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 185–207 of 217 species
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
Song Thrush
Turdus philomelosLC
A common resident heard singing from gardens and woodland throughout the year. Often seen smashing snails on paths and stones across the county.
Year-round
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
An uncommon but widespread resident, hunting small birds through woodland and gardens with dashing low-level flight year-round.
Year-round
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
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
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
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
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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
Treecreeper
Certhia familiarisLC
An uncommon resident of mature woodland, spiralling up tree trunks in search of insects. Found throughout the Wealden woods year-round.
Year-round
Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligulaLC
Found year-round on lakes and reservoirs, diving for invertebrates. Regularly seen at Arlington Reservoir and Weir Wood.
Year-round
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
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
An uncommon year-round resident of extensive reedbeds and marshes, regularly seen quartering the Pevensey Levels and Lewes Brooks.
Year-round
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
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopusLC
An uncommon passage wader heard calling overhead in spring and late summer. Coastal marshes and the Cuckmere Valley are favoured stopover sites.
Apr–Sep
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
White-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia leucophrysLC
A rare North American vagrant, occasionally recorded on spring passage. Any sighting in East Sussex is a notable event for local birders.
Apr
Whitethroat
Curruca communisLC
A common summer breeder found in hedgerows, scrubby downland and field margins. Arrives in April and delivers its scratchy song from exposed perches.
Apr–Oct