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 93–115 of 160 species
Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
An uncommon resident of rough grassland, allotments, and scrubby farmland margins. Numbers have declined nationally but small flocks persist locally.
Year-round
Little Egret
Egretta garzettaLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, now seen year-round at wetland sites and river margins. A relatively recent coloniser of the Manchester area.
Year-round
Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollisLC
An uncommon year-round resident on ponds, canals, and quiet lodge pools. Its distinctive trilling call often betrays its presence.
Year-round
Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutusLC
A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally noted at reservoirs in April. Its buoyant, tern-like flight makes it distinctive among local gulls.
Apr
Little Owl
Athene noctuaLC
A rare resident found on farmland and rough pasture at the rural fringes of Greater Manchester. Declining and increasingly hard to find.
Jan–Sep
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubiusLC
Breeds at gravel pits and reservoir margins from spring into summer. A subtle wader, best found by its descending call.
Mar–Sep
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
A rare passage visitor in April and November, very occasionally appearing on reservoirs during cold-weather movements.
Nov–Apr
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatusLC
A common and charming resident, roaming hedgerows and gardens in noisy family flocks. Easily found in parks and woodland edges throughout the year.
Year-round
Spotted something?
Upload a photo to identify it
Identify
Magpie
Pica picaLC
A bold and abundant resident throughout the region, thriving in gardens, parks, and hedgerows. One of Manchester's most familiar birds.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
Abundant on canals, park ponds, and rivers throughout the city year-round. The most familiar duck in the region.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A rare but established resident, favouring wooded lakes and lodges where it nests in tree holes. A striking exotic addition.
Year-round
Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensisLC
A year-round resident of rough grassland and moorland on the Pennine fringes. Less common in lowland urban areas of Greater Manchester.
Year-round
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
A common year-round resident of parks, playing fields, and woodland edges. Often sings from tall trees even in midwinter.
Year-round
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropusLC
A common resident found on canals, park lakes, and lodge edges throughout the year, often seen foraging boldly along bankside paths.
Year-round
Muscovy Duck
Cairina moschataLC
A rare resident of likely domestic or feral origin, sporadically recorded on park ponds and canal margins.
Sep–May
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A familiar sight on canals, park lakes, and the River Mersey year-round. Breeds readily across the urban area.
Year-round
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
An uncommon resident of farmland and moorland fringes, with numbers boosted in winter by flocks on flooded fields. Declining nationally.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor from autumn through winter, occasionally found on reservoirs and flooded farmland in small numbers.
Sep–Feb
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
Present year-round on shallow lakes and lodges, sweeping its broad bill through the water. Numbers peak in winter.
Year-round
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinusLC
A rare but iconic year-round resident, nesting on tall city-centre buildings and hunting pigeons over the rooftops.
Year-round
Pied-billed Grebe
Podilymbus podicepsLC
An extremely rare American vagrant; any November record on local waters is exceptional for the region.
Nov
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
Skeins fly over the city in autumn and winter, commuting between coastal roosts and inland feeding fields.
Sep–Apr
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
An uncommon year-round resident on deeper lakes and reservoirs. Numbers are declining nationally, making local birds notable.
Year-round