Birds

Plymouth is a good location for watching birds since the city is situated at the junction of several distinct habitat types both on land and at sea. Many species are perennial residents, while many others are seasonal visitors, such as turnstones in winter, and swifts in summer. While most garden and town species are common and familiar, other local habitats provide opportunities to see a variety of bird species that are not so widespread. Examples of these habitat types include gorse heathland (Dartford warbler), coniferous woodland (nightjar), estuaries (avocet and spoonbill), low intensity mixed farmland (cirl bunting) and offshore (Manx shearwater).

All wild birds are afforded protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which prohibits the intentional killing, injury or taking of any wild birds and the taking, damaging or destruction of any nest whilst it is being built or is in use. In addition, birds listed on Schedule 1 of the Act are additionally protected from disturbance while they are breeding.

It is advisable to avoid the bird nesting season (March until the end of August) when doing any work to trees or vegetation that may affect nesting birds.

Please explore the information on some of the rarer bird species found in the Plymouth area listed in the links on the lefthand menu.

For information and descriptions of all bird species in the UK visit the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds