🔍 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 Sussex) Heavy-bodied with a low profile 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Winters offshore in...
📍 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 local Sussex speciality and year-round resident of heathland. A small, dark warbler with a big personality. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male: Dark grey above, reddish below, red eye Female: Browner and paler Other: Long tail often cocked upright 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Confined to heathland sites like Ashdown Forest, Iping Common, and...
🔍 Overview A sleek fisher and silhouette of Sussex rivers, lakes, and coast. The Cormorant is an adaptable and widespread bird often seen drying its wings. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large (80–100 cm)Plumage: Dark, glossy black with greenish sheenDistinctive Marks: Hooked bill, yellow throat patchBill: Long, hookedTail: Long and wedge-shapedFlight: Straight, low over water...
🔍 Overview Nicknamed the “sea swallow,” the Common Tern is a graceful summer breeder in Sussex, nesting on shingle islands and lagoons. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (31–35 cm)Plumage: Pale grey with black capDistinctive Marks: Long wings, forked tail, red bill with black tipBill: Slim and pointedTail: Deeply forkedFlight: Agile, buoyant 🗺️ Habitat &...
🔍 Overview Shiny and social, the Starling is a brilliant presence in Sussex fields and gardens. Known for its iridescent plumage and murmuring flocks. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (20–22 cm) Plumage: Iridescent black with metallic purple/green sheen, speckled in winter Distinctive Marks: Pinkish legs Bill: Yellow in summer, dark in winter Tail: Short...
🔍 Overview A sleek seabird, the Common Guillemot is mostly seen off Sussex during winter or on spring sea-watches, though breeding colonies lie further west. Last bred in 1904. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (38–43 cm)Plumage: Chocolate-brown head and back, white underpartsDistinctive Marks: Thin bill, upright posture when perchedBill: Slim and blackTail: Very shortFlight:...
🔍 Overview Britain’s heaviest duck, more common in northern UK but occasionally seen off Sussex coasts. Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant; very scarce non-breeder in summer. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male: Bold black and white plumage with green nape Female: Mottled brown, heavy build Other: Long, sloping bill 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Infrequent offshore...
🔍 Overview A small, greenish warbler, arriving in Sussex each spring. Known for its rhythmic, onomatopoeic “chiff-chaff” song. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Very small (10–12 cm) Plumage: Olive-grey above, pale below Distinctive Marks: Weak eye-stripe, greenish tones Bill: Thin and pointed Tail: Short Flight: Fluttery and hesitant 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Found in woodlands,...
🔍 Overview A small, agile woodland bird that often joins mixed flocks in Sussex woodlands and gardens. Less bold than the blue tit but just as active and vocal. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (11.5 cm) Plumage: Grey back, buff underparts Distinctive Marks: Black cap, white cheeks, and distinctive white nape patch Bill: Small...
