Birds in England
Explore 274 species found in this region.
England is home to an impressive diversity of birdlife, with 257 recorded species found across its varied landscapes — from coastal estuaries and chalk downlands to ancient woodlands and upland moors. Notable species include the striking Bluethroat, the charismatic Dotterel of mountain plateaux, and the elegant Eurasian Woodcock hidden among forest floors. Whether you're watching Great Tits in a suburban garden or scanning mudflats for Common Shelduck, England offers outstanding birding opportunities throughout the year.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Bar-headed Goose arriving this month, and Bluethroat and Cackling Goose depart for the season.
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Get Your Free DigestShowing 47–69 of 274 species
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
A striking diving duck found on rivers and lakes, often known locally as the Goosander. Males sport a dark green head and salmon-pink body in breeding plumage.
Year-round
Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicusLC
An abundant resident of farmland, woodland edges and hedgerows. Millions are released annually for shooting, making it one of England's most numerous birds.
Year-round
Common Quail
Coturnix coturnixLC
A rare summer breeder, heard far more often than seen, delivering its distinctive 'wet-my-lips' call from arable fields between May and August.
May–Aug
Common Raven
Corvus coraxLC
Once largely confined to western uplands, this impressive corvid has spread steadily eastward and is now common across much of England, even in urban fringe areas.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
An uncommon resident and winter visitor found in birch woodland, scrubby areas and weedy fields. Numbers fluctuate with periodic irruptions from the north.
Year-round
Common Redstart
Phoenicurus phoenicurusLC
A summer visitor breeding in mature oak woodlands, mainly in western and northern England. Males flash a vivid orange-red tail from song perches.
Apr–Oct
Common Reed-warbler
Acrocephalus scirpaceusLC
A common summer breeder arriving in April, singing its chattering song from dense reedbeds across lowland England before departing by October.
Apr–Oct
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucosLC
Present year-round along rivers, lakes and reservoirs, bobbing its tail as it feeds along stony shorelines. Breeds mainly in northern and western England.
Year-round
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Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
An uncommon year-round resident of coastal waters, often seen in dark rafts offshore. Breeds sparingly; numbers increase in winter with Continental arrivals.
Year-round
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
A common and distinctive resident of estuaries and coastal marshes, often seen in large flocks. Breeds in burrows and undergoes a moult migration.
Year-round
Common Snipe
Gallinago gallinagoLC
A common resident of wet meadows, bogs and marshes throughout England. Its distinctive drumming display flight is a characteristic sound of spring.
Year-round
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgarisLC
A common and familiar resident, though numbers have declined significantly. Winter murmurations over towns and reedbeds remain a spectacular sight.
Year-round
Common Swift
Apus apusLC
A common summer breeder, screaming over towns and cities from May to August. Numbers have declined significantly, prompting conservation concern.
Apr–Sep
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
A common breeding visitor to coastal colonies and inland gravel pits from spring to early autumn. Plunge-dives for small fish.
Mar–Oct
Coot
Fulica atraLC
A common resident of lakes, reservoirs, and park ponds across England. Often gathers in large winter flocks on open water.
Year-round
Corn Bunting
Emberiza calandraLC
An uncommon year-round resident of open arable farmland, now largely restricted to parts of southern and eastern England. Has suffered severe population declines.
Year-round
Cuckoo
Cuculus canorusLC
An uncommon summer visitor arriving in April, now declining across England. Its distinctive call echoes through woodland and farmland.
Apr–Sep
Curlew
Numenius arquataNT
A common resident breeding on upland moors and farmland. Winters in large flocks on estuaries and coastal marshes across England.
Year-round
Curlew Sandpiper
Calidris ferrugineaNT
An uncommon passage wader seen on coastal mudflats and estuaries, mainly from late summer into autumn. Numbers vary greatly year to year.
Apr–Nov
Dartford Warbler
Curruca undataNT
An uncommon resident of lowland heathland, mainly in southern England. Vulnerable to harsh winters but has recovered and spread northward in recent decades.
Year-round
Dipper
Cinclus cinclusLC
An uncommon resident of fast-flowing upland streams, mainly in northern and western England. Bobs characteristically on rocks and walks underwater to feed.
Year-round
Dotterel
Eudromias morinellusLC
A rare passage migrant, pausing on high hilltops and ploughed fields in spring and autumn. Traditional stop-over sites attract dedicated observers.
May–Oct
Dunlin
Calidris alpinaLC
A common wader present year-round, with huge winter flocks on estuaries. Small numbers breed on upland moors in northern England.
Year-round