Birds in Gloucestershire
Explore 195 species found in this region.
Gloucestershire is a wonderfully diverse county for birdwatching, with 189 recorded species found across its varied landscapes. From the wetlands of the Severn Estuary and the waterways of the Cotswold Water Park to the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean, the county supports an impressive range of habitats that attract both resident and migratory birds. Notable species include the striking Bluethroat, the elegant Northern Lapwing, the elusive Great Grey Shrike, and the colourful Mandarin Duck.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Jaeger and Arctic Tern arriving this month, and Barn Owl and Black Redstart depart for the season.
Showing 24–46 of 195 species
Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibisLC
A rare but increasingly seen resident, often found alongside livestock on the Severn Vale's wet pastures. A recent colonist of southern England.
Jul–May
Cetti's Warbler
Cettia cettiLC
An uncommon but expanding resident of dense waterside scrub, more often heard than seen at wetland sites like Slimbridge.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
A common resident found year-round in woodlands, hedgerows and gardens. Winter flocks are often boosted by Continental migrants.
Year-round
Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybitaLC
A common resident heard year-round, its repetitive two-note song echoing through woodlands, parks, and gardens across the county.
Year-round
Coal Tit
Periparus aterLC
An uncommon resident of coniferous and mixed woodland, regularly visiting garden feeders in winter. Common in the Forest of Dean.
Year-round
Common Crane
Grus grusLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, part of the recolonisation of western England. Breeds on the Somerset Levels and visits Severn wetlands.
Year-round
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
An uncommon resident seen year-round on playing fields, reservoirs and farmland. Numbers increase in winter with visiting birds from the Continent.
Year-round
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthisLC
An uncommon but year-round resident of clean rivers and streams. A flash of electric blue along the Severn's tributaries and canal banks.
Year-round
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Common Loon
Gavia immerLC
A rare midwinter visitor, occasionally found on larger reservoirs or the Severn Estuary during harsh weather.
Jan
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to rivers and lakes, most likely seen on the Severn in the colder months.
Oct–Apr
Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicusLC
Present year-round in farmland and woodland edges across the county, sustained largely by releases for shooting.
Year-round
Common Quail
Coturnix coturnixLC
A rare and elusive passage bird, more often heard than seen calling from Cotswold arable fields in July.
Jul
Common Raven
Corvus coraxLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, often seen soaring over the Cotswold escarpment and Forest of Dean with deep, cronking calls.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
A rare resident, most likely encountered in birch and alder woodland. Largely absent during summer months, with numbers bolstered by winter visitors.
Sep–May
Common Redstart
Phoenicurus phoenicurusLC
An uncommon summer breeder favouring mature oak woodland with nest holes, particularly in the Forest of Dean.
Apr–Oct
Common Reed-warbler
Acrocephalus scirpaceusLC
An uncommon summer breeder arriving in April, found in reedbeds along the Severn Estuary and at wetland reserves like Slimbridge.
Apr–Sep
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucosLC
An uncommon resident along rivers and reservoir edges. Most conspicuous during passage, bobbing on rocks by the water.
Apr–Feb
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally appearing on reservoirs or gravel pits during July and November movements.
Jul–Nov
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
A common resident found year-round on the Severn Estuary mudflats and nearby wetlands. Breeds locally and gathers in moulting flocks.
Year-round
Common Snipe
Gallinago gallinagoLC
An uncommon resident of marshy fields and wetland edges, most conspicuous in winter when flushed from waterlogged grassland.
Jul–May
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgarisLC
A common resident forming spectacular winter murmurations, notably over reedbeds at Slimbridge and urban roost sites.
Year-round
Common Swift
Apus apusLC
An uncommon summer breeder, screaming over towns from April to September. Nests in older buildings in Gloucester and Cheltenham.
Apr–Sep
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
An uncommon summer breeder, nesting on islands at Cotswold Water Park gravel pits from April to September.
Apr–Sep