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 162–184 of 195 species
Sedge Warbler
Acrocephalus schoenobaenusLC
An uncommon summer breeder found in reedbeds and waterside vegetation along the Severn Vale wetlands from April to September.
Apr–Sep
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeusLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to open grassland and marshes from October to March. Most likely on the Severn floodplain in harsh winters.
Oct–Mar
Snow Goose
Anser caerulescensLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally appearing among wild goose flocks at Slimbridge, though feral origin is often suspected.
Oct–Mar
Song Thrush
Turdus philomelosLC
A common resident of gardens, hedgerows, and woodland, singing its repeated phrases from early spring across the county.
Year-round
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
An uncommon but widespread resident, hunting small birds in woodlands, hedgerows and gardens throughout the county.
Year-round
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
An uncommon and declining summer visitor, sallying for insects from exposed perches in woodland clearings and churchyards.
May–Oct
Spotted Redshank
Tringa erythropusLC
An uncommon wader found on the Severn Estuary and nearby wetlands. Elegant in breeding plumage during spring passage.
Year-round
Stock Dove
Columba oenasLC
An uncommon resident of farmland and parkland, nesting in old trees across the Cotswolds and Severn Vale.
Year-round
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Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
An uncommon resident favouring gorse-covered commons and rough grassland, found year-round on heathland edges in the county.
Year-round
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
A secretive resident of mature woodland and parkland, rarely seen but its hooting call carries through the Forest of Dean and Cotswold valleys.
Year-round
Temminck's Stint
Calidris temminckiiLC
A rare passage migrant, occasionally stopping at freshwater scrapes and muddy pool edges in May and again in autumn.
May–Nov
Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialisLC
A rare summer breeder arriving in April, favouring open woodland and heathland edges in the Forest of Dean and Cotswold escarpment.
Apr–Sep
Treecreeper
Certhia familiarisLC
An unobtrusive year-round resident spiralling up tree trunks in mature woodland throughout the county.
Year-round
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
A common diving duck found on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits throughout the year. Breeds locally and numbers increase in winter.
Year-round
Tundra Bean Goose
Anser serrirostrisLC
A rare passage visitor to the Severn Vale, occasionally seen among other goose flocks in winter and late summer.
Jul–Feb
Tundra Swan
Cygnus columbianusLC
A winter visitor to the Severn floodplains, arriving from October and favouring wet grasslands at Slimbridge.
Oct–Mar
Water Pipit
Anthus spinolettaLC
A rare autumn passage visitor, occasionally found at watercress beds and wet margins in October and November.
Oct–Nov
Water Rail
Rallus aquaticusLC
An elusive non-breeding visitor to reedbeds and marshy ditches, more often heard squealing than seen, mainly from autumn to spring.
Aug–Apr
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
An uncommon year-round resident, hunting over reedbeds and marshes at Slimbridge and the Severn Vale. Numbers have increased in recent decades.
Year-round
Wheatear
Oenanthe oenantheLC
An uncommon visitor to open Cotswold grassland and hilltops, mainly seen on spring and autumn passage with some lingering into November.
Mar–Nov
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopusLC
An uncommon breeder, present from April to September on upland pastures and wet meadows in the county.
Apr–Sep
Whinchat
Saxicola rubetraLC
A rare passage migrant seen briefly on open grassland and scrubby margins during spring and autumn migration.
Apr–Sep
White-rumped Sandpiper
Calidris fuscicollisVU
A rare Nearctic vagrant, occasionally recorded on passage. A notable find for any Gloucestershire birder.
Nov–Feb