- Lifespan
- 12–25 years in the wild, with an average of around 12–15 years
- Size & Weight
- 51–57 cm; wingspan 109–125 cm; 370–1,050 g (females larger than males)
- Habitat
- Woodland edges, moorland, farmland, and open country with scattered trees or rocky outcrops for nesting and perching.
- UK Distribution
- Resident throughout the UK, found in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland; populations bolstered by continental migrants in winter.
- Diet
- Primarily small mammals such as rabbits, voles, and mice; also takes birds, amphibians, reptiles, and large insects.
- Prey
- Rabbits, voles, mice, shrews, small birds (skylarks, pigeons), frogs, and lizards
- Predators
- Golden eagles (in Scotland), peregrines, and occasionally goshawks; chicks may be taken by ravens and foxes
- Mating Season
- March to July
- Breeding
- Clutch of 2–3 eggs (occasionally 1–4); incubation period 28–35 days; single brood per year; fledging at 48–52 days
- Behaviour
- Solitary or in pairs; hunts by soaring and hovering, dropping onto prey from a height. Highly vocal during breeding season with distinctive mewing calls. Often perches on posts and hedges while hunting.