Rare Birds in London
63 species matching this filter.
London is home to 63 rare bird species that reward patient and dedicated birdwatchers with truly memorable sightings. From the striking Avocet and elusive Eurasian Bittern lurking in wetland reserves to the secretive Barn Owl hunting over urban fringe grasslands, these uncommon visitors and residents highlight the surprising diversity of the capital's habitats. For a broader overview of the city's avian life, explore our guide to the 20 Most Common Birds in London: Gardens, Parks & Urban Hotspots.
Showing 47–63 of 63 species
Ringed Plover
Charadrius hiaticulaLC
A rare passage migrant, stopping briefly at reservoir margins and gravel pits during spring and autumn migration.
Apr–Sep
Rock Pipit
Anthus petrosusLC
A rare non-breeding visitor from October to March, occasionally found along the Thames foreshore and around London's larger reservoirs.
Oct–Mar
Rook
Corvus frugilegusLC
A rare resident in London, largely confined to the rural outer fringes. Far less common here than in the wider countryside.
Year-round
Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensisLC
A rare resident following national culling efforts. Occasionally still reported on London's lakes and reservoirs.
Mar–Jan
Ruff
Philomachus pugnaxLC
A rare visitor to London's wetland reserves, most likely at sites like the London Wetland Centre. Appears mainly on passage in autumn and spring.
Aug–Apr
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeusLC
A rare autumn passage visitor, occasionally seen hunting over London's marshes and open grasslands in October and November.
Oct–Nov
Smew
Mergellus albellusLC
A rare and prized winter visitor, occasionally appearing on London's reservoirs in cold spells. The striking male is unmistakable.
Feb
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
A rare passage migrant through London, occasionally spotted in parks and gardens during May and again in late summer as birds head south.
May–Sep
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Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
A rare but resident owl of mature parkland and wooded commons. Its distinctive hooting call is heard in areas like Richmond Park and Highgate.
Aug–May
Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialisLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally recorded in open parkland and scrubby areas during August and September on southward migration.
Aug–Sep
Treecreeper
Certhia familiarisLC
A rare but year-round resident, creeping mouse-like up tree trunks in mature woodland. Best found in larger parks with old-growth trees.
Year-round
Water Pipit
Anthus spinolettaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to London's reservoirs and watercress beds from October to April. Easily confused with the commoner Meadow Pipit.
Oct–Apr
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
A rare resident, found year-round at larger marshes and wetland reserves such as those in the Lee Valley. Numbers have slowly increased in recent decades.
Year-round
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopusLC
A rare passage migrant, heard calling overhead in spring and late summer as it moves between Arctic breeding grounds and African wintering sites.
Apr–Aug
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareolaLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally stopping at London's wetlands in August and September on southward migration.
Aug–Sep
Wryneck
Jynx torquillaLC
A rare and prized autumn passage migrant, occasionally found in coastal-influenced scrub and gardens during September.
Sep
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
A rare but year-round resident, increasingly identified among London's large gull flocks at reservoirs and landfill sites.
Year-round