Birds of prey are some of the most skilled hunters in the animal kingdom. While people may think of large raptors like eagles or buzzards when they hear the term “bird of prey,” the UK is also home to a variety of smaller species that are equally fascinating. These small raptors may not be as imposing, but their agility, hunting techniques, and hunting skills are just as impressive. In this blog, we will explore the small birds of prey that call the UK home and delve into their behaviours, habitats, and features.
1. Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
The kestrel is arguably one of the most well-known small birds of prey in the UK. Recognizable by its slender body, pointed wings, and distinctive hovering behaviour, the kestrel is a master of aerial hunting. Often seen hovering in place over fields or roadsides, the kestrel hunts primarily for small mammals, insects, and birds.
Characteristics and Behavior: The kestrel’s hovering flight is one of its most distinctive behaviors. By holding its body steady in the air and flapping its wings rapidly, the kestrel is able to spot its prey from a great height. Once it has identified a target, the kestrel will dive down with remarkable precision, snatching its prey with its sharp talons.
Diet and Habitat: Kestrels are versatile in their diet, preying on voles, mice, small birds, and even insects. They prefer open landscapes such as farmland, grasslands, and roadside verges, where they can easily spot potential prey. Kestrels are commonly seen in rural areas but can also adapt to urban environments where food is abundant.
2. Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
The sparrowhawk is a small but fierce bird of prey that is often seen darting through gardens and woodlands in search of its next meal. Known for its speed, agility, and ability to navigate through dense vegetation, the sparrowhawk is a master of stealth.
Characteristics and Behavior: Sparrowhawks are smaller than many other raptors, with females being slightly larger than males. They are built for agility, with short, rounded wings and a long tail that allows them to maneuver through trees and shrubs with ease. This makes them exceptional hunters, especially in wooded areas, where they can ambush their prey.
The sparrowhawk’s prey consists mainly of small birds, such as finches, sparrows, and pigeons. It will often chase its prey through the undergrowth, using its speed and sharp talons to catch it mid-flight.
Diet and Habitat: The sparrowhawk thrives in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, gardens, and parks. They are often found near areas with dense shrubbery, as this provides the perfect cover for their stealthy hunting tactics.
3. Merlin (Falco columbarius)
The merlin is a small falcon that is known for its incredible speed and agility. Slightly smaller than the kestrel, the merlin is often found in open, upland habitats, where it hunts small birds and mammals.
Characteristics and Behavior: Merlins are compact and muscular, with long wings and a short tail. They are highly agile and are capable of reaching impressive speeds during flight. The merlin’s hunting style is based on speed and surprise, as it typically ambushes its prey while flying at high speeds just above the ground.
The merlin hunts a variety of prey, including small birds like larks, pipits, and sparrows. They are also known to catch small mammals such as voles.
Diet and Habitat: Merlins prefer moorlands, heathlands, and coastal cliffs where they can find their primary food sources. They often hunt in open areas with plenty of space to gain speed and maneuver in the air.
4. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
While the peregrine falcon is typically larger than other small birds of prey, it is still worth mentioning due to its hunting abilities and widespread presence across the UK. The peregrine falcon is famous for its breathtaking speed, particularly during its hunting stoop.
Characteristics and Behavior: The peregrine falcon is a sleek, streamlined bird with long, pointed wings and a sharp, hooked beak. It is known for its incredible speed, reaching up to 240 miles per hour during its hunting dive, making it the fastest bird in the world.
While it can take down larger prey, the peregrine’s preferred diet consists of medium-sized birds, including pigeons, starlings, and seabirds. The falcon will often perch high on cliffs or tall buildings, waiting for a chance to dive on unsuspecting prey.
Diet and Habitat: The peregrine falcon is found in a range of habitats, from cliffs and mountain ranges to urban areas. They are commonly found nesting on tall buildings in cities, where they can hunt pigeons and other city-dwelling birds.
5. Hobby (Falco subbuteo)
The hobby is a small but agile falcon that is known for its impressive aerial acrobatics. Often found in open woodlands, heathlands, and grasslands, the hobby is a master of catching insects and small birds while in mid-flight.
Characteristics and Behavior: The hobby is a slender, graceful bird with a long tail and pointed wings. It is known for its rapid and agile flight, often chasing insects and small birds through the air. The hobby has an excellent sense of timing, making it capable of catching prey while in full flight.
Hobbies are primarily insectivores, but they will also hunt small birds, including swallows and martins. They are often seen swooping and diving to catch their prey mid-air.
Diet and Habitat: The hobby is commonly found in woodland clearings, wetlands, and moorlands, where they can hunt flying insects like dragonflies and moths. They are also found in areas with abundant small bird populations.
Conclusion
Small birds of prey in the UK offer a glimpse into the world of aerial hunters that rely on their speed, agility, and precision to catch their prey. From the kestrel’s hovering abilities to the sparrowhawk’s stealthy tactics, each of these raptors plays an essential role in maintaining the balance of nature. Their hunting styles, habitats, and prey choices may vary, but all of them share a remarkable set of skills that make them fascinating to observe. Whether you’re out in the countryside or exploring an urban environment, keep an eye out for these small but mighty birds of prey!