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 70–92 of 204 species
European Pied Flycatcher
Ficedula hypoleucaLC
An uncommon summer breeder favouring mature oak woodlands, particularly in the Dart and Teign valleys. Readily uses nestboxes.
Apr–Sep
European Robin
Erithacus rubeculaLC
One of Devon's most familiar garden birds, present year-round and singing through much of the winter. Fiercely territorial despite its gentle appearance.
Year-round
European Shag
Phalacrocorax aristotelisLC
Resident on Devon's rocky coasts, favouring cliffs and harbours. Smaller and darker than the Great Cormorant.
Year-round
European Storm-petrel
Hydrobates pelagicusLC
A rare August passage visitor, occasionally seen from Devon's headlands during seawatches in stormy conditions off the south-west coast.
Aug
European Turtle-dove
Streptopelia turturVU
Now critically rare, occasionally recorded on spring passage in May. Devon lies on its declining migration route through southern England.
May
Fieldfare
Turdus pilarisLC
An uncommon winter visitor arriving from Scandinavia, often seen in flocks feeding on hedgerow berries across Devon's farmland from October to March.
Oct–Mar
Firecrest
Regulus ignicapillaLC
An uncommon resident favouring evergreen woodland and sheltered valleys. Devon is a stronghold, with numbers boosted by autumn continental migrants.
Sep–Jul
Fulmar
Fulmarus glacialisLC
Breeds on Devon's dramatic sea cliffs, notably at Hartland and Berry Head. Present most of the year but scarce in autumn.
Dec–Sep
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Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
A rare year-round resident on Devon's freshwater lakes and marshes. Often overlooked among flocks of other dabbling ducks.
Year-round
Garden Warbler
Sylvia borinLC
A rare and secretive summer breeder in dense scrubby woodland. Present from April to September, more often heard than seen.
Apr–Sep
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A rare passage migrant, occasionally seen on Devon's freshwater marshes in spring and again in late summer.
Mar–Sep
Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellusLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to Devon's wetlands, appearing mainly in late summer and autumn on coastal marshes.
Aug–Feb
Goldcrest
Regulus regulusLC
A common resident of coniferous and mixed woodland. Tiny but vocal, its high-pitched call is a familiar sound in Devon's woods and gardens.
Year-round
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricariaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to Devon's farmland and estuaries from autumn to spring. Flocks sometimes gather on wet pastures.
Sep–Mar
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
Rare winter visitor to Devon's reservoirs and estuaries from November to March. The striking black-and-white males are easiest to spot.
Nov–Mar
Grasshopper Warbler
Locustella naeviaLC
A rare passage visitor in spring, occasionally heard reeling from dense scrub on Devon's heathlands. Extremely skulking and difficult to observe.
Apr–May
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
A common and imposing resident found along Devon's coast and estuaries year-round. The largest gull regularly seen in the county.
Year-round
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carboLC
Common throughout the year on Devon's estuaries, reservoirs, and coastline. Often seen perched with wings outstretched to dry.
Year-round
Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatusLC
An uncommon year-round resident on Devon's larger lakes, reservoirs, and estuaries. Its elaborate courtship display is a highlight of spring.
Year-round
Great Grey Shrike
Lanius excubitorLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded on Devon's heathlands and open scrub in early spring. A scarce winter visitor to southern England.
Mar
Great Skua
Catharacta skuaLC
Powerful and piratical, occasionally spotted from Devon headlands during autumn seawatches. Most likely in stormy conditions between August and October.
Aug–Oct
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos majorLC
Common in Devon's woodlands, parks, and gardens year-round. Its loud drumming is a familiar sound in spring.
Year-round
Great Tit
Parus majorLC
A common resident found in virtually every Devon habitat with trees. A dominant visitor to garden feeders with a bold, assertive character.
Year-round