Birds in Manchester
Explore 160 species found in this region.
Manchester's diverse landscapes, from urban parks and canal corridors to the moorland fringes of the Pennines, support an impressive array of birdlife, with 159 species recorded across the county. Notable species include the Pink-footed Goose, which arrives in large flocks during winter, the striking Mandarin Duck found along wooded waterways, and the charismatic Northern Lapwing on surrounding farmland. Whether you're exploring the Mersey Valley, the mosslands, or the reservoirs of the eastern hills, Manchester offers rewarding birding opportunities throughout the year.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Black Tern arriving this month, and Eurasian Woodcock and Jack Snipe depart for the season.
Showing 1–23 of 160 species
Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaeaLC
A rare spring passage migrant passing through in April and May. Occasionally seen at reservoirs en route to northern breeding grounds.
Apr–May
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponicaNT
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally dropping into reservoirs during October storms. Primarily a coastal species.
Oct
Barn Owl
Tyto albaLC
A rare resident on the rural fringes, favouring farmland and rough grassland around the Pennine edges. Occasionally seen hunting at dusk over open fields.
Oct–Aug
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rusticaLC
A common summer visitor arriving from March, nesting in barns and outbuildings on the rural fringe. Gathers in large flocks before autumn departure.
Mar–Oct
Black Swan
Cygnus atratusLC
A rare and likely escaped bird, occasionally seen on park lakes and lodges between August and October.
Aug–Oct
Black Tern
Chlidonias nigerLC
A rare passage migrant in spring and autumn, sometimes spotted hawking insects over reservoirs and lodges across Greater Manchester.
Apr–Sep
Black-necked Grebe
Podiceps nigricollisLC
A rare passage visitor to local reservoirs and lodges, most likely in late summer and early autumn. A scarce bird anywhere inland.
Apr–Sep
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosaNT
A rare passage wader appearing at wetland sites in spring and late summer, favouring shallow scrapes and flooded fields.
Apr–Sep
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Blackbird
Turdus merulaLC
An abundant resident in virtually every habitat, from city centre gardens to woodland. Its melodious song is heard throughout the year.
Year-round
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapillaLC
A common resident found in woodland, parks, and gardens year-round. Winter birds from the continent supplement the local breeding population.
Year-round
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleusLC
One of the most familiar garden birds in Manchester, present year-round. A regular visitor to feeders and nest boxes across the region.
Year-round
Bohemian Waxwing
Bombycilla garrulusLC
An irruptive winter visitor, occasionally appearing in berry-laden trees and hedgerows during cold spells from December to February.
Dec–Feb
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare winter visitor from Scandinavia, sometimes joining Chaffinch flocks in woodland and around beech mast from October to early spring.
Oct–Apr
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
A common but often secretive resident of hedgerows, woodland edges, and mature gardens. Its soft, piping call is often heard before the bird is seen.
Year-round
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
An increasingly familiar sight soaring over farmland and moorland edges, having recolonised the region in recent decades.
Year-round
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common resident of park lakes, canals, and reservoirs year-round, often gathering in large moulting flocks during summer.
Year-round
Carrion Crow
Corvus coroneLC
A common and conspicuous resident across all habitats, from city centre rooftops to moorland edges. Intelligent and highly adaptable.
Year-round
Cetti's Warbler
Cettia cettiLC
A year-round resident expanding its range northward. Skulks in dense waterside vegetation, more often heard giving its explosive burst of song.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
A common year-round resident found in gardens, parks, and woodlands across the region. Males sing their bright, cascading song from early spring.
Year-round
Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybitaLC
A common resident heard singing its distinctive two-note call in parks and woodland year-round. Increasingly overwinters in sheltered urban habitats.
Year-round
Coal Tit
Periparus aterLC
A common resident of coniferous and mixed woodland, readily visiting garden feeders. Its high-pitched call is a familiar sound in parks.
Year-round
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
Present most of the year on playing fields, reservoirs, and car parks, often mixed in with other gull flocks.
Jul–May
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthisLC
An uncommon year-round resident along clean rivers and canals, including the Mersey and Irwell. A flash of electric blue rewards patient watchers.
Year-round