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.
Explore by Region
Get a monthly guide to birds in England
Find out which birds are visiting your area this month, with seasonal tips and garden advice
Get Your Free DigestShowing 162–184 of 274 species
Long-tailed Jaeger
Stercorarius longicaudusLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally seen from seawatching points along the English coast between August and October.
Aug–Oct
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatusLC
A common and endearing resident of woodland, hedgerows and gardens. Roving family flocks are a familiar sight throughout the year.
Year-round
Magpie
Pica picaLC
An abundant and conspicuous resident of gardens, parks, and farmland. One of England's most recognisable corvids.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
The most familiar and widespread duck in England, common year-round on virtually any body of water from urban park ponds to rural lakes.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
An uncommon but established resident of wooded lakes and rivers. Originally from East Asia, feral populations thrive in southern England.
Year-round
Manx Shearwater
Puffinus puffinusLC
An uncommon pelagic species regularly seen offshore, especially from southwest headlands. Breeds on western islands but passes English waters on feeding trips.
Year-round
Marsh Tit
Poecile palustrisLC
A resident of mature deciduous woodland, particularly in southern and central England. Declining in recent decades, it is distinguished from Willow Tit by its bright cap and calls.
Year-round
Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensisLC
A common year-round resident of upland moors, rough grassland, and coastal areas. Its thin, piping call is one of the most familiar sounds of open countryside.
Year-round
Spotted something?
Upload a photo to identify it
Identify
Merlin
Falco columbariusLC
An uncommon resident breeding on upland moors in northern England and dispersing to lowland coasts and marshes in winter.
Year-round
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
A common resident of parkland, woodland edges and large gardens. Often sings from treetops in midwinter and fiercely defends berry-laden trees.
Year-round
Montagu's Harrier
Circus pygargusLC
A rare summer visitor and passage migrant, breeding in small numbers on arable farmland in southern England.
May–Aug
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropusLC
A common and widespread resident of ponds, streams, and ditches throughout England. Often seen flicking its tail nervously while walking on bankside vegetation.
Year-round
Muscovy Duck
Cairina moschataLC
A rare resident of feral origin, found on park lakes and farmyards. Not native to England but small free-flying populations persist in scattered locations.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
An elegant and familiar sight on rivers, lakes, and park ponds throughout England. Pairs defend territories aggressively, arching their wings in a distinctive threat display.
Year-round
Nightingale
Luscinia megarhynchosLC
An uncommon summer breeder arriving in April, largely confined to south-east England. Its rich, powerful song is best heard in May.
Apr–Aug
Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeusLC
A summer visitor to lowland heaths and open woodland, arriving in May. Best detected at dusk by its extraordinary churring song, which can last for minutes on end.
May–Sep
Northern Gannet
Morus bassanusLC
Spectacular plunge-divers seen offshore year-round, with large colonies on coastal cliffs. Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire is a key English breeding site.
Year-round
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisLC
A rare but increasing resident found in large forests and woodland. Secretive and best looked for during spring display flights.
Year-round
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
A common but declining farmland bird, resident year-round. Winter flocks gather on ploughed fields, while breeding birds favour damp pastures.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
A common and elegant dabbling duck found on estuaries, marshes and lakes. Numbers peak in winter with arrivals from northern Europe.
Year-round
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
A common resident duck found on lakes, reservoirs and marshes year-round, with numbers boosted by continental migrants in winter.
Year-round
Osprey
Pandion haliaetusLC
A summer breeding visitor arriving in March, now recolonising England after reintroduction efforts. Frequents lakes and reservoirs.
Mar–Oct
Pacific Golden-Plover
Pluvialis fulvaLC
A rare passage visitor in summer, occasionally turning up on coastal mudflats and estuaries, easily confused with the commoner European Golden-Plover.
Jun–Aug