Hawks & Eagles in Northamptonshire
5 species matching this filter.
Northamptonshire is home to five recorded species of hawks and eagles, making it a rewarding county for raptor enthusiasts. The rolling farmland, river valleys, and patchwork of woodlands provide ideal hunting grounds for resident species such as the Buzzard, Red Kite, and Sparrowhawk, while scarcer visitors like the Hen Harrier and Western Marsh-harrier add excitement during migration and winter months.
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
A common year-round raptor, often seen soaring over farmland and woodland edges across the county. Has increased significantly since the 1990s.
Year-round
Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneusLC
A rare late-autumn and winter passage visitor, occasionally seen quartering open farmland and marshes in the county.
Nov–Dec
Red Kite
Milvus milvusLC
Now a common and iconic sight soaring over farmland and villages, following successful reintroduction in the nearby Chilterns.
Year-round
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
An uncommon but widespread resident hunting small birds in woodland, hedgerows and gardens throughout the county.
Year-round
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
A rare but increasingly recorded resident, hunting over reedbeds and marshes at key wetland sites outside the summer months.
Jul–Apr