🔍 Overview A scarce spring and autumn migrant in Sussex, mostly found in coastal scrub or gardens. Last bred in 1944. 🪶 Key Identification Features Grey-brown with intricate barring Long tail, cryptic plumage Snake-like neck twisting motion 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen at Cissbury and Chanctonbury in late August–September and April. 🎶 Voice & Behaviour Distinctive...
🔍 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...
Image attribution:Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons 🔍 Overview A scarce but regular passage migrant in Sussex, especially in spring and autumn, with small numbers possibly breeding nearby. 🪶 Key Identification Features Long tail with several dark bars Long neck and small pigeon-like head Variable plumage: from pale to dark morphs 🗺️...
🔍 Overview An uncommon migrant from continental Europe, Purple Heron is seen in Sussex primarily in spring and occasionally summer. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Slimmer than Grey Heron (78–90 cm) Plumage: Reddish-brown and slate-grey, with dark crown and chestnut neck streaks Flight: Long neck and legs, held retracted like other herons 🗺️ Habitat &...
🔍 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...
Image Attribution: Marcabrera, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons 🔍 Overview A critically endangered seabird from the western Mediterranean, seen irregularly off the Sussex coast on passage. Very scarce spring to autumn visitor. 🪶 Key Identification Features Dusky brown above, paler below Slender wings and rapid, shearing flight Typically darker overall than Manx Shearwater 🗺️...
Image Attribution: Marek Szczepanek, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons 🔍 Overview Rare vagrant. An elegant and elusive relative of the White Stork, Black Storks are rare spring and summer vagrants in Sussex, typically seen during continental drift migration. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large (95–100 cm tall) Plumage: Glossy black with a green-purple sheen;...
🔍 Overview A scarce but increasing visitor and occasional breeder in Sussex, especially in coastal wetlands. 🪶 Key Identification Features Large white bird with spoon-shaped bill Black legs, yellowish breast patch in breeding season Often rests with neck tucked back 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Regular at Rye Harbour, Pagham Harbour, and Pulborough Brooks, mainly from...
Image Attribution: Hobbyfotowiki, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons 🔍 Overview A rare but regular pelagic visitor to Sussex waters, Cory’s Shearwater is best seen after strong south-westerlies from seawatching points. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Very large shearwater (45–56 cm) Plumage: Grey-brown above, pale below Bill: Strong, yellowish with hooked tip Flight: Long glides interspersed with...
Image Attribution: Alexis Lours, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons 🔍 Overview A rare storm-driven seabird in Sussex, mostly seen after strong westerly gales in late autumn and winter. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small seabird (18–21 cm) Plumage: Sooty-brown with pale rump Flight: Bounding, fluttery with glides Tail: Wedge-shaped 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen...
