Scilly's species

Meet our special wildlife

The Isles of Scilly is home to some incredible wildlife, from grey seals to seabirds, unique plants and amazing rockpool creatures, some of which are found nowhere else in the UK. Some common mainland species are also notably absent from the archipelago (like some widespread garden birds). Over 450 bird have been recorded on the islands, but of these, only 50 or so species breed here, whilst our seas abound with interesting marine life, including whales, dolphins, unusual fish and more. We carry out targeted conservation work to protect some of our rarest and most vulnerable wildlife. Find out more below or explore wider UK species.

Manx shearwater

Ethereal and enigmatic, Manx shearwaters are one of the species that makes Scilly special as they skim across the waves.

Scilly shrew

The 'Scilly Shrew' (formally known as the Lesser White-toothed Shrew) is not found anywhere else in the UK.

Grey seal

Grey Seals are among the rarest seals in the world, with the UK grey seal colonies representing around 40% of the world population.

Oystercatcher

The oystercatcher is a largish, stocky bird with monochrome feathers and an unmistakable long red bill. You will see them all around the…

Dwarf pansy

A miniature glimpse of lilac in the grass, the dwarf pansy certainly lives up to its name, reaching a max height of only 1cm.

Speckled wood

True to their name, speckled wood butterflies are commonly found fluttering through shaded woodlands.

Orange bird's-foot

Nestled away in the busy heathland, the orange birds-foot is a rare glimpse of gold amongst the green.

Least adder's-tongue fern

The least adder’s-tongue fern is a tiny, low-lying fern with miniature leaves that appear in autumn.

Storm petrel

No bigger than a songbird, the European storm petrel is delightful little seabird that has been the focus of scientists and marine…

Kittiwake

Kittiwakes are medium-sized gulls with a gentle appearance. This seabird has a plush white head and body, their grey wings frosted with…

Puffin

The puffin is a small, stocky seabird with black and white plumage and colourful bill. Like a piece of charcoal in the gloom, their…

Giant goby

The Giant Goby is a rare fish found only in the southwest (Devon to Scilly) and can be spotted in sheltered rockpools.

Gilt-edged lichen

A large and spectacular British lichen, the gilt-edge lichen was thought to be extinct until it was discovered in 2001.

Spring squill

Tolerant of the salty spray blown in from the coast, the spring squill is a small, attractive flower usually found beside the sea.

Red-barbed ant

Burrowing in bare patches of earth, the red-barbed ant is an endangered species that is currently only found in Surrey.

Fulmar

Cruising low over calm water, the fulmar is gull-like seabird part of a group known as tubenoses, closely related to storm petrels and…

European shag

Often called the crow of the sea, the European shag is medium sized seabird with dark plumage, possessing a patch of bright yellow skin…

Golden hair lichen

The golden hair lichen is a rare lichen from the family teloschistes, meaning ‘split ends,’ a reference to the plant’s finely divided…

Scilly's Species