Uncommon Birds in Norfolk
77 species matching this filter.
Norfolk's diverse mosaic of coastal marshes, estuaries, Broads waterways, and farmland supports an impressive variety of uncommon bird species. With 77 species classified as uncommon in the county, birdwatchers can encounter striking visitors such as the Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew Sandpiper, and Goldeneye along the coast, while inland habitats harbour gems like the Common Kingfisher, Garden Warbler, and the increasingly scarce European Turtle-dove. Whether exploring the mudflats of the Wash or the reedbeds of the Norfolk Broads, patient observers will be rewarded with sightings of these less frequently seen but thoroughly rewarding species.
Showing 1–23 of 77 species
Arctic Jaeger
Stercorarius parasiticusLC
An uncommon seabird seen offshore from Norfolk's coast during autumn passage, harrying terns and gulls for their catches.
Jul–Nov
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponicaNT
Present year-round along Norfolk's sandy shores and tidal flats, with numbers peaking in winter at sites like Titchwell and Snettisham.
Year-round
Barn Owl
Tyto albaLC
An uncommon but iconic Norfolk resident, hunting over farmland, marshes, and field margins at dusk. The county supports a healthy breeding population.
Year-round
Bearded Tit
Panurus biarmicusLC
An iconic resident of Norfolk's extensive reedbeds, particularly at sites like Titchwell, Cley, and the Broads. Listen for its distinctive pinging call.
Year-round
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapillaLC
An uncommon year-round resident; breeding birds are joined by continental wintering birds visiting gardens for berries.
Year-round
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
An uncommon winter visitor often mixing with chaffinch flocks in beech woodland and farmland, numbers varying greatly between years.
Sep–Apr
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
Winters in large flocks on the north Norfolk coast, grazing on saltmarshes and eelgrass beds. Most numerous from October to March.
Aug–Jun
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
An uncommon but year-round resident of hedgerows, scrubby woodland edges and mature gardens across Norfolk.
Year-round
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Cetti's Warbler
Cettia cettiLC
An uncommon but increasing resident of Norfolk's reedbeds and dense waterside scrub. More often heard than seen, with its explosive burst of song.
Year-round
Coal Tit
Periparus aterLC
An uncommon resident favouring coniferous plantations in the Brecks and Thetford Forest, visiting garden feeders in winter.
Year-round
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthisLC
An uncommon but dazzling resident along rivers, Broads, and drainage ditches throughout the county.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
An uncommon resident most often seen in birch and alder woodland, with numbers increasing during autumn and winter as northern birds arrive.
Sep–May
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucosLC
An uncommon summer visitor, bobbing along lake edges and river margins from April to October. Passage birds frequent coastal pools.
Apr–Oct
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
Present year-round off the Norfolk coast, with large rafts gathering offshore. Most conspicuous during autumn and winter passage.
Year-round
Common Snipe
Gallinago gallinagoLC
An uncommon year-round resident of Norfolk's wet meadows and reedbeds, often flushed from marshy edges with a zigzagging flight.
Year-round
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
Breeds at coastal colonies such as Blakeney Point and Scolt Head, arriving in April and departing by October.
Apr–Oct
Cuckoo
Cuculus canorusLC
An uncommon summer visitor arriving in April, heard calling across reedbeds and heathland. Norfolk remains a key county for this declining species.
Apr–Aug
Curlew Sandpiper
Calidris ferrugineaNT
An uncommon passage wader seen on coastal pools and mudflats from May to October. Adults in rufous breeding plumage appear in late summer.
May–Oct
Dunlin
Calidris alpinaLC
Present year-round on estuaries and saltmarshes, with large winter flocks on the Wash. Breeding numbers in the UK have declined sharply.
Year-round
Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiacaLC
Norfolk is a stronghold for this established resident. Commonly seen on parkland, lakes, and grazing marshes throughout the county year-round.
Year-round
Eurasian Nuthatch
Sitta europaeaLC
An uncommon but increasing resident of mature deciduous woodland and parkland, often visiting garden feeders in well-wooded parts of Norfolk.
Year-round
Eurasian Siskin
Spinus spinusLC
An uncommon resident most visible in winter when flocks visit alder and birch trees, often alongside redpolls in riverside woodland.
Year-round
Eurasian Spoonbill
Platalea leucorodiaLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, breeding at key reserves like Holkham. Feeds in shallow marshes year-round.
Year-round