Birds in Devon
Explore 204 species found in this region.
Devon is one of the most rewarding counties in England for birdwatching, with around 200 species recorded across its diverse landscapes. From the rugged coastlines of Exmoor and the South Devon cliffs to the estuaries of the Exe and Taw, the county supports an impressive range of birdlife including waders such as the Northern Lapwing and Common Sandpiper, wildfowl like the Common Shelduck and Mandarin Duck, and occasional rarities such as the Great Grey Shrike. Whether exploring Dartmoor's upland heaths or the sheltered reedbeds of the Exe Estuary, birders will find something to enjoy in every season.
Visiting in April? Look out for Atlantic Puffin and Black-crowned Night-heron arriving this month, and Barn Owl and Barnacle Goose depart for the season.
Showing 24–46 of 204 species
Carrion Crow
Corvus coroneLC
A common and adaptable resident found across all Devon habitats from coast to moorland. One of the county's most familiar birds.
Year-round
Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibisLC
A rare but increasingly regular resident, often seen among livestock on lowland pastures. Part of a recent UK colonisation trend, with a summer gap in records.
Jul–Apr
Cetti's Warbler
Cettia cettiLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, skulking in dense reedbeds and waterside scrub. More often heard than seen, with its explosive song.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
A common and widespread resident of Devon's woodlands, hedgerows and gardens. Its cheerful song is a hallmark of spring.
Year-round
Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybitaLC
A common resident heard year-round in woodlands, hedgerows and gardens. Devon's mild climate supports a wintering population boosted by continental birds.
Year-round
Cirl Bunting
Emberiza cirlusLC
Devon is the UK stronghold for this scarce resident. Found on warm, sheltered farmland along the south coast, especially near the Labrador Bay RSPB reserve.
Year-round
Coal Tit
Periparus aterLC
A common resident of Devon's conifer and mixed woodlands, also visiting garden feeders. Smaller than Blue Tit with a distinctive peaked crest.
Year-round
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
Present year-round but most numerous in winter on estuaries, playing fields, and farmland. Less abundant than Herring or Black-headed Gulls.
Year-round
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Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthisLC
Found year-round along Devon's rivers and sheltered estuaries. A flash of electric blue darting low over the water.
Year-round
Common Loon
Gavia immerLC
A rare but regular visitor to Devon's coast and estuaries, mainly from October to April. Larger and heavier-billed than other divers.
Oct–May
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
Scarce year-round resident on Devon's rivers, favouring fast-flowing stretches on Dartmoor and the Exe catchment for breeding.
Year-round
Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicusLC
Abundant year-round across Devon's farmland, woodland edges, and hedgerows. Frequently encountered on rural walks throughout the county.
Year-round
Common Raven
Corvus coraxLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, favouring Devon's rugged coastline and Dartmoor's tors. Deep cronking calls carry far across open landscapes.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
A rare visitor, most likely in winter when small numbers may join siskin flocks in alder and birch woodland. Absent during late summer.
Oct–Aug
Common Redstart
Phoenicurus phoenicurusLC
An uncommon summer visitor breeding in Devon's western oak woodlands and Dartmoor fringes from April to September.
Apr–Sep
Common Reed-warbler
Acrocephalus scirpaceusLC
An uncommon summer breeder in Devon's reedbeds from April to September. More restricted to Phragmites reed than the similar Sedge Warbler.
Apr–Sep
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucosLC
Bobs along Devon's rivers and rocky shores throughout the year. Breeds beside upland streams on Dartmoor and Exmoor, with wider dispersal in winter.
Year-round
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
Scarce sea duck seen off Devon's coast most of the year, often in small rafts on open water. Numbers peak during autumn passage.
Jul–May
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
A common resident breeding on Devon's estuaries and coasts. Large moulting flocks gather on the Exe Estuary in late summer.
Year-round
Common Snipe
Gallinago gallinagoLC
Found year-round in wet meadows, marshes and estuary margins. Its distinctive 'drumming' display flight can be heard over Devon's moorland bogs in spring.
Aug–Jun
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgarisLC
A common resident forming spectacular winter murmurations, notably at coastal piers. Breeds in buildings and tree holes across the county.
Year-round
Common Swift
Apus apusLC
Breeds in Devon's towns and villages, screaming over rooftops from late April to September. Numbers have declined in recent decades.
Apr–Sep
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
A rare breeder in Devon, arriving from April and lingering into October. Favours estuaries and coastal waters for nesting and fishing.
Apr–Oct