Raptor species
What we study
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![Buzzard chicks in the nest]()
What species do we study?
Learn about the fascinating raptor species we study here in Dorset, UK.
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![Young falcon chick with a colour ring]()
Colour ringing study
Citizen science has an important part to play in our studies and we welcome your sightings.
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![Hobby at its nest with half grown chicks.]()
Prey analysis at Hobby nests
Combining fieldwork monitoring and nest camera footage gives us a unique data.
Innovating in the field of raptor research
Videos & media
We have a wealth of video clips and sequences to share with you, kindly hosted by the fabulous Wildlife Windows on their Youtube page.
Raptor species we study
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Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
The iconic 'white' owl that screeches at night, it nests in holes in trees and old buildings.
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Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
Common, easily visible raptor often seen soaring on thermals as it hunts.
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Goshawk (Accipiter gentillis)
Large and very secretive hunter of woods and larger forests, predator of birds and squirrels.
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Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
Common species nesting in farmland and towns. Often seen hovering as it hunts voles.
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Hobby (Falco subbuteo)
Secretive and scarce breeder, Schedule 1 protected species, summer migrant.
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Little Owl (Athene noctua)
The UK’s smallest owl, often fond nesting in holes in trees or walls. Diet includes insects and worms.
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Peregrine (Falco peregrinus)
One of the fastest birds in the world, this bird nests on sea cliffs and tall buildings in Dorset.
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Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
The marsh harrier nests in large reedbeds, feeding on frogs, small mammals and water birds.
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Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
Distinctive large, flappy raptor with a forked tail, becoming more common in Dorset.
