🔍 Overview A symbol of summer, now sadly rare in Sussex due to habitat loss and hunting on migration routes. 🪶 Key Identification Features Mottled chestnut and black back Delicate neck pattern Gentle, purring song 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Breeds in East Sussex wood edges and scrub, found at Knepp, Upper Adur Valley and Woods...
🔍 Overview The classic “twit-twoo” owl of British woodlands, Tawny Owls are widespread across Sussex but mostly heard rather than seen. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (37–39 cm) Plumage: Mottled brown with streaked underparts Face: Round with dark eyes and no ear tufts Flight: Silent and low 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Widespread in deciduous...
🔍 Overview Often overlooked, the Stock Dove is a quieter cousin of the Woodpigeon. Common across Sussex farmland and parkland. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (30–33 cm) Plumage: Blue-grey with iridescent green neck patch Markings: No white neck or wing patches (unlike Woodpigeon) Eyes: Dark, giving soft expression 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Frequents woodland...
🔍 Overview A swift, agile predator of small birds, the Sparrowhawk is a regular visitor to Sussex gardens, especially near bird feeders. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small raptor (males 30 cm, females up to 38 cm) Male: Blue-grey back, orange-barred chest Female: Browner with more streaked chest Tail: Long and rounded Flight: Short bursts,...
🔍 Overview A sweet-voiced garden and woodland thrush with a stronghold in Sussex. Known for repeating phrases in its rich song. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (23 cm) Plumage: Brown above, creamy below with dark spots Bill: Yellowish, short Behaviour: Often seen cracking snail shells 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Common in gardens, parks, woodlands,...
🔍 Overview A classic voice of Sussex’s open fields and downs. Known for its beautiful, sustained song flight over farmland and heath. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (18 cm) Plumage: Brown and streaked Crest: Small, often raised Tail: Short with white edges Flight: Strong vertical song flights 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Breeds in arable...
🔍 Overview The most social of UK crows, Rooks are widespread in rural Sussex and identifiable by their bare greyish face and shaggy thigh feathers. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large (45 cm) Plumage: Glossy black with purple sheen Bill Base: Pale and bare in adults Thighs: Feathered and shaggy-looking 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Common...
🔍 Overview A secretive, common summer visitor to Sussex reedbeds, the Reed Warbler is best located by its repetitive, rhythmic song during breeding season. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (13 cm) Plumage: Warm brown upperparts, pale buff underparts Bill: Slender and pointed Tail: Medium length, often flicked Behaviour: Skulking and rarely leaves reeds 🗺️...
🔍 Overview Often overlooked, the Reed Bunting is a hardy year-round resident of Sussex wetlands, with striking plumage in spring. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Sparrow-sized (13–15 cm)Plumage: Males have black head, white collar; females streakyDistinctive Marks: White outer tail feathersBill: Short and strongTail: LongFlight: Fluttery, low 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Wetlands like Adur Valley and...
🔍 Overview A winter thrush from Scandinavia. Redwings arrive in Sussex around October and often form flocks with Fieldfares. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (21 cm) Plumage: Brown back, pale belly with streaks Markings: Bold white eyebrow and red underwing flanks Flight: Fast and flitting 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Winters in hedgerows, orchards, fields,...
