🔍 Overview Powerful and agile, the Arctic Skua is a pirate of the skies, best known in Sussex as a scarce but thrilling passage migrant. Fairly common spring and scarce autumn passage migrant; very scarce in summer and rare in winter. Most sightings occur along the coast, when they chase other seabirds to steal food...
🔍 Overview A scarce but regular passage migrant in Sussex, especially in spring and autumn, with small numbers possibly breeding nearby. 🪶 Key Identification Features Long tail with several dark bars Long neck and small pigeon-like head Variable plumage: from pale to dark morphs 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Best seen at migration watchpoints like Beachy...
🔍 Overview A critically endangered seabird from the western Mediterranean, seen irregularly off the Sussex coast on passage. Very scarce spring to autumn visitor. 🪶 Key Identification Features Dusky brown above, paler below Slender wings and rapid, shearing flight Typically darker overall than Manx Shearwater 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Best spotted during sea-watches off Selsey...
🔍 Overview Once a major rarity, now an increasingly regular visitor to Sussex, with occasional overwintering birds. 🪶 Key Identification Features Dark, iridescent plumage with green and bronze sheen Long, down-curved bill Long legs and neck 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Regularly seen at wetland reserves like Pulborough Brooks, Rye Harbour, and Pagham Harbour. Most likely...
🔍 Overview Britain’s smallest seabird, rarely seen from land except during strong onshore winds. 🪶 Key Identification Features Tiny blackish seabird with white rump Bat-like fluttering flight with short glides Often hovers above waves, “pattering” on surface 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Watch from Selsey Bill or Seaford Head during August–October gales. Extremely challenging to spot...
🔍 Overview A rare and irregular vagrant in Sussex, the Gull-billed Tern resembles a large marsh tern and is occasionally spotted at coastal lagoons or gravel pits. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Mid-sized tern (33–38 cm) Plumage: White with grey wings and black cap (in breeding plumage) Bill: Short, thick, and black—distinctive Flight: Smooth, buoyant...
🔍 Overview One of the UK’s rarest breeding seabirds, occasionally seen in Sussex on spring or summer passage. 🪶 Key Identification Features Very pale plumage, long tail streamers Black cap, mostly black bill with reddish base Slight pink flush to underparts in breeding season 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Best chance at shoreline roosts or sea-watching...
🔍 Overview A beautifully patterned plover, scarce passage migrant through Sussex, mostly seen in spring. 🪶 Key Identification Features Chestnut belly and white breast band (in adults) Broad white supercilium Compact and upright posture 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Prefers short turf on hills or open farmland during passage. Sightings have occurred on South Downs escarpments...
🔍 Overview The most widespread and abundant pigeon in Sussex and across the UK. Common in gardens, farmland, parks, and woodlands. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large pigeon (38–44 cm) Plumage: Grey overall with pinkish breast, distinctive white neck patch and white wing bars visible in flight Other: Broad wings and long tail 🗺️ Habitat...
