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.
13. Hen harrier
Sadly a rare bird - and one that has been persecuted for its liking for eating grouse. Hen harriers can be seen in uplands during the summer as they nest on heather moorlands , and during the winter will often move to wetlands and marshes. They are slim, and medium-sized as birds of prey go. Males look bluey-grey, and have black tips on their wings, while females (one is pictured here) are brown with streaks on their body. Both have a white rump (at the top of the tail), and have yellow legs and feet. Young hen harriers will often perform impressive airborne acrobatics to attract a mate. Fun fact: Hen harriers are known as the “ghost of the moor” | PA
14. Marsh harrier
Bigger than a hen harrier, the marsh harrier looks a creamy brown and has a long tail. As you’d expect, it’s most often seen in and around marshland. Females are chocolate-y brown, while males are a touch lighter. | Les Bunyan
15. White-tailed sea eagle
The UK’s largest bird of prey, this huge bird is brown with a pale or white head. It previously went extinct in the UK in the early 20th century, and has been reintroduced to Scotland successfully. It has very broad wings, and a pronounced yellow beak, and as the name suggests, also a white tail. Six white-tailed eagles were introduced to the Isle of Wight in 2019, and more are hoped to be reintroduced. Previously they were seen up and down the south coast. | Connah/Getty Images