Birds in Berkshire
Explore 149 species found in this region.
Berkshire is home to a rich diversity of birdlife, with 149 species recorded across the county's varied habitats, from the Thames Valley wetlands and gravel pits to ancient woodlands and open farmland. Notable species include the striking Mandarin Duck, which thrives along the county's wooded waterways, as well as wintering visitors such as the Northern Pintail and Common Merganser. Whether you're exploring the reedbeds of Dinton Pastures or the heathlands near Bracknell, Berkshire offers rewarding birdwatching throughout the year.
Visiting in April? Look out for Barn Swallow and Common Redstart arriving this month, and Bohemian Waxwing and Common Merganser depart for the season.
Showing 1–23 of 149 species
Barn Owl
Tyto albaLC
A rare but cherished resident of Berkshire's farmland, occasionally glimpsed hunting along field margins at dusk.
Nov–Aug
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rusticaLC
A common summer visitor from April to October, hawking insects over farmland, rivers and villages. Often nests in barns and outbuildings across the county.
Apr–Oct
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
A rare midwinter visitor, most records likely involve feral or escaped birds. Occasionally turns up on gravel pits alongside other geese.
Jan
Black Tern
Chlidonias nigerLC
A rare August passage migrant, occasionally seen dipping over gravel pits and reservoirs. Elegant dark plumage separates it from Common Tern.
Aug
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosaNT
A rare passage migrant through Berkshire, occasionally stopping at gravel pits and reservoirs between July and September.
Jul–Sep
Blackbird
Turdus merulaLC
One of Berkshire's most familiar garden birds, present year-round. Males sing richly from rooftops and treetops from late winter onwards.
Year-round
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapillaLC
A common year-round warbler found in woodlands, hedgerows and gardens. Increasingly overwinters in Berkshire, visiting feeders during cold spells.
Year-round
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleusLC
A common and familiar garden resident throughout the year. Readily uses nest boxes and is a regular visitor to peanut and seed feeders.
Year-round
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Bohemian Waxwing
Bombycilla garrulusLC
A rare and irruptive winter visitor, occasionally reaching Berkshire in invasion years. Seeks out berry-bearing trees in towns and parks.
Jan–Mar
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare winter and early spring visitor, sometimes joining Chaffinch flocks at woodland feeding stations. Numbers vary greatly between years.
Jan–Apr
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
An uncommon but year-round resident of hedgerows, scrub and woodland edges. Its soft, piping call often betrays its presence before it is seen.
Year-round
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
Now a common year-round resident after a dramatic recovery. Soars over Berkshire's farmland, downs and woodland throughout the county.
Year-round
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
Abundant year-round on lakes, gravel pits and riverside meadows. Large flocks gather on playing fields and farmland, especially in late summer.
Year-round
Carrion Crow
Corvus coroneLC
A common and adaptable resident, seen in virtually every habitat across Berkshire from town centres to farmland.
Year-round
Cetti's Warbler
Cettia cettiLC
A year-round resident of dense waterside vegetation, more often heard than seen with its explosive burst of song.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
A common and widespread resident of woodlands, hedgerows and gardens. Its cheerful song is a familiar sound across Berkshire year-round.
Year-round
Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybitaLC
A common resident found year-round in woodlands, parks and gardens. Its repetitive two-note song is one of the earliest signs of spring in Berkshire.
Year-round
Coal Tit
Periparus aterLC
An uncommon but year-round resident, favouring coniferous and mixed woodland and regularly visiting garden feeders in winter.
Year-round
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
Present year-round but most numerous in winter on playing fields and reservoirs. Often mixes with Black-headed Gull flocks.
Year-round
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthisLC
Found year-round along the Thames and Kennet, this dazzling resident favours slow-moving stretches and sheltered riverbanks.
Year-round
Common Loon
Gavia immerLC
A rare December vagrant to Berkshire, occasionally turning up on larger reservoirs and gravel pits during cold weather movements.
Dec
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
An uncommon winter visitor, arriving from November on larger rivers and gravel pits. Small parties fish the Thames and its associated waterbodies.
Nov–Mar
Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicusLC
A common year-round resident of Berkshire's farmland, woodland edges and hedgerows, largely sustained by ongoing releases for shooting.
Year-round