Birdwatching has it all when it comes to picking up a hobby to partake in during your free time. It’s relaxing, it has excitement, and it lets you take the time to really take in the beauty of nature. There are so many wonderful birds out there to observe, but some are a lot less common than others, and you may find yourself having to go the extra mile to get a sighting of a bird that you’re interested in. Every animal has their own preferred environment, so it’s up to you to figure out where you should be chasing them up to get a glimpse of them. Let’s get into the top 10 rarest birds in the UK.
10. Willow Tit
Latin name: Poecile montanus
When it comes to birds, you’re not going to find many that are cuter than a Willow Tit. They’re small, white, black, and brown middle - making them quite distinguishable! You’re going to have a bigger challenge if you’re wanting to see one for yourself, but it’s not something you should rule out!
Finding one for yourself means understanding how they choose their nesting places, and you’ll have no trouble. They can be found in their nesting holes or dens that they dig out of dying trees. After they’ve finished digging their den out, it will often be lined with feathers and fur to keep it warm and prevent them from being seen by predators.
Willow Tits will mainly found in Central England and Wales, however, occasionally you may see them in South Scotland. There is an estimated 3,400 pairs in Britain.
9. Hen Harrier
Latin name: Circus cyaneus
If you’re looking for something magnificent, the Hen Harrier is one of the most beautiful birds of prey that you’re going to spot. They have a very thick neck, often thicker than their heads. Their feathers are a mix of light browns and white, whilst their wings can be much darker. They have a larger, hooked beak which is perfect for catching prey such as small birds and mammals. They’re one of the most iconic birds you’ll find in northern England, but they’re unique from any other bird. Sadly, they’ve become one of the most endangered birds in the UK with an estimated 650 pairs, meaning it might be difficult to get a look at one.
If you’re wanting to see one for yourself, then you’ll need to make your way up to the Northern parts of the UK, including England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
8. Nightingale
One of the rarest birds that many are often trying to see for themselves is a Nightingale. This summer migrant is becoming an increasing rare visitor to the Britain. There are now just 6,700 singing Nightingales in Britain and you're most likely to find them in the south-east of England during the months of April and September. However, they are not easily distinguishable, with feathers being brown and white, they have a similar appearance to many other birds in the UK. The trouble with nightingales is that they are difficult to see, but you are more likely to hear them!
7. Capercaillie
Latin name: Tetrao urogallus, International name: Western capercaillie
If you’re looking for rare, then the Capercaillie should interest you. It’s a large, very interesting-looking bird, and there’s no mistaking it for another breed. What makes the Capercaillie so interesting is how much they can differ within the breed; as the males can be up to double the size of the females. The males are a much darker looking bird with black and brown feathers with a white and yellow beak. However, the females are a much lighter brown colour, with a darker coloured beak.
This bird species became extinct in the 18th century but was then reintroduced into Scotland. Since 1970 these birds have again decline and sadly there are fewer than 500 pairs.
To see one, you would need to venture to the native pinewoods of the eastern Highlands of Scotland.
6. Chough
Latin name: Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, International name: Red-billed chough
What’s so special about the Chough is the stunning colours that you’ll see it adorning. Its red legs and beak contrasting with the black feathers make it a sight-to-see, but you’ll likely have to put some time into finding one as they’re quite rare. There are only around 400 pairs of these birds around the UK, and you would have to make your way to places with rock coasts like the Isle of Man, South Wales and Cornwall if you want to get a look for yourself.
5. Ruff
Latin name: Philomachus pugnax
The Ruff is a unique bird and unlike any bird you would have seen before. Their beautiful white, brown and black feather pattern and arrangement make for a spectacular sight, and you won’t want to skip out on a sighting if you had the chance. The males of this species are easier to spot than the females, due to the brighter colours in their fury. The Ruff got its name from the collar worn by royalty during 17th century, which closely resembles the look of the bird.
You’re likely not going to see one of these in your garden, as there are only around 400 pairs. These unusual birds are passage migrants, most likely to be seen in the south and east coasts of the UK.
4. White-Tailed Eagle
Latin name: Haliaeetus albicilla
Eagles are a bird that is very difficult to get tired of. They’re the embodiment of elegance, and it would be a shame to pass up an opportunity to see one for yourself. Their feathers are predominantly black, brown and grey, whist the tail is obviously white. It has a large, yellow, hooked beak, perfect for catching prey such as fish and rodents. It’s unlikely that you would see one of these in your garden, but their wingspan can be up to 2.5m, making them huge in comparison to most birds. The only place you'll have a chance of spotting one of these huge birds is in West-Scotland, but with an estimated 150 pairs remaining, even there it will be unlikely.
3. Red-Backed Shrike
Latin name: Lanius collurio
Now we’re coming down to some of the rarest birds you can get around the UK, this one being the Red-Backed Shrike. The males have a light brown coloured back with a cream coloured underbelly, combined with a grey head and a black strip across the eyes, making them fairly distinguishable. With there only being around 100 pairs of these birds remaining in the United Kingdom, you’re going to have a hard time seeing one of these for yourself. That’s not to say those are all that’s left, as they can be seen in other places around the world - but as far as what you’ll see in the UK; that’s all we’ve got! Much like the Ruff, if you're going to see one, it would be in the south and east coasts of the UK.
2. Honey Buzzard
Latin name: Pernis apivorus, International name: European honey-buzzard
The Honey Buzzard is one of the rarest birds that you’re going to spot in the UK, with just 41 pairs remaining, it would certainly give you something to brag about. This bird of prey feeds mostly off of larvae of insects such as bees and wasps, making them a great companion to have in the area should you be lucky enough to encounter for yourself. They can grow quite large in size, with a wingspan of up to 5ft (1.52m). For both sexes, their feathers are primarily dark brown on top and white underneath. They have a black, hooked beak and bright yellow eyes.
They are non-native to the UK, but during the summer time you may find them around the southern coastlines of the UK.
1. Red-Necked Grebe
Latin name: Podiceps grisegena
The top pick for this list, the Red-necked grebe is an aquatic bird that you’ll only find at certain points of the year due to them being migratory. They can be found in shallow waters like lakes and ponds, but due to their rarity - it’s not going to be easy to catch one out in the wild. There are only 20-30 pairs remaining in the UK. You can distinguish them by their red neck, just as the name describes them. They have a long, flat, yellow beak and an obvious grey patch on their lower head. They often nest on top of floating objects and vegetation within the body of water that they have chosen as their breeding site.
Unlike the previous birds, the Red Necked Grebes are winter migrants, most commonly seen off the East coasts of the UK.
Common UK Birds
All 10 on this list are without a doubt going to be difficult to spot, so you may be more interested in learning about the UK's more common birds. See the below blogs for more information about some of the most common birds in the UK:
UK Bird Populations
As of June 2021, there are over 600 species of bird in the UK, with more than 160 million birds in total! Despite overall bird populations having decreased by at least 15% since the 1970s, it's still a huge number of birds, making our top 10 rarest birds seem even rarer.
Our Recommendations
If you're already a keen bird watcher, or are considering about getting more into it, then we can offer you the best tools for the job!
- Bird Box Cameras - Our bird box cameras are incredible value for money, they offer you a chance to see behind the scenes footage of what happens in the bird box, allowing you and the family to watch the magic of your garden on your phone, tv or computer.
- Bird Box - Our Side View Handmade Bird Box is an eco-friendly option for housing birds in your garden. Due to the angle of the box, you're able to place your bird box camera in the optimum spot for the best vision of bird box interior.
please can you tell me if a pied jackdaw is rare in the UK as I have one as a regular visitor in my garden
Thank you for all that information. I am hoping to use it when I print some of those birds in my screen printing and etching classes. I feel it will make an interesting accompaniment to the hand made prints.
Not likely to see the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker