Birds in Surrey
Explore 160 species found in this region.
Surrey is home to an impressive diversity of birdlife, with 160 recorded species found across its varied landscapes of heathlands, ancient woodlands, chalk downlands, and river valleys. Notable species include the striking Mandarin Duck, which thrives along the county's wooded waterways, the elusive Eurasian Woodcock in its broadleaf forests, and scarce visitors such as the Great Grey Shrike on open heathlands. From the commons of the North Downs to the wetlands of the Thames Basin, Surrey offers rewarding birdwatching opportunities throughout the year.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Bar-tailed Godwit arriving this month, and Arctic Loon and Barn Owl depart for the season.
Showing 47–69 of 160 species
Eurasian Nuthatch
Sitta europaeaLC
A common resident of mature broadleaved woodland and parkland, often seen spiralling down tree trunks. Readily visits garden feeders.
Year-round
Eurasian Oystercatcher
Haematopus ostralegusNT
A rare breeding visitor, occasionally nesting on gravel rooftops or reservoir margins. An unusual inland breeder in southern England.
Apr–Jul
Eurasian Siskin
Spinus spinusLC
An uncommon resident favouring alder and birch woodland. Numbers increase in winter when continental birds visit garden feeders.
Year-round
Eurasian Skylark
Alauda arvensisLC
An uncommon resident of open farmland and downland, declining in Surrey due to agricultural intensification. Song flights peak in spring.
Year-round
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
A winter visitor to reservoirs and flooded meadows, arriving from September and departing by April. Listen for the distinctive whistling call.
Sep–Apr
Eurasian Woodcock
Scolopax rusticolaLC
A rare and secretive breeder in Surrey's damp woodlands. Best seen roding at dusk over forest clearings in late spring and early summer.
Jan–Jul
Eurasian Wren
Troglodytes troglodytesLC
One of Surrey's most abundant residents, found in gardens, hedgerows, and woodland year-round. Remarkably loud song for such a tiny bird.
Year-round
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelisLC
A common and colourful resident, often visiting garden feeders in small flocks. Readily found on weedy ground and in parks throughout Surrey.
Year-round
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European Green Woodpecker
Picus viridisLC
A common resident whose laughing 'yaffle' call rings across Surrey's parkland, downs and garden lawns where it probes for ants.
Year-round
European Herring Gull
Larus argentatusLC
A common resident seen year-round across Surrey, from town centres to reservoirs. Numbers peak in winter at landfill sites and playing fields.
Year-round
European Robin
Erithacus rubeculaLC
A much-loved common resident of gardens, parks, and woodland throughout Surrey. Sings year-round and is often the tamest bird at the feeding station.
Year-round
European Turtle-dove
Streptopelia turturVU
A rare and rapidly declining summer breeder, arriving in May. Surrey's heathlands and farmland edges hold a few lingering pairs.
May–Jul
Fieldfare
Turdus pilarisLC
An uncommon winter visitor from Scandinavia, arriving from October and lingering into April. Flocks forage on berry-laden hedgerows and open farmland.
Oct–Apr
Firecrest
Regulus ignicapillaLC
A rare but increasing resident, favouring coniferous and mixed woodland. Listen for its high-pitched, accelerating call in Surrey's larger forests.
Year-round
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
An uncommon year-round resident on Surrey's reservoirs and gravel pits, favouring vegetated lake margins. Numbers have increased in recent decades.
Year-round
Garden Warbler
Sylvia borinLC
An unassuming summer visitor breeding in dense woodland understorey from April to August. Easier to hear than to see in Surrey's broadleaf woods.
Apr–Aug
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A rare passage migrant in spring and autumn, favouring shallow pools and reservoir edges. A sought-after find for local birders.
Apr–Sep
Goldcrest
Regulus regulusLC
Britain's smallest bird, common year-round in Surrey's coniferous and mixed woodland. Its thin, high-pitched call is easily missed.
Year-round
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricariaLC
A rare passage visitor in late autumn, occasionally spotted on Surrey's farmland and wet meadows in November and December.
Nov–Dec
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
An uncommon winter visitor to Surrey's larger reservoirs and gravel pits from October to April. Males are striking with their glossy green heads.
Oct–Apr
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to Surrey's reservoirs and tips, most likely in winter. The largest British gull, with a powerful bill.
Aug–Apr
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carboLC
A common resident around Surrey's reservoirs, gravel pits and rivers. Often seen perched with wings outstretched to dry.
Year-round
Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatusLC
A common resident on Surrey's larger lakes and reservoirs year-round. Its elaborate courtship display is a highlight of early spring.
Year-round