Birds of prey are a dramatic sight in the UK skies – swooping and soaring, each equipped with powerful talons and hooked beaks for hunting.
Belonging to the raptor family, birds of prey are defined by their hooked bills and powerful talons – useful for feeding on other animals. They can be spotted across nearly every corner of the UK, from England’s rolling lowlands and the Welsh shoreline to the rugged peaks and islands of the Scottish Highlands.
How many birds of prey are there in the world?
More than 560 species of birds of prey are recognised worldwide, inhabiting every continent except Antarctica. These include falcons, hawks, eagles, owls, vultures, and the distinctive secretary bird.
What's the most common bird of prey in the world?
The black kite (Milvus migrans) is considered the world’s most common bird of prey, thanks to its vast range and adaptability to environmental changes.
Other widespread raptors include the osprey (Pandion haliaetus), present on every continent except Antarctica, and the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), which is recorded as the most widely distributed raptor globally.
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What's the most common bird of prey in the UK?
The common buzzard (Buteo buteo) is Britain’s most frequently seen raptor, thriving in a wide range of habitats from farmland and woodlands to uplands and even roadside perches. Circling high in the sky, they swoop at speed to catch on small mammals like rabbits, mice and voles.
With broad, rounded wings, dark wingtips and a short, barred tail, these large birds are easy to spot as they soar in a graceful V-shape, their wing feathers spread like fingers.
You might also hear the common buzzard before you see them, as they make a distinctive cat-like 'mew' that carries over long distances.
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Top image: common buzzard. Credit: Getty