Murmurations

In the winter months just before dusk, around the two piers, you may be lucky enough to see murmurations of Starlings, birds gathering in large numbers performing hypnotising aerial acrobatics before roosting for the night. Dipping, diving and swerving in spectacular unison forming swirling clouds of mesmerising shapes and incredible dance moves. It is believed the name stems from the fact that the movement of the group creates a murmur-esque sound.

One reason starlings gather in murmurations is to stay warm at night, with the Starlings in the Sky website reporting that the combined body heat of thousands of birds can "raise the surrounding air temperature by a few degrees, which can mean life or death during the bitter cold winter nights. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) says starlings also come together to "exchange information, such as good feeding areas". But the key function of murmurations is for protection, such as from peregrine falcons.

Other Sights in Brighton - City Centre

Seafront Towards Hove

Seafront From Pier to Marina

Out of Town