🔍 Overview Formerly bred in the UK, now a scarce passage migrant through Sussex, mostly in spring and early autumn. 🪶 Key Identification Features Males: grey head, black mask, chestnut back Females: brown with scalloped underparts Perches on bushes or posts, upright stance 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Most likely at coastal scrub and farmland edges,...
🔍 Overview Rare passage migrant and summer visitor; may have bred in 1965. A stunning but secretive migrant, the Golden Oriole is a rare spring overshoot in Sussex, most often detected by its flute-like song. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Blackbird-sized (24 cm) Male: Brilliant golden-yellow with black wings Female/Immature: Duller greenish-yellow Flight: Direct and...
🔍 Overview Now extremely scarce in Sussex and possibly extirpated as a breeding bird. Hard to separate from Marsh Tit without close observation. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small tit (11–12 cm) Plumage: Black cap, pale cheeks, buffy flanks Key ID: Pale wing panel, duller cap, and harsh “dzerr-dzerr” call 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Formerly...
🔍 Overview An arctic falcon and one of the rarest birds likely to reach Sussex. Any sighting would generate huge interest. 🪶 Key Identification Features Huge falcon with broad wings Plumage variable: white, grey, or brown morphs Heavy chest and strong bill 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Would likely be a flyover or brief visitor to...
🔍 Overview An eye-catching rarity in Sussex, mainly seen in spring. This vivid blue and chestnut bird is unmistakable if found. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Jackdaw-sized (29–32 cm) Plumage: Bright sky-blue with chestnut back Flight: Powerful and direct with black and blue wing pattern 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Extremely rare; may occur in open...
🔍 Overview A spectacular Mediterranean visitor that is becoming more regular in the UK. Occasionally breeds and increasingly reported on passage in Sussex. Bred once in 1955 in our area. 🪶 Key Identification Features Rainbow plumage with blue, yellow, chestnut Long, curved bill Graceful, swallow-like flight 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Most sightings occur May–June and...
🔍 Overview A scarce spring and autumn migrant in Sussex, mostly found in coastal scrub or gardens. Last bred in 1944. 🪶 Key Identification Features Grey-brown with intricate barring Long tail, cryptic plumage Snake-like neck twisting motion 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen at Cissbury and Chanctonbury in late August–September and April. 🎶 Voice & Behaviour Distinctive...
🔍 Overview A rare spring overshoot from Eastern Europe. Occasionally appears in Sussex in May–June. 🪶 Key Identification Features Male: Blue-grey plumage with red legs and vent Female/Immature: Buff with dark streaks, rusty underparts, and pale face Flight: Agile, hovering like a kestrel 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution May be seen hunting over heathland, farmland, or...
🔍 Overview A scarce but regular passage migrant in Sussex, especially in spring and autumn, with small numbers possibly breeding nearby. 🪶 Key Identification Features Long tail with several dark bars Long neck and small pigeon-like head Variable plumage: from pale to dark morphs 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Best seen at migration watchpoints like Beachy...
🔍 Overview A rare passage raptor and former UK breeder. Sussex sightings usually involve migrants over open countryside. Last bred successfully in 1962. 🪶 Key Identification Features Slim, elegant harrier Males: pale grey with black wingtips Females: brown with narrow wings and white rump 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Most likely in spring (April–May) or autumn...
