🔍 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 Formerly bred in the UK, now a scarce passage migrant through Sussex, mostly in spring and early autumn. 🪶 Key Identification Features Males: grey head, black mask, chestnut back Females: brown with scalloped underparts Perches on bushes or posts, upright stance 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Most likely at coastal scrub and farmland edges,...
🔍 Overview A scarce spring and autumn migrant in Sussex, mostly found in coastal scrub or gardens. Last bred in 1944. 🪶 Key Identification Features Grey-brown with intricate barring Long tail, cryptic plumage Snake-like neck twisting motion 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen at Cissbury and Chanctonbury in late August–September and April. 🎶 Voice & Behaviour Distinctive...
🔍 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 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...
Very common introduced resident. Population augmented annually by captive bred stock.
Common introduced resident. Population augmented annually by captive bred stock.
