Rare Birds in Buckinghamshire
51 species matching this filter.
Buckinghamshire is home to a surprising diversity of rare bird species, with 51 uncommon visitors and residents recorded across the county. From the ghostly Barn Owl hunting over farmland at dusk to the elusive Common Redstart found in mature woodlands, the county's mix of Chiltern Hills beechwoods, river valleys, and wetland reserves provides vital habitats for these scarce species. Waders such as Green Sandpiper and Greenshank can be spotted at gravel pits and reservoirs, while the charming Little Owl and striking Bullfinch reward patient observers in hedgerow-rich countryside.
Showing 24–46 of 51 species
Grey Partridge
Perdix perdixLC
A rare and declining farmland bird, now very scarce in the county. Occasionally recorded on arable fields in winter.
Jan
Hawfinch
Coccothraustes coccothraustesLC
A rare passage visitor in November, most likely seen around mature beech and hornbeam woodland in the Chilterns. An elusive and declining species.
Nov
Hobby
Falco subbuteoLC
A rare summer breeder arriving in May, hunting dragonflies and hirundines over gravel pits and wetlands until September departure.
May–Sep
Lesser Whitethroat
Curruca currucaLC
A rare summer breeder arriving in April, favouring tall hedgerows and scrubby thickets. Its rattling song is distinctive but easily overlooked.
Apr–Sep
Little Owl
Athene noctuaLC
A rare but resident owl of farmland, orchards, and parkland. Often spotted perched on fence posts during daylight hours.
Jan–Nov
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubiusLC
A rare summer breeder at gravel pits and bare shingle margins from March to September. An early spring migrant.
Mar–Sep
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A scarce resident favouring wooded rivers and lakes with overhanging trees. The Chilterns beechwoods provide ideal nesting cavities.
Year-round
Marsh Tit
Poecile palustrisLC
A scarce resident of mature deciduous woodland, particularly in the Chilterns beechwoods. A species of conservation concern, declining nationally despite Buckinghamshire remaining a stronghold.
Jun–Apr
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Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
A rare winter visitor to reservoirs and gravel pits. Small numbers appear from September, with most records in the coldest months.
Sep–Feb
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinusLC
A rare year-round resident, increasingly seen around towns and church spires. Occasionally hunts over gravel pits and open farmland.
Year-round
Purple Heron
Ardea purpureaLC
An extremely rare passage visitor, with August records likely involving overshooting continental migrants at larger wetland sites.
Aug
Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostraLC
A rare and irruptive passage visitor, occasionally recorded in October in conifer plantations. Appearances depend on continental cone crop failures.
Oct
Red-legged Partridge
Alectoris rufaNT
A rare resident of farmland and field edges, often released for shooting. Present most months but seldom numerous.
Sep–Jul
Red-necked Phalarope
Phalaropus lobatusLC
A rare September passage vagrant, an exciting find at any inland site. Occasionally stops at reservoirs and sewage works on migration.
Sep
Redshank
Tringa totanusLC
A rare breeding wader found at wet meadows and reservoir margins from February to July. Numbers have declined significantly across inland England.
Feb–Jul
Ring Ouzel
Turdus torquatusLC
A rare passage visitor in April, occasionally spotted on the Chiltern Hills as it moves to upland breeding grounds further north and west.
Apr
Ringed Plover
Charadrius hiaticulaLC
A rare breeding visitor to gravel pits and reservoir margins. Present from March to September, nesting on bare stony ground.
Mar–Sep
Ruff
Philomachus pugnaxLC
A rare passage migrant glimpsed at muddy scrapes and reservoir edges in April and again in late summer. Most records come from sites like Little Marlow.
Apr–Sep
Sand Martin
Riparia ripariaLC
A rare breeding visitor, arriving in March and departing by September. Nests colonially in sandy banks along rivers and gravel workings.
Mar–Sep
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
A rare and declining summer breeder, arriving in May and favouring mature gardens, parkland, and woodland edges where it sallies from exposed perches to catch insects.
May–Sep
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
A rare resident, occasionally found on heathland scrub and rough grassland edges. More likely encountered in winter on open farmland margins.
Year-round
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
A rare but year-round resident of mature woodland and large gardens. More often heard than seen, its hooting carries through Chilterns beechwoods.
Year-round
Water Rail
Rallus aquaticusLC
A secretive rare resident of reedbeds and marshy ditches. More often heard squealing than seen, especially in winter.
Jul–Apr