What rare birds can I see in Devon?

Devon hosts 91 species classified as rare, including the Great Grey Shrike, Arctic Jaeger, Kittiwake, and Grasshopper Warbler. Coastal areas may yield sightings of pelagic species like the Great Skua, while quieter woodlands can harbour the elusive Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Barn Owl.

When is the best time to spot rare birds in Devon?

Autumn and winter are particularly productive for rare visitors, as passage migrants such as the Arctic Jaeger and Great Grey Shrike pass through or overwinter in the county. Spring also brings scarce breeding species like the Grasshopper Warbler and Garden Warbler to Devon's hedgerows and scrubland.

Where are the best habitats for finding rare birds in Devon?

Devon's estuaries, including the Exe and Taw-Torridge, attract rare waders and wildfowl such as the Common Merganser. Dartmoor's moorland edges and mature woodlands are good for species like the Eurasian Woodcock and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, while headlands along the coast are ideal for spotting seabirds and skuas.

Why are these species considered rare in Devon?

Species are classified as rare in Devon because they occur infrequently, either as scarce passage migrants, irregular winter visitors, or breeding birds with very small and declining populations. Factors such as habitat loss, changes in land management, and shifting migration patterns all contribute to their low occurrence in the county.

Rare Birds in Devon

91 species matching this filter.

All birds in Devon

Devon's diverse landscapes — from the rugged coastlines of Exmoor and the South Devon cliffs to the ancient woodlands of Dartmoor — provide occasional refuge for some of Britain's rarest bird species. With 91 rare species recorded in the county, patient observers may encounter elusive visitors such as the Great Grey Shrike, Arctic Jaeger, and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Devon's mix of estuaries, moorland, and sheltered valleys makes it a rewarding destination for birders hoping to add uncommon sightings to their lists.

Yellow-browed WarblerSmallest · 10cm

Black SwanLargest · 142cm

Ranges from the Yellow-browed Warbler (10cm) to the Black Swan (142cm)34 families represented26 year-round residents

Showing 47–69 of 91 species

Lesser Whitethroat

Curruca currucaLC

A rare breeding visitor at the western edge of its range. Found in tall hedgerows and scrub, mainly from April to June.

Apr–Jun

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutusLC

A scarce winter visitor, occasionally spotted in January off Devon's coast or at estuaries. Much smaller and daintier than other gulls.

Jan

Little Owl

Athene noctuaLC

A rare visitor, occasionally recorded in early summer. Scarce across Devon, favouring lowland farmland with old orchards.

Jun–Jul

Little Ringed Plover

Charadrius dubiusLC

A rare summer breeder in Devon, nesting on gravel margins of reservoirs and rivers from March to August.

Mar–Aug

Little Stint

Calidris minutaLC

A rare passage migrant, mainly in autumn, picking through mudflats alongside Dunlin. Tiny size and delicate feeding action help distinguish it from commoner waders.

Aug–Jan

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalisVU

A rare winter visitor to Devon's coast, occasionally seen in sheltered bays and estuaries during January and February.

Jan–Feb

Mandarin Duck

Aix galericulataLC

A rare but striking resident found on wooded rivers and lakes. Males are unmistakable with their ornate plumage.

Year-round

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinusLC

A rare breeder on Lundy Island, seen offshore from April to October. Best spotted during calm evening seawatches.

Apr–Oct

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Merlin

Falco columbariusLC

A rare passage visitor, most likely seen over Dartmoor or coastal headlands in autumn and early winter. Dashing flight low over open ground.

Oct–Mar

Nightjar

Caprimulgus europaeusLC

A scarce summer breeder on Devon's lowland heaths, arriving in May. Best detected by its churring song at dusk on warm evenings.

May–Jul

Northern Goshawk

Accipiter gentilisLC

A rare passage visitor in late winter, occasionally noted in Devon's larger wooded valleys. Secretive and easily confused with Sparrowhawk.

Feb–Mar

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottosLC

An exceptionally rare vagrant from North America, recorded only as a brief passage bird in April. A remarkable find for any Devon birder.

Apr

Osprey

Pandion haliaetusLC

A rare but thrilling autumn passage migrant, seen fishing over Devon's estuaries and reservoirs from August to October.

Aug–Oct

Pochard

Aythya ferinaVU

A rare non-breeding visitor to Devon's lakes and reservoirs. This nationally declining species is most likely in winter months.

Aug–Apr

Pomarine Jaeger

Stercorarius pomarinusLC

A rare passage migrant seen from coastal watchpoints in late summer. Bulkier than Arctic Jaeger, with distinctive twisted central tail feathers in adults.

Aug

Purple Sandpiper

Calidris maritimaLC

A scarce winter visitor favouring rocky shorelines and breakwaters. Most reliably found along Devon's exposed north coast from November to March.

Nov–Mar

Razorbill

Alca tordaLC

Breeds on Devon's dramatic sea cliffs and winters offshore. Often seen at sites like Berry Head and Lundy Island year-round.

Year-round

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostraLC

A rare and irruptive resident of conifer plantations, notably on Dartmoor and in Haldon Forest. Numbers vary greatly between years.

Aug–Jun

Red Kite

Milvus milvusLC

A rare breeding bird in Devon, part of the species' gradual spread into south-west England. Seen soaring over farmland in spring.

Apr–Jun

Red Knot

Calidris canutusNT

Scarce on Devon's estuaries compared to larger east coast sites. Small flocks occasionally appear on the Exe mudflats, mainly in winter and on passage.

Jul–Apr

Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufinaLC

A rare passage visitor in late winter, occasionally appearing on Devon's larger lakes. Origins may be wild or feral.