Birds in United Kingdom
Explore 275 species found in this region.
The United Kingdom is home to an impressive diversity of 258 bird species, thriving across a rich mosaic of habitats from rugged Scottish highlands and coastal estuaries to ancient woodlands and rolling farmland. Notable residents include the charismatic Great Tit and Magpie in gardens and hedgerows, the elegant Eurasian Woodcock in dense woodland, and the striking Mandarin Duck along sheltered waterways. Coastal and upland areas host remarkable species such as the Dotterel on mountain plateaux and the Common Shelduck along tidal mudflats, making the UK a rewarding destination for birdwatchers year-round.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Bar-headed Goose arriving this month, and Bluethroat and Cackling Goose depart for the season.
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Get Your Free DigestShowing 93–115 of 275 species
European Robin
Erithacus rubeculaLC
One of the UK's most familiar and beloved garden birds, present year-round. Fiercely territorial, its melodious song is heard in every month of the year.
Year-round
European Shag
Phalacrocorax aristotelisLC
A common resident of rocky coastlines and sea cliffs, nesting in colonies around much of Britain's coast. Distinguished from Cormorant by its smaller size and wispy crest.
Year-round
European Storm-petrel
Hydrobates pelagicusLC
An uncommon breeder on remote western and northern islands, arriving from May and lingering into autumn. Nests in rocky crevices, visiting colonies nocturnally.
May–Nov
European Turtle-dove
Streptopelia turturVU
A rapidly declining summer visitor to farmland and hedgerows in south-east England. Now one of the UK's most threatened breeding birds.
Apr–Oct
Fieldfare
Turdus pilarisLC
A common winter thrush arriving in large flocks from Scandinavia. Often feeds on berries in hedgerows alongside Redwings.
Sep–May
Firecrest
Regulus ignicapillaLC
A tiny resident of coniferous and mixed woodland, slowly expanding its breeding range in southern England. Its bold orange crown stripe distinguishes it from the Goldcrest.
Year-round
Fulmar
Fulmarus glacialisLC
Nests on sea cliffs around the coast, especially in Scotland and northern England. Numbers have declined sharply in recent years.
Year-round
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
A year-round resident of lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits. Once scarce, it has spread considerably across England and Wales in recent decades.
Year-round
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Garden Warbler
Sylvia borinLC
A common summer breeder arriving from April, favouring dense scrub and woodland understorey. Its rich warbling song is often confused with the Blackcap's.
Apr–Oct
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A scarce summer visitor arriving from Africa in spring, favouring shallow wetlands and flooded meadows mainly in southern and eastern England.
Mar–Oct
Glaucous Gull
Larus hyperboreusLC
A rare winter visitor from the Arctic, most regularly seen around harbours and coasts of northern Scotland.
Nov–Mar
Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellusLC
An uncommon but increasingly regular resident of marshes and wetlands. Sightings have risen notably in recent years, mainly in southern England.
Year-round
Goldcrest
Regulus regulusLC
Britain's smallest bird, a common resident of coniferous and mixed woodland. Numbers are boosted in autumn by Continental migrants arriving on the east coast.
Year-round
Golden Oriole
Oriolus oriolusLC
A rare and elusive spring passage visitor, occasionally overshooting from the Continent. More often heard than seen in coastal scrub and woodland.
May–Jun
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricariaLC
Breeds on upland moorlands in summer and forms large flocks on lowland farmland in winter. A common and widespread resident.
Year-round
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
Commonly seen on lakes, reservoirs, and sheltered coasts in winter. A small breeding population exists in the Scottish Highlands.
Year-round
Grasshopper Warbler
Locustella naeviaLC
A skulking summer visitor to dense grassland, marshes, and young plantations. Its extraordinary insect-like reeling song, delivered from deep cover, is easier heard than seen.
Apr–Sep
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
A common and imposing resident of coastlines, harbours, and rubbish tips year-round. The largest breeding gull in the UK, increasingly found inland.
Year-round
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carboLC
A common and widespread resident found on coasts, estuaries, lakes and reservoirs. Inland populations have increased markedly, often roosting communally in trees.
Year-round
Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatusLC
A common resident of lakes and reservoirs, renowned for its elaborate courtship dance. Moves to larger water bodies in winter.
Year-round
Great Grey Shrike
Lanius excubitorLC
A rare winter visitor favouring heathland and scrubby edges. Often perches prominently on bushes or treetops in open country.
Oct–Mar
Great Skua
Catharacta skuaLC
Breeds on remote Scottish and Shetland islands, aggressively defending nesting colonies. Known as the 'bonxie', it pirates food from other seabirds.
Year-round
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos majorLC
A familiar year-round resident of woodlands, parks and gardens. Its loud drumming on branches is a characteristic sound of spring.
Year-round