Birds in East Riding of Yorkshire
Explore 233 species found in this region.
The East Riding of Yorkshire supports an impressive diversity of birdlife, with around 230 species recorded across its varied landscapes. From the dramatic chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head and Bempton to the expansive wetlands of the Humber Estuary, the region offers habitats that attract everything from breeding seabird colonies to scarce migrants such as Bluethroat and Great Grey Shrike. Wading birds like Northern Lapwing and Dotterel, along with coastal specialists such as Common Shelduck, make this county a rewarding destination for birdwatchers year-round.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Barn Swallow arriving this month, and Bearded Tit and Greater White-fronted Goose depart for the season.
Showing 139–161 of 233 species
Long-tailed Jaeger
Stercorarius longicaudusLC
A rare offshore passage migrant in late summer, occasionally seen from Flamborough Head and Spurn during strong onshore winds.
Aug–Sep
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatusLC
A common resident found year-round in hedgerows, woodlands and gardens, often seen in lively, acrobatic flocks moving through trees and shrubs.
Year-round
Magpie
Pica picaLC
A bold and conspicuous resident, common in gardens, hedgerows and farmland throughout the region year-round.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
An abundant resident found on virtually any waterbody, from farm ponds to the Humber. Breeds widely across the region's wetlands and urban parks.
Year-round
Manx Shearwater
Puffinus puffinusLC
Uncommon offshore, mainly seen from Flamborough Head and Spurn during passage from late spring through autumn.
May–Nov
Marsh Tit
Poecile palustrisLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to the East Riding, occasionally seen in woodland edges and hedgerows during autumn and winter months.
Nov–Apr
Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensisLC
A common resident of open grassland, moorland edges, and coastal fields. Large numbers move through in autumn, often calling overhead.
Year-round
Merlin
Falco columbariusLC
An uncommon resident, breeding on upland moorland edges and wintering on lowland marshes and the coast. Often seen dashing low after small birds.
Jul–May
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Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
An uncommon resident of parkland and open woodland, often seen on playing fields. Sings its far-carrying song from treetops even in winter.
Year-round
Montagu's Harrier
Circus pygargusLC
A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally noted over farmland and marshes in May before continuing northward.
May
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropusLC
A common resident of ponds, lakes and waterways throughout the East Riding. Easily spotted by its red frontal shield and jerky swimming style.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A familiar common resident on rivers, lakes, and ponds across the region, breeding widely each spring.
Year-round
Northern Gannet
Morus bassanusLC
A familiar sight off the Yorkshire coast year-round, with the huge Bempton colony being one of mainland England's only gannetries.
Year-round
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
A common but declining resident, breeding on farmland and gathering in large winter flocks. Its tumbling display flight is a classic spring sight.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
An uncommon but elegant duck, present mainly in winter on the Humber and surrounding marshes. Absent during midsummer, returning from August.
Aug–May
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
A common resident on shallow lakes and wetlands, with numbers boosted by continental birds in winter.
Year-round
Osprey
Pandion haliaetusLC
A rare but regular passage migrant in spring and autumn, occasionally spotted fishing at reservoirs and along the Humber.
May–Sep
Pectoral Sandpiper
Calidris melanotosLC
A rare autumn passage vagrant from August to October, occasionally turning up at freshwater marshes and flooded fields.
Aug–Oct
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinusLC
An uncommon but year-round resident, seen around coastal cliffs and increasingly in urban areas. Regularly hunts waders and pigeons at Spurn.
Year-round
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
Uncommon but regular, with large skeins passing over in autumn and winter en route to and from roost sites.
Sep–May
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
A declining resident found on lakes and gravel pits year-round. Winter numbers are boosted by continental arrivals at sites like Hornsea Mere.
Year-round
Pomarine Jaeger
Stercorarius pomarinusLC
A rare autumn passage migrant seen offshore from August to November, most reliably spotted during seawatches at Flamborough Head.
Aug–Nov
Purple Sandpiper
Calidris maritimaLC
A rare winter visitor to rocky outcrops at Flamborough Head and Bridlington harbour, absent during midsummer months.
Sep–May