Birds in Kent
Explore 236 species found in this region.
Kent, known as the 'Garden of England', is home to an impressive 227 recorded bird species, reflecting the county's rich diversity of habitats from coastal marshes and estuarine mudflats to ancient woodlands and rolling farmland. The North Kent Marshes and the White Cliffs of Dover are among the most celebrated birding locations in southern England, attracting both resident and migratory species throughout the year. Notable species include the elegant Northern Lapwing on farmland, the striking Mandarin Duck along wooded waterways, and waders such as the Common Sandpiper along the county's extensive coastline.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Jaeger and Arctic Tern arriving this month, and Common Loon and Common Merganser depart for the season.
Showing 231–236 of 236 species
Woodpigeon
Columba palumbusLC
An abundant resident seen across Kent in woodlands, parks, and gardens. Huge autumn flocks gather on farmland, swelled by continental migrants.
Year-round
Wryneck
Jynx torquillaLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, most often found in September at coastal migration hotspots like Dungeness and Sandwich Bay.
Sep
Yellow Wagtail
Motacilla flavaLC
An uncommon summer breeder favouring Kent's low-lying grazing marshes and arable fields. Has declined significantly in southeast England in recent years.
Apr–Oct
Yellow-browed Warbler
Phylloscopus inornatusLC
A rare but increasingly regular autumn vagrant from Siberia, turning up in September and October at coastal sites like Dungeness and Sandwich Bay.
Sep–Oct
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
A rare year-round resident, most frequently noted in late summer. Best looked for among Herring Gull flocks along the coast.
Year-round
Yellowhammer
Emberiza citrinellaLC
An uncommon but year-round resident of farmland hedgerows and scrubby field margins. Declining but still heard singing across rural Kent.
Year-round