🔍 Overview Powerful and agile, the Arctic Skua is a pirate of the skies, best known in Sussex as a scarce but thrilling passage migrant. Fairly common spring and scarce autumn passage migrant; very scarce in summer and rare in winter. Most sightings occur along the coast, when they chase other seabirds to steal food...
🔍 Overview A tiny continental finch seen as a rare spring overshoot in Sussex, particularly in coastal locations. 🪶 Key Identification Features Very small, streaky yellow-green finch Males: bright yellow face and breast Stubby bill, fluttery flight 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Look for in coastal bushes, parkland, or plantation edges, especially at Beachy Head or...
🔍 Overview A rare passage raptor and former UK breeder. Sussex sightings usually involve migrants over open countryside. Last bred successfully in 1962. 🪶 Key Identification Features Slim, elegant harrier Males: pale grey with black wingtips Females: brown with narrow wings and white rump 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Most likely in spring (April–May) or autumn...
🔍 Overview A scarce and irregular spring/summer visitor. Often seen at dusk or dawn near water. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium heron (58–65 cm) Adult: Black crown/back, grey wings, red eye Juvenile: Streaky brown Flight: Steady, crow-like 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Occasional records from Pulborough Brooks, Arundel WWT, and Pagham Harbour, especially in spring...
🔍 Overview A critically endangered seabird from the western Mediterranean, seen irregularly off the Sussex coast on passage. Very scarce spring to autumn visitor. 🪶 Key Identification Features Dusky brown above, paler below Slender wings and rapid, shearing flight Typically darker overall than Manx Shearwater 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Best spotted during sea-watches off Selsey...
🔍 Overview Very scarce visitor; most frequently recorded in spring. Famous auk species that breeds in the UK but only seen in Sussex during offshore passage or after storms. 🪶 Key Identification Features Black upperparts, white underparts Bright orange legs and colourful bill Rounded head and short neck 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Rarely seen from...
🔍 Overview Britain’s smallest seabird, rarely seen from land except during strong onshore winds. 🪶 Key Identification Features Tiny blackish seabird with white rump Bat-like fluttering flight with short glides Often hovers above waves, “pattering” on surface 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Watch from Selsey Bill or Seaford Head during August–October gales. Extremely challenging to spot...
🔍 Overview A rare storm-driven seabird in Sussex, mostly seen after strong westerly gales in late autumn and winter. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small seabird (18–21 cm) Plumage: Sooty-brown with pale rump Flight: Bounding, fluttery with glides Tail: Wedge-shaped 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen offshore from Selsey Bill, Worthing, and Birling Gap in autumn,...
🔍 Overview A rare but regular pelagic visitor to Sussex waters, Cory’s Shearwater is best seen after strong south-westerlies from seawatching points. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Very large shearwater (45–56 cm) Plumage: Grey-brown above, pale below Bill: Strong, yellowish with hooked tip Flight: Long glides interspersed with wingbeats, often very relaxed 🗺️ Habitat &...
🔍 Overview A powerful, fast-flying pelagic seabird, seen off the Sussex coast during strong autumn gales. 🪶 Key Identification Features Dark sooty brown plumage Long, narrow wings held stiff in arcing glides Silvery underwings often visible 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Best viewed from Selsey Bill, Splash Point (Seaford), or Brighton Marina during August to October,...
