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 139–161 of 236 species
Long-tailed Jaeger
Stercorarius longicaudusLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally spotted from coastal headlands like Dungeness during September seawatches.
Sep
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatusLC
A charming year-round resident of hedgerows and woodland edges, often seen in busy family parties moving through Kent's gardens.
Year-round
Magpie
Pica picaLC
A common and conspicuous resident of gardens, hedgerows and farmland throughout Kent, easily recognised by its bold pied plumage.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
Kent's most widespread duck, common year-round on virtually any body of water from town park ponds to coastal marshes and estuaries.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A rare but established resident, favouring wooded lakes and rivers. Small numbers breed in Kent, often nesting in tree holes near quiet waterways.
Year-round
Manx Shearwater
Puffinus puffinusLC
A rare passage visitor seen during summer and early autumn seawatches, mainly from Dungeness headland.
Jun–Sep
Marsh Tit
Poecile palustrisLC
A rare and declining resident of mature deciduous woodland. Sedentary by nature, it favours ancient woods in the Weald and North Downs.
Nov–Jul
Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensisLC
A common year-round resident of Kent's open grasslands, marshes and coastal areas. Numbers increase in winter with an influx of continental birds.
Year-round
Spotted something?
Upload a photo to identify it
Identify
Merlin
Falco columbariusLC
A rare winter visitor from September to April, hunting small birds over marshes and open coast. Most often seen on the North Kent Marshes.
Sep–Apr
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
An uncommon resident of parkland, orchards and open woodland across Kent. Often seen defending berry-laden trees in winter with its rattling call.
Year-round
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropusLC
A common resident on ponds, lakes and ditches throughout Kent. Easily spotted by its red frontal shield and jerky swimming style.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A familiar sight on Kent's rivers, lakes, and coastal waters year-round. Breeds widely and is often seen on the Medway and Stour.
Year-round
Nightingale
Luscinia megarhynchosLC
Kent is one of Britain's key strongholds. An uncommon breeder in dense scrub and coppiced woodland from April to July.
Apr–Jul
Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeusLC
A rare passage visitor in June, occasionally found on heathland. Breeds very locally in Kent's remaining heathy woodlands.
Jun
Northern Gannet
Morus bassanusLC
Uncommon but regularly seen offshore year-round, often plunge-diving for fish. Best observed from seawatching points like Dungeness.
Year-round
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisLC
A rare passage visitor to Kent, occasionally recorded in late winter. Sightings are increasing as this secretive raptor slowly recolonises southern England.
Feb–Mar
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
A familiar resident of farmland and marshes year-round. Winter flocks gather on the North Kent Marshes in good numbers.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
An uncommon visitor, most numerous in winter on coastal marshes and estuaries. Elegant flocks favour the Swale and North Kent Marshes.
Aug–Jun
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
Found year-round on freshwater marshes and lakes, with numbers boosted in winter. Favours shallow wetlands at Stodmarsh, Cliffe, and Dungeness.
Year-round
Northern Yellow Warbler
Setophaga aestivaLC
A rare transatlantic vagrant, occasionally recorded in Kent during December. One of the most sought-after American passerines for UK birders.
Dec
Osprey
Pandion haliaetusLC
A rare but eagerly anticipated passage migrant, seen at Kent's reservoirs and estuaries mainly in spring and early autumn.
May–Sep
Pallid Swift
Apus pallidusLC
An exceptionally rare late-autumn vagrant, occasionally recorded among Common Swift flocks during November passage.
Nov
Pectoral Sandpiper
Calidris melanotosLC
A rare Nearctic vagrant, occasionally turning up on freshwater marshes and coastal pools in August and September.
Aug–Sep