Birds in Hertfordshire
Explore 153 species found in this region.
Hertfordshire's diverse landscape of reservoirs, river valleys, ancient woodlands, and farmland supports an impressive array of 153 recorded bird species. From the striking Mandarin Duck and Red-crested Pochard found on the county's lakes and waterways to familiar garden visitors like the Great Tit and Magpie, the region offers rewarding birdwatching throughout the year. Notable wetland sites attract waders such as the Northern Lapwing and Common Sandpiper, while the Eurasian Woodcock can be encountered in the county's wooded areas.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Common Reed-warbler arriving this month, and Common Merganser and Eurasian Bittern depart for the season.
Showing 93–115 of 153 species
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
Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollisLC
A resident year-round on ponds, canals and slow rivers across the county. Its whinnying trill is a familiar sound at smaller wetlands.
Year-round
Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutusLC
A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally dropping in at reservoirs during April. A delicate gull that rarely lingers in the county.
Apr
Little Owl
Athene noctuaLC
A scarce resident of farmland with old trees and hedgerows, declining across the county but still found at traditional sites.
Year-round
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubiusLC
An uncommon summer breeder favouring gravel pits and reservoir margins in the Lea and Colne valleys. Arrives from March and departs by August.
Mar–Aug
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
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Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A scarce but resident breeder, favouring wooded rivers and lakes. Most likely encountered along tree-lined stretches of the Lea or Colne valleys.
Year-round
Marsh Tit
Poecile palustrisLC
A scarce resident of mature deciduous woodland, declining across the county. Best found in ancient woods with good understorey, such as those in the Chilterns.
Jun–Apr
Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensisLC
An uncommon resident of rough grassland and open farmland, more conspicuous in winter when numbers are supplemented.
Year-round
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
An uncommon resident of parks, playing fields, and open woodland; one of the earliest songsters, singing from January.
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
Nightingale
Luscinia megarhynchosLC
A rare passage visitor in May, once more widespread as a breeder in the county. Dense scrub and thickets may briefly host singing birds on migration.
May
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 Pintail
Anas acutaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to reservoirs and gravel pits from autumn through winter. Small numbers occasionally appear in the Lea Valley.
Sep–Mar
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
Osprey
Pandion haliaetusLC
A rare autumn passage visitor, occasionally spotted at reservoirs and gravel pits during September migration.
Sep
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinusLC
A rare but increasing resident, now breeding on tall structures in urban areas and hunting over open countryside.
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 Crossbill
Loxia curvirostraLC
A rare autumn passage visitor, occasionally irrupting into conifer plantations in October and November.
Oct–Nov
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