Cornwall is home to a diverse array of birds of prey that can be seen throughout the county. Some species are residents, staying in Cornwall year-round, while others migrate through or visit during certain times of the year. With its rugged cliffs, moors, estuaries and farmland, Cornwall provides excellent habitat for raptors.
Which birds of prey live in Cornwall?
Some of the more common resident birds of prey in Cornwall include the common buzzard, sparrowhawk, kestrel and barn owl. Species such as the merlin and hobby breed in Cornwall during spring and summer months, while the peregrine falcon may be seen on coastal cliffs and quarries where they nest. Winter months bring migrant visitors such as the hen harrier and short-eared owl to hunt the county’s heaths and farmland.
Rarer sightings include the marsh harrier, osprey, red kite and golden eagle, which may pass through Cornwall on migration or wander as scarce visitors. There are around 15 regular breeding raptors, and another 6 migrant/visiting raptor species that can be seen in Cornwall at various times throughout the year.
Resident Birds of Prey
- Common buzzard
- Sparrowhawk
- Kestrel
- Barn owl
- Tawny owl
- Little owl
Summer Visitors
- Hobby
- Merlin
- Peregrine falcon
Winter Visitors
- Hen harrier
- Short-eared owl
Passage Migrants
- Osprey
- Marsh harrier
- Red kite
Best Places to See Birds of Prey in Cornwall
Here are some of the top sites in Cornwall to spot magnificent raptors:
Marazion Marsh
This wetland nature reserve near Penzance is a great place to see hunting marsh harriers and hovering kestrels. Hen harriers and short-eared owls visit in winter.
Bodmin Moor
The open moorland of Bodmin Moor provides habitat for buzzards, merlins and peregrine falcons.
Goss Moor
Near St Austell, this nature reserve is home to breeding hobbies and buzzards.
Dozmary Pool
This high Bodmin Moor lake is a regular haunt for diverse raptors including merlin, peregrine and the occasional osprey passing through.
The Lizard
The dramatic coastal cliffs of The Lizard peninsula host breeding peregrine falcons and migrant hobby, as well as passage ospreys.
Golden Cap Estate
North Cornwall site managed by the National Trust with populations of buzzard, peregrine falcon, raven and various owl species.
Polgigga Cliffs
Reach this dramatic sea-cliff location on the West Cornwall coast to see peregrines and passing migrant raptors.
Tamar Lakes
This haven for wildlife near Saltash has common buzzards, sparrowhawks and the occasional osprey passing through.
Helford Estuary
Wintering hen harriers hunt for small mammals over the mudflats and marshes of this Cornish ria.
Best Times to See Raptors
While some raptors like common buzzards and sparrowhawks are present year-round, the best diversity is often on show during spring and autumn when migrant species pass through Cornwall.
Spring
April to June offer the chance to see summer visitors like hobbies arriving to breed. Resident peregrines, kestrels and merlins are feeding chicks.
Autumn
September to November sees the return passage of hobby and migrant species like marsh harrier and osprey heading south after breeding further north in the UK or Europe.
Winter
December to February bring hen harriers and short-eared owls to hunt the county’s moors and farmland during the winter months.
Notable Birds of Prey in Cornwall
Some individual raptor species found in Cornwall are especially significant for birdwatchers and conservationists. These include:
Osprey
Ospreys migrate through Cornwall in spring and autumn, with a handful of sites now used more regularly by passing birds. An active reintroduction program hopes to re-establish breeding ospreys in Cornwall in the near future.
Marsh Harrier
These magnificent raptors hunt over reedbeds and marshes during winter months in Cornwall. A handful of pairs have attempted to breed in recent years.
Hen Harrier
Up to 20 hen harriers overwinter on heathland and farmland areas in Cornwall each year, making it an important county for this threatened species whose UK population hovers around 500-600 pairs.
Golden Eagle
Golden eagles were once native breeders in Cornwall but were persecuted to extinction by the early 20th century. Today they are very rare visitors, but birders always hope for a sighting of these powerful raptors.
Cornwall’s Rare Raptor Highlights
Here are some of the most notable rare bird of prey records from Cornwall over the years:
Golden Eagle
- Individuals recorded around Bodmin Moor in 2006, 2008 and 2020
- Single bird seen over Goss Moor in 2001
- Reported at St Levan in 1999
Red Kite
- Breeding attempt on the Lizard in 2009, the first in Cornwall for over 100 years
- Up to 5 reported annually, mainly in autumn
Rough-legged Buzzard
- Rare winter visitor with records in 2011, 2013 and 2018
Honey Buzzard
- Passage migrant, with 2 records since 2000 during spring migration
Montagu’s Harrier
- Scarce passage migrant, mostly juveniles in autumn
- Notable records from Marazion Marsh, Walmsley Sanctuary and Windmill Farm
Species Absent From Cornwall
A few birds of prey found elsewhere in Britain are not currently present as breeding or regular visitors to Cornwall. These missing species include:
- Goshawk – very rare vagrant to Cornwall with only a handful of records
- Red-footed Falcon – no accepted records for Cornwall yet
- Eurasian Eagle-Owl – natural colonisation seems unlikely despite small UK population
- White-tailed Eagle – previously an extinct former native species that has yet to recolonise
Where to Look for Owls
As well as diurnal raptors like buzzards and falcons, a good variety of owl species can also be found in Cornwall. Prime sites to listen and look for owls include:
- Phoenix United Mine (little owl)
- Luxulyan Valley (tawny owl, barn owl)
- Goss Moor (barn owl, little owl)
- Polruan (tawny owl)
- Dozmary Pool (short-eared owl, long-eared owl)
- Marsland Valley (barn owl, little owl)
How to Identify Birds of Prey
When you spot a bird of prey, look for key identification features including:
- Silhouette and overall jizz – does the bird have broad, rounded wings like a buzzard or slender pointed wings like a falcon?
- Colour patterns – look for distinct blocks of colour on the wings, tail tip and body
- Flight style – does it flap with quick wingbeats or soar and glide between flaps?
- Call – listen for the bird calling to confirm the species
- Size – check nearby objects like trees, houses or people for scale
- Behaviour – note if the bird is hunting, migrating, displaying etc
A good field guide or bird app can help you identify any raptors you are unsure of.
Threats Facing Birds of Prey
Some of the main threats and conservation issues facing Cornwall’s raptor populations include:
Habitat Loss
Development pressure and agricultural changes reduce available habitat for nesting, roosting and hunting
Persecution
Some raptors like hen harriers and peregrines still suffer from illegal killing and nest destruction
Prey Decline
Reduced prey availability affects species like barn owls and common buzzards
Disturbance
Recreational pressures can displace nesting birds and reduce breeding success
Pollution
Contaminants like rat poisons can accumulate in the raptor food chain
Get Involved in Raptor Conservation
You can help support Cornwall’s magnificent birds of prey by:
- Reporting suspected wildlife crime against raptors to the police
- Volunteering with conservation groups like the Cornwall Wildlife Trust or RSPB
- Avoiding disturbance to sensitive nesting sites during breeding season
- Making wildlife-friendly choices in your garden, buying sustainable food etc
- Supporting owl nest boxes, raptor feeding stations and other conservation efforts
- Joining raptor monitoring schemes to submit your sightings and contribute to research
Summary
Cornwall provides essential habitat for a diverse range of breeding and visiting raptor species. From majestic golden eagles to the diminutive merlin, these birds of prey are thrilling to witness in the county’s wild landscapes. By supporting conservation efforts, birders and nature lovers can help protect Cornwall’s raptors for future generations.
Some of the key points are:
- Around 15 species breed regularly in Cornwall, with additional migrants and scarce visitors
- The best sites include coastal cliffs, moorland and wetland reserves
- Spring and autumn are peak times to see migrant raptors
- Notable rare vagrants include golden eagle and red kite
- Habitat loss and illegal persecution threaten some populations
- Anyone can assist by reporting crimes, volunteering and making wildlife-friendly choices
