Nature influences human well-being in many ways. However, the relationship between biodiversity and human well-being is still largely unexplored. In this study, we investigate the relationship between biodiversity and human well-being in Europe. To do this, we linked and analysed socio-economic data from more than 26,000 European citizens from 26 countries with macro-ecological data on the biodiversity of different taxonomic groups (e.g. birds, mammals and trees) in Europe. Human well-being was measured as life satisfaction. Our results show that bird species richness is positively associated with life satisfaction across Europe. We found a relatively strong relationship, suggesting that the influence of bird species richness on life satisfaction may be similar to that of income. We discuss two non-exclusive mechanisms for this relationship: the direct multisensory experience of birds, and beneficial landscape characteristics that promote both bird diversity and human well-being. Based on these findings, this study argues that measures to protect birds and the landscapes that support them could benefit people.