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 162–184 of 197 species
Ruff
Philomachus pugnaxLC
An uncommon visitor to reservoir margins and muddy pools, mainly on autumn passage. Spring birds in breeding plumage are a striking sight.
Apr–Nov
Sand Martin
Riparia ripariaLC
An uncommon summer breeder, nesting colonially in sandy riverbanks and gravel pits. Arrives in March and departs by September.
Mar–Sep
Sanderling
Calidris albaLC
A rare inland passage migrant, occasionally noted at reservoirs in May. Unusually pale and active, typically seen on sandy or muddy shores.
May
Sedge Warbler
Acrocephalus schoenobaenusLC
An uncommon summer breeder arriving in April, favouring reedbeds and waterside scrub at sites like Belvide and Blithfield reservoirs.
Apr–Sep
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeusLC
A rare resident of moorland and rough grassland, mainly on the upland fringes. Hunts by day with a distinctive wavering flight.
Nov–May
Smew
Mergellus albellusLC
A rare midwinter visitor, occasionally appearing on reservoirs in January and February during cold spells. The striking drake is unmistakable among diving duck flocks.
Jan–Feb
Song Thrush
Turdus philomelosLC
A common resident whose melodious song carries through Staffordshire's gardens, hedgerows and woodlands from early spring.
Year-round
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
An uncommon but widespread resident of woodlands and gardens. A stealthy hunter, often betrayed by panicking small birds.
Year-round
Spotted something?
Upload a photo to identify it
Identify
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
An uncommon and declining summer breeder, arriving in May. Favours woodland edges, churchyards and mature gardens with open perches.
May–Sep
Spotted Redshank
Tringa erythropusLC
A rare passage migrant glimpsed at reservoirs in April and August. Longer-legged and darker than Common Redshank in breeding plumage.
Apr–Aug
Stock Dove
Columba oenasLC
A common resident breeding in farmland, parkland, and woodland edges. Often seen in pairs around old trees with suitable nest holes.
Year-round
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
An uncommon resident found on heathland, moorland edges and rough grassland. Numbers can dip after harsh winters but are recovering.
Year-round
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
An uncommon but widespread nocturnal resident of mature woodland, parks and large gardens. Its familiar hooting carries far on still nights.
Year-round
Temminck's Stint
Calidris temminckiiLC
A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally stopping at reservoir edges and sewage works in May. A prized find for county birders.
May
Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialisLC
A rare summer breeder performing parachuting song flights over heathland and woodland clearings, mainly on Cannock Chase.
Apr–Sep
Treecreeper
Certhia familiarisLC
An unobtrusive year-round resident, spiralling up tree trunks in Staffordshire's mature woodlands and parkland.
Year-round
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
A common resident breeding on reservoirs, lakes, and gravel pits. Numbers increase in winter with arrivals from the continent.
Year-round
Velvet Scoter
Melanitta fuscaVU
A very rare passage visitor, with occasional March records. This sea duck is a notable inland find on Staffordshire's reservoirs.
Mar
Water Rail
Rallus aquaticusLC
An uncommon but year-round resident of reedbeds and marshy margins. More often heard giving its pig-like squeal than seen.
Year-round
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to reedbeds and wetlands, mainly from late summer into winter. Occasionally lingers at favoured sites.
Jul–Jan
Wheatear
Oenanthe oenantheLC
A rare visitor to open upland and farmland, mainly seen on spring and autumn passage across the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Mar–Oct
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopusLC
A rare passage migrant, occasionally stopping at wetland sites in April during northward spring migration. Listen for its distinctive rippling call.
Apr
Whinchat
Saxicola rubetraLC
A rare passage migrant through Staffordshire in spring and autumn, pausing briefly on rough grassland and moorland edges.
Apr–Sep