Small Birds Of Prey

Here's a list of all the UK Small Birds Of Prey:

Tawny Owl

Tawny Owls, resembling the size of a Woodpigeon, are easily recognisable by their rounded bodies and heads. Encircling their dark eyes is a distinctive ring of dark feathers.

In the UK, their upper parts are typically a reddish-brown, contrasting with a paler underside. This species, found extensively in England, Wales, and Scotland, is notable for its territorial nature, with established pairs remaining within their territories year-round.

Differences Between Male And Female Tawny Owls

Male and female Tawny Owls exhibit noticeable differences. The females are generally larger, about 25% heavier and 5% longer than their male counterparts. This size difference is a key factor in identifying the sexes in the wild.

Merlin

Merlins, small yet robust falcons, are a sight to behold. Males typically boast wingspans of 53–58 centimetres, with females slightly larger.

These swift fliers display a striking blue-grey back in males, while females and young are more brownish-grey. They are easily recognised by their unique tail pattern, featuring 3-4 wide black bands.

Differences Between Male And Female Merlins

Male Merlins have a more pronounced blue-grey back and lighter underparts streaked with black or reddish brown. Females are generally larger and have browner upper parts with more heavily streaked underparts.

Both sexes share similar facial markings, lacking the prominent malar stripe common in other falcons.

Long-Eared Owl

Resembling a mystical creature from a fairy tale, the Long-Eared Owl is an owl that’s medium in size, known for its prominent ear tufts and a slender silhouette. It boasts a coat of lighter brown with darker streaks and captivating deep orange-coloured eyes.

Differences Between Male And Female Long-Eared Owls

Males and females are similar in appearance, but females are generally larger and have more vivid markings.

Little Owl

Little Owls are known for their mottled brown and cream feathers, complemented by piercing yellow eyes. They have rounded wings, which in flight display rapid beats and a characteristic bounce. These diminutive owls are easily recognised by their ‘fluffy’ rear end.

Differences Between Male And Female Little Owls

While both male and female Little Owls share similar plumage, males are generally slightly larger. The sexual dimorphism in size is subtle, but keen observers may note the difference.

Kestrel

The Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), a bird of prey from the falcon family, exhibits a striking appearance.

Measuring 32-39 cm in length with a wingspan of 65-82 cm, they are smaller than many raptors but larger than most songbirds. Males and females differ slightly in size and plumage; females tend to be larger and have a brown head and barred brown tail, while males have a grey head and tail.

Differences Between Male And Female Kestrels

Male Kestrels display a blue-grey cap and tail, with fewer black spots and streaks compared to females, whose tail is brown with black bars. Both genders have a black malar stripe, a feature common among their close relatives.

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