10 Birds of Prey in the UK (With Pictures)

The UK is home to roughly twenty-one birds of prey. Also known as raptors, birds of prey are among the most majestic and powerful birds with keen eyesight, sharp talons, and powerful beaks—adapted for a life of hunting and scavenging. These formidable sky beasts include species such as the peregrine falcon, golden eagle, red kite, and barn owl.

Found across diverse habitats, from remote Scottish highlands to urban cityscapes, they play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling populations of small mammals, rodents, and reptiles. Let’s take a look at some of the predators soaring the country’s skies.

1. Golden Eagle

The golden eagle is one of the largest and most powerful raptors in the UK. With a wingspan exceeding two meters, it soars effortlessly over remote Scottish highlands, moorlands, and rugged cliffs, scanning the ground below for rabbits, hares, and even young deer. Golden eagles are known for their spectacular aerial displays during courtship.

These performances involve dramatic dives, steep climbs, and spectacular mid-air twists. Mated pairs often lock talons and tumble through the sky in a thrilling free-fall before releasing each other just in time—sometimes within a few metres above the ground. Males also perform looping flights and mock attacks to impress potential mates.

These displays not only strengthen pair bonds but also establish territory. The golden eagle’s mastery of the air is both powerful and graceful, showcasing its dominance as one of the UK’s top predators. 

2. White-Tailed Eagle

Also known as the white-tailed sea eagle, the white-tailed eagle is the UK’s largest bird of prey, with a wingspan reaching up to two and a half meters. A skilled hunter and scavenger, it primarily feeds on fish but also preys on birds and small mammals.

White-tailed eagles thrive near coasts, lakes, and rivers. Once widespread across Europe, this majestic raptor was nearly wiped out by hunting, habitat loss, and harmful pesticides like DDT. By the early 1900s, it had vanished from Britain and much of Europe. Conservation efforts, including reintroduction programs in Scotland, Ireland, and England, along with habitat protection and pesticide bans, have led to a remarkable recovery.

While illegal killings and wind turbines pose ongoing threats, the eagle’s resurgence is a conservation success story, proving that determined efforts can bring even the most persecuted species back from the brink.

3. Peregrine Falcon

The peregrine falcon holds the title of the fastest animal on Earth, reaching speeds of over 386 km/h in its signature hunting stoop. This breathtaking dive is a masterclass in speed and precision—the peregrine soars high above its prey before folding its wings tight and plummeting like a missile.

As it closes in, it fine-tunes its trajectory with subtle wing and tail movements, striking mid-air with razor-sharp talons. It may also use its notched beak for a swift kill before retrieving its prey.

Found across the UK, from rugged cliffs to city skyscrapers, the peregrine falcon primarily hunts pigeons and other medium-sized birds. Unlike most raptors, peregrines thrive in urban environments, nesting on tall buildings that mimic their natural cliffside habitats. They have incredible eyesight and can spot prey from over three kilometres away.

Like the white-tailed eagle, this species was also nearly wiped out by pesticides like DDT and made a stunning recovery, though it still faces threats from illegal egg collection and disturbances at nesting sites. Today, the peregrine falcon stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and conservation success.

4. Red Kite

Another species brought back from the brink, the red kite was nearly driven to extinction by persecution and poisoning. Thanks to intensive conservation efforts, including reintroduction programs, the red kite made a dramatic comeback and these birds are now a common sight in many parts of England and Wales.

This large, striking raptor has a distinctive, rusty-red forked tail. Known for its graceful, soaring flight, it glides effortlessly with slow, elegant wingbeats, often twisting its tail to steer. Unlike many raptors, it is primarily a scavenger, feeding on carrion, roadkill, and food scraps, though it will also hunt small mammals and birds.

The red kite is a prime example of how targeted conservation actions can reverse the fortunes of endangered species. 

5. Common Buzzard

The common buzzard is the UK’s most widespread bird of prey, found in a variety of habitats, from forests to farmland. Adaptable and resilient, it has thrived despite habitat changes, becoming one of the most abundant raptors in the country.

Buzzards primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and carrion, and are often seen soaring over open countryside, woodlands, and farmlands, or perched on fence posts or tree branches, scanning the ground for prey. This species has a stocky build, broad wings, and a fan-shaped tail. Its plumage is variable with dark and light morphs, but most birds have a characteristic pale breast band and fine barring on the tail.

The population of common buzzards has increased significantly in recent decades, thanks to legal protection and a reduction in persecution. However, they are still vulnerable to illegal poisoning and habitat degradation.

6. Sparrowhawk

Small but fierce, the Eurasian sparrowhawk, or simply, the sparrowhawk, is a formidable predator specialised in hunting small birds. With its short wings, long tail, and excellent vision, this agile raptor is perfectly adapted for manoeuvering through dense vegetation in pursuit of prey, using stealth and surprise to ambush their targets.

Male sparrowhawks have bluish-grey upperparts and orange-barred underparts, while females are larger and browner. Sparrowhawks are found throughout the UK, including urban areas, where they often visit gardens to hunt songbirds. They prefer habitats with dense cover like woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens, where they can easily hide and stalk prey.

Despite facing declines in the mid-20th century, their populations have recovered. The species are still, however, facing challenges from habitat loss and the use of pesticides, which reduces prey availability.

7. The Barn Owl

Known for its ghostly appearance and eerie screech, the barn owl is one of the UK’s most beloved nocturnal raptors, easily recognisable by its heart-shaped face and pale plumage. A master of stealth, its silent flight evolved through several unique wing adaptations, such as fringed edges and soft, velvety feathers.

Large, broad wings enable a gentle flight with minimal flapping, allowing it to sneak up on prey undetected. Barn owls hunt small mammals like voles and mice in open countryside. They are often associated with rural landscapes, where they nest in barns, tree hollows, and other sheltered spots. Populations have declined in recent years due to changes in agricultural practices, loss of nesting sites, and road mortality.

Conservation efforts, such as the installation of nest boxes and habitat restoration, are helping to support their recovery.

8. Tawny Owl

The tawny owl is the UK’s most common owl species, known for its distinctive, haunting call. With its rounded body, large dark eyes, and cryptic brown or grey plumage, the tawny owl is adapted for life in woodlands, parks, and gardens. Often perched in tree holes, its excellent camouflage allows it to blend seamlessly against tree bark.

Tawny owls are nocturnal hunters, typically preying on small mammals, birds, insects, and even earthworms. Their exceptional hearing and night vision make them highly efficient predators. Tawny owls nest in tree cavities, old nests, or even buildings, and are fiercely territorial, often remaining in the same area for life.

Despite their adaptability and wide range, tawny owls face threats from habitat loss, urbanisation, and road accidents.

9. Kestrel

Found throughout the UK, the kestrel is a small but agile raptor known for its distinctive hunting technique, whereby it hovers in mid-air, facing into the wind while scanning the ground below for prey. This behavior, called “kiting,” allows the kestrel to remain stationary in the air despite strong winds, enabling it to spot small mammals, insects, and even reptiles with precision.

Its diet mainly comprises voles, mice, and small birds, though it will also catch insects when other food is scarce. Kestrels are found in a variety of habitats, including farmland, grasslands, heathlands, and urban areas. While they were once much more widespread, populations have declined in some areas due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and food scarcity.

Conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and the provision of nesting sites, have helped stabilise population numbers. Today, kestrels are one of the most commonly seen raptors in the UK and are a familiar sight in many rural and suburban landscapes.

10. Merlin

The merlin is the UK’s smallest falcon, known for its fast, low hunting flights and agile manoevres. It is primarily found in upland moorlands across Scotland, Wales, Northern England, and parts of Northern Ireland. Merlins typically nest on the ground, often using old crow or raven nests or simply making a scrape among the heather.

Their diet mainly consists of small birds, which they catch in mid-air using rapid pursuit flights. During the winter months, many merlins move to lowland areas, such as coastal marshes, heathlands, and farmland, where they hunt birds like larks and pipits. Some UK-breeding merlins migrate south to continental Europe, while others stay year-round. The UK merlin population has faced declines in the past due to habitat loss, illegal persecution, and reduced prey availability, but conservation efforts have helped stabilize numbers.

The species is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981. Although elusive, merlins can sometimes be seen perched on fence posts or darting low across fields in winter. Their distinctive rapid wingbeats and small, compact shape make them a thrilling sight for birdwatchers.

The Ecological Value of Raptors

Raptors, or birds of prey, play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and health of ecosystems. As apex predators, they regulate populations of small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects, preventing overpopulation and ensuring biodiversity.

They are also useful in controlling pest populations. Raptors also act as indicators of environmental health. Their presence, abundance, and reproductive success reflect the condition of their habitats. Declines in raptor populations often signal issues like pollution, habitat destruction, or the presence of harmful chemicals such as pesticides.

Protecting raptors, therefore, contributes to the conservation of entire ecosystems.

Raptor Conservation in the UK

While many birds of prey in the UK have benefited from conservation efforts, they continue to face significant threats. These include illegal persecution, habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and human disturbance.

Conservation organisations and government agencies in the UK are working tirelessly to protect and restore populations of birds of prey. Key initiatives include reintroduction programs, legal protection, habitat restoration, and raising public awareness.

Final Thoughts

Birds of prey are an integral part of the UK’s natural heritage, playing a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and inspiring wonder among birdwatchers. While many species have made remarkable recoveries, ongoing conservation efforts are essential to ensure their survival in the face of mounting challenges.

By protecting these magnificent birds and their habitats, we can safeguard the future of the UK’s skies and the rich biodiversity they support. Whether soaring high above the mountains or silently hunting in the countryside, birds of prey embody the resilience and majesty of nature.