What birds can I see in Stockton-on-Tees?

Stockton-on-Tees supports 186 recorded bird species, ranging from common garden birds like Great Tit and Magpie to waterbirds such as Common Shelduck, Northern Pintail, and Common Merganser. Waders including Northern Lapwing and Common Sandpiper are regularly seen along the River Tees and its surrounding wetlands.

What are the best habitats for birdwatching in Stockton-on-Tees?

The River Tees and its estuary provide excellent habitat for wildfowl and wading birds, while surrounding farmland attracts species like Northern Lapwing and Pink-footed Goose. Woodland areas are home to species such as Eurasian Woodcock, and urban parks and gardens support a variety of common passerines.

When is the best time of year to go birdwatching in Stockton-on-Tees?

Birdwatching is rewarding year-round in Stockton-on-Tees. Winter brings large flocks of Pink-footed Geese and other wildfowl, while spring and autumn migration periods can produce waders like Common Sandpiper and occasional rarities such as Red-backed Shrike.

Are there any rare or unusual birds found in Stockton-on-Tees?

While most species recorded in the area are relatively common, Stockton-on-Tees does attract occasional rarities. The Red-backed Shrike, a scarce migrant to Britain, has been recorded in the region, and the Tees estuary can draw in uncommon passage migrants during spring and autumn.

Birds in Stockton-on-Tees

Explore 193 species found in this region.

Stockton-on-Tees boasts a rich and diverse birdlife, with 186 species recorded across its varied habitats, from the wetlands and mudflats along the River Tees to farmland, woodland, and urban green spaces. The area attracts notable species such as Pink-footed Goose, Northern Lapwing, and Common Merganser, while rarities like the Red-backed Shrike occasionally make an appearance. Whether you're exploring the Tees estuary or the surrounding countryside, Stockton-on-Tees offers excellent birdwatching opportunities throughout the year.

Visiting in April? Look out for Barn Swallow and Brambling arriving this month, and Bohemian Waxwing and Common Redpoll depart for the season.

GoldcrestSmallest · 8.5cm

Whooper SwanLargest · 165cm

Ranges from the Goldcrest (8.5cm) to the Whooper Swan (165cm)51 families represented

Showing 1–23 of 193 species

ResidentLives here year-roundBreedingVisits to breed in warmer monthsNon-breedingVisits outside breeding seasonPassagePasses through during migrationCommonly spottedReported on most outingsUncommonly spottedPresent but not always seenRarely spottedFew sightings each year

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominicaLC

A rare transatlantic vagrant occasionally recorded on autumn passage in September and October, typically among Golden Plover flocks on coastal fields.

PassageRarely spotted

Sep–Oct

Aquatic Warbler

Acrocephalus paludicolaVU

A globally threatened warbler recorded as an uncommon passage visitor in June. An exceptional find in wetland habitats along the Tees.

PassageUncommonly spotted

Jun

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaeaLC

A rare breeding visitor from May to July, nesting on coastal shingle near Teesmouth alongside commoner tern species.

BreedingRarely spotted

May–Jul

Avocet

Recurvirostra avosettaLC

A common breeder on shallow wetland pools, present from February to October. A conservation success story in the Tees area.

BreedingCommonly spotted

Feb–Oct

Bar-tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponicaNT

A rare but year-round presence on the Tees estuary mudflats, probing soft sediment with its upturned bill. Most numerous in winter.

ResidentRarely spotted

Year-round

Barn Owl

Tyto albaLC

A rare resident, hunting over farmland and rough grassland along the Tees valley. Most likely seen at dusk quartering fields in winter months.

ResidentRarely spotted

Sep–Jul

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rusticaLC

A common summer visitor arriving in April and departing by October. Nests in farm buildings and under bridges along the River Tees.

BreedingCommonly spotted

Apr–Oct

Barnacle Goose

Branta leucopsisLC

Common year-round on grasslands and wetlands. The feral population grazes alongside Greylags on the Tees corridor.

ResidentCommonly spotted

Year-round

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Bearded Tit

Panurus biarmicusLC

A rare resident of extensive reedbeds around Teesside. Most likely encountered during autumn dispersal when birds wander from core breeding sites.

ResidentRarely spotted

Jul–Dec

Black Swan

Cygnus atratusLC

A rare resident of likely feral origin, occasionally seen on lakes and waterways. Most records fall between late spring and winter.

ResidentRarely spotted

May–Jan

Black Tern

Chlidonias nigerLC

A rare and elegant passage migrant, occasionally hawking insects over Teesside reservoirs and wetlands in late spring and early autumn.

PassageRarely spotted

May–Sep

Black-crowned Night-heron

Nycticorax nycticoraxLC

A rare passage visitor recorded in June. This secretive, crepuscular heron is a prized find around Teesside's wetland margins.

PassageRarely spotted

Jun

Black-necked Grebe

Podiceps nigricollisLC

A rare passage grebe seen in spring and autumn, favouring sheltered pools and reservoirs in the Tees lowlands during stopovers.

PassageRarely spotted

May–Oct

Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosaNT

Common year-round on the Teesmouth wetlands and pools, this elegant wader thrives on the reserve habitats at Saltholme and surrounding marshes.

ResidentCommonly spotted

Year-round

Blackbird

Turdus merulaLC

An abundant resident found year-round in gardens, parks, and hedgerows throughout the borough.

ResidentCommonly spotted

Year-round

Blackcap

Sylvia atricapillaLC

An uncommon resident found in woodland and mature gardens. Some overwinter, visiting feeders, while summer birds sing from dense cover.

ResidentUncommonly spotted

Nov–Sep

Blue Tit

Cyanistes caeruleusLC

One of the most familiar garden birds in the area, present year-round. A regular visitor to feeders and nest boxes across Stockton's parks and gardens.

ResidentCommonly spotted

Year-round