Birds in Derbyshire
Explore 169 species found in this region.
Derbyshire is a wonderfully diverse county for birdwatching, with 168 species recorded across its varied landscapes of Peak District moorlands, limestone dales, reservoirs, and lowland farmland. From the elegant Northern Lapwing displaying over upland fields to the striking Great Grey Shrike on rare winter visits, the county offers rewarding birding throughout the year. Notable species include Eurasian Woodcock in its ancient woodlands, Common Merganser along its rivers, and the eye-catching Mandarin Duck, which has established a growing presence in the region.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Barn Swallow arriving this month, and Cattle Egret and Greater White-fronted Goose depart for the season.
Showing 162–169 of 169 species
Willow Tit
Poecile montanusLC
A rare and declining resident, favouring damp scrubby woodland. One of the UK's fastest-declining species, making Derbyshire records notable.
Year-round
Willow Warbler
Phylloscopus trochilusLC
A common summer visitor breeding in moorland edges and open woodland across the Peak District, arriving from April and departing by September.
Apr–Sep
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareolaLC
A rare August passage migrant, occasionally stopping at shallow pools and reservoir edges on southward migration.
Aug
Wood Warbler
Phylloscopus sibilatrixLC
A rare passage visitor in late spring, occasionally heard singing in mature oak woodland in the Peak District's western valleys.
May–Jun
Woodpigeon
Columba palumbusLC
An abundant year-round resident, thriving in Derbyshire's farmland, parks, and gardens. Its cooing song is one of the county's most familiar sounds.
Year-round
Yellow Wagtail
Motacilla flavaLC
A rare and declining summer breeder in lowland Derbyshire, favouring damp meadows and arable fields from April to September.
Apr–Sep
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
A rare visitor to reservoirs and tips, with records scattered across the year. Requires careful separation from Herring Gull.
Jun–Jan
Yellowhammer
Emberiza citrinellaLC
An uncommon but distinctive resident of lowland farmland hedgerows, singing its 'little-bit-of-bread-and-no-cheese' song in spring.
Year-round