From tiny Merlins to enormous White-tailed Eagles, the UK’s birds of prey come in all shapes and sizes. These masterful predators are a real treat to see, but they’re often super-fast and many species look quite similar, which can make identifying them a challenge. In this guide, we share some simple ID tips to help you.
Sparrowhawk numbers plummeted in the 1950s and 60s, largely as a result of organochloride pesticides. These chemicals built up in the food chain and resulted in the shells of Sparrowhawk eggs becoming very thin and prone to breaking during incubation.
After these pesticides were banned, Sparrowhawk numbers recovered. However, between 1995 and 2023, Sparrowhawks declined by 25% and they now feature on the Birds of Conservation Concern Amber List.
You’ll have to keep your eyes peeled to spot a super-fast Sparrowhawk! Try to listen out for the alarm calls of small birds – this is a tell-tale sign that a Sparrowhawk could be nearby.
You could see a Sparrowhawk almost anywhere in the UK, except for parts of Scotland. They’re most common in woodlands, farmland and gardens.
Sparrowhawks are woodland birds that have adapted to urban green spaces. They’re fast and agile and hunt by surprise, using buildings and plants as cover before darting out at the last moment to catch small birds. They’re so quick, you might only be alerted to their presence by alarm calls and the sudden scattering of birds from your feeders.
Birds of prey are being shot, trapped and poisoned across the UK. Give a regular gift and help keep them in our skies.
Head outside and discover fascinating birds each month. Read on for top ID tips, what to listen for, and where to see them.
