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