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 162–184 of 186 species
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
An uncommon but widespread year-round resident of woodland and gardens. A stealthy hunter that dashes through hedgerows and along woodland edges after small birds.
Year-round
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
A rare and declining summer visitor to open woodland and forest edges. Sallies from exposed perches to catch flying insects, present May to September.
May–Sep
Spotted Redshank
Tringa erythropusLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally seen at coastal pools and estuaries in September. Longer-billed and more elegant than the common Redshank.
Sep
Stock Dove
Columba oenasLC
A rare resident favouring mature woodland with old trees for nesting. Easily overlooked and scarcer in Scotland than further south.
Year-round
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
An uncommon resident of gorse-covered coastal slopes and moorland edges. Hardy enough to remain through Scottish winters, unlike its relative the Whinchat.
Year-round
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
A rare passage visitor in spring, though resident in many Scottish woodlands. Hunts silently through deciduous and mixed forests at night.
Mar–May
Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialisLC
A scarce summer breeder arriving from April, favouring open woodland and hillside birch woods. Delivers its distinctive song in descending flight before departing by September.
Apr–Sep
Treecreeper
Certhia familiarisLC
An unobtrusive resident of mature woodland, spiralling up tree trunks probing bark for insects. Easiest to locate by its thin, high-pitched song.
Year-round
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Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
Resident diving duck found year-round on lochs, reservoirs and urban ponds. Males show a striking purple-glossed head and wispy crest.
Year-round
Twite
Linaria flavirostrisLC
A rare resident closely associated with Scotland's upland moorlands and coastal crofting areas. Breeds on heather hillsides and gathers in coastal flocks in winter.
Year-round
Velvet Scoter
Melanitta fuscaVU
Rare sea duck found in small numbers off Scottish coasts, often mixed with Common Scoter flocks. A declining species of conservation concern.
Jul–May
Water Rail
Rallus aquaticusLC
A rare and secretive non-breeding visitor to reedbeds and marshy wetlands. Most often detected by its pig-like squealing call in winter.
Sep–Apr
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
A rare passage visitor in August, occasionally seen quartering over marshes and reedbeds during southward migration.
Aug
Wheatear
Oenanthe oenantheLC
An uncommon summer breeder on open moorland, rocky hillsides and coastal grassland. Often bobs and flicks its tail from prominent stones.
Mar–Oct
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopusLC
A rare summer breeder, nesting mainly on Shetland's moorlands. Passage birds appear on coasts from April; most depart by September for African wintering grounds.
Apr–Sep
Whinchat
Saxicola rubetraLC
A rare and declining summer breeder of rough grassland and bracken-covered hillsides. Perches prominently on fence posts and tall stems.
May–Oct
White-tailed Sea-eagle
Haliaeetus albicillaLC
Successfully reintroduced, this rare resident breeds on the west coast and islands. Scotland's population continues to grow slowly.
Jan–Oct
Whitethroat
Curruca communisLC
An uncommon summer breeder arriving in April, favouring hedgerows and scrubby margins. Its scratchy song is heard across lowland farmland.
Apr–Sep
Whooper Swan
Cygnus cygnusLC
Iconic winter visitor from Iceland, with numbers peaking on Scottish lochs and farmland from October to March. A small population breeds in the north.
Sep–Jun
Willow Warbler
Phylloscopus trochilusLC
An uncommon summer breeder found in birch woodland and scrubby hillsides. Its gentle descending song is a classic sound of spring.
Apr–Oct
Wood Warbler
Phylloscopus sibilatrixLC
A rare passage visitor in late spring. Breeds in western oak woodlands but has declined significantly across Scotland.
May–Jun
Woodpigeon
Columba palumbusLC
A common resident found in woodlands, parks, and gardens throughout the year. Its cooing song is a familiar sound.
Year-round
Yellow-browed Warbler
Phylloscopus inornatusLC
A rare autumn vagrant from Siberia, occasionally turning up along the Scottish coast in September and October.
Sep–Oct