Birds in West Sussex
Explore 211 species found in this region.
West Sussex is home to an impressive 207 recorded bird species, reflecting the county's rich diversity of habitats — from the chalk downlands of the South Downs to the coastal mudflats and harbours of Chichester and Pagham. Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings ranging from familiar garden visitors like the Great Tit and Magpie to scarcer species such as the Great Grey Shrike and the elegant Northern Pintail. The county's wetlands, woodlands, and estuaries make it one of the most rewarding birding destinations in southern England.
Visiting in April? Look out for Arctic Jaeger and Common Redstart arriving this month, and Black-necked Grebe and Brambling depart for the season.
Showing 70–92 of 211 species
European Honey-buzzard
Pernis apivorusLC
A rare and secretive summer breeder, arriving in May to nest in mature woodland. Feeds largely on wasp and bee larvae.
May–Aug
European Pied Flycatcher
Ficedula hypoleucaLC
A rare passage migrant seen briefly in August and September, typically at coastal sites during autumn migration.
Aug–Sep
European Robin
Erithacus rubeculaLC
A common and confiding year-round resident of gardens, woodland, and hedgerows, singing throughout much of the year.
Year-round
European Shag
Phalacrocorax aristotelisLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to rocky coastal stretches and harbour walls, mainly outside the summer months.
Aug–Apr
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.
May–Aug
Fieldfare
Turdus pilarisLC
An uncommon winter visitor arriving from Scandinavia in October, feeding in flocks on berries in hedgerows and open fields.
Oct–Mar
Firecrest
Regulus ignicapillaLC
A scarce year-round resident favouring evergreen woodland and churchyards. West Sussex is a stronghold for this tiny, colourful kinglet.
Year-round
Fulmar
Fulmarus glacialisLC
A rare breeder, nesting on chalk cliffs near Beachy Head's western fringes; numbers have declined significantly.
Feb–Jun
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Gadwall
Mareca streperaLC
An uncommon year-round resident found on freshwater lakes and reservoirs. Numbers increase in winter at sites like Arundel WWT and Pulborough Brooks.
Year-round
Garden Warbler
Sylvia borinLC
An unassuming summer visitor breeding in dense woodland understorey from April to September. Easily overlooked but has a rich warbling song.
Apr–Sep
Garganey
Spatula querquedulaLC
A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally stopping at wetland sites like Pulborough Brooks and Pagham Harbour from March to May.
Mar–May
Goldcrest
Regulus regulusLC
A common resident of coniferous and mixed woodland year-round. Britain's smallest bird, often seen hovering among branches.
Year-round
Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricariaLC
An uncommon winter visitor to coastal fields and marshes, sometimes forming flocks on the Manhood Peninsula and Arun Valley.
Sep–Mar
Goldeneye
Bucephala clangulaLC
A rare winter visitor to reservoirs and sheltered coastal waters from November to March. Females and immatures are most often seen.
Nov–Mar
Grasshopper Warbler
Locustella naeviaLC
A rare passage migrant in April, its distinctive reeling song occasionally heard from dense scrub and rough grassland.
Apr
Great Black-backed Gull
Larus marinusLC
An uncommon resident along the coast, often seen loafing on beaches or following fishing boats. The largest British gull.
Year-round
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carboLC
A common resident found year-round on rivers, reservoirs, and the coast, often seen drying its wings on posts and jetties.
Year-round
Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatusLC
A common resident on larger lakes and reservoirs, performing elaborate courtship displays in spring. Also seen offshore in winter.
Year-round
Great Grey Shrike
Lanius excubitorLC
A rare spring passage visitor, very occasionally recorded in March on heathland and open scrubby areas.
Mar
Great Skua
Catharacta skuaLC
A rare spring passage seabird, sometimes spotted from headlands during April seawatches off Selsey Bill or Worthing.
Apr
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos majorLC
A common year-round resident of woodlands and gardens, its drumming a familiar sound in spring across the county.
Year-round
Great Tit
Parus majorLC
A common and bold garden visitor year-round, readily using nest boxes in woodland, parks, and hedgerows across the county.
Year-round
Great White Egret
Ardea albaLC
A rare but increasingly seen year-round resident, favouring wetland reserves like Pulborough Brooks and Amberley Wild Brooks.
Year-round