Hawks & Eagles in Norfolk

9 species matching this filter.

All birds in NorfolkView family page

Norfolk is one of England's premier counties for observing hawks and eagles, with 9 species recorded across its diverse landscapes of marshes, heathlands, and farmland. The county's expansive wetlands are particularly renowned for the Western Marsh-harrier, which has become an iconic sight over the Norfolk Broads, while winter visitors such as the Rough-legged Hawk and Hen Harrier add seasonal excitement. Soaring Buzzards and elusive Northern Goshawks can also be found in the county's wooded areas, making Norfolk a rewarding destination for raptor enthusiasts year-round.

Sparrowhawk
SparrowhawkSmallest · 28cm
to
Red Kite
Red KiteLargest · 66cm
Ranges from the Sparrowhawk (28cm) to the Red Kite (66cm)4 year-round residents
Buzzard

Buzzard

Buteo buteoLC

A common resident frequently seen perched on roadside posts or soaring over Norfolk's farmland and woodland throughout the year.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
European Honey-buzzard

European Honey-buzzard

Pernis apivorusLC

A rare passage migrant through Norfolk in midsummer, sometimes seen soaring over wooded areas en route to African wintering grounds.

Jul

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Hen Harrier

Hen Harrier

Circus cyaneusLC

A rare winter visitor to Norfolk's coastal marshes and reedbeds, with birds arriving from October and lingering into early spring.

Oct–Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Montagu's Harrier

Montagu's Harrier

Circus pygargusLC

A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally seen quartering over Norfolk's arable fields and marshes in May.

May

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Northern Goshawk

Northern Goshawk

Accipiter gentilisLC

A rare breeding resident in Norfolk's larger forests, particularly Thetford Forest. This secretive raptor is slowly recolonising after historical persecution.

Feb–Jul

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Red Kite

Red Kite

Milvus milvusLC

An uncommon but increasing resident, now seen soaring over farmland and woodland edges across the county year-round.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Rough-legged Hawk

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopusLC

A rare winter visitor, favouring open coastal marshes and farmland, often hovering over rough grassland.

Nov–Feb

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Sparrowhawk

Sparrowhawk

Accipiter nisusLC

A year-round resident across Norfolk's woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens, often glimpsed dashing low through cover in pursuit of small birds.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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Western Marsh-harrier

Western Marsh-harrier

Circus aeruginosusLC

A common resident raptor, quartering reedbeds and marshes year-round. Norfolk is a UK stronghold for this species.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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