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 139–160 of 160 species
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
A year-round resident that hunts small birds through suburban gardens and parkland. Increasingly seen darting along hedgerows across Greater Manchester.
Year-round
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
A rare and declining summer breeder, arriving in May. Favours woodland edges and mature gardens, sallying from exposed perches for insects.
May–Sep
Stock Dove
Columba oenasLC
An uncommon year-round resident, favouring parkland and mature woodland edges with old trees providing nest holes.
Year-round
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
A rare resident favouring moorland edges and rough grassland on the fringes of Greater Manchester. Often perches prominently on gorse or fence posts.
Year-round
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
A secretive year-round resident of mature woodland and wooded parks, more often heard hooting at dusk than seen.
Year-round
Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialisLC
A rare autumn passage migrant passing through in August and September. Favours woodland clearings and scrubby edges on the Pennine fringe.
Aug–Sep
Treecreeper
Certhia familiarisLC
An unobtrusive resident spiralling up tree trunks in mature woodland and parks. Listen for its thin, high-pitched call year-round.
Year-round
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
Common on park lakes, reservoirs, and lodges throughout the year. Dives frequently, often in sizeable winter flocks.
Year-round
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Water Rail
Rallus aquaticusLC
A secretive resident of reedbeds and marshy margins, more often heard squealing than seen at sites like Pennington Flash.
Year-round
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
A rare but increasing breeding visitor to reedbeds and wetlands on the fringes of Greater Manchester.
Mar–Sep
Wheatear
Oenanthe oenantheLC
An uncommon breeder on upland moorland edges east of the city. Also seen on passage at lowland sites in spring and autumn.
Mar–Oct
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopusLC
A rare spring passage migrant in April and May, sometimes detected by its distinctive rippling call as it passes over the region.
Apr–May
Whinchat
Saxicola rubetraLC
A rare passage migrant in spring and autumn, pausing on scrubby moorland edges and rough grassland. Most likely seen in April–May or August–September.
Apr–Sep
Whitethroat
Curruca communisLC
A common summer breeder arriving in April, favouring hedgerows, scrub, and bramble patches. Its scratchy song is a hallmark of warm days.
Apr–Sep
Whooper Swan
Cygnus cygnusLC
A rare autumn passage visitor, occasionally seen on larger water bodies in October and November en route south.
Oct–Nov
Willow Tit
Poecile montanusLC
An uncommon and declining resident of damp woodland and scrubby edges. One of the UK's most threatened species, with scattered sites across the region.
Year-round
Willow Warbler
Phylloscopus trochilusLC
A common summer breeder found in scrubby woodland and moorland edges. Its sweet descending song is a hallmark of spring across Greater Manchester.
Apr–Sep
Wood Warbler
Phylloscopus sibilatrixLC
A rare passage migrant glimpsed briefly in May. Prefers mature deciduous woodland but is seldom recorded, reflecting steep national declines.
May
Woodpigeon
Columba palumbusLC
An abundant year-round resident of parks, gardens, and woodland throughout the region. Large flocks often gather on playing fields in winter.
Year-round
Yellow Wagtail
Motacilla flavaLC
An uncommon summer breeder found on damp pastures and farmland edges. Arrives in April and departs by September; declining across the region.
Apr–Sep
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
A rare visitor, occasionally breeding locally. Look for yellow legs among the commoner gull flocks at reservoirs and landfill sites.
Nov–Jan
Yellowhammer
Emberiza citrinellaLC
A rare resident of farmland hedgerows on the rural fringes. Has declined significantly but can still be found singing from exposed perches.
Year-round