Image Attribution: John Picken from Chicago, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons 🔍 Overview A large, impressive diver, mostly seen off the Sussex coast in winter. Known for its haunting breeding calls in summer range. 🪶 Key Identification Features Winter plumage: Blackish above, white below, large dagger-like bill Summer: Black-and-white checkered plumage (rare in...
🔍 Overview Elegant and ornate, the Great Crested Grebe is a classic waterbird, known for its beautiful breeding display and slender profile. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium-large (46–51 cm)Plumage: White neck, black cap, chestnut and black face frillsDistinctive Marks: Elaborate head plumes (breeding)Bill: Long and pointedTail: Short and hiddenFlight: Rarely seen flying 🗺️ Habitat...
📍 Local Expert Tip “The Great Black-backed Gull is the largest gull in the world and a frequent sight anywhere along the tideline and at low tide in the Adur Estuary around the Toll Bridge. Breeds locally but very under-recorded so do keep an eye on local rooftops including on industrial estates.” 🔍 Overview The largest...
🔍 Overview A saw-billed diving duck seen in Sussex during the colder months. Hunts fish in clear, deep water. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male: White body, dark green head, red bill Female: Grey body, russet head, crest Long, narrow shape and low profile 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Winters at Goring Gap, and along River Adur....
Image Attribution: JJ Harrison (https://tiny.jjharrison.com.au/t/3CuTyj5LtxrKUxYI), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons 🔍 Overview Scarce passage migrant in Sussex found in farmland or coastal fields. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (28–31 cm) Plumage (breeding): Mottled gold and black Non‑breeding: Grey with pale underparts Distinctive Marks: Black belly patch in spring Bill: Short and straight Flight: Fast and...
🔍 Overview A scarce and elegant spring migrant, typically seen in Sussex from March to May. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male: Distinctive white eye-stripe, brown head, patterned flanks Female: Similar to female Teal but lacks clear facial markings Small, fast-flying dabbling duck 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Best seen at Pulborough Brooks, Rye Harbour, and Arundel...
🔍 Overview The UK’s largest seabird, the Gannet is a spectacular sight off Sussex coasts, plunge-diving with dramatic speed during migration. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large seabird (87–100 cm)Plumage: White with black wingtips, yellowish headDistinctive Marks: Long, pointed wings and tailBill: Long, dagger-likeTail: Long and pointedFlight: Long, gliding arcs 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen...
Image Attribution: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons 🔍 Overview A stiff-winged seabird seen gliding along Sussex cliffs and offshore waters, especially during spring and summer. 🪶 Key Identification Features Gull-like but with tubenose nostrils Pale grey wings, white head and body Stiff, straight-winged flight 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Nests at Brighton...
Image Attribution: Photo by Laitche, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons 🔍 Overview A common and elegant winter duck, the Wigeon forms large flocks on Sussex wetlands. Easily identified by its whistling call. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium duck (45–51 cm)Plumage: Males: pinkish breast, cream crown; Females: light brownDistinctive Marks: Male’s yellow crown and...
🔍 Overview A perky and charismatic bird, the Stonechat is a year-round resident of Sussex heathland, scrub, and coastal edges. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (11–13 cm)Plumage: Males: black head, orange chest; Females: browner overallDistinctive Marks: White neck patch (male), tail flickingBill: Fine and pointedTail: Black and often flickedFlight: Bouncy with short bursts 🗺️...
