🔍 Overview Harbinger of spring, the Common Cuckoo is famous for its call and brood parasitism. A declining summer visitor to Sussex heathlands and open woodland. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (32–34 cm)Plumage: Grey above, pale barred underpartsDistinctive Marks: Long tail, pointed wingsBill: Slim and slightly down-curvedTail: Long, slightly notchedFlight: Swift and falcon-like 🗺️...
🔍 Overview A soft-toy-sized dove commonly seen in Sussex gardens and villages. Notable for its gentle cooing and distinctive black neck collar. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (32 cm) Plumage: Pale grey-beige Distinctive Marks: Black half-collar on nape, white-edged tail Bill: Small and black Tail: Long and square-tipped Flight: Steady and direct 🗺️ Habitat...
🔍 Overview Once rare, the Common Buzzard is now Sussex’s most widespread raptor. Often seen circling high above woodland and farmland, especially in spring. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium-large (51–57 cm)Plumage: Variable brown with paler underpartsDistinctive Marks: Broad wings, short fan-shaped tailBill: HookedTail: Broad, often fanned in flightFlight: Soaring and gliding on thermals 🗺️...
📍 Local Expert Tip “The Cetti’s Warbler is a relatively recent coloniser from the Continent and can be reliably found at Brooklands Park, along the stream and around the lake, where its explosive call gives away its location. Good views are few and far between however as it is a notorious skulker in thick bushes.” 🔍...
🔍 Overview One of the most colourful and common finches in Sussex. Males are especially bright in spring. Found in gardens, woodlands, and farmland year-round. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (14–15 cm) Plumage: Male – pink breast, blue-grey head; Female – duller brown Distinctive Marks: White wing bars and outer tail Bill: Short and...
🔍 Overview A small, agile woodland bird that often joins mixed flocks in Sussex woodlands and gardens. Less bold than the blue tit but just as active and vocal. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (11.5 cm) Plumage: Grey back, buff underparts Distinctive Marks: Black cap, white cheeks, and distinctive white nape patch Bill: Small...
🔍 Overview Quiet and striking, the Bullfinch is a shy woodland resident in Sussex. Often seen in pairs, it’s more often heard by its soft call than seen clearly. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (15–17 cm)Plumage: Males have rosy-pink underparts; females are more brownDistinctive Marks: Black cap and face, thick neck, white rumpBill: Short,...
🔍 Overview A large, familiar goose introduced from North America. Now widespread across Sussex, especially near lakes, ponds, and parklands. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large (90–100 cm) Plumage: Brown body, black neck and head with white chin strap Distinctive Marks: White cheek patch Bill: Broad and black Tail: Short and square Flight: Powerful, slow...
🔍 Overview Intelligent, all-black crow commonly seen in fields, parks, and towns across Sussex. Wary but often curious, it adapts well to both rural and urban habitats. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large (45–47 cm) Plumage: Entirely black with a slight sheen Distinctive Marks: Thick neck, robust bill Bill: Strong, black, slightly hooked Tail: Square...
🔍 Overview One of the most familiar garden birds in Sussex. Males are sleek black with a bright yellow bill, while females are dark brown. Common across gardens, woodlands, and parks. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (24–25 cm) Plumage: Black (male), brown (female) Distinctive Marks: Yellow bill and eye-ring (male) Bill: Strong and pointed...
