Birds in Gloucestershire
Explore 195 species found in this region.
Gloucestershire is a wonderfully diverse county for birdwatching, with 189 recorded species found across its varied landscapes. From the wetlands of the Severn Estuary and the waterways of the Cotswold Water Park to the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean, the county supports an impressive range of habitats that attract both resident and migratory birds. Notable species include the striking Bluethroat, the elegant Northern Lapwing, the elusive Great Grey Shrike, and the colourful Mandarin Duck.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Jaeger and Arctic Tern arriving this month, and Barn Owl and Black Redstart depart for the season.
Showing 1–23 of 195 species
Arctic Jaeger
Stercorarius parasiticusLC
A rare passage visitor, very occasionally recorded over the Severn Estuary in spring, far from its usual pelagic haunts.
Apr
Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaeaLC
A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally noted at gravel pits and reservoirs in April as birds head north to breeding grounds.
Apr
Avocet
Recurvirostra avosettaLC
An uncommon resident, favouring shallow saline pools along the Severn Estuary. Slimbridge is a key site for this elegant wader.
Year-round
Bar-headed Goose
Anser indicusLC
A rare passage record, likely of feral or escaped origin. Occasionally seen among wild goose flocks on the Severn Estuary in winter.
Jan
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponicaNT
A rare visitor to the Severn Estuary mudflats, most likely seen during passage periods in spring and autumn.
Year-round
Barn Owl
Tyto albaLC
A rare passage visitor in early winter months, occasionally hunting over rough grassland and farmland edges in the Severn Vale.
Jan–Mar
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rusticaLC
A common summer visitor from March to October, nesting in farm buildings and barns across the county's pastoral lowlands.
Mar–Oct
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
Present year-round but uncommon; feral birds frequent the Severn Estuary wetlands and Cotswold Water Park lakes.
Year-round
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Black Redstart
Phoenicurus ochrurosLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally turning up around buildings and industrial sites in Gloucester or Cheltenham from November to March.
Nov–Mar
Black Swan
Cygnus atratusLC
A rare resident, likely originating from ornamental collections. Occasionally seen on lakes and gravel pits across the county.
Year-round
Black Tern
Chlidonias nigerLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, briefly appearing over lakes and reservoirs in September, often after easterly winds.
Sep
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosaNT
Common year-round on the Severn Estuary and wet grasslands, with Slimbridge hosting nationally important flocks.
Year-round
Blackbird
Turdus merulaLC
An abundant resident found in virtually every garden, hedgerow and woodland across the county, singing from dawn throughout the year.
Year-round
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapillaLC
A common resident of woodlands and gardens. Summer breeders are joined by continental wintering birds, making it present year-round.
Year-round
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleusLC
A common and familiar garden resident year-round, readily using nest boxes in gardens, hedgerows, and woodland across the county.
Year-round
Bluethroat
Luscinia svecicaLC
A rare breeding visitor, occasionally recorded at wetland sites with dense low vegetation during the summer months.
May–Jul
Bohemian Waxwing
Bombycilla garrulusLC
A rare and irruptive winter visitor, descending on berry-laden trees in towns and gardens during invasion years.
Jan
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare winter visitor to Gloucestershire, sometimes joining chaffinch flocks at woodland edges and farmland feeding stations from October to March.
Oct–Mar
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
A rare winter visitor to the Severn Estuary, with small numbers occasionally grazing saltmarsh between October and April.
Oct–Apr
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
An uncommon but year-round resident of thick hedgerows, orchards and woodland edges. Often heard before seen, with its soft piping call.
Year-round
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
The county's most commonly seen raptor, soaring over farmland, woodland edges and motorway verges throughout the year.
Year-round
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common resident of lakes, gravel pits and river meadows, with large moulting flocks gathering at Slimbridge in summer.
Year-round
Carrion Crow
Corvus coroneLC
A common and conspicuous resident found across farmland, towns, and gardens throughout the county all year round.
Year-round