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 1–23 of 211 species
American Golden-Plover
Pluvialis dominicaLC
A very rare transatlantic vagrant, occasionally recorded on passage in late spring or early summer on coastal grassland.
Jun
Aquatic Warbler
Acrocephalus paludicolaVU
A globally threatened rarity, very occasionally trapped on autumn passage in September at coastal reedbed sites.
Sep
Arctic Jaeger
Stercorarius parasiticusLC
A rare passage seabird best spotted from headlands like Selsey Bill during spring and autumn seawatches.
Apr–Sep
Arctic Loon
Gavia arcticaLC
A rare winter visitor and passage bird, occasionally spotted offshore or in Chichester Harbour during midwinter. Prefers deeper coastal waters.
Dec–Jan
Avocet
Recurvirostra avosettaLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, breeding and wintering at Pagham Harbour and other sheltered coastal lagoons.
Year-round
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponicaNT
A rare wader found year-round on coastal mudflats, with peak numbers in winter at Chichester Harbour and Pagham.
Year-round
Barn Owl
Tyto albaLC
A rare but resident year-round, hunting over farmland and rough grassland, often seen at dusk near rural barns.
Year-round
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rusticaLC
A common summer visitor arriving from March, nesting in barns and outbuildings. Gathers in large flocks before autumn departure.
Mar–Nov
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Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsisLC
A rare winter visitor, with small numbers occasionally appearing on coastal marshes and fields from October to January.
Oct–Jan
Bearded Tit
Panurus biarmicusLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded in November at reedbeds such as those at Pagham Harbour.
Nov
Black Redstart
Phoenicurus ochrurosLC
A rare non-breeding visitor favouring coastal buildings and cliffs. Most likely seen in autumn and winter months.
Oct–Apr
Black Tern
Chlidonias nigerLC
A rare passage migrant seen briefly in May and September, hawking insects over reservoirs and coastal lagoons.
May–Sep
Black-necked Grebe
Podiceps nigricollisLC
A rare passage migrant glimpsed briefly in March and October, typically on coastal lagoons and sheltered harbours.
Oct–Mar
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosaNT
An uncommon resident of coastal marshes and wet meadows, with notable flocks wintering at Pulborough Brooks and Pagham Harbour.
Year-round
Blackbird
Turdus merulaLC
An abundant resident of gardens, woods and hedgerows, singing from dawn and dusk year-round. Numbers swell with continental arrivals in winter.
Year-round
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapillaLC
A common resident found in woodland and gardens year-round. Summer breeders are joined by wintering birds from central Europe.
Year-round
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleusLC
One of the most familiar garden birds, visiting feeders and nest boxes throughout the year. Common in woods, hedgerows and parks.
Year-round
Brambling
Fringilla montifringillaLC
A rare winter visitor from Scandinavia, present October to March. Sometimes joins Chaffinch flocks under beech trees.
Oct–Mar
Brent Goose
Branta berniclaLC
Winters in good numbers on Chichester and Pagham harbours, grazing on eelgrass beds. Largely absent in June but otherwise present most of the year.
Jul–May
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhulaLC
An uncommon but year-round resident of hedgerows, woodland edges and mature gardens. Often heard before seen.
Year-round
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
A common resident, frequently seen soaring over the South Downs and farmland throughout the year.
Year-round
Canada Goose
Branta canadensisLC
A common resident on lakes, rivers and parkland throughout the county. Breeds readily and can form large flocks on open water.
Year-round
Carrion Crow
Corvus coroneLC
A common and adaptable resident seen across farmland, towns and the coast. Often encountered in noisy groups throughout the year.
Year-round