Sardinian Warbler

🔍 Overview

A rare Mediterranean vagrant, with a few Sussex records, especially after southerly winds in spring or autumn.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Males: black cap, white throat, grey body

Females: brownish-grey with duller cap

Red eye-ring is diagnostic

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Prefers coastal scrub and gorse at Beachy Head, Hope Gap, or Pagham Harbour in April–May or October. Only in a Lancing garden in our recording are in the last 25 years.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Scolding, harsh “churr” call. Secretive but will occasionally sing from a prominent perch.