Birds of prey
at Dunsany
Dunsany’s rewilding efforts have welcomed the return of several birds of prey, from buzzards and kestrels to red kites and sparrowhawks. These raptors help restore natural balance by keeping small mammal populations in check and signalling a healthy, functioning ecosystem.
The Importance of Birds of prey in Rewilding
Birds of prey play a vital role in the ecological recovery of Dunsany Estate, serving as apex and mesopredators within the rewilding landscape. The presence of species such as the Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Red Kite, and Peregrine Falcon reflects a balanced and functioning food web, where natural predator–prey dynamics are re-established.
These raptors help control populations of small mammals, invertebrates, and other birds, which in turn reduces overgrazing and supports vegetation regeneration. Their hunting behaviours also create scavenging opportunities for other species, increasing biodiversity.
As sensitive indicators of ecosystem health, the return and persistence of birds of prey at Dunsany signal the success of rewilding in restoring habitat complexity, food chain stability, and natural processes.
Learn about the Birds of Prey in Dunsany Estate
Birds or prey in Dunsany Estate
Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
Widespread across Ireland and Europe
Length: approximately 30 cm
Wingspan: 60–70 cm
Weight: 100–300 grams
Females are noticeably larger than males
Features a long tail and rounded wings for agile flight
Preys on small mammals and other birds, often in dense cover
Known for short bursts of speed and aggressive, low-endurance hunting style
Breeds between April and June, laying 3–6 eggs
Birds of Prey in Dunsany Estate
Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
Widespread in Ireland; some individuals migrate from the UK in winter
Wingspan: up to 120 cm
Weight: up to 1 kg
Medium-length tail with broad, rounded wings
Feeds on small mammals, invertebrates, birds, and carrion (including roadkill)
Pairs mate for life
Typically lays 2–3 eggs in early spring
Birds of prey in Dunsany Estate
Eurasian Marsh-Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
Migrates from mainland Europe and Africa to Irish wetlands from March to September; occasionally overwinters
Length: approximately 50 cm
Wingspan: 110–125 cm
Broad wings and low, gliding flight over reedbeds and wetlands
Preys on small mammals, birds, frogs, and fish
Birds of Prey in Dunsany Estate
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
In summer, found around coastal cliffs and quarries; in winter, around marshes and estuaries
Winter numbers increase due to migrating individuals
Length: approximately 45 cm
Wingspan: 90–110 cm
Females are larger than males
World’s fastest animal—can reach speeds up to 290 km/h (180 mph) in a dive
Lays 3–4 eggs between April and June
Birds of Prey in Dunsany Estate
Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
Widespread across Ireland; avoids dense forests and mountainous areas
Length: approximately 34 cm
Wingspan: 70–80 cm
Weight: 190–250 grams
Distinctive sharp, narrow wings and long tail
Hunts small mammals, birds, and invertebrates
Lays 3 to 6 eggs between April and May
Listed as red-listed (high conservation concern) in Ireland
Irish name: Pocaire gaoithe
Birds of Prey in Dunsany Estate
Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
Length: 60–65 cm
Wingspan: 175–195 cm
Weight: around 1.1 kg
Listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN; red-listed in Ireland
Once extinct in Ireland (early 19th century), reintroduced in County Wicklow in 2007 and later in Fingal
Feeds primarily on carrion (roadkill), but also takes small mammals, birds, and invertebrates
Typically lays 1–4 eggs in April
Irish name: Cúr Rua / Préachán na gCeare
