🔍 Overview Bold, powerful and unmistakable, the Great Skua (often known as the Bonxie) is the largest skua regularly seen in Sussex. An uncommon but regular passage migrant, it is seen mainly during autumn seawatches, with smaller numbers in spring. Unlike the more agile Arctic Skua, the Great Skua relies on its strength to dominate...
📍 Local Expert Tip “The Great Black-backed Gull is the largest gull in the world and a frequent sight anywhere along the tideline and at low tide in the Adur Estuary around the Toll Bridge. Breeds locally but very under-recorded so do keep an eye on local rooftops including on industrial estates.” 🔍 Overview The largest...
🔍 Overview Bright, musical, and common, the Goldfinch is one of Sussex’s most recognisable garden and countryside finches. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (12–13 cm)Plumage: Red face, gold wing flashes, black and white headDistinctive Marks: Vibrant red maskBill: Slim and pointedTail: ShortFlight: Bouncy and undulating 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Widespread across Sussex gardens, hedgerows,...
Image Attribution: Biillyboy, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons 🔍 Overview A shy and secretive summer breeder in Sussex woodlands. Common in May–July, it’s more often heard than seen, with a rich, beautiful song. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (13–14 cm) Plumage: Plain olive‑brown upperparts, pale underparts Distinctive Marks: No facial markings—subtle and understated Bill:...
🔍 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 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:...
Image Attribution: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons 🔍 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...
🔍 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 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 🗺️...
🔍 Overview Tiny and camouflaged, the Treecreeper is a specialist of Sussex woodland—often climbing up tree trunks hunting for insects. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (12–13 cm) Plumage: Brown streaked back, white underparts Distinctive Marks: Curved bill, stiff tail Bill: Down-curved and fine Tail: Thin and stiff Flight: Fluttery between trees 🗺️ Habitat &...
