Birds in Hampshire
Explore 214 species found in this region.
Hampshire is home to an impressive 207 recorded bird species, reflecting the county's rich diversity 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. Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of notable species such as the Great Grey Shrike, Eurasian Woodcock, and Mandarin Duck in woodland settings, while estuarine areas attract waders and wildfowl including Northern Lapwing, Common Shelduck, and Northern Pintail. Whether you are a seasoned birder or a casual nature enthusiast, Hampshire offers outstanding year-round birdwatching opportunities.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Jaeger and Bar-headed Goose arriving this month, and Black-necked Grebe and Eurasian Bittern depart for the season.
Showing 24–46 of 214 species
Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibisLC
A rare but increasingly regular resident, part of a recent colonisation of southern England. Often found among livestock on Hampshire's farmland.
Year-round
Cetti's Warbler
Cettia cettiLC
A resident warbler that has colonised Hampshire's reedbeds and dense waterside vegetation. More often heard than seen, with its explosive, unmistakable song.
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
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
Coal Tit
Periparus aterLC
An uncommon resident favouring coniferous and mixed woodland, particularly in the New Forest. Regularly visits garden feeders in winter.
Year-round
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
Present year-round but most numerous in winter on playing fields, reservoirs and coastal areas. Less common than Herring or Black-headed Gulls.
Year-round
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthisLC
An uncommon but year-round resident along Hampshire's rivers and streams, often glimpsed as a flash of electric blue.
Year-round
Common Loon
Gavia immerLC
A rare winter visitor to the Solent and larger harbours, occasionally lingering into early spring. Known locally as Great Northern Diver.
Oct–Apr
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Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
A rare resident, scarce on Hampshire's rivers and lakes. Most often seen in winter months, absent during midsummer.
Aug–May
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 Quail
Coturnix coturnixLC
A rare and elusive passage visitor in July, more often heard than seen calling from arable fields and chalk downland.
Jul
Common Raven
Corvus coraxLC
Has spread steadily across Hampshire in recent decades after a long absence. Now an uncommon but increasing resident, often seen over downland and wooded valleys.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
An uncommon visitor to birch and alder woodland, most often seen in winter flocks. Scarce during the breeding season in Hampshire.
Jul–Apr
Common Redstart
Phoenicurus phoenicurusLC
An uncommon summer breeder arriving in April, favouring mature oak woodland in the New Forest. Males flash their orange-red tails from perches.
Apr–Sep
Common Reed-warbler
Acrocephalus scirpaceusLC
An uncommon summer breeder in reedbeds and waterside vegetation, arriving in April. Titchfield Haven and the Test valley are key sites.
Apr–Sep
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucosLC
Found year-round along rivers, reservoirs and coastal margins, bobbing characteristically on rocks. Numbers peak during autumn passage.
Year-round
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
A rare sea duck seen offshore along Hampshire's coast, mainly in winter and during passage. Largely absent during midsummer months.
Aug–May
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 Snipe
Gallinago gallinagoLC
An uncommon resident of wet meadows, marshes and waterlogged fields. More conspicuous in winter when numbers are boosted by continental arrivals.
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
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
An uncommon summer breeder from April to October, nesting on shingle islands and rafts at coastal and inland sites.
Apr–Oct
Coot
Fulica atraLC
A common year-round resident on lakes, reservoirs, and gravel pits. Often gathers in large flocks during winter.
Year-round