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 70–92 of 144 species
Greenshank
Tringa nebulariaLC
A rare passage wader seen at gravel pits and reservoir margins in April and August. Its distinctive ringing call often gives it away first.
Apr–Aug
Grey Heron
Ardea cinereaLC
A familiar year-round presence along rivers, lakes, and water meadows, standing motionless before striking at fish. Nests colonially in tall trees.
Year-round
Grey Partridge
Perdix perdixLC
A rare and declining resident of arable farmland and chalk downland, with Salisbury Plain offering some of its best habitat.
Feb–Dec
Grey Wagtail
Motacilla cinereaLC
Found year-round along Wiltshire's streams and rivers, bobbing its long tail on rocks. Breeds near fast-flowing water but disperses more widely in winter.
Year-round
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
A rare year-round resident, with feral populations found on lakes and gravel pits. Small flocks graze waterside meadows across the county.
Year-round
Hawfinch
Coccothraustes coccothraustesLC
A rare passage visitor recorded briefly in May and August, this elusive finch is an exciting find in Wiltshire.
May–Aug
Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneusLC
A rare winter visitor to Salisbury Plain and open downland, occasionally quartering low over grassland and stubble fields.
Oct–Mar
Hobby
Falco subbuteoLC
A rare summer breeder, arriving in April to hunt dragonflies and swallows over Salisbury Plain and Wiltshire's river valleys before departing in September.
Apr–Sep
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House Martin
Delichon urbicumLC
An uncommon summer breeder nesting under eaves in Wiltshire's towns and villages, arriving in April and departing by October.
Apr–Oct
House Sparrow
Passer domesticusLC
A common year-round resident closely tied to human habitation, nesting under eaves in Wiltshire's towns and villages.
Year-round
Jackdaw
Coloeus monedulaLC
An abundant and sociable resident, nesting in church towers and old buildings. Large flocks gather over Wiltshire's towns.
Year-round
Kestrel
Falco tinnunculusLC
Resident year-round, often seen hovering over roadside verges and open downland on Salisbury Plain while hunting for small mammals.
Year-round
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscusLC
Present year-round, frequenting reservoirs, farmland and landfill sites across the county. Numbers increase in summer.
Year-round
Lesser Whitethroat
Curruca currucaLC
A scarce summer breeder, favouring tall hedgerows and scrubby thickets. Its rattling song is heard from April to July.
Apr–Sep
Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
An uncommon resident of open farmland and scrubby downland, often seen in small flocks on Salisbury Plain year-round.
Year-round
Little Egret
Egretta garzettaLC
Now resident year-round after colonising from the continent, found along rivers, lakes, and water meadows. A relatively recent addition to Wiltshire's birdlife.
Year-round
Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollisLC
A shy resident of sheltered ponds, lakes and slow rivers. Often heard before seen, with its distinctive whinnying trill.
Year-round
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubiusLC
A rare summer breeder, nesting on gravel margins and bare ground around Wiltshire's reservoirs and gravel pits.
Mar–Aug
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatusLC
A common and endearing resident, roving through hedgerows and gardens in noisy family parties throughout the year.
Year-round
Magpie
Pica picaLC
A common and conspicuous resident found in gardens, farmland and hedgerows throughout Wiltshire year-round.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
The commonest duck in Wiltshire, found year-round on rivers, lakes, farm ponds, and urban waterways across the county.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A rare breeding visitor, nesting in wooded areas near rivers and lakes from spring through summer. Favours mature trees with nest holes close to water.
Mar–Sep
Marsh Tit
Poecile palustrisLC
A rare but year-round resident of mature deciduous woodland, favouring sites with good understorey such as Savernake Forest.
Year-round