🔍 Overview Once extirpated from the UK, this majestic bird is making a comeback. Rare but increasing visitor to Sussex, especially in migration seasons. 🪶 Key Identification Features Tall, elegant bird with long legs and neck Grey body, black wingtips Red crown patch and bushy rear plumes 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Best seen flying overhead...
🔍 Overview A scarce winter visitor to Sussex, especially on larger lakes, reservoirs, and coastal bays. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male: white flanks, dark back, rounded head Female: brown with white around bill base Blue-grey bill and black nail 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Best seen at Arlington Reservoir, Pagham Harbour, or offshore from Selsey Bill....
🔍 Overview A striking, exotic-looking waterfowl. Rare in Sussex; birds may be either wild wanderers from the continent or escapes from collections. Breeds in SE Europe and across central and east Asia with naturalised populations in central Europe. Rare vagrant from wild or naturalised populations or escape from captivity. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Slightly...
🔍 Overview A scarce winter visitor to Sussex, more regular in northern England but occasionally recorded in the south. 🪶 Key Identification Features Large white swan with long neck Yellow and black bill (yellow extends beyond nostrils) Loud, bugling call 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Occasionally seen at Amberley Wild Brooks, Pulborough, or Arlington Reservoir in...
🔍 Overview Most Barnacle Geese seen in Sussex are feral, but small numbers of wild birds may arrive in winter, particularly in hard weather. 🪶 Key Identification Features Striking black-and-white plumage White face with black breast and neck Compact, goose-shaped body 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Feral birds occur year-round at sites like Arundel WWT or...
🔍 Overview A rare but locally breeding songbird of open heath and forestry rides in Sussex. Scarce resident and very scarce passage migrant. 🪶 Key Identification Features Short tail, broad wings White supercilium curving behind the head Buff with dark streaks 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Nesting pairs found in Ashdown Forest, The Mens, and Broadwater...
🔍 Overview Britain’s largest bird of prey, occasionally spotted in Sussex skies thanks to reintroduction programs on the Isle of Wight. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Huge (wingspan up to 2.4 m) Plumage: Brown overall with paler head and neck Tail: Adults have white tail Bill: Large and hooked 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Rare visitor...
🔍 Overview Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant, arriving from Russia to spend the colder months in mild wetland areas. European race (A. a. albifrons) is red listed species of high conservation concern. 🪶 Key Identification Features White patch around bill base Black belly bars Orange legs and pinkish bill (Russian race) 🗺️ Habitat &...
🔍 OverviewA charming migrant seen in Sussex during spring and autumn passage. Prefers rough fields and heathland edges. Rare summer visitor; last bred in 1999. Very rare in winter. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (13–14 cm) Plumage: Males orange-breasted with pale supercilium Distinctive Marks: Bold white eye stripe, pale throat Bill: Short and thin...
🔍 Overview A striking winter visitor from Scandinavia, appearing in irruption years (every few winters) and favouring berry-laden trees. 🪶 Key Identification Features Pinkish-grey body Prominent crest, black mask Yellow and red wing markings 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Unpredictable; in irruption winters, flocks can be found in urban areas, supermarket car parks, and ornamental trees...
