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 93–115 of 186 species
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
Year-round resident breeding on moorland and farmland. Numbers swell in winter with Icelandic migrants joining native birds on lochs and estuaries.
Year-round
Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneusLC
A rare but iconic resident of upland moorland, heavily persecuted and now one of Scotland's most conservation-sensitive raptors.
Year-round
Hooded Crow
Corvus cornixLC
An uncommon resident replacing Carrion Crow in the Highlands and islands. The two species hybridise where their ranges overlap.
Year-round
Horned Grebe
Podiceps auritusVU
Known locally as Slavonian Grebe, a rare breeder on Highland lochs in summer. Winters around sheltered coastal waters and sea lochs.
Sep–Jun
House Martin
Delichon urbicumLC
An uncommon summer breeder arriving in April, nesting under eaves in towns and villages before departing by September.
Apr–Sep
House Sparrow
Passer domesticusLC
A familiar resident of towns and villages throughout Scotland. Numbers have declined significantly in recent decades, though it remains a common garden visitor.
Year-round
Iceland Gull
Larus glaucoidesLC
A rare winter visitor, most often spotted in harbours and around fishing boats in the Northern Isles and along the north coast from January to March.
Jan–Mar
Jack Snipe
Lymnocryptes minimusLC
A rare and secretive passage visitor to boggy wetlands, mainly in autumn and early winter. Often crouches motionless when disturbed.
Oct–Jan
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Jackdaw
Coloeus monedulaLC
A common and sociable resident found around old buildings, church towers, and farmland. Often seen in noisy flocks with Rooks.
Year-round
Kestrel
Falco tinnunculusLC
An uncommon resident hovering over roadside verges and open farmland. Scottish populations have declined in recent years.
Year-round
Kittiwake
Rissa tridactylaVU
Breeds on sea cliffs across Scotland but has suffered severe declines. Present year-round, though many disperse offshore in winter.
Year-round
Lapland Longspur
Calcarius lapponicusLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, mainly recorded in September and October on Shetland and the Northern Isles. Favours stubble fields and short coastal grassland.
Sep–Oct
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscusLC
A common year-round resident, found along coasts, farmland, and urban areas. Numbers swell in summer at breeding colonies on islands and rooftops.
Year-round
Lesser Whitethroat
Curruca currucaLC
A rare passage migrant, mainly in May and autumn. Scarce this far north, typically glimpsed briefly in coastal scrub and hedgerows.
May–Oct
Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
An uncommon resident of gorse-covered hillsides, farmland and coastal scrub. Forms sociable flocks outside the breeding season, often feeding on weed seeds.
Year-round
Little Auk
Alle alleLC
A rare November passage visitor, occasionally blown close to shore by autumn gales. Tiny and compact, it is the smallest auk in the Atlantic.
Nov
Little Egret
Egretta garzettaLC
A rare but increasingly recorded resident, part of a northward range expansion. Favours estuaries and coastal wetlands.
Jul–Apr
Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollisLC
A shy, year-round resident of sheltered lochs, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. Often detected by its distinctive whinnying trill rather than by sight.
Year-round
Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutusLC
A rare passage visitor from July to October, seen at coastal and occasionally inland waters. Dainty and buoyant, with distinctive dark underwings.
Jul–Oct
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubiusLC
A rare passage visitor recorded briefly in May. Scarce this far north, preferring gravel pits and riverbanks further south in Britain.
May
Little Stint
Calidris minutaLC
A rare September passage migrant, typically found on coastal mudflats and pools. Tiny size and fine bill help distinguish it from Dunlin.
Sep
Little Tern
Sternula albifronsLC
A rare passage visitor in May and June, occasionally seen along sandy coasts. Breeds sparingly further south in the UK.
May–Jun
Long-eared Owl
Asio otusLC
An elusive resident of conifer plantations and dense woodland, rarely seen but sometimes located by its low moaning call.
Year-round