Dotterel

🔍 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 near Truleigh Hill and Chanctonbury Ring in April–May.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Soft “pyrrr” call. Tame and confiding on the ground, often sits motionless or walks slowly when feeding.