Dartford Warbler

🔍 Overview

A local Sussex speciality and year-round resident of heathland. A small, dark warbler with a big personality.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Male: Dark grey above, reddish below, red eye

Female: Browner and paler

Other: Long tail often cocked upright

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Confined to heathland sites like Ashdown Forest, Iping Common, and Ambersham Common. Fragile population, vulnerable to cold winters.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Scratchy, buzzing song often delivered from gorse tops. Skulking but curious.