Rare Birds in Hampshire
92 species matching this filter.
Hampshire is home to an impressive diversity of birdlife, with 85 rare species recorded across its varied landscapes of ancient woodland, heathland, chalk downland, and coastal marshes. Notable rarities include the elusive Eurasian Bittern lurking in reedbeds, the striking Hen Harrier quartering over winter marshes, and the elegant Grey Phalarope occasionally driven inshore by autumn storms. From the New Forest's European Honey-buzzards to the Solent's visiting Common Scoters, the county offers rewarding opportunities for birders seeking uncommon encounters.
Showing 47–69 of 92 species
Lesser Whitethroat
Curruca currucaLC
A rare summer breeder favouring tall hedgerows and scrubby woodland edges. Its rattling song is heard from April, departing by September.
Apr–Sep
Lesser Yellowlegs
Tringa flavipesVU
A rare Nearctic vagrant occasionally recorded at coastal lagoons and freshwater pools. Any Hampshire sighting is a significant county event.
Jul–Jan
Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutusLC
A rare passage visitor, most likely in spring and late autumn. Occasionally seen at coastal lagoons and harbours along the Solent.
Nov–May
Little Owl
Athene noctuaLC
A rare and declining species in Hampshire, occasionally noted in summer around farmland with old trees and rough grassland.
Jul–Aug
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
A rare non-breeding visitor from November to February. Occasionally seen on coastal waters along the Solent.
Nov–Feb
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
A rare but year-round resident, favouring wooded lakes and rivers. The New Forest and surrounding estates offer suitable habitat.
Year-round
Merlin
Falco columbariusLC
A rare winter visitor to open heathland and coastal marshes, present from October to March. Fast, low-flying and easily overlooked.
Oct–Mar
Nightingale
Luscinia megarhynchosLC
A rare passage visitor in April and May, with declining numbers. Dense scrubby woodland in the county's river valleys offers the best chance.
Apr–May
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Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeusLC
A rare summer breeder arriving in May, favouring New Forest heathland. Best detected by its churring song at dusk.
May–Aug
Northern Gannet
Morus bassanusLC
Seen offshore from April to October, often passing the Solent coast. A spectacular plunge-diver best spotted from headlands.
Apr–Oct
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisLC
A rare and secretive resident of Hampshire's larger forests, including the New Forest. A recovering species, slowly increasing in the county.
Year-round
Osprey
Pandion haliaetusLC
A rare breeding bird, with reintroduction efforts boosting numbers. Seen fishing at lakes and reservoirs from spring through autumn.
Apr–Oct
Pectoral Sandpiper
Calidris melanotosLC
A rare autumn passage migrant from the Americas, occasionally appearing at coastal pools and muddy scrapes in September.
Sep
Purple Sandpiper
Calidris maritimaLC
A rare winter visitor to Hampshire's rocky coastal structures and groynes. Most likely seen at Hurst Spit or harbour walls in the coldest months.
Nov–Feb
Razorbill
Alca tordaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to Hampshire's coastal waters, occasionally seen offshore or washed ashore during winter storms.
Nov–Jan
Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostraLC
A rare but resident finch of the New Forest's conifer plantations. Irruptive movements bring variable numbers; its crossed bill is adapted for extracting pine seeds.
Year-round
Red Knot
Calidris canutusNT
A rare wader found on Hampshire's coastal mudflats, mainly in winter. Small flocks occur in the Solent harbours, with a brief absence in early summer.
Jul–May
Red-breasted Goose
Branta ruficollisVU
An exceptionally rare passage visitor, recorded in February. One of the world's rarest geese, any sighting is noteworthy.
Feb
Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufinaLC
A rare passage visitor in late autumn, occasionally appearing on Hampshire's lakes and reservoirs. The striking male is unmistakable.
Nov–Dec
Red-legged Partridge
Alectoris rufaNT
A scarce resident of open arable farmland and chalk downland. Populations are largely sustained by releases, and sightings remain infrequent.
Year-round
Red-necked Grebe
Podiceps grisegenaLC
A rare winter visitor to sheltered coastal waters and harbours, typically seen between November and February.
Nov–Feb
Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellataLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to Hampshire's coastal waters, occasionally seen offshore from the Solent in winter and early spring.
Nov–Apr
Ring Ouzel
Turdus torquatusLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally seen on Hampshire's chalk downland in October. Distinguished from Blackbird by its pale breast crescent.
Oct