Uncommon Birds in North Yorkshire

82 species matching this filter.

All birds in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire's diverse landscapes — from the rugged moorlands of the Dales and North York Moors to its sweeping coastline and river valleys — support an impressive array of uncommon bird species. With 82 species classified as uncommon in the county, birders can encounter everything from the ghostly Barn Owl hunting over farmland at dusk to Arctic Jaegers passing along the coast and Greenshanks probing the margins of upland pools. These less frequently seen species reward patient observers who explore the region's varied wetlands, woodlands, and estuaries throughout the year.

Goldcrest
GoldcrestSmallest · 8.5cm
to
Whooper Swan
Whooper SwanLargest · 165cm
Ranges from the Goldcrest (8.5cm) to the Whooper Swan (165cm)36 families represented61 year-round residents

Showing 70–82 of 82 species

Snow Bunting

Snow Bunting

Plectrophenax nivalisLC

An uncommon winter visitor to high moorland tops and the coast from October to March. Breeds in the Arctic and favours exposed, windswept ground.

Oct–Mar

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Sparrowhawk

Sparrowhawk

Accipiter nisusLC

A year-round resident, hunting small birds through woodland edges, hedgerows and gardens across the county with dashing low-level flights.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spotted Flycatcher

Spotted Flycatcher

Muscicapa striataLC

A declining summer visitor from May to September, favouring woodland edges and mature gardens. Sallies from exposed perches to catch insects in flight.

May–Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Stock Dove

Stock Dove

Columba oenasLC

A resident breeder nesting in tree holes and old buildings across farmland and parkland. Quieter and less conspicuous than its woodpigeon cousin.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Stonechat

Stonechat

Saxicola torquatusLC

Resident on gorse-clad moorland edges and coastal scrub year-round. Hardy enough to remain on upland territories through harsh winters.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Treecreeper

Treecreeper

Certhia familiarisLC

A quiet resident of mature woodland, spiralling mouse-like up tree trunks. Found year-round in deciduous and mixed woods throughout the region.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Wheatear

Wheatear

Oenanthe oenantheLC

A summer breeder on upland moors and stone walls of the Dales, arriving from March. Also seen on passage along the coast.

Mar–Oct

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Whimbrel

Whimbrel

Numenius phaeopusLC

An uncommon breeder on upland moors, present from April to September. Its distinctive seven-note whistle carries across the open landscape.

Apr–Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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Whitethroat

Whitethroat

Curruca communisLC

A summer visitor breeding in scrubby hedgerows and field margins from April to September. Often spotted performing its scratchy song flight over farmland.

Apr–Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Whooper Swan

Whooper Swan

Cygnus cygnusLC

Winters on lowland floodplains and lakes, arriving from Iceland in October. Bugling calls carry across the Vale of York.

Oct–May

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Yellow Wagtail

Yellow Wagtail

Motacilla flavaLC

An uncommon summer breeder favouring lowland wet meadows and arable fields. Arrives in April and departs by September.

Apr–Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Yellow-browed Warbler

Yellow-browed Warbler

Phylloscopus inornatusLC

An uncommon autumn passage migrant from Siberia, turning up in coastal scrub and hedgerows during September and October.

Sep–Oct

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Yellowhammer

Yellowhammer

Emberiza citrinellaLC

An uncommon resident of hedgerows and arable farmland, declining nationally. Its bright yellow head and jangling song enliven field margins year-round.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
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