🔍 Overview A distinctive dabbling duck with a comically large bill, found widely in Sussex in winter and during passage. 🪶 Key Identification Features Large spatula-shaped bill Male: green head, white breast, chestnut flanks Feeds by sweeping bill side-to-side 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Found in Pulborough Brooks, Goring Gap, Brighton Marina, and Brooklands, mainly September–May....
🔍 OverviewA colourful finch often seen in Sussex during winter, especially in alder and conifer stands. Some breed locally, mostly in wooded uplands. Fairly common breeder. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (11–12 cm) Plumage: Greenish-yellow with black markings Distinctive Marks: Males have black crown and bib Bill: Short and conical Tail: Forked Flight: Bouncy...
🔍 Overview A slim, green-glossed seabird often confused with the Cormorant, but favouring rockier coastal habitats. Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant; rare away from coast. 🪶 Key Identification Features Slender with a long, thin bill Dark green sheen Crest visible in breeding adults 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Regular off Brighton Marina, Worthing Beaches, and...
🔍 Overview A smart, crested seabird with a harsh call, the Sandwich Tern is a common coastal summer visitor in Sussex. Localised breeding summer visitor and common passage migrant; very scarce winter visitor. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium tern (37–43 cm)Plumage: Pale grey and white with black capDistinctive Marks: Yellow-tipped black billBill: Long and slenderTail:...
🔍 Overview Hyperactive and snow-white in winter, Sanderlings run along Sussex beaches just ahead of the surf. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (18–20 cm)Plumage: Pale grey-white in winterDistinctive Marks: No hind toe, “clockwork toy” runningBill: Short and straightTail: ShortFlight: Fast and tight flocks 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Common winter wader at Goring Gap, Lancing Beaches,...
📍 Local Expert Tip ” The Ringed Plover is much declined but still a regular sight in autumn and winter on the mudflats opposite Coronation Green / Town Quay and between the Railway and Toll Bridges. Also found roosting at high tide on the beach by Widewater often with Dunlin. Numbers peak in late August as...
🔍 Overview A tiny finch with a crimson cap, the Redpoll is a winter visitor to Sussex, occasionally forming flocks in birch woods and weedy patches. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (11–13 cm)Plumage: Brown streaky with red forehead and bibDistinctive Marks: Black chin, red foreheadBill: Small and conicalTail: ForkedFlight: Bouncing, finch-like 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution...
🔍 Overview A sleek, elegant diver seen off the Sussex coast in winter. The Red-throated Diver is the commonest diver here. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large (55–67 cm)Plumage: Grey above, pale below; breeding birds have red throat patchDistinctive Marks: Thin upturned billBill: Straight and slenderTail: ShortFlight: Strong and purposeful 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Wintering offshore...
🔍 Overview A winter coastal duck, the Red-breasted Merganser is slim, shaggy-headed, and a fast swimmer along the Sussex shoreline. Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant along the coast. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (52–58 cm)Plumage: Males have green head, red chest, white neck collarDistinctive Marks: Thin red bill, punky crestBill: Long, serratedTail: ShortFlight:...
🔍 Overview The Razorbill is a chunky seabird seen off Sussex in winter or during migration. Related to puffins and guillemots. Common winter visitor and fairly common passage migrant; last bred in 1878. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium auk (37–39 cm)Plumage: Black above, white belowDistinctive Marks: Thick black bill with white lineBill: Stubby and deepTail:...
