Latin name
Falco subbuteo

Family
Falcons and allies (Falconidae)

Overview
About the size of a kestrel with long pointed wings, reminiscent of a giant swift. It has a dashing flight and will chase large insects and small birds like swallows and martins. Prey is often caught in its talons and transferred to its beak in flight. Can accelerate rapidly in flight and is capable of high-speed aerial manoeuvres.

Where to see them
Now breeds across central, southern and eastern England, into S Wales and just about reaching northn England and S Scotland. Best looked for hunting over woodland edges, heathlands where there is plenty of large insect prey. Gravel pits are a popular feeding areas in late summer when there is plenty of food.

When to see them
Arrives in the UK from April onwards and mainly leaves in September and October. Best looked for on warm summer days when there are plenty of dragonflies, summer chafers and other prey around.

What they eat
Insects and small birds

Estimated numbers
UK breeding -  2,200 pairs

UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually.


Pictures and information courtesy of RSPB