Birds in Lancashire
Explore 200 species found in this region.
Lancashire boasts a rich and diverse birdlife, with 195 recorded species found across its varied landscapes of coastal estuaries, moorland uplands, and fertile lowland farmland. The county's extensive coastline along Morecambe Bay and the Ribble Estuary provides vital habitat for wading birds such as Northern Lapwing and Common Sandpiper, while its inland waters attract species including Common Merganser, Northern Pintail, and the striking Mandarin Duck. From the high-altitude Dotterel on the Bowland Fells to the familiar Great Tit and Magpie in gardens and hedgerows, Lancashire offers outstanding birdwatching opportunities throughout the year.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Barn Swallow arriving this month, and Barnacle Goose and Brambling depart for the season.
Showing 162–184 of 200 species
Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpresLC
An uncommon but regular visitor to rocky shores and jetties, present mostly outside summer, feeding among seaweed-covered stones.
Aug–May
Ruff
Philomachus pugnaxLC
An uncommon year-round presence on Lancashire's wetlands and coastal marshes, often seen at sites like Martin Mere and the Ribble Estuary.
Year-round
Sabine's Gull
Xema sabiniLC
A rare and highly sought-after passage visitor, occasionally recorded in July during seawatches, usually after strong westerly winds.
Jul
Sand Martin
Riparia ripariaLC
An uncommon summer breeder arriving from March, nesting colonially in sandy riverbanks along the Ribble and Lune valleys.
Mar–Sep
Sanderling
Calidris albaLC
A rare but regular presence on Lancashire's sandy beaches, especially along the Fylde coast. Runs energetically at the tide line.
Year-round
Sandwich Tern
Thalasseus sandvicensisLC
A rare breeder present April to September, favouring sandy and shingle coastlines. Often seen plunge-diving offshore.
Apr–Sep
Sedge Warbler
Acrocephalus schoenobaenusLC
An uncommon breeding visitor arriving in April, favouring reedbeds and waterside scrub. Its distinctive chattering song carries across Lancashire's wetlands.
Apr–Sep
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeusLC
A rare winter visitor to Lancashire's mosses and coastal marshes, quartering low over rough grassland in search of voles.
Dec–Feb
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Snow Bunting
Plectrophenax nivalisLC
A rare winter passage visitor, occasionally turning up on the Lancashire coast in December, favouring sandy beaches and saltmarshes.
Dec
Song Thrush
Turdus philomelosLC
A common year-round resident of gardens, hedgerows and woodland. Its rich, repeated song phrases are a familiar sound from early spring.
Year-round
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
A resident raptor found in woodlands, parks, and increasingly suburban gardens. Often seen dashing low along hedgerows hunting small birds.
Year-round
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
A rare and declining summer breeder from May to September, sallying for insects from exposed perches in woodland clearings and gardens.
May–Sep
Spotted Redshank
Tringa erythropusLC
A rare visitor to Lancashire's estuaries and coastal pools, most likely on the Ribble. Seen in most months except midsummer.
Jul–May
Stock Dove
Columba oenasLC
An uncommon but widespread resident, nesting in tree holes on farmland and parkland. Often overlooked among larger Woodpigeon flocks.
Year-round
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
An uncommon resident of gorse-clad moorland edges and coastal scrub. Often perches prominently, flicking its tail and giving a sharp call.
Year-round
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
An uncommon resident of mature woodland and parkland. More often heard than seen, its hooting call carries through Lancashire's woods after dark.
Year-round
Temminck's Stint
Calidris temminckiiLC
A rare spring passage migrant in May, occasionally stopping at muddy pool edges on coastal marshes and reservoirs.
May
Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialisLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally noted in late spring and late summer on moorland edges and open woodland in the county's eastern uplands.
May–Aug
Treecreeper
Certhia familiarisLC
An uncommon but year-round resident, spiralling up tree trunks in mature woodland and parkland. Easily overlooked due to its cryptic plumage.
Year-round
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
A common resident on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits throughout the county. Breeds widely and numbers increase in winter.
Year-round
Tundra Bean Goose
Anser serrirostrisLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded on Lancashire's wetlands in January and March among other wintering goose flocks.
Jan–Mar
Tundra Swan
Cygnus columbianusLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally found on flooded fields and wetlands such as Martin Mere between November and March.
Nov–Mar
Twite
Linaria flavirostrisLC
A rare winter visitor, small flocks gather on the Fylde coast and Morecambe Bay saltmarshes from November to March. A declining species nationally.
Nov–Mar