Birds in Wiltshire
Explore 144 species found in this region.
Wiltshire's diverse landscapes, from the rolling chalk downlands of Salisbury Plain to the river valleys of the Avon and Kennet, support a rich variety of birdlife. With 143 species recorded across the county, birders can enjoy sightings ranging from the iconic Barn Owl hunting over open farmland to the striking Mandarin Duck along wooded waterways. The county's mix of wetlands, ancient woodlands, and grasslands makes it a rewarding destination for birdwatching throughout the year.
Visiting in April? Look out for Barn Swallow and Common Redstart arriving this month, and Common Gull and Common Merganser depart for the season.
Showing 47–69 of 144 species
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
An uncommon non-breeding visitor to flooded meadows and lakes from autumn to spring. Flocks gather on wet grasslands, often with whistling calls.
Aug–Apr
Eurasian Woodcock
Scolopax rusticolaLC
A rare winter visitor to damp woodland floors, most likely flushed from leaf litter in December to February.
Dec–Feb
Eurasian Wren
Troglodytes troglodytesLC
One of Wiltshire's most abundant birds, found year-round in hedgerows, gardens, and woodland undergrowth. Its loud, explosive song belies its tiny size.
Year-round
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelisLC
A common and colourful resident, flocking on seed-rich farmland in winter and visiting garden feeders throughout the year.
Year-round
European Green Woodpecker
Picus viridisLC
An uncommon resident of Wiltshire's parklands and woodland edges, its loud laughing call often heard before it is seen.
Year-round
European Herring Gull
Larus argentatusLC
Present year-round, often seen loafing on playing fields and supermarket car parks well inland from the coast.
Year-round
European Robin
Erithacus rubeculaLC
A familiar year-round resident of Wiltshire's gardens, hedgerows and woodlands, singing throughout the winter months.
Year-round
Fieldfare
Turdus pilarisLC
A winter visitor to Wiltshire's farmland and hedgerows, often seen in roaming flocks feeding on berries from October to April.
Oct–Apr
Spotted something?
Upload a photo to identify it
Identify
Firecrest
Regulus ignicapillaLC
A rare resident favouring coniferous and mixed woodland, most easily detected by its high-pitched call. Occasionally found in mature gardens during autumn.
Feb–Nov
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
An uncommon year-round resident on Wiltshire's lakes and gravel pits. Often overlooked among Mallards, preferring quiet, vegetated waterbodies.
Year-round
Garden Warbler
Sylvia borinLC
An uncommon summer breeder found in dense scrub and woodland edges from April to August, more often heard than seen.
Apr–Aug
Goldcrest
Regulus regulusLC
A tiny year-round resident of coniferous and mixed woodland, often detected by its thin, high-pitched call.
Year-round
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricariaLC
A rare winter visitor forming flocks on Salisbury Plain's open grasslands and ploughed fields from October to March.
Oct–Mar
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
A rare winter visitor to deeper lakes and reservoirs from November to March. The male's striking white face patch is unmistakable on open water.
Nov–Mar
Grasshopper Warbler
Locustella naeviaLC
A rare summer breeder in dense scrub and grassland margins, its insect-like reeling song heard from April to May.
Apr–Aug
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
A rare resident, seen at reservoirs and landfill sites. Present most of the year, though scarcer inland than along the coast.
Apr–Jan
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carboLC
An uncommon year-round resident, regularly seen at rivers and reservoirs across Wiltshire, often perching with wings outstretched.
Year-round
Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatusLC
Breeds on larger lakes and reservoirs across Wiltshire. Its elaborate courtship display is a highlight of early spring.
Year-round
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos majorLC
A common resident of broadleaved and mixed woodland, parks, and larger gardens. Its loud drumming on dead branches is a characteristic spring sound.
Year-round
Great Tit
Parus majorLC
A common year-round resident, readily visiting garden feeders and nesting in boxes across Wiltshire's woods and villages.
Year-round
Great White Egret
Ardea albaLC
A rare but increasingly recorded resident at Wiltshire's wetlands and river valleys, reflecting a wider UK range expansion.
Year-round
Green Sandpiper
Tringa ochropusLC
A scarce but regular visitor to muddy stream edges and watercress beds, most often seen during autumn passage and winter.
Mar–Jan
Greenfinch
Chloris chlorisLC
A familiar garden and farmland resident, though numbers have declined sharply due to trichomonosis. Still commonly seen at feeders across the county.
Year-round