Rare and European
Birds that might be rare in Britain or only present in Europe
Click the thumbnail to see the larger image - all the pictures expand to 1500 x 1000 pixels. On this page: Arctic Tern, Audouins Gull, Azure-winged Magpie, Bee-eater, Black Redstart, Black Tern, Black-winged Stilt, Bluethroat, Caspian Tern, Cattle Egret, Common Waxbill, and Crested Coot.
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Arctic Tern -
The Arctic Tern is a Summer visitor to Northern UK, travelling a huge distance each year from South Africa and Antartica.
video of nesting birds feeding young
Audouins Gull
The Audouins Gull is a mediterranean gull not found in Britain. Fairly rare in the med but
numerous in some places including Ibiza where these images were taken.
Azure-winged Magpie
The Azure-winged (or Iberian) Magpie is only present in Spain and Portugal
within Europe however it does also exist in the Far East. Not seen in the UK.
Bee-eater -
The Bee-eater is a beautifully coloured bird occasionally seen in southern Britain
in places such as The Isle of Wight. In 2017 three pairs attempted to breed in Northamptonshire. These images were taken in Portugal.
video of birds perched before returning to nest
Black Redstart
The Black Redstart is less common in Britain than the Redstart and is usually limited to the South.
More common across Southern Europe.
Black Tern
The Black Tern is fairly rare in the UK. This one was a Summer visitor roosting with Arctic Terns
Black-winged Stilt -
The Black-winged Stilt is a rare visitor to the UK with a few pairs breeding here.
Much more common in Europe where it is a Summer migrant from Africa. These images taken in Spain and Greece.
video of birds wading
Bluethroat -
The Bluethroat is a fairly rare robin-like Summer visitor to the UK. Only the male has the distinctine blue breast.
Bluethroat video
Caspian Tern
The Caspian Tern winters in Africa and is a Summer visitor to Europe
and occasional visitor to the UK.
Cattle Egret -
The Cattle Egret is a small white heron similar to the more common Little Egret.
Rare in the UK but thought to be becoming more regular as it extends its range.
adult and juvenile birds
Common Waxbill
The Common Waxbill is a native African bird which has been available as a pet/caged bird.
Colonies in Southern Europe originate from escapees.
Crested Coot
The Crested Coot is not found in the UK and is rare and localised in Europe.
Similar to the common Coot but with bulbous red globes on the forehead.
Garden Birds pages
Other Common Birds
Rare and European
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