🔍 Overview Britain’s smallest and rarest woodpecker. Once more widespread in Sussex, now very scarce and local. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size of a sparrow Black and white barred back Male: Small red crown; Female: Lacks red 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Prefers mature deciduous woodland, especially West Sussex Weald and Ashdown Forest. Most active in...
🔍 Overview A striking, large white heron now increasingly regular in Sussex, both on migration and as a breeder. 🪶 Key Identification Features Pure white plumage Long yellow bill (turns black in breeding season) Taller than Little Egret with slow, majestic flight 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen at Pulborough Brooks, Amberley Wild Brooks, and Rye...
🔍 Overview A large, impressive diver, mostly seen off the Sussex coast in winter. Known for its haunting breeding calls in summer range. 🪶 Key Identification Features Winter plumage: Blackish above, white below, large dagger-like bill Summer: Black-and-white checkered plumage (rare in Sussex) Heavy-bodied with a low profile 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Winters offshore in...
🔍 Overview A powerful and secretive raptor, often dubbed the ‘phantom of the forest’. Rarely seen, but breeds in parts of Sussex. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Larger and bulkier than a Sparrowhawk Male: Slate grey above, pale below with fine barring Female: Bigger, browner Broad wings, long tail 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Breeds in...
🔍 Overview A saw-billed diving duck seen in Sussex during the colder months. Hunts fish in clear, deep water. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male: White body, dark green head, red bill Female: Grey body, russet head, crest Long, narrow shape and low profile 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Winters at Goring Gap, and along River Adur....
🔍 Overview A striking diving duck, found in Sussex on freshwater lakes and reservoirs in winter. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male: Black-and-white with greenish head and golden eye Female: Grey body, brown head, yellow eye Both show a short, triangular head shape 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Winter visitor to Arlington Reservoir, Weir Wood Reservoir, and...
🔍 Overview A scarce and elegant spring migrant, typically seen in Sussex from March to May. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male: Distinctive white eye-stripe, brown head, patterned flanks Female: Similar to female Teal but lacks clear facial markings Small, fast-flying dabbling duck 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Best seen at Pulborough Brooks, Rye Harbour, and Arundel...
🔍 Overview A subtly beautiful dabbling duck, found across Sussex wetlands in winter and breeding in select sites. Very scarce breeder and scarce summer non-breeder; fairly common winter visitor; scarce on observed passage. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male: Grey body, black rump, white wing patch Female: Looks like a darker Mallard Both: Neat, understated appearance...
🔍 Overview A winter visitor, the Fieldfare arrives in numbers across Sussex from October to March. A striking plump thrush with a loud contact call. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (24–25 cm) Plumage: Grey head, reddish-brown back, heavily spotted underparts Distinctive Marks: White rump visible in flight Bill: Yellow with dark tip Tail: Longish...
🔍 Overview A diving duck, the Pochard is a regular winter visitor to Sussex lakes and gravel pits. Males are handsome with a rusty head and striking grey body. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (42–49 cm)Plumage: Males: grey with chestnut head; females: brownDistinctive Marks: Rounded head, red eyes (male)Bill: Dark with pale bandTail: ShortFlight:...
