck found in small numbers off the east and north-east coasts. Often associates with Common Scoter flocks; best spotted by seawatching.
Jun–Apr
Water Rail
Rallus aquaticusLC
A secretive resident of marshes and reedbeds, more often heard than seen. Its pig-like squealing call from dense vegetation is a characteristic sound of English wetlands.
Year-round
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
A year-round resident of reedbeds and marshes, now thriving after a dramatic recovery. East Anglian wetlands remain a stronghold.
Year-round
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopusLC
An uncommon wader present year-round but most conspicuous on spring and autumn passage along coasts. Its distinctive rippling call carries far across estuaries.
Year-round
White-tailed Sea-eagle
Haliaeetus albicillaLC
Recently reintroduced to England, this impressive raptor is an uncommon resident. The Isle of Wight programme has established a small but growing population.
Year-round
Whooper Swan
Cygnus cygnusLC
An uncommon winter visitor from Iceland and Scandinavia, favouring flooded fields and large lakes. Its bugling call distinguishes it from the resident Mute Swan.
Year-round
Willow Tit
Poecile montanusLC
An uncommon and rapidly declining resident of damp woodland and scrub. Now largely restricted to parts of central and northern England.
Year-round
Woodlark
Lullula arboreaLC
An uncommon year-round resident of lowland heaths and forest clearings, mainly in southern England. Its sweet, descending song is a hallmark of sandy heathland.
Year-round
Woodpigeon
Columba palumbusLC
One of England's most abundant and familiar birds, found year-round in gardens, parks, farmland, and woodland. Its cooing song is a ubiquitous countryside sound.
Year-round
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, often mixed in with Herring Gull flocks. Most frequent in southern England, especially in late summer.
Year-round
Yellowhammer
Emberiza citrinellaLC
A common resident of hedgerows and farmland, though declining in many areas. Its bright song is a familiar sound of the English countryside.
Year-round
Breeding
(1)
Non-breeding
(18)
Bohemian Waxwing
Bombycilla garrulusLC
A rare winter visitor from Scandinavia, arriving in irruption years to strip berry bushes in supermarket car parks and suburban gardens across eastern England.
Oct–Apr
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
An uncommon winter visitor from Scandinavia, often joining Chaffinch flocks in woodland and farmland. Numbers vary considerably from year to year.
Sep–Apr
Glaucous Gull
Larus hyperboreusLC
A rare winter visitor from the Arctic, appearing at harbours, landfill sites, and coastal roosts between November and March.
Nov–Mar
Great Grey Shrike
Lanius excubitorLC
A rare winter visitor favouring heathland and scrubby commons, mainly in southern England. Perches prominently on bushes and treetops while hunting.
Oct–Mar
Hooded Crow
Corvus cornixLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, occasionally seen in eastern and northern England during winter. Easily distinguished from Carrion Crow by its grey body.
Oct–Apr
Horned Lark
Eremophila alpestrisLC
A rare non-breeding visitor wintering on shingle beaches and saltmarshes along the east coast. Often found alongside Snow Buntings.
Oct–Mar
Jack Snipe
Lymnocryptes minimusLC
A secretive winter visitor to boggy marshes and wet meadows, arriving from northern breeding grounds. Often sits tight and flushes silently at close range.
Sep–Apr
Little Auk
Alle alleLC
A rare winter visitor to English waters, sometimes driven ashore by autumn and winter storms. Tiny and compact, it is the smallest member of the auk family.
Oct–Jan
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
An uncommon winter visitor to coastal waters and offshore areas, arriving from Arctic breeding grounds. Most regularly seen off the east coast.
Sep–Apr
Ring-billed Gull
Larus delawarensisLC
A rare Nearctic winter visitor, typically found among large gull flocks at reservoirs and coastal sites from December to April. Requires careful identification.
Dec–Apr
Rough-legged Hawk
Buteo lagopusLC
A rare winter visitor from Scandinavia, favouring open farmland and coastal marshes mainly in eastern England. Often hovers while hunting for voles.
Oct–Feb
Smew
Mergellus albellusLC
A smart winter visitor to reservoirs and gravel pits, mainly in south-east England. The striking black-and-white males are a highlight of cold-weather birding.
Oct–Apr
Snow Bunting
Plectrophenax nivalisLC
An uncommon non-breeding visitor to shingle beaches and coastal fields from October to March. Most reliably found along the Norfolk and Suffolk coasts.
Oct–Mar
Tundra Bean Goose
Anser serrirostrisLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, with small flocks wintering mainly in Norfolk's Yare Valley. Careful separation from Taiga Bean Goose is required.
Jul–Mar
Tundra Swan
Cygnus columbianusLC
An uncommon winter visitor from Arctic Russia, arriving from October. Favours flooded grasslands and wetlands, notably in the Somerset Levels.
Oct–Mar
Twite
Linaria flavirostrisLC
An uncommon non-breeding visitor to English saltmarshes and coastal fields from autumn to spring. Breeds in the uplands of northern Britain.
Oct–Apr
Water Pipit
Anthus spinolettaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to watercress beds, marshes and reservoir margins from October to April. Easily confused with the commoner Rock Pipit.
Oct–Apr
Yellow-browed Warbler
Phylloscopus inornatusLC
An uncommon autumn visitor from Siberia, mainly seen along the east coast in October. Increasingly recorded in recent years.
Sep–Jan
Passage
(3)
Grey Phalarope
Phalaropus fulicariusLC
A rare autumn and winter passage visitor, typically driven inshore by Atlantic storms. Most often seen at coastal headlands and harbours.
Aug–Dec
Hooded Merganser
Lophodytes cucullatusLC
A rare North American vagrant; English records are debated as some may involve escapes. Occasionally found on lakes and reservoirs in winter.
Dec–May
Temminck's Stint
Calidris temminckiiLC
A rare passage migrant, mainly in spring and autumn, favouring freshwater pool margins. Most records come from eastern England.
May–Dec