We have an abundance of birds of prey in the UK and particularly in West Sussex. Here we detail four birds often seen in our area but if you would like to find more then visit: www.wildlifetrusts.org/identify-birds-prey
Buzzards are a medium sized bird and one of the most frequently seen in this area. They have broader wings and shorter tails than the red kite. Their plumage varies from dark brown to paler shades.
Male kestrels can be identified with a grey head and tail and distinctive black band. They have a ginger/brown back and cream, speckled underside. Females are similar but with a more uniform brown back.
The red kite is considered a large bird of prey. They have angled red wings, tipped with black with white patches underneath. They have a distinctive long, red/brown
forked tail.
A small bird of prey, the sparrowhawk male has a blue/grey back and white underparts with red/orange barring. Females tend to be larger with a brown plumage above and grey bars below.