Uncommon Birds in England
99 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 93–99 of 99 species
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
Woodlark
Lullula arboreaLC
An uncommon year-round resident of lowland heaths and forest clearings, mainly in southern England. Its sweet, descending song is a hallmark of sandy heathland.
Year-round
Yellow-browed Warbler
Phylloscopus inornatusLC
An uncommon autumn visitor from Siberia, mainly seen along the east coast in October. Increasingly recorded in recent years.
Sep–Jan
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, often mixed in with Herring Gull flocks. Most frequent in southern England, especially in late summer.
Year-round