🔍 Overview A spectacular tropical seabird that has made unexpected appearances in the UK in recent years. Extremely rare in Sussex, but possible with the right weather conditions. 🪶 Key Identification Features Chocolate-brown body with pale belly Long pointed wings and tail Striking direct flight low over waves 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen only once...
🔍 Overview Once a major rarity, now an increasingly regular visitor to Sussex, with occasional overwintering birds. 🪶 Key Identification Features Dark, iridescent plumage with green and bronze sheen Long, down-curved bill Long legs and neck 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Regularly seen at wetland reserves like Pulborough Brooks, Rye Harbour, and Pagham Harbour. Most likely...
🔍 Overview A scarce but increasing visitor and occasional breeder in Sussex, especially in coastal wetlands. 🪶 Key Identification Features Large white bird with spoon-shaped bill Black legs, yellowish breast patch in breeding season Often rests with neck tucked back 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Regular at Rye Harbour, Pagham Harbour, and Pulborough Brooks, mainly from...
🔍 Overview Very scarce visitor; most frequently recorded in spring. Famous auk species that breeds in the UK but only seen in Sussex during offshore passage or after storms. 🪶 Key Identification Features Black upperparts, white underparts Bright orange legs and colourful bill Rounded head and short neck 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Rarely seen from...
🔍 Overview Britain’s smallest seabird, rarely seen from land except during strong onshore winds. 🪶 Key Identification Features Tiny blackish seabird with white rump Bat-like fluttering flight with short glides Often hovers above waves, “pattering” on surface 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Watch from Selsey Bill or Seaford Head during August–October gales. Extremely challenging to spot...
🔍 Overview A rare storm-driven seabird in Sussex, mostly seen after strong westerly gales in late autumn and winter. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Small seabird (18–21 cm) Plumage: Sooty-brown with pale rump Flight: Bounding, fluttery with glides Tail: Wedge-shaped 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Seen offshore from Selsey Bill, Worthing, and Birling Gap in autumn,...
🔍 Overview A rare but regular pelagic visitor to Sussex waters, Cory’s Shearwater is best seen after strong south-westerlies from seawatching points. 🪶 Key Identification Features Size: Very large shearwater (45–56 cm) Plumage: Grey-brown above, pale below Bill: Strong, yellowish with hooked tip Flight: Long glides interspersed with wingbeats, often very relaxed 🗺️ Habitat &...
🔍 Overview A powerful, fast-flying pelagic seabird, seen off the Sussex coast during strong autumn gales. 🪶 Key Identification Features Dark sooty brown plumage Long, narrow wings held stiff in arcing glides Silvery underwings often visible 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Best viewed from Selsey Bill, Splash Point (Seaford), or Brighton Marina during August to October,...
🔍 Overview A rare visitor to Sussex, typically in spring or early summer. One of the marsh terns. 🪶 Key Identification Features Black cap, white cheeks, and grey body Red bill and legs White rump and short tail 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Watch for at coastal lagoons, gravel pits, or wetlands like Rye Harbour and...
🔍 Overview A rare and elegant vagrant, often seen briefly during spring or autumn. Most often confused with Black Tern. 🪶 Key Identification Features Breeding Adult: Black body, white wings Non-breeding/Juvenile: Pale grey and white with dark ear-coverts Size: Smaller than Common Tern (24–28 cm) 🗺️ Habitat & Distribution Rare but occasionally seen at Arlington...
