Hawks & Eagles in Hampshire
8 species matching this filter.
Hampshire is home to eight species from the hawks and eagles family, offering excellent opportunities to observe these impressive raptors across a variety of habitats. From the widespread Buzzard soaring over farmland and downland to the scarcer Hen Harrier wintering on coastal marshes, the county's diverse landscapes support both resident and migratory birds of prey. Notable species include the Red Kite, now increasingly seen across northern Hampshire, and the Western Marsh-harrier, which has become a regular sight over reedbeds at sites such as Titchfield Haven and the Solent marshes.
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
A common year-round resident, frequently seen soaring over farmland, woodland edges, and the New Forest throughout the county.
Year-round
European Honey-buzzard
Pernis apivorusLC
A rare and secretive summer breeder in the New Forest's mature woodlands, arriving in May and feeding largely on wasp larvae.
May–Aug
Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneusLC
A rare winter visitor, occasionally seen quartering marshes and heathland on the coast and New Forest fringes in the coldest months.
Dec–Jan
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisLC
A rare and secretive resident of Hampshire's larger forests, including the New Forest. A recovering species, slowly increasing in the county.
Year-round
Red Kite
Milvus milvusLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, now regularly soaring over Hampshire's downs and farmland. Part of the successful UK reintroduction programme.
Year-round
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
An uncommon but widespread resident, hunting small birds in woodland, hedgerows and gardens. Often detected by panicked alarm calls of prey.
Year-round
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
An uncommon resident quartering over Hampshire's reedbeds and coastal marshes. Breeds at key wetland sites and is increasingly seen year-round.
Year-round
White-tailed Sea-eagle
Haliaeetus albicillaLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, linked to the Isle of Wight reintroduction programme. Occasionally wanders to Hampshire's coast and marshes.
Oct–Mar