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 116–138 of 204 species
Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
Found year-round on coastal scrub, farmland, and gorse-covered commons. Numbers have declined but flocks still gather on stubble fields in winter.
Year-round
Little Egret
Egretta garzettaLC
Now a common resident along Devon's estuaries and coasts, having colonised since the 1990s. Readily seen on the Exe Estuary year-round.
Year-round
Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollisLC
An uncommon but year-round resident on Devon's ponds, lakes, and sheltered waterways. Its distinctive whinnying call often reveals its presence.
Year-round
Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutusLC
A scarce winter visitor, occasionally spotted in January off Devon's coast or at estuaries. Much smaller and daintier than other gulls.
Jan
Little Owl
Athene noctuaLC
A rare visitor, occasionally recorded in early summer. Scarce across Devon, favouring lowland farmland with old orchards.
Jun–Jul
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubiusLC
A rare summer breeder in Devon, nesting on gravel margins of reservoirs and rivers from March to August.
Mar–Aug
Little Stint
Calidris minutaLC
A rare passage migrant, mainly in autumn, picking through mudflats alongside Dunlin. Tiny size and delicate feeding action help distinguish it from commoner waders.
Aug–Jan
Long-billed Dowitcher
Limnodromus scolopaceusNT
A rare Nearctic vagrant occasionally recorded on Devon's estuaries and marshes, most likely in autumn. Any sighting generates considerable birding interest.
Oct–Feb
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Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
A rare winter visitor to Devon's coast, occasionally seen in sheltered bays and estuaries during January and February.
Jan–Feb
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatusLC
A common and charming resident of hedgerows and woodland. Often seen in noisy family flocks moving acrobatically through Devon's trees.
Year-round
Magpie
Pica picaLC
A common and conspicuous resident throughout Devon's towns, villages, and farmland. Bold and adaptable, frequently seen in gardens.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
A common year-round resident found on virtually any freshwater across Devon, from farm ponds to estuaries and town parks.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A rare but striking resident found on wooded rivers and lakes. Males are unmistakable with their ornate plumage.
Year-round
Manx Shearwater
Puffinus puffinusLC
A rare breeder on Lundy Island, seen offshore from April to October. Best spotted during calm evening seawatches.
Apr–Oct
Marsh Tit
Poecile palustrisLC
An uncommon resident of Devon's mature deciduous woodlands and hedgerows. Sedentary and territorial, often found in the same patch year-round.
Year-round
Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensisLC
An uncommon resident of Dartmoor's open grasslands and coastal clifftops. Numbers swell in autumn with passage birds moving through.
Year-round
Merlin
Falco columbariusLC
A rare passage visitor, most likely seen over Dartmoor or coastal headlands in autumn and early winter. Dashing flight low over open ground.
Oct–Mar
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
An uncommon resident of parkland, orchards and open woodland. Often sings from treetops in late winter, earlier than most thrushes.
Year-round
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropusLC
A common resident of Devon's ponds, streams, and waterways year-round. Often seen picking along muddy banks with a flicking tail.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A familiar year-round resident gracing Devon's rivers, estuaries and town lakes. Pairs nest along waterways across the county.
Year-round
Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeusLC
A scarce summer breeder on Devon's lowland heaths, arriving in May. Best detected by its churring song at dusk on warm evenings.
May–Jul
Northern Gannet
Morus bassanusLC
Seen offshore year-round, often plunge-diving spectacularly. Regularly observed from headlands such as Berry Head and Prawle Point.
Year-round
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisLC
A rare passage visitor in late winter, occasionally noted in Devon's larger wooded valleys. Secretive and easily confused with Sparrowhawk.
Feb–Mar