🔍 Overview A secretive marsh bird heard more often than seen, found in reedbeds and wetland edges. 🪶 Key Identification Features Grey face and underparts Brown back with black streaking Long red bill and spidery toes 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Resident at Brooklands, Woods Mill, Arundel WWT, Pulborough Brooks, and Lancing Beach and Widewater. Can...
🔍 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 Once extinct in the UK, White Storks are now breeding again in Sussex thanks to reintroduction at Knepp Estate. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Very large (100–115 cm tall) Plumage: White body, black flight feathers Bill & Legs: Long and red Flight: Glides on broad wings, often seen soaring 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution...
🔍 OverviewA smart and common diving duck found year-round on Sussex lakes and reservoirs. Easily identified by its black-and-white plumage and diving behaviour. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (42–48 cm) Plumage: Males black with white sides, females brown Distinctive Marks: Males have a drooping head tuft Bill: Blue-grey with black tip Tail: Short Flight:...
🔍 OverviewA sturdy, energetic wader found along Sussex shingle and rocky coasts in all seasons. Known for flipping stones to find prey. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small wader (22–24 cm) Plumage: Bold black-and-white in summer; duller in winter Distinctive Marks: Orange legs, short stubby bill Bill: Slightly upturned and strong Tail: Short with white...
🔍 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 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 Often overlooked, the Stock Dove is a quieter cousin of the Woodpigeon. Common across Sussex farmland and parkland. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (30–33 cm) Plumage: Blue-grey with iridescent green neck patch Markings: No white neck or wing patches (unlike Woodpigeon) Eyes: Dark, giving soft expression 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Frequents woodland...
🔍 Overview The classic “twit-twoo” owl of British woodlands, Tawny Owls are widespread across Sussex but mostly heard rather than seen. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (37–39 cm) Plumage: Mottled brown with streaked underparts Face: Round with dark eyes and no ear tufts Flight: Silent and low 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Widespread in deciduous...
🔍 OverviewFairly common but local summer visitor. A subtle but charismatic spring migrant to Sussex heathlands. Known for its parachuting song flight over open areas. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (15–16 cm) Plumage: Brown-streaked above, pale below with breast streaks Distinctive Marks: Faint eye stripe, pale legs Bill: Thin and pointed Tail: Longish with...
