Birds in Staffordshire
Explore 197 species found in this region.
Staffordshire supports a rich and varied birdlife, with 193 species recorded across the county's diverse habitats, from the moorland edges of the Peak District in the north to the lowland wetlands and river valleys further south. Notable species include the elegant Northern Lapwing on farmland, the striking Mandarin Duck along wooded waterways, and scarce winter visitors such as the Great Grey Shrike. With reservoirs like Blithfield and Chasewater providing important refuges for wildfowl and waders, the county offers rewarding birdwatching opportunities throughout the year.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Bar-tailed Godwit arriving this month, and Black Grouse and Black Swan depart for the season.
Showing 24–46 of 197 species
Cetti's Warbler
Cettia cettiLC
An uncommon but increasing resident at wetland sites, more often heard than seen. Its explosive song rings out from dense reedbed cover.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
A common and widespread resident found in woodlands, hedgerows and gardens across Staffordshire throughout the year.
Year-round
Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybitaLC
A common resident heard singing its distinctive two-note call in woodlands and gardens across Staffordshire throughout the year.
Year-round
Coal Tit
Periparus aterLC
A common resident of coniferous and mixed woodland, readily visiting garden feeders across Staffordshire, especially in winter.
Year-round
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
An uncommon gull found year-round at reservoirs, playing fields, and farmland. Often mixed in with Black-headed Gull flocks during winter.
Jul–May
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthisLC
An uncommon but delightful resident along rivers, canals, and streams. A flash of electric blue is often the first sign of its presence.
Year-round
Common Loon
Gavia immerLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to larger reservoirs in winter. Always a prized county find, typically appearing November to January.
Nov–Jan
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
An uncommon resident favouring rivers and larger reservoirs. More easily seen in winter when small parties gather on open water.
Year-round
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Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicusLC
A common resident across farmland, woodland edges, and rural gardens throughout the county. Populations are sustained largely by annual releases for shooting.
Year-round
Common Quail
Coturnix coturnixLC
A rare summer passage visitor, sometimes heard calling from cereal fields in June but very seldom seen.
Jun
Common Raven
Corvus coraxLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, now spreading from upland areas into lowland Staffordshire. Its deep cronking call is distinctive.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
An uncommon resident favouring birch and alder woodland. Often seen in small flocks, with numbers sometimes boosted by winter immigrants.
Sep–Jun
Common Redstart
Phoenicurus phoenicurusLC
An uncommon summer breeder from April to September, favouring mature oak woodlands, particularly in the Churnet Valley and upland fringes.
Apr–Sep
Common Reed-warbler
Acrocephalus scirpaceusLC
An uncommon summer visitor breeding in Staffordshire's reedbeds from April to September, found at key wetland sites across the county.
Apr–Sep
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucosLC
An uncommon summer breeder along rivers and reservoir edges from April to October. Bobs its tail constantly while feeding along stony shorelines.
Apr–Oct
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally dropping in at larger reservoirs during October storms as it moves between coastal waters.
Oct
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
An uncommon year-round resident, found on reservoirs and gravel pits across the county. Numbers may increase in winter with visiting birds.
Year-round
Common Snipe
Gallinago gallinagoLC
An uncommon year-round resident of damp moorland and marshy fields. Numbers increase in winter when birds from the continent arrive.
Year-round
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgarisLC
A common but declining resident, forming spectacular winter murmurations over Staffordshire towns and roosting sites.
Year-round
Common Swift
Apus apusLC
A common summer breeder screaming over towns and villages from late April to August. Nests in older buildings and is increasingly supported by nestbox schemes.
Apr–Sep
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
An uncommon breeding visitor arriving in April, nesting on rafts and islands at larger reservoirs and gravel pits. Departs by September after raising young.
Apr–Sep
Coot
Fulica atraLC
A common resident on reservoirs, pools and canals throughout the county. Numbers swell in winter as birds gather on larger waters.
Year-round
Corn Bunting
Emberiza calandraLC
A rare passage visitor in May, reflecting the species' severe national decline. Formerly bred on Staffordshire's arable farmland.
May