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  • Crab Spider - Xysticus cristatus - with ladybird prey
    145175.jpg
  • Digger Wasp - Ammophila sabulosa - with prey
    136323.jpg
  • Comb-footed Spider - Enoplognatha ovata - with Damselfly prey.
    145256.jpg
  • Orb-web Spider - Zygiella x-notata - with damselfly prey
    145176.jpg
  • Hobby Falco subbuteo - Juvenile. W 70-85cm. Elegant falcon. Aerial mastery allows it to catch agile prey including Swifts, hirundines, and even dragonflies. In silhouette, has proportionately longer and narrower wings than Peregrine, and longer tail. Generally unobtrusive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey upperparts and pale, dark-streaked underparts. Has dark ‘moustache’, white cheeks and reddish orange ‘trousers’. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks reddish ‘trousers’ and underparts look buffish overall. Voice Utters a shrill kiu-kiu-kiu…in alarm. Status Scarce summer visitor; breeds mainly in S and SE England. Favours heathland and farmland with scattered woods. are favoured; on migration, a Hobby could turn up almost anywhere. Between 500 and 1,000 pairs are probably present in the region in the summer months.
    155196.jpg
  • Hobby Falco subbuteo W 70-85cm. Elegant falcon. Aerial mastery allows it to catch agile prey including Swifts, hirundines, and even dragonflies. In silhouette, has proportionately longer and narrower wings than Peregrine, and longer tail. Generally unobtrusive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey upperparts and pale, dark-streaked underparts. Has dark ‘moustache’, white cheeks and reddish orange ‘trousers’. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks reddish ‘trousers’ and underparts look buffish overall. Voice Utters a shrill kiu-kiu-kiu…in alarm. Status Scarce summer visitor; breeds mainly in S and SE England. Favours heathland and farmland with scattered woods. are favoured; on migration, a Hobby could turn up almost anywhere. Between 500 and 1,000 pairs are probably present in the region in the summer months.
    136254.jpg
  • Hobby Falco subbuteo W 70-85cm. Elegant falcon. Aerial mastery allows it to catch agile prey including Swifts, hirundines, and even dragonflies. In silhouette, has proportionately longer and narrower wings than Peregrine, and longer tail. Generally unobtrusive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey upperparts and pale, dark-streaked underparts. Has dark ‘moustache’, white cheeks and reddish orange ‘trousers’. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks reddish ‘trousers’ and underparts look buffish overall. Voice Utters a shrill kiu-kiu-kiu…in alarm. Status Scarce summer visitor; breeds mainly in S and SE England. Favours heathland and farmland with scattered woods. are favoured; on migration, a Hobby could turn up almost anywhere. Between 500 and 1,000 pairs are probably present in the region in the summer months.
    136263.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    145875.jpg
  • Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo. Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    157661.jpg
  • Merlin - Falco columbarius - juvenile. W 60-65cm. Our smallest raptor. Typically seen dashing flight, low over in pursuit of prey such as Meadow Pipit. Also perches on fence posts or rocky outcrops. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey upperparts and buffish, streaked and spotted underparts. In flight from above, note contrast between blue-grey back, inner wings and tail, and dark wing tips and dark terminal band on tail. Adult female has brown upperparts and pale underparts with large, brown spots. In flight from above, upperparts look rather uniformly brown with numerous bars on wings and tail. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent but shrill kee-kee-kee… is uttered in alarm near nest. Status Scarce breeding season, found on upland moorland in spring and summer. Outside breeding season, moves S and to lowland areas and numbers boosted by migrants from Iceland.
    157574.jpg
  • Buzzard - Buteo buteo. Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    157237.jpg
  • Buzzard - Buteo buteo. Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    157236.jpg
  • Dune Tiger Beetle - Cicindela maritima - with prey
    156636.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    156330.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    156329.jpg
  • Peregrine Falco peregrinus W 95-115cm. One of our most impressive raptors. Soars on broad, bowed wings but stoops with wings swept back at phenomenal speed on prey such as pigeons. Sexes are similar but male is smaller than female. Adult has dark blue-grey upperparts and pale, barred underparts. Note dark mask on face and powerful, yellow legs and feet. In flight from above, looks uniformly dark grey although rump may appear paler; from below, pale underparts are barred and contrast between pale cheeks and throat, and dark moustache, is striking. Juvenile is similar to adult but upperparts are brownish while paler underparts are suffused with buffish orange. Voice Utters a loud kek-kek-kek… in alarm. Status Widespread resident in N and W Britain and Ireland. Population is recovering following crash caused by pesticide contamination in 1960s. Favours mountains and coastal cliffs but increasingly nests in towns and cities.
    155974.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    155862.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    155863.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    155865.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    155866.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    155867.jpg
  • Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo - 1st winter. Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    155885.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    155775.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    155776.jpg
  • Peregrine Falco peregrinus W 95-115cm. One of our most impressive raptors. Soars on broad, bowed wings but stoops with wings swept back at phenomenal speed on prey such as pigeons. Sexes are similar but male is smaller than female. Adult has dark blue-grey upperparts and pale, barred underparts. Note dark mask on face and powerful, yellow legs and feet. In flight from above, looks uniformly dark grey although rump may appear paler; from below, pale underparts are barred and contrast between pale cheeks and throat, and dark moustache, is striking. Juvenile is similar to adult but upperparts are brownish while paler underparts are suffused with buffish orange. Voice Utters a loud kek-kek-kek… in alarm. Status Widespread resident in N and W Britain and Ireland. Population is recovering following crash caused by pesticide contamination in 1960s. Favours mountains and coastal cliffs but increasingly nests in towns and cities.
    122480.jpg
  • Cylciosa conica. Araneidae. Woods hedgerows and scrub. Spider fixes remains of prey and other items in a vertical line stabilimentum to disguise itself.
    155135.jpg
  • Merlin Falco columbarius - at nest. W 60-65cm. Our smallest raptor. Typically seen dashing flight, low over in pursuit of prey such as Meadow Pipit. Also perches on fence posts or rocky outcrops. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey upperparts and buffish, streaked and spotted underparts. In flight from above, note contrast between blue-grey back, inner wings and tail, and dark wing tips and dark terminal band on tail. Adult female has brown upperparts and pale underparts with large, brown spots. In flight from above, upperparts look rather uniformly brown with numerous bars on wings and tail. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent but shrill kee-kee-kee… is uttered in alarm near nest. Status Scarce breeding season, found on upland moorland in spring and summer. Outside breeding season, moves S and to lowland areas and numbers boosted by migrants from Iceland.
    121275.jpg
  • Bee Wolf Wasp - Philanthus triangulum flying with Honeybee prey.
    145196.jpg
  • Tetragnatha extensa<br />
with damselfly prey
    145173.jpg
  • Crab Spider - Misumena vatia<br />
with Ringlet prey
    145090.jpg
  • Wood Ants - Formica rufa with caterpillar prey
    105535.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    113987.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    114577.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    125901.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    133172.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    133318.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    133314.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    133320.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    133323.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    133407.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    133489.jpg
  • Merlin Falco columbarius W 60-65cm. Our smallest raptor. Typically seen dashing flight, low over in pursuit of prey such as Meadow Pipit. Also perches on fence posts or rocky outcrops. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey upperparts and buffish, streaked and spotted underparts. In flight from above, note contrast between blue-grey back, inner wings and tail, and dark wing tips and dark terminal band on tail. Adult female has brown upperparts and pale underparts with large, brown spots. In flight from above, upperparts look rather uniformly brown with numerous bars on wings and tail. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent but shrill kee-kee-kee… is uttered in alarm near nest. Status Scarce breeding season, found on upland moorland in spring and summer. Outside breeding season, moves S and to lowland areas and numbers boosted by migrants from Iceland.
    136094.jpg
  • Merlin Falco columbarius W 60-65cm. Our smallest raptor. Typically seen dashing flight, low over in pursuit of prey such as Meadow Pipit. Also perches on fence posts or rocky outcrops. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey upperparts and buffish, streaked and spotted underparts. In flight from above, note contrast between blue-grey back, inner wings and tail, and dark wing tips and dark terminal band on tail. Adult female has brown upperparts and pale underparts with large, brown spots. In flight from above, upperparts look rather uniformly brown with numerous bars on wings and tail. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent but shrill kee-kee-kee… is uttered in alarm near nest. Status Scarce breeding season, found on upland moorland in spring and summer. Outside breeding season, moves S and to lowland areas and numbers boosted by migrants from Iceland.
    136095.jpg
  • Merlin Falco columbarius W 60-65cm. Our smallest raptor. Typically seen dashing flight, low over in pursuit of prey such as Meadow Pipit. Also perches on fence posts or rocky outcrops. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey upperparts and buffish, streaked and spotted underparts. In flight from above, note contrast between blue-grey back, inner wings and tail, and dark wing tips and dark terminal band on tail. Adult female has brown upperparts and pale underparts with large, brown spots. In flight from above, upperparts look rather uniformly brown with numerous bars on wings and tail. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent but shrill kee-kee-kee… is uttered in alarm near nest. Status Scarce breeding season, found on upland moorland in spring and summer. Outside breeding season, moves S and to lowland areas and numbers boosted by migrants from Iceland.
    136096.jpg
  • Merlin Falco columbarius W 60-65cm. Our smallest raptor. Typically seen dashing flight, low over in pursuit of prey such as Meadow Pipit. Also perches on fence posts or rocky outcrops. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey upperparts and buffish, streaked and spotted underparts. In flight from above, note contrast between blue-grey back, inner wings and tail, and dark wing tips and dark terminal band on tail. Adult female has brown upperparts and pale underparts with large, brown spots. In flight from above, upperparts look rather uniformly brown with numerous bars on wings and tail. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent but shrill kee-kee-kee… is uttered in alarm near nest. Status Scarce breeding season, found on upland moorland in spring and summer. Outside breeding season, moves S and to lowland areas and numbers boosted by migrants from Iceland.
    136097.jpg
  • Hobby Falco subbuteo W 70-85cm. Elegant falcon. Aerial mastery allows it to catch agile prey including Swifts, hirundines, and even dragonflies. In silhouette, has proportionately longer and narrower wings than Peregrine, and longer tail. Generally unobtrusive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey upperparts and pale, dark-streaked underparts. Has dark ‘moustache’, white cheeks and reddish orange ‘trousers’. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks reddish ‘trousers’ and underparts look buffish overall. Voice Utters a shrill kiu-kiu-kiu…in alarm. Status Scarce summer visitor; breeds mainly in S and SE England. Favours heathland and farmland with scattered woods. are favoured; on migration, a Hobby could turn up almost anywhere. Between 500 and 1,000 pairs are probably present in the region in the summer months.
    136246.jpg
  • Hobby Falco subbuteo W 70-85cm. Elegant falcon. Aerial mastery allows it to catch agile prey including Swifts, hirundines, and even dragonflies. In silhouette, has proportionately longer and narrower wings than Peregrine, and longer tail. Generally unobtrusive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey upperparts and pale, dark-streaked underparts. Has dark ‘moustache’, white cheeks and reddish orange ‘trousers’. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks reddish ‘trousers’ and underparts look buffish overall. Voice Utters a shrill kiu-kiu-kiu…in alarm. Status Scarce summer visitor; breeds mainly in S and SE England. Favours heathland and farmland with scattered woods. are favoured; on migration, a Hobby could turn up almost anywhere. Between 500 and 1,000 pairs are probably present in the region in the summer months.
    136250.jpg
  • Hobby Falco subbuteo W 70-85cm. Elegant falcon. Aerial mastery allows it to catch agile prey including Swifts, hirundines, and even dragonflies. In silhouette, has proportionately longer and narrower wings than Peregrine, and longer tail. Generally unobtrusive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey upperparts and pale, dark-streaked underparts. Has dark ‘moustache’, white cheeks and reddish orange ‘trousers’. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks reddish ‘trousers’ and underparts look buffish overall. Voice Utters a shrill kiu-kiu-kiu…in alarm. Status Scarce summer visitor; breeds mainly in S and SE England. Favours heathland and farmland with scattered woods. are favoured; on migration, a Hobby could turn up almost anywhere. Between 500 and 1,000 pairs are probably present in the region in the summer months.
    136255.jpg
  • Hobby Falco subbuteo W 70-85cm. Elegant falcon. Aerial mastery allows it to catch agile prey including Swifts, hirundines, and even dragonflies. In silhouette, has proportionately longer and narrower wings than Peregrine, and longer tail. Generally unobtrusive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey upperparts and pale, dark-streaked underparts. Has dark ‘moustache’, white cheeks and reddish orange ‘trousers’. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks reddish ‘trousers’ and underparts look buffish overall. Voice Utters a shrill kiu-kiu-kiu…in alarm. Status Scarce summer visitor; breeds mainly in S and SE England. Favours heathland and farmland with scattered woods. are favoured; on migration, a Hobby could turn up almost anywhere. Between 500 and 1,000 pairs are probably present in the region in the summer months.
    136257.jpg
  • Hobby Falco subbuteo W 70-85cm. Elegant falcon. Aerial mastery allows it to catch agile prey including Swifts, hirundines, and even dragonflies. In silhouette, has proportionately longer and narrower wings than Peregrine, and longer tail. Generally unobtrusive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey upperparts and pale, dark-streaked underparts. Has dark ‘moustache’, white cheeks and reddish orange ‘trousers’. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks reddish ‘trousers’ and underparts look buffish overall. Voice Utters a shrill kiu-kiu-kiu…in alarm. Status Scarce summer visitor; breeds mainly in S and SE England. Favours heathland and farmland with scattered woods. are favoured; on migration, a Hobby could turn up almost anywhere. Between 500 and 1,000 pairs are probably present in the region in the summer months.
    136264.jpg
  • Merlin Falco columbarius W 60-65cm. Our smallest raptor. Typically seen dashing flight, low over in pursuit of prey such as Meadow Pipit. Also perches on fence posts or rocky outcrops. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey upperparts and buffish, streaked and spotted underparts. In flight from above, note contrast between blue-grey back, inner wings and tail, and dark wing tips and dark terminal band on tail. Adult female has brown upperparts and pale underparts with large, brown spots. In flight from above, upperparts look rather uniformly brown with numerous bars on wings and tail. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent but shrill kee-kee-kee… is uttered in alarm near nest. Status Scarce breeding season, found on upland moorland in spring and summer. Outside breeding season, moves S and to lowland areas and numbers boosted by migrants from Iceland.
    136304.jpg
  • Merlin Falco columbarius W 60-65cm. Our smallest raptor. Typically seen dashing flight, low over in pursuit of prey such as Meadow Pipit. Also perches on fence posts or rocky outcrops. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey upperparts and buffish, streaked and spotted underparts. In flight from above, note contrast between blue-grey back, inner wings and tail, and dark wing tips and dark terminal band on tail. Adult female has brown upperparts and pale underparts with large, brown spots. In flight from above, upperparts look rather uniformly brown with numerous bars on wings and tail. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent but shrill kee-kee-kee… is uttered in alarm near nest. Status Scarce breeding season, found on upland moorland in spring and summer. Outside breeding season, moves S and to lowland areas and numbers boosted by migrants from Iceland.
    142346.jpg
  • Peregrine Falco peregrinus W 95-115cm. One of our most impressive raptors. Soars on broad, bowed wings but stoops with wings swept back at phenomenal speed on prey such as pigeons. Sexes are similar but male is smaller than female. Adult has dark blue-grey upperparts and pale, barred underparts. Note dark mask on face and powerful, yellow legs and feet. In flight from above, looks uniformly dark grey although rump may appear paler; from below, pale underparts are barred and contrast between pale cheeks and throat, and dark moustache, is striking. Juvenile is similar to adult but upperparts are brownish while paler underparts are suffused with buffish orange. Voice Utters a loud kek-kek-kek… in alarm. Status Widespread resident in N and W Britain and Ireland. Population is recovering following crash caused by pesticide contamination in 1960s. Favours mountains and coastal cliffs but increasingly nests in towns and cities.
    143107.jpg
  • Peregrine Falco peregrinus W 95-115cm. One of our most impressive raptors. Soars on broad, bowed wings but stoops with wings swept back at phenomenal speed on prey such as pigeons. Sexes are similar but male is smaller than female. Adult has dark blue-grey upperparts and pale, barred underparts. Note dark mask on face and powerful, yellow legs and feet. In flight from above, looks uniformly dark grey although rump may appear paler; from below, pale underparts are barred and contrast between pale cheeks and throat, and dark moustache, is striking. Juvenile is similar to adult but upperparts are brownish while paler underparts are suffused with buffish orange. Voice Utters a loud kek-kek-kek… in alarm. Status Widespread resident in N and W Britain and Ireland. Population is recovering following crash caused by pesticide contamination in 1960s. Favours mountains and coastal cliffs but increasingly nests in towns and cities.
    143108.jpg
  • Hobby Falco subbuteo W 70-85cm. Elegant falcon. Aerial mastery allows it to catch agile prey including Swifts, hirundines, and even dragonflies. In silhouette, has proportionately longer and narrower wings than Peregrine, and longer tail. Generally unobtrusive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey upperparts and pale, dark-streaked underparts. Has dark ‘moustache’, white cheeks and reddish orange ‘trousers’. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks reddish ‘trousers’ and underparts look buffish overall. Voice Utters a shrill kiu-kiu-kiu…in alarm. Status Scarce summer visitor; breeds mainly in S and SE England. Favours heathland and farmland with scattered woods. are favoured; on migration, a Hobby could turn up almost anywhere. Between 500 and 1,000 pairs are probably present in the region in the summer months.
    143472.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    143593.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    143888.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    143889.jpg
  • Peregrine Falco peregrinus W 95-115cm. One of our most impressive raptors. Soars on broad, bowed wings but stoops with wings swept back at phenomenal speed on prey such as pigeons. Sexes are similar but male is smaller than female. Adult has dark blue-grey upperparts and pale, barred underparts. Note dark mask on face and powerful, yellow legs and feet. In flight from above, looks uniformly dark grey although rump may appear paler; from below, pale underparts are barred and contrast between pale cheeks and throat, and dark moustache, is striking. Juvenile is similar to adult but upperparts are brownish while paler underparts are suffused with buffish orange. Voice Utters a loud kek-kek-kek… in alarm. Status Widespread resident in N and W Britain and Ireland. Population is recovering following crash caused by pesticide contamination in 1960s. Favours mountains and coastal cliffs but increasingly nests in towns and cities.
    144103.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145315.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145318.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    145735.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145812.jpg
  • Merlin Falco columbarius W 60-65cm. Our smallest raptor. Typically seen dashing flight, low over in pursuit of prey such as Meadow Pipit. Also perches on fence posts or rocky outcrops. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey upperparts and buffish, streaked and spotted underparts. In flight from above, note contrast between blue-grey back, inner wings and tail, and dark wing tips and dark terminal band on tail. Adult female has brown upperparts and pale underparts with large, brown spots. In flight from above, upperparts look rather uniformly brown with numerous bars on wings and tail. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent but shrill kee-kee-kee… is uttered in alarm near nest. Status Scarce breeding season, found on upland moorland in spring and summer. Outside breeding season, moves S and to lowland areas and numbers boosted by migrants from Iceland.
    145828.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    145874.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145884.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145885.jpg
  • Peregrine Falco peregrinus W 95-115cm. One of our most impressive raptors. Soars on broad, bowed wings but stoops with wings swept back at phenomenal speed on prey such as pigeons. Sexes are similar but male is smaller than female. Adult has dark blue-grey upperparts and pale, barred underparts. Note dark mask on face and powerful, yellow legs and feet. In flight from above, looks uniformly dark grey although rump may appear paler; from below, pale underparts are barred and contrast between pale cheeks and throat, and dark moustache, is striking. Juvenile is similar to adult but upperparts are brownish while paler underparts are suffused with buffish orange. Voice Utters a loud kek-kek-kek… in alarm. Status Widespread resident in N and W Britain and Ireland. Population is recovering following crash caused by pesticide contamination in 1960s. Favours mountains and coastal cliffs but increasingly nests in towns and cities.
    157721.jpg
  • Peregrine - Falco peregrinus. W 95-115cm. One of our most impressive raptors. Soars on broad, bowed wings but stoops with wings swept back at phenomenal speed on prey such as pigeons. Sexes are similar but male is smaller than female. Adult has dark blue-grey upperparts and pale, barred underparts. Note dark mask on face and powerful, yellow legs and feet. In flight from above, looks uniformly dark grey although rump may appear paler; from below, pale underparts are barred and contrast between pale cheeks and throat, and dark moustache, is striking. Juvenile is similar to adult but upperparts are brownish while paler underparts are suffused with buffish orange. Voice Utters a loud kek-kek-kek… in alarm. Status Widespread resident in N and W Britain and Ireland. Population is recovering following crash caused by pesticide contamination in 1960s. Favours mountains and coastal cliffs but increasingly nests in towns and cities.
    157155.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    155864.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus - Female. W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    155647.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus - Female. W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    155660.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo - Adult. Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    155257.jpg
  • Bee-wolf Wasp - Philanthus triangulum with Honey bee prey.
    145764.jpg
  • crab spider Xysticus cristatus<br />
with bug prey
    145174.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    127541.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    133174.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    133322.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    133319.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    133333.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    133487.jpg
  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
    133488.jpg
  • Hobby Falco subbuteo W 70-85cm. Elegant falcon. Aerial mastery allows it to catch agile prey including Swifts, hirundines, and even dragonflies. In silhouette, has proportionately longer and narrower wings than Peregrine, and longer tail. Generally unobtrusive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey upperparts and pale, dark-streaked underparts. Has dark ‘moustache’, white cheeks and reddish orange ‘trousers’. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks reddish ‘trousers’ and underparts look buffish overall. Voice Utters a shrill kiu-kiu-kiu…in alarm. Status Scarce summer visitor; breeds mainly in S and SE England. Favours heathland and farmland with scattered woods. are favoured; on migration, a Hobby could turn up almost anywhere. Between 500 and 1,000 pairs are probably present in the region in the summer months.
    136108.jpg
  • Hobby Falco subbuteo W 70-85cm. Elegant falcon. Aerial mastery allows it to catch agile prey including Swifts, hirundines, and even dragonflies. In silhouette, has proportionately longer and narrower wings than Peregrine, and longer tail. Generally unobtrusive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey upperparts and pale, dark-streaked underparts. Has dark ‘moustache’, white cheeks and reddish orange ‘trousers’. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks reddish ‘trousers’ and underparts look buffish overall. Voice Utters a shrill kiu-kiu-kiu…in alarm. Status Scarce summer visitor; breeds mainly in S and SE England. Favours heathland and farmland with scattered woods. are favoured; on migration, a Hobby could turn up almost anywhere. Between 500 and 1,000 pairs are probably present in the region in the summer months.
    136109.jpg
  • Hobby Falco subbuteo W 70-85cm. Elegant falcon. Aerial mastery allows it to catch agile prey including Swifts, hirundines, and even dragonflies. In silhouette, has proportionately longer and narrower wings than Peregrine, and longer tail. Generally unobtrusive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey upperparts and pale, dark-streaked underparts. Has dark ‘moustache’, white cheeks and reddish orange ‘trousers’. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks reddish ‘trousers’ and underparts look buffish overall. Voice Utters a shrill kiu-kiu-kiu…in alarm. Status Scarce summer visitor; breeds mainly in S and SE England. Favours heathland and farmland with scattered woods. are favoured; on migration, a Hobby could turn up almost anywhere. Between 500 and 1,000 pairs are probably present in the region in the summer months.
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  • Hobby Falco subbuteo W 70-85cm. Elegant falcon. Aerial mastery allows it to catch agile prey including Swifts, hirundines, and even dragonflies. In silhouette, has proportionately longer and narrower wings than Peregrine, and longer tail. Generally unobtrusive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey upperparts and pale, dark-streaked underparts. Has dark ‘moustache’, white cheeks and reddish orange ‘trousers’. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks reddish ‘trousers’ and underparts look buffish overall. Voice Utters a shrill kiu-kiu-kiu…in alarm. Status Scarce summer visitor; breeds mainly in S and SE England. Favours heathland and farmland with scattered woods. are favoured; on migration, a Hobby could turn up almost anywhere. Between 500 and 1,000 pairs are probably present in the region in the summer months.
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  • Hobby Falco subbuteo W 70-85cm. Elegant falcon. Aerial mastery allows it to catch agile prey including Swifts, hirundines, and even dragonflies. In silhouette, has proportionately longer and narrower wings than Peregrine, and longer tail. Generally unobtrusive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey upperparts and pale, dark-streaked underparts. Has dark ‘moustache’, white cheeks and reddish orange ‘trousers’. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks reddish ‘trousers’ and underparts look buffish overall. Voice Utters a shrill kiu-kiu-kiu…in alarm. Status Scarce summer visitor; breeds mainly in S and SE England. Favours heathland and farmland with scattered woods. are favoured; on migration, a Hobby could turn up almost anywhere. Between 500 and 1,000 pairs are probably present in the region in the summer months.
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  • Hobby Falco subbuteo W 70-85cm. Elegant falcon. Aerial mastery allows it to catch agile prey including Swifts, hirundines, and even dragonflies. In silhouette, has proportionately longer and narrower wings than Peregrine, and longer tail. Generally unobtrusive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey upperparts and pale, dark-streaked underparts. Has dark ‘moustache’, white cheeks and reddish orange ‘trousers’. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks reddish ‘trousers’ and underparts look buffish overall. Voice Utters a shrill kiu-kiu-kiu…in alarm. Status Scarce summer visitor; breeds mainly in S and SE England. Favours heathland and farmland with scattered woods. are favoured; on migration, a Hobby could turn up almost anywhere. Between 500 and 1,000 pairs are probably present in the region in the summer months.
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  • Peregrine Falco peregrinus W 95-115cm. One of our most impressive raptors. Soars on broad, bowed wings but stoops with wings swept back at phenomenal speed on prey such as pigeons. Sexes are similar but male is smaller than female. Adult has dark blue-grey upperparts and pale, barred underparts. Note dark mask on face and powerful, yellow legs and feet. In flight from above, looks uniformly dark grey although rump may appear paler; from below, pale underparts are barred and contrast between pale cheeks and throat, and dark moustache, is striking. Juvenile is similar to adult but upperparts are brownish while paler underparts are suffused with buffish orange. Voice Utters a loud kek-kek-kek… in alarm. Status Widespread resident in N and W Britain and Ireland. Population is recovering following crash caused by pesticide contamination in 1960s. Favours mountains and coastal cliffs but increasingly nests in towns and cities.
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  • Peregrine Falco peregrinus W 95-115cm. One of our most impressive raptors. Soars on broad, bowed wings but stoops with wings swept back at phenomenal speed on prey such as pigeons. Sexes are similar but male is smaller than female. Adult has dark blue-grey upperparts and pale, barred underparts. Note dark mask on face and powerful, yellow legs and feet. In flight from above, looks uniformly dark grey although rump may appear paler; from below, pale underparts are barred and contrast between pale cheeks and throat, and dark moustache, is striking. Juvenile is similar to adult but upperparts are brownish while paler underparts are suffused with buffish orange. Voice Utters a loud kek-kek-kek… in alarm. Status Widespread resident in N and W Britain and Ireland. Population is recovering following crash caused by pesticide contamination in 1960s. Favours mountains and coastal cliffs but increasingly nests in towns and cities.
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  • Merlin Falco columbarius W 60-65cm. Our smallest raptor. Typically seen dashing flight, low over in pursuit of prey such as Meadow Pipit. Also perches on fence posts or rocky outcrops. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey upperparts and buffish, streaked and spotted underparts. In flight from above, note contrast between blue-grey back, inner wings and tail, and dark wing tips and dark terminal band on tail. Adult female has brown upperparts and pale underparts with large, brown spots. In flight from above, upperparts look rather uniformly brown with numerous bars on wings and tail. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent but shrill kee-kee-kee… is uttered in alarm near nest. Status Scarce breeding season, found on upland moorland in spring and summer. Outside breeding season, moves S and to lowland areas and numbers boosted by migrants from Iceland.
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  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
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  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
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  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
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  • Peregrine Falco peregrinus W 95-115cm. One of our most impressive raptors. Soars on broad, bowed wings but stoops with wings swept back at phenomenal speed on prey such as pigeons. Sexes are similar but male is smaller than female. Adult has dark blue-grey upperparts and pale, barred underparts. Note dark mask on face and powerful, yellow legs and feet. In flight from above, looks uniformly dark grey although rump may appear paler; from below, pale underparts are barred and contrast between pale cheeks and throat, and dark moustache, is striking. Juvenile is similar to adult but upperparts are brownish while paler underparts are suffused with buffish orange. Voice Utters a loud kek-kek-kek… in alarm. Status Widespread resident in N and W Britain and Ireland. Population is recovering following crash caused by pesticide contamination in 1960s. Favours mountains and coastal cliffs but increasingly nests in towns and cities.
    144084.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
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  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
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  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
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  • BUZZARD Buteo buteo Wingspan 115-130cm. Britain’s commonest medium-sized bird of prey. Soars with broad, rounded wings held in shallow ‘V’, with tail fanned. Plumage is very variable and some birds are very pale. Sexes cannot be distinguished by appearance. Adult is typically brown overall; breast is finely barred and usually paler than throat or belly. In flight and from below, flight feathers and tail are grey and barred; note dark trailing edge to wings and dark terminal band on tail. Body and underwing coverts are contrastingly dark (carpal patch is darkest) and pale breast band can usually be seen. Juvenile is similar to adult but lacks terminal dark band on tail and obvious dark trailing edge to wings. Voice – utters a mewing pee-ay. Status and habitat – Present throughout the year and widespread, least numerous in east. Usually associated with lightly wooded farmland.
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  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
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