Hawks & Eagles in England
10 species matching this filter.
England is home to 10 species of hawks and eagles, ranging from the widespread Buzzard and Sparrowhawk to rarer visitors such as the Rough-legged Hawk and Montagu's Harrier. The country's diverse landscapes—from the upland moors of northern England to the wetlands of East Anglia and the wooded valleys of Wales's borderlands—support a fascinating variety of raptors. Notable conservation successes include the remarkable recovery of the Red Kite and the reintroduction of the White-tailed Sea-eagle to English skies.
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
A common resident raptor soaring over farmland, woodland and moorland. Has recovered strongly across England after historical persecution and is now widespread.
Year-round
European Honey-buzzard
Pernis apivorusLC
A rare and secretive summer breeder in mature woodland, arriving in May. Feeds largely on wasp and bee larvae dug from underground nests.
May–Sep
Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneusLC
An uncommon resident, breeding on upland moorland but wintering more widely on lowland marshes and farmland. Heavily persecuted, it remains a conservation priority.
Year-round
Montagu's Harrier
Circus pygargusLC
A rare summer visitor and passage migrant, breeding in small numbers on arable farmland in southern England.
May–Aug
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisLC
A rare but increasing resident found in large forests and woodland. Secretive and best looked for during spring display flights.
Year-round
Red Kite
Milvus milvusLC
A magnificent resident raptor, now thriving across much of England following successful reintroduction. Often seen soaring over the Chilterns and Midlands.
Year-round
Rough-legged Hawk
Buteo lagopusLC
A rare winter visitor from Scandinavia, favouring open farmland and coastal marshes mainly in eastern England. Often hovers while hunting for voles.
Oct–Feb
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
A widespread resident raptor found in woodlands, parks, and gardens throughout England. Often seen dashing low along hedgerows in pursuit of small birds.
Year-round
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Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
A year-round resident of reedbeds and marshes, now thriving after a dramatic recovery. East Anglian wetlands remain a stronghold.
Year-round
White-tailed Sea-eagle
Haliaeetus albicillaLC
Recently reintroduced to England, this impressive raptor is an uncommon resident. The Isle of Wight programme has established a small but growing population.
Year-round