Birds in Essex
Explore 212 species found in this region.
Essex is a remarkably rewarding county for birdwatching, with 208 recorded species found across its diverse mosaic of coastal marshes, estuaries, ancient woodlands and urban parklands. The Thames Estuary and the Blackwater and Colne estuaries provide internationally important habitat for wintering wildfowl and waders, including Brent Goose, Eurasian Wigeon and Northern Pintail. From scarce visitors like the Great Grey Shrike and Great Skua to established populations of Mandarin Duck and Common Shelduck, the county offers exceptional birding opportunities throughout the year.
Visiting in June? Look out for Green Sandpiper and Marsh Tit arriving this month, and Arctic Tern and Black Tern depart for the season.
Showing 208–212 of 212 species
Woodpigeon
Columba palumbusLC
An abundant year-round resident found in virtually every habitat from dense woodland to suburban gardens. Large flocks gather on arable fields in autumn.
Year-round
Yellow Wagtail
Motacilla flavaLC
An uncommon summer breeder arriving from March, favouring low-lying arable fields and coastal grazing marshes. Essex is one of its remaining strongholds in England.
Mar–Oct
Yellow-browed Warbler
Phylloscopus inornatusLC
A rare October passage migrant from Siberia, occasionally found in coastal scrub and gardens along the Essex coast.
Oct
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
An uncommon but increasing presence, found at reservoirs, tips, and estuaries across Essex for most of the year. Often mixed with other gulls.
May–Mar
Yellowhammer
Emberiza citrinellaLC
An uncommon resident of farmland hedgerows, declining across much of its range. Its bright yellow plumage and jangling song enliven Essex country lanes.
Year-round