🔍 Overview A large, robust gull mainly seen in Sussex in late summer and early autumn, with a few year-round. 🪶 Key Identification Features Grey mantle darker than Herring Gull Yellow legs and red spot on bill Fierce-looking eyes with dark surround 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Most common at Brighton Marina, Shoreham Harbour, Goring Gap,...
🔍 Overview A striking farmland bunting with a memorable song, Yellowhammers remain locally common across Sussex countryside. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (16 cm) Male: Bright yellow head, chestnut rump, brown-streaked back Female: Duller but still yellow-tinged Flight: Flitting and bouncing 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Favors hedgerows, arable field margins, and downland. Found near...
🔍 OverviewA mysterious and well-camouflaged woodland wader, mostly encountered at dusk or flushed from dense cover. Winters widely in Sussex. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium-large (33–38 cm) Plumage: Mottled brown and rufous for camouflage Distinctive Marks: Barred crown, large dark eye Bill: Long and straight Tail: Short Flight: Fast with twisting take-off 🗺️ Habitat...
🔍 Overview A sweet-voiced migrant warbler, the Willow Warbler breeds in Sussex’s open scrub and young woodland during spring and summer. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (11 cm) Plumage: Greenish-brown above, pale yellow underparts Legs: Pale Supercilium: Clear yellowish eye stripe 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Found in young woodland, scrub, and heathland—notably Cissbury Ring....
🔍 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 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 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,...
