🔍 Overview The Cirl Bunting is a rare and localised breeding bird in the UK, mainly found in south Devon. In Sussex, it remains a very rare visitor, with only a handful of modern records, typically of wandering birds or possible overshoots from the west. There has been a record of one in the Southwick...
🔍 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 A rare but annual spring and autumn migrant to Sussex, typically recorded during coastal passage. Larger and paler than most pipits. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: About 16–17 cm Plumage: Sandy brown upperparts, plain pale underparts, less streaked than other pipits Other: Strong, straight bill; upright posture 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Occasional sightings...
🔍 Overview A scarce spring overshoot from southern Europe, occasionally found in Sussex scrub or hedgerows. 🪶 Key Identification Features Bright yellow underparts Olive-green upperparts Larger and more upright than Willow Warbler 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Most likely at coastal scrub sites like Beachy Head, Seaford, or Hope Gap in May–June. 🎶 Voice & Behaviour...
🔍 Overview Formerly bred in the UK, now a scarce passage migrant through Sussex, mostly in spring and early autumn. 🪶 Key Identification Features Males: grey head, black mask, chestnut back Females: brown with scalloped underparts Perches on bushes or posts, upright stance 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Most likely at coastal scrub and farmland edges,...
🔍 Overview A spectacular Mediterranean visitor that is becoming more regular in the UK. Occasionally breeds and increasingly reported on passage in Sussex. Bred once in 1955 in our area. 🪶 Key Identification Features Rainbow plumage with blue, yellow, chestnut Long, curved bill Graceful, swallow-like flight 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Most sightings occur May–June and...
🔍 Overview A colourful spring overshoot from southern Europe. Seen annually in Sussex, often in gardens or open grassland. 🪶 Key Identification Features Pinkish-orange body Striking black-and-white wings Large crest often raised in display 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Favours golf courses, lawns, and grazed fields. Sightings from Brighton, Chichester, Beachy Head, and Ashdown Forest are...
🔍 Overview A rare passage raptor and former UK breeder. Sussex sightings usually involve migrants over open countryside. Last bred successfully in 1962. 🪶 Key Identification Features Slim, elegant harrier Males: pale grey with black wingtips Females: brown with narrow wings and white rump 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Most likely in spring (April–May) or autumn...
🔍 Overview Once a major rarity, now an increasingly regular visitor to Sussex, with occasional overwintering birds. 🪶 Key Identification Features Dark, iridescent plumage with green and bronze sheen Long, down-curved bill Long legs and neck 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Regularly seen at wetland reserves like Pulborough Brooks, Rye Harbour, and Pagham Harbour. Most likely...
🔍 Overview A powerful, fast-flying pelagic seabird, seen off the Sussex coast during strong autumn gales. 🪶 Key Identification Features Dark sooty brown plumage Long, narrow wings held stiff in arcing glides Silvery underwings often visible 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Best viewed from Selsey Bill, Splash Point (Seaford), or Brighton Marina during August to October,...
