Common Birds in Hampshire
55 species matching this filter.
Hampshire is home to 55 commonly seen bird species, thriving across a rich variety of habitats from the ancient woodlands of the New Forest to the coastal mudflats of the Solent and the chalk downlands of the South Downs. Familiar species such as Carrion Crow, Dunnock, and Chiffchaff are widespread throughout the county, while Eurasian Nuthatch and Goldcrest can be found in mature woodland, and European Herring Gulls are a regular sight along the coast. Many of these species also feature in our guide to 23 Common Garden Birds in the UK (Full Guide with Pictures), making Hampshire a rewarding county for birdwatchers of all levels.
Showing 1–23 of 55 species
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rusticaLC
A common summer visitor breeding in barns and outbuildings across the county. Arrives from March and gathers in large pre-migration flocks by autumn.
Mar–Oct
Blackbird
Turdus merulaLC
One of Hampshire's most familiar garden birds, present year-round. Numbers swell in autumn with continental migrants joining resident birds.
Year-round
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapillaLC
A common resident found in woodland, hedgerows and gardens year-round. Winter birds from the continent supplement the breeding population.
Year-round
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleusLC
A ubiquitous year-round resident, readily visiting garden feeders across Hampshire. Thrives in the county's woodlands, hedgerows and parks.
Year-round
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
A common year-round resident, frequently seen soaring over farmland, woodland edges, and the New Forest throughout the county.
Year-round
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common year-round resident found on lakes, rivers, and gravel pits across the county. Often forms large moulting flocks in summer.
Year-round
Carrion Crow
Corvus coroneLC
A common and adaptable resident found across all Hampshire habitats, from urban centres to remote farmland. Intelligent and resourceful throughout the year.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
One of Hampshire's most abundant residents, found in woods, hedgerows, and gardens year-round. Its cheerful song is a hallmark of spring.
Year-round
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Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybitaLC
A common year-round resident, increasingly overwintering in Hampshire. Its repetitive two-note song is one of the earliest heard in spring.
Year-round
Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicusLC
Widespread and common across Hampshire's farmland, woodland edges and downland throughout the year. Numbers bolstered by regular releases for shooting.
Year-round
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
A common year-round resident of coastal mudflats and estuaries. Breeds along the Solent harbours and Southampton Water.
Year-round
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgarisLC
A common year-round resident, often seen on lawns and rooftops. Winter roosts can number thousands, with spectacular murmurations over towns and reedbeds.
Year-round
Common Swift
Apus apusLC
A common breeding visitor screaming over Hampshire's towns and villages from late April to September. Nests in older buildings and church towers.
Apr–Sep
Coot
Fulica atraLC
A common year-round resident on lakes, reservoirs, and gravel pits. Often gathers in large flocks during winter.
Year-round
Curlew
Numenius arquataNT
A common year-round resident with its evocative call heard over estuaries, harbours, and farmland. Breeding numbers are declining nationally.
Year-round
Dunnock
Prunella modularisLC
A common and unobtrusive resident of Hampshire's hedgerows, gardens, and woodland undergrowth. Often shuffles quietly along the ground beneath bird feeders.
Year-round
Eurasian Collared Dove
Streptopelia decaoctoLC
A common year-round resident in towns, villages, and farmland. Its monotonous cooing call is a familiar garden sound.
Year-round
Eurasian Jay
Garrulus glandariusLC
A colourful resident of Hampshire's broadleaf woodlands and mature gardens. Particularly conspicuous in autumn when gathering and caching acorns.
Year-round
Eurasian Nuthatch
Sitta europaeaLC
A common resident of Hampshire's mature deciduous woodlands. Often heard before seen, giving loud ringing calls from oak and beech trees.
Year-round
Eurasian Oystercatcher
Haematopus ostralegusNT
Common year-round along Hampshire's coast, particularly in the Solent harbours. Breeds on shingle beaches and feeds on mudflats and estuaries.
Year-round
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
Common on coastal marshes and flooded grasslands, with large wintering flocks at sites like Keyhaven and the Test valley.
Aug–Jun
Eurasian Wren
Troglodytes troglodytesLC
One of Hampshire's most abundant residents, found in virtually every habitat with dense cover. Its powerful song rings out from hedgerows and gardens year-round.
Year-round
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelisLC
A common and colourful year-round resident, often seen in flocks on seed heads. Readily visits garden feeders, especially nyjer seed.
Year-round