🔍 Overview Large, bold, and elegant, the Common Shelduck is often seen on Sussex estuaries and coastal lagoons, particularly at low tide. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large duck (58–67 cm)Plumage: White with dark green head and chestnut breast bandDistinctive Marks: Red bill with knob on malesBill: Red, slightly upturnedTail: White with dark terminal bandFlight:...
🔍 Overview The Common Scoter is a sea duck seen off the Sussex coast in winter or on spring migration. Usually in flocks, often distant offshore. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (44–48 cm)Plumage: Males: black; Females: brown with paler cheeksDistinctive Marks: Males have a yellow bump at bill baseBill: Broad and darkTail: ShortFlight: Fast...
📍 Local Expert Tip “The Estuary around the Ferry Bridge, Norfolk Bridge and RSPB Adur sections are favoured areas as is the area between the Railway and Old Toll Bridges. Widewater Lagoon is another reliable spot for relatively close sightings.” 🔍 Overview A medium-sized wader with striking red legs and a black-tipped red bill, the...
🔍 Overview A diving duck, the Pochard is a regular winter visitor to Sussex lakes and gravel pits. Males are handsome with a rusty head and striking grey body. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (42–49 cm)Plumage: Males: grey with chestnut head; females: brownDistinctive Marks: Rounded head, red eyes (male)Bill: Dark with pale bandTail: ShortFlight:...
🔍 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 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 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 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:...
