Birds in West Yorkshire
Explore 185 species found in this region.
West Yorkshire supports a rich diversity of birdlife, with 182 species recorded across its varied landscapes of upland moorland, river valleys, reservoirs, and urban parklands. From the iconic Northern Lapwing displaying over farmland to wintering flocks of Pink-footed Geese and the striking Mandarin Duck found on sheltered waterways, the county offers rewarding birding throughout the year. Key habitats include the Pennine moorlands to the west, the Aire and Calder river corridors, and numerous reservoirs that attract both breeding and passage species.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Black-crowned Night-heron arriving this month, and Eurasian Woodcock and Greater Scaup depart for the season.
Showing 116–138 of 185 species
Magpie
Pica picaLC
A common and conspicuous resident of gardens, parks and farmland. Its bold black-and-white plumage and chattering call are familiar across the region.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
The most familiar duck in the region, common on canals, park lakes, rivers and reservoirs throughout the year.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A rare but increasing resident of wooded rivers and lakes. Small numbers breed along tree-lined waterways in the region.
Year-round
Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensisLC
An uncommon resident of upland moors and rough grassland across the Pennine fringes, with some dispersal to lowlands in winter.
Year-round
Merlin
Falco columbariusLC
A rare autumn passage migrant from Pennine breeding grounds, dashing low over moorland and reservoirs in September and October.
Sep–Oct
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
An uncommon resident of parkland and open woodland. Often sings from treetops in early spring and defends berry-laden trees in winter.
Year-round
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropusLC
A common resident found on ponds, canals and waterways throughout the region year-round. Often seen skulking along vegetated margins.
Year-round
Muscovy Duck
Cairina moschataLC
A rare occurrence in October, almost certainly involving escaped or feral birds rather than genuinely wild individuals.
Oct
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Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A familiar year-round resident on canals, rivers, and park lakes. Pairs nest along the Aire and Calder valleys.
Year-round
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
A common but declining resident of farmland and moorland edges. Large winter flocks gather on lowland fields, though breeding numbers are falling.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
A rare winter visitor to reservoirs and flooded fields, present from autumn through to early spring. Most often seen among flocks of other dabbling ducks.
Sep–Apr
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
A common resident found year-round on shallow lakes and marshes. Numbers peak in winter at key wetland sites.
Year-round
Osprey
Pandion haliaetusLC
A rare but eagerly anticipated passage migrant, occasionally fishing at larger reservoirs during August migration.
Aug
Pectoral Sandpiper
Calidris melanotosLC
A rare Nearctic vagrant, occasionally appearing at reservoirs and wetlands in August. Always a prized find for local birders.
Aug
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinusLC
A rare but thrilling year-round resident, increasingly nesting on urban buildings and hunting pigeons over town centres.
Year-round
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
A rare visitor, mainly seen in winter and early spring. Skeins occasionally pass over the Pennine fringe during migration.
Sep–May
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
An uncommon year-round resident on deeper reservoirs and lakes, though nationally declining. Males show a rich chestnut head.
Year-round
Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostraLC
A rare and irruptive visitor to conifer plantations, occasionally recorded in July and October during invasion years.
Jul–Oct
Red Grouse
Lagopus lagopus scoticaLC
A scarce year-round resident of the Pennine moorlands. Found on heather-clad uplands in the west of the region.
Year-round
Red Kite
Milvus milvusLC
Now an uncommon but increasing resident, benefiting from reintroduction programmes. Often seen soaring over valleys and farmland across the region.
Year-round
Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufinaLC
A rare visitor with scattered records, most likely involving wandering birds. Occasionally seen on larger reservoirs.
Oct–May
Red-legged Partridge
Alectoris rufaNT
A rare year-round resident, mainly on lowland arable farmland. Less common here than in drier eastern counties.
Year-round
Red-necked Grebe
Podiceps grisegenaLC
A rare autumn passage visitor, occasionally appearing on larger reservoirs in October during southward movement.
Oct