🔍 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 A sleek wader often found in Sussex on passage and in small numbers in winter. Scarce passage migrant and very scarce winter visitor. 🪶 Key Identification Features Longer-legged and slimmer than Redshank Straight, slightly upturned bill Grey in winter; black with white spots in breeding plumage 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Most regular at...
🔍 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 beloved and bold garden bird, the Robin is a year-round presence throughout Sussex in gardens, woodlands, and hedgerows. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (14 cm) Plumage: Bright red breast, brown back, white belly Posture: Upright with flicking movements Behaviour: Confident, often foraging near people 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Ubiquitous across Sussex—gardens,...
🔍 Overview A striking green parrot with a growing presence in Sussex, especially around urban parks and gardens. Scarce introduced resident; has bred. 🪶 Key Identification Features Bright green plumage Long pointed tail Male: pink and black neck ring Loud, squawky flight call 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Established in parts of Brighton, Crawley, and Eastbourne,...
🔍 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 An acrobatic woodland resident that creeps down tree trunks headfirst. Widespread in Sussex’s mature broadleaf woodlands. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium-small (14 cm) Plumage: Blue-grey upperparts, buff underparts Markings: Bold black eye-stripe Posture: Often seen head-down on tree trunks 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Frequents deciduous woodlands, parks, and large gardens with mature...
An elusive summer visitor, the Nightjar haunts heathland and woodland clearings, emerging at dusk. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (26–28 cm)Plumage: Cryptic grey-brownDistinctive Marks: White wing spots (male), long wingsBill: Short but wideTail: LongFlight: Silent, fluttering 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Heathland and conifer plantations—especially Pulborough and Iping Common. 🎶 Voice & Behaviour Unmistakable “churring” trill...
🔍 Overview Common in Sussex wetlands, the Moorhen is a dark, duck-sized waterbird with a red bill and a quirky personality. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (30–35 cm)Plumage: Dark brown-black with white flashesDistinctive Marks: Red bill with yellow tipBill: Red, triangularTail: Short and flicked upwardFlight: Clumsy, weak flier 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Everywhere from garden...
