Bird of prey eating a pigeon (1 Viewer)

[ramalama]

Hi there!
I witnessed a bird of prey eating a pigeon my lawn today (Ickenham, Middlesex).
Any ideas what that bird might be? He was going for it for 2 hours! I went out there and he stood still and then dragged the pigeon, but there did not fly away in fear. In the video you can see him spread his wings a bit and drag the pigeon up a little on the soil. When I went out a few minutes ago to check, there is not much left of the pigeon body, and it is in the middle of the lawn.
Thanks!
Ryan

 

[Andy Bright]

Hi and welcome to Birdforum. The bird in the video is a Sparrowhawk, and almost all back garden kills in Engfland feature this species.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - BirdForum Opus

www.birdforum.net

cheers,
Andy

 

[PYRTLE]

The video is a small image but the bop is an accipiter species, most likely a Sparrowhawk. They "mantle" over the prey, then pluck before consuming..... sometimes flying off with the body to a favoured plucking post. Quite bold in urban neighbourhoods.

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum.

That looks to be a sparrowhawk.

 

[ramalama]

Hi and welcome to Birdforum. The bird in the video is a Sparrowhawk, and almost all back garden kills in Engfland feature this species.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk - BirdForum Opus

www.birdforum.net

cheers,
Andy

Thank you very much Andy, and for the link!

 

[ramalama]

The video is a small image but the bop is an accipiter species, most likely a Sparrowhawk. They "mantle" over the prey, then pluck before consuming..... sometimes flying off with the body to a favoured plucking post. Quite bold in urban neighbourhoods.

Thank you for the extra information Pat - I did see him plucking feathers from the pigeon. He returned a few hours later to continue eating, although there didn't seem much left!

 

[delia todd]

Hi ramalama and a warm welcome from me too. Yes, I agree with the others, it is a Eurasian Sparrowhawk. Always a good sight really, as it means there is a good population of garden birds in your area.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I hope to hear about all the birds you see when out and about.

 

[Chris G6 UXU]

Hello and welcome to the forum, enjoy and all the best.

 

[Julie50]

What a great sighting in your own garden!

 

[Fritz73]

Hola! Welcome to Birdforum