Rare Birds in Herefordshire
48 species matching this filter.
Herefordshire's diverse landscape of rolling farmland, river valleys, and ancient woodlands provides habitat for an impressive variety of birdlife, including around 50 species classified as rare visitors or uncommon breeders. Notable rarities such as Black Redstart, Cetti's Warbler, and Long-tailed Duck reward patient observers, while elusive species like Common Quail and Eurasian Woodcock can occasionally be encountered in the county's quieter corners. From the wetlands along the River Wye to the upland margins of the Welsh borders, Herefordshire offers exciting opportunities for those seeking out the county's scarcer birds.
Showing 24–46 of 48 species
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
A rare passage visitor, with records confined to November. This sea duck is a genuine oddity on Herefordshire's inland waters.
Nov
Merlin
Falco columbariusLC
A rare autumn passage visitor, occasionally glimpsed dashing low over hedgerows in November while hunting small birds.
Nov
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisLC
A rare but increasing resident of large forests, including woodlands along the Wye Valley. Secretive and seldom seen despite year-round presence.
Oct–Aug
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
A rare and declining resident, breeding on wet pastures in spring; winter flocks gather on ploughed fields.
May–Mar
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
A rare winter visitor to flooded fields and pools, most likely seen between autumn and early spring on low-lying farmland.
Sep–Mar
Osprey
Pandion haliaetusLC
A rare but thrilling passage migrant in spring and autumn, occasionally spotted fishing over the county's larger pools and reservoirs.
Apr–Sep
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinusLC
A rare but year-round resident, occasionally seen hunting over the county's river valleys and around Hereford Cathedral.
Year-round
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
A rare passage visitor in March and October, occasionally seen flying over farmland or settling on flooded fields during migration.
Oct–Mar
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Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
A rare winter visitor to lakes and reservoirs, this declining diving duck occurs from October to March.
Oct–Mar
Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostraLC
A rare and nomadic breeder in conifer plantations, notably in the Forest of Dean fringes. Presence varies with cone crop availability.
Mar–Nov
Red Grouse
Lagopus lagopus scoticaLC
A rare and unexpected visitor, occasionally recorded in summer. This upland grouse is far from its usual moorland haunts.
Jul
Red-necked Phalarope
Phalaropus lobatusLC
An exceptionally rare autumn passage visitor, with September records. A remarkable find on any Herefordshire pool or reservoir.
Sep
Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellataLC
A rare November passage visitor to inland waters. This coastal diver is a scarce but exciting find in the county.
Nov
Ring Ouzel
Turdus torquatusLC
A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally pausing on the Black Mountains' fringes and hilltops in April en route to upland breeding grounds.
Apr
Ringed Plover
Charadrius hiaticulaLC
A rare passage visitor in September, occasionally stopping at gravel scrapes and reservoir edges on autumn migration.
Sep
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
A rare resident found on rough grassland and gorse-covered commons. Often perches prominently, flicking its tail and giving a sharp call.
Year-round
Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialisLC
A rare and declining summer breeder on heathy hillsides and woodland edges, performing its distinctive parachuting song flight.
Apr–Aug
Water Rail
Rallus aquaticusLC
A secretive rare visitor to reedbeds and marshy margins, most likely encountered in winter and during passage.
Oct–Mar
Wheatear
Oenanthe oenantheLC
A rare breeder on open hillsides along the county's western uplands from April to September, favouring short-grazed pasture and stone walls.
Apr–Sep
Whinchat
Saxicola rubetraLC
A rare passage migrant glimpsed briefly in spring and late summer on rough grassland and upland margins of the county.
May–Jul
Willow Tit
Poecile montanusLC
A rare and rapidly declining resident of damp woodland with standing deadwood. One of the UK's most threatened species.
Mar–Oct
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareolaLC
A rare autumn passage wader, occasionally stopping at muddy pool margins in August and September on its southward migration.
Aug–Sep
Wood Warbler
Phylloscopus sibilatrixLC
A rare breeding visitor to Herefordshire's sessile oak woodlands from April to June, recognised by its shimmering, accelerating trill.
Apr–Jun