Hawks & Eagles in East Sussex
7 species matching this filter.
East Sussex is home to seven species from the hawks and eagles family, offering birdwatchers a rewarding variety of raptors across its diverse landscapes. From the soaring Buzzards above the South Downs to the elegant Sparrowhawks hunting through woodland edges, these birds of prey thrive in the county's mix of chalk downland, ancient woodland, and coastal marshes. Notable species include the Western Marsh-harrier, which frequents the reedbeds of Pevensey Levels, and the increasingly visible Red Kite, a conservation success story now regularly spotted across the region.
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
A common year-round resident, frequently seen soaring over farmland, downland and woodland edges throughout the county.
Year-round
European Honey-buzzard
Pernis apivorusLC
A rare passage visitor in summer, sometimes seen soaring over the wooded Weald. Feeds on wasp and bee larvae unlike most raptors.
Jun–Aug
Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneusLC
A rare winter visitor to open marshes and farmland, occasionally seen quartering the Pevensey Levels in deep winter.
Dec–Feb
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisLC
A rare and secretive resident of larger woodlands. Sightings peak in late winter and autumn, often near extensive forest blocks in the Weald.
Aug–Apr
Red Kite
Milvus milvusLC
A rare but increasingly seen resident, soaring over the Downs and Weald as the population slowly spreads southward.
Year-round
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
An uncommon but widespread resident, hunting small birds through woodland and gardens with dashing low-level flight year-round.
Year-round
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
An uncommon year-round resident of extensive reedbeds and marshes, regularly seen quartering the Pevensey Levels and Lewes Brooks.
Year-round