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 139–161 of 214 species
Mute Swan
Cygnus olorLC
A common and elegant resident gracing rivers, lakes, and harbours throughout the county all year round.
Year-round
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
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
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
Present year-round on farmland and coastal marshes. Winter flocks gather on fields, though breeding numbers on Hampshire's farmland continue to decline.
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
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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
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
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 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
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-breasted Merganser
Mergus serratorLC
A non-breeding visitor to Hampshire's harbours and estuaries from autumn through spring. Favours the sheltered waters of Langstone and Chichester Harbours.
Oct–Apr
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