Uncommon Birds in Cornwall

68 species matching this filter.

All birds in Cornwall

Cornwall's diverse coastal, estuarine and moorland habitats support a fascinating array of uncommon bird species, with 68 recorded in this category. From the dramatic cliffs where Kittiwakes nest to sheltered creeks hosting Greenshanks and Common Sandpipers, the county offers rewarding birdwatching throughout the year. Notable species such as Arctic Jaeger, Fieldfare and Common Shelduck reflect the region's importance as both a migration hotspot and a wintering ground for scarce visitors.

Goldcrest
GoldcrestSmallest · 8.5cm
to
Mute Swan
Mute SwanLargest · 160cm
Ranges from the Goldcrest (8.5cm) to the Mute Swan (160cm)34 families represented49 year-round residents

Showing 1–23 of 68 species

Arctic Jaeger

Arctic Jaeger

Stercorarius parasiticusLC

Seen offshore from headlands like Pendeen and Porthgwarra during summer and autumn, harrying terns and gulls for food.

Jun–Nov

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

Balearic Shearwater

Puffinus mauretanicusCR

An uncommon but increasingly regular visitor from June to November. This globally threatened shearwater favours Cornish headland seawatches.

Jun–Nov

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Bar-tailed Godwit

Bar-tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponicaNT

Frequents sandy estuaries such as the Camel and Hayle throughout the year, probing tidal flats with its distinctive upturned bill.

Year-round

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

Black Redstart

Phoenicurus ochrurosLC

An uncommon non-breeding visitor favouring harbours, cliffs, and coastal buildings. Present from autumn through spring in Cornwall's mild conditions.

Oct–Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Black-tailed Godwit

Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosaNT

Uncommon but present year-round, favouring estuarine mudflats at sites like the Hayle Estuary and Camel Estuary.

Year-round

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

Bullfinch

Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC

An uncommon but year-round resident, favouring dense hedgerows, orchards, and woodland edges. Often heard before seen.

Year-round

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

Canada Goose

Branta canadensisLC

An uncommon year-round resident found on lakes, reservoirs and estuaries. Less numerous here than in many English counties.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Cetti's Warbler

Cetti's Warbler

Cettia cettiLC

A resident skulker in dense wetland vegetation, more often heard than seen. Has expanded its range in Cornwall thanks to milder winters.

Year-round

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

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Coal Tit

Coal Tit

Periparus aterLC

An uncommon resident of coniferous and mixed woodland. Often visits garden feeders in winter, recognised by its distinctive white nape stripe.

Year-round

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

Common Gull

Larus canusLC

An uncommon resident found year-round on estuaries, farmland, and playing fields. Smaller and more delicate than the abundant Herring Gull.

Year-round

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

Common Kingfisher

Alcedo atthisLC

An uncommon resident along sheltered creeks, estuaries and rivers. Most reliably seen on the Helford, Fal and Camel estuaries.

Jun–Mar

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

Common Loon

Gavia immerLC

An uncommon but regular presence in Cornish waters, favouring sheltered bays such as Mount's Bay. Absent during midsummer months.

Oct–Jun

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

Common Pheasant

Phasianus colchicusLC

Found year-round in farmland and woodland edges, though less abundant here than in many English counties.

Year-round

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

Common Raven

Corvus coraxLC

An uncommon but widespread resident, often seen tumbling acrobatically along sea cliffs and over moorland. Its deep croaking call is distinctive.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Common Reed-warbler

Common Reed-warbler

Acrocephalus scirpaceusLC

An uncommon summer breeder in reedbeds from April to October. Found at sites like Marazion Marsh and the Hayle Estuary RSPB reserve.

Apr–Oct

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

Common Sandpiper

Actitis hypoleucosLC

Found along rocky streams, reservoirs, and sheltered estuaries almost year-round, bobbing characteristically at the water's edge.

Jul–May

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

Common Shelduck

Tadorna tadornaLC

An uncommon but distinctive resident of sandy estuaries and mudflats. Breeds in burrows near the coast and gathers in moulting flocks.

Year-round

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

Common Snipe

Gallinago gallinagoLC

Winters in wet meadows and marshes across Cornwall, arriving from August and lingering into spring before heading to upland breeding grounds.

Aug–Apr

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

Common Swift

Apus apusLC

Screaming flocks arrive in late April to breed around Cornish towns and villages, departing by September for African wintering grounds.

Apr–Sep

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

Coot

Fulica atraLC

Resident on freshwater lakes and reservoirs, often seen at Stithians and Drift, though less numerous than Moorhen.

Year-round

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

Cuckoo

Cuculus canorusLC

Arrives in spring, its distinctive call echoing across moorland and scrub. Parasitises Meadow Pipit and Dunnock nests.

Apr–Jul

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

Dunlin

Calidris alpinaLC

Present year-round on estuarine mudflats, numbers swell in winter when birds from northern breeding grounds arrive.

Year-round

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

Eurasian Jay

Garrulus glandariusLC

An uncommon but year-round resident of mature woodland and well-treed gardens. Less numerous here than in much of southern England.

Year-round

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