Pigeons & Doves in East Sussex
5 species matching this filter.
East Sussex is home to five species of pigeons and doves, ranging from the ubiquitous Woodpigeon to the increasingly rare European Turtle-dove. The county's mix of farmland, chalk downland, coastal cliffs and ancient woodland provides varied habitats for this family of birds. The white cliffs and urban areas around towns such as Brighton and Eastbourne support populations of Rock Doves (feral pigeons), while the hedgerow-rich countryside of the Low Weald remains one of the last strongholds in England for the declining European Turtle-dove.
Eurasian Collared Dove
Streptopelia decaoctoLC
A common resident in towns, villages and gardens throughout the county. Its monotonous three-note call is a familiar sound year-round.
Year-round
European Turtle-dove
Streptopelia turturVU
A rare and rapidly declining summer breeder, arriving in May. One of the UK's most threatened birds, clinging on in scrubby farmland hedgerows.
May–Sep
Rock Dove
Columba liviaLC
Abundant in towns and cities year-round as feral pigeons. True wild-type birds may still occur on coastal cliffs near Beachy Head.
Year-round
Stock Dove
Columba oenasLC
A common resident of farmland and parkland, nesting in tree holes and old buildings. Often seen in small flocks over the South Downs.
Year-round
Woodpigeon
Columba palumbusLC
A common and familiar resident, abundant in gardens, farmland, and woodland throughout East Sussex year-round.
Year-round