Birds in South Yorkshire
Explore 189 species found in this region.
South Yorkshire supports an impressive diversity of birdlife, with 187 species recorded across its varied landscapes of moorland, river valleys, wetlands, and urban green spaces. From the upland edges of the Peak District to the lowland marshes of the Dearne Valley, birders can encounter everything from Dotterel on high moorland passes to Northern Lapwing on farmland and Mandarin Duck along wooded waterways. Notable species such as Common Merganser, Eurasian Woodcock, and Northern Pintail reflect the county's rich mosaic of aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Bar-tailed Godwit arriving this month, and Eurasian Woodcock and Hen Harrier depart for the season.
Showing 185–189 of 189 species
Woodpigeon
Columba palumbusLC
An abundant resident found everywhere from city centres to farmland and woodland. Numbers swell in autumn with continental immigrants.
Year-round
Yellow Wagtail
Motacilla flavaLC
An uncommon summer breeder found on lowland wet meadows and arable fields from April to September. Declining nationally.
Apr–Sep
Yellow-browed Warbler
Phylloscopus inornatusLC
A rare autumn passage migrant from Siberia, occasionally turning up in October in coastal scrub or inland woodland edges during easterly winds.
Oct
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
A rare breeder present from March to July, sometimes found among large gull flocks at reservoirs and landfill sites.
Jul–Oct
Yellowhammer
Emberiza citrinellaLC
An uncommon but year-round resident of farmland hedgerows and field margins. A declining species nationally, making South Yorkshire populations important.
Year-round