Rare Birds in Bristol

60 species matching this filter.

All birds in Bristol

Bristol's diverse landscapes—from the Severn Estuary mudflats to the wooded gorges and urban parklands—occasionally attract a fascinating array of rare bird species. Around 60 species are classified as rare visitors to the county, including winter thrushes such as Fieldfare and Brambling, wading birds like Common Sandpiper and Green Sandpiper, and secretive species such as Eurasian Woodcock. These uncommon sightings make Bristol a rewarding destination for birdwatchers willing to explore its varied habitats throughout the year.

Firecrest
FirecrestSmallest · 9cm
to
Greylag Goose
Greylag GooseLargest · 90cm
Ranges from the Firecrest (9cm) to the Greylag Goose (90cm)26 families represented14 year-round residents

Showing 47–60 of 60 species

Sedge Warbler

Sedge Warbler

Acrocephalus schoenobaenusLC

A rare summer breeder arriving in April, favouring reedbeds and scrubby wetland margins. Delivers its chattering song from dense cover.

Apr–Jul

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spotted Flycatcher

Spotted Flycatcher

Muscicapa striataLC

A rare and declining summer breeder from May to September. Sallies after insects from exposed perches in churchyards, woodland edges, and large gardens.

May–Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Stonechat

Stonechat

Saxicola torquatusLC

A rare non-breeding visitor to rough grassland and scrubby edges. Most likely on the city's fringes from autumn through winter.

Jul–Mar

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Tawny Owl

Tawny Owl

Strix alucoLC

A rare but year-round resident, heard more often than seen. Favours mature woodland in Leigh Woods and Blaise Castle.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Tree Pipit

Tree Pipit

Anthus trivialisLC

A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally noted in April. Parachuting song flight distinguishes it from Meadow Pipit.

Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Tufted Duck

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligulaLC

A rare passage visitor in winter and early spring, occasionally seen on deeper lakes and reservoirs nearby.

Dec–Mar

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Water Pipit

Water Pipit

Anthus spinolettaLC

A rare winter visitor recorded in January, February, and November. Favours waterlogged margins and cress beds on the Avon floodplain.

Nov–Feb

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Water Rail

Water Rail

Rallus aquaticusLC

A rare non-breeding visitor in winter, skulking in reedbeds and marshy margins. More often heard than seen.

Nov–Feb

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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Western Marsh-harrier

Western Marsh-harrier

Circus aeruginosusLC

A rare passage visitor in April, occasionally drifting over wetlands on the Somerset Levels fringe near Bristol.

Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Wheatear

Wheatear

Oenanthe oenantheLC

A rare passage migrant in April and September, pausing on open ground and playing fields. Breeds on uplands further west and north.

Apr–Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Whimbrel

Whimbrel

Numenius phaeopusLC

A rare visitor in spring and late summer, passing through on migration. Listen for its distinctive rippling whistle.

Apr–Aug

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Wood Warbler

Wood Warbler

Phylloscopus sibilatrixLC

A rare passage visitor, occasionally noted in June. More typical of western oak woodlands; Bristol lies at the edge of its breeding range.

Jun

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Yellow Wagtail

Yellow Wagtail

Motacilla flavaLC

A rare spring passage migrant, briefly passing through damp meadows and field edges in April. A declining UK breeder.

Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Yellow-legged Gull

Yellow-legged Gull

Larus michahellisLC

A rare passage visitor in December, occasionally seen among gull flocks at landfill sites or along the Severn Estuary.

Dec

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
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