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 116–138 of 193 species
Little Tern
Sternula albifronsLC
A rare passage visitor seen briefly in June and July around the Tees estuary. This declining UK breeder is a scarce but notable sighting locally.
Jun–Jul
Long-eared Owl
Asio otusLC
An uncommon winter visitor, roosting in dense scrub and hedgerows. Secretive and nocturnal, most often detected at communal roost sites.
Oct–Mar
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
A rare passage visitor, mainly in late autumn and winter. Occasionally seen on reservoirs or the Tees estuary.
Oct–Jan
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatusLC
A common resident seen year-round in hedgerows, parks, and gardens. Roving family flocks are a familiar sight along the Tees riverbanks.
Year-round
Magpie
Pica picaLC
A bold and conspicuous resident, abundant in gardens, parks, and hedgerows across the borough. Easily recognised by its long tail and chattering call.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
The most widespread duck in the area, found year-round on rivers, ponds, lakes, and urban park waters.
Year-round
Marsh Tit
Poecile palustrisLC
A rare visitor in late winter, occasionally appearing in mature woodland on the borough's edges. A declining species nationally, scarce this far north-east.
Feb–Mar
Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensisLC
A common resident of rough grassland and open ground throughout the year, often seen in flocks during winter.
Year-round
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Merlin
Falco columbariusLC
An uncommon non-breeding visitor, arriving from upland moors in autumn and wintering on coastal marshes and farmland around the Tees estuary.
Aug–Mar
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
A scarce resident found in parks, playing fields, and woodland edges. Often heard singing from tall trees in late winter.
Oct–Jul
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropusLC
A common year-round resident found on ponds, rivers, and wetlands across the Tees valley, often seen bobbing along waterways with its distinctive red bill.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A familiar sight on the River Tees and local lakes all year. Breeds on waterways throughout the borough.
Year-round
Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeusLC
A rare passage visitor in September, occasionally recorded on migration through heathland and scrubby edges in the Stockton area.
Sep
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
A common resident breeding on farmland and gathering in large winter flocks on the Tees lowlands. Numbers have declined nationally.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
A common but elegant dabbling duck, favouring wetlands and estuarine pools. Largely absent in midsummer during moult migration.
Aug–May
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
Present all year on shallow wetlands and reservoirs. Numbers peak in winter when migrants bolster the local population.
Year-round
Pectoral Sandpiper
Calidris melanotosLC
A rare Nearctic vagrant, occasionally turning up at Teesside wetlands from late summer into autumn. Favours freshwater pools with grassy margins.
May–Sep
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinusLC
An uncommon but year-round resident, sometimes seen hunting over urban areas and along the River Tees. Increasingly established in the region.
Year-round
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
An uncommon resident, most numerous in winter when skeins fly over farmland and wetlands. Scarcer in midsummer months.
Sep–Jun
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
Present all year on deeper lakes and reservoirs. A nationally declining species, but still common locally in winter.
Year-round
Purple Heron
Ardea purpureaLC
A rare June passage migrant, occasionally overshooting from southern Europe. Look for it in reedbeds and marshy areas along the Tees.
Jun
Razorbill
Alca tordaLC
A rare passage visitor occasionally seen offshore in September. More commonly breeds on North Sea cliffs further up the coast.
Sep
Red Kite
Milvus milvusLC
A rare passage visitor with scattered records, occasionally drifting over the Tees valley as this recovering species continues to spread across England.
Jul–Feb