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 70–92 of 214 species
European Herring Gull
Larus argentatusLC
A common and familiar sight year-round at harbours, landfill sites and urban rooftops. Numbers bolstered in winter by continental arrivals.
Year-round
European Honey-buzzard
Pernis apivorusLC
A rare and secretive summer breeder in the New Forest's mature woodlands, arriving in May and feeding largely on wasp larvae.
May–Aug
European Pied Flycatcher
Ficedula hypoleucaLC
A rare autumn passage migrant passing through Hampshire in August and September. Most likely encountered in coastal scrub and woodland on the south coast.
Aug–Sep
European Robin
Erithacus rubeculaLC
An abundant and much-loved resident of Hampshire's gardens, woodlands, and hedgerows. Sings throughout the year and is boldly territorial at feeding stations.
Year-round
European Shag
Phalacrocorax aristotelisLC
A rare resident along the Hampshire coast, favouring rocky structures and harbour walls. Scarce but present most months.
Aug–May
European Turtle-dove
Streptopelia turturVU
A rare and declining summer breeder, arriving in May and departing by July. Hampshire remains one of its last English strongholds on farmland with thick hedgerows.
May–Jul
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
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Fulmar
Fulmarus glacialisLC
Rarely seen from Hampshire shores, occasionally passing offshore in spring. Breeds on cliffs further west along the English coast.
Apr
Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
A common year-round resident on Hampshire's lakes, gravel pits, and waterways. Often seen in pairs or small groups dabbling quietly.
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
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A rare spring passage migrant from March to May. Favours shallow wetlands and flooded meadows on passage.
Mar–May
Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellusLC
A rare but increasingly recorded visitor to Hampshire's marshes and flooded fields, reflecting a wider northward range expansion.
Aug–Apr
Goldcrest
Regulus regulusLC
A common resident of Hampshire's conifer woods and gardens, often heard giving its thin, high-pitched call. Numbers swell in autumn with continental migrants.
Year-round
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
Grasshopper Warbler
Locustella naeviaLC
A rare passage visitor in April, more often heard than seen. Its insect-like reeling song carries from dense scrub and rough grassland.
Apr
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
A bulky, imposing gull found year-round along the Solent coast and harbours. Often dominates other gulls at feeding sites.
Year-round
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carboLC
A common year-round resident found along rivers, lakes, and the coast. Often seen perched with wings outstretched to dry.
Year-round
Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatusLC
A common resident on Hampshire's larger lakes and reservoirs, performing elaborate courtship displays in spring. Also frequents coastal waters in winter.
Year-round
Great Grey Shrike
Lanius excubitorLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally found on Hampshire's heathlands, particularly in the New Forest. Perches prominently while scanning for prey.
Nov–Mar
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos majorLC
A common resident of woodlands, parks, and mature gardens throughout Hampshire. Its drumming is a familiar sound in spring.
Year-round
Great Tit
Parus majorLC
A common year-round garden and woodland bird, readily visiting feeders. Its bold 'teacher-teacher' song is one of the first heard in spring.
Year-round