🔍 Overview An acrobatic woodland resident that creeps down tree trunks headfirst. Widespread in Sussex’s mature broadleaf woodlands. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium-small (14 cm) Plumage: Blue-grey upperparts, buff underparts Markings: Bold black eye-stripe Posture: Often seen head-down on tree trunks 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Frequents deciduous woodlands, parks, and large gardens with mature...
🔍 Overview A striking fish-eating raptor that passes through Sussex on spring and autumn migration. 🪶 Key Identification Features Large with long wings and narrow “M” shape in flight White underparts, dark eye-stripe Hovers over water before diving 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Regularly seen at Lower Adur Valley, and along the coast in March–May and...
🔍 Overview The UK’s smallest falcon, a fierce and fast hunter often seen darting low over open country. Winter visitor in Sussex. 🪶 Key Identification Features Small and compact Male: Blue-grey above, orange below Female/Juv.: Heavily streaked and brown 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen in winter on South Downs, Chantry and Cissbury, and heathland like...
🔍 Overview Larger and bolder than the Song Thrush, Mistle Thrushes are widespread across Sussex in woodland edges, parks, and open countryside. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large (27 cm) Plumage: Greyish-brown back, bold spots on pale chest Posture: Upright and alert Flight: Strong and direct 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Common in parkland, churchyards, and...
🔍 Overview Common in Sussex wetlands, the Moorhen is a dark, duck-sized waterbird with a red bill and a quirky personality. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (30–35 cm)Plumage: Dark brown-black with white flashesDistinctive Marks: Red bill with yellow tipBill: Red, triangularTail: Short and flicked upwardFlight: Clumsy, weak flier 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Everywhere from garden...
🔍 Overview A quiet, elusive resident of mature Sussex woodlands. Easily confused with the Willow Tit, though rarer locally. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (11.5 cm) Plumage: Pale underparts, brown back Cap: Shiny black cap and bib Distinctive Mark: No pale wing panel Voice: Clear “pitchou” call 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Favors ancient woodlands...
🔍 Overview A slender, streaky bird of open habitats. Common across Sussex heathlands, downs, and coastal marshes. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (15 cm) Plumage: Streaky brown above, pale with heavy breast streaking below Legs: Pale pink, often seen bobbing Flight: Flutters upwards, then parachutes down 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Breeds in open moorland,...
📍 Local Expert Tip “The Mediterranean Gull is a species undergoing a dramatic range expansion and now breeds in Sussex although not in the local area. However, in Spring the high tide gull roost at Goring Gap often contains Mediterranean Gulls of various ages allowing good views.” 🔍 Overview A once-rare visitor now increasingly common in...
🔍 Overview The UK’s most familiar duck, the Mallard is a common sight on Sussex’s lakes, rivers, ponds, and even urban parks year-round. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large (58 cm) Male: Glossy green head, yellow bill, grey body, curled black tail feathers Female: Mottled brown with orange bill Flight: Fast and direct, with loud...
🔍 Overview An introduced species from Asia, now thriving in parts of Sussex. Arguably the most ornamental duck in Britain. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male: Bright orange sail-like feathers, ornate and multicoloured Female: Subtly patterned grey with white eye-ring Small and short-tailed 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Resident in wooded lakes and slow rivers like Arundel...
