Rare Birds in United Kingdom
60 species matching this filter.
The United Kingdom is home to a fascinating array of rare bird species, with 47 classified as uncommon visitors or localised breeders across its diverse landscapes. From the elusive Bluethroat and striking Golden Oriole to the hardy Lapland Longspur and graceful Arctic Loon, these rarities can be found in habitats ranging from remote Scottish highlands and coastal cliffs to windswept moorlands and offshore islands. Spotting these scarce species requires patience, careful timing, and often a willingness to venture to the more wild and inaccessible corners of Britain.
Showing 47–60 of 60 species
Sabine's Gull
Xema sabiniLC
A scarce passage migrant, mostly seen from western headlands during autumn gales. An elegant, fork-tailed gull from the high Arctic.
Jul–Jan
Savi's Warbler
Locustella luscinioidesLC
A rare passage visitor to extensive reedbeds in May and June. Its reeling song resembles a distant insect buzz.
May–Jun
Snow Goose
Anser caerulescensLC
A rare visitor, with genuine wild birds occasionally arriving with Pink-footed Goose flocks. Many UK sightings involve feral or escaped individuals.
Aug–May
Spotted Crake
Porzana porzanaLC
A rare and secretive passage migrant through marshes and reedbeds, mainly in autumn. Occasionally breeds in small numbers at wetland sites.
Apr–Oct
Surf Scoter
Melanitta perspicillataLC
A rare Nearctic sea duck, occasionally wintering off Scottish and Irish coasts, often associating with flocks of Common or Velvet Scoters.
Nov–Mar
Temminck's Stint
Calidris temminckiiLC
A rare passage migrant, most often seen at freshwater margins in spring and autumn. The majority of UK records come from eastern England.
May–Dec
Tundra Bean Goose
Anser serrirostrisLC
A rare winter visitor, with small flocks favouring arable fields and marshes mainly in eastern England and Scotland. The Yare Valley in Norfolk is a key site.
Jul–Mar
Velvet Scoter
Melanitta fuscaVU
A rare sea duck present year-round in small numbers, mainly off the coasts of Scotland and north-east England. Often found among flocks of Common Scoter.
Year-round
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Water Pipit
Anthus spinolettaLC
A rare winter visitor found at watercress beds, reservoirs, and wet meadows, mainly in southern England.
Oct–Apr
White-rumped Sandpiper
Calidris fuscicollisVU
A rare Nearctic passage wader, most often seen at coastal pools and estuaries from late summer into autumn. Easily overlooked among Dunlin flocks.
Jul–Feb
White-winged Tern
Chlidonias leucopterusLC
A rare passage visitor, mainly in spring and late summer. Most records come from south-eastern wetlands and coastal marshes.
Apr–Sep
Wilson's Phalarope
Phalaropus tricolorLC
A rare autumn vagrant from the Americas, turning up at coastal pools and marshes from September to November. Most sightings occur in south-west England and Ireland.
Sep–Nov
Woodchat Shrike
Lanius senatorNT
A rare passage migrant from southern Europe, occasionally appearing on the south and east coasts in spring and early autumn.
Apr–Sep
Wryneck
Jynx torquillaLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, most often found along the east and south coasts. This ant-eating woodpecker relative breeds on the continent.
Aug–Oct