Rare Birds in South Yorkshire

78 species matching this filter.

All birds in South Yorkshire

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.

Yellow-browed Warbler
Yellow-browed WarblerSmallest · 10cm
to
Tundra Swan
Tundra SwanLargest · 150cm
Ranges from the Yellow-browed Warbler (10cm) to the Tundra Swan (150cm)32 families represented20 year-round residents

Showing 70–78 of 78 species

Water Pipit

Water Pipit

Anthus spinolettaLC

A rare passage visitor in late autumn and early spring, occasionally found at watercress beds and marshy margins at lowland wetland reserves.

Nov–Mar

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

Wheatear

Oenanthe oenantheLC

A rare summer breeder on upland moorland edges in the western Peak District fringe, also seen on passage across lowland fields.

Mar–Sep

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

Whimbrel

Numenius phaeopusLC

A scarce passage migrant in spring and late summer, briefly stopping at wetlands en route to northern breeding grounds.

Apr–Aug

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

Whinchat

Saxicola rubetraLC

A rare breeding summer visitor to rough grassland and moorland edges in the west, present from May to September. Has declined significantly.

May–Sep

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

Willow Tit

Poecile montanusLC

A rare and rapidly declining resident, making South Yorkshire a key area for conservation. Favours damp woodland with decaying birch and willow.

Year-round

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

Wood Sandpiper

Tringa glareolaLC

A rare breeder and passage bird, occasionally recorded at shallow pools and marshes in spring and late summer.

Apr–Sep

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

Wood Warbler

Phylloscopus sibilatrixLC

A rare passage migrant in May and June, occasionally heard singing in mature oak woodland on the western fringes of the region.

May–Jun

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

Yellow-browed Warbler

Phylloscopus inornatusLC

A rare autumn passage migrant from Siberia, occasionally turning up in October in coastal scrub or inland woodland edges during easterly winds.

Oct

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

Spotted something?

Upload a photo to identify it

Identify
Yellow-legged Gull

Yellow-legged Gull

Larus michahellisLC

A rare breeder present from March to July, sometimes found among large gull flocks at reservoirs and landfill sites.

Jul–Oct

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
PreviousPage 4 of 4

Frequently Asked Questions

Rare Birds in South Yorkshire | Birdfact