Uncommon Birds in England
95 species matching this filter.
England is home to around 95 uncommon bird species that reward patient and knowledgeable observers with truly memorable sightings. From the ethereal Barn Owl quartering farmland at dusk to the striking Eurasian Stone-curlew on dry heathlands and the elegant Common Crane returning to eastern wetlands, these birds occupy a fascinating range of habitats across the country. Whether scanning coastal waters for Arctic Jaegers and Great Skuas or exploring ancient woodlands for Eurasian Woodcock, birders willing to venture beyond the usual hotspots will find England's uncommon species well worth the effort.
Showing 70–92 of 95 species
Roseate Tern
Sterna dougalliiLC
A rare and declining breeding tern, nesting at a handful of coastal colonies from May to September. One of the UK's scarcest seabirds.
May–Sep
Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensisLC
An uncommon resident, now heavily reduced by an eradication programme. Small numbers persist on lakes and reservoirs in the West Midlands.
Year-round
Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpresLC
An uncommon but widespread coastal wader, flipping stones and seaweed to find invertebrates. Present year-round, with numbers highest outside the breeding season.
Year-round
Ruff
Philomachus pugnaxLC
An uncommon wader found on coastal marshes and flooded fields. Numbers peak on passage, though a few breed at fenland reserves in eastern England.
Year-round
Sanderling
Calidris albaLC
An uncommon but regular wader found year-round on sandy beaches, running along the tideline in small flocks. Numbers peak during autumn and winter passage.
Year-round
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeusLC
An uncommon resident of open moorland and rough grassland. Hunts by day with buoyant, wavering flight; winter birds frequent coastal marshes and fens.
Year-round
Snow Bunting
Plectrophenax nivalisLC
An uncommon non-breeding visitor to shingle beaches and coastal fields from October to March. Most reliably found along the Norfolk and Suffolk coasts.
Oct–Mar
Sooty Shearwater
Ardenna griseaNT
An uncommon pelagic visitor seen offshore from late summer to autumn, often during seawatches in strong onshore winds.
Jun–Nov
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Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
A declining summer visitor to open woodland, parks, and large gardens. Catches insects in flight from exposed perches.
May–Oct
Spotted Redshank
Tringa erythropusLC
An uncommon wader found mainly on coastal marshes and estuaries. Most numerous on autumn passage, with small numbers lingering through winter.
Year-round
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
A widespread but nocturnal resident of mature woodland, parks, and churchyards. Its familiar hooting call is heard year-round.
Year-round
Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialisLC
An uncommon and declining summer visitor to open woodland and heathland. Its distinctive parachuting song flight is heard from April to July.
Apr–Oct
Tundra Swan
Cygnus columbianusLC
An uncommon winter visitor from Arctic Russia, arriving from October. Favours flooded grasslands and wetlands, notably in the Somerset Levels.
Oct–Mar
Twite
Linaria flavirostrisLC
An uncommon non-breeding visitor to English saltmarshes and coastal fields from autumn to spring. Breeds in the uplands of northern Britain.
Oct–Apr
Water Rail
Rallus aquaticusLC
A secretive resident of marshes and reedbeds, more often heard than seen. Its pig-like squealing call from dense vegetation is a characteristic sound of English wetlands.
Year-round
Wheatear
Oenanthe oenantheLC
A summer breeder on upland moors and coastal grasslands, arriving from March. Passage birds also appear at lowland sites in spring and autumn.
Mar–Nov
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopusLC
An uncommon wader present year-round but most conspicuous on spring and autumn passage along coasts. Its distinctive rippling call carries far across estuaries.
Year-round
Whinchat
Saxicola rubetraLC
An uncommon summer visitor to upland meadows and moorland edges, now declining as a breeder. Most easily seen on passage in autumn.
Apr–Oct
White-tailed Sea-eagle
Haliaeetus albicillaLC
Recently reintroduced to England, this impressive raptor is an uncommon resident. The Isle of Wight programme has established a small but growing population.
Year-round
Whooper Swan
Cygnus cygnusLC
An uncommon winter visitor from Iceland and Scandinavia, favouring flooded fields and large lakes. Its bugling call distinguishes it from the resident Mute Swan.
Year-round
Willow Tit
Poecile montanusLC
An uncommon and rapidly declining resident of damp woodland and scrub. Now largely restricted to parts of central and northern England.
Year-round
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareolaLC
An uncommon passage and scarce breeding wader, favouring freshwater marshes and pool edges. Most frequently encountered in autumn on migration.
Apr–Oct
Wood Warbler
Phylloscopus sibilatrixLC
An uncommon breeding visitor to mature oak and beech woodlands, mainly in western England. Declining in range; arrives in April and departs by late summer.
Apr–Sep