These fantastic hunting machines have brought awe for thousands of years, and while some in the UK like hen harriers and once-common kestrels face an uncertain future, other like red kites have become a fixture across the land.
Here’s a guide on how to recognise the most common 15 species of birds of prey in the UK.
5. Peregrine falcon
Previously endangered but recovering well, peregrine falcons can be found near cliffs and high buildings, as the explosion in nestcams in cathedrals has proved. At first glance in flight they can look like a muscular, stocky pigeon - and have a similar grey colour, but any confusion is removed when they chase their prey, as they dive at astonishing speeds. | David Shaw Wildlife
6. Goshawk
A large bird, roughly the size of a buzzard, which can often be seen perching in woodland and sometimes on telegraph poles. It appears grey with a grey-and-white-striped belly. Goshawks keep themselves to themselves and are hard to see, but dense woodland is your best bet. Fun fact: goshawks were royal hunting birds in the middle ages. | David - stock.adobe.com
7. Osprey
You won’t see one in your garden, but osprey numbers are beginning to grow again. The fish-eating birds are large, and breed in Scotland, Cumbria, Wales and the East Midlands. They are brown and white. Fun fact: ospreys migrate to Africa for the winter | Darren Dawson / SWNS Photo: Darren Dawson / SWNS
8. Tawny owl
Surprisingly bigger in the flesh than you might expect, but more often heard than seen. If you spot a hefty bird flying at dusk, with a rather squared-off look to it, it could well be a tawny owl. Their faces are round but in flight tawny owls look blocky - although are always an impressive sight. Fun fact: The “te-wit-to-woo” sound is actually a male and female owl communicating. The male’s call is just the drawn-out hoot. | Getty Images