Rare Birds in Norfolk
99 species matching this filter.
Norfolk is one of Britain's premier birdwatching destinations, and its diverse coastal marshes, estuaries, and inland wetlands attract a remarkable variety of rare species. With 114 birds classified as rare in the county, visitors may encounter elusive species such as European Honey-buzzard, Grey Phalarope, Little Auk, and Garganey. The county's position on the East Anglian coast makes it a vital stopover for scarce migrants and storm-blown vagrants alike.
Showing 93–99 of 99 species
White-rumped Sandpiper
Calidris fuscicollisVU
A rare Nearctic vagrant occasionally turning up on Norfolk's coastal scrapes in July and August among flocks of Dunlin.
Jul–Aug
Whooper Swan
Cygnus cygnusLC
A rare resident, with small numbers wintering on the Broads and coastal marshes. Most likely seen at sites like Welney.
Year-round
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareolaLC
A rare summer breeder in Norfolk, favouring secluded boggy pools and wet woodland clearings in the Broads area.
May–Sep
Woodlark
Lullula arboreaLC
A rare breeder on Breckland heaths, delivering its beautiful song flight from February; some birds linger into October.
Feb–Oct
Wryneck
Jynx torquillaLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, most often found at coastal sites like Blakeney Point and Wells in August and September.
Aug–Sep
Yellow-browed Warbler
Phylloscopus inornatusLC
A prized autumn drift migrant from Siberia, regularly found in coastal scrub and sycamores along the north Norfolk coast from September to November.
Sep–Nov
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
Rare visitor from southern Europe, appearing at coastal roosts and landfill sites from July to November.
Jul–Nov