📍 Local Expert Tip “The Cetti’s Warbler is a relatively recent coloniser from the Continent and can be reliably found at Brooklands Park, along the stream and around the lake, where its explosive call gives away its location. Good views are few and far between however as it is a notorious skulker in thick bushes.” 🔍...
🔍 Overview One of the most colourful and common finches in Sussex. Males are especially bright in spring. Found in gardens, woodlands, and farmland year-round. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (14–15 cm) Plumage: Male – pink breast, blue-grey head; Female – duller brown Distinctive Marks: White wing bars and outer tail Bill: Short and...
🔍 Overview Small and dark, the Brent Goose is a winter visitor to Sussex’s coastal mudflats. Most common from October to March, often in large flocks feeding on eelgrass and saltmarsh. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small goose (55–61 cm)Plumage: Dark brown body with pale underpartsDistinctive Marks: Neat white neck patch (not always visible), white...
🔍 Overview Intelligent, all-black crow commonly seen in fields, parks, and towns across Sussex. Wary but often curious, it adapts well to both rural and urban habitats. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large (45–47 cm) Plumage: Entirely black with a slight sheen Distinctive Marks: Thick neck, robust bill Bill: Strong, black, slightly hooked Tail: Square...
🔍 Overview One of the most familiar garden birds in Sussex. Males are sleek black with a bright yellow bill, while females are dark brown. Common across gardens, woodlands, and parks. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (24–25 cm) Plumage: Black (male), brown (female) Distinctive Marks: Yellow bill and eye-ring (male) Bill: Strong and pointed...
🔍 Overview A colourful and acrobatic garden favourite across Sussex. Found in almost any habitat with trees and shrubs, especially fond of garden feeders. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (11–12 cm) Plumage: Blue, yellow, white, and green Distinctive Marks: Blue cap, white face with black eye stripe Bill: Short and stubby Tail: Short Flight:...
🔍 Overview Elegant and long-legged, the Black-tailed Godwit is a regular visitor to Sussex wetlands. Numbers peak during passage and winter, with flocks frequenting Pulborough Brooks and Adur Valley. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large wader (40–44 cm)Plumage: Grey in winter; rich orange and patterned in breeding seasonDistinctive Marks: Bold black tail, white wing barBill:...
🔍 Overview The most familiar gull in Sussex, especially around coastal towns, wetlands, and inland reservoirs. Not truly black-headed – its breeding plumage features a chocolate-brown hood. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (35–39 cm) Plumage: White with grey wings, dark head in summer Distinctive Marks: Red bill and legs, white wing tips Bill: Slim,...
🔍 Overview Striking and elegant, the Avocet is a rare but iconic wader in Sussex, most commonly spotted at coastal wetlands and saltmarshes. With its upturned bill and bold black-and-white plumage, it’s a conservation success story in the UK. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (43–45 cm) Plumage: Clean black and white Distinctive Marks: Black...
🔍 Overview Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant. Elegant and slender, the Bar-tailed Godwit is a regular passage and winter visitor to Sussex’s coastal mudflats, especially around Goring Gap, Widewater, Worthing Beaches and Lower Adur Valley. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large wader (37–41 cm)Plumage: Warm brown and buff; breeding males show rich chestnut underpartsDistinctive...
