Uncommon Birds in Isle of Wight
60 species matching this filter.
The Isle of Wight supports a rich variety of birdlife, with around 60 species classified as uncommon visitors or residents across the island's diverse habitats. From the mudflats and estuaries that attract waders such as Black-tailed Godwit and Greenshank, to the woodlands and hedgerows where Bullfinch and Goldcrest can be found, the island offers rewarding birdwatching opportunities for those willing to look a little harder. Notable species in this category also include the elegant Great White Egret, the agile Hobby, and the high-flying Common Swift.
Showing 47–60 of 60 species
Sedge Warbler
Acrocephalus schoenobaenusLC
An uncommon summer breeder in the island's reedbeds and waterside vegetation, arriving in April and departing by September.
Apr–Sep
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
A resident raptor found in woodlands and gardens across the island year-round, often seen dashing through hedgerows after small birds.
Year-round
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
An uncommon passage migrant, mainly noted in May and again in August–September at woodland edges and coastal scrub during migration.
May–Sep
Stock Dove
Columba oenasLC
A resident breeder found year-round in farmland, parkland and woodland edges, though less conspicuous than the ubiquitous Woodpigeon.
Year-round
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
An uncommon resident of coastal gorse and heathland, often perching prominently on bushes along the island's clifftop paths year-round.
Year-round
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
An uncommon resident on freshwater lakes and reservoirs. Breeds locally and can be found diving for invertebrates year-round.
Year-round
Water Rail
Rallus aquaticusLC
A secretive resident of reedbeds and marshy ditches, more often heard squealing than seen. Numbers bolstered in winter by continental arrivals.
Year-round
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
An uncommon resident quartering over island reedbeds and marshes year-round, notably at Brading Marshes.
Year-round
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Wheatear
Oenanthe oenantheLC
An uncommon summer breeder on the island's chalk downland and coastal clifftops, bobbing on fence posts from March to October.
Mar–Oct
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopusLC
An uncommon breeder, present from spring through autumn on coastal marshes and estuaries. Its trilling call carries far.
Apr–Nov
White-tailed Sea-eagle
Haliaeetus albicillaLC
Part of the high-profile reintroduction programme; these impressive raptors now roam the island year-round.
Year-round
Willow Warbler
Phylloscopus trochilusLC
An uncommon summer breeder present from March to October, favouring scrubby woodland and copses. Its descending song is a hallmark of spring.
Mar–Oct
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally spotted among other gulls at coastal sites during April and August.
Year-round
Yellowhammer
Emberiza citrinellaLC
An uncommon year-round resident found on the island's farmland edges and hedgerows, its bright yellow head a flash of colour along downland tracks.
Year-round