The Lizard is a special place for birdwatchers. There are many resident species to see – from the iconic red-legged, red-billed Chough to soaring Skylarks. The Lizard’s southerly location on the mainland also means that passage migrants pass overhead in autumn and spring, many stopping off before the embarking on the next stage of their journey. Other species arrive here to overwinter. 

There is also an abundance of insects and other invertebrates. The Lizard is a stronghold for the endangered Marsh Fritillary, and in spring and summer the meadows and streams brim with butterflies, moths, bees, hoverflies, and dragonflies.

Adders and lizards live in the heaths, while frogs, toads and newts make use of the freshwater ponds to lay their eggs; frogspawn here is often the earliest in Britain, due to the mild climate. The Lizard also boasts a variety of mammals, from Roe Deer and Otters to the smallest vole. Cast your eyes to the coast, and you will see Bottlenose Dolphins, Basking Sharks and Atlantic Seals, as well as a rich rockpool life.

Find out more about the different birds and animals you can see on The Lizard: Butterflies and moths; birds; reptiles and amphibians; bugs; land mammals; and marine life. (Species profiles)

Find out more

Our website includes a wealth of articles on the different kinds of wildlife you can find on The Lizard, including information on the best times and places to go looking. 

• Lizard Point – birds to see in every season: Interesting bird life can be found at all times of year
• Conserving Marsh Fritillaries on The Lizard: Find out how we are working to protect this rare butterfly
• Dragonflies galore at Windmill Farm: The nature reserve that boasts large numbers of dragon- and damselflies
• Identifying the three ‘Emperor’ dragonflies: Some ID tips on telling these three dragonflies apart
• Some rare migrants – dragonflies and a locust: Find out about some ‘visiting’ insects to our shores