Birds in Wales
Explore 203 species found in this region.
Wales is home to an impressive diversity of birdlife, with 199 recorded species found across its rugged coastlines, estuaries, upland moors, and ancient woodlands. From wintering wildfowl such as the Pink-footed Goose and Northern Pintail on coastal wetlands to woodland favourites like the Great Tit and Eurasian Woodcock, the country offers exceptional birding opportunities year-round. Wales's varied habitats also support notable waders including the Northern Lapwing and Common Sandpiper, alongside more unexpected residents such as the Mandarin Duck.
Visiting in April? Look out for Atlantic Puffin and Barnacle Goose arriving this month, and Black Redstart and Brambling depart for the season.
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Get Your Free DigestShowing 24–46 of 203 species
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common introduced resident found on lakes, rivers, and parkland throughout Wales. Large flocks gather on lowland waters year-round.
Year-round
Carrion Crow
Corvus coroneLC
A common and adaptable resident found across all Welsh habitats, from upland farms to urban parks and coastal areas.
Year-round
Cetti's Warbler
Cettia cettiLC
An uncommon but increasing resident of dense wetland scrub. More often heard than seen, with its explosive burst of song.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
A common resident found in woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens throughout Wales. Its cheerful song is one of the most familiar sounds of the Welsh countryside.
Year-round
Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybitaLC
A common resident heard year-round, with numbers boosted by continental migrants in autumn. Favours woodland, parks and gardens.
Year-round
Coal Tit
Periparus aterLC
An uncommon resident favouring conifer plantations and mixed woodland. Visits garden feeders in winter, especially near forested areas.
Year-round
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
Present year-round but more numerous in winter, frequenting farmland, playing fields, and estuaries across Wales.
Year-round
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthisLC
Found year-round along clean Welsh rivers and streams, this dazzling resident is a prized sight darting low over the water.
Year-round
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Common Loon
Gavia immerLC
A rare winter visitor to sheltered bays and coastal waters from November to March. Larger and heavier-billed than other divers.
Nov–Mar
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
An uncommon year-round resident on fast-flowing Welsh rivers, breeding in upland valleys. Often seen fishing on rivers like the Wye and Usk.
Year-round
Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicusLC
An uncommon but widespread resident across Welsh farmland and woodland edges year-round. Populations are largely maintained through game releases.
Year-round
Common Raven
Corvus coraxLC
Thrives across Welsh uplands and sea cliffs year-round. Wales is a stronghold, with pairs often seen performing dramatic aerial displays.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
A rare resident associated with birch and alder woodland. Small numbers breed in upland valleys, with flocks sometimes visiting garden feeders in winter.
Year-round
Common Redstart
Phoenicurus phoenicurusLC
A handsome summer visitor breeding in Welsh sessile oak woods and stone walls, arriving from Africa in April.
Apr–Sep
Common Reed-warbler
Acrocephalus scirpaceusLC
A summer breeder found in reedbeds and wetland margins, mainly in south Wales. Present from April to September, singing from dense cover.
Apr–Sep
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucosLC
An uncommon resident, breeding along fast-flowing Welsh rivers and upland streams. Bobs constantly on waterside rocks and has a distinctive stiff-winged flight.
Apr–Feb
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
Uncommon but present most of the year off the Welsh coast, with notable flocks in Cardigan Bay. An important sea duck for Welsh marine conservation.
Jul–May
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
An uncommon but distinctive resident of Welsh estuaries and sandy coasts. Breeds in dunes and rabbit burrows, with post-breeding flocks gathering on mudflats.
Year-round
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgarisLC
Common year-round, forming spectacular winter murmurations at roost sites. Numbers have declined but it remains widespread in Welsh towns and farmland.
Year-round
Common Swift
Apus apusLC
An uncommon summer visitor, screaming over Welsh towns and villages from April to September. Nests in older buildings and is declining as nest sites are lost.
Apr–Sep
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
A rare breeding visitor to Welsh coasts and inland gravel pits from April to September, with scattered nesting sites.
Apr–Sep
Coot
Fulica atraLC
An uncommon resident of larger Welsh lakes and reservoirs. Often gathers in sizeable flocks on open water during winter months.
Year-round
Cuckoo
Cuculus canorusLC
An uncommon summer visitor arriving in April, heard calling across Welsh woodlands and moorland edges. Declining across the UK due to habitat loss.
Apr–Jun