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 April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Black Swan arriving this month, and Arctic Loon and Brambling depart for the season.
Showing 70–92 of 212 species
European Herring Gull
Larus argentatusLC
A common and familiar resident found along the coast, at tips, and increasingly in urban areas year-round.
Year-round
European Pied Flycatcher
Ficedula hypoleucaLC
A rare autumn passage migrant seen briefly in August and September, typically in coastal scrub and woodland edges along the Essex coast.
Aug–Sep
European Robin
Erithacus rubeculaLC
A common year-round garden favourite across Essex, its melodious song heard in every month, even through winter.
Year-round
European Shag
Phalacrocorax aristotelisLC
A rare visitor to the Essex coast in winter, occasionally seen on rocky structures and harbour walls, far less frequent than Cormorant.
Nov–Feb
European Turtle-dove
Streptopelia turturVU
A declining summer breeder arriving in April, favouring hedgerows and woodland edges. Essex remains one of its last strongholds in Britain.
Apr–Sep
Fieldfare
Turdus pilarisLC
An uncommon winter visitor arriving from Scandinavia, often seen in noisy flocks feeding on berries in hedgerows and open farmland.
Oct–Apr
Firecrest
Regulus ignicapillaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor found in sheltered woodland and coastal scrub from October to March, often associating with Goldcrest flocks.
Oct–Mar
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
A common resident found year-round on reservoirs, gravel pits, and marshes. Abberton Reservoir holds significant numbers.
Year-round
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Garden Warbler
Sylvia borinLC
An uncommon summer breeder in mature deciduous woodland with dense understorey. Unobtrusive and best located by its rich, even-paced song.
Apr–Sep
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A rare summer breeder, arriving in spring at freshwater marshes. Essex wetlands like Abberton Reservoir are key sites in the county.
Mar–Sep
Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellusLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally turning up at Essex wetlands in early autumn or late winter. Sightings have increased in recent years.
Sep–Feb
Goldcrest
Regulus regulusLC
An uncommon resident of coniferous and mixed woodland, with numbers boosted by Continental migrants in autumn.
Year-round
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricariaLC
An uncommon visitor to Essex farmland and coastal marshes, mainly outside summer. Winter flocks gather on ploughed fields.
Jul–Apr
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
An uncommon resident found on reservoirs and gravel pits, most conspicuous in winter when numbers are boosted by continental arrivals.
Aug–Jun
Grasshopper Warbler
Locustella naeviaLC
A rare breeding visitor to rough grassland and scrubby wetland margins, best detected by its insect-like reeling song.
Apr–Jul
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
Resident year-round along the Essex coast, frequenting estuaries, harbours, and landfill sites. Numbers peak in winter.
Year-round
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carboLC
A common resident, seen drying its wings at reservoirs, gravel pits, and along the coast. Breeds at inland colonies.
Year-round
Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatusLC
Resident on larger lakes and reservoirs, performing its elaborate courtship display in spring. Numbers increase in winter.
Year-round
Great Grey Shrike
Lanius excubitorLC
A very rare and irregular visitor, occasionally turning up on heathland or open scrub in midwinter.
Jan
Great Skua
Catharacta skuaLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally seen from seawatching points along the Essex coast during September and October storms.
Sep–Oct
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos majorLC
A common resident of mature woodland, parks and gardens, heard drumming on branches year-round. Often visits garden feeders in winter.
Year-round
Great Tit
Parus majorLC
A common year-round resident of gardens, parks and woodland throughout Essex, readily visiting feeders in all seasons.
Year-round
Great White Egret
Ardea albaLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, stalking wetlands and marshes. Now seen year-round, reflecting its national expansion.
Year-round