Birds in Stockton-on-Tees
Explore 193 species found in this region.
Stockton-on-Tees boasts a rich and diverse birdlife, with 186 species recorded across its varied habitats, from the wetlands and mudflats along the River Tees to farmland, woodland, and urban green spaces. The area attracts notable species such as Pink-footed Goose, Northern Lapwing, and Common Merganser, while rarities like the Red-backed Shrike occasionally make an appearance. Whether you're exploring the Tees estuary or the surrounding countryside, Stockton-on-Tees offers excellent birdwatching opportunities throughout the year.
Visiting in April? Look out for Barn Swallow and Brambling arriving this month, and Bohemian Waxwing and Common Redpoll depart for the season.
Showing 24–46 of 193 species
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common year-round resident found on lakes, rivers, and parkland pools throughout the borough.
Year-round
Carrion Crow
Corvus coroneLC
A common and adaptable resident found across farmland, urban areas, and along the Tees. Often seen in noisy groups foraging on open ground.
Year-round
Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibisLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, occasionally spotted around Tees wetlands and grazing fields. Part of a northward range expansion from southern England.
Jul–Feb
Cetti's Warbler
Cettia cettiLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, favouring dense scrub near wetlands. More often heard than seen, with its explosive song carrying far.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
A common year-round resident of woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens, often one of the first birds heard singing in spring.
Year-round
Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybitaLC
A common resident present nearly year-round, its repetitive song heard in woodlands, parks, and gardens across the borough.
Feb–Dec
Coal Tit
Periparus aterLC
An uncommon resident favouring coniferous and mixed woodland. Visits garden feeders in winter, often storing seeds for later retrieval.
Year-round
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
Common throughout the year, frequenting playing fields, reservoirs, and the Tees estuary. Numbers increase in winter with continental arrivals.
Year-round
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Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthisLC
A scarce resident along the River Tees and tributaries, present most months. Its brilliant plumage makes it a sought-after sighting locally.
Jul–May
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
A rare resident, mainly seen in winter on the River Tees. Small numbers fish the deeper stretches upstream.
Sep–May
Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicusLC
A common resident of farmland, hedgerows, and woodland edges throughout the borough. Sustained by regular releases.
Year-round
Common Raven
Corvus coraxLC
A rare passage visitor in July, occasionally wandering from upland breeding areas. Increasingly seen across northeast England.
Jul
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, occasionally joining finch flocks in birch and alder woodland during winter months.
Aug–Mar
Common Redstart
Phoenicurus phoenicurusLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, briefly glimpsed in September in scrubby areas and coastal vegetation.
Sep
Common Reed-warbler
Acrocephalus scirpaceusLC
A common breeding summer visitor to Teesside's reedbeds and waterside vegetation. Its repetitive chattering song is a feature of wetlands from May onwards.
Apr–Sep
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucosLC
An uncommon breeder along the River Tees, bobbing on rocks and riverbanks from April to September. Occasionally lingers into January.
Jan–Sep
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally noted on reservoirs or flying over the Tees in March, July, and November.
Jul–Mar
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
A common resident of estuarine mudflats and wetlands along the lower Tees, present all year round.
Year-round
Common Snipe
Gallinago gallinagoLC
A common resident of wet grassland and marshy areas. Numbers increase in winter with continental arrivals to Tees wetlands.
Year-round
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgarisLC
A common resident forming spectacular winter murmurations, particularly near reedbeds along the Tees. Readily visits gardens throughout the year.
Year-round
Common Swift
Apus apusLC
A common summer breeder, screaming over rooftops from late April to August. Nests in older buildings across the town.
Apr–Sep
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
A common breeding visitor, nesting on rafts and islands at Teesside wetlands from April to October. Plunge-dives for fish along the River Tees.
Apr–Oct
Coot
Fulica atraLC
A common resident of lakes, reservoirs, and marshes throughout the area. Gathers in large flocks during winter.
Year-round