Birds in Durham
Explore 199 species found in this region.
Durham is a richly diverse county for birdwatching, with 197 recorded species found across its varied landscapes of upland moorland, river valleys, coastal stretches, and ancient woodlands. From the striking Northern Lapwing displaying over farmland to the elusive Eurasian Woodcock in dense woodland, the county offers rewarding birding throughout the year. Notable species include the colourful Mandarin Duck along wooded waterways, Common Merganser on the River Wear, and Horned Lark on the high Pennine tops.
Visiting in April? Look out for Barn Swallow and Common Redstart arriving this month, and Bar-tailed Godwit and Common Scoter depart for the season.
Showing 93–115 of 199 species
Hawfinch
Coccothraustes coccothraustesLC
A rare and elusive passage visitor, occasionally recorded in Durham's mature woodlands during winter months.
Jan–Feb
Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneusLC
A rare passage visitor in late summer, occasionally seen quartering over moorland and coastal fields in August and September.
Aug–Sep
Horned Grebe
Podiceps auritusVU
A rare passage visitor in winter and autumn, occasionally found on sheltered coastal waters or larger inland reservoirs.
Oct–Feb
Horned Lark
Eremophila alpestrisLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded along the Durham coast in late winter. Favours short-cropped coastal grassland.
Feb
House Martin
Delichon urbicumLC
An uncommon summer visitor nesting under eaves in towns and villages. Numbers have declined notably in recent decades.
Apr–Oct
House Sparrow
Passer domesticusLC
A common resident closely tied to Durham's towns and villages, nesting under eaves and gathering in noisy colonies.
Year-round
Jack Snipe
Lymnocryptes minimusLC
A secretive and rare passage visitor, occasionally flushed from boggy margins and wet meadows. Most likely encountered in late winter.
Feb
Jackdaw
Coloeus monedulaLC
Common and sociable resident, nesting in old buildings, church towers, and tree cavities. Often seen in noisy flocks with rooks.
Year-round
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Kestrel
Falco tinnunculusLC
An uncommon year-round resident, hovering over roadside verges and open farmland. One of Durham's most visible birds of prey.
Year-round
Kittiwake
Rissa tridactylaVU
Breeds in small numbers on Durham's coastal cliffs from spring through autumn. This declining species is increasingly scarce across the UK.
Mar–Nov
Lapland Longspur
Calcarius lapponicusLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally recorded on coastal stubble fields and short grassland around Durham in September.
Sep
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscusLC
Uncommon year-round resident, more numerous in summer. Frequents the coast, landfill sites, and inland water bodies.
Year-round
Lesser Whitethroat
Curruca currucaLC
A rare breeding visitor favouring tall hedgerows and scrubby thickets. Near the northern edge of its English range in Durham.
Apr–Oct
Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
An uncommon resident of Durham's gorse-covered commons and farmland hedgerows, declining due to loss of seed-rich habitats.
Year-round
Little Auk
Alle alleLC
A rare November visitor, sometimes driven close inshore or even inland by strong North Sea gales. A prized find for seawatchers.
Nov
Little Egret
Egretta garzettaLC
A recent colonist now resident year-round, favouring the Wear and Tees estuaries and coastal pools. Still uncommon but increasingly established.
Year-round
Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollisLC
An uncommon year-round resident on sheltered ponds, lakes, and slow rivers. Often heard before seen, with a distinctive trilling call.
Year-round
Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutusLC
A rare passage migrant in September, occasionally spotted at coastal pools or offshore. Its dainty, buoyant flight is distinctive.
Sep
Little Owl
Athene noctuaLC
A rare resident of lowland farmland with old trees and stone walls. Often bobs comically when perched; most active at dawn and dusk.
Nov–Sep
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubiusLC
A rare summer breeder favouring gravel pits and reservoir margins. One of the earliest spring migrants, arriving from April.
Apr–Aug
Little Stint
Calidris minutaLC
A rare autumn passage migrant in August–September, found at coastal scrapes and freshwater margins. Tiny size helps distinguish it from Dunlin.
Aug–Sep
Little Tern
Sternula albifronsLC
A rare summer breeder from May to August, nesting on shingle beaches along the Durham coast. Vulnerable to disturbance and declining.
May–Aug
Long-eared Owl
Asio otusLC
A rare and secretive passage visitor, occasionally recorded in summer. Roosts in dense cover and is easily overlooked.
Jul