🔍 Overview A stout, seed-eating finch common at Sussex feeders, especially in winter and spring. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (16 cm) Plumage: Olive-green with yellow wing and tail bars Distinctive Marks: Yellow patch at wing edge Bill: Thick and conical Tail: Medium Flight: Fast with bursts 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Present in gardens, woodlands,...
📍 Local Expert Tip “The Greenshank is generally a passage migrant in small numbers along the edge of the Estuary. However since 2019 a bird has wintered being faithful to the Houseboat Channel where it regularly chases its smaller cousins, the Redshanks, making them drop food items.” 🔍 Overview Elegant and long-legged, the Greenshank is a...
🔍 Overview A bold and familiar woodpecker in Sussex, frequenting woodlands, parks, and gardens throughout the year. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (23 cm) Plumage: Black and white pattern, red under-tail Distinctive Marks: Adult male has red nape patch Bill: Strong and chisel-like Tail: Stiff for bracing Flight: Undulating 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Widespread in...
🔍 Overview A large, vocal tit common in Sussex gardens, woodlands, and parks year-round. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (14 cm) Plumage: Yellow belly and green back Distinctive Marks: Black head and bib, white cheeks Bill: Robust Tail: Medium Flight: Bouncy 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Everywhere—gardens, woodlands, hedgerows throughout Sussex. 🎶 Voice & Behaviour Two-syllable...
🔍 Overview Elegant and ornate, the Great Crested Grebe is a classic waterbird, known for its beautiful breeding display and slender profile. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium-large (46–51 cm)Plumage: White neck, black cap, chestnut and black face frillsDistinctive Marks: Elaborate head plumes (breeding)Bill: Long and pointedTail: Short and hiddenFlight: Rarely seen flying 🗺️ Habitat...
🔍 Overview A large, impressive diver, mostly seen off the Sussex coast in winter. Known for its haunting breeding calls in summer range. 🪶 Key Identification Features Winter plumage: Blackish above, white below, large dagger-like bill Summer: Black-and-white checkered plumage (rare in Sussex) Heavy-bodied with a low profile 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Winters offshore in...
🔍 Overview Elusive and skulking, the Grasshopper Warbler is a rare but fascinating summer migrant in Sussex, best located by its insect-like song. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (13–14 cm)Plumage: Brown with fine streakingDistinctive Marks: Plain face, flat crown, rounded wingsBill: Short and thinTail: Long and roundedFlight: Weak and fluttery 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution...
📍 Local Expert Tip “The Great Black-backed Gull is the largest gull in the world and a frequent sight anywhere along the tideline and at low tide in the Adur Estuary around the Toll Bridge. Breeds locally but very under-recorded so do keep an eye on local rooftops including on industrial estates.” 🔍 Overview The largest...
🔍 Overview Bright, musical, and common, the Goldfinch is one of Sussex’s most recognisable garden and countryside finches. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (12–13 cm)Plumage: Red face, gold wing flashes, black and white headDistinctive Marks: Vibrant red maskBill: Slim and pointedTail: ShortFlight: Bouncy and undulating 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Widespread across Sussex gardens, hedgerows,...
