🔍 Overview Nicknamed the “sea swallow,” the Common Tern is a graceful summer breeder in Sussex, nesting on shingle islands and lagoons. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (31–35 cm)Plumage: Pale grey with black capDistinctive Marks: Long wings, forked tail, red bill with black tipBill: Slim and pointedTail: Deeply forkedFlight: Agile, buoyant 🗺️ Habitat &...
🔍 Overview A lively warbler of Sussex hedgerows and scrub, the Whitethroat is known for its chattering song and concealed habitat preference. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (13–14 cm) Plumage: Grey head, reddish-brown back, white throat Distinctive Marks: White throat contrasting with grey head Bill: Thin and pointed Tail: Medium Flight: Short bursts with...
📍 Local Expert Tip “The Estuary around the Ferry Bridge, Norfolk Bridge and RSPB Adur sections are favoured areas as is the area between the Railway and Old Toll Bridges. Widewater Lagoon is another reliable spot for relatively close sightings.” 🔍 Overview A medium-sized wader with striking red legs and a black-tipped red bill, the...
🔍 Overview A striking summer migrant, the Common Redstart is a woodland gem in Sussex. Males are vibrant, and the species nests in old tree holes and clearings. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small (13–14 cm)Plumage: Males: orange chest, grey back, black face; Females dullerDistinctive Marks: Flashing red tail, white forehead in malesBill: Thin and...
📍 Local Expert Tip “The Common Sandpiper is a passage migrant with birds visible anywhere along the river. However, the section around the old Cement Works is a reliable section and if any birds overwinter then this is the place to find them.” 🔍 Overview A familiar passage wader in Sussex, seen by rivers, lakes, and...
🔍 Overview The Common Scoter is a sea duck seen off the Sussex coast in winter or on spring migration. Usually in flocks, often distant offshore. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (44–48 cm)Plumage: Males: black; Females: brown with paler cheeksDistinctive Marks: Males have a yellow bump at bill baseBill: Broad and darkTail: ShortFlight: Fast...
🔍 Overview Large, bold, and elegant, the Common Shelduck is often seen on Sussex estuaries and coastal lagoons, particularly at low tide. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Large duck (58–67 cm)Plumage: White with dark green head and chestnut breast bandDistinctive Marks: Red bill with knob on malesBill: Red, slightly upturnedTail: White with dark terminal bandFlight:...
🔍 Overview Britain’s heaviest duck, more common in northern UK but occasionally seen off Sussex coasts. Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant; very scarce non-breeder in summer. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male: Bold black and white plumage with green nape Female: Mottled brown, heavy build Other: Long, sloping bill 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Infrequent offshore...
🔍 Overview A sleek seabird, the Common Guillemot is mostly seen off Sussex during winter or on spring sea-watches, though breeding colonies lie further west. Last bred in 1904. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (38–43 cm)Plumage: Chocolate-brown head and back, white underpartsDistinctive Marks: Thin bill, upright posture when perchedBill: Slim and blackTail: Very shortFlight:...
🔍 Overview A medium-sized gull frequenting Sussex coasts, estuaries, and inland waters—different from the larger black-headed and herring gulls. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Medium (42–45 cm) Plumage: Slim build, pale grey back Distinctive Marks: Greenish-yellow legs, dark wingtips Bill: Yellow with dark tip Tail: Square Flight: Light, buoyant glide 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen...
