Hawks & Eagles in Northumberland
6 species matching this filter.
Northumberland's diverse landscapes — from the sweeping Cheviot Hills and ancient Kielder Forest to the wild moorlands and coastal plains — provide exceptional habitat for birds of prey. Six species from the hawk and eagle family have been recorded in the county, including the impressive Northern Goshawk, the graceful Hen Harrier, and the increasingly common Red Kite. Whether scanning the skies above upland heather moors or watching Buzzards soar over farmland valleys, Northumberland offers some of the finest raptor-watching opportunities in England.
Buzzard
Buteo buteoLC
An uncommon but increasing resident, soaring over farmland, moorland edges and wooded valleys throughout the year.
Year-round
Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneusLC
A rare non-breeding visitor to upland moors and coastal marshes in winter. Occasionally hunts over stubble fields and rough grassland.
Oct–Feb
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilisLC
A rare passage visitor in late winter and spring, occasionally seen hunting over Kielder Forest and upland valleys.
Feb–Apr
Red Kite
Milvus milvusLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally seen soaring over valleys and farmland in late winter and spring. Still scarce this far north.
Feb–Jun
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisusLC
An uncommon but widespread resident hunting small birds in woodland, hedgerows, and gardens throughout the year.
Year-round
Western Marsh-harrier
Circus aeruginosusLC
An uncommon resident of lowland wetlands and reedbeds. Increasingly established in Northumberland after decades of expansion northward.
Year-round