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 139–161 of 204 species
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
A declining resident found on Devon's farmland and estuaries year-round. Winter flocks on the Exe can be impressive.
Year-round
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottosLC
An exceptionally rare vagrant from North America, recorded only as a brief passage bird in April. A remarkable find for any Devon birder.
Apr
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
An uncommon winter visitor to Devon's estuaries and coastal marshes. Elegant and long-tailed, favouring the Exe and Taw.
Sep–Apr
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
An uncommon resident found on Devon's wetlands and estuaries. Numbers increase in winter with continental arrivals.
Jul–May
Osprey
Pandion haliaetusLC
A rare but thrilling autumn passage migrant, seen fishing over Devon's estuaries and reservoirs from August to October.
Aug–Oct
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinusLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, nesting on Devon's sea cliffs and occasionally on urban buildings. Spectacular stoops on prey at high speed.
Year-round
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
A rare non-breeding visitor to Devon's lakes and reservoirs. This nationally declining species is most likely in winter months.
Aug–Apr
Pomarine Jaeger
Stercorarius pomarinusLC
A rare passage migrant seen from coastal watchpoints in late summer. Bulkier than Arctic Jaeger, with distinctive twisted central tail feathers in adults.
Aug
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Purple Sandpiper
Calidris maritimaLC
A scarce winter visitor favouring rocky shorelines and breakwaters. Most reliably found along Devon's exposed north coast from November to March.
Nov–Mar
Razorbill
Alca tordaLC
Breeds on Devon's dramatic sea cliffs and winters offshore. Often seen at sites like Berry Head and Lundy Island year-round.
Year-round
Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostraLC
A rare and irruptive resident of conifer plantations, notably on Dartmoor and in Haldon Forest. Numbers vary greatly between years.
Aug–Jun
Red Kite
Milvus milvusLC
A rare breeding bird in Devon, part of the species' gradual spread into south-west England. Seen soaring over farmland in spring.
Apr–Jun
Red Knot
Calidris canutusNT
Scarce on Devon's estuaries compared to larger east coast sites. Small flocks occasionally appear on the Exe mudflats, mainly in winter and on passage.
Jul–Apr
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serratorLC
Winters on Devon's estuaries and sheltered coasts, often seen fishing in small groups on the Exe or Taw-Torridge estuaries.
Oct–Apr
Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufinaLC
A rare passage visitor in late winter, occasionally appearing on Devon's larger lakes. Origins may be wild or feral.
Feb–Mar
Red-legged Partridge
Alectoris rufaNT
A rare and localised bird in Devon, occasionally seen on arable farmland during spring and autumn. Largely sustained by releases.
Oct–May
Red-necked Grebe
Podiceps grisegenaLC
A rare winter visitor to Devon's estuaries and sheltered bays, mainly in November to February. Often solitary and easily overlooked.
Nov–Feb
Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellataLC
A rare non-breeding visitor from November to April. Seen in Devon's coastal waters and estuaries, often flying low over the sea.
Nov–Apr
Redshank
Tringa totanusLC
Common on Devon's estuaries year-round, with its loud piping calls a familiar sound on the Exe and Taw mudflats. Numbers bolstered by winter visitors.
Year-round
Redwing
Turdus iliacusNT
An uncommon winter visitor from Scandinavia, arriving from October. Feeds on berries in hedgerows and fields, often alongside fieldfares.
Oct–Mar
Reed Bunting
Emberiza schoeniclusLC
An uncommon resident of reedbeds, marshes, and wet ditches. Found at sites like the Exe Estuary and Slapton Ley throughout the year.
Year-round
Ring Ouzel
Turdus torquatusLC
A rare passage migrant glimpsed briefly in April and October on Dartmoor's high ground and coastal headlands during migration.
Oct–Apr
Ringed Plover
Charadrius hiaticulaLC
Present year-round on Devon's shingle beaches and estuarine mudflats. Breeds on a few coastal sites but numbers remain modest.
Year-round