Snow Bunting

🔍 Overview

A hardy, Arctic-breeding bunting that winters in small flocks on open coastal ground. Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.

🪶 Key Identification Features

White and chestnut plumage in winter

Flashy white wings in flight

Male is strikingly white and black in breeding plumage (not seen here)

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Seen from October to March on beaches, shingle ridges, and sea walls, especially at Cuckmere Haven and Rye Harbour.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Tinkling, twittering calls. Ground-feeding in flocks, often with Skylarks or Lapwings.