🔍 Overview A quiet, elusive resident of mature Sussex woodlands. Easily confused with the Willow Tit, though rarer locally. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (11.5 cm) Plumage: Pale underparts, brown back Cap: Shiny black cap and bib Distinctive Mark: No pale wing panel Voice: Clear “pitchou” call 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Favors ancient woodlands...
🔍 Overview A familiar black-and-white bird in Sussex gardens and fields, with a reputation for intelligence and bold behaviour. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium-large (44–46 cm) Plumage: Black and white with iridescent green and blue wing and tail sheen Bill: Large and strong Tail: Long and wedge-shaped Flight: Steady, fluttery with long glides 🗺️...
🔍 Overview Britain’s smallest and rarest woodpecker. Once more widespread in Sussex, now very scarce and local. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size of a sparrow Black and white barred back Male: Small red crown; Female: Lacks red 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Prefers mature deciduous woodland, especially West Sussex Weald and Ashdown Forest. Most active in...
🔍 Overview The smallest UK crow, Jackdaws are common across Sussex’s farmlands, towns, and woodlands. Known for their curious, intelligent behaviour. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (33 cm) Plumage: Black with pale grey nape and cheeks Eyes: Pale blue or white Bill: Shorter and more delicate than other crows Flight: Agile and direct 🗺️...
🔍 Overview A familiar and widespread resident in Sussex, often associated with human settlements. Numbers declined but remain strong in many towns. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (14–15 cm) Plumage (male): Grey crown, black bib, chestnut nape Plumage (female): Plain brown with pale eyebrow Bill: Thick and conical Flight: Direct, fast with quick wingbeats...
🔍 Overview Britain’s largest finch, known for its massive bill and shy nature. Scarce in Sussex but winter sightings increasing. 🪶 Key Identification Features Bulky finch with thick neck Huge, powerful bill Orange-brown body, black-and-white wings 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen at Arundel, Ebernoe, Brede High Woods, especially in late winter and early spring. 🎶...
🔍 Overview The ancestor of domestic geese, the Greylag Goose is common in Sussex pastures, lakes, and coastal marshes, often in large flocks. (Native population in UK is Amber listed species of medium conservation concern). 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large (74–84 cm)Plumage: Mottled grey, pale bellyDistinctive Marks: Pinkish bill, orange legsBill: Broad and orange-pinkTail: Short...
🔍 Overview A stout, seed-eating finch common at Sussex feeders, especially in winter and spring. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (16 cm) Plumage: Olive-green with yellow wing and tail bars Distinctive Marks: Yellow patch at wing edge Bill: Thick and conical Tail: Medium Flight: Fast with bursts 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Present in gardens, woodlands,...
🔍 Overview Scarce spring and autumn passage migrant; more frequent in autumn; scarce in winter. A secretive, bobbing wader of wet woodland edges and inland pools, usually seen on migration. 🪶 Key Identification Features Dark green-brown above, white belly Short straight bill, greenish legs Contrasting white rump in flight 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Spring and...
🔍 Overview A striking, large white heron now increasingly regular in Sussex, both on migration and as a breeder. 🪶 Key Identification Features Pure white plumage Long yellow bill (turns black in breeding season) Taller than Little Egret with slow, majestic flight 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen at Pulborough Brooks, Amberley Wild Brooks, and Rye...
