Birds in Rutland
Explore 201 species found in this region.
Rutland, England's smallest county, punches well above its weight when it comes to birdlife, with 192 species recorded across its diverse habitats. The centrepiece is Rutland Water, one of the largest reservoirs in Europe and a nationally important site for wildfowl and wading birds, attracting species such as Northern Pintail, Common Shelduck, and Pink-footed Goose. From the woodlands sheltering Eurasian Woodcock and Great Tit to the open farmland favoured by Northern Lapwing, Rutland offers exceptional birding opportunities year-round.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Bar-tailed Godwit arriving this month, and Black Redstart and Brent Goose depart for the season.
Showing 70–92 of 201 species
European Shag
Phalacrocorax aristotelisLC
A rare inland visitor, this coastal species occasionally appears at Rutland Water, with scattered records in autumn and winter.
Sep–Jan
European Turtle-dove
Streptopelia turturVU
A rare and rapidly declining summer breeder, arriving in May. Rutland's thick hedgerows provide vital nesting habitat.
May–Aug
Fieldfare
Turdus pilarisLC
A common winter visitor arriving from northern Europe in October. Roaming flocks feed on berries and ploughed fields across Rutland's open countryside.
Oct–Apr
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
A common resident at Rutland Water, thriving on the reservoir's shallow lagoons. Numbers bolstered in winter by continental arrivals.
Year-round
Garden Warbler
Sylvia borinLC
A common summer breeder arriving in April, favouring dense scrub and woodland edges. Its rich, even song is often confused with Blackcap.
Apr–Aug
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
An uncommon summer breeder, arriving in April and favouring shallow pools and marshy edges at Rutland Water. A scarce and declining species nationally.
Apr–Oct
Glaucous Gull
Larus hyperboreusLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally appearing in Rutland Water's large gull roosts from November to February. An impressive, bulky Arctic gull.
Nov–Feb
Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellusLC
A rare and exciting breeder, part of a growing trend of UK records. Seen at Rutland Water's marshes from May to August.
May–Oct
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Goldcrest
Regulus regulusLC
A common resident of coniferous and mixed woodland year-round. Britain's smallest bird, often heard giving its high-pitched call in Rutland's parks and gardens.
Year-round
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricariaLC
A common non-breeding visitor forming large flocks on Rutland's ploughed fields from autumn to spring.
Aug–Apr
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
A common sight on Rutland Water year-round, with numbers peaking in winter. Males are striking with their glossy green heads.
Year-round
Grasshopper Warbler
Locustella naeviaLC
A rare and declining breeder, present from April to July. More often heard than seen, its insect-like reeling song carries from dense grassland and scrub.
Apr–Jul
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
A bulky, imposing gull present all year at Rutland Water, often dominating other species at roost sites on the reservoir.
Year-round
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carboLC
A familiar year-round sight at Rutland Water, often perched with wings outstretched on posts and dead trees around the shore.
Year-round
Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatusLC
A common year-round resident and iconic sight on Rutland Water, performing elaborate courtship displays in spring.
Year-round
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos majorLC
A common resident of Rutland's mature woodlands and gardens, its drumming a familiar sound in spring.
Year-round
Great Tit
Parus majorLC
An abundant and assertive resident, dominating garden feeders across Rutland. Its bold plumage and loud song are familiar year-round.
Year-round
Great White Egret
Ardea albaLC
Now a common year-round resident at Rutland Water, reflecting a remarkable national expansion. Easily seen stalking the shallows.
Year-round
Greater Scaup
Aythya marilaLC
An uncommon diving duck on Rutland Water, most often seen in winter months among flocks of other Aythya species.
Jul–May
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifronsLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally turning up among other goose flocks at Rutland Water between November and March.
Nov–May
Green Sandpiper
Tringa ochropusLC
Present almost year-round along muddy streams and ditches near Rutland Water, often flushed from cover in a towering flight.
Jun–Apr
Greenfinch
Chloris chlorisLC
A common year-round resident of gardens, hedgerows and farmland, though numbers have declined significantly due to trichomonosis disease.
Year-round
Greenshank
Tringa nebulariaLC
An uncommon but regular visitor to Rutland Water from April to November, often feeding on shallow lagoon margins.
Apr–Nov