Birds in Scotland
Explore 186 species found in this region.
Scotland is home to an impressive diversity of birdlife, with 186 species recorded across its dramatic landscapes of rugged coastlines, ancient Caledonian forests, expansive moorlands, and tranquil lochs. From vast flocks of Pink-footed Geese arriving each autumn to the charismatic Northern Lapwing displaying over farmland, Scotland offers exceptional birdwatching throughout the year. Notable species include the Common Merganser on highland rivers, Eurasian Woodcock in dense woodland, and the Common Shelduck along its estuaries.
Visiting in April? Look out for Atlantic Puffin and Barn Swallow arriving this month, and Brent Goose and Common Kingfisher depart for the season.
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Get Your Free DigestShowing 1–23 of 186 species
Arctic Jaeger
Stercorarius parasiticusLC
Breeds on moorland in Shetland, Orkney, and the Outer Hebrides from May to October. Harasses terns and other seabirds to steal food.
May–Oct
Arctic Loon
Gavia arcticaLC
Known locally as Black-throated Diver, a rare breeder on large, deep Highland lochs. Winters along the west coast and in sheltered sea lochs.
Jan–Nov
Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaeaLC
Breeds in noisy colonies on Shetland, Orkney, and other Scottish islands from May to September. Undertakes an epic migration to Antarctic waters.
May–Sep
Atlantic Puffin
Fratercula arcticaVU
Breeds on sea cliffs and offshore islands from April to September, with iconic colonies on St Kilda, the Isle of May, and Shetland.
Apr–Nov
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponicaNT
An uncommon year-round presence on sandy estuaries and coastal flats. Numbers peak in winter with arrivals from Arctic breeding grounds.
Year-round
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rusticaLC
A common summer visitor breeding in farm buildings and outhouses. Arrives from April, hawking insects low over fields and lochs.
Apr–Oct
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
Winters in large flocks on Islay and the Solway, arriving from Greenland and Svalbard. A rare but spectacular sight on machair and coastal pastures.
Sep–May
Black Grouse
Lyrurus tetrixLC
Rare spring passage visitor, with males performing dramatic lekking displays on moorland edges in April and May. A declining species across Scotland.
Apr–May
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Black Guillemot
Cepphus grylleLC
A year-round resident of rocky coasts and harbours. Distinctive red legs and white wing patches make it easy to spot around Scottish piers.
Year-round
Black-headed Gull
Larus ridibundusLC
A common year-round gull found at lochs, fields, parks, and coasts. Easily recognised by its chocolate-brown hood in breeding plumage.
Year-round
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosaNT
A rare resident of estuarine mudflats and wet grasslands. Numbers are small but the species is present year-round in suitable habitat.
Year-round
Blackbird
Turdus merulaLC
A common and familiar resident of gardens, parks and woodland throughout Scotland. Males sing melodiously from dusk, often among the last birds heard.
Year-round
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapillaLC
Uncommon resident found in mature woodland and gardens. Some overwinter, supplemented by continental birds, feeding on berries and ivy.
Mar–Jan
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleusLC
A common and familiar garden resident throughout the year. Readily uses nest boxes and is a frequent visitor to bird feeders.
Year-round
Bohemian Waxwing
Bombycilla garrulusLC
A rare and irruptive winter visitor from Scandinavia, arriving in November. Flocks descend on rowan and cotoneaster berries in towns and gardens.
Nov–Dec
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A scarce winter visitor from Scandinavia, arriving from autumn and lingering into early spring. Often joins Chaffinch flocks at beech mast and garden feeders.
Sep–Apr
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
Rare non-breeding visitor to Scottish estuaries and coastal mudflats from autumn through early spring. Feeds on eelgrass and algae.
Sep–Mar
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
A shy year-round resident of hedgerows, woodland edges and mature gardens. Often detected by its soft, melancholy call before it is seen.
Year-round
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
An uncommon but widespread year-round resident, soaring over farmland, moorland, and woodland edges. Has increased significantly across Scotland in recent decades.
Year-round
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
Introduced resident found year-round on lowland lochs, parks and rivers. Less numerous in Scotland than in England.
Year-round
Carrion Crow
Corvus coroneLC
A common and adaptable resident found across lowland Scotland. Hybridises with Hooded Crow along a well-known contact zone.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
One of Scotland's most abundant residents, found in woodlands, parks and gardens throughout the year. Its cheerful song is among the first heard in late winter.
Year-round
Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybitaLC
An uncommon summer breeder, arriving from March and favouring woodland edges and scrub. Its repetitive two-note song is a reliable sign of spring.
Mar–Nov