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 93–115 of 197 species
Greenshank
Tringa nebulariaLC
A rare visitor mainly on passage, seen at reservoirs and pools from spring through autumn. Breeding records are exceptional for the county.
Apr–Oct
Grey Heron
Ardea cinereaLC
A common year-round resident, easily seen along rivers, canals, and lakes across the county. Often stands motionless at the water's edge waiting to strike at fish.
Year-round
Grey Partridge
Perdix perdixLC
Now a rare bird in the county, reflecting severe national declines. Occasionally recorded on arable farmland in winter and spring.
Jan–May
Grey Phalarope
Phalaropus fulicariusLC
A rare autumn passage visitor, occasionally driven inland to reservoirs by Atlantic storms in September and October.
Sep–Oct
Grey Wagtail
Motacilla cinereaLC
An uncommon year-round resident favouring fast-flowing streams and rivers. Often bobs its long tail on waterside rocks and weirs.
Year-round
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
A common resident found year-round on reservoirs, gravel pits, and farmland. Feral populations breed readily across the county.
Year-round
Hawfinch
Coccothraustes coccothraustesLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally seen in mature woodland with hornbeam and cherry. Cannock Chase offers the best chances.
Jan–Feb
Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneusLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally seen quartering moorland and farmland in November. Winters on the county's upland fringes in good years.
Nov
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Hobby
Falco subbuteoLC
An uncommon summer breeder arriving in April and departing by September. Hunts dragonflies and small birds over heathland and wetlands.
Apr–Sep
Hooded Merganser
Lophodytes cucullatusLC
An exceptionally rare visitor in December. Records likely involve escapes from wildfowl collections rather than genuine transatlantic vagrants.
Dec
Horned Grebe
Podiceps auritusVU
A rare non-breeding visitor to reservoirs and larger pools in winter months. Often found singly, diving frequently in sheltered bays.
Dec–Mar
House Martin
Delichon urbicumLC
A common summer visitor breeding under eaves across towns and villages from April to October. Often seen gathering mud at puddles.
Apr–Oct
House Sparrow
Passer domesticusLC
A common year-round resident closely tied to human habitation, nesting under eaves and in hedges across Staffordshire's towns.
Year-round
Iceland Gull
Larus glaucoidesLC
A rare midwinter visitor, occasionally found among gull roosts at reservoirs in January and February. Ghostly pale wingtips aid identification.
Jan–Feb
Jack Snipe
Lymnocryptes minimusLC
A rare and secretive non-breeding visitor to marshy areas in winter. Easily overlooked due to its skulking habits and late flushing.
Nov–Jan
Jackdaw
Coloeus monedulaLC
An abundant resident found year-round in towns, villages and farmland. Nests colonially in church towers, chimneys and old buildings.
Year-round
Kestrel
Falco tinnunculusLC
A common resident hovering over roadside verges, farmland, and rough grassland year-round. One of the county's most visible raptors.
Year-round
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscusLC
A common resident found throughout the year at reservoirs, farmland, and urban areas. Numbers peak in summer when breeding birds are joined by passage migrants.
Year-round
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Dryobates minorLC
A rare passage record, reflecting severe national decline. Once bred in mature broadleaved woodland but now extremely scarce in the county.
Apr
Lesser Whitethroat
Curruca currucaLC
A rare summer breeder in Staffordshire, favouring tall hedgerows and scrubby thickets from April to September.
Apr–Sep
Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
An uncommon resident found on farmland edges and rough grassland. Numbers have declined significantly, making Staffordshire sightings increasingly valued.
Year-round
Little Egret
Egretta garzettaLC
An uncommon but increasing resident found along rivers, canals, and reservoir edges year-round. A relatively recent colonist of the county.
Year-round
Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollisLC
An uncommon but year-round resident on ponds, canals, and sheltered pools. Its distinctive whinnying trill is often heard before the bird is seen.
Year-round