Birds in Tyne and Wear
Explore 207 species found in this region.
Tyne and Wear supports a remarkable diversity of birdlife, with 205 species recorded across its varied habitats, from the urban parks and gardens of Newcastle and Sunderland to the estuaries and coastline along the North Sea. The region's river valleys, wetlands, and coastal mudflats attract an impressive range of species, including Bluethroat, Northern Lapwing, Common Shelduck, and the striking Mandarin Duck. Whether you're watching waders on the Tyne estuary or spotting woodland birds like the Great Tit and Eurasian Woodcock, this compact county offers outstanding birding opportunities year-round.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Atlantic Puffin arriving this month, and Barn Owl and Cackling Goose depart for the season.
Showing 70–92 of 207 species
European Pied Flycatcher
Ficedula hypoleucaLC
A rare passage migrant in September, occasionally spotted in coastal scrub and woodland edges on its southward migration.
Sep
European Robin
Erithacus rubeculaLC
A common and confiding resident of gardens, parks and woodland throughout the region. Sings year-round and defends territory even in winter.
Year-round
European Shag
Phalacrocorax aristotelisLC
An uncommon year-round resident of rocky coasts and harbour walls. Often seen perched with wings outstretched near pier structures.
Year-round
European Storm-petrel
Hydrobates pelagicusLC
A rare July passage visitor, occasionally driven close to shore by storms. Best spotted on seawatches from the coast.
Jul
Fieldfare
Turdus pilarisLC
A winter visitor from Scandinavia, arriving from October and feeding in flocks on hedgerow berries across farmland and open countryside.
Oct–Apr
Firecrest
Regulus ignicapillaLC
A rare autumn passage visitor in October and November, favouring sheltered coastal scrub. Often found alongside Goldcrests.
Oct–Nov
Fulmar
Fulmarus glacialisLC
An uncommon resident seen year-round along coastal cliffs. Breeds on ledges and is often spotted gliding stiff-winged offshore.
Year-round
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
An uncommon resident breeding at wetland reserves. Washington WWT is a reliable site, with numbers boosted in winter.
Year-round
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Garden Warbler
Sylvia borinLC
A rare breeding visitor from April to September, skulking in dense deciduous woodland with thick understorey. Easily overlooked but has a rich, melodious song.
Apr–Sep
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A rare passage migrant seen briefly in spring and late summer at freshwater wetlands such as Washington WWT and Big Waters.
Apr–Aug
Glaucous Gull
Larus hyperboreusLC
A rare winter visitor from the Arctic, occasionally spotted among gull flocks at harbours and tips from November to March.
Nov–Mar
Goldcrest
Regulus regulusLC
Britain's smallest bird, resident year-round in coniferous and mixed woodland. Numbers swell in autumn with Continental migrants arriving along the coast.
Year-round
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricariaLC
An uncommon resident found on upland moors in summer and lowland fields in winter, often forming large flocks.
Jun–Apr
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
An uncommon winter visitor to rivers and lakes, present from October to spring. The Tyne and larger reservoirs are favoured sites.
Oct–May
Grasshopper Warbler
Locustella naeviaLC
An uncommon summer breeder, arriving in April. Its insect-like reeling song carries across scrubby wetlands and rough grassland.
Apr–Jul
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
A bulky, powerful gull present year-round along the coast and at harbours, often dominating smaller gulls at feeding sites.
Year-round
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carboLC
A common resident found along rivers, reservoirs, and the coast, often seen perched with wings outstretched to dry.
Year-round
Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatusLC
An uncommon resident on larger lakes and reservoirs, also moving to coastal waters in winter. Elegant courtship displays occur in spring.
Year-round
Great Skua
Catharacta skuaLC
An uncommon visitor seen offshore from late spring through autumn, sometimes harassing other seabirds close to shore during passage.
May–Nov
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos majorLC
An uncommon resident of mature woodland and parks, often heard drumming in spring across the region's wooded valleys.
Year-round
Great Tit
Parus majorLC
A common year-round resident, readily visiting garden feeders. One of the most familiar birds in parks and woodlands.
Year-round
Great White Egret
Ardea albaLC
A rare but increasingly reported passage visitor in late summer. Look for this tall white heron at wetlands and river margins in August and September.
Aug–Sep
Greater Scaup
Aythya marilaLC
A rare winter visitor to coastal waters and sheltered bays. Small numbers appear from autumn to spring, often near harbour areas.
Sep–Apr