Birds in Scotland
Explore 186 species found in this region.
Scotland is home to an impressive diversity of birdlife, with 186 species recorded across its dramatic landscapes of rugged coastlines, ancient Caledonian forests, expansive moorlands, and tranquil lochs. From vast flocks of Pink-footed Geese arriving each autumn to the charismatic Northern Lapwing displaying over farmland, Scotland offers exceptional birdwatching throughout the year. Notable species include the Common Merganser on highland rivers, Eurasian Woodcock in dense woodland, and the Common Shelduck along its estuaries.
Visiting in April? Look out for Atlantic Puffin and Barn Swallow arriving this month, and Brent Goose and Common Kingfisher depart for the season.
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Get Your Free DigestShowing 24–46 of 186 species
Coal Tit
Periparus aterLC
An uncommon resident favouring coniferous and mixed woodland. Visits garden feeders regularly, especially in winter months.
Year-round
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
A common resident breeding on moorland, lochs, and islands. Widespread across Scotland year-round, often seen on playing fields and farmland.
Year-round
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthisLC
A rare non-breeding visitor found along sheltered rivers and lochs. Scarce in Scotland, more often seen in lowland waterways.
Jul–Mar
Common Loon
Gavia immerLC
Known locally as Great Northern Diver, a rare but regular winter visitor to Scottish coastal waters. Occasionally summers in the north but breeding is unconfirmed.
Sep–Jul
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
Resident on fast-flowing Highland rivers and lochs year-round. Breeds along wooded riverbanks and is a skilled fish-catching diver.
Year-round
Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicusLC
An uncommon year-round resident found in farmland, woodland edges, and game estates. Largely sustained by releases for shooting.
Year-round
Common Raven
Corvus coraxLC
An uncommon but increasing resident of upland crags, sea cliffs, and mature woodland. Deep croaking calls echo across Scottish glens.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
An uncommon year-round resident favouring birch and alder woodland. Often visits garden feeders in winter, sometimes alongside Siskins in mixed flocks.
Year-round
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Common Redstart
Phoenicurus phoenicurusLC
A rare summer breeder in mature oak woodland, especially in the Highlands. The male's fiery orange tail and breast make it unmistakable.
Apr–Oct
Common Rosefinch
Carpodacus erythrinusLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, most often recorded in September on the Northern Isles. Typically a young bird drifted west from its Scandinavian breeding range.
Sep
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucosLC
An uncommon breeding visitor to rocky rivers and loch shores from April to September. Bobs constantly along the waterside.
Apr–Sep
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
Rare resident sea duck found in offshore flocks year-round. A small breeding population persists on Highland lochs; numbers are declining.
Year-round
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
Resident on estuaries and sandy coasts year-round. Nests in rabbit burrows and other cavities near the shore.
Year-round
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgarisLC
A common resident forming spectacular winter murmurations, especially over towns and reedbeds. Declining nationally but still widespread in Scotland.
Year-round
Common Swift
Apus apusLC
An uncommon breeding visitor screaming over towns and cities from May to September. Nests in older buildings and feeds entirely on the wing.
May–Sep
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
An uncommon summer breeder found at coastal and inland lochs from May to September. Nests on shingle banks and specially provided rafts.
May–Sep
Coot
Fulica atraLC
An uncommon resident of lochs and reservoirs, often forming flocks in winter. Prefers open freshwater with vegetated margins.
Year-round
Corn Bunting
Emberiza calandraLC
A rare passage visitor, now virtually extinct as a Scottish breeder. Occasionally recorded in May, mainly in eastern lowland farmland areas.
May
Corncrake
Crex crexLC
A rare passage visitor in late spring; Scotland's western isles are a key UK stronghold, though records here are scarce.
May–Jun
Crested Tit
Lophophanes cristatusLC
A rare and prized resident found almost exclusively in ancient Caledonian pine forests of the Highlands. A Scottish speciality.
Year-round
Cuckoo
Cuculus canorusLC
An uncommon breeding visitor arriving in April, its far-carrying call echoing across moorland and woodland. Departs by midsummer.
Apr–Jun
Curlew
Numenius arquataNT
A common resident whose evocative call defines Scottish moorland and farmland. Breeds on uplands in spring, moving to coasts in winter.
Year-round
Curlew Sandpiper
Calidris ferrugineaNT
A rare September passage visitor, typically found among flocks of Dunlin on estuarine mudflats. Its decurved bill and white rump aid identification.
Sep