Birds in Wales
Explore 203 species found in this region.
Wales is home to an impressive diversity of birdlife, with 199 recorded species found across its rugged coastlines, estuaries, upland moors, and ancient woodlands. From wintering wildfowl such as the Pink-footed Goose and Northern Pintail on coastal wetlands to woodland favourites like the Great Tit and Eurasian Woodcock, the country offers exceptional birding opportunities year-round. Wales's varied habitats also support notable waders including the Northern Lapwing and Common Sandpiper, alongside more unexpected residents such as the Mandarin Duck.
Visiting in April? Look out for Atlantic Puffin and Barnacle Goose arriving this month, and Black Redstart and Brambling depart for the season.
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Get Your Free DigestShowing 1–23 of 203 species
Arctic Jaeger
Stercorarius parasiticusLC
A rare autumn passage seabird, best seen from Welsh headlands during seawatches in August to October, often harassing terns.
Aug–Oct
Arctic Loon
Gavia arcticaLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded off the Welsh coast in December. Typically seen singly on open sea.
Dec
Arctic Tern
Sterna paradisaeaLC
A rare breeder at a few Welsh coastal sites, including Anglesey. Present from May to September on passage and at colonies.
May–Sep
Atlantic Puffin
Fratercula arcticaVU
Breeds on islands such as Skomer and Skokholm from April to August. These iconic colonies are among the most accessible in Britain.
Apr–Aug
Avocet
Recurvirostra avosettaLC
A rare breeding visitor to Welsh estuaries and coastal lagoons from February to July. Its elegant upswept bill and striking black-and-white plumage are unmistakable.
Feb–Jul
Balearic Shearwater
Puffinus mauretanicusCR
A rare and globally threatened passage visitor in late summer. Occasionally seen from Pembrokeshire headlands among Manx Shearwaters.
Aug–Sep
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponicaNT
A rare visitor to Welsh estuaries, mainly outside summer. Probes sandy mudflats with its slightly upturned bill, often alongside Knot and Oystercatchers.
Aug–May
Barn Owl
Tyto albaLC
Rarely recorded on passage in Wales, with sightings mainly in December. More typically resident in lowland farmland elsewhere in Britain.
Dec
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Barn Swallow
Hirundo rusticaLC
A common summer visitor to Welsh farmland, nesting in barns and outbuildings. Present from March to October, declining nationally.
Mar–Oct
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, with both wild Arctic birds and feral populations occurring. Most records come from coastal marshes and offshore islands.
Aug–Apr
Black Grouse
Lyrurus tetrixLC
A rare bird of moorland edges in mid-Wales, recorded in spring. Severely declined and now one of Wales's most threatened resident species.
Feb–May
Black Guillemot
Cepphus grylleLC
A rare resident around rocky Welsh coasts, with small numbers at Anglesey and South Stack. Notably scarce compared to Scotland.
Nov–Jul
Black Redstart
Phoenicurus ochrurosLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally seen around coastal cliffs, harbours and buildings in Wales from November to March.
Nov–Mar
Black Tern
Chlidonias nigerLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally seen hawking insects over Welsh coastal pools and reservoirs in September.
Sep
Black-headed Gull
Larus ridibundusLC
A common and familiar gull found year-round across Welsh coasts, farmland, towns, and inland waters in large mixed flocks.
Year-round
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosaNT
An uncommon resident of Welsh estuaries and wet grasslands. The Burry Inlet and Dee Estuary are key wintering sites for this elegant wader.
Year-round
Blackbird
Turdus merulaLC
One of Wales's most familiar garden birds, present year-round. Numbers swell in autumn with arrivals from continental Europe.
Year-round
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapillaLC
An uncommon year-round resident, with breeding birds joined by wintering continental visitors. Favours woodland and scrubby gardens.
Year-round
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleusLC
A common and familiar garden resident throughout Wales. Readily uses nest boxes and visits feeders year-round.
Year-round
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare winter visitor from Scandinavia, occasionally joining chaffinch flocks at woodland edges and feeding stations from October to March.
Oct–Mar
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
A rare winter visitor to Welsh estuaries and sheltered bays, with dark-bellied birds most likely. The Burry Inlet and north Wales coast are favoured sites.
Sep–Apr
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
A shy year-round resident of hedgerows, orchards, and woodland edges across Wales. Often heard before seen, giving its soft, melancholy call.
Year-round
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
A common and conspicuous resident, frequently seen soaring over farmland, valleys and hillsides throughout Wales year-round.
Year-round