Uncommon Birds in East Riding of Yorkshire
76 species matching this filter.
The East Riding of Yorkshire supports a rich variety of uncommon bird species across its diverse landscapes, from the dramatic chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head and Bempton to the expansive wetlands of the Humber Estuary. With 76 species classified as uncommon in the region, birdwatchers can encounter notable finds such as Avocet on coastal lagoons, Arctic Jaeger passing offshore during autumn migration, and Barn Owl hunting over the rolling farmland of the Yorkshire Wolds. The mix of coastal, estuarine, and inland habitats makes this county a rewarding destination for those seeking birds beyond the everyday.
Showing 47–69 of 76 species
Little Tern
Sternula albifronsLC
A scarce summer breeder on shingle beaches along the Holderness coast. Vulnerable to disturbance and habitat loss from coastal erosion.
Apr–Sep
Manx Shearwater
Puffinus puffinusLC
Uncommon offshore, mainly seen from Flamborough Head and Spurn during passage from late spring through autumn.
May–Nov
Merlin
Falco columbariusLC
An uncommon resident, breeding on upland moorland edges and wintering on lowland marshes and the coast. Often seen dashing low after small birds.
Jul–May
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
An uncommon resident of parkland and open woodland, often seen on playing fields. Sings its far-carrying song from treetops even in winter.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
An uncommon but elegant duck, present mainly in winter on the Humber and surrounding marshes. Absent during midsummer, returning from August.
Aug–May
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinusLC
An uncommon but year-round resident, seen around coastal cliffs and increasingly in urban areas. Regularly hunts waders and pigeons at Spurn.
Year-round
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
Uncommon but regular, with large skeins passing over in autumn and winter en route to and from roost sites.
Sep–May
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
A declining resident found on lakes and gravel pits year-round. Winter numbers are boosted by continental arrivals at sites like Hornsea Mere.
Year-round
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Razorbill
Alca tordaLC
A year-round resident breeding on the Bempton and Flamborough chalk cliffs, rafting offshore in winter. Numbers have been declining.
Year-round
Red Knot
Calidris canutusNT
Present year-round on the Humber Estuary mudflats, with large winter flocks. Numbers peak from autumn through spring.
Year-round
Red-legged Partridge
Alectoris rufaNT
An uncommon introduced resident found on arable farmland, particularly on the Yorkshire Wolds. Often seen in small coveys along field edges.
Year-round
Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellataLC
Uncommon but regular offshore, especially in winter. Often seen flying low over the sea past Flamborough Head and Spurn Point.
Year-round
Rock Pipit
Anthus petrosusLC
An uncommon year-round resident of rocky shorelines and chalk cliffs. Regularly seen along the Flamborough and Bempton coast.
Year-round
Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpresLC
An uncommon resident along rocky shores and harbour walls, particularly at Flamborough Head and Bridlington, flipping stones to find invertebrates.
Year-round
Ruff
Philomachus pugnaxLC
An uncommon year-round visitor to freshwater marshes and wet grasslands, most conspicuous during autumn passage at inland wetland reserves.
Year-round
Sanderling
Calidris albaLC
An uncommon resident of sandy beaches along the Holderness coast and Spurn, running along the tideline in small flocks year-round.
Year-round
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeusLC
Hunts low over the Wolds and coastal marshes year-round. Numbers increase in winter when continental birds arrive at sites like Spurn and Blacktoft Sands.
Year-round
Snow Bunting
Plectrophenax nivalisLC
An uncommon winter visitor to the coast, often seen on shingle beaches and dunes along the Holderness shore from October to March.
Oct–Mar
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
An uncommon and declining summer breeder arriving in May, favouring woodland clearings and mature gardens where it sallies for insects.
May–Oct
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
Present year-round on coastal scrub and gorse-covered clifftops. Numbers bolstered in winter by birds from the continent.
Year-round
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
An uncommon but widespread resident, breeding on lakes and reservoirs. Numbers increase in winter with arrivals from northern Europe.
Year-round
Water Rail
Rallus aquaticusLC
A secretive year-round resident of reedbeds and marshy ditches, more often heard squealing than seen. Wetlands around the Humber are key sites.
Year-round
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
An uncommon resident of lowland marshes and reedbeds, often quartering over wetlands at sites like Blacktoft Sands and Tophill Low.
Year-round