Uncommon Birds in Hampshire
68 species matching this filter.
Hampshire is home to a rich variety of birdlife, with 68 species classified as uncommon across the county's diverse habitats. From the coastal mudflats of the Solent, where elegant Avocets and Greenshanks probe the shallows, to the ancient woodlands of the New Forest echoing with the calls of European Green Woodpeckers and Garden Warblers, the county offers rewarding opportunities for patient birdwatchers. Species such as Bullfinch, Fieldfare, and Common Reed-warbler can also be encountered in hedgerows, open farmland, and reedbeds throughout the region.
Showing 24–46 of 68 species
Fieldfare
Turdus pilarisLC
A winter visitor from Scandinavia, arriving from October and lingering into April. Flocks roam Hampshire's hedgerows and fields feeding on berries and fallen fruit.
Oct–Apr
Firecrest
Regulus ignicapillaLC
An uncommon but year-round resident, favouring coniferous and mixed woodland in the New Forest. Hampshire is a national stronghold for this tiny crest.
Year-round
Garden Warbler
Sylvia borinLC
An unobtrusive summer breeder found in dense woodland understorey and overgrown hedgerows. Present from April to September, best located by its rich warbling song.
Apr–Sep
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricariaLC
An uncommon non-breeding visitor forming flocks on farmland and coastal marshes from autumn through early spring.
Sep–Mar
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
An uncommon winter visitor to Hampshire's reservoirs and gravel pits from November to April. Males display a striking white face patch.
Nov–Apr
Great White Egret
Ardea albaLC
An uncommon but increasingly regular resident, often seen at wetland sites such as the Avon valley and Blashford Lakes throughout the year.
Year-round
Greenshank
Tringa nebulariaLC
An uncommon but year-round presence on Hampshire's estuaries and harbours. Most frequently encountered during autumn passage on coastal mudflats.
Year-round
Grey Plover
Pluvialis squatarolaLC
An uncommon but year-round presence on coastal mudflats. Numbers peak in winter along the Solent and harbour estuaries.
Year-round
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Grey Wagtail
Motacilla cinereaLC
An uncommon resident found along Hampshire's streams and rivers year-round. Bobs its tail constantly while foraging on rocks and weirs.
Year-round
Greylag Goose
Anser anserLC
An uncommon year-round resident on lakes, reservoirs, and river meadows. Feral populations breed alongside other geese.
Year-round
House Martin
Delichon urbicumLC
A declining summer visitor nesting under the eaves of houses and farm buildings. Present from April to October, often seen feeding over villages and wetlands.
Apr–Oct
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscusLC
An uncommon year-round resident, often seen at landfill sites, playing fields, and coastal roosts. Numbers increase in summer.
Year-round
Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollisLC
An uncommon but year-round resident on sheltered ponds, lakes, and slow-flowing rivers. Its distinctive whinnying call often reveals its presence.
Year-round
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubiusLC
An uncommon summer breeder from March to September, nesting on gravel pits and reservoir margins across Hampshire.
Mar–Sep
Little Stint
Calidris minutaLC
An uncommon autumn passage migrant from August to October, feeding on coastal scrapes and muddy pool edges at key wetland sites.
Aug–Oct
Little Tern
Sternula albifronsLC
A scarce summer breeder on shingle beaches along the Hampshire coast, notably at Hurst Spit. Vulnerable to disturbance and habitat loss.
Apr–Sep
Marsh Tit
Poecile palustrisLC
An uncommon resident of mature deciduous woodland, particularly in the New Forest. Declining nationally but still holds territory in Hampshire.
Year-round
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
An uncommon but widespread resident, often singing from tall treetops even in midwinter. Favours parkland and woodland edges across the county.
Year-round
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
An elegant dabbling duck found mainly in winter on coastal marshes and estuaries. The Solent harbours hold important flocks.
Sep–May
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
An uncommon resident found on shallow lakes and marshes year-round. Numbers increase in winter at key wetland sites.
Year-round
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinusLC
An uncommon year-round resident, nesting on tall structures in towns like Winchester and Southampton. Hunts over estuaries and open ground.
Year-round
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
Present year-round on lakes and reservoirs but declining nationally. Winter numbers are supplemented by continental birds at sites like Blashford Lakes.
Year-round
Red Kite
Milvus milvusLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, now regularly soaring over Hampshire's downs and farmland. Part of the successful UK reintroduction programme.
Year-round