Birds in East Sussex
Explore 217 species found in this region.
East Sussex is home to an impressive diversity of birdlife, with 212 species recorded across its varied landscapes of chalk downland, ancient woodland, coastal marshes, and shingle beaches. From the iconic white cliffs at Beachy Head — a renowned migration hotspot — to the wetlands of Pevensey Levels and the reedbeds of Rye Harbour, the county offers outstanding birding opportunities year-round. Notable species include the Dotterel on passage, wintering Great Grey Shrike, breeding Northern Lapwing, and the elegant Eurasian Woodcock in the county's woodlands.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Jaeger and Arctic Tern arriving this month, and Brambling and Eurasian Spoonbill depart for the season.
Showing 24–46 of 217 species
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
An uncommon but year-round resident of thick hedgerows and woodland. Shy and retiring, more often heard giving its soft piping call.
Year-round
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
A common year-round resident, frequently seen soaring over farmland, downland and woodland edges throughout the county.
Year-round
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
Widespread and common on lakes, rivers and parkland year-round. Readily seen at Arlington Reservoir and urban ponds across the county.
Year-round
Carrion Crow
Corvus coroneLC
A common and adaptable year-round resident, abundant in towns, farmland and along the coast throughout East Sussex.
Year-round
Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibisLC
A rare but increasingly seen resident, often found alongside cattle on the Pevensey Levels and other low-lying grazing marshes.
Mar–Jan
Cetti's Warbler
Cettia cettiLC
An uncommon but increasing resident of reedbeds and dense waterside scrub. More often heard than seen, with its explosive burst of song.
Year-round
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebsLC
A common and widespread resident found in woodlands, hedgerows, parks, and gardens. One of the most frequently encountered birds in the county.
Year-round
Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybitaLC
A common year-round warbler whose repetitive two-note song echoes through woodlands, parks and hedgerows across the county.
Year-round
Spotted something?
Upload a photo to identify it
Identify
Coal Tit
Periparus aterLC
An uncommon resident favouring coniferous and mixed woodland. Often visits garden feeders in winter, particularly near the wooded Weald.
Year-round
Common Gull
Larus canusLC
Present year-round but uncommon, frequenting playing fields, reservoirs and the coast. Numbers increase in winter with Continental arrivals.
Year-round
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthisLC
An uncommon year-round resident along rivers, streams, and ditches. Often glimpsed as a flash of electric blue darting low over the water.
Year-round
Common Loon
Gavia immerLC
A rare winter visitor to coastal waters, occasionally seen offshore or in sheltered bays between November and February.
Nov–Feb
Common Merganser
Mergus merganserLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to reservoirs and rivers in winter. Small numbers appear between November and February, favouring larger freshwater bodies.
Nov–Feb
Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicusLC
A common resident across farmland, woodland edges and downland. Widely released for shooting, it is one of the most frequently encountered birds in rural areas.
Year-round
Common Raven
Corvus coraxLC
An uncommon but increasing year-round resident, now regularly seen soaring over the South Downs and coastal cliffs.
Year-round
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammeaLC
A rare resident, scarce and easily overlooked among birch and alder woodland. Most likely encountered in winter flocks, sometimes with siskins.
Sep–Jul
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
Common Reed-warbler
Acrocephalus scirpaceusLC
An uncommon summer breeder found deep in reedbeds from April to October. Its repetitive churring song drifts from sites like the Pevensey Levels.
Apr–Oct
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucosLC
An uncommon wader found along rivers, reservoirs, and coastal pools. Most conspicuous on passage, bobbing along stony margins with a distinctive teetering gait.
Year-round
Common Scoter
Melanitta nigraLC
An uncommon but year-round presence offshore, often seen as dark lines of birds flying low over the sea. Passage peaks in spring and autumn.
Year-round
Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadornaLC
An uncommon resident of estuaries and coastal mudflats, notably at Cuckmere Haven and the Ouse estuary. Breeds locally in rabbit burrows.
Year-round
Common Snipe
Gallinago gallinagoLC
An uncommon resident of wet grasslands and marshes, most easily seen in winter when numbers are boosted by continental migrants.
Jul–May
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgarisLC
A common resident famous for its spectacular winter murmurations over Brighton and Eastbourne piers. Numbers swell with Continental arrivals in autumn.
Year-round