Rare Birds in East Sussex
94 species matching this filter.
East Sussex is home to a fascinating array of rare bird species, with 94 uncommon visitors and scarce residents recorded across the county. From the elusive Eurasian Bittern lurking in reedbeds at sites like Filsham and the Pevensey Levels to spectacular passage migrants such as Arctic Terns along the coast, the county's diverse habitats — including chalk downland, ancient woodland, and coastal wetlands — attract a remarkable variety of rarities. Winter months can bring surprises like Bohemian Waxwings, Bramblings, and Goldeneye, while the warmer seasons may reward patient observers with sightings of European Honey-buzzards soaring over the Weald.
Showing 70–92 of 94 species
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serratorLC
A scarce winter visitor to sheltered coastal waters and estuaries. Small numbers frequent the Rye Bay area from late autumn to spring.
Nov–May
Red-legged Partridge
Alectoris rufaNT
An introduced resident found year-round on farmland and downland edges, though rarely encountered. Prefers arable fields with hedgerow cover.
Year-round
Red-necked Phalarope
Phalaropus lobatusLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, occasionally seen spinning on pools at coastal reserves such as Rye Harbour in September.
Sep
Ring Ouzel
Turdus torquatusLC
A scarce passage migrant through East Sussex in April and October, often seen on downland scrub and coastal headlands during brief stopovers.
Oct–Apr
Roseate Tern
Sterna dougalliiLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally glimpsed offshore in July among commoner tern flocks moving along the Sussex coast.
Jul
Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensisLC
A rare breeding visitor to freshwater lakes, now extremely scarce following national eradication efforts. Any sightings are notable in the county.
Mar–Jun
Ruff
Philomachus pugnaxLC
A rare wader found at coastal pools and marshes, most often seen on autumn passage. Breeding males sport extraordinary ruffs, but most sightings here involve plainer birds.
Jul–Apr
Sanderling
Calidris albaLC
Scarce along East Sussex's shingle and sandy shores, mainly seen in winter and on passage. Runs energetically at the tide edge, often in small flocks.
Aug–May
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Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeusLC
A rare winter visitor to open marshes and coastal grasslands, hunting low over the Pevensey Levels and similar sites from October to April.
Oct–Apr
Smew
Mergellus albellusLC
A rare and prized winter visitor, most likely in cold snaps during January and December. Favours reservoirs and sheltered freshwater lakes.
Dec–Jan
Snow Bunting
Plectrophenax nivalisLC
A rare passage visitor in November, occasionally seen on shingle beaches and coastal fields. An Arctic breeder that seldom lingers in the county.
Nov
Spotted Redshank
Tringa erythropusLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to sheltered estuaries and coastal pools. Most often seen at Rye Harbour or Pagham-area marshes.
Aug–Apr
Tawny Owl
Strix alucoLC
A rare but resident owl of mature deciduous woodland, heard more often than seen. Declining in parts of south-east England.
Year-round
Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialisLC
A rare and declining summer breeder on heathland sites such as Ashdown Forest. Delivers its song in a distinctive parachuting display flight.
Apr–Oct
Tundra Bean Goose
Anser serrirostrisLC
A rare passage visitor in midwinter, occasionally seen on flooded fields and grazing marshes, most likely in January and February.
Jan–Feb
Twite
Linaria flavirostrisLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded in January. Far more typical of northern uplands, it is a notable find in East Sussex.
Jan
Velvet Scoter
Melanitta fuscaVU
A rare passage visitor, occasionally spotted offshore in April and December. Best looked for during seawatches from Beachy Head or Birling Gap.
Dec–Apr
Water Pipit
Anthus spinolettaLC
A rare winter visitor from November to March, favouring watercress beds and marshy areas. The Cuckmere valley is a reliable site.
Nov–Mar
Water Rail
Rallus aquaticusLC
A secretive resident of reedbeds and marshy ditches, more often heard than seen. Squealing calls betray its presence at sites like Filsham and the Pannel Valley.
Aug–May
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareolaLC
A rare but regular autumn passage wader, favouring freshwater scrapes at sites like Rye Harbour and Pett Level from July to September.
Jul–Sep
Woodchat Shrike
Lanius senatorNT
A rare spring overshoot from southern Europe, occasionally recorded in April at coastal headlands and scrubby migration points.
Apr
Woodlark
Lullula arboreaLC
A rare breeding species found on heathland sites such as Ashdown Forest. Arrives from February and delivers its sweet, descending song in display flight.
Oct–Jun
Wryneck
Jynx torquillaLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, most often found in coastal scrub around Beachy Head during September falls.
Sep