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 70–92 of 193 species
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
A common resident on lakes and reservoirs year-round. Often seen alongside Mallards on local wetland reserves.
Year-round
Garden Warbler
Sylvia borinLC
A rare passage visitor in May and June, skulking in dense undergrowth. Easily overlooked due to its plain plumage and secretive habits.
May–Jun
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
An uncommon summer breeder, arriving in April and favouring shallow, well-vegetated wetlands. A scarce but prized find.
Apr–Sep
Glaucous Gull
Larus hyperboreusLC
A rare winter visitor from the Arctic, occasionally appearing in January and February among gull flocks on the Tees estuary.
Jan–Feb
Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellusLC
An uncommon breeder present from May to September, favouring marshy wetlands. A notable species for the region, reflecting northward range expansion.
May–Sep
Goldcrest
Regulus regulusLC
An uncommon resident of coniferous and mixed woodland. Britain's smallest bird, with a thin, high-pitched call often heard in winter hedgerows.
Sep–Jul
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricariaLC
Common outside the breeding season, forming large flocks on ploughed fields and wet grassland from autumn through early spring.
Jul–Mar
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
An uncommon but regular visitor to reservoirs and the River Tees, mainly from autumn to spring. Scarce in summer.
Jul–May
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Grasshopper Warbler
Locustella naeviaLC
An uncommon breeding visitor, arriving in April. Its insect-like reeling song carries across rough grassland and scrubby wetland margins at dusk.
Apr–Aug
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
Present year-round along the Tees and at landfill sites. The largest resident gull, commonly seen loafing on playing fields and industrial areas.
Year-round
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carboLC
A common year-round resident along the River Tees and local reservoirs, often seen perched with wings outstretched to dry on bankside structures.
Year-round
Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatusLC
A common resident on larger lakes and reservoirs around Stockton. Its elaborate courtship display is a highlight of early spring.
Year-round
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos majorLC
An uncommon year-round resident in mature woodland and parks. Its loud drumming in spring echoes through wooded areas along the Tees corridor.
Year-round
Great Tit
Parus majorLC
An abundant year-round resident, thriving in gardens, parks, and woodlands across Stockton. A regular and bold visitor to bird feeders.
Year-round
Great White Egret
Ardea albaLC
An uncommon but increasingly recorded resident, reflecting the species' dramatic northward spread. Favours marshes and pools at Saltholme.
Year-round
Greater Scaup
Aythya marilaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, occasionally joining Tufted Duck and Pochard flocks on reservoirs in winter months.
Aug–Mar
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifronsLC
A rare resident, likely involving feral or escaped birds. Small numbers occasionally associate with other goose flocks.
Year-round
Green Sandpiper
Tringa ochropusLC
An uncommon but widespread wader found along ditches and pools, present most months but scarce in midwinter, often flushing with a sharp call.
Jun–Mar
Greenfinch
Chloris chlorisLC
A common resident of gardens and hedgerows year-round, though numbers have declined due to disease in recent years.
Year-round
Greenshank
Tringa nebulariaLC
Uncommon but regular from spring through autumn on the Tees estuary, often seen wading elegantly through shallow pools at Saltholme and Dorman's Pool.
Feb–Nov
Grey Heron
Ardea cinereaLC
A familiar year-round resident, commonly seen standing motionless along the River Tees, ponds, and drainage ditches throughout the borough.
Year-round
Grey Partridge
Perdix perdixLC
A rare and declining resident of arable farmland. Coveys may be found on open fields, but numbers have fallen significantly.
Feb–Dec
Grey Plover
Pluvialis squatarolaLC
A rare visitor to the Teesmouth mudflats, most likely seen in winter plumage on coastal estuarine flats, with a gap in records during midsummer.
Jun–Apr