Birds to See in Northumberland in January
140 species matching this filter.
Northumberland supports a rich diversity of birdlife even in the depths of winter, with around 140 species recorded during January across its varied landscapes of rugged coastline, upland moors, and sheltered river valleys. The county's estuaries and coastal mudflats attract wintering wildfowl and waders such as Common Shelduck and Northern Lapwing, while farmland and woodland edges host species like Barn Owl, Great Tit, and Linnet. January is also an excellent time to spot Eurasian Woodcock flushing from cover and flocks of Common Starling performing spectacular murmurations at dusk.
Leaving after last month4
Resident
(116)
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponicaNT
Found year-round on coastal mudflats and estuaries such as Lindisfarne. Numbers peak in winter when Arctic-breeding birds arrive on passage.
Year-round
Barn Owl
Tyto albaLC
A rare but year-round resident, hunting over rough grassland and farmland. Nest boxes have aided its presence in the county.
Year-round
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
Small numbers linger year-round, but the Svalbard population winters spectacularly on Lindisfarne's mudflats in their thousands.
Sep–Jul
Black Redstart
Phoenicurus ochrurosLC
A rare and elusive visitor, occasionally spotted around coastal buildings and industrial sites, mainly during passage periods.
Oct–Apr
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosaNT
Present year-round in small numbers on coastal estuaries and wet grasslands, with peak counts during autumn passage.
Year-round
Blackbird
Turdus merulaLC
A common resident of gardens, hedgerows, and woodland. Numbers are boosted in autumn by Continental migrants arriving on the coast.
Year-round
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleusLC
An abundant and familiar resident of gardens, hedgerows, and woodlands year-round, readily visiting feeders even in the coldest months.
Year-round
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
A shy, year-round resident of hedgerows, woodland edges, and mature gardens. Its soft piping call is often heard before the bird is seen.
Year-round
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, soaring over farmland, moorland edges and wooded valleys throughout the year.
Year-round
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common resident found year-round on lakes, reservoirs and parkland throughout Northumberland. Often seen in large flocks on grassy fields.
Year-round
Carrion Crow
Corvus coroneLC
A common and familiar resident across farmland, towns, and gardens year-round. Often seen in mixed flocks with rooks and jackdaws.
Year-round
Cetti's Warbler
Cettia cettiLC
A rare resident at the northern fringe of its expanding British range, skulking in dense waterside vegetation and betrayed by its explosive song.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
A common resident of woodland, hedgerows, and gardens. Autumn flocks are swelled by Continental migrants on the coast.
Year-round
Coal Tit
Periparus aterLC
A year-round resident favouring conifer plantations such as Kielder Forest and mixed woodland, often visiting garden feeders in winter.
Year-round
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
A common resident found year-round on farmland, coasts, and playing fields. Often seen alongside other gulls at harbours and tips.
Year-round
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
An uncommon resident breeding along upland rivers such as the Tyne and Coquet. More widespread in winter when birds move to lowland waters.
Year-round
Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicusLC
Widespread and common across farmland, woodland edges, and hedgerows year-round. Populations bolstered by regular releases for shooting.
Year-round
Common Raven
Corvus coraxLC
A rare but increasing resident, favouring upland crags and moorland. Its deep croaking call carries far across the Cheviot Hills.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
A rare year-round resident, favouring birch and alder woodland. Small flocks may visit garden feeders in winter.
Year-round
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
Uncommon but present year-round in offshore waters. Dark flocks can be seen from coastal vantage points, sometimes in sizeable rafts during winter.
Year-round
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
A common resident of Northumberland's estuaries and sandy coasts, often nesting in rabbit burrows. Readily seen at Lindisfarne and Budle Bay.
Year-round
Common Snipe
Gallinago gallinagoLC
Resident in wet grasslands, moorland bogs and rushy fields across the county. Its drumming display flight is a characteristic sound of upland Northumberland.
Year-round
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgarisLC
A common resident forming spectacular winter murmurations, particularly near coastal towns. Breeds in holes in buildings and trees.
Year-round
Coot
Fulica atraLC
A common resident of lakes and reservoirs across the county. Aggressive and territorial when breeding, forming larger flocks in winter.
Year-round
Curlew
Numenius arquataNT
A common resident whose evocative call defines Northumberland's upland moors in spring. Moves to estuaries and coasts outside the breeding season.
Year-round
Dipper
Cinclus cinclusLC
A scarce but charismatic resident of fast-flowing upland streams and rivers, bobbing on rocks in the Cheviots and North Pennine valleys.
Year-round
Dunlin
Calidris alpinaLC
Present year-round on estuaries and mudflats, with large winter flocks at Lindisfarne and smaller numbers breeding on upland moors.
Year-round
Dunnock
Prunella modularisLC
A common and widespread resident of hedgerows, gardens, and scrubby woodland edges throughout the county year-round.
Year-round
Eider
Somateria mollissimaNT
A common resident along the coast, with large rafts off the Farne Islands and Coquet Island. Breeds on offshore islands in summer.
Year-round
Eurasian Collared Dove
Streptopelia decaoctoLC
An uncommon resident of villages, farms and suburban gardens. Its monotonous three-note call is a familiar sound around Northumberland's settlements.
Year-round
Eurasian Jay
Garrulus glandariusLC
A scarce resident of mature broadleaved and mixed woodland, more often heard than seen. Near the northern edge of its British range here.
Year-round
Eurasian Nuthatch
Sitta europaeaLC
An uncommon but increasing resident of mature deciduous woodland, often found in parkland settings. Loud calls echo through the trees year-round.
Year-round
Eurasian Oystercatcher
Haematopus ostralegusNT
A common year-round resident, feeding on mussels and cockles along Northumberland's rocky shores and sandy estuaries. Noisy, piping calls are a hallmark of the coast.
Year-round
Eurasian Siskin
Spinus spinusLC
An uncommon resident breeding in conifer forests. Visits garden feeders in winter, especially near woodland.
Year-round
Eurasian Skylark
Alauda arvensisLC
A common resident of open farmland and moorland fringes, delivering its soaring song flight from early spring across the county's uplands.
Year-round
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Passer montanusLC
An uncommon year-round resident, often found around farmyards and rural edges, less tied to human habitation than its commoner cousin.
Year-round
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
Common and widespread on coastal marshes, flooded fields and reservoirs. Large winter flocks gather at Lindisfarne and other key Northumberland wetlands.
Year-round
Eurasian Woodcock
Scolopax rusticolaLC
A secretive resident of damp woodland, best seen during roding display flights at dusk over Kielder and other forests.
Oct–Jun
Eurasian Wren
Troglodytes troglodytesLC
A common resident found in hedgerows, gardens, and woodland throughout the county. Its loud song belies its tiny size.
Year-round
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelisLC
A colourful and common resident, frequently seen in chattering flocks feeding on teasel, thistle, and garden nyjer seed feeders.
Year-round
European Herring Gull
Larus argentatusLC
Abundant year-round along the coast and in towns. Breeds on rooftops and cliffs, and scavenges readily at harbours and landfill sites.
Year-round
European Robin
Erithacus rubeculaLC
One of Northumberland's most familiar garden birds, present year-round and singing through winter in woodlands, hedgerows, and parks.
Year-round
European Shag
Phalacrocorax aristotelisLC
Breeds on rocky cliffs and the Farne Islands. Present year-round, favouring rougher coastline over harbours compared to cormorants.
Year-round
Fulmar
Fulmarus glacialisLC
Breeds on sea cliffs along the Northumberland coast and Farne Islands. Present year-round with a distinctive stiff-winged flight.
Year-round
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
A common resident on lakes, reservoirs, and sheltered wetlands throughout the county. Breeds at sites like Gosforth Park and Druridge Bay.
Year-round
Goldcrest
Regulus regulusLC
An uncommon resident of coniferous and mixed woodland. Numbers swell in autumn with continental migrants arriving along the coast.
Year-round
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricariaLC
An uncommon resident breeding on upland moorland in summer. Large winter flocks gather on coastal fields and estuarine margins.
Year-round
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
An uncommon resident, most conspicuous in winter on rivers and lakes. A small breeding population exists in Northumberland's wooded river valleys.
Year-round
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
A common and imposing resident along the Northumberland coast and at harbours, also frequenting inland reservoirs and rubbish tips year-round.
Year-round
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carboLC
A common resident found year-round along the coast and inland rivers. Often seen drying outstretched wings on rocks at the Farne Islands.
Year-round
Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatusLC
An uncommon year-round resident on larger lakes and reservoirs. Elaborate courtship displays can be seen in spring.
Year-round
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos majorLC
An uncommon resident of mature broadleaved and mixed woodlands. Listen for its distinctive drumming in spring across Northumberland's valleys.
Year-round
Great Tit
Parus majorLC
A common resident of woodlands, hedgerows and gardens. A familiar visitor to bird feeders across the county throughout the year.
Year-round
Greater Scaup
Aythya marilaLC
A rare diving duck found on sheltered coastal waters and estuaries, mainly in winter. Absent during the summer breeding months.
Jul–Apr
Greenfinch
Chloris chlorisLC
Present year-round but declining, found in gardens, hedgerows, and woodland edges. Numbers have dropped sharply due to disease.
Year-round
Grey Heron
Ardea cinereaLC
A common year-round resident found along rivers, lakes, and estuaries. Heronries are established at several sites across the county.
Year-round
Grey Partridge
Perdix perdixLC
An uncommon and declining resident of arable farmland and rough grassland. Coveys may be found on Northumberland's lowland fields year-round.
Year-round
Grey Plover
Pluvialis squatarolaLC
Frequents estuaries and mudflats such as Budle Bay and Lindisfarne, most numerous in autumn and winter passage periods.
Aug–May
Grey Wagtail
Motacilla cinereaLC
An uncommon resident favouring fast-flowing streams and rivers. Often bobs its long tail on rocks in upland burns.
Year-round
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
A common resident found on farmland, lakes and coastal marshes throughout the year. Feral and wild populations mix, especially around Lindisfarne in winter.
Year-round
House Sparrow
Passer domesticusLC
A familiar year-round resident of Northumberland's towns, villages, and farmsteads, often nesting under eaves and gathering in noisy flocks.
Year-round
Jackdaw
Corvus monedulaLC
A common and sociable resident found around farmland, villages, and castle ruins, often nesting in old stone buildings and chimney pots.
Year-round
Kestrel
Falco tinnunculusLC
An uncommon resident often seen hovering over roadside verges and moorland edges. Present year-round but declining nationally.
Year-round
Kittiwake
Rissa tridactylaVU
Breeds in noisy cliff colonies on the Farnes and at Dunstanburgh, though numbers are declining sharply across the region.
Year-round
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscusLC
Present year-round but uncommon, seen along the coast and at inland tips. Less numerous here than Herring or Black-headed Gulls.
Year-round
Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
Common across Northumberland's gorse-covered hillsides and farmland hedgerows, often forming large flocks on stubble fields in winter.
Year-round
Little Egret
Egretta garzettaLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, now seen regularly at estuaries and coastal pools, reflecting its northward range expansion.
Year-round
Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollisLC
A common resident of sheltered ponds, lakes, and slow-flowing rivers, often heard giving its distinctive whinnying trill from dense cover.
Year-round
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatusLC
An uncommon resident, moving through hedgerows and woodland edges in lively, chattering flocks. Present year-round across the county.
Year-round
Magpie
Pica picaLC
A common and conspicuous resident of farmland, gardens and hedgerows throughout the county. Easily recognised by its bold pied plumage.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
Abundant and familiar year-round on rivers, lakes, ponds, and estuaries across the county. Readily seen in parks and farmland.
Year-round
Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensisLC
A common resident of Northumberland's open moorlands and rough grasslands, its thin call a constant soundtrack to the upland Cheviots.
Year-round
Merlin
Falco columbariusLC
A rare resident breeding on upland moorland. More visible in autumn and winter when birds move to lower ground and the coast.
Jul–Apr
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
An uncommon resident of parkland and open woodland, often singing boldly from treetops even in midwinter storms.
Year-round
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropusLC
A common year-round resident found on ponds, rivers and village lakes, often seen flicking its white undertail as it forages.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A familiar year-round resident on rivers, lakes and sheltered coastal waters. Pairs nest along the Tyne and other lowland waterways across the county.
Year-round
Northern Gannet
Morus bassanusLC
Regularly seen offshore year-round, often plunge-diving spectacularly. Passes close to shore near the Farne Islands and Bamburgh.
Year-round
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
A common but declining resident of farmland and wetland margins. Large winter flocks form on ploughed fields across Northumberland's lowlands.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
A rare resident, most likely seen in winter on coastal pools and estuaries. Largely absent during midsummer months.
Aug–May
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
An uncommon resident of shallow wetlands and flooded fields, using its distinctive broad bill to filter-feed. Numbers increase in winter.
Year-round
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinusLC
A rare but year-round resident nesting on crags and tall buildings. Hunts over the coast and moorland across the county.
Year-round
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
Winters in large skeins around Lindisfarne and coastal fields from September to April. One of Northumberland's great wildlife spectacles at dawn and dusk.
Sep–May
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
An uncommon year-round resident on lakes and reservoirs, though nationally declining. Winter numbers may be boosted by continental arrivals.
Year-round
Purple Sandpiper
Calidris maritimaLC
Clings to rocky shorelines and harbour walls nearly year-round. The Farne Islands, Seahouses, and Amble piers are reliable spots.
Jul–May
Razorbill
Alca tordaLC
Breeds on the Farne Islands cliffs and winters at sea, often visible from shore in large rafts during the nesting season.
Year-round
Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostraLC
A rare resident of conifer plantations, especially around Kielder. Numbers fluctuate with cone crop availability.
Year-round
Red Grouse
Lagopus lagopus scoticaLC
A scarce resident of heather moorland in the Cheviot Hills and upland estates. Its distinctive cackling call carries across the moors.
Nov–Aug
Red Knot
Calidris canutusNT
Gathers in large winter flocks on Lindisfarne's mudflats, with smaller numbers lingering through summer months.
Year-round
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serratorLC
Present year-round along the coast and on larger rivers. Often seen fishing in estuaries and sheltered bays throughout the county.
Year-round
Red-legged Partridge
Alectoris rufaNT
A rare resident near the southern edge of its English range. Found on arable farmland, mainly in the lowland south of the county.
Year-round
Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellataLC
An uncommon year-round resident seen offshore, with numbers boosted in winter. Breeds on remote upland lochs near the Scottish border.
Year-round
Redshank
Tringa totanusLC
Common on estuaries, saltmarshes and wet pastures year-round, with Lindisfarne and the Tweed estuary holding key flocks.
Year-round
Reed Bunting
Emberiza schoeniclusLC
An uncommon resident of reedbeds, damp ditches, and wetland margins, often seen at sites like Druridge Bay and the coastal pools.
Year-round
Ringed Plover
Charadrius hiaticulaLC
Breeds on shingle beaches and dune systems along the coast. Present year-round but uncommon, with numbers boosted by passage birds in autumn.
Year-round
Rock Dove
Columba liviaLC
Truly wild birds cling to remote sea cliffs along the Northumberland coast, far outnumbered by their feral descendants in towns.
Year-round
Rock Pipit
Anthus petrosusLC
Found year-round along Northumberland's rocky coastline and wave-cut platforms, often feeding among seaweed at the tideline.
Year-round
Rook
Corvus frugilegusLC
A common resident forming noisy rookeries in tall trees across farmland. Large flocks forage in ploughed fields year-round.
Year-round
Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpresLC
Frequents rocky shorelines and harbour walls year-round, flipping stones and seaweed to find invertebrates. Most numerous in winter along the coast.
Year-round
Ruff
Philomachus pugnaxLC
Present year-round but uncommon, favouring wet grasslands and coastal lagoons. Numbers peak on autumn passage at sites like Druridge Bay.
Year-round
Sanderling
Calidris albaLC
Runs along sandy beaches year-round, chasing retreating waves for food. Most conspicuous in winter flocks on broad stretches of Northumberland's coast.
Year-round
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeusLC
A rare resident of upland moorland and rough grassland. Numbers bolstered in winter by continental arrivals to coastal marshes.
Sep–May
Song Thrush
Turdus philomelosLC
An uncommon but widespread resident of woodland and gardens. Its rich, repetitive song is a familiar spring sound.
Year-round
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
An uncommon but widespread resident hunting small birds in woodland, hedgerows, and gardens throughout the year.
Year-round
Spotted Redshank
Tringa erythropusLC
A rare but regular visitor to estuarine mudflats, present in most months except midwinter. Often seen alongside commoner redshanks at sites like Budle Bay.
Jan–Oct
Stock Dove
Columba oenasLC
An uncommon but widespread resident, nesting in tree holes and old buildings. Quieter and less conspicuous than the ubiquitous Woodpigeon.
Year-round
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
An uncommon resident of gorse-covered heathland and coastal scrub. Hardy birds persist through Northumberland's cold winters.
Year-round
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
A scarce resident of mature woodland and parkland. Its familiar hooting call echoes through Northumberland's river valleys at night.
Nov–Sep
Treecreeper
Certhia familiarisLC
A rare but year-round resident, creeping mouse-like up tree trunks in mature woodland. Easily overlooked but present across the county.
Year-round
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
A common diving duck found year-round on freshwater lakes and reservoirs across Northumberland. Breeds locally and gathers in larger winter flocks.
Year-round
Water Rail
Rallus aquaticusLC
A secretive resident of reedbeds and marshy ditches, more often heard giving its pig-like squeal than seen in the open.
Jun–Apr
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
An uncommon resident of lowland wetlands and reedbeds. Increasingly established in Northumberland after decades of expansion northward.
Year-round
Whooper Swan
Cygnus cygnusLC
Present year-round but most prominent in winter, when Icelandic birds gather on flooded fields and lakes. Bugling calls carry across Northumberland's wetlands.
Year-round
Willow Tit
Poecile montanusLC
A rare and declining resident found in damp willow and birch woodland. One of the UK's fastest-declining species, now very scarce in the county.
Year-round
Woodpigeon
Columba palumbusLC
Abundant year-round in woodlands, parks, and farmland, often gathering in large flocks on arable fields during autumn and winter.
Year-round
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
An uncommon but increasingly regular gull found along the coast and at reservoirs, present in most months. Requires careful identification.
Jun–Apr
Yellowhammer
Emberiza citrinellaLC
An uncommon year-round resident of farmland hedgerows and field margins, its bright song a feature of rural Northumberland in spring.
Year-round
Non-breeding
(20)
Arctic Loon
Gavia arcticaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to coastal waters and larger inland lochs from autumn through early spring. Often seen singly offshore.
Sep–Mar
Bohemian Waxwing
Bombycilla garrulusLC
A rare winter irruptive visitor from Scandinavia, descending on berry-laden trees in towns and gardens during invasion years.
Nov–Jan
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare winter visitor from Scandinavia, occasionally joining Chaffinch flocks in beech woodland and around farmland feeding stations.
Sep–Apr
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
An uncommon winter visitor to Northumberland's estuaries and coastal mudflats, with dark-bellied birds grazing on eelgrass and algae from autumn through spring.
Aug–Apr
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthisLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, occasionally seen along sheltered rivers and streams. Most likely from late summer through winter.
Jul–Feb
Common Loon
Gavia immerLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to coastal waters from autumn through to spring, occasionally lingering in sheltered bays and harbours.
Sep–Mar
Fieldfare
Turdus pilarisLC
An uncommon winter visitor from Scandinavia, feeding in flocks on hedgerow berries across farmland and open countryside.
Oct–Apr
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifronsLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally joining flocks of other grey geese on farmland or around Lindisfarne between November and March.
Nov–Mar
Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneusLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to upland moors and coastal marshes in winter. Occasionally hunts over stubble fields and rough grassland.
Oct–Feb
Horned Grebe
Podiceps auritusVU
A rare non-breeding visitor to sheltered coastal bays and harbours from October to March. Often called Slavonian Grebe in British usage.
Oct–Mar
Horned Lark
Eremophila alpestrisLC
A rare winter visitor to the Northumberland coast, favouring shingle beaches and stubble fields. Most likely seen from December to March.
Dec–Mar
Little Owl
Athene noctuaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, occasionally spotted in lowland farmland with old hedgerows. Scarce this far north in England.
Jun–Feb
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
An uncommon winter visitor to inshore waters, arriving from October. Small groups favour sheltered bays along the Northumberland coast.
Oct–Apr
Marsh Tit
Poecile palustrisLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, near the northern edge of its English range. Occasionally found in mature woodland from autumn to spring.
Nov–Apr
Red-necked Grebe
Podiceps grisegenaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to coastal waters and sheltered bays, most likely seen between autumn and early spring.
Sep–Mar
Redwing
Turdus iliacusNT
A winter visitor arriving from Scandinavia in autumn, foraging in hedgerows and berry-laden hawthorns across the county's fields and gardens.
Sep–Apr
Smew
Mergellus albellusLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally appearing on inland lakes and reservoirs between November and March. Always a sought-after find.
Nov–Mar
Snow Bunting
Plectrophenax nivalisLC
A rare winter visitor to the Northumberland coast, favouring shingle beaches and dune tops, often near Holy Island or the Farnes.
Oct–Mar
Twite
Linaria flavirostrisLC
An uncommon non-breeding visitor to coastal stubble fields and saltmarshes, present from autumn through early spring.
Oct–Apr
Velvet Scoter
Melanitta fuscaVU
A rare non-breeding visitor to offshore waters, mainly seen from late summer through winter. Often associates with Common Scoter flocks.
Jul–Feb
Passage
(4)
Eurasian Bittern
Botaurus stellarisLC
A rare and secretive visitor to reedbeds, occasionally recorded in January and November. More often heard booming than seen.
Nov–Jan
Glaucous Gull
Larus hyperboreusLC
A rare Arctic visitor appearing in January and February, typically among flocks of larger gulls at harbours and coastal roosts.
Jan–Feb
Hooded Crow
Corvus cornixLC
A rare midwinter visitor, occasionally turning up along the coast. Northumberland lies near the boundary of Carrion and Hooded Crow ranges.
Jan
Water Pipit
Anthus spinolettaLC
A rare passage visitor found at wetland margins and watercress beds, mainly in winter months and early spring.
Dec–Mar