Birds in West Yorkshire
Explore 185 species found in this region.
West Yorkshire supports a rich diversity of birdlife, with 182 species recorded across its varied landscapes of upland moorland, river valleys, reservoirs, and urban parklands. From the iconic Northern Lapwing displaying over farmland to wintering flocks of Pink-footed Geese and the striking Mandarin Duck found on sheltered waterways, the county offers rewarding birding throughout the year. Key habitats include the Pennine moorlands to the west, the Aire and Calder river corridors, and numerous reservoirs that attract both breeding and passage species.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Tern and Black-crowned Night-heron arriving this month, and Eurasian Woodcock and Greater Scaup depart for the season.
Showing 1–23 of 185 species
Aquatic Warbler
Acrocephalus paludicolaVU
An exceptionally rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded at wetland sites in June. One of Europe's most threatened songbirds.
Jun
Arctic Jaeger
Stercorarius parasiticusLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally storm-driven inland to reservoirs in late autumn and winter. A surprising find this far from the coast.
Dec
Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaeaLC
A rare breeder in the region, nesting at a handful of upland reservoir sites. Most records fall between April and July.
Apr–Jul
Avocet
Recurvirostra avosettaLC
An uncommon breeding visitor from March to August. Nests at select wetland reserves, part of a national recovery.
Mar–Aug
Barn Owl
Tyto albaLC
A scarce year-round resident of lowland farmland, hunting voles along field margins and nesting in old barns and boxes.
Year-round
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rusticaLC
A common summer visitor from March to October, nesting in farm buildings and barns across the region's pastoral lowlands.
Mar–Oct
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
A rare visitor, mainly in winter and early spring. Records may involve feral birds or genuine wild vagrants.
Jan–Aug
Bearded Tit
Panurus biarmicusLC
A rare resident tied to extensive reedbeds, occasionally found at sites like Fairburn Ings. A scarce and prized sighting in the region.
Year-round
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Black Tern
Chlidonias nigerLC
A rare passage migrant seen over reservoirs in late spring and early autumn. Its dark plumage and graceful flight distinguish it from Common Terns.
May–Sep
Black-crowned Night-heron
Nycticorax nycticoraxLC
An exceptionally rare spring vagrant, with occasional April records likely involving wandering continental birds.
Apr
Black-necked Grebe
Podiceps nigricollisLC
An uncommon breeder at select wetland sites from spring into autumn. Favours sheltered, well-vegetated pools and reservoirs for nesting.
Feb–Oct
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosaNT
An uncommon breeder present from March to November, favouring wet grasslands and reservoir margins. The region holds locally important breeding numbers.
Mar–Nov
Blackbird
Turdus merulaLC
A common and familiar resident of gardens, parks, and hedgerows throughout the region. Sings prolifically from dusk into evening.
Year-round
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapillaLC
Present year-round, increasingly wintering at garden feeders. A widespread breeder in woodland and scrub, with numbers boosted by continental birds in autumn.
Year-round
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleusLC
One of the region's most abundant and familiar garden birds, present year-round. A regular at nest boxes and feeders across urban and rural areas alike.
Year-round
Bohemian Waxwing
Bombycilla garrulusLC
A rare and irruptive winter visitor, occasionally descending on berry-laden trees in towns during invasion years from Scandinavia.
Dec–Feb
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare winter visitor from Scandinavia, sometimes joining Chaffinch flocks at woodland edges and feeding stations. Numbers vary greatly between years.
Oct–Apr
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
An uncommon but year-round resident, quietly visiting garden feeders and hedgerows. Often detected by its soft, piping call.
Year-round
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
A common resident, frequently seen soaring over farmland, moorland edges and valleys. Has increased markedly across West Yorkshire in recent decades.
Year-round
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
Abundant year-round on lakes, canals, and rivers. Large flocks gather on urban park lakes and reservoirs throughout the region.
Year-round
Carrion Crow
Corvus coroneLC
A common and adaptable resident found in virtually every habitat from city centres to moorland edges. Often seen in noisy family groups.
Year-round
Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibisLC
A rare but increasingly recorded resident, part of a northward range expansion. Found near livestock in lowland fields and wetlands.
Year-round
Cetti's Warbler
Cettia cettiLC
A recent colonist, now resident year-round at scattered wetland sites. More often heard than seen, with its explosive song.
Year-round