🔍 Overview A majestic symbol of British waterways, the Mute Swan is common across Sussex’s lakes, rivers, and estuaries. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Very large (140–160 cm wingspan)Plumage: All whiteDistinctive Marks: Orange bill with black knobBill: Large and curvedTail: ShortFlight: Heavy wingbeats with loud whoosh 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen across Sussex on rivers, lakes,...
🔍 Overview Common in Sussex wetlands, the Moorhen is a dark, duck-sized waterbird with a red bill and a quirky personality. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (30–35 cm)Plumage: Dark brown-black with white flashesDistinctive Marks: Red bill with yellow tipBill: Red, triangularTail: Short and flicked upwardFlight: Clumsy, weak flier 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Everywhere from garden...
🔍 Overview An introduced species from Asia, now thriving in parts of Sussex. Arguably the most ornamental duck in Britain. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male: Bright orange sail-like feathers, ornate and multicoloured Female: Subtly patterned grey with white eye-ring Small and short-tailed 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Resident in wooded lakes and slow rivers like Arundel...
🔍 Overview The UK’s most familiar duck, the Mallard is a common sight on Sussex’s lakes, rivers, ponds, and even urban parks year-round. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large (58 cm) Male: Glossy green head, yellow bill, grey body, curled black tail feathers Female: Mottled brown with orange bill Flight: Fast and direct, with loud...
🔍 Overview A familiar black-and-white bird in Sussex gardens and fields, with a reputation for intelligence and bold behaviour. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium-large (44–46 cm) Plumage: Black and white with iridescent green and blue wing and tail sheen Bill: Large and strong Tail: Long and wedge-shaped Flight: Steady, fluttery with long glides 🗺️...
🔍 Overview A striking Arctic duck, usually seen off the Sussex coast in winter. Rare inland. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male winter: White head and body, dark cheek patch, long tail Female: Dusky with pale face Compact body, agile diver 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Most often seen in Brooklands and off Shoreham Harbour, and Lancing...
🔍 Overview Also known as “Dabchick,” the Little Grebe is a small, round diving bird commonly found on Sussex ponds and lakes. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Tiny (25–29 cm)Plumage: Chestnut neck, dark back in summer; duller in winterDistinctive Marks: Puffy shape, hidden tailBill: Short and pointedTail: Virtually absentFlight: Rarely flies; prefers diving 🗺️ Habitat &...
🔍 Overview A powerful gull with dark slate-grey back, the Lesser Black-backed Gull winters along Sussex coast and inland waters. Scarce breeder. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large gull (55–60 cm)Plumage: White body; dark grey backDistinctive Marks: Yellow legs, white headBill: Yellow with red spotTail: White with dark bandFlight: Strong, steady glides 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution...
🔍 Overview A flash of electric blue by Sussex waters — the Kingfisher is small but striking, and the emblem of healthy rivers. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Tiny (16–17 cm)Plumage: Bright blue back, orange underpartsDistinctive Marks: Large head, dagger billBill: Long and blackTail: Short and squareFlight: Fast, direct, just above water 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution...
🔍 Overview The smallest UK crow, Jackdaws are common across Sussex’s farmlands, towns, and woodlands. Known for their curious, intelligent behaviour. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (33 cm) Plumage: Black with pale grey nape and cheeks Eyes: Pale blue or white Bill: Shorter and more delicate than other crows Flight: Agile and direct 🗺️...
