Sandpipers & Snipes in London
14 species matching this filter.
London's wetlands, reservoirs and riverside habitats support an impressive 14 species from the Sandpipers & Snipes family, making the capital a surprisingly rewarding destination for wader enthusiasts. Notable species include both Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits, Common Snipe, and the elusive Eurasian Woodcock, many of which can be found at key sites such as the London Wetland Centre and the Lee Valley. Beyond these wading birds, the capital hosts a remarkable diversity of birdlife — discover more in our guide to the 20 Most Common Birds in London: Gardens, Parks & Urban Hotspots.
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponicaNT
A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally stopping at London's wetlands in April en route to Arctic breeding grounds.
Apr
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosaNT
A rare but year-round presence on London's reservoirs and wetlands. Numbers have increased nationally, with the Lee Valley a key site.
Jul–May
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucosLC
An uncommon but regular wader along the Thames and reservoir edges, bobbing its tail as it picks along stony margins.
Jul–May
Common Snipe
Gallinago gallinagoLC
An uncommon resident of London's marshes and wet grasslands. Most visible in winter when numbers increase at key wetland sites.
Aug–May
Curlew
Numenius arquataNT
A rare visitor to London's reservoirs and wetlands, most often seen on passage or during winter. Declining nationally, making local sightings increasingly noteworthy.
Jul–Apr
Dunlin
Calidris alpinaLC
Present at London's reservoirs and muddy margins nearly year-round but rarely in numbers. Most often seen in winter and on passage.
Jul–May
Eurasian Woodcock
Scolopax rusticolaLC
A rare winter visitor, sometimes flushed from woodland and large gardens during cold snaps between November and January.
Nov–Jan
Green Sandpiper
Tringa ochropusLC
An uncommon but year-round visitor to London's watercress beds, ditches, and reservoir margins. Often solitary and easily startled.
Jun–Apr
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Greenshank
Tringa nebulariaLC
A rare wader seen at London's reservoirs and wetlands, mainly on spring and autumn passage. Listen for its distinctive ringing three-note call.
Apr–Sep
Jack Snipe
Lymnocryptes minimusLC
A rare and secretive winter visitor to London's marshes and wet meadows. Easily overlooked due to its skulking habits.
Oct–Apr
Redshank
Tringa totanusLC
An uncommon resident of London's marshes and reservoir margins. Its piping alarm call is a familiar sound at wetland sites.
Year-round
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
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