🔍 Overview A once-regular migrant now much rarer in the UK. Occasionally reaches Sussex on autumn passage. 🪶 Key Identification Features Olive-grey head, yellow throat Pink bill and legs Warm brown upperparts 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Best chance is coastal farmland or clifftop fields around Beachy Head or Pagham in late August to early October....
🔍 Overview Rare Vagrant. A scarce migrant to Sussex, mostly in spring or autumn. Singing males are very rare but have occurred in recent decades during May/June. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Sparrow-sized (14 cm) Male: Bright rosy-red head, breast, and rump; brown wings and back Female/Immature: Streaky brown, resembles Greenfinch Bill: Thick and finch-like...
🔍 Overview A rare spring overshoot from Eastern Europe. Occasionally appears in Sussex in May–June. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male: Blue-grey plumage with red legs and vent Female/Immature: Buff with dark streaks, rusty underparts, and pale face Flight: Agile, hovering like a kestrel 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution May be seen hunting over heathland, farmland, or...
🔍 Overview A beautifully patterned plover, scarce passage migrant through Sussex, mostly seen in spring. 🪶 Key Identification Features Chestnut belly and white breast band (in adults) Broad white supercilium Compact and upright posture 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Prefers short turf on hills or open farmland during passage. Sightings have occurred on South Downs escarpments...
🔍 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.
🔍 Overview A scarce winter visitor to Sussex, especially on larger lakes, reservoirs, and coastal bays. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male: white flanks, dark back, rounded head Female: brown with white around bill base Blue-grey bill and black nail 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Best seen at Arlington Reservoir, Pagham Harbour, or offshore from Selsey Bill....
🔍 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...
🔍 Overview A scarce and declining farmland bird in Sussex, distinguished from the House Sparrow by its rich chestnut crown. Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. 🪶 Key Identification Features Chestnut head and nape Distinct black cheek spot Slimmer and more agile than House Sparrow 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Now rare in Sussex, but may...
🔍 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,...
