Rare Birds in Isle of Wight

78 species matching this filter.

All birds in Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight's diverse coastal habitats, estuaries, and sheltered woodlands make it a magnet for rare and uncommon bird species, with 77 recorded as rare visitors to the island. Notable sightings include the elusive Aquatic Warbler, the striking Eurasian Spoonbill, and the secretive Eurasian Bittern, often found in the island's reedbeds and wetlands. Passage migrants such as Arctic Tern and Common Sandpiper pass through seasonally, while scarce winter visitors like Brambling and Black Redstart reward patient observers.

Firecrest
FirecrestSmallest · 9cm
to
Whooper Swan
Whooper SwanLargest · 165cm
Ranges from the Firecrest (9cm) to the Whooper Swan (165cm)34 families represented16 year-round residents

Showing 70–78 of 78 species

Tawny Owl

Tawny Owl

Strix alucoLC

A rare passage record in August; the island's woodland supports very few if any breeding pairs of this nocturnal owl.

Aug

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Tree Pipit

Tree Pipit

Anthus trivialisLC

A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally noted in August and September at coastal scrub and open downland during southward migration.

Aug–Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Treecreeper

Treecreeper

Certhia familiarisLC

A rare resident, spiralling up tree trunks in the island's mature woodlands. Easily missed due to its cryptic plumage and quiet habits.

May–Mar

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Water Pipit

Water Pipit

Anthus spinolettaLC

A rare passage visitor in late winter and early spring, favouring watercress beds and marshy margins. Easily overlooked among Rock Pipits.

Dec–Mar

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Whinchat

Whinchat

Saxicola rubetraLC

A rare breeding visitor to rough grassland and heathland, present from April to October. Perches prominently on fence posts and tall stems.

Apr–Oct

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Whooper Swan

Whooper Swan

Cygnus cygnusLC

A rare passage visitor, occasionally noted in October. Far scarcer here than on traditional wintering grounds further north.

Oct

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Wood Sandpiper

Wood Sandpiper

Tringa glareolaLC

A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally dropping in at freshwater pools and marshes in April on its way to northern breeding grounds.

Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Yellow Wagtail

Yellow Wagtail

Motacilla flavaLC

A rare visitor to damp meadows and coastal fields, mainly seen in spring and autumn passage. Has declined significantly as a UK breeder.

Apr–Oct

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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Yellow-legged Gull

Yellow-legged Gull

Larus michahellisLC

A rare passage visitor, occasionally spotted among other gulls at coastal sites during April and August.

Apr–Aug

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
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Rare Birds in Isle of Wight | Birdfact