Rare Birds in South Yorkshire
80 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 70–80 of 80 species
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
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
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
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopusLC
A scarce passage migrant in spring and late summer, briefly stopping at wetlands en route to northern breeding grounds.
Apr–Aug
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
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
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareolaLC
A rare breeder and passage bird, occasionally recorded at shallow pools and marshes in spring and late summer.
Apr–Sep
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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
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
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