Uncommon Birds in Northumberland
80 species matching this filter.
Northumberland's diverse landscapes — from the rugged North Sea coastline and the Farne Islands to upland moors and river valleys — support a rich variety of birdlife, including around 80 species classed as uncommon in the county. Among these are striking visitors such as Arctic Tern, Black-tailed Godwit and Greenshank, alongside less frequently encountered residents like Bullfinch, Eurasian Tree Sparrow and Greenfinch. Whether you're scanning coastal estuaries or exploring sheltered woodland, these harder-to-find species offer rewarding encounters for patient birdwatchers.
Showing 47–69 of 80 species
Northern Gannet
Morus bassanusLC
Regularly seen offshore year-round, often plunge-diving spectacularly. Passes close to shore near the Farne Islands and Bamburgh.
Year-round
Northern Shoveler
Spatula clypeataLC
An uncommon resident of shallow wetlands and flooded fields, using its distinctive broad bill to filter-feed. Numbers increase in winter.
Year-round
Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchusLC
Winters in large skeins around Lindisfarne and coastal fields from September to April. One of Northumberland's great wildlife spectacles at dawn and dusk.
Sep–May
Pochard
Aythya ferinaVU
An uncommon year-round resident on lakes and reservoirs, though nationally declining. Winter numbers may be boosted by continental arrivals.
Year-round
Purple Sandpiper
Calidris maritimaLC
Clings to rocky shorelines and harbour walls nearly year-round. The Farne Islands, Seahouses, and Amble piers are reliable spots.
Jul–May
Razorbill
Alca tordaLC
Breeds on the Farne Islands cliffs and winters at sea, often visible from shore in large rafts during the nesting season.
Year-round
Red Knot
Calidris canutusNT
Gathers in large winter flocks on Lindisfarne's mudflats, with smaller numbers lingering through summer months.
Year-round
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serratorLC
Present year-round along the coast and on larger rivers. Often seen fishing in estuaries and sheltered bays throughout the county.
Year-round
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Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellataLC
An uncommon year-round resident seen offshore, with numbers boosted in winter. Breeds on remote upland lochs near the Scottish border.
Year-round
Redwing
Turdus iliacusNT
A winter visitor arriving from Scandinavia in autumn, foraging in hedgerows and berry-laden hawthorns across the county's fields and gardens.
Sep–Apr
Reed Bunting
Emberiza schoeniclusLC
An uncommon resident of reedbeds, damp ditches, and wetland margins, often seen at sites like Druridge Bay and the coastal pools.
Year-round
Ringed Plover
Charadrius hiaticulaLC
Breeds on shingle beaches and dune systems along the coast. Present year-round but uncommon, with numbers boosted by passage birds in autumn.
Year-round
Rock Dove
Columba liviaLC
Truly wild birds cling to remote sea cliffs along the Northumberland coast, far outnumbered by their feral descendants in towns.
Year-round
Rock Pipit
Anthus petrosusLC
Found year-round along Northumberland's rocky coastline and wave-cut platforms, often feeding among seaweed at the tideline.
Year-round
Roseate Tern
Sterna dougalliiLC
An uncommon breeder on the Farne Islands and Coquet Island from May to September. One of the UK's rarest breeding seabirds.
May–Sep
Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpresLC
Frequents rocky shorelines and harbour walls year-round, flipping stones and seaweed to find invertebrates. Most numerous in winter along the coast.
Year-round
Ruff
Philomachus pugnaxLC
Present year-round but uncommon, favouring wet grasslands and coastal lagoons. Numbers peak on autumn passage at sites like Druridge Bay.
Year-round
Sanderling
Calidris albaLC
Runs along sandy beaches year-round, chasing retreating waves for food. Most conspicuous in winter flocks on broad stretches of Northumberland's coast.
Year-round
Sedge Warbler
Acrocephalus schoenobaenusLC
An uncommon summer breeder arriving in April. Favours reedbeds, ditches and waterside scrub, singing its chattering song into July.
Apr–Sep
Song Thrush
Turdus philomelosLC
An uncommon but widespread resident of woodland and gardens. Its rich, repetitive song is a familiar spring sound.
Year-round
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
An uncommon but widespread resident hunting small birds in woodland, hedgerows, and gardens throughout the year.
Year-round
Stock Dove
Columba oenasLC
An uncommon but widespread resident, nesting in tree holes and old buildings. Quieter and less conspicuous than the ubiquitous Woodpigeon.
Year-round
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
An uncommon resident of gorse-covered heathland and coastal scrub. Hardy birds persist through Northumberland's cold winters.
Year-round