🔍 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 Britain’s smallest bird, flitting restlessly in Sussex conifer and mixed woodlands year‑round. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Tiny (8–9 cm) Plumage: Olive‑green above, buff below Distinctive Marks: Bright orange (male) or yellow (female) crest, black and white head stripes Bill: Very thin Tail: Very short Flight: Fast wingbeats with hovering habit 🗺️ Habitat &...
🔍 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 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 One of Britain’s tiniest birds, the Firecrest is a gem of Sussex woodlands, especially in winter. Brilliant head markings and fast movement make it a joy to spot. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Tiny (9 cm)Plumage: Olive green, white underpartsDistinctive Marks: Striped face, orange crown stripe (male), bold white superciliumBill: Short and fineTail:...
🔍 Overview A stiff-winged seabird seen gliding along Sussex cliffs and offshore waters, especially during spring and summer. 🪶 Key Identification Features Gull-like but with tubenose nostrils Pale grey wings, white head and body Stiff, straight-winged flight 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Nests at Brighton Marina, Worthing Beaches, and Goring Gap. Often seen offshore in strong...
🔍 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 The UK’s largest seabird, the Gannet is a spectacular sight off Sussex coasts, plunge-diving with dramatic speed during migration. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large seabird (87–100 cm)Plumage: White with black wingtips, yellowish headDistinctive Marks: Long, pointed wings and tailBill: Long, dagger-likeTail: Long and pointedFlight: Long, gliding arcs 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen...
🔍 Overview A common and elegant winter duck, the Wigeon forms large flocks on Sussex wetlands. Easily identified by its whistling call. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium duck (45–51 cm)Plumage: Males: pinkish breast, cream crown; Females: light brownDistinctive Marks: Male’s yellow crown and whistling callBill: Short and bluishTail: NeatFlight: Strong, fast-winged 🗺️ Habitat &...
🔍 Overview A perky and charismatic bird, the Stonechat is a year-round resident of Sussex heathland, scrub, and coastal edges. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (11–13 cm)Plumage: Males: black head, orange chest; Females: browner overallDistinctive Marks: White neck patch (male), tail flickingBill: Fine and pointedTail: Black and often flickedFlight: Bouncy with short bursts 🗺️...
