England is home to a diverse array of birds of prey, ranging from large eagles to small falcons. Some of the most common and notable birds of prey in England include the Common Buzzard, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Kestrel, Red Kite, and Peregrine Falcon.
What are birds of prey?
Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are birds that primarily hunt and feed on vertebrates. They have powerful talons and curved beaks ideal for tearing flesh. Their excellent eyesight enables them to spot potential prey from afar. Birds of prey include eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures, and harriers.
Why are birds of prey important?
Birds of prey play a vital role in the ecosystem by helping control populations of small mammals and birds. They help regulate disease by removing sick and weak individuals. Their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem with abundant prey. Many birds of prey are top predators in food chains. Losing them can cause ecological disruption.
Common birds of prey in England
Common Buzzard
The Common Buzzard is one of the most widespread birds of prey in England. It has broad wings and a short neck and tail. Adults have variable plumage, ranging from dark brown to much paler. Buzzards are generalist predators that hunt small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. They soar over open areas searching for prey. Common Buzzards have recovered after population declines caused by organochlorine pesticides such as DDT.
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
The Eurasian Sparrowhawk is a small bird of prey perfectly adapted for hunting in woodland. Males are blue-grey above and orange-barred below, while larger females are brown. Sparrowhawks take birds up to thrush size and are responsible for predating many garden birds at bird feeders. After severe declines last century, sparrowhawks have made an impressive recovery.
Common Kestrel
The Common Kestrel is a familiar sight hovering beside motorways and over grasslands. The male has rusty-red back and tail, blue-grey head and wings, and black vertical stripes on its pale underside. Females and young are duller brown. Kestrels feed mainly on voles and other small mammals. They nest in holes in buildings, cliffs, and tree hollows. Common Kestrel numbers dropped through the 20th century but have stabilised in recent decades.
Red Kite
The Red Kite is a medium-large bird of prey with angled wings and a deeply forked tail. Their reddish-brown plumage contrasts with the lighter patches under the wings. Red Kites scavenge for carrion and waste food. They also take live prey including rabbits, rats, and worms. Once common, Red Kites were nearly exterminated in the UK through poisoning and egg collecting. They have been reintroduced with great success.
Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon is renowned for being the fastest animal on the planet when stooping for prey. It has long, pointed wings and a distinctive hood of black plumage around its cheeks. Peregrines chase down birds at high speeds, striking them in mid-air. Their main prey is feral pigeons and doves. Peregrines suffered from the accumulation of organochlorine pesticides and crashed. Their numbers have recovered after these chemicals were banned.
Other birds of prey in England
In addition to the five species above, England hosts many other birds of prey. Here is a brief overview of some other notable raptor species found in England:
- Osprey – A fish-eating bird of prey absent from England for much of the 20th century. Now breeding again in some areas after reintroduction.
- Barn Owl – A distinctive pale owl that inhabits farmland and grasslands.
- Tawny Owl – The most common owl in woodland habitats throughout England.
- Little Owl – A small owl introduced to England in the 19th century. It occupies open country with scattered trees.
- Marsh Harrier – Wetland bird of prey that breeds in reedbeds in eastern England.
- Hen Harrier – A bird of open moorland that is now extremely rare and endangered in England.
- Hobby – A small, agile falcon that migrates to Africa each winter.
- Merlin – The smallest British falcon, hunting small birds in open country.
Status and threats
Many birds of prey suffered huge declines in England last century from persecution, habitat loss, and pesticides. Species such as the Red Kite were pushed to the brink of extinction before protected under law. Raptors are still illegally killed, poisoned, or have their nests destroyed today. However, other populations like the Common Buzzard have bounced back.
Habitat loss is a threat, as many birds of prey require extensive open areas to hunt, such as wetland, moorland, grassland, and traditional farmland. The intensification of agriculture through drainage, reseeding, and increased grazing pressure can negatively impact raptor habitats.
Climate change may affect birds of prey by altering prey abundance and species distributions. Migratory raptors are vulnerable to shifts in wintering grounds and food availability en route. Birds of prey also face threats from wind farms, power lines, road collisions, and illegal persecution.
Conservation
All birds of prey in England receive legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or take wild birds of prey, their eggs, and nests. The EC Birds Directive also protects raptors and their habitats.
Several birds of prey have individual Species Action Plans under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan to aid their conservation, including the Hen Harrier, Honey Buzzard, and Red Kite. There are also reintroduction programs to restore birds of prey extinct in England, such as the Osprey and White-tailed Eagle.
Other conservation measures include protecting and managing key breeding sites, restoring and enhancing habitats, working with landowners, monitoring populations, and guarding against illegal persecution. Birds of Prey Initiative aims to reconcile raptor conservation with shooting interests.
Bird of prey displays
Seeing birds of prey up close offers a unique experience. Several visitor centers, country parks, and nature reserves in England provide bird of prey displays and flying demonstrations. Trained handlers showcase a variety of hawks, falcons, eagles, vultures, and owls. These exhibits help educate people about raptors and conservation.
Notable places to see flying displays include:
- Hawking Centre at Warwick Castle
- Treetop Trek Birds of Prey Centre in Lancashire
- Hawk Conservancy Trust in Hampshire
- Northumberland Bird of Prey Centre
- The Falconry Centre in Cumbria
Visitors can see raptors close up, learn about their biology, hunting skills, and conservation, and watch them soaring above during flying demonstrations at these centers.
Conclusion
England hosts a diverse range of birds of prey, from majestic White-tailed Eagles to tiny Merlins. While many populations suffered last century, conservation efforts have enabled several species to recover. Birds of prey still face threats and require habitat protection and anti-persecution measures. Seeing displays of hawks, falcons, and eagles flying adds excitement and helps promote raptor conservation in England.
