Birds in London
Explore 158 species found in this region.
London is home to a remarkable 156 bird species, thriving across the capital's diverse habitats — from the expansive wetlands of the Lee Valley and the Royal Parks to suburban gardens and the tidal Thames. Notable species include Mandarin Duck, Eurasian Woodcock, and Northern Lapwing, alongside familiar favourites like Great Tit, Magpie, and Common Starling. To discover which species you're most likely to encounter, explore our guide to the 20 Most Common Birds in London: Gardens, Parks & Urban Hotspots.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Bar-tailed Godwit arriving this month, and Black Swan and Brambling depart for the season.
Showing 139–158 of 158 species
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
A rare passage migrant through London, occasionally spotted in parks and gardens during May and again in late summer as birds head south.
May–Sep
Stock Dove
Columba oenasLC
A common but often overlooked resident of London's parks and wooded areas. Nests in tree holes and old buildings.
Year-round
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
An uncommon resident found on heathland and scrubby margins around London's outer fringes. Often perches prominently on gorse or fences.
Year-round
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
A rare but resident owl of mature parkland and wooded commons. Its distinctive hooting call is heard in areas like Richmond Park and Highgate.
Aug–May
Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialisLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally recorded in open parkland and scrubby areas during August and September on southward migration.
Aug–Sep
Treecreeper
Certhia familiarisLC
A rare but year-round resident, creeping mouse-like up tree trunks in mature woodland. Best found in larger parks with old-growth trees.
Year-round
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
A common diving duck on park lakes, reservoirs, and gravel pits throughout the year. Often seen alongside Pochard and Coot.
Year-round
Water Pipit
Anthus spinolettaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to London's reservoirs and watercress beds from October to April. Easily confused with the commoner Meadow Pipit.
Oct–Apr
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Water Rail
Rallus aquaticusLC
An uncommon and secretive visitor to reedbeds and marshy edges, mainly from autumn to spring. More often heard squealing than seen.
Aug–Apr
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
A rare resident, found year-round at larger marshes and wetland reserves such as those in the Lee Valley. Numbers have slowly increased in recent decades.
Year-round
Wheatear
Oenanthe oenantheLC
An uncommon visitor to open ground and playing fields from March to October. Often seen on passage, pausing briefly on short turf.
Mar–Oct
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopusLC
A rare passage migrant, heard calling overhead in spring and late summer as it moves between Arctic breeding grounds and African wintering sites.
Apr–Aug
Whinchat
Saxicola rubetraLC
An uncommon passage migrant in spring and autumn, favouring rough grassland and scrubby edges at reservoirs and marshes across the capital.
Apr–Sep
Whitethroat
Curruca communisLC
A common summer breeder arriving in April, favouring scrubby hedgerows and bramble patches. Its scratchy song is a feature of London's wilder green spaces.
Apr–Sep
Willow Warbler
Phylloscopus trochilusLC
An uncommon summer breeder in London's scrubby heathlands and woodland edges. Declining in the capital, now scarcer than Chiffchaff.
Mar–Sep
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareolaLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally stopping at London's wetlands in August and September on southward migration.
Aug–Sep
Woodpigeon
Columba palumbusLC
One of London's most abundant birds, thriving in gardens, parks, and streets year-round. Its cooing song is a constant urban soundtrack.
Year-round
Wryneck
Jynx torquillaLC
A rare and prized autumn passage migrant, occasionally found in coastal-influenced scrub and gardens during September.
Sep
Yellow Wagtail
Motacilla flavaLC
An uncommon summer breeder on wet meadows and marshes at London's edges. Declining nationally, making local sightings increasingly noteworthy.
Apr–Oct
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
A rare but year-round resident, increasingly identified among London's large gull flocks at reservoirs and landfill sites.
Year-round