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 47–69 of 217 species
Common Swift
Apus apusLC
A common summer breeder screaming over towns and villages from late April to August. Nests under eaves and in older buildings across the county.
Apr–Sep
Common Tern
Sterna hirundoLC
An uncommon breeding visitor from April to September, nesting at coastal sites and feeding over inshore waters and gravel pits.
Apr–Sep
Coot
Fulica atraLC
Common on lakes, reservoirs and flooded gravel pits year-round. Often gathers in large flocks at Arlington Reservoir in winter.
Year-round
Corn Bunting
Emberiza calandraLC
A rare and declining resident of open arable farmland. Small populations persist on the South Downs, where its rattling song can still be heard.
Year-round
Cuckoo
Cuculus canorusLC
An uncommon summer visitor arriving in April, favouring heathland and downland. Declining nationally, its distinctive call is increasingly hard to hear.
Apr–Aug
Curlew
Numenius arquataNT
An uncommon resident found on coastal marshes and the Pevensey Levels year-round. Numbers have declined as a breeding bird in the region.
Year-round
Curlew Sandpiper
Calidris ferrugineaNT
A rare but annual autumn passage migrant, typically seen on coastal scrapes from July to September, often alongside Dunlin.
Jul–Sep
Dartford Warbler
Curruca undataNT
A rare resident of gorse-covered heathland, vulnerable to harsh winters. Ashdown Forest is a key stronghold in the county.
Year-round
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Dotterel
Eudromias morinellusLC
A rare and charming passage migrant, occasionally stopping on the South Downs in September. Remarkably tame, often allowing close approach.
Sep
Dunlin
Calidris alpinaLC
Found on mudflats and coastal lagoons year-round, with numbers boosted in winter. Pevensey Levels and Rye Harbour are key sites.
Year-round
Dunnock
Prunella modularisLC
A common and unobtrusive resident of hedgerows and garden shrubbery. Its thin, high-pitched song is heard year-round across the county.
Year-round
Egyptian Goose
Alopochen aegyptiacaLC
An established but uncommon resident found year-round on lakes, reservoirs and parkland. This naturalised species is slowly spreading across the county.
Year-round
Eider
Somateria mollissimaNT
A rare passage visitor, occasionally seen offshore or in sheltered bays during spring and late autumn. Small numbers may linger through winter.
Dec–Apr
Eurasian Bittern
Botaurus stellarisLC
A rare and elusive passage visitor, occasionally flushed from reedbeds at sites like the Pevensey Levels in May.
May
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
Eurasian Jay
Garrulus glandariusLC
An uncommon but widespread resident of broadleaved woodland and mature gardens. Its harsh screeching call often betrays its presence.
Year-round
Eurasian Nuthatch
Sitta europaeaLC
Found year-round in mature deciduous woodland, often heard giving its loud ringing call in the Weald and downland copses.
Year-round
Eurasian Oystercatcher
Haematopus ostralegusNT
A striking wader found on shingle beaches and coastal marshes year-round. Breeds at Rye Harbour and along the Pevensey shore.
Year-round
Eurasian Siskin
Spinus spinusLC
An uncommon resident favouring alder and birch woodland. Numbers increase in winter when continental birds arrive, often visiting garden feeders.
Year-round
Eurasian Skylark
Alauda arvensisLC
A common resident of open farmland and the South Downs, though declining nationally. Its continuous hovering song flight is a classic downland sound.
Year-round
Eurasian Spoonbill
Platalea leucorodiaLC
A rare but increasingly regular visitor to coastal marshes and the Pevensey Levels, most often seen outside the breeding season sweeping its distinctive bill through shallow water.
Sep–May
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Passer montanusLC
A rare passage visitor in March, far scarcer here than in northern England. Any sighting in East Sussex is noteworthy.
Mar
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelopeLC
An uncommon but regular visitor to coastal marshes and flooded fields, with numbers peaking in winter. Whistling flocks gather on the Pevensey Levels and Cuckmere.
Jul–May