Birds in Manchester
Explore 160 species found in this region.
Manchester's diverse landscapes, from urban parks and canal corridors to the moorland fringes of the Pennines, support an impressive array of birdlife, with 159 species recorded across the county. Notable species include the Pink-footed Goose, which arrives in large flocks during winter, the striking Mandarin Duck found along wooded waterways, and the charismatic Northern Lapwing on surrounding farmland. Whether you're exploring the Mersey Valley, the mosslands, or the reservoirs of the eastern hills, Manchester offers rewarding birding opportunities throughout the year.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Black Tern arriving this month, and Eurasian Woodcock and Jack Snipe depart for the season.
Showing 24–46 of 160 species
Common Loon
Gavia immerLC
A rare winter visitor, very occasionally recorded on larger reservoirs. Known as Great Northern Diver in Britain; any sighting is a notable event.
Jan
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
Frequents the Mersey and Irwell rivers year-round, often seen fishing in fast-flowing stretches. Known locally as goosander.
Year-round
Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicusLC
An uncommon resident on farmland and green fringes around the city. Released birds sustain the population year-round.
Year-round
Common Raven
Corvus coraxLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, spreading from the Pennine moorland edges into more urban areas. Its deep cronking call is now heard year-round.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
An uncommon resident found in birch and alder woodland, particularly along river valleys. Small, twittering flocks forage acrobatically in treetops.
Year-round
Common Redstart
Phoenicurus phoenicurusLC
A rare passage migrant in spring and autumn, occasionally pausing in parks and woodland edges. Breeds nearby in Pennine oak woods.
Apr–Sep
Common Reed-warbler
Acrocephalus scirpaceusLC
An uncommon summer visitor breeding in reedbeds at local wetland reserves like Woolston Eyes and Sale Water Park from April to September.
Apr–Sep
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucosLC
An uncommon breeding visitor from April to September, bobbing along stony riverbanks and reservoir edges across the region.
Apr–Sep
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Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
A rare and unexpected inland visitor, occasionally appearing on larger reservoirs during spring, summer, or autumn passage.
Mar–Oct
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
A rare resident on reservoirs and sewage works, present mainly from winter through summer before a moulting departure.
Jan–Sep
Common Snipe
Gallinago gallinagoLC
An uncommon resident of boggy moorland edges and marshy fields, more conspicuous in winter when birds gather at lowland wetlands.
Year-round
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgarisLC
A common resident forming spectacular winter murmurations over the city centre. Numbers boosted by continental arrivals in colder months.
Year-round
Common Swift
Apus apusLC
Screaming parties fill the skies above terraced streets from May to August, nesting under eaves. Departs by early autumn.
Apr–Sep
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
An uncommon breeding visitor from April to August, nesting on rafts and islands at sites like Pennington Flash and Elton Reservoir.
Apr–Aug
Coot
Fulica atraLC
Common on reservoirs, lodges, and canal basins across Greater Manchester, often gathering in large flocks in winter.
Year-round
Corn Bunting
Emberiza calandraLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded in late spring and summer. Has declined severely across northern England and is now very scarce.
May–Jul
Cuckoo
Cuculus canorusLC
A scarce passage visitor, heard calling around woodland edges in late spring. Declining nationally, making any record notable.
May–Aug
Curlew
Numenius arquataNT
Breeds on upland moorland fringing the city, arriving from February. A declining species of conservation concern.
Feb–Aug
Dipper
Cinclus cinclusLC
A rare but charismatic resident of fast-flowing streams on the Pennine fringe. Bobs on rocks along the Goyt, Tame, and upper Mersey.
Year-round
Dunlin
Calidris alpinaLC
A rare resident breeding on high Pennine moorland in summer and visiting lowland wetlands in passage periods. Numbers are small but regular.
Feb–Nov
Dunnock
Prunella modularisLC
A common but unassuming resident of hedgerows, gardens, and scrub. Its shuffling gait and thin song are familiar across Greater Manchester.
Year-round
Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiacaLC
A rare visitor, likely of feral origin, occasionally spotted on park lakes and waterways during summer and early autumn.
Jun–Sep
Eurasian Collared Dove
Streptopelia decaoctoLC
A familiar resident in suburban gardens and housing estates, its monotonous three-note call heard throughout the year.
Year-round