Rare Birds in Devon
95 species matching this filter.
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.
Showing 70–92 of 95 species
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.
Feb–Mar
Red-legged Partridge
Alectoris rufaNT
A rare and localised bird in Devon, occasionally seen on arable farmland during spring and autumn. Largely sustained by releases.
Oct–May
Red-necked Grebe
Podiceps grisegenaLC
A rare winter visitor to Devon's estuaries and sheltered bays, mainly in November to February. Often solitary and easily overlooked.
Nov–Feb
Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellataLC
A rare non-breeding visitor from November to April. Seen in Devon's coastal waters and estuaries, often flying low over the sea.
Nov–Apr
Ring Ouzel
Turdus torquatusLC
A rare passage migrant glimpsed briefly in April and October on Dartmoor's high ground and coastal headlands during migration.
Oct–Apr
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Alexandrinus krameriLC
A rare resident, with small numbers established around Exeter and other Devon towns. A non-native species slowly spreading from south-east England.
Year-round
Roseate Tern
Sterna dougalliiLC
A rare and elegant passage visitor in July. One of Britain's scarcest breeding terns, occasionally seen off Devon's coast during dispersal.
Jul
Ruff
Philomachus pugnaxLC
A scarce non-breeding visitor to freshwater marshes and estuary edges. Most records fall between autumn and early spring, often involving single birds.
Jul–Mar
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Sanderling
Calidris albaLC
Scarce but regular on Devon's sandy beaches, running rapidly along the tideline. Most likely on south coast beaches in winter and during passage periods.
Jul–May
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeusLC
A rare passage visitor in November, occasionally seen hunting over Devon's coastal marshes and rough grassland.
Nov
Snow Bunting
Plectrophenax nivalisLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally seen on exposed coastal sites and beaches in autumn and early winter. Most records come from October and November.
Oct–Jan
Sooty Shearwater
Ardenna griseaNT
A rare August passage migrant from the southern oceans, occasionally spotted during seawatches off Devon's headlands.
Aug
Spotted Redshank
Tringa erythropusLC
Scarce but regular on the Exe and other estuaries, often feeding apart from common Redshanks. Most likely seen in autumn passage and winter months.
Jul–Apr
Surf Scoter
Melanitta perspicillataLC
A rare Nearctic vagrant, very occasionally spotted off Devon's coast in winter among flocks of Common Scoter.
Jan
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
A secretive year-round resident of Devon's mature woodlands and wooded gardens. More often heard than seen after dark.
Year-round
Velvet Scoter
Melanitta fuscaVU
A rare winter visitor to Devon's coastal waters. Usually found singly among Common Scoter flocks offshore.
Nov–Jan
Water Pipit
Anthus spinolettaLC
A rare winter visitor to Devon's watercress beds and marshy stream edges, present from November to March.
Nov–Mar
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
A rare but increasingly seen resident, quartering reedbeds and marshes on Devon's estuaries and wetland reserves.
Jul–May
Whinchat
Saxicola rubetraLC
A rare and declining summer breeder on rough moorland margins, most likely encountered on Dartmoor's bracken-covered slopes.
Apr–Sep
Willow Tit
Poecile montanusLC
A rare passage visitor in late winter, on the very edge of its declining UK range. Devon lies well south of its remaining strongholds.
Feb–Mar
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareolaLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, typically appearing briefly at freshwater marshes and scrapes in August. Devon records are infrequent and highly prized by birders.
Aug
Wood Warbler
Phylloscopus sibilatrixLC
A rare and declining breeder in Devon's mature oak woodlands, mainly on Dartmoor's fringes. Present briefly from April to June.
Apr–Jun
Wryneck
Jynx torquillaLC
A rare autumn passage migrant in August and September, turning up in coastal scrub and gardens during easterly winds.
Aug–Sep