Birds in Essex
Explore 212 species found in this region.
Essex is a remarkably rewarding county for birdwatching, with 208 recorded species found across its diverse mosaic of coastal marshes, estuaries, ancient woodlands and urban parklands. The Thames Estuary and the Blackwater and Colne estuaries provide internationally important habitat for wintering wildfowl and waders, including Brent Goose, Eurasian Wigeon and Northern Pintail. From scarce visitors like the Great Grey Shrike and Great Skua to established populations of Mandarin Duck and Common Shelduck, the county offers exceptional birding opportunities throughout the year.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Black Swan arriving this month, and Arctic Loon and Brambling depart for the season.
Showing 1–23 of 212 species
Arctic Jaeger
Stercorarius parasiticusLC
A rare autumn passage seabird seen offshore from August to October, often harrying terns along the Essex coast.
Aug–Oct
Arctic Loon
Gavia arcticaLC
A rare winter visitor to coastal waters and larger reservoirs, occasionally lingering into early spring.
Dec–Mar
Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaeaLC
A rare passage visitor along the Essex coast, mainly seen during spring and autumn migration at sites like The Naze and Foulness.
Apr–Oct
Avocet
Recurvirostra avosettaLC
A conservation success story, now common on Essex coastal marshes year-round. Breeds at key sites including Abberton and Old Hall.
Year-round
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponicaNT
An uncommon but regular wader on Essex estuaries and mudflats year-round. The Thames and Blackwater estuaries are key sites.
Year-round
Barn Owl
Tyto albaLC
An uncommon resident of open farmland and marshes, hunting silently at dusk over rough grassland. Benefits from nestbox schemes across the county.
Year-round
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rusticaLC
A common summer visitor, arriving from March and lingering into autumn. Nests in barns and outbuildings across Essex's farmland and villages.
Mar–Nov
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
Present year-round but rare, with a small feral population. Can appear on coastal marshes and reservoirs across the county.
Year-round
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Bearded Tit
Panurus biarmicusLC
A rare but iconic resident of extensive reedbeds, with key Essex sites including Abberton and the Lea Valley reserves.
Year-round
Black Swan
Cygnus atratusLC
A rare feral resident from Australasian stock, occasionally seen on lakes and park ponds across Essex.
Dec–Aug
Black Tern
Chlidonias nigerLC
A scarce passage migrant, occasionally seen dipping over reservoirs and gravel pits, mainly in late summer and early autumn.
May–Sep
Black-necked Grebe
Podiceps nigricollisLC
A rare grebe found on reservoirs and gravel pits through much of the year, occasionally breeding but more often seen in non-breeding plumage.
Aug–Jun
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosaNT
Present year-round on Essex estuaries, with large flocks gathering on the Thames and Blackwater. Numbers peak in winter.
Year-round
Blackbird
Turdus merulaLC
A common and familiar year-round resident of gardens, hedgerows and woodland throughout Essex, often singing at dusk.
Year-round
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapillaLC
A common resident, breeding in woodland and gardens in summer. Continental birds boost numbers in winter, visiting bird tables.
Year-round
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleusLC
A common and much-loved garden visitor year-round. Readily uses nest boxes across Essex and is a frequent sight at bird feeders.
Year-round
Bohemian Waxwing
Bombycilla garrulusLC
A rare winter visitor in irruption years, descending on berry-laden trees in Essex towns and supermarket car parks.
Dec–Apr
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare winter visitor from Scandinavia, sometimes joining Chaffinch flocks in beech woodland and farmland. Numbers vary greatly between years.
Oct–Mar
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
An iconic winter visitor to Essex estuaries, with large flocks of dark-bellied birds grazing on eelgrass along the coast.
Sep–Jul
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
A shy, rarely seen resident of hedgerows, orchards and woodland edges. Its soft piping call is often the best clue to its presence in Essex.
Year-round
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
Now a common resident after recolonising Essex in recent decades. Soars over farmland, woodland edges, and even suburban areas.
Year-round
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common and widespread resident of parks, lakes, and gravel pits throughout Essex all year.
Year-round
Carrion Crow
Corvus coroneLC
A familiar year-round resident across Essex, thriving in farmland, parks, and urban areas. Intelligent and adaptable, often seen foraging in fields and gardens.
Year-round