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 116–138 of 214 species
Kittiwake
Rissa tridactylaVU
A rare passage visitor off the Hampshire coast, occasionally seen in November during stormy weather that pushes this pelagic gull closer to shore.
Nov
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
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Dryobates minorLC
A rare and declining resident of Hampshire's broadleaved woodlands. Best detected by its high-pitched call in early spring before the canopy fills in.
Jan–May
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
Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
A common resident of Hampshire's farmland, heaths, and coastal scrub. Forms sociable flocks outside the breeding season, often along the coast.
Year-round
Little Egret
Egretta garzettaLC
Now a common resident after colonising in the 1990s. Easily seen along Hampshire's estuaries, harbours and coastal marshes year-round.
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
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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
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
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
A rare non-breeding visitor from November to February. Occasionally seen on coastal waters along the Solent.
Nov–Feb
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatusLC
Commonly seen in noisy family flocks moving through hedgerows and woodland edges. A charming year-round resident across the county.
Year-round
Magpie
Pica picaLC
A bold and conspicuous resident, abundant in gardens, parks, and farmland across Hampshire. Easily recognised by its striking black-and-white plumage.
Year-round
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchosLC
Abundant and familiar year-round on rivers, ponds, lakes and estuaries across Hampshire. Readily seen in parks and gardens.
Year-round
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
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
Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensisLC
A common resident of open grassland and heathland, particularly the New Forest. Numbers increase in winter with birds from upland areas.
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
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
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropusLC
Common and widespread on ponds, rivers and ditches throughout Hampshire all year. Frequently seen in parks and gardens near water.
Year-round