Birds in Northumberland
Explore 230 species found in this region.
Northumberland is one of England's most rewarding counties for birdwatching, with 218 recorded species found across its diverse landscapes of rugged coastline, upland moors, ancient woodlands, and estuarine mudflats. From the Farne Islands' famous seabird colonies to the high Cheviot Hills where Dotterel and Horned Lark breed, the county offers exceptional birding throughout the year. Notable species include Great Grey Shrike on winter heathlands, Eurasian Woodcock in dense woodland, and the striking Mandarin Duck along sheltered river valleys.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Barn Swallow arriving this month, and Arctic Loon and Cackling Goose depart for the season.
Showing 70–92 of 230 species
European Green Woodpecker
Picus viridisLC
A rare visitor in spring, near the northern edge of its UK range. Occasionally wanders into southern Northumberland parkland and woodland.
Mar–May
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 Pied Flycatcher
Ficedula hypoleucaLC
A rare summer breeder favouring mature oak woodlands, particularly in the North Tyne valley where nest boxes have aided its presence.
Apr–Sep
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
European Storm-petrel
Hydrobates pelagicusLC
A rare passage visitor seen offshore during August seawatching sessions, typically during strong onshore winds.
Aug
Fieldfare
Turdus pilarisLC
An uncommon winter visitor from Scandinavia, feeding in flocks on hedgerow berries across farmland and open countryside.
Oct–Apr
Firecrest
Regulus ignicapillaLC
A rare December passage visitor, occasionally turning up in coastal scrub and sheltered gardens along the Northumberland coast.
Dec
Spotted something?
Upload a photo to identify it
Identify
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
Garden Warbler
Sylvia borinLC
A rare summer breeder found in dense scrub and woodland with thick undergrowth, present from May to October but easily overlooked.
May–Oct
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A rare summer visitor breeding at a few secluded freshwater wetlands from April to August. The UK's scarcest regularly breeding duck species.
Apr–Aug
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
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
Grasshopper Warbler
Locustella naeviaLC
An elusive summer visitor best detected by its insect-like reeling song from dense scrub and rough grassland between April and August.
Apr–Aug
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 Grey Shrike
Lanius excubitorLC
A rare autumn passage visitor, occasionally seen perched prominently on bushes and fences across open moorland and heathland edges in October.
Oct
Great Shearwater
Ardenna gravisLC
A rare pelagic visitor occasionally seen from coastal headlands in November during strong onshore winds.
Nov
Great Skua
Catharacta skuaLC
Seen offshore from July to November, often harassing other seabirds. Best spotted during seawatches from coastal headlands.
Jul–Nov