Rare Birds in Essex
85 species matching this filter.
Essex is home to an impressive array of rare bird species, with 82 recorded rarities that reward patient and dedicated birdwatchers. From the elusive Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in ancient woodlands to the striking Great Grey Shrike on coastal scrubland, the county's diverse habitats — including estuarine mudflats, grazing marshes, and remnant heathlands — attract an extraordinary range of uncommon visitors and declining residents. Notable species such as the Eurasian Stone-curlew, Grey Partridge, and Long-tailed Duck highlight the ecological richness of this often-underestimated county.
Showing 47–69 of 85 species
Little Tern
Sternula albifronsLC
A rare and declining summer breeder, nesting on shingle beaches along the Essex coast. A conservation priority species.
May–Sep
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
A rare winter visitor to coastal Essex waters and occasionally reservoirs, present from November to March.
Nov–Mar
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A rare but established resident found on wooded lakes and rivers, with a small feral population present year-round in Essex.
Year-round
Manx Shearwater
Puffinus puffinusLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally seen offshore in September during strong westerly winds. Most sightings come from coastal watchpoints.
Sep
Marsh Tit
Poecile palustrisLC
A rare and declining resident of mature broadleaved woodland, most detectable by its distinctive "pitchoo" call in early spring.
Nov–Jun
Merlin
Falco columbariusLC
A rare winter visitor and passage migrant, hunting over coastal marshes and open farmland from autumn through to early spring.
Sep–Mar
Montagu's Harrier
Circus pygargusLC
A very rare passage migrant, with occasional sightings over coastal marshes and farmland, mainly in August.
Aug
Northern Gannet
Morus bassanusLC
A rare passage visitor seen offshore from late summer into autumn. Strong onshore winds may push birds closer to Essex's coast.
Aug–Nov
Spotted something?
Upload a photo to identify it
Identify
Osprey
Pandion haliaetusLC
A rare but thrilling passage visitor seen over reservoirs and estuaries from July to October, occasionally hovering before plunging for fish.
Jul–Oct
Pectoral Sandpiper
Calidris melanotosLC
A rare Nearctic wader appearing briefly in July and September at freshwater marshes and coastal scrapes.
Jul–Sep
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
A rare passage visitor in January and February, occasionally seen among other goose flocks on coastal marshes.
Jan–Feb
Pomarine Jaeger
Stercorarius pomarinusLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally spotted from Essex headlands during seawatches in September and October.
Sep–Oct
Purple Sandpiper
Calidris maritimaLC
A rare winter visitor to rocky coastal structures and groynes. Essex offers limited suitable habitat, so sightings are infrequent.
Nov–Jan
Razorbill
Alca tordaLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally spotted offshore in November. Strong onshore winds may push birds closer to Essex seawatching points.
Nov
Red-backed Shrike
Lanius collurioLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally appearing on coastal scrub and hedgerows along the Essex coast in September.
Sep
Red-breasted Goose
Branta ruficollisVU
A rare vagrant occasionally found among Brent Goose flocks on the Essex coast, mainly in November and January.
Nov–Jan
Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufinaLC
A rare but year-round resident, occasionally seen on larger reservoirs and gravel pits. Part of a slowly expanding feral population in south-east England.
Year-round
Red-necked Grebe
Podiceps grisegenaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to Essex's coastal waters and estuaries in winter. Most records come from the Thames Estuary and offshore.
Nov–Mar
Red-necked Phalarope
Phalaropus lobatusLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally spotted spinning on pools at coastal reserves in October. A delicate and highly sought-after wader.
Oct
Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellataLC
A rare winter visitor to Essex's coastal waters, present from autumn to early spring. Often seen flying low over the sea off the estuary.
Sep–Mar
Ring Ouzel
Turdus torquatusLC
A rare passage migrant seen briefly in April and October. Coastal headlands and scrubby areas offer the best chance of a sighting.
Oct–Apr
Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensisLC
Now very rare following national eradication efforts. Occasionally recorded on Essex reservoirs and gravel pits.
Jul–May
Ruddy Shelduck
Tadorna ferrugineaLC
A rare summer vagrant of uncertain origin, occasionally appearing on Essex reservoirs and gravel pits in June to August.
Jun–Aug