Desert Wheatear

🔍 Overview

Very rare vagrant. A striking Saharan vagrant that occasionally appears on UK coastlines. Sussex has had a handful of records, mostly in late autumn.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Males: sandy body, black face and wings, white crown

Females: plainer but still pale and compact

Black tail with white rump

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Typically found on bare shingle beaches or coastal rough ground—notably seen at Birling Gap and Beachy Head in the past. Most records are in October to December.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Calls include a short “chack”. Frequently perches on rocks or fence posts, tail-flicking. Bold and approachable.