Birds of Prey
The Outer Hebrides are home to 10 breeding bird of prey species including two owl species: the short and long-eared owl. With the absence of most mammalian predators such as foxes, avian predators thrive in the Outer Hebrides. Low intensity crofting agriculture and extensive areas of remote moorlands and coastlines free from human disturbance provide large areas if suitable habitat for species of open habitats.
The distribution of predator species varies from one island to another depending on the habitat, land use and prey species present. The vole specialists: hen harrier, short-eared owl and kestrel are most common on the Uists where voles are abundant. However, the remote and rugged hills and coastlines of Harris and Lewis are strongholds for golden eagle and white-tailed eagle. Merlins are most at home on the large expanses of peatland whilst Peregrine are largely confined to the coast. Buzzards are common throughout except in the most remote mountainous areas in contrast to the woodland species: sparrow hawk and long eared owl that are restricted to a scattering of woodland plantations. In addition to the breeding birds, gyr falcon, snowy owl, osprey, marsh harrier and hobby have put in an appearance in recent years. Snowy owls have become regular visitors and gyr falcon are now recorded annually.
Click on to the the various species pages below, which will give you detailed information on each species, their habits and the best places to see them on the trail.
For more information about opportunities to see birds in the different seasons click here.
Click here to see where the best locations are to see birds of prey.
To download the Bird of Prey Trail leaflet, click here.
