🔍 Overview A rare but increasing autumn migrant, mostly in October–November. Tiny, hyperactive, and often with Goldcrests. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Tiny (9–10 cm) Plumage: Greenish above, yellowish below Stripes: Two bright wingbars, strong supercilium, crown stripe Other: Constantly moving 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Most often found in coastal bushes, wooded gardens, or willow...
🔍 Overview An Arctic breeder that reaches Sussex mainly during or after autumn storms, often blown inland from sea. 🪶 Key Identification Features Small, pale, delicate wader Winter plumage: grey above, white below Constant spinning motion when feeding 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen on flooded fields, coastal pools, or even inland reservoirs like Arlington or...
🔍 Overview A striking small grebe, known for its golden ear tufts and jet-black breeding plumage. It is a scarce winter visitor and passage migrant in Sussex, with occasional summering birds. 🪶 Key Identification Features Breeding: black neck and head, golden ear fans Winter: dusky back and flanks, white cheeks Bright red eye and upturned...
🔍 Overview The most widespread and abundant pigeon in Sussex and across the UK. Common in gardens, farmland, parks, and woodlands. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large pigeon (38–44 cm) Plumage: Grey overall with pinkish breast, distinctive white neck patch and white wing bars visible in flight Other: Broad wings and long tail 🗺️ Habitat...
🔍 Overview A southern European species, this cuckoo is a very rare spring overshoot in the UK. A Sussex record would be exceptional but possible. 🪶 Key Identification Features Longer tail than Common Cuckoo Pale grey head, black-and-white speckled wings Crest and yellowish underparts 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Would most likely occur in coastal scrub...
🔍 Overview A North American species introduced to the UK, now nearly eradicated due to a control programme. Rare in Sussex today. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male: Chestnut body, sky-blue bill, stiff tail often held upright Female: Brown with dark cap and pale face Size: Small diving duck (35–43 cm) 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Formerly...
🔍 Overview A scarce winter visitor to Sussex, especially on larger lakes, reservoirs, and coastal bays. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male: white flanks, dark back, rounded head Female: brown with white around bill base Blue-grey bill and black nail 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Best seen at Arlington Reservoir, Pagham Harbour, or offshore from Selsey Bill....
🔍 Overview A striking, exotic-looking waterfowl. Rare in Sussex; birds may be either wild wanderers from the continent or escapes from collections. Breeds in SE Europe and across central and east Asia with naturalised populations in central Europe. Rare vagrant from wild or naturalised populations or escape from captivity. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Slightly...
🔍 Overview A large, robust gull mainly seen in Sussex in late summer and early autumn, with a few year-round. 🪶 Key Identification Features Grey mantle darker than Herring Gull Yellow legs and red spot on bill Fierce-looking eyes with dark surround 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Most common at Brighton Marina, Shoreham Harbour, Goring Gap,...
🔍 Overview Britain’s most widespread breeding bird, the Wren is tiny but loud, often found in tangled undergrowth across Sussex. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Tiny (9 cm) Plumage: Brown with fine barring Tail: Short and held upright Bill: Fine and down-curved 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Occurs in gardens, woodlands, hedgerows, and marshes—virtually everywhere across...
