🔍 Overview Now extremely scarce in Sussex and possibly extirpated as a breeding bird. Hard to separate from Marsh Tit without close observation. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small tit (11–12 cm) Plumage: Black cap, pale cheeks, buffy flanks Key ID: Pale wing panel, duller cap, and harsh “dzerr-dzerr” call 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Formerly...
🔍 Overview A scarce spring and autumn migrant in Sussex, mostly found in coastal scrub or gardens. Last bred in 1944. 🪶 Key Identification Features Grey-brown with intricate barring Long tail, cryptic plumage Snake-like neck twisting motion 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen at Cissbury and Chanctonbury in late August–September and April. 🎶 Voice & Behaviour Distinctive...
🔍 Overview A scarce but regular passage migrant in Sussex, especially in spring and autumn, with small numbers possibly breeding nearby. 🪶 Key Identification Features Long tail with several dark bars Long neck and small pigeon-like head Variable plumage: from pale to dark morphs 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Best seen at migration watchpoints like Beachy...
🔍 Overview Rare vagrant. An increasingly regular spring overshoot migrant from continental Europe, Black Kites are now annually recorded in Sussex. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large (60 cm; wingspan 150–170 cm) Plumage: Dark brown overall Tail: Slightly forked, less pronounced than Red Kite Flight: Graceful, with distinctive gliding 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Sightings peak...
🔍 Overview A very rare vagrant in Sussex. Once bred on UK coasts, now only occasional passage or storm-blown visitor. 🪶 Key Identification Features Small, pale plover with thin black bill Males: black mask and breast-side patches Long legs, sandy upperparts, white below 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Rarely seen but most likely at Rye Harbour,...
🔍 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...
Very common introduced resident. Population augmented annually by captive bred stock.
Common introduced resident. Population augmented annually by captive bred stock.
🔍 Overview A rare but locally breeding songbird of open heath and forestry rides in Sussex. Scarce resident and very scarce passage migrant. 🪶 Key Identification Features Short tail, broad wings White supercilium curving behind the head Buff with dark streaks 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Nesting pairs found in Ashdown Forest, The Mens, and Broadwater...
🔍 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...
