Common Birds in Durham
29 species matching this filter.
Durham is a diverse county for birdwatching, with habitats ranging from the North Pennine moorlands in the west to the North Sea coastline in the east, supporting a rich variety of common species. Among the 29 commonly seen birds are familiar favourites such as Blackbird, Chaffinch, and European Goldfinch, alongside aerial specialists like Barn Swallow and Common Swift. Many of these species also feature in our guide to 23 Common Garden Birds in the UK (Full Guide with Pictures), making Durham's gardens and parks excellent places to start birdwatching.
Showing 24–29 of 29 species
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
The commonest duck in the county, found year-round on rivers, lakes, park ponds and farmland pools throughout Durham.
Year-round
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropusLC
A common resident of ponds, rivers and waterways throughout Durham. Readily seen on urban park lakes and along the River Wear.
Year-round
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
A common resident of Durham's farmland and upland pastures year-round. Declining nationally but still seen in tumbling display flights over fields in spring.
Year-round
Song Thrush
Turdus philomelosLC
A common resident of gardens, hedgerows and woodland across Durham. Its melodious, repetitive song is heard from late winter onwards.
Year-round
Willow Warbler
Phylloscopus trochilusLC
A common summer visitor breeding in woodland, scrub and moorland edges from April to September. Its gentle descending song is a hallmark of Durham's spring.
Apr–Sep
Woodpigeon
Columba palumbusLC
An abundant resident found in gardens, parks, woodland, and farmland throughout the county. Numbers swell in autumn with continental immigrants.
Year-round