Common Birds in Hertfordshire
56 species matching this filter.
Hertfordshire is home to 56 commonly spotted bird species, reflecting the county's rich mix of parkland, farmland, woodland and urban gardens. From familiar favourites like the Blackbird and European Goldfinch to impressive raptors such as the Buzzard, there is plenty to discover across the county's diverse habitats. If you're keen to learn more about everyday species, our guide to 23 Common Garden Birds in the UK (Full Guide with Pictures) is a great place to start.
Showing 24–46 of 56 species
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
A common year-round resident found on reservoirs, gravel pits and lakes. Numbers bolstered in winter by Continental arrivals.
Year-round
Goldcrest
Regulus regulusLC
Britain's smallest bird, resident in coniferous and mixed woodland across the county. Its thin, high-pitched call is easily overlooked.
Year-round
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carboLC
A common sight at reservoirs, gravel pits, and rivers throughout the year. The Lee Valley provides important fishing and roosting sites for this species.
Year-round
Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatusLC
A common resident on larger lakes and reservoirs throughout Hertfordshire. Its elaborate courtship display is a highlight of spring at Tring Reservoirs.
Year-round
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos majorLC
A common resident of mature woodland, parks and large gardens. Its loud drumming in spring is a familiar sound across the county's wooded areas.
Year-round
Great Tit
Parus majorLC
One of the most familiar garden visitors across Hertfordshire, present all year. Bold and vocal, readily uses nest boxes in gardens and woodland edges.
Year-round
Greenfinch
Chloris chlorisLC
A common resident of gardens and hedgerows, though numbers have declined due to trichomonosis disease. Still widespread across the county.
Year-round
Grey Heron
Ardea cinereaLC
A common year-round resident, often seen standing motionless at gravel pits, rivers, and garden ponds across the county.
Year-round
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Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
A common year-round resident found on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits across the county. Feral populations thrive alongside park lakes and farmland.
Year-round
House Sparrow
Passer domesticusLC
A familiar year-round resident of towns and villages, nesting colonially under eaves and in hedges. Numbers have declined but it remains common across the county.
Year-round
Jackdaw
Corvus monedulaLC
A common and sociable resident, nesting in church towers, old trees, and chimneys in towns and villages alike.
Year-round
Kestrel
Falco tinnunculusLC
A common resident often seen hovering over roadside verges and open farmland. One of the county's most visible raptors throughout the year.
Year-round
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscusLC
A common year-round resident, seen over towns, at reservoirs and on farmland. Numbers increase notably during autumn passage.
Year-round
Little Egret
Egretta garzettaLC
Now a common resident at lakes, rivers and gravel pits, having colonised the county in recent decades. A real success story.
Year-round
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatusLC
Charming resident seen in roving family flocks through hedgerows and woodland edges. Its delicate long tail and bouncing flight are unmistakable.
Year-round
Magpie
Pica picaLC
A bold and familiar resident of gardens, parks, and hedgerows throughout the county. Easily spotted year-round with its striking black-and-white plumage and long tail.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
The most familiar duck in the county, common on every pond, river, lake and canal year-round. Readily visits park lakes and gardens.
Year-round
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropusLC
A common and familiar resident of ponds, streams and park lakes across the county. Readily seen in urban and suburban settings throughout the year.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A common and elegant year-round resident gracing rivers, lakes and canals across the county. Breeds readily on the Lea and Colne.
Year-round
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
Present year-round on farmland, with winter flocks boosted by continental arrivals. Breeding numbers have declined significantly across the county.
Year-round
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
A common resident on shallow lakes and reservoirs, using its distinctive broad bill to filter-feed. Numbers increase in winter.
Year-round
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
A common resident on deeper lakes and reservoirs, though nationally declining. Winter flocks at Tring Reservoirs can be impressive.
Year-round
Red Kite
Milvus milvusLC
Now a common and iconic sight soaring over the county following successful reintroduction in the Chilterns. Present year-round across most of Hertfordshire.
Year-round