Birds of Prey in the UK

Wingspan: Up to 2.3 metres
Hunts: By day

The golden eagle is one of the most powerful and recognisable birds of prey in the UK. Adults are large and dark brown with broad wings and a long tail. A subtle golden sheen on the head and neck gives the species its name. In flight, golden eagles hold their wings in a shallow V and soar with slow, deliberate wingbeats, often covering vast distances on rising air currents. Their size and steady flight make them unmistakable at close range.

In the UK, golden eagles are almost entirely confined to the Scottish Highlands. They favour remote mountainous areas with open moorland, rocky slopes, and low levels of disturbance. Nests are built on cliff ledges or rocky crags and are large structures that may be reused and added to for decades. Females usually lay one or two eggs, though it is common for only one chick to survive. Some pairs do not breed every year if food levels are low or weather conditions are poor.

Golden eagles hunt during daylight, relying on exceptional eyesight to locate prey from long distances. Their diet includes mountain hares, rabbits, grouse, seabirds, and carrion. They are capable hunters but also make regular use of scavenging, particularly in winter when live prey is harder to catch.

Despite full legal protection, golden eagles remain rare and vulnerable in the UK. Illegal persecution and habitat pressures continue to limit population growth in some areas. To see one, scan high ridgelines on clear days, where their commanding presence dominates the landscape.

Golden eagles can recognise individual neighbouring eagles and will tolerate familiar rivals while aggressively challenging strangers. Their eyesight is so refined they can spot prey moving over two miles away, even in poor light. In winter, they sometimes cache uneaten prey under snow or vegetation to eat later. Unlike many raptors, golden eagles rely heavily on walking across the ground to hunt and investigate prey, especially in upland terrain.

Golden eagles typically fly at 30–40 mph when soaring, but can reach up to 80 mph in level flight and even faster in a hunting dive. Their feet are extremely powerful, with large, sharply curved talons capable of exerting enough pressure to kill prey instantly, allowing them to take animals as large as hares and fox cubs.

Wingspan: Up to 2.45 metres
Hunts: By day

The white tailed eagle is the largest bird of prey found in the UK. It has very broad wings, a heavy body, and a short wedge shaped tail that is white in adults. The head is pale with a thick yellow bill, giving the bird a striking and imposing appearance. In flight, white tailed eagles move with slow wingbeats and long glides, often appearing larger than any other raptor in the landscape.

Once extinct in the UK, the species has been successfully reintroduced and now breeds mainly along the west coast of Scotland, with expanding populations in parts of England. It favours coastal areas, large lochs, and estuaries where food is abundant. Nests are enormous structures built in tall trees or on cliffs near water and may be used for many years. Females usually lay one to three eggs, though not all young survive to fledging.

White tailed eagles hunt during daylight and feed primarily on fish and waterbirds. They often take prey from the surface of the water and will also scavenge carrion. Opportunistic by nature, they sometimes steal food from other birds, including smaller raptors.

Although numbers are increasing, white tailed eagles remain sensitive to disturbance and are closely monitored. Spotting one soaring over a loch or coastline is an unforgettable experience due to its size, slow flight, and dominance of the surrounding landscape.

White-tailed eagles are among the heaviest birds of prey in the UK, with large females weighing up to 7–9 kg.

They fiercely protect their nests by circling, calling loudly, and aggressively driving off intruders, including other large raptors. Adult white-tailed eagles have no natural predators; however, eggs or chicks may rarely be taken by foxes or ravens if left unguarded (if they are feeling brave enough that is).

Wingspan: Up to 1.8 metres
Hunts: By day

The red kite is one of the most elegant and easily recognised birds of prey in the UK. It is slim with long wings and a deeply forked tail that twists constantly in flight. Plumage is rich reddish brown with pale panels under the wings, creating a light and buoyant appearance. Its slow, graceful flight sets it apart from most other raptors.

Red kites nest high in trees, building stick nests lined with wool, cloth, and other soft materials. Females typically lay two or three eggs. Most pairs attempt to breed each year once established, though breeding success varies depending on weather and food availability. Cold or wet springs can reduce chick survival.

Unlike many birds of prey, red kites are opportunistic feeders rather than specialist hunters. They feed largely on carrion, roadkill, insects, worms, and small mammals. Foraging takes place during daylight hours, often over wide areas.

Once reduced to a single breeding population in Wales due to persecution, red kites are now one of the UK’s major conservation success stories. Reintroduction programmes have restored them across England and Scotland. They are now common in many rural and suburban areas, where their distinctive tail and relaxed flight make identification straightforward.

Red kites typically travel at 25 - 40 mph when gliding and soaring, using thermals to move long distances with very little effort rather than flying fast.

They are not solitary birds and are often seen soaring in loose groups or roosting communally, especially in winter.

Their talons are relatively weak compared to other birds of prey and are adapted for picking up carrion or small prey rather than killing large animals, which is why red kites mainly scavenge.

Wingspan: Up to 1.4 metres
Hunts: By day

The common buzzard is now the most widespread bird of prey in the UK. It is stocky and broad winged, with considerable variation in colour ranging from pale cream to dark brown. In flight, buzzards show broad wings, a short fan shaped tail, and a rounded silhouette that is familiar across much of the countryside.

Buzzards nest in woodland trees, building large stick nests that are often reused year after year. Females typically lay two or three eggs, though clutch size can range from one to four. Most pairs attempt to breed annually, but some may skip breeding in years when food is scarce. Not all chicks survive to fledging, particularly in poor seasons.

They hunt during daylight and are often seen soaring on thermals or perched on fence posts and trees. Their diet is extremely varied and includes small mammals, birds, insects, worms and carrion. This flexibility has allowed buzzards to adapt well to changing landscapes.

Once heavily persecuted, buzzards have made a strong recovery and expanded their range dramatically. Although illegal killing still occurs in some areas, the buzzard is now a defining feature of the British landscape.

Adult buzzards help their young learn to fly by calling to them from nearby trees and demonstrating short, confident flights. Fledglings strengthen their wings through repeated flapping, hopping, and brief glides before mastering sustained flight. During this vulnerable stage, young buzzards may be attacked in mid-air by crows, ravens, or gulls that mob them aggressively. To protect their young, adult buzzards become highly defensive, circling overhead, calling loudly, and dive-bombing potential threats to drive them away from the nesting area.

Wingspan: Up to 1.2 metres
Hunts: By day

The peregrine falcon is compact, muscular, and built for speed. It has blue grey upperparts, barred underparts, and a bold dark facial marking. In flight, peregrines are fast and direct, with powerful wingbeats and exceptional agility.

Peregrines nest on cliffs, quarry ledges, and increasingly on tall buildings in towns and cities. Females lay three or four eggs, and most pairs breed each year if disturbance is low. Urban nesting sites have proven particularly successful in recent decades.

They hunt birds in flight, striking prey with high speed dives known as stoops. This hunting method makes the peregrine the fastest animal on Earth. Prey includes pigeons, waders and a wide range of other bird species.

After severe declines caused by pesticide use in the twentieth century, peregrines have recovered strongly. They are now found across much of the UK, including major cities, where they have become an iconic symbol of wildlife adaptation.

Peregrines fiercely protect eggs and chicks, dive-bombing intruders with loud alarm calls and near-miss strikes.

Peregrines are especially loved in Arab culture because they embody qualities deeply admired in the region: strength, speed, courage, loyalty, and nobility. For thousands of years, falconry has been central to Bedouin life, and peregrines were valued hunting partners, helping families survive in harsh desert environments. This bond created profound respect, with peregrines symbolising honour, heritage, and the deep connection between humans and nature.

Wingspan: Up to 75cm
Hunts: By day

The sparrowhawk is a small but formidable bird of prey, perfectly adapted for fast and agile hunting in wooded landscapes. Males are blue grey above with orange barring on the underparts, while females are significantly larger and browner, often causing confusion with other raptors. In flight, sparrowhawks show short rounded wings and a long tail, giving them exceptional manoeuvrability.

Sparrowhawks nest in dense woodland, building stick nests concealed within trees. Females typically lay three to six eggs. Most pairs attempt to breed every year, although success varies depending on weather conditions and prey availability. Cold or wet springs can reduce chick survival, particularly during the early stages of development.

They hunt during daylight, relying on speed, surprise, and cover to ambush prey. Small birds form the majority of their diet, which they catch in sudden bursts of flight through hedges, gardens, and woodland edges. Their hunting style often results in dramatic encounters, with prey attempting to escape at the last moment.

Once severely affected by pesticide use in the mid twentieth century, sparrowhawks have recovered well and are now widespread across the UK. They are frequently seen in gardens and parks, where their sudden appearances are often marked by alarm calls and panicked flocks of small birds.

An unusual fact about the UK sparrowhawk is the dramatic size difference between sexes, with females up to 25% larger than males, enabling them to take larger prey. They are ambush hunters, capable of flying at speeds of up to 50 mph in pursuit. Their powerful talons deliver a crushing grip strong enough to kill birds instantly, relying on speed, surprise, and strength rather than prolonged chases.

Sparrowhawks may visit gardens and occasionally hunt garden birds, especially where feeders attract small birds. This is a natural and normal behaviour and does not threaten overall bird populations. Sparrowhawks avoid people and pose no danger to pets or humans, they’re simply following an easy food source.

Wingspan: Up to 80cm
Hunts: By day

The kestrel is one of the most familiar birds of prey in the UK and is easily recognised by its distinctive hovering behaviour. It is slim with long wings and tail, and males show a grey head and tail, while females are browner and more heavily marked. In flight, kestrels appear light and buoyant.

Kestrels nest in a variety of locations, including old crow nests, tree cavities, cliffs, and buildings. Females usually lay four to six eggs. Most pairs attempt to breed annually, but breeding success is closely linked to the availability of small mammals. In years when prey is scarce, some pairs may fail to raise young or may not breed at all.

They hunt during daylight, feeding mainly on voles, mice, insects, and small birds. Hunting often takes place over farmland, grassland, and roadside verges. The kestrel’s ability to hover allows it to scan the ground precisely before dropping onto prey.

Kestrel numbers have declined in recent decades, largely due to changes in agricultural practices that reduce prey populations and hunting habitat. Despite this, they remain a familiar sight in many parts of the UK, particularly in open countryside.

An unusual fact about the UK kestrel is that it can see ultraviolet light, allowing it to spot vole urine trails invisible to humans. Their talons are strong enough to quickly dispatch small mammals and birds.

Natural predators include larger birds of prey such as peregrine falcons, goshawks and occasionally eagle owls, while eggs and chicks may be taken by crows or foxes.

Wingspan: Up to 70cm
Hunts: By day

The merlin is the smallest falcon found in the UK and is compact, fast and powerful for its size. Adults appear dark above with streaked underparts, and their rapid wingbeats give a low, purposeful flight. Males are blue grey on the upperparts, while females and juveniles are browner and heavier built.

Merlins breed mainly on upland moorland, where they nest on the ground among heather or grass. Females lay three to five eggs. Most pairs attempt to breed each year, but breeding success is strongly influenced by weather conditions and prey availability. Cold or wet springs can lead to breeding failure.

They hunt small birds in fast chases close to the ground, often following the contours of the landscape. Prey species include meadow pipits and other small passerines (songbirds such as tits or blackbirds). Their speed and low flight make them difficult to observe for long periods.

Merlins are vulnerable to habitat change and disturbance. Outside the breeding season, they are often seen in coastal areas and lowland sites, where open ground provides suitable hunting opportunities.

An unusual fact about the UK merlin is that it hunts by flying extremely low and fast over moorland, surprising prey rather than diving from height. Merlins can reach speeds of around 40 mph in level flight. Look for rapid wingbeats, a short tail, and low, darting flight over open uplands.

Wingspan: Up to 1.4m
Hunts: By day

The marsh harrier is the largest harrier species in the UK and a striking bird of wetland landscapes. It has long wings and tail, with a slow and deliberate flight style. Plumage varies by age and sex, but all show a characteristic low, gliding flight over reeds.

Marsh harriers inhabit reedbeds, marshes and wetlands, where they nest on the ground among dense vegetation. Females usually lay three to five eggs. Most pairs attempt to breed each year where habitat conditions are stable and disturbance is minimal.

They hunt during daylight, flying low over wetlands in search of small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and carrion. Their hunting behaviour is methodical, with frequent wing tilts as they scan below.

Once extinct in the UK due to persecution and habitat loss, marsh harriers have made a strong recovery thanks to wetland conservation. They are now increasing in number, particularly in eastern and southern England.

An unusual fact is their polygynous breeding, one male may mate with several females in a season. They hunt by flying low with wings held in a shallow V and often reuse the same nesting sites in reedbeds for decades.

Marsh harriers have powerful talons designed for grasping and dispatching prey quickly, rather than crushing. While exact grip force isn’t measured, their talons are strong enough to kill birds, mammals, and reptiles swiftly, using sharp curvature and sustained pressure rather than sheer squeezing power.

Wingspan: Up to 1.1m
Hunts: Day, dusk, and dawn

The short eared owl is one of the most distinctive owls in the UK due to its regular daytime activity. It is medium sized with long wings and a slim body, giving it a buoyant and flexible flight style. Plumage is mottled brown above with paler underparts, while the underwings show dark patches at the wrist. Bright yellow eyes stand out against a pale facial disc, while the small ear tufts are rarely visible.

In the UK, short eared owls favour open landscapes such as moorland, coastal grassland, marshes and rough pasture. They nest on the ground, using shallow scrapes concealed by vegetation. Females typically lay four to seven eggs, though clutch size can increase in years when vole populations are high. In poor prey years, they may not attempt to breed at all, leading to large annual fluctuations in numbers.

Short eared owls hunt by flying low over open ground with a slow, moth-like flight. They rely heavily on hearing to detect small mammals, particularly voles, which form the bulk of their diet. Their facial disc helps funnel sound, allowing them to locate prey even when hidden in dense grass.

Numbers in the UK vary greatly from year to year and region to region. The species is vulnerable to habitat loss and changes in land management that reduce prey availability. To see one, visit open countryside at dusk or even during the day in winter, when their floppy wingbeats and pale underwings are distinctive.

The short-eared owl is generally considered a solitary species. This means it typically hunts, roosts, and lives alone rather than in stable groups, interacting with others mainly during the breeding season. Outside breeding, any grouping (such as winter roosts) is temporary and not social in nature.

They are shy, non-aggressive birds that avoid contact with humans. On rare occasions, they may defend a nest by flying close or calling, but this behaviour is defensive and not harmful.

Wingspan: Up to 90cm
Hunts: At night

The barn owl is one of the most instantly recognisable birds in the UK. It has a pale heart shaped face, dark eyes, and a golden buff back with white underparts. In flight, barn owls appear almost weightless, gliding silently on long wings with slow, shallow wingbeats.

Barn owls inhabit open farmland with rough grassland, field margins and hedgerows that support small mammals. They nest in barns, church towers, hollow trees and nest boxes. Females usually lay four to seven eggs, often hatching asynchronously so chicks are at different stages of development. Breeding may occur annually, twice in good years, or not at all when prey is scarce.

They hunt at night by flying low over fields and listening for prey movements. Exceptional hearing allows barn owls to pinpoint voles, mice and shrews even in complete darkness. Once prey is detected, it is taken with a swift downward strike.

Barn owls remain vulnerable in the UK due to habitat loss, road mortality and harsh winters. Conservation measures such as nest boxes and habitat restoration have helped stabilise some populations. To spot one, watch for pale shapes drifting over fields at dusk, when their ghostly flight is most visible. 

UK barn owls have asymmetrical ear openings, allowing them to locate prey accurately in complete darkness using sound alone. They are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, with additional protection during the breeding season.

Barn owl talons can exert a grip force of up to around 75 pounds per square inch, strong enough to instantly immobilise small mammals such as voles and mice, ensuring a swift and efficient kill despite the owl’s relatively lightweight build.

Wingspan: Up to 1m
Hunts: At night

The tawny owl is the UK’s most common owl and the classic woodland species. It is stocky with broad wings, a rounded head, and large dark eyes. Plumage occurs in brown and grey forms, allowing excellent camouflage against tree bark. Its familiar calls are a defining sound of woodland nights.

Tawny owls inhabit mature woodland, parks and large gardens with suitable nesting sites. They nest in tree cavities, old buildings and nest boxes. Females lay two to four eggs in early spring. Most pairs breed annually and form long term bonds, defending territories throughout the year.

They hunt at night from perches, dropping silently onto prey. Diet includes small mammals, birds, amphibians, insects and worms. Tawny owls are highly adaptable hunters and can exploit a wide range of food sources within their territory.

Although still widespread, tawny owls depend on the availability of mature trees and undisturbed nesting sites. Loss of old woodland and increased road traffic pose ongoing risks. To see one, listen for calls after dark or look for a compact owl perched quietly under woodland cover.

Tawny owls don’t migrate and can occupy the same territory for life, sometimes for decades. Unlike many owls, they have exceptionally strong pair bonds, with mates often staying together year-round. Their famous “twit-twoo” call is actually a duet between male and female.

Tawny owls also have poor peripheral vision compared to other owls, relying heavily on hearing and memory to hunt successfully in dense woodland.

Wingspan: Up to 55cm
Hunts: Day and night

The little owl is the smallest owl species in the UK but has a bold and expressive appearance. It is compact with a round head, yellow eyes, and prominent white eyebrows that give a stern expression. Plumage is brown with pale spotting, providing good camouflage in farmland settings.

Little owls favour open countryside, farmland, orchards, and parkland. They nest in tree holes, walls, old buildings and nest boxes. Females typically lay three to five eggs, and most pairs attempt to breed each year. However, breeding success has declined in recent decades due to habitat change and reduced food availability.

Unlike most owls, little owls are often active during daylight, especially in the early morning and evening. They hunt from low perches, dropping onto prey rather than pursuing it in flight. Their diet is varied and includes insects, worms, small mammals, birds and amphibians. They use exaggerated head-bobbing to judge distance before pouncing on prey. Little owls also store surplus food in nest cavities, returning to it later — a rare behaviour among small owls.

Once widespread, little owls are now declining in many parts of the UK. Changes in farming practices and the loss of traditional nesting sites are key factors. To spot one, scan fence posts, old trees, or buildings during the day, where their upright posture and intense stare are distinctive.

Did you know that the lhe little owl was introduced to the UK in the late Victorian period, beginning in the 1870s, largely by wealthy landowners and estate managers. At the time, there was strong enthusiasm for acclimatisation, the idea that British wildlife could be “improved” by adding attractive or useful foreign species. Little owls were released because they were seen as ornamental, controllable predators of insects and small rodents, and well suited to parkland and farmland.
Victorians also admired their bold daytime behaviour, which made them more visible than native owls.