- Lifespan
- 15–20 years in the wild
- Size & Weight
- 60–66 cm, wingspan 175–195 cm; 600–1,100 g
- Habitat
- Open and semi-open landscapes including farmland, woodland edges, moorland, and valleys with scattered trees for nesting and hunting.
- UK Distribution
- Resident breeding population centred in central Wales and the Midlands, with expanding range into southern England and parts of northern England; year-round resident with some continental birds joining in winter.
- Diet
- Primarily small mammals (rabbits, voles, mice), birds, insects, and carrion; opportunistic feeder that hunts from soaring flight or perches.
- Prey
- Small rabbits, voles, mice, shrews, young pheasants, crows, beetles, and road-killed carrion
- Predators
- Golden eagles, other large raptors, and nest disturbance by humans (historical persecution); foxes and crows may take eggs or chicks
- Mating Season
- February to June
- Breeding
- Clutch of 1–3 eggs (usually 2); incubation period 30–32 days; fledging at 48–52 days; typically one brood per year
- Behaviour
- Highly acrobatic flyer with distinctive forked tail; often seen soaring in wide circles at considerable heights. Pairs are territorial and return to the same nest sites year after year, performing elaborate aerial displays during courtship. Predominantly solitary hunters but may gather at communal roosts.