Birds in Dorset
Explore 209 species found in this region.
Dorset is one of southern England's most rewarding counties for birdwatching, with 207 recorded species found across its diverse landscapes. From the sheltered harbours of Poole and the Fleet lagoon to the ancient heathlands and chalk downlands, the county supports an impressive range of birdlife including Eurasian Woodcock, Great Grey Shrike, and wintering flocks of Northern Lapwing and Northern Pintail. The Jurassic Coast and its surrounding wetlands also provide vital staging grounds for migrating waders such as Common Sandpiper and passage wildfowl like Common Shelduck and Mandarin Duck.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Jaeger and Arctic Tern arriving this month, and Arctic Loon and Black-necked Grebe depart for the season.
Showing 1–23 of 209 species
Arctic Jaeger
Stercorarius parasiticusLC
A rare but regular sight from Dorset's headlands during seawatching, harassing terns and gulls on passage.
Apr–Oct
Arctic Loon
Gavia arcticaLC
Rare winter visitor to Dorset's coastal waters, occasionally seen from Portland Bill or in sheltered bays between November and March.
Nov–Mar
Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaeaLC
A rare spring passage migrant in April and May, best seen during seawatches from Portland Bill. Does not breed in Dorset.
Apr–May
Atlantic Puffin
Fratercula arcticaVU
A rare breeding species, nesting in small numbers on Dorset's coastal cliffs from April to July. Numbers have declined significantly.
Apr–Jul
Avocet
Recurvirostra avosettaLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, breeding at Brownsea Island lagoon and wintering in Poole Harbour's sheltered mudflats.
Year-round
Balearic Shearwater
Puffinus mauretanicusCR
Critically endangered globally, this rare shearwater is seen offshore from Portland Bill between June and October. Dorset is a key UK site.
Jun–Oct
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponicaNT
An uncommon year-round presence, probing sandy shores and harbour mudflats with its distinctive upturned bill.
Year-round
Barn Owl
Tyto albaLC
A rare but resident owl of Dorset's farmland and grasslands, hunting at dusk over fields and along hedgerows. Best seen at dawn and dusk.
Jun–Apr
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Barn Swallow
Hirundo rusticaLC
A common summer visitor breeding in barns and outbuildings across Dorset's farmland. Arrives from March and lingers into November.
Mar–Nov
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
A rare non-breeding visitor in late autumn and winter. Small numbers occasionally appear on coastal marshes, sometimes alongside Brent Geese.
Nov–Jan
Bearded Tit
Panurus biarmicusLC
A rare resident of Dorset's reedbeds, notably at Arne and Radipole Lake. Often heard pinging from dense reeds before being glimpsed.
Year-round
Black Guillemot
Cepphus grylleLC
A rare winter passage visitor, occasionally recorded offshore in December. Far more typical of northern and western British coasts.
Dec
Black Redstart
Phoenicurus ochrurosLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, most often spotted on coastal cliffs and buildings at Portland and along the Jurassic Coast during autumn and winter.
Oct–Apr
Black Swan
Cygnus atratusLC
A rare and irregular visitor, likely of captive origin. Occasionally recorded on lakes and harbours in scattered months through the year.
May–Nov
Black Tern
Chlidonias nigerLC
A rare autumn passage migrant seen in September, favouring sheltered harbours and lagoons. Most likely at Poole Harbour or Lodmoor.
Sep
Black-necked Grebe
Podiceps nigricollisLC
An uncommon winter visitor favouring sheltered coastal waters, regularly seen in Poole Harbour and Studland Bay from October to March.
Oct–Mar
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosaNT
A common resident, with Poole Harbour and the Exe estuary fringes hosting important flocks throughout the year.
Year-round
Blackbird
Turdus merulaLC
An abundant resident found in virtually every Dorset habitat from gardens to woodland. Numbers swell in autumn with Continental migrants.
Year-round
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapillaLC
A common year-round resident in Dorset's woods and gardens. Summer breeders are bolstered by wintering birds from central Europe.
Year-round
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleusLC
A common year-round resident, readily visiting garden feeders across Dorset. Thrives in woodland, hedgerows and parks throughout the county.
Year-round
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare winter visitor, sometimes joining Chaffinch flocks in beech woodland and farmland from October to March.
Oct–Mar
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
An uncommon resident favouring Poole Harbour's sheltered mudflats and eelgrass beds. Numbers peak in winter with dark-bellied birds from Siberia.
Aug–May
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
An uncommon but year-round resident of Dorset's hedgerows and scrubby woodland edges, often heard before seen.
Year-round