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 116–138 of 203 species
Little Owl
Athene noctuaLC
A rare breeder in lowland farmland with old trees and stone walls. Introduced to Britain, it has a localised Welsh range.
Mar–Jul
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubiusLC
A rare summer breeder found at gravel pits and reservoir margins in Wales from April to August. Distinguished from Ringed Plover by its yellow eye-ring.
Apr–Aug
Little Stint
Calidris minutaLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally turning up at coastal pools and estuarine mudflats in August and September.
Aug–Sep
Little Tern
Sternula albifronsLC
A rare passage visitor to Welsh coasts in June and July. Does not breed regularly in Wales, preferring sandy shores further east.
Jun–Jul
Long-eared Owl
Asio otusLC
An elusive resident of dense conifer plantations and shelterbelts. Strictly nocturnal and easily overlooked; best detected by its low hooting.
Year-round
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
A rare winter visitor to Welsh coastal waters from November to March. Occasionally seen in harbours and sheltered bays along the coastline.
Nov–Mar
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatusLC
A common resident forming lively flocks in hedgerows and woodland edges. Family groups move acrobatically through Welsh gardens year-round.
Year-round
Magnolia Warbler
Setophaga magnoliaLC
An exceptionally rare Nearctic vagrant, with September records likely linked to transatlantic weather systems. A major rarity for Wales.
Sep
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Magpie
Pica picaLC
A common and conspicuous resident throughout Wales, readily found in gardens, farmland, and urban areas year-round.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
The most widespread duck in Wales, common on rivers, lakes, ponds and urban parks throughout the year. Breeds readily across all habitats.
Year-round
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A rare breeding visitor to wooded rivers and lakes, with small feral populations established in parts of Wales. Most likely seen from March to June.
Mar–Jun
Manx Shearwater
Puffinus puffinusLC
Breeds in huge numbers on Skomer and Skokholm islands. Returns to burrows at night, creating spectacular evening gatherings offshore.
Apr–Oct
Marsh Tit
Poecile palustrisLC
A rare and declining resident of mature deciduous woodland, mainly in the Welsh borderlands. Easily confused with Willow Tit.
Nov–Sep
Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensisLC
Abundant on Welsh upland moors and rough grassland year-round. A key prey species for merlins and hen harriers.
Year-round
Merlin
Falco columbariusLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to Welsh uplands and coasts from autumn through spring. Some breed on nearby moorlands but disperse in winter.
Sep–Apr
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
A bold, upright thrush found in parkland and open woodland. Often sings from treetops in Wales even during winter storms.
Year-round
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropusLC
A common resident found on ponds, lakes, and slow rivers throughout Wales. Easily recognised by its red frontal shield and jerky swimming style.
Year-round
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A familiar and elegant resident of Welsh lakes, rivers, and estuaries. Breeds widely and is a year-round fixture on urban and rural waterways.
Year-round
Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeusLC
A rare and elusive passage visitor to Welsh heathlands and young conifer plantations in June and July. Best detected by its churring song at dusk.
Jun–Jul
Northern Gannet
Morus bassanusLC
Present year-round off the Welsh coast, with Grassholm hosting one of the world's largest gannetries of around 36,000 pairs.
Year-round
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisLC
A rare and secretive resident of large Welsh forests. Slowly increasing but very elusive, most often seen soaring over conifer plantations.
Jan–Jun
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
An uncommon but declining resident of Welsh farmland and upland pastures. Winter flocks form on lowland fields, often mixed with Golden Plovers.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
An uncommon non-breeding visitor to Welsh estuaries and wetlands from autumn to spring. Elegant and long-necked, often seen on the Dee or Burry Inlet.
Sep–Apr