🔍 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 &...
🔍 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 A scarce winter visitor and passage migrant, usually found on wet meadows and saline lagoons. 🪶 Key Identification Features Greyish upperparts, clean pale underparts Pale supercilium and slender bill More refined than Rock Pipit 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Regular at Pulborough Brooks, Amberley Wild Brooks, and Cuckmere Haven from October–April. 🎶 Voice &...
🔍 Overview A bulky sea duck seen off the Sussex coast in winter, usually among flocks of Common Scoter. Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor along the coast; rare inland. 🪶 Key Identification Features All-black plumage (male) Distinct white wing flashes in flight Female duller brown with faint face patches 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Best...
🔍 Overview A symbol of summer, now sadly rare in Sussex due to habitat loss and hunting on migration routes. 🪶 Key Identification Features Mottled chestnut and black back Delicate neck pattern Gentle, purring song 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Breeds in East Sussex wood edges and scrub, found at Knepp, Upper Adur Valley and Woods...
🔍 Overview A scarce and declining farmland bird in Sussex, distinguished from the House Sparrow by its rich chestnut crown. Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. 🪶 Key Identification Features Chestnut head and nape Distinct black cheek spot Slimmer and more agile than House Sparrow 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Now rare in Sussex, but may...
🔍 Overview A sleek wader often found in Sussex on passage and in small numbers in winter. Scarce passage migrant and very scarce winter visitor. 🪶 Key Identification Features Longer-legged and slimmer than Redshank Straight, slightly upturned bill Grey in winter; black with white spots in breeding plumage 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Most regular at...
🔍 Overview A hardy, Arctic-breeding bunting that winters in small flocks on open coastal ground. Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. 🪶 Key Identification Features White and chestnut plumage in winter Flashy white wings in flight Male is strikingly white and black in breeding plumage (not seen here) 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen from October...
🔍 Overview A small and elegant grebe, mainly seen in winter along the Sussex coast and occasionally inland. Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. 🪶 Key Identification Features Black and white in winter Bright red eye Small bill and peaked crown 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Scarce but regular offshore from Goring Gap, Brighton Marina, Lancing ...
🔍 OverviewA lively and restless warbler often seen flitting through reedbeds and scrubby wetland edges in Sussex, especially in spring and summer. Its scratchy, varied song bursts from cover and is a sure sign of its presence. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (12–13 cm) Plumage: Brown-streaked back, pale underparts Distinctive Marks: Bold white supercilium...
