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 162–184 of 201 species
Sand Martin
Riparia ripariaLC
A common summer visitor, nesting colonially in sandy banks. Large numbers gather over Rutland Water to feed on flying insects.
Mar–Oct
Sanderling
Calidris albaLC
Uncommon at this inland site, appearing from April to August around Rutland Water's shores. More typically associated with sandy coastal beaches.
Apr–Aug
Sandwich Tern
Thalasseus sandvicensisLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally spotted at Rutland Water in April and August during spring and autumn migration.
Apr–Aug
Savi's Warbler
Locustella luscinioidesLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded in May at Rutland Water's reedbeds. Its insect-like reeling song is distinctive.
May
Sedge Warbler
Acrocephalus schoenobaenusLC
A common summer breeder in waterside vegetation around Rutland Water, arriving in April and singing its rapid, chattering song.
Apr–Sep
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeusLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally seen hunting over rough grassland and marshes around Rutland Water from November to early spring.
Nov–Apr
Smew
Mergellus albellusLC
A winter highlight at Rutland Water, commonly seen from November to April. The striking 'white nun' males are much admired.
Nov–Apr
Snow Bunting
Plectrophenax nivalisLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded in January. An unusual inland record for this typically coastal winter species.
Jan
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Snow Goose
Anser caerulescensLC
A very rare visitor with occasional May records; sightings may involve feral or escaped birds rather than genuine wild vagrants from North America.
May
Song Thrush
Turdus philomelosLC
A common resident heard singing from treetops across Rutland's woodlands and gardens year-round, repeating each melodious phrase two or three times.
Year-round
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
A common resident raptor, dashing through gardens, hedgerows and woodland in pursuit of small birds throughout the year.
Year-round
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
An uncommon summer visitor breeding from May to September, often seen sallying from exposed perches in parkland and woodland edges around Rutland.
May–Sep
Spotted Redshank
Tringa erythropusLC
A rare visitor, mainly seen on passage at Rutland Water's lagoons from late summer into autumn. Elegant and longer-legged than the common Redshank.
Apr–Nov
Stock Dove
Columba oenasLC
A common resident breeding in tree holes across Rutland's parkland and farmland. Often overlooked among Woodpigeons.
Year-round
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
An uncommon resident found year-round on gorse-covered heathland and scrubby margins, often perching prominently and flicking its tail.
Year-round
Surf Scoter
Melanitta perspicillataLC
A rare passage visitor in December. This striking North American sea duck is a prized find on Rutland Water.
Dec
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
An uncommon resident of mature woodland, more often heard hooting after dark than seen. Breeds in Rutland's older deciduous woods.
Year-round
Temminck's Stint
Calidris temminckiiLC
A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally stopping at Rutland Water's lagoons in May. A skulking, easily overlooked small wader.
May
Treecreeper
Certhia familiarisLC
A common but unobtrusive resident, spiralling up tree trunks in search of insects. Found in mature woodland and well-treed parks throughout Rutland.
Year-round
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
A common resident breeding on Rutland Water and smaller pools. Large winter flocks gather on the reservoir's open water.
Year-round
Tundra Swan
Cygnus columbianusLC
A rare winter visitor, with small numbers occasionally appearing at Rutland Water between October and February alongside other wildfowl.
Oct–Feb
Velvet Scoter
Melanitta fuscaVU
A rare passage visitor, occasionally turning up on Rutland Water in December. A striking sea duck rarely seen inland.
Dec
Water Pipit
Anthus spinolettaLC
A rare winter passage visitor, occasionally recorded in January around the marshy margins and lagoons of Rutland Water.
Jan