Rare Birds in South Yorkshire
78 species matching this filter.
South Yorkshire's diverse landscapes — from the moorlands of the Peak District fringe to the wetlands of the Dearne Valley and the Don corridor — attract a surprising variety of rare bird species. With 78 rare species recorded across the county, patient observers may encounter elusive gems such as Barn Owl, Common Crane, Little Bittern, and Dotterel. These sightings reflect the region's mix of upland, lowland, and wetland habitats that provide vital stopover and breeding sites for uncommon visitors.
Showing 47–69 of 78 species
Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeusLC
A rare summer breeder found on heathland and moorland edges. Best detected by its churring song at dusk from May to July.
May–Jul
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisLC
A rare passage visitor in spring, occasionally seen over large woodlands. A secretive raptor that may breed nearby in the region's bigger forests.
Mar–Apr
Northern Pintail
Anas acutaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to reservoirs and flooded fields, mainly from autumn through to early spring.
Sep–Apr
Osprey
Pandion haliaetusLC
A rare but thrilling passage visitor in spring and autumn, occasionally pausing to fish at larger reservoirs and lakes in the Dearne Valley.
May–Sep
Pectoral Sandpiper
Calidris melanotosLC
A rare transatlantic vagrant occasionally turning up at wetland sites in late summer. A prized find for local birders scanning wader flocks.
Jul–Sep
Red Crossbill
Loxia curvirostraLC
A rare and nomadic resident of conifer plantations, with numbers varying year to year. Listen for loud flight calls over forests in the west.
Jul–May
Red Kite
Milvus milvusLC
A rare but increasing resident, gradually recolonising the area. Often seen soaring over farmland and woodland edges.
Year-round
Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufinaLC
A rare passage visitor recorded in May and August, occasionally dropping in at larger lakes and reservoirs.
May–Aug
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Red-necked Phalarope
Phalaropus lobatusLC
A rare September passage visitor, occasionally turning up at shallow pools and reservoir margins. A prized find for local birders.
Sep
Ring Ouzel
Turdus torquatusLC
A rare breeding visitor to the Peak District moorland fringes in the west, arriving in April. Declining and a high-priority conservation species.
Apr–Jun
Rock Pipit
Anthus petrosusLC
A rare passage visitor recorded briefly in October, far from its usual coastal haunts. An unusual inland record for this largely shoreline species.
Oct
Rose-ringed Parakeet
Alexandrinus krameriLC
A rare resident representing the northward spread of feral populations from London. Occasionally reported around Sheffield's parks and suburbs.
Year-round
Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensisLC
A rare resident, now scarce following national culling programmes. Occasionally recorded on reservoirs and lakes in the region.
Feb–Nov
Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpresLC
A rare inland passage migrant in May and August, usually found on reservoir edges. Primarily a coastal species, so local records are notable.
May–Aug
Sanderling
Calidris albaLC
A rare inland passage migrant, occasionally recorded in May at reservoir margins and muddy scrapes.
May
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeusLC
A rare resident of upland moorland in the western fringes, hunting low over rough grassland. More visible in winter months.
Nov–Jun
Smew
Mergellus albellusLC
A rare and prized winter visitor, occasionally recorded in February on reservoirs and larger waterbodies during cold spells.
Feb
Snow Bunting
Plectrophenax nivalisLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded in November on high moorland or open farmland. An exciting find in the region.
Nov
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
A rare and declining summer breeder from May to September, favouring woodland edges and mature gardens with open perches.
May–Sep
Spotted Redshank
Tringa erythropusLC
A rare autumn passage visitor from August to October, occasionally seen at Old Moor and other Dearne Valley wetlands.
Aug–Oct
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
A secretive resident of mature woodland, more often heard than seen. Under-recorded due to its nocturnal habits.
Year-round
Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialisLC
A rare summer visitor breeding on wooded moorland fringes in the west, delivering its parachuting song flight from April to June.
Apr–Aug
Tundra Swan
Cygnus columbianusLC
A rare winter passage visitor, occasionally seen on larger reservoirs and flooded fields during harsh cold spells in January and February.
Jan–Feb