England has three types of birds of prey: owls (nocturnal birds with large round heads, small beaks and forward-facing eyes), falcons (fast hovering birds with tapered wings and tails and fairly small). And hawks or eagles (larger soaring birds with very large bills and broader wings).
Sparrowhawks have mottled brown/blue/grey white colouring, and can be found in some gardens (take care as they are very predatory on small animals).
Buzzards have brown feathers and broad wings, with short tails. They are often found in grasslands and woodlands and around farms.
Red kites have reddish-brown feathers and black-tipped wings with white under patches and forked tails.They are often found in woods and farms, mostly in southeast England.
Kestrels have small grey heads and tails with ginger backs and speckled bellies. They are common on grasslands and heathlands.
Peregrine falcons have slate-grey colours with white throat/cheeks, a ‘black moustache’ and are often found in towns and by coastal cliffs. Common up north and in southwest England.
Hobby is a small bird (again with a ‘black moustache’ and slate-grey feathers with black streaks and ‘red trousers!’ Common on heathlands and wetlands in the south.
Merlin is blue-grey and cream (male) or grey-brown (females) and common on English moors and coastal marshes.
Hen harriers are medium brown streaked (females) or blue-grey with black wingtips (male) and often found on heathland, farmland and by the coast (they occasionally breed on upland moors).
Ospreys are fish-eating birds of prey (almost went extinct but now thriving in Rutland and Cumbria, thanks to conservation efforts).
Understanding Birds of Prey
These avian hunters are defined by a set of impressive attributes. Their keen eyesight allows them to spot prey from great distances while soaring high above. Once prey is in sight, they use their powerful talons to grasp and immobilise it. Their wings are built for speed and manoeuvrability, making them master hunters.
Several birds of prey species face endangerment:
- Bald Eagle: Once facing extinction, it has shown recovery in some areas.
- Red Kite: Known for its reddish-brown body and forked tail, it has seen population declines due to poisoning and habitat loss.
- Peregrine Falcon: Famous for being the fastest bird, it has suffered from DDT pesticide exposure in the past.
Factors Leading to Endangerment
Urbanisation, deforestation, and agricultural expansion significantly erode natural habitats. As more land is developed, these birds lose their nesting and hunting grounds.
Pollutants and pesticides poison the food chain, impacting birds of prey. Chemicals like DDT, which build up in smaller animals, ascend the food chain, causing reproductive harm and contributing to population decline.
Shifting climates disrupt migration, food availability, and breeding. Warming temperatures and changing weather patterns affect prey populations and the timing of seasons, threatening birds’ survival.
Conservation Efforts
Designating wildlife reserves safeguard essential habitats. These protected areas allow birds to thrive without the constant threat of human encroachment.
Laws such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act enforce penalties for harming these birds. Legal measures ensure that hunting, trapping, and trading are curtailed.
Local communities play a vital role. Educational programmes raise awareness about the challenges birds face, promoting community-driven conservation initiatives.
How to Help Injured Birds of Prey
Tawny owls should be observed, as often parents are nearby (or place safely in a high tree branch). Barn owls on the ground need help, so call your nearest wildlife rescue (or Raptor Rescue) for help and advice. Wear gloves (or a thick towel on your hands) before placing owls in ventilated boxes (no tassles on towels) as they can scratch.
You can also place little owls in nests or close by. Grasp gently (the feet are more likely to get you than the beak!) Then keep in a quiet area at room temperature until help arrives.
Protect Pets from Birds of Prey
This happens more in North America due to larger species, but it’s important to keep small dogs and rabbits etc safe, especially as wild birds lose their natural hunting habitats.
Keep dogs indoors at night (and supervise while outside at night as birds are less likely to attack if humans are nearby). Again supervise small animals like rabbits/guinea pigs when outside, and keep them inside at night (read info on why hutches for rabbits and guinea pigs should be large but secure).
If you do see a bird of prey circling or attacking a domestic pet, official advice is to approach the pet while yelling and making loud noises (if attacked, immediately visit the vet, as wounds could become infected).
It’s better to encourage birds of prey to stay in the wild, to keep pets safe (birds of prey need open farmland over domestic gardens). Learn more on how to make your garden safe for pets.
