Wales is home to a diverse array of birds of prey. Some of the most notable birds of prey found in Wales include the peregrine falcon, the red kite, the buzzard, the sparrowhawk, the kestrel, the merlin, the goshawk, and several species of owl. Wales provides excellent habitat for raptors, with its mix of mountains, moorlands, woodlands, and wetlands. The population of many birds of prey suffered historical declines due to human persecution, but they are now protected by law and many are recovering well across Wales.
Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon is one of the fastest birds on Earth and a supreme aerial hunter. Peregrines can reach speeds of over 200 mph when stooping on prey. In Wales, peregrines nest on coastal cliffs and inland crags. There are estimated to be around 300 breeding pairs in Wales. Peregrines mainly prey on medium-sized birds such as pigeons, dove and ducks. The Welsh population crashed in the mid-20th century due to organochlorine pesticides but has rebounded since these chemicals were banned. Peregrines are now a frequent sight in many parts of Wales, especially along the coast.
Red Kite
The red kite is a medium-sized raptor with distinctive reddish-brown plumage and a forked tail. It is a scavenger which feeds mainly on carrion and waste. In the UK, the red kite was once widespread but suffered severe persecution and by the 1930s was restricted to just a few breeding pairs in central Wales. Thanks to intensive conservation efforts, the Welsh population has bounced back to around 1,500 breeding pairs, centred in the uplands of mid Wales. Red kites are now a common sight across much of Wales as they soar over open country searching for food.
Buzzard
The common buzzard is one of the most common and widespread birds of prey in Wales. It’s a medium-large broad-winged hawk which favours woodland, farmland and moorland habitats. Buzzards prey mainly on small mammals like rabbits, voles and mice, but will also take birds, reptiles and invertebrates. There are an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 breeding pairs across Wales. Buzzards are generally sedentary. Pairs occupy a breeding territory year-round and nest in woodland trees. Soaring buzzards are a common sight in the skies above rural Wales.
Sparrowhawk
The sparrowhawk is a small, agile hawk specialising in hunting small birds in woodland habitats. Males are slate-grey above with barred underparts, while females are brown above with streaked underparts. Sparrowhawks were heavily persecuted by gamekeepers in the past but are now thriving. There are estimated to be around 2,000 breeding pairs in Wales, favouring mature woodland and parkland habitats. Sparrowhawks often utilise dense vegetation when hunting, using cover to ambush small birds at close range.
Kestrel
The kestrel is Wales’ most common falcon. It’s a small, long-winged falcon which hovers while hunting small mammals, lizards and large insects in open country. Kestrels have declined in Wales due to agricultural changes reducing prey availability, though there are still around 1,500 pairs. Kestrels nest in holes in trees, cliffs and buildings. They can often be seen perched on roadside wires or hovering beside grass verges and field edges searching for voles and mice.
Merlin
The merlin is the UK’s smallest bird of prey – only the size of a thrush but extremely fast and agile. In Wales, it breeds mainly in upland areas, nesting on moorlands and grasslands. Merlin numbers dropped in tandem with the populations of its preferred prey species, small birds like meadow pipits and skylarks. There are now around 300 breeding pairs in Wales, the majority in the southern uplands. During winter, merlins also hunt estuaries and coastal marshes, preying on small waders and finches.
Goshawk
The goshawk is a large, powerful hawk which breeds in mature forest across Wales. It was extensively persecuted until recent decades and remains elusive. Goshawks prey chiefly on crows, doves, squirrels and rabbits. By sitting motionless in cover then accelerating swiftly, goshawks can utilise the element of surprise when ambushing prey. There are estimated to be around 250 breeding pairs in Wales, concentrated in areas like the Forest of Dean and Snowdonia.
Owls
Wales hosts good populations of several owl species. The tawny owl and barn owl are the most widespread species, found across rural, suburban and urban habitats. The long-eared owl favours young conifer plantations interspersed with open grasslands. The little owl inhabits farmland, parks and orchards. The short-eared owl is found on upland moors and grasslands. Other owl species present include the Tengmalm’s owl, which inhabits conifer forests, and the rare snowy owl, a scarce visitor in winter.
Raptor persecution
Many birds of prey in Wales were historically persecuted by gamekeepers and farmers. Species like buzzards, sparrowhawks and peregrines were seen as threatening game birds and songbirds. The use of organochlorine pesticides also devastated Welsh raptors by thinning egg shells. Fortunately, most raptors are now legally protected from killing or egg collecting under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. There are still some incidents of illegal raptor persecution, such as the shooting or trapping of buzzards on pheasant shooting estates. But on the whole, Wales’ birds of prey are recovering well thanks to legal protection.
Where to see birds of prey in Wales
Some of the best places in Wales to spot birds of prey include:
- Coastal cliffs – Peregrine falcons and occasionally white-tailed eagles.
- Upland moors – Merlin, short-eared owl, hen harrier, red kite.
- Lowland farmland – Kestrel, buzzard.
- Woodlands – Goshawk, sparrowhawk, red kite.
- Wetlands – Marsh harrier, osprey.
- Estuaries – Wintering hen harriers, peregrines.
Specific sites where a range of raptors can be seen include the Elan Valley, Pumlumon, Radnor Forest, Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains, Cambrian Mountains, Clwydian Range, Berwyn Mountains and Snowdonia National Park.
Conservation
The populations of most birds of prey in Wales arestable or increasing, thanks to legal protection and reduced persecution. However, there are stillconservation issues facing certain species:
- Peregrines are impacted by nest-site disturbance and thetaking of young from the wild for falconry.
- Red kites are illegally poisoned and persecuted insome areas.
- Barn owls suffer from loss of nesting sites androad mortalities.
- Hen harriers are persecuted on grouse moors.
- Sparrowhawks are still killed by pigeon fanciers.
Ongoing monitoring and protection work by bodies like the RSPB, wildlife trusts and Natural Resources Wales is aimed at allowing raptor populations to thrive. Schemes to provide nest boxes, reduce rodenticides and limit disturbance at nest sites also help to boost breeding success. Ultimately, reducing illegal persecution and maintaining good habitats are key to future-proofing these special birds.
Birds of Prey in Wales
| Species | Population Estimate | Key Threats |
|---|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | 300 pairs | Disturbance, nest robbing |
| Red Kite | 1,500 pairs | Poisoning, persecution |
| Common Buzzard | 4,000-5,000 pairs | Persecution |
| Eurasian Sparrowhawk | 2,000 pairs | Pigeon fanciers |
| Common Kestrel | 1,500 pairs | Habitat loss |
| Merlin | 300 pairs | Habitat loss |
| Northern Goshawk | 250 pairs | Persecution |
| Barn Owl | 2,000 pairs | Nest site loss |
Conclusion
Wales hosts an excellent diversity of birds of prey species, from majestic sea-cliff peregrines to cryptic forest goshawks. Though persecution took a heavy toll on Welsh raptors in the past, most populations are now recovering well with legal protection, habitat management and reduced pesticide contamination. There is still work to be done combating illegal killing and nurturing habitats. But the birds of prey of Wales have a bright future, bringing vitality and spectacle to the nation’s landscapes for the enjoyment of all.
