🔍 Overview A scarce winter visitor to Sussex, typically in cold spells and often among other grey geese. 🪶 Key Identification Features Dark brown plumage Orange legs and bill (with a black base) Stockier and darker than Pink-footed Goose 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Most likely in the Arun Valley, Amberley Wild Brooks, or among White-fronted...
🔍 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 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...
🔍 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 swift, agile predator of small birds, the Sparrowhawk is a regular visitor to Sussex gardens, especially near bird feeders. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small raptor (males 30 cm, females up to 38 cm) Male: Blue-grey back, orange-barred chest Female: Browner with more streaked chest Tail: Long and rounded Flight: Short bursts,...
🔍 Overview A classic voice of Sussex’s open fields and downs. Known for its beautiful, sustained song flight over farmland and heath. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (18 cm) Plumage: Brown and streaked Crest: Small, often raised Tail: Short with white edges Flight: Strong vertical song flights 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Breeds in arable...
🔍 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 ...
🔍 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...
