Hawks & Eagles in Dorset
7 species matching this filter.
Dorset is home to seven recorded species from the hawks and eagles family, thriving across the county's diverse landscapes of heathland, woodland, and coastal marshes. The Common Buzzard is a familiar sight soaring over farmland and valleys, while rarer visitors such as the White-tailed Sea-eagle and Hen Harrier add excitement for birdwatchers, particularly during the winter months. The county's wetland reserves, including those around Poole Harbour, provide vital habitat for species like the Western Marsh-harrier, which has become an increasingly regular breeder in the region.
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
A common resident soaring over Dorset's farmland, downs, and woodland edges year-round. One of the county's most frequently seen raptors.
Year-round
Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneusLC
A rare winter visitor to Dorset's heathlands and marshes, seen between October and March. Best looked for over Arne or the Purbeck heaths.
Oct–Mar
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisLC
A rare visitor, occasionally seen near Dorset's larger forests in late winter and spring. This powerful, secretive raptor is expanding its UK range.
Dec–Apr
Red Kite
Milvus milvusLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, soaring over Dorset's farmland and valleys year-round. Part of the species' ongoing UK recovery.
Year-round
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
An uncommon but widespread resident, hunting small birds in Dorset's woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens with fast, agile dashes.
Year-round
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
Resident year-round, quartering reedbeds and marshes at Arne, Radipole, and across Poole Harbour. Numbers have increased in recent decades.
Year-round
White-tailed Sea-eagle
Haliaeetus albicillaLC
A rare but exciting resident following reintroduction on the Isle of Purbeck. Occasionally seen soaring over Poole Harbour and surrounding areas.
Year-round