South Downs National Park

Birds

The South Downs National Park is also home to an array of beautiful bird species, attracting birdwatchers from across the globe. The variety of habitats, including chalk grasslands and woodlands, supports a diverse avian population.

European Skylark (Alauda arvensis)
The skylark is famous for its mesmerizing song, delivered in flight high above open grasslands. With streaky brown feathers, these birds are a symbol of the British countryside.

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
Barn owls are iconic birds in the South Downs, often seen gliding silently at dusk. Their heart-shaped faces and ghostly white plumage make them unmistakable.

Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
The red kite is a large bird of prey recognized by its reddish body, forked tail, and graceful flight. These scavengers are commonly spotted soaring over farmland and woodlands.

Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola)
Stonechats are small, colorful birds often seen perched on shrubs and bushes in heathlands. The males have striking black heads and orange breasts, while the females are more subdued in coloration.

Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
The buzzard is one of the most common birds of prey in the park, often seen circling high in the sky. They have broad wings and a varied diet, ranging from small mammals to carrion.

Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)
Known for their distinctive call, cuckoos are migratory birds that arrive in the South Downs during spring. They are brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of other bird species.

Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)
Yellowhammers are striking birds with bright yellow heads and underparts. Their distinctive “little-bit-of-bread-and-no-cheese” song can often be heard in open fields and hedgerows.

Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
The kingfisher is a stunning bird with bright blue and orange plumage. Found near rivers and streams, they are expert hunters, diving into the water to catch fish.

Woodlark (Lullula arborea)
Woodlarks are ground-nesting birds with a sweet, melodious song. They prefer open habitats with scattered trees, such as heathlands and grasslands.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world, capable of reaching incredible speeds during its hunting stoop. These powerful birds can often be seen around the chalk cliffs of the South Downs.

European Badger (Meles meles)
The European badger is a nocturnal mammal often seen in the South Downs. These social creatures live in family groups called clans and dig complex burrow systems known as setts. They play an important role in the ecosystem by aerating soil through their digging activities.

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Roe deer are small, graceful deer commonly found in woodlands and fields across the park. Known for their reddish-brown coats in summer and grayish tones in winter, these shy animals are most active at dawn and dusk.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
The red fox is a highly adaptable predator found in a variety of habitats in the South Downs. Recognized by their reddish fur and bushy tails, foxes are often seen foraging in open fields or near woodland edges.

Adder (Vipera berus)
The adder is the only venomous snake native to the UK and can be found basking in the sunny heathlands of the park. While their bite is rarely dangerous to humans, they are an important part of the ecosystem as predators of small rodents.

Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara)
The common lizard is a small reptile frequently seen sunning itself on rocks and grassy paths. Unlike many reptiles, this lizard gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs.

Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius)
Water voles inhabit the rivers and streams of the South Downs. They are often mistaken for rats but can be identified by their round noses, chestnut-brown fur, and shorter tails.

Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
Hedgehogs are a beloved species in the South Downs, particularly in its gardens and hedgerows. These nocturnal creatures are known for their spiny coats, which provide excellent protection from predators.

Stoat (Mustela erminea)
Stoats are agile hunters commonly found in grasslands and woodlands. They are characterized by their reddish-brown fur and black-tipped tails and are known for their ability to take down prey larger than themselves.

Grass Snake (Natrix helvetica)
The grass snake is a non-venomous reptile that prefers wetlands and ponds. These snakes are excellent swimmers and primarily feed on amphibians and fish.

Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus)
Brown hares are a striking species with long ears tipped in black and powerful hind legs. Often spotted in open fields, they are known for their speed and unique “boxing” behavior during mating season.