Birds in Worcestershire
Explore 181 species found in this region.
Worcestershire is a rewarding county for birdwatchers, with 179 recorded species found across its diverse habitats, from the wetlands of the Severn and Avon river valleys to the wooded slopes of the Malvern Hills. The county supports an impressive range of birdlife throughout the year, including notable species such as Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Woodcock, and Mandarin Duck, alongside winter visitors like Pink-footed Goose and Common Merganser. Whether exploring farmland, reservoirs, or ancient woodland, birders will find plenty to discover in this quintessentially English landscape.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Bar-tailed Godwit arriving this month, and Barn Owl and Cattle Egret depart for the season.
Showing 139–161 of 181 species
Reed Bunting
Emberiza schoeniclusLC
A common resident of reedbeds, ditches and damp farmland margins across the county. Males are distinctive with their black head and white collar.
Year-round
Ring Ouzel
Turdus torquatusLC
A rare passage migrant through Worcestershire in April and October, pausing on open hillsides and hedgerows during spring and autumn migration.
Oct–Apr
Ringed Plover
Charadrius hiaticulaLC
A rare breeder present March to September, nesting on gravel margins and reservoir shores across the county.
Mar–Sep
Rock Dove
Columba liviaLC
Feral populations are uncommon residents in urban areas. True wild Rock Doves are absent from the county.
Year-round
Rock Pipit
Anthus petrosusLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded at reservoirs and waterways in October, far from its usual rocky coastal haunts.
Oct
Rook
Corvus frugilegusLC
Noisy rookeries are a familiar sight in Worcestershire's farmland and parkland trees. A common resident, often seen foraging in arable fields.
Year-round
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Alexandrinus krameriLC
A rare and irregular visitor in autumn, likely dispersing from established feral populations in the south-east. Not yet established in the county.
Oct
Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensisLC
Once bred at local reservoirs, now extremely rare following a national eradication programme to protect the White-headed Duck.
May–Oct
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Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpresLC
A rare inland passage migrant, occasionally recorded at reservoir margins and gravel pits in May and August during migration.
May–Aug
Ruff
Philomachus pugnaxLC
A rare visitor to wet grasslands and pool margins, mainly on passage from March to October. Males in breeding plumage are occasionally noted in spring.
Mar–Oct
Sand Martin
Riparia ripariaLC
A common summer visitor breeding in sandy riverbanks along the Severn and Avon. Arrives from March and gathers in large flocks before autumn departure.
Mar–Oct
Sanderling
Calidris albaLC
A rare passage wader in May and June, occasionally found at reservoir shores and gravel pits. More typical of coastal habitats.
May–Jun
Sedge Warbler
Acrocephalus schoenobaenusLC
A summer breeding visitor arriving in April, favouring reedbeds and waterside scrub along the Severn and Avon floodplains. Departs by September.
Apr–Sep
Smew
Mergellus albellusLC
A rare passage visitor occasionally appearing in December on reservoirs. A striking small merganser from northern Europe.
Dec
Snow Bunting
Plectrophenax nivalisLC
A very rare passage visitor, with occasional November records. This Arctic breeder is a genuine rarity in landlocked Worcestershire.
Nov
Song Thrush
Turdus philomelosLC
A common resident of gardens, hedgerows and woodland, singing its repeated phrases from early in the year. Uses stones as anvils for snails.
Year-round
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
An uncommon but widespread resident, hunting small birds in woodland, hedgerows and gardens. Often detected by panicked alarm calls of its prey.
Year-round
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
An uncommon and declining summer breeder, arriving in May. Favours woodland edges, churchyards and mature gardens with open perches.
May–Sep
Spotted Redshank
Tringa erythropusLC
A rare autumn passage wader, occasionally stopping at county reservoirs and wetlands in August and September.
Aug–Sep
Stock Dove
Columba oenasLC
A common resident of parkland, mature woodland and farmland with old trees, nesting in holes rather than building a stick platform.
Year-round
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
An uncommon year-round resident found on heathland and rough grassland margins. Often perches prominently on gorse or fence posts, flicking its tail.
Year-round
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
A secretive resident of mature woodland, rarely seen but often heard hooting on calm nights. Under-recorded due to its nocturnal habits.
Year-round
Temminck's Stint
Calidris temminckiiLC
A very rare passage wader, occasionally recorded at muddy pool edges in May and September.
May–Sep