Uncommon Birds in United Kingdom
96 species matching this filter.
The United Kingdom is home to a fascinating array of uncommon bird species, with 96 recorded across its diverse landscapes. From the haunting call of the Barn Owl over farmland hedgerows to the striking Arctic Jaeger patrolling northern coastlines, these less frequently encountered species reward patient and dedicated birdwatchers. Habitats ranging from Scottish sea cliffs hosting Black Guillemots and Great Skuas to the heathlands favoured by the Eurasian Stone-curlew make the UK a remarkably varied birding destination.
Showing 47–69 of 96 species
Lesser Whitethroat
Curruca currucaLC
A summer breeding visitor to hedgerows and scrubby thickets, mainly in England. Its dry, rattling song is distinctive, and it departs southward by October.
Apr–Oct
Little Gull
Hydrocoloeus minutusLC
An uncommon gull found year-round at reservoirs, coastal marshes, and estuaries. Numbers peak during passage periods, with a dainty, buoyant flight.
Year-round
Little Owl
Athene noctuaLC
An introduced resident found year-round in lowland farmland and orchards, mainly in England and Wales. Often perches prominently on fence posts and barn roofs.
Year-round
Little Stint
Calidris minutaLC
A small wader found on coastal mudflats and freshwater margins, peaking in autumn passage. Most numerous along eastern and southern estuaries.
Year-round
Little Tern
Sternula albifronsLC
An uncommon summer breeder on shingle beaches and sandy coasts from April to September. A Schedule 1 species, vulnerable to disturbance and declining.
Apr–Sep
Long-eared Owl
Asio otusLC
A secretive nocturnal resident of dense conifer plantations and thick hedgerows, easily overlooked but present year-round across Britain.
Year-round
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalisVU
A scarce sea duck wintering mainly off Scottish coasts. Small numbers breed in the Highlands; most arrive from Scandinavia in autumn.
Sep–May
Mandarin Duck
Aix galericulataLC
An uncommon introduced resident of wooded lakes and rivers. The ornate male is unmistakable on park ponds, especially in southern England.
Year-round
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Manx Shearwater
Puffinus puffinusLC
An uncommon breeder on western islands, nesting in burrows on offshore islands. Best known from colonies on Skomer and Rum.
Year-round
Marsh Tit
Poecile palustrisLC
An uncommon but sedentary resident of mature deciduous woodland in England and Wales. Declining in many areas and absent from Scotland and Ireland.
Year-round
Merlin
Falco columbariusLC
An uncommon resident falcon of upland moors in summer, moving to lowland coasts and marshes in winter.
Year-round
Nightingale
Luscinia megarhynchosLC
An uncommon summer breeder in dense scrub and woodland of south-east England. Its rich, powerful song is heard from April to June.
Apr–Aug
Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeusLC
A summer visitor arriving in May, breeding on heathland, young forestry plantations and moorland edges. Best detected by its distinctive churring song at dusk.
May–Sep
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinusLC
A year-round resident increasingly seen on cathedral ledges and city towers. The world's fastest animal has recovered well from past declines.
Year-round
Purple Sandpiper
Calidris maritimaLC
An uncommon wader favouring rocky shorelines and harbour walls, mainly in winter. A tiny number breed in the Scottish Highlands.
Jul–May
Razorbill
Alca tordaLC
Breeds on sea cliffs around the coast, especially in Scotland and Wales. Disperses offshore in winter but can be seen from headlands year-round.
Year-round
Red Grouse
Lagopus lagopus scoticaLC
A UK endemic subspecies found on heather moorlands across Scotland, northern England and Wales. Populations are closely managed alongside grouse moor shooting.
Year-round
Red Knot
Calidris canutusNT
Gathers in vast winter flocks on estuaries such as the Wash and Morecambe Bay. These Arctic breeders are a spectacular sight swirling over mudflats at high tide.
Year-round
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serratorLC
Breeds on rivers and lochs in Scotland and Ireland, moving to sheltered coasts in winter. Often seen in small groups on estuaries.
Year-round
Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufinaLC
An uncommon resident, with a growing feral population centred on southern English gravel pits and reservoirs.
Year-round
Red-legged Partridge
Alectoris rufaNT
An introduced resident most common on farmland in lowland England. Often seen in small coveys scurrying across arable fields.
Year-round
Red-necked Grebe
Podiceps grisegenaLC
An uncommon visitor, mainly seen in winter along east coast waters and estuaries. A very scarce breeder, with occasional nesting attempts in Scotland.
Jul–May
Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellataLC
Breeds on remote Scottish lochs in summer and winters around British coasts. Known locally as Red-throated Diver.
Year-round