Wild bird crime

What is wild bird crime?

Below are some of the most common types of wild bird crime reported to the RSPB Investigations team, plus a link to our latest Birdcrime report.

Birdcrime 2019

Bird of prey are being tortured, shot and killed all over the UK. And during lockdown, things seem to be getting worse.
Read the report

Birdcrime 2018

Arthur the hen harrier

The RSPB's Birdcrime report summarises offences against wild bird legislation which are reported to the RSPB each year. It is the only centralised source of incident data for UK wild bird crime. 

Read report

The Raptor Persecution Map Hub

This is the most complete, centralised set of known confirmed raptor persecution incidents in the UK. Use it to quickly and easily see where crimes have taken place and find out more about them.

Although best viewed on desktop, but If you're on a mobile or tablet device you can view the map here.

The Map Hub

In this section

Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus, perched on hotel roof, Manchester city centre

Shooting and destruction

The illegal shooting, trapping and destruction of birds of prey is a continuing problem, even today.
Buzzard Buteo buteo, in field of winter wheat, Bedfordshire, England

Poisoning wild birds

The laying of any poisoned bait in the open is illegal, whether it's laid to kill a bird of prey or for a fox or magpie.
"live" nest & eggs of Cirl bunting Emberiza cirlus. RSPB Cirl Bunting Project. Devon, England

Nest robbery

The taking of eggs or chicks has, historically, contributed to the decline of many bird species.
Greenfinch, Carduelis chloris, male perched on lichen covered branch

Finch trapping

Breeding and keeping finches is a lawful pursuit, provided the birds are legally held.

Peregrine (rich brown) and raven (greenish-blue) eggs. Photographed by Mark Thomas.

Egg collecting

It is illegal to sell any wild bird's egg, irrespective of its age.
Golden eagle adult flying in the Cairngorms

Golden eagle persecution

Research shows a strong association between poisoning of golden eagles and land for driven grouse shooting.
Peregrine perching on building

Peregrine persecution

The peregrine is a targeted bird, prized by egg collectors and illegal falconers.

Hen harrier Circus cyaneus, adult female perched on heather at Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve, Islay

Hen harrier persecution

The hen harrier, relative to its population, is considered the most persecuted bird of prey in the UK.

Stop the killing

Poisoned, shot and trapped to die: birds of prey continue to face merciless persecution. Over 550 such incidents were recorded between 2012 and 2017 – and we know this is only a fraction of the total suspected crimes. Become a Bird of Defender and save our raptors.

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