🔍 Overview A gorgeous winter wader, the Knot in plumage can appear almost white or deep cinnamon in spring plumage along coastlines. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Stocky wader (23–26 cm)Plumage: Mottled grey/white, red-brown breeding plumageDistinctive Marks: Short, straight billBill: Short and straightTail: Short and roundFlight: Barking calls in low flocks 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Wintering...
📍 Local Expert Tip “The Lapwing is a regular but much declined winter visitor. The island by the Toll Bridge is a regular feeding area. At high tide, birds roost on the airfield but easily disturbed.” 🔍 Overview A dramatic and beloved farmland wader, the Lapwing is iconic in Sussex with its crest and acrobatic displays....
🔍 Overview The smallest UK crow, Jackdaws are common across Sussex’s farmlands, towns, and woodlands. Known for their curious, intelligent behaviour. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (33 cm) Plumage: Black with pale grey nape and cheeks Eyes: Pale blue or white Bill: Shorter and more delicate than other crows Flight: Agile and direct 🗺️...
🔍 Overview A secretive woodland crow, the Jay is colourful and increasingly seen in Sussex gardens—especially in autumn when caching acorns. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (34 cm) Plumage: Pinkish-buff body, black moustache, blue wing patch Bill: Strong Tail: Black, medium length Flight: Fluttery with bursts 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Common in broadleaf woodlands,...
🔍 Overview Common but declining summer visitor to Sussex, House Martins are aerial insectivores seen from April to November, often nesting under eaves in towns and villages. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (13 cm) Plumage: Glossy blue-black upperparts, white underparts Distinctive Marks: White rump, short forked tail Bill: Short and wide Flight: Fast, swooping...
🔍 Overview A familiar and widespread resident in Sussex, often associated with human settlements. Numbers declined but remain strong in many towns. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (14–15 cm) Plumage (male): Grey crown, black bib, chestnut nape Plumage (female): Plain brown with pale eyebrow Bill: Thick and conical Flight: Direct, fast with quick wingbeats...
🔍 Overview An elegant raptor of open country, once bred in Sussex but now mainly seen on passage or wintering on the Downs. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male: Pale grey with black wingtips Female/juvenile: Brown with white rump (“ringtail”) Long wings and tail, low buoyant flight 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen at Lancing Ring, Steep...
🔍 Overview A large and familiar gull, breeding on Sussex coast and present year-round on coastal and inland water bodies. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large (55–66 cm) Plumage: Light grey back, white body Distinctive Marks: Pink legs, yellow bill with red spot Bill: Long and robust Tail: Square Flight: Powerful, gliding 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution...
🔍 Overview A dashing summer falcon, superb aerial hunter of dragonflies and hirundines. Increasingly regular breeder in Sussex. 🪶 Key Identification Features Slim, falcon-shaped Slate-grey above, orange ‘trousers’ below Striking moustachial stripe 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Breeds near Upper Adur Valley and Cissbury. Seen across Sussex in April–October. 🎶 Voice & Behaviour Sharp “kik-kik-kik” calls....
🔍 Overview A familiar, statuesque wader, the Grey Heron patrols Sussex waters year-round. Often seen standing motionless, waiting to strike. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large (90–100 cm)Plumage: Grey body, white head with black crest stripeDistinctive Marks: S-shaped neck, long dagger-like billBill: Large and yellowishTail: Short and squareFlight: Slow wingbeats with tucked neck 🗺️ Habitat &...
