Birds in Hampshire
Explore 214 species found in this region.
Hampshire is home to an impressive 207 recorded bird species, reflecting the county's rich diversity of habitats — from the ancient woodlands of the New Forest to the coastal mudflats of the Solent and the chalk downlands of the South Downs. Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of notable species such as the Great Grey Shrike, Eurasian Woodcock, and Mandarin Duck in woodland settings, while estuarine areas attract waders and wildfowl including Northern Lapwing, Common Shelduck, and Northern Pintail. Whether you are a seasoned birder or a casual nature enthusiast, Hampshire offers outstanding year-round birdwatching opportunities.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Jaeger and Bar-headed Goose arriving this month, and Black-necked Grebe and Eurasian Bittern depart for the season.
Showing 1–23 of 214 species
Arctic Jaeger
Stercorarius parasiticusLC
A rare spring passage migrant seen offshore from Hampshire's coast, typically during April and May seawatching sessions at sites like Hurst Castle.
Apr–May
Arctic Loon
Gavia arcticaLC
A rare passage visitor in late autumn, occasionally spotted offshore or in sheltered coastal waters during November and December.
Nov–Dec
Avocet
Recurvirostra avosettaLC
An uncommon but year-round resident, favouring the mudflats and shallow lagoons of Hampshire's harbours, especially Langstone and Chichester.
Year-round
Bar-headed Goose
Anser indicusLC
A rare passage bird of likely captive origin, occasionally noted in spring and summer on lakes and reservoirs.
Apr–Jun
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponicaNT
A rare but year-round presence on Hampshire's coastal mudflats, especially in the Solent harbours. Numbers peak during winter and passage periods.
Year-round
Barn Owl
Tyto albaLC
A rare and elusive resident, hunting over Hampshire's farmland and grasslands at dusk. Benefits from nest box schemes across the county.
Dec–Sep
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rusticaLC
A common summer visitor breeding in barns and outbuildings across the county. Arrives from March and gathers in large pre-migration flocks by autumn.
Mar–Oct
Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
A rare resident, present most months. Often of uncertain origin, mixing with feral flocks on lakes and gravel pits.
Jul–May
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Bearded Tit
Panurus biarmicusLC
A rare resident of Hampshire's reedbeds, with key sites along the Solent coast. Listen for distinctive pinging calls in autumn.
Jun–Apr
Black Redstart
Phoenicurus ochrurosLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally noted along Hampshire's coast in November. Favours industrial sites, harbour walls, and rocky shorelines.
Nov
Black Swan
Cygnus atratusLC
A rare introduced breeder, occasionally seen on lakes and ornamental waters. Most records fall between spring and summer.
Jan–Jul
Black Tern
Chlidonias nigerLC
A rare passage migrant in May and August–September, dipping gracefully over freshwater lakes and coastal pools to pick insects.
May–Sep
Black-necked Grebe
Podiceps nigricollisLC
A rare non-breeding visitor found on sheltered harbours and reservoirs from autumn to early spring. Christchurch Harbour is a favoured site.
Oct–Mar
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosaNT
Present year-round in small numbers, favouring the Solent harbours and coastal marshes. Hampshire hosts nationally important wintering flocks.
Year-round
Blackbird
Turdus merulaLC
One of Hampshire's most familiar garden birds, present year-round. Numbers swell in autumn with continental migrants joining resident birds.
Year-round
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapillaLC
A common resident found in woodland, hedgerows and gardens year-round. Winter birds from the continent supplement the breeding population.
Year-round
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleusLC
A ubiquitous year-round resident, readily visiting garden feeders across Hampshire. Thrives in the county's woodlands, hedgerows and parks.
Year-round
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare winter visitor from Scandinavia, sometimes joining Chaffinch flocks in Hampshire's beech woodlands and farmland. Numbers vary greatly between years.
Oct–Apr
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
An uncommon but characteristic sight on the Solent harbours year-round. Large flocks graze eelgrass on mudflats in winter.
Year-round
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
A shy resident of hedgerows and scrubby woodland edges. Often detected by its soft, melancholy call; a UK priority species due to ongoing declines.
Year-round
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
A common year-round resident, frequently seen soaring over farmland, woodland edges, and the New Forest throughout the county.
Year-round
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common year-round resident found on lakes, rivers, and gravel pits across the county. Often forms large moulting flocks in summer.
Year-round
Carrion Crow
Corvus coroneLC
A common and adaptable resident found across all Hampshire habitats, from urban centres to remote farmland. Intelligent and resourceful throughout the year.
Year-round