Birds in Surrey
Explore 160 species found in this region.
Surrey is home to an impressive diversity of birdlife, with 160 recorded species found across its varied landscapes of heathlands, ancient woodlands, chalk downlands, and river valleys. Notable species include the striking Mandarin Duck, which thrives along the county's wooded waterways, the elusive Eurasian Woodcock in its broadleaf forests, and scarce visitors such as the Great Grey Shrike on open heathlands. From the commons of the North Downs to the wetlands of the Thames Basin, Surrey offers rewarding birdwatching opportunities throughout the year.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Bar-tailed Godwit arriving this month, and Arctic Loon and Barn Owl depart for the season.
Showing 1–23 of 160 species
Arctic Loon
Gavia arcticaLC
A rare winter visitor to larger reservoirs and gravel pits, occasionally recorded on waters such as Beddington or the Thames-side lakes.
Dec–Mar
Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaeaLC
A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally seen at reservoirs in April. Most records involve birds on brief stopovers.
Apr
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponicaNT
A rare spring passage migrant through Surrey, occasionally stopping at reservoirs and flooded fields in April en route to Arctic breeding grounds.
Apr
Barn Owl
Tyto albaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to Surrey's farmland fringes, occasionally seen hunting over rough grassland in the cooler months.
Oct–Mar
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rusticaLC
A common summer visitor from March to October, nesting in barns and outbuildings across Surrey's rural landscapes.
Mar–Oct
Black Redstart
Phoenicurus ochrurosLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally spotted on buildings or industrial sites in winter. One of Britain's scarcest breeding birds, seldom lingering in Surrey.
Jan
Black Tern
Chlidonias nigerLC
A rare passage migrant seen hawking insects over Surrey's reservoirs in spring and late summer, often in small flocks.
Apr–Sep
Black-necked Grebe
Podiceps nigricollisLC
A rare year-round resident, occasionally breeding at Surrey's gravel pits and reservoirs. One of the county's scarcest regular waterbirds.
Year-round
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Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosaNT
A rare passage visitor to Surrey's reservoirs and wet grasslands in July and August, pausing on southward migration.
Jul–Aug
Blackbird
Turdus merulaLC
One of Surrey's most abundant and familiar residents, thriving in gardens, hedgerows and woodland throughout the year.
Year-round
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapillaLC
A common resident found in woodland and gardens year-round. Winter birds from central Europe supplement the breeding population.
Year-round
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleusLC
One of Surrey's most familiar garden birds, present year-round. A regular visitor to feeders and nest boxes across the county.
Year-round
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare winter visitor from Scandinavia, sometimes joining Chaffinch flocks at woodland edges and beneath beech trees from October to April.
Oct–Apr
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
An uncommon but widespread resident of hedgerows and woodland edges, often seen in pairs. Its soft piping call is distinctive year-round.
Year-round
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
Now a common resident soaring over Surrey's downs and farmland, having recolonised strongly since the 1990s.
Year-round
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common year-round resident on Surrey's lakes, reservoirs and park ponds. Large flocks gather on grassy areas near water.
Year-round
Carrion Crow
Corvus coroneLC
An abundant and adaptable year-round resident found in virtually every habitat across Surrey, from town centres to open countryside.
Year-round
Cetti's Warbler
Cettia cettiLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, skulking in dense waterside scrub at wetland sites. More often heard than seen, with its explosive song.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
A common and familiar resident of woodland, hedgerows, and gardens across Surrey. Its cheerful song is one of the first signs of spring.
Year-round
Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybitaLC
A common year-round resident whose repetitive song is heard in Surrey's woodlands and gardens. Some overwinter from the continent.
Year-round
Coal Tit
Periparus aterLC
A common resident of coniferous and mixed woodland, readily visiting garden feeders. Often heard giving its distinctive high-pitched call.
Year-round
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
An uncommon but regular visitor to Surrey's playing fields, reservoirs and farmland, most numerous in winter but largely absent in summer.
Jul–Apr
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthisLC
An uncommon but year-round resident along Surrey's rivers and streams, often glimpsed as a flash of electric blue over the water.
Year-round