Falcons in Kent
5 species matching this filter.
Kent's diverse landscapes, from the White Cliffs of Dover to its expansive marshlands and farmland, provide excellent habitat for five species of falcon. Resident Kestrels and Peregrine Falcons can be spotted year-round, while scarcer visitors such as the Hobby, Merlin, and the rare Eleonora's Falcon add excitement for keen birders. To learn more about the county's most iconic raptor, explore our guide on What Do Peregrine Falcons Eat? (Full Diet Guide).
Eleonora's Falcon
Falco eleonoraeLC
An exceptionally rare vagrant from the Mediterranean, occasionally overshooting to Kent in late spring — a prized find for county birders.
May–Jun
Hobby
Falco subbuteoLC
An elegant summer breeder arriving in April, hunting dragonflies and small birds over Kent's heathland, farmland and wetland margins.
Apr–Oct
Kestrel
Falco tinnunculusLC
A common resident, hovering over roadside verges and farmland throughout the year. One of Kent's most visible birds of prey.
Year-round
Merlin
Falco columbariusLC
A rare winter visitor from September to April, hunting small birds over marshes and open coast. Most often seen on the North Kent Marshes.
Sep–Apr
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinusLC
An uncommon year-round resident, increasingly seen around coastal cliffs, quarries and urban structures including Canterbury Cathedral.
Year-round