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 139–153 of 153 species
Temminck's Stint
Calidris temminckiiLC
A rare autumn passage wader, occasionally recorded at muddy scrapes in August. A prized find at any Hertfordshire wetland.
Aug
Treecreeper
Certhia familiarisLC
An unobtrusive resident that spirals up tree trunks in mature woodland. Uncommon but present year-round in well-wooded areas of the county.
Year-round
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
A common year-round resident on reservoirs, gravel pits and lakes across the county. Males are striking black and white with a distinctive drooping crest.
Year-round
Water Rail
Rallus aquaticusLC
An uncommon but year-round resident of reedbeds and marshy wetlands. Secretive and more often heard squealing from dense cover than seen in the open.
Year-round
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
A rare passage visitor in spring and autumn, occasionally seen quartering reedbeds and marshes. The Lee Valley wetlands offer the best chance of a sighting.
Apr–Aug
Wheatear
Oenanthe oenantheLC
A rare visitor to open farmland and short grassland, mainly on spring and autumn passage. Ploughed fields and golf courses are favoured stopover sites.
Mar–Sep
Whinchat
Saxicola rubetraLC
A rare passage migrant in late summer, pausing briefly on rough grassland and scrubby fields during southward migration.
Aug–Sep
Whitethroat
Curruca communisLC
A common summer breeder arriving in April, favouring hedgerows, scrubby field margins, and allotments. Its scratchy song is a characteristic sound of the county's lanes.
Apr–Sep
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Whooper Swan
Cygnus cygnusLC
A rare winter visitor occasionally recorded on reservoirs and flooded fields in November and December. Always a notable county sighting.
Nov–Dec
Willow Warbler
Phylloscopus trochilusLC
An uncommon summer visitor breeding in scrubby woodland and heathland edges. Has declined significantly in southern England in recent decades.
Apr–Sep
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareolaLC
A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally dropping in at muddy reservoir margins in May. A sought-after find for county birders.
May
Woodpigeon
Columba palumbusLC
An abundant resident found in gardens, parks, farmland and woodland throughout the county year-round.
Year-round
Yellow Wagtail
Motacilla flavaLC
An uncommon summer breeder on damp meadows and arable fields, declining significantly in the county. The Lee Valley and river floodplains remain key sites.
Apr–Sep
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally picked out among large gull flocks at reservoirs and tips in early spring and winter.
Jul–Apr
Yellowhammer
Emberiza citrinellaLC
An uncommon resident of arable farmland with hedgerows, declining across southern England. Its bright yellow head and jangling song are distinctive.
Year-round