Surrey heathland is outstandingly important for birds. Although the number of characteristic heathland species is small, heathland in Surrey supports internationally important numbers of three bird species listed on Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive. These are the nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus, woodlark Lululla arborea (both UK Priority List) and Dartford warbler Sylvia undata ('Amber List').

The Surrey populations of these species are: nightjar - 4%, woodlark - 11% and Dartford warbler - 10%. Whilst Dartford warblers are virtually tied to heathland habitats, the other two species occupy afforested sites at appropriate stages of the forestry cycle. The majority of heathland sites are notified as SSSIs and included in the Thames Basin and Wealden Heaths Special Protection Areas (SPAs).

Other characteristic species include the linnet Carduelis cannabina, stonechat Saxicola torquata, tree pipit Anthus trivialis and hobby Falco subbuteo. Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos, snipe Gallinago gallinago and curlew Numenius aquata breed very locally.