Old World Flycatchers in East Sussex

9 species matching this filter.

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East Sussex is home to nine recorded species of Old World Flycatcher (Muscicapidae), a diverse family that includes familiar garden birds like the European Robin alongside scarcer migrants such as the Nightingale and European Pied Flycatcher. The county's varied habitats — from the chalk downland of the South Downs to coastal scrub, heathland, and ancient woodland — provide vital breeding and stopover sites for these species. Notable highlights include Wheatears arriving on the clifftops in spring, Nightingales singing in dense thickets, and Black Redstarts frequenting urban and coastal structures.

Stonechat
StonechatSmallest · 11.5cm
to
Nightingale
NightingaleLargest · 16.5cm
Ranges from the Stonechat (11.5cm) to the Nightingale (16.5cm)3 year-round residents
Black Redstart

Black Redstart

Phoenicurus ochrurosLC

A rare winter visitor favouring coastal cliffs and buildings around Brighton and Beachy Head from October to early spring.

Oct–Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Common Redstart

Common Redstart

Phoenicurus phoenicurusLC

An uncommon summer breeder found in mature oak woodland and parkland. The male's striking orange tail and black face make it unmistakable.

Apr–Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
European Pied Flycatcher

European Pied Flycatcher

Ficedula hypoleucaLC

A rare passage migrant seen mainly in August and September at coastal sites. Spring records in May are scarce but possible.

May–Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
European Robin

European Robin

Erithacus rubeculaLC

One of the most familiar year-round residents, found in gardens, hedgerows and woodland. Sings throughout winter across the county.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Nightingale

Nightingale

Luscinia megarhynchosLC

A rare and declining summer breeder, arriving in April. Dense coppiced woodland in the Low Weald remains a stronghold for this celebrated songster.

Apr–Aug

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spotted Flycatcher

Spotted Flycatcher

Muscicapa striataLC

An uncommon and declining summer breeder arriving in May. Sallies for insects from exposed perches in woodland edges and mature gardens.

May–Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Stonechat

Stonechat

Saxicola torquatusLC

A common resident of coastal scrub, heathland, and gorse. Readily seen perching prominently at sites like Beachy Head and the Cuckmere valley.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Wheatear

Wheatear

Oenanthe oenantheLC

An uncommon breeder on short-grazed chalk downland and coastal clifftops. Most visible during spring and autumn passage along the Sussex coast.

Mar–Nov

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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Whinchat

Whinchat

Saxicola rubetraLC

An uncommon visitor to rough grassland and scrubby margins, mainly on passage from May to October. Favours open areas along the coast and Downs.

May–Oct

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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