Uncommon Birds in London
45 species matching this filter.
London is home to 45 uncommon bird species that reward patient and observant birdwatchers willing to explore the capital's diverse habitats. From the dazzling Common Kingfisher darting along the city's rivers and canals to the elusive Common Snipe hiding in wetland reserves, these species add a thrilling dimension beyond the 20 most common birds in London. Habitats such as reservoirs, heathlands, mature woodlands and reed-fringed lakes across London's green spaces provide vital refuges for these less frequently encountered birds.
Showing 24–45 of 45 species
Lesser Whitethroat
Curruca currucaLC
An uncommon summer breeder favouring tall hedgerows and scrubby areas, present from April to September.
Apr–Sep
Linnet
Linaria cannabinaLC
An uncommon resident found on rough grassland and scrubby edges around London's periphery. Numbers have declined significantly in recent decades.
Year-round
Little Egret
Egretta garzettaLC
An increasingly established resident along the Thames and at reservoirs. Once a rarity, now regularly seen stalking shallow margins year-round.
Year-round
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubiusLC
An uncommon summer breeder favouring gravel pits and reservoir edges. One of London's earliest spring migrants, arriving in March.
Mar–Aug
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
An uncommon but year-round resident, favouring wooded lakes and rivers. Richmond Park and the River Thames corridor are reliable spots.
Year-round
Meadow Pipit
Anthus pratensisLC
An uncommon resident found on rough grassland, heathland, and reservoir margins. Numbers increase in autumn as passage birds move through.
Year-round
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
An uncommon resident of larger parks and open woodland. Often sings from treetops in early spring and defends berry bushes in winter.
Year-round
Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellusNT
An uncommon resident of London's marshes and wet grasslands. Winter flocks gather at sites like the Lee Valley and Beddington.
Year-round
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Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
An uncommon non-breeding visitor to London's reservoirs and wetlands from autumn through spring. Elegant but easily overlooked among other ducks.
Sep–Apr
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinusLC
An uncommon year-round resident, nesting on tall buildings and bridges. Battersea Power Station and the Tate Modern are well-known nest sites.
Year-round
Red Kite
Milvus milvusLC
Now an uncommon but increasing resident, regularly seen soaring over outer suburbs. A remarkable conservation success story across southern England.
Year-round
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
Reed Bunting
Emberiza schoeniclusLC
An uncommon resident of reedbeds and wetland margins. Found at sites like the London Wetland Centre and along the Thames marshes.
Year-round
Sand Martin
Riparia ripariaLC
An uncommon summer breeder, arriving in March and nesting in sandy banks along London's rivers and gravel pits. Departs by September.
Mar–Sep
Sedge Warbler
Acrocephalus schoenobaenusLC
An uncommon summer breeder arriving in April, favouring scrubby wetland margins at reserves across the capital.
Apr–Sep
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, hunting small birds through parks and suburban gardens across the capital.
Year-round
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
An uncommon resident found on heathland and scrubby margins around London's outer fringes. Often perches prominently on gorse or fences.
Year-round
Water Rail
Rallus aquaticusLC
An uncommon and secretive visitor to reedbeds and marshy edges, mainly from autumn to spring. More often heard squealing than seen.
Aug–Apr
Wheatear
Oenanthe oenantheLC
An uncommon visitor to open ground and playing fields from March to October. Often seen on passage, pausing briefly on short turf.
Mar–Oct
Whinchat
Saxicola rubetraLC
An uncommon passage migrant in spring and autumn, favouring rough grassland and scrubby edges at reservoirs and marshes across the capital.
Apr–Sep
Willow Warbler
Phylloscopus trochilusLC
An uncommon summer breeder in London's scrubby heathlands and woodland edges. Declining in the capital, now scarcer than Chiffchaff.
Mar–Sep
Yellow Wagtail
Motacilla flavaLC
An uncommon summer breeder on wet meadows and marshes at London's edges. Declining nationally, making local sightings increasingly noteworthy.
Apr–Oct